Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken is a fitting title. The restaurant’s two namesakes encompass literally the entire menu, and thankfully each of them are done quite well. It may take a few minutes to get the chance to order, since Astro Donuts and Fried Chicken has caught fire among the LA food crowd and there’s often a line out the door at this small downtown establishment. But if you’re looking for a little afternoon indulgence, this is certainly a cultural hotspot to add to your list. Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken originated in Washington D.C. and established a cult-like following, and looks to be doing the same in DTLA. The place really is quite humble in both its looks and its food, emphasizing the quality of both that much further. A few minimalist tables and barstools at the counter and window make up pretty much the entire seating arrangement, though much of the food at this fast-casual spot is taken to go. The fried chicken here is as solid as anywhere you’ll find outside the deep south. Crisp and golden on the outside with just the right amount of flakiness and crunch. Tender, juicy and flavorful on the inside. Their customizable chicken sandwiches are certainly where it’s at—the cheddar biscuit bun was heavenly, and their many dipping sauces add character. It would be nice to make them bigger though, as one sandwich was tough to justify as a meal. Donuts here certainly ride the food trend wave of fun flavors that integrate nostalgic with new-age. Maple bacon, PB&J and chocolate mudslide were among the seasonal favorites. And while each creation released vibrant flavor, it is admittedly hard to justify paying more than $3 for a single donut and nearly $40 for a dozen. Worth trying to say you did and feel like you’re part of the ‘in’ crowd? Sure. For repeat visits, I’d stick with the chicken. To end on a good note, though, you've gotta give credit to their beverage program. Nitro coffee takes it for breakfast, and their Boylan cane sugar soda fountain owns lunch...where else are you going to get birch beer and cream soda on tap?!? Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken is located at 516 W 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Donuts ~$3.50, chicken sandwiches ~$9 and chicken entrees ~$13. Open Mon – Fri 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed Sunday. For more information call (213) 622-7876 or visit them at AstroDoughnuts.com.
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Masters of Taste just celebrated its second year, but it has already become a staple event for LA’s foodie community. Taking place on the field in Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl, Masters of Taste brought together restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, wineries breweries and other purveyors that have truly mastered their craft. Quaint picnic tables and barrel-bar tables weren’t quite put to use as expected due to a torrential downpour during the event, but luckily the rain was short-lived, and the skies cleared to have the festival end with the same shining sun from which it started. Thankfully the massage tables [yes…massage tables!] were covered and operating all the way through. Nearly 50 restaurants covered an artistic palette of flavors from across the globe. Venice Whaler’s crab and shrimp rolls and Miro’s paté and fusion empanadas were absolute highlights. Spire Works Doner American Style, Prince of Venice and Bone Kettle joined the savory favorites as well. On the sweet side, Dulce’s maple bacon and fruity pebble donuts paired amazingly with their blueberry green tea milk tea while Mignon Chocolate’s chocolate fountain and sea salt cups saw lines of smiles. Asian flavors were particularly prominent as well. Ramen Tatsunoya was an overwhelming crowd favorite with its namesake dish. Mama Lion, Michael Hung’s new Koreatown spot, spared no expense with its use of uni. Hamasaku, Kato and Hoke Poke [gotta love that name] were among the long list of Far East establishments cooking up a storm. Drinks really ran the gamut of wine, beer, light onto dark spirits, coffee and other nonalcoholic treats. Wineries such as Navarro Vineyards and San Antonio Winery, as well as breweries including Bootlegger’s Brewery and Three Weav3rs Brewing Company, were joined by novel additions such as Kombucha Dog and Philz Coffee. Kikori Whiskey, Plymouth Gin and Dulce Vida Tequila were just a few brands to mix excellent cocktails. The 2018 Masters of Taste is already highly anticipated. For more information, visit MastersofTasteLA.com If there was a most-improved award to give for a food festival, The Santa Clarita BBQ & Beer Festival would win hands-down, and walk up to the podium with a standing ovation. This event, which just saw its second year, pulled off a remarkable transformation that brought together a fun, festive crowd with excellent food and drink. Big names and craft breweries alike gathered for endless pours. Stella, Lagunitas, Goose Island, Shock Top, Fireman’s Brew, Coronado Brewing Company, Wolf Creek Brewery and Angel City Brewery were just a few of the many labels present. A slew of ciders joined the party as well, with Angry Orchard, Common Cider and others adding a sweet touch to the festival. Twisted tea [yes, hard iced tea] made for some additional fun. BBQ was ever-present, as promised, with groups like Black Sugar Rib Company, Our Place BBQ and Taste of Soul on Wheels smoking up all kinds of ribs, tri-tip plates and pulled pork nachos. Admittedly, food prices were a little steep across the board and staff members weren’t too quick with orders at times, but this is all light years apart from the lines of last year. The concert stage presented tasteful live entertainment for an hour or so, followed by an old-school DJ that turned it up toward the end of the night. The party was rocking up until the event’s end at 9:30. Returning guests were extremely thankful to be rid of painfully long lines [really, though, it took more than an hour to get food at the inaugural 2016 event]. A significant increase in vendors was a big help, as was the festival’s extended hours [5:30 – 9:30 p.m. as opposed to closing at ~8 p.m. in 2016]. People are hoping for the Santa Clarita BBQ & Beer Festival to continue its momentum going into next year. This Friday ‘grand tasting’ was the first part of a three-day event. Saturday and Sunday were both family-friendly gatherings that also featured live music and plenty of BBQ, as well as a kids zone, though no beer was served. For more information, visit BBQandBeerFestival.com |
AuthorBenjamin Brown is a seasoned restaurant writer and hospitality consultant, serving up SoCal's hottest food news and reviews. Categories
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