Midtown Lunch

I try to be positive here on Midtown Lunch… and I freakin’ love this city.  The food is amazing, and there’s no better place to be a “Midtown Lunch’er”.    But as much as I love much of the food in L.A. (and will defend it to the death against any outsiders, or natives with an inferiority complex) there are some things about lunching in this town that really piss me off. (And more often than not it’s not the food but the people eating it… or not eating it, as is often the case here.) Here are 7 of them, LAist style, for your enjoyment…

This is not an acceptable order at Langer’s. Photo courtesy of Noah Galuten.

1. Last month I had my first Langer’s experience… you know… the place where nobody orders anything but meat.  And one of our friends actually ordered a salad.  Really?  Really.

2. Magnolia Bakery is now in Los Angeles, and people seem very excited. Feast NY says “you’re welcome Los Angeles”. I say “thanks, but no thanks.”  Sure, their banana pudding is amazing (you might say the secret ingredient is Jello-O instant pudding mix and Nilla wafers) but the cupcakes? Nobody who lives in New York thinks Magnolia makes a great cupcake.  It didn’t even make Serious Eats’ Top 12.

3. On my way to the Counter last month I ran into a friend on the street, who excitedly recommended I try their burger without the bun.  Uh… I’m sorry.  Leaving bread off a dish is not an awesome “tip”.  That’s a lifestyle choice (and a poor one at that) not an improvement (although shockingly Chef Ludo does it.)   Funniest part of the exchange? She immediately followed her breadless two cents by telling me I have to try their milkshake!  That’s fucked up L.A. logic for you…

4. A $1.29 torta from a convenience store?  Why, jeebus, why?

5.  There are people who work in those buildings on Colorado and 26th that don’t know there are tons of food trucks parked on Pennsylvania… right behind their building.  And not people who are new to the area.  People who have worked there for years.  I’ve met them.  They exist.  Share the love people.  There are some in your office who need lunchtime guidance. Help them to get out and explore more often.

6. Tender Greens and Akasha are always packed in Downtown Culver City.  Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken… not so much.  Why is that?

I believe it’s “healthy” to use all parts of a pig that’s been killed for food. Sisig FTW!

7. Waiting for my food at The Manila Machine yesterday, a guy walked up and asked if anything on their menu was healthy.  What the hell does that even mean?!?  Are you looking for a balanced meal?  Something lo cal? Brown rice instead of white rice? Extra fiber?  I’ll share with you what I yelled at the guy as he walked away empty handed:

“Eating something that tastes really good is healthy for the soul.”

Worrying about being healthy all the time?  Not healthy.  Believe it people.

Read last month’s 7 Reasons to Hate L.A. here.