Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

@simplysw1130 It depends on the size of the pot, I think. It shouldn't be necessary with a snug pot, but it won't hurt to add water, since you can always cook it off later when you reduce the sauce.

I made this tonight and it was delicious. I used white balsamic, and finished it off on the grill, though the skin was plenty crispy without the grill time. This recipe will be a keeper!

I adore adobo and eat it at least every couple of weeks. I follow roughly the same recipe formula as most, and definitely third/fourth? the pork lovers. A friend told me the secret to adobo is not to stir the stew for about 15 min after adding the vinegar. Not sure if there's any basis to that, as I've never been brave enough to find out :)

@Geenersaurus, I agree with shannona that it's probably achiote or some annato seed product. It doesn't have a strong flavor (unlike cumin) , is used for coloring, and is used in Filipino cooking.

I just emailed this to Stan Berman of Stan's Donuts.  He will get a big kick
of it. 

wow well done!! you did a great job of spanning a pretty large range of locations and types of food. agree on the dodger dogs -- i just don't get the hype, and i'm perfectly happy eating a street vendor hot dog instead. at least they have grilled onions instead of raw!

well done, next time check out brooklyn bagel factory on beverly blvd and just a few blocks down have a chiliburger at tommy's. i suggest having the chili on the side and dipping.

i love pita, potato chips and mustard

Mike's Deli in Chelsea, Michigan makes the best sandwiches! Swank on the Grill is my favorite: bacon and sharp orange cheddar cheese with honey mustard and raspberry jam...grilled to perfection on challah bread and served with a giant pickle. MMMmmmmm...They should make that one!

as an LA resident i think this is one of the best LA "casual dining" primers i've ever read. i may not have agreed with all of your takes, but you pretty much covered all the bases for anyone that is coming to LA and wants to know what places to try in order to get a decent cross-section of the cities "eats scene". well done.

Wow, you really dug into the junk! Great job!!!

I love the Apple Pan, and I had the exact same donuts at Stan's a couple of weeks ago!

Also, Cielito Lindo is my favorite stand at Olivera Street, although I haven't been in YEARS. I love those taquitos, and the squeeze bottles of salsa on the tables. I used to stop there whenever I took the Amtrak "Coaster" train from the gorgeous Union Station across the street down to San Diego (the Coaster is probably the most picturesque way to travel the California coastline - fyi).

Here are some recommendations (along the same lines) for your next trip:

Hotdogs - Let's Be Frank
Donuts - Randy's
Tacos - Tito's Tacos
Pastrami - Johnnie's Pastrami
Empanada's - Tiendo Rincon Chileno
Cuban - Versailles

Enjoy!

~ Paula

something with squid i dont know what but a squid sandwich would make me wet my pants

Boursin cheese spread on both sides of a rich raisin bread with a generous portion of an applewood smoked bacon, a slice of pineapple grilled with rum and brown sugar, and slices of cucumber.