West Adams Newcomers and the Latest Restaurants South of the 10
Farmhouse Thai
Farmhouse Thai Kitchen in West Adams
Farmhouse Thai opened it’s 6th national location in West Adams, walking distance from Mian, Mizlala and Alta. We showed up on a bustling Friday, during the 5 o’clock rush hour and were able to snag an unreserved outdoor table next to a trickling English stone water fountain (very romantic!).
A 6 foot, white rearing horse sculpture greets guests upon entry. I found myself in unmistakable Millenial territory. Interiors are illuminated with Barbie pink neon lights, and floor to ceiling bubble-gum colored roses giving it a French, atrium vibe. In otherwords, we felt very “in.”
The servers wore black sweatshirts emblazoned with the restaurant logo. We were greeted right away by the host who was able to seat us within minutes; we chose outdoors, and pleasantly found ourselves seated next to an outdoor heater (perfect as it’s a chilly 50F LA winter evening).
Faux rose explosion in the main dining area
Popular dishes include:
Panang Neua - braised Short Rib with Panang curry and grilled vegetables
Live Lobster Pad Thai
Seau Rhong Haii - Grilled Wagyu Flank Steak with tamarind & sticky rice
Get ready for a meat-extravaganza!
Unfortunately for us, I am a pescatarian and any consumption of live lobster leaves me with the heebie-jeebies - thus I ordered the standard Eggplant with brown rice. I skipped the Instagram-worthy Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Rice (white rice colored with a purple-ish flower; to my eyes and taste buds, looks are more unique than its flavor - which tastes as normal white rice). My partner opted for the Red Curry. Food was hot and sizzling on our tables within 15 minutes (fast!). While everything tasted as expected, we were disappointed as we were expecting more “wow” given the hype around this restaurant.
Thus we recommend, ordering at least one of their popular, wow dishes to make the visit worth it. Otherwise, it’s a little on the $$ to $$$ scale with Thai dishes that only taste slightly better than any other Thai place in LA (mind you, there’s a lot of very good Thai competition here!).
Red Curry with tofu
Eggplant and tofu
Given the location, it’s the first Thai place in West Adams [to my knowledge] - so a much needed addition to the block! Farmhouse is perfect to please out-of-towners due to the pretty interiors and gardens, and meet up with friends, or have a memorable family dinner. Highly recommend a reservation during peak times.
Will definitely be back with hopes to impress those with the growing West Adams offerings ;)
Farmhouse Thai Los Angeles, 5560 West Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Vicky’s All Day
Vicky’s All Day restaurant front in West Adams
A few steps from the aforementioned Farmhouse Thai, Vicky’s is the all-day, modern cafe/diner that we definitely needed. Charming with black and white checkered floors, warm wood shelves, mid century chairs, and globe lighting — all welcome you into a chic, intimate setting.
The Shakshuka (foreground), the laffa bread for dipping (background)
The laffa bread almost takes up the whole table! Yum
With the same chef as the neighborhood darling, Mizlala, Danny Elmaleh comes with a diverse Japanese and Moroccan background. Hence the menu goals reflect his upbringing with highlights including shakshuka (tomato stew and eggs) and (my personal favorite) the sabich pita sandwich.
The Breakfast Sandwich (bacon, eggs, cheese, special sauce and a whole lotta bread!)
We strolled by on a Friday evening, and it was bustling with families and couples. Still available space for walk-ins with outdoor, sidewalk seating options too (love the fresh night air). I suspect it’s only a matter of time until Vicky’s is as packed as Mizlala on a weekend night. Come out and try it.
The Eggplant Sabich, my personal favorite. It had sauce running down my arm as I inhaled it, a yummy memory.
Main dining room at Vicky’s
Menu, Vicky’s All Day
Vicky’s All Day, 5410 W Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016
More Notable Openings South of the 10
Of course, there are many-many new LA restaurant comings. Read on for the ones on my hit list and a review rundowns, on the hype! Get excited.
Soul Food Shack Inglewood
In the heart of downtown Inglewood, Soul Food Shack finally opens! I had walked by for months and was dying to try it. They now have two locations, the original also open in Garden. Known for soul food including mac and cheese, yams, cornbread — and yes, fried chicken! Breakfast all day for late risers with red velvet waffles, potatoes and egg dishes and multiple kool-aid flavors for old school peeps. Interiors are clean and simple. Go for the food!
Soul Food Shack Inglewood, 128 N Market St Inglewood, CA 90301
Banana Leaf
Hyderabad chicken dum biryani. Image credit: Banana Leaf
The Indian food restaurant LA, chain Banana Leaf recently opened its fourth location in Culver City, across from Versaille Cuban on Venice Boulevard. Specializing in South Indian fare, the far-reaching menu has lots of meat options (chicken tikka masala, hyderabad chicken dum biryani), and a dedicated vegetarian section (jackfruit tikka masala, palak paneer) - it’s bound to please the whole family. The flavors and spices are good - punchy food, memorable flavors. Try this one the next time you’re in Culver and want Indian.
Banana Leaf Culver City, 10408 Venice Blvd Culver City, CA 90232
Where are you eating now-and-days? Feel free to say HI and send an email linhdy@outlook.com
