Despite the rumors, food writers do not live on caviar and champagne, with the occasional truffle thrown in for variety. Or at least, this food writer doesn’t.
I like frozen foods just fine. I’m happy as anyone to rip open a bag of something sweet and salty from Trader Joe’s — the real Happiest Place on Earth. And I always have a wide assortment of canned foods in my pantry.
I’d be happy to eat most of the food right out of the can — that’s what guys do. But my wife promises to lock me in the root cellar if I do that. So, she’s blessed me with lots of disposable plates and bowls — at least I don’t have to wash anything after a snack.
Not surprisingly, the majority of my favorite canned treats are from Trader Joe’s. This time of year, I buy many (many!) cans of TJ’s Organic Pumpkin, which is seasonal, both fat- and sodium-free, and remarkably delicious. No other brand I’ve tried even comes close. I don’t know how they do it.
All year round, I consume many cans of TJ’s Organic Garbanzo Beans, the gold standard for chickpeas, and so good for you — lots of fiber. To supply my protein needs, there’s TJ’s Wild Caught Unsalted Sardines in Spring Water, and the Solid White Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil.
But lest you think I only shop at TJ’s, I’m also fond of the Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna from Costco, sold in six-package sleeves. And for the record, let me confess that I used to live on cans of Green Giant Mexicorn. Which is to me what cheesecake is to others — an irresistible joy for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Still is.
New and notable
Nic’s Burgers & Bowls & Dipped Cones
9846 Mason Ave., Chatsworth; 818-626-8968, nics-burgers-bowls.business.site
Not much missing here — maybe Chinese chicken salad, and tacos. But otherwise, this free-standing spot, totally old school, offers a classic Valley fast-food experience. And yup — there are hot dogs and corn dogs too.
Viet Kitchens
14650 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City; 818-810-5959, www.vietkitchens.com
For those not familiar with the tasty wonders of Vietnamese cooking, this is where you can enjoy a primer in the joys. For those who know the stuff well, this is a greatest hits collection of rolls, pho, banh mi and more. Quick, easy and so yummy.
Mora Italiano
17499 Ventura Blvd., Encino; 818-386-0278, www.moraitaliano.com
This longtime Encino favorite has expanded with a branch in Mid-City — Mora Rooftop At Comoncy (8201 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; 213-588-0225) — offering a more casual menu of pizzas, pastas, veggies and more. It’s a tribute to the power of Italian cooking in the Valley.
Saso
Pasadena Playhouse, 37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena; www.sasobistro.com
By the time you read this, the restaurant space in the Playhouse — last occupied by Trejo’s Cantina — will have (hopefully) opened as a bold concept described as, “Where the seafood-driven soul of Basque country meets California cuisine by Chef Dom Crisp.”
In memory, the space also has been home to Elements Kitchen, Critixx, Cayo, Mario’s and Bazaar.
And in case the name Dom Crisp (such a good name for a chef!) doesn’t ring any bells, he’s cooked at both Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica and L&E Oyster Bar in Silver Lake. The man knows his fish. And his wine too — his family owns an Oregon winery called Lumos. Which should light up Saso, nice and crisp!
Merrill Shindler is a Los Angeles-based freelance dining critic. Email mreats@aol.com.
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Small Bites: Food writers enjoy eating tasty things…right out of the can - LA Daily News
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