Review: Larkin's

Larkin's
1496 Colorado Boulevard
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
323.254.0934

Team in Eating visited Larkins in Eagle Rock in early November but it took me a while to post our thoughts. Hey, it was the holidays. Overall Team in Eating loved, Loved, LOVED the place. It was raves all around.

The numbers:

Service: 9.9
Quality of Food: 9.5
Aesthetics: 9.3
Affordability: 7.7

Even though the restaurant is tiny and parking is on the street, most of us thought that Larkin's was ideal for big parties. It might have something to do with the service. The service, especially our waiter, Ivan, was singled out in our survey. They were quite patient with our large, loud, obnoxious group. Even before the dinner, the service distinguished itself. Larkin's called me before the evening of our event to make sure we were comfortable. We originally agreed to outdoor seating, but they were concerned that it might be too cold and offered to give us our own room. It might have helped that it wasn't particularly busy that night, but considering some of the early word on their service, it was good to see that they have made improvements. Our group felt well-served.

The food. The menu at Larkins is pretty minimal. All of us either had the fried chicken or pork chops with either mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for sides. A couple of folks ordered the catfish, jumbo shrimp and jambalaya. Some of the comments: "delectable," "delicious," "yummy," "mouth-watering." Hey, we're not food critics, so don't expect Jonathan Gold-esque comments.

While we didn't find Larkin's to be very affordable, we all felt like we got our money's worth. We wished for bigger portions, but considering that we're all runners/walkers who want to maintain our fitness, it's just as well. A couple of folks also commented that it's not quite what they think of when they think of soul food, but Larkin's doesn't claim to be a purely traditional soul food establishment. They emphasize that they are a "contemporary soul food joint"

So, obviously we recommend Larkin's wholeheartedly. Just writing this makes me want to go right now. If you do go, we recommend ordering dessert--the 7-Up cake (if available) or the sweet potato pie. You can also pig out on the wonderful small muffins that are abundantly supplied with your meal. Larkin's is also BYOB, so hit up Trader Joe's before hand.

A big YEA for Larkin's!

Nos Gustan El Taurino

Team in Eating visited El Taurino this Saturday and it was unanimously praised. We enjoyed their tacos and tortas. Cheap too!











Afterwards we took in the Dali exhibit at LACMA. No paintings were consumed.

Team in Eating #2 and #3: El Taurino and Larkin's

After a long wait, Team in Eating is back in full force with not one but two culinary excursions.

First, Marisela, one of our Mexican members, has organized a taco outing this Saturday to El Taurino.

Marisela writes:

In a hidden part of LA city, nestled between the rapidly growing downtown and the up and coming k-town, lies a quite neighborhood, that unpretentiously houses one of the best Mexican fast food joints this side of the border. On the corner of Olympic and Hoover sits, "EL TAURINO". To the average passer-by this place will be no more than just another questionable corner Mexican food joint, BUT to the brave, the daring, and the bold (and the locals) this place is an adventure. But with a name like El Taurino, the bullfighter, you can't expect anything less. Old bullfighting memorabilia hangs on its wall, an old jukebox plays ranchero tunes for all it's patrons seeking to forget or remember an old memory, and the stuffed bull's head on the wall, makes you feel like you've just triumphed in the bull ring and are now enjoying your trophy. The menu is vast, so please don't fret if you don't like red meat, vegetarian options are also available. The best item on their menu, are of course, the tortas!

Who can't help but get excited by a description like that?

El Taurino
1104 S. Hoover Street
Los Angeles, CA 90006
213.738.9197

* * * * *



The following week we will be checking out the soul food stylings of Larkin's in Eagle Rock. It's a much-buzzed about joint that has received a positive review from LA Weekly's Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold.

We will be there for dinner on November 8.

Larkin's
1496 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323.254.0934

The Long Delayed Pics from Meeting #1

CHICHEN ITZA YUCATAN RESTAURANT
2501 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213.380.0051

Team in Eating #1: Chichen Itza

What: Chichen Itza Restaurant
Where: 2501 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057Reservations: (213) 380-0051 or info@chichenitzarestaurant.com
Price: Entrees = $11 to $18

We Say:

YEA!

Team in Eating found Chichen Itza to be a delightful place to enjoy Mexican cuisine that is outside of the traditional Mexican food we find on every corner. Forget tacos and burritos, here it's about the juicy and tender pollo or cochinita pibil. Next time I'm personally ordering the huevos motulenos.

We Also Say:

-Good for dates despite the sketchy MacArthur Park neighborhood. The restaurant itself is cozy and attractive inside.

-The music es muy bueno. A guitar trio serenade you from a corner of a restaurant and don't move around from table to table to distract you from eating.

-Free valet parking, but the night we were there only one valet was working. As a result, the flummoxed valet had a line of cars waiting for him. Audrey waited for over ten minutes to have her car valeted.

-Good service.

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10