school food blooming roll

cute placemats

variety of different kinds of rolls

dduk-bok-gee (spicy rice cakes)

a close-up

type of food: korean street food

price: $~10

atmosphere: the place is typical korean cute with white&pink decor, a playful chandelier, comfy seating and modern styling. the place is situated in a new plaza that is about almost done. there's free parking available and the place is on the third floor. it's a really cute place to go with some girlfriends for a light lunch.

rating: 7.5 out of 10. the food was good and tasty. yes, a little overpriced for "street food," but what do you expect from a cute, korean place in k-town? this is no hodori. the rolls were fun to eat especially because of their various fillings. some had anchovies, others had fish eggs-- i know, i know. sounds a bit fishy (ha-ha) and questionable, but really yummy! the dduk-bok-gee was a perfect mix of spicy and sweet. they were also sized perfectly with the rice cake part of the dish being a nice bite size. the service was great: all men servers (he he he), attentive, and the food came out quickly. this isn't a place to go to for some gourmet korean food, but it is a nice environment to eat some familiar dishes at with a few friends.

621 S Western Ave #301

Los angeles, CA 900059

0005

mikawaya

gelato

mochi/pastries

strawberry&green tea swirl ice cream; various mochi and pastries.

type of food: desserts: mochi, gelta, japanese pastries

price: $~5

atmosphere: the place seems like your typical japanese pastries shop-- settled in Little Tokyo, tacky christmas lights hanging, and filled with flavored mochi. it's a nice pit stop to make when in the area, craving something sweet and yummy or just for some dessert after dinner in the area. there is metered street parking available and a parking structure that validates up to a hour free with $10 purchase (enter on alameda).

rating: 9 out of 10. the mochi and gelato were excellent. pretty authentic japanese desserts made well. only reason i jibbed a point was the fact that that was exactly what this place was-- authentic japanese dessert place; there isn't much else different about this place than the next japanese pastries joint. just mochi, pastries and gelato.

333 S Alameda St.

Los Angeles, CA 90013

the downbeat cafe

lox

quiche

prosciutto&melon

interior seating

wall art

type of food: american/brunch/sandwiches

price: $10-15

atmosphere: my friends and i passed by this place numerous times, while driving on alvarado, and always have said that we would dine here; so we did. the hipster/trendy little place is...cool. the interior decor and wall art screams hipster/80s/cool kids. the people who visit tend to be from the area-silverlake/echo park. we felt a little out of place (3 korean girls don't mix too well with the artsy fartsy crowd), but oddly comfortable. the workers are friendly and nice. the place is a nice place to stop by to have a simple lunch or sip of coffee at. parking can be an issue at certain times (metered street parking on alvarado), but most of the time shouldn't be-- there's also free parking at the library next door.

rating: 7 out of 10. the place was fun and casual, but the food wasn't all that great. it was mediocore. they didn't have anything on the menu that was original nor did they have a vast number of items on their menu. however, still a nice neighborhood cafe to try out.

1202 N Alvarado St.

Los Angeles, CA 90026