PROFILE: L.A. Lunch’er “Stacey”

As is customary on Midtown Lunch, every Tuesday we profile a random reader to get their recommendations for the best spots to lunch near their work. This week it’s Stacey, a professional eater who wishes she lived in Japan.

Name: Stacey

Age: Even though I’m Asian – and you can never tell how old we are – a girl never reveals her age.

Occupation: Director, dineLA. I eat out for a living. Occasionally, I make Little Cup Ice Cream.

Where in L.A. do you Work?: dineLA offices are located in Downtown LA.

Favorite Kind of Food: Anything from the Motherland, especially things in the soup-noodle form – ramen, pho, duck noodle soup thai-town style and wonton mien. I also can eat NY-style pizza: Joe’s in Santa Monica (111 Broadway) and Valentino’s in Manhattan Beach (975 N Aviation Blvd) are my faves. Cheeseburgers: Pasadena’s Pie ‘n Burger (913 E California Blvd) and In ‘n’ Out are the clear winners here.  Sushi: Echigo in West LA (12217 Santa Monica Blvd) and foie gras any day.

Least Favorite Kind of Food: I have never liked ginger (this kills my mother because she likes to put ginger in everything), and I’m not a fan of bell peppers.

Favorite Place(s) to Eat Lunch: My favorite lunch spot within walking distance from work is Chimu (324 South Hill Street). I’ve never had a bad dish there. The quality of food and attention-to-detail are insane especially at the price point. They have an amazing dish there called Estofado de Lengua (yes, tongue) that has been stewed for hours in a tomato-like sauce. Added bonus: it’s served with a really good quinoa salad. (Too bad it’s closed now!) If I’m looking for a quick option, I’ll go to Mendocino Farms (444 South Flower Street). Since I’m a creature of habit, I never veer and always get the Pork Belly Bahn Mi. Time saving tip: call-in your order ahead of time to avoid the huge line.

The “goto” lunch place you and your co-workers eat at too often? We always go to Starry Kitchen because it’s close by and quick. Nguyen is great for lunch-time entertainment.

Places you’ve discovered thanks to Midtown Lunch: During a “Midtown Lunch Live” moment at Scoops Westside (3400 Overland Avenue) I learned about Sangak Pizza from Naan Hut. Who knew that Naan Hut had pizza!?

The farthest place you’ll drive for lunch on a normal day? If I have time, I’ll drive out to the San Gabriel Valley and have lunch at Golden Deli (815 West Las Tunas Drive) for an eggroll fix or 101 Noodle Express (1408 East Valley Boulevard) for their beef roll and beef noodle soup. Another lunchtime fave is Sapp Coffee Shop (5183 Hollywood Boulevard) in Thai Town for their Boat Noodles. On days I’m working from home, I’ll usually go to Alejo’s (8343 Lincoln Boulevard) for their Alejo’s chopped salad. It’s the best chopped salad in LA. There are two locations, but ONLY go to the Manchester location.

Dream job location (anywhere in the world), purely for lunch purposes, and why? I’d love to work in Tokyo, specifically, in one of the department store food halls because that is THE mecca – it’s the ultimate candy store. A ton of really good, high-quality, quick options in one condensed area; What more could you ask for?

Anything you’d like to ask the Midtown Lunch readers? Where can I get good Ethiopian food on the Westside? It’s almost like trying to find a unicorn.

Ethiopian on the westside?  I’m pretty sure there are zoning laws in L.A. that require all Ethiopian restaurants be located on Fairfax, right? Got a recommendation for Stacey? Put it in the comments. And, as always, if you want to be next week’s Profiled: L.A. Lunch’er (or know somebody you’d want to nominate), email me- zach@midtownlunch.com.

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2 Comments

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    Stacey really knows her stuff. Great list of recs. So jealous of her quality lunch options close-by.

    Zach, you should start selling tickets to “Midtown Lunch Live” events. “I’m pretty sure there are zoning laws in L.A. that require all Ethiopian restaurants be located on Fairfax, right.” Hilarious.

  • Best Ethiopian food?! Hands down it’s Meals by Genet!

    I skipped over it for years, dismissing its expensive menu and “non-authentic” looking dining room for Rahel or Merkato (or sometimes Awash on Pico). But Genet’s food is rich and bold, making every other Ethiopian meal on Fairfax taste like watery gruel…

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