Broad Street Oyster Company

I have been wanting to try Broad Street Oyster for months and I am so glad I finally did! Their drive through is currently under renovation, so I was driving around in circles looking for it, before I finally parked and walked towards the sign and saw the line (the drive through will reopen in about 2 weeks). My intent was to drive through and drive home, but since I had to go wait in line, I opted to at least taste some of the food while it was hot in the car!

Their fish and chips for $19 was so light, tender, crisp, and well seasoned, that I could have eaten two of these! It comes with packaged malt vinegar and homemade tartar sauce, but I opted for extra lemon.

Their fried calamari steak for $12 with spicy marinara sauce was a hearty portion that was so tender and balanced with crunch, tangy tomato spice, and perfectly cooked calamari, that this could easily be a meal instead of an appetizer.

I got two side orders of cole slaw for $4 and could have easily eaten 2 more!

I came for the lobster roll for $22 and was absolutely astounded by the amount and quality of the lobster meat! I've eaten several versions in Los Angeles and NONE top this for the price/quality/quantity ratio! The side of Old Bay homemade potato chips is addictive, and you will want extra lemon and napkins for the messy process of devouring this roll! 

There are several outdoor picnic tables, but since no one can eat with a mask on, and I saw several people maskless walking around, I opted for a private car picnic with air conditioning and music :)

RBG

 

Dine LA Lunetta Lunch

I look forward to Dine LA every year, and this year is no exception. Since every restaurant is now offering either pick up or delivery, an added bonus for 2020, you can literally order enough for 2 meals and eat restaurant quality food all day at home!

Lunetta now has three patios, but I am not ready to venture out to eat yet. I've become such a regular for curbside pick up that they automatically recognize the car when I call in to say I've arrived for my pick up :) 

Their Dine LA lunch, for $30 per person, includes heirloom tomato soup that is good warm or cold,

three cheese grilled cheese with more of those fantastic heirloom tomatoes,

and a choice of either the crispy chicken chopped vegetable salad (you may modify it to be grilled, but go for the fried!) with a lemon basil vinaigrette,

or local fish with vegetables and fries. You also have the option of steak as your main course, but I ordered a full brisket from Snow's BBQ that I am still savoring (post coming soon).

Of course no menu is complete without dessert, and their chocolate fudge brownie with mascarpone cream is the perfect treat to cap off the meal (and perhaps a nap)!

Stevie's Creole Cafe

Outside of N'awlins, Stevie's Creole Cafe is my favorite place to go when I crave seafood gumbo, shrimp etoufée, or jambalaya. Crazy Creole Cafe in Long Beach was wonderful until they closed, but thankfully they are now in a new location that I am eager to try. Stevie's is my OG creole spot; I used to drive to the San Fernando Valley to get my fix, but so much better to just drive down Pico now!

Their jambalaya is loaded with andouille and smoked chicken for $22 and enough to feed 2 :) 

The depth of flavor in the seafood gumbo with crab, shrimp, chicken, and sausage is not only addictive, but also astounding. Get the large for $24 and savor the complexity of the roux the next day as you confirm that you did not dream about this....

The greens for $5, were perfectly done and with a splash of Louisiana hot sauce, will round out your meal.

If you want something already spicy, get the red pepper cabbage for $5.

I've eaten the short ribs, chicken and waffles, and shrimp etoufée here when they were in the Valley and I loved everything, so whether you want some creole or soul food, Stevie has you covered. Their online ordering is in place for Covid 19, but they are a bit disorganized at the pick up, so be patient, and be kind because their food is worth the wait!