Jolly Oyster

There are several great seafood places near me, but I had not yet tried the Jolly Oyster, so late one afternoon I headed over to Citizen Public Market to get a taste of their offerings. Steamers were very garlicky and served with excellent bread to sop up the wonderful liquid. The clams were very small, but the portion was a decent size for $14 a pound.

The baked oysters with leek and parm, six for $17 were a great choice for non raw oyster lovers. This was like a fusion of a less intense version of Oysters Rockefeller with a creamy leek base.

Just to be sure that I had enough to eat, I also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which included a horseradish cocktail sauce that was so good that I wanted to take it home! 

The ease of parking in the lot behind the market, the choices and quality of the seafood, and the proximity to where I live, all combined to make this a neighborhood choice to return to for more shellfish.

 

Pizzeria Sei

Sometimes I get a craving for a specific food that sends me on a hunt until I find satisfaction. Fortunately Los Angeles is home to several great pizzerias, and Pizzeria Sei is definitely one of the best. 

It is a tiny place, with counter seats around the kitchen, and literally two tables inside and 2 tables on the sidewalk. If you want to eat outside, you order to go and they will bring it out to you. It's handy to use the Yelp app to see the current wait times and put yourself on the waitlist if you want to dine inside.

I ordered the tricolore salad for $11 which was plenty to share. The second picture shows more of the colors after mixing in the dressing and eating half of it :)

I got a margherita for $19, but wanted some meat on it, so I added Cotto Salami ($6 extra) cooked in and I may have found a new favorite combo. I abhor doughy, tasteless thick crusts, so this chewy, thin crust is my paradigm for an absolutely perfect pizza. The char and chew were spot on, and the quality ingredients were addictive.

The Napoletana for $20 with olives, capers, anchovies, and oregano was a combination of salty, umami, and herby goodness. The only thing missing was some wine to go with it, but they do not have a liquor license, and do not allow BYOB, so take one of these home to enjoy if you wish to imbibe.

They have takeout available only during the week before evening hours, and only take delivery apps orders during the week before evening, so time your visit accordingly, for it is very much worth the planning to please your tastebuds.