Pitfire Pizza Company

For those of you who hang out in Downtown LA and Little Tokyo a lot, I know you've seen this place. Pitfire Pizza is the type of restaurant that always looks tempting, but can never take the place of your true purpose for being in the area: Japanese food. I'm not going to say it is, but this review might make you think twice before passing it by as always.

Located on the same block as Edison, Pitfire Pizza is that new-looking restaurant on the corner of 2nd and Main. What I initially assumed was a sit-down service was instead more of a high-end fast-casual environment, where you place your order at the front, take a seat, and they bring you your food when it's ready. Not that I really care.

The pizza isn't quite Mozza, but moreso CPK-like. And it was good. We got this deal where you order a 12 or 14 inch pizza and get a pitcher of beer for less than $20 if I remember correctly. Not a bad deal at all. Throw in salad and you got more than enough to eat for two people. They also have daily/weekly specials based on what's fresh in the markets. They even have some organic pizzas for you hippies out there.

So if you happen to frequent the Little Tokyo area quite often and aren't really feeling sushi, Pitfire Pizza could be a good change of pace/taste for you. I would rate this place 7/10.

Pitfire Pizza Company

108 W 2nd St

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 808-1200

Cheers,

Opie

San Francisco Trip Part 3: Bocadillos

For the 3rd and final installment of my trip to San Francisco, I've saved the best for last -- Bocadillos, a spanish tapas and wine bar where the financial district and Chinatown converge.

This place is the shit. Modern, somewhat minimalist decor combined with warm lighting really sets the mood for a really great dinner. In attempts to keep to its Spanish roots, seating is offered at bar-style, on high-tables w/ stools, as well as a large communal table in the center of the restuarant. Small place but very cozy and comfortable, sort of like the feel you get at Angelini Osteria.

I personally love tapas. The small dishes give you the chance to try several different items on the menu, not the mention that each dish, in order to make up for its size, is packed with flavor. Here are some of the dishes we ordered, which I think actually made up about a quarter of the menu. I know. I love food.

Selection of Spanish artisianal cheese

Bocadillos -- 18-month serrano ham w/ tomato rub, chorizo w/ walnut spread and parsley, Catalan sausage w/ arugula and shave manchego

Fois gras roll w/ serrano ham, mango & aged balsamic

Sauteed mushrooms (can't remember this one)

Pigs trotters w/ fresh herbs and chopped egg salad

Tripe basquaise braised w/ onion, garlic and peppers

Flat iron steak w/ chimichurri

Macaroons "luzien" w/ pistachio ice cream & "arm of a gypsy" w/ hazelnut mousse

Bocadillos is certainly a gem in the bay area and a definitely must try if you're in the area. The pictures speak for themselves. Special thanks to Kathy for introducing me to such a great place.

Bocadillos

170 Montgomery Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

http://www.bocasf.com/

Cheers,

Opie