The Tara List

BURGERS.

Contributing Editor: My sister Roxy

(she knows her stuff when it comes to burgers)

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Umami Burger- (LA) Umami has set a new standard for burgers; the creativity and overall yuminess is remarkable.  The Truffle Burger, Umami Burger (pictured above), and Hatch Burger always deliver

Shake Shack- These burgers are the perfectly mushy kind; juicy patty between fluffy buns.  The Shack Sauce makes the burger even more yummy and creamy

JG Melon- (NYC) This is an NYC Upper East Side institution, and there’s a reason for it.  Simple and straightforward burger with no fuss, just deliciousness

Five Guys- Simply good burgers and customizable options 

Minetta Tavern- (NYC) The Black Label Burger is insane; it’s super juicy, cooked to perfection.  Gourmet burger at its finest!  One of the best I’ve ever had

25 Degrees- (LA) Customizable burgers with creative, high-end ingredients and toppings—over 13 different cheese options, 15 topping choices, and 13 different kinds of sauce to choose from 

Chateau Marmont- (LA) The “Damn Good Burger” is just that!

In-N-Out- These burgers are famous for a reason, they are just so yum.  Their secret menu is key, especially “Animal Style,” “Protein Style,” and “Well Done Fries”

Father’s Office- (LA) Not your traditional burger.  It is more like a gourmet sandwich because they use soft bagette as the bun, but it’s really top-notch.  Made with caramelized onions, gruyere, blue cheese, bacon, and argula.  No subsititions or changes allowed

Apple Pan- (LA) The Hickory Burger with cheese is perfection.  It comes with lettuce and lots of hickory sauce, and it is phenomenal

Beverly Wilshire Hotel- (LA) This is a decadent burger; it’s a Kobe beef burger topped with fois gras, with portobello mushrooms and onion rings

21 Club- (NYC) Come here for a classic NYC moment.  21’s burger is quite gentlemanly; it comes perfectly cooked on a toasted Parker bun, with frisee, preserved tomatoes, sauteed onions and haricot verts arranged on the side of the plate

Lure- (NYC) You wouldn’t expect this place to serve a good burger, but this one is pretty good.  The Grilled Cheeseburger comes on grilled brioche, and if you get it “Lure Style” it comes with the works

AL GELATO.

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I’ve been going to Al Gelato since before I can even remember.  

This family run business is a true gem in Los Angeles.  They serve the best home-style Italian pastas, raviolis, bread, pizzas, and gelato.  The staff is friendly and welcoming, especially the owner Claire who, when she used to work there, refused to let you leave without some freshly baked bread—and let me tell you, this bread is incredible.  Al Gelato is so special because the food really tastes like your Italian grandmother made it just for you!

Their Apple Pie is voted the best is Los Angeles, and I couldn’t agree more.  It is known as the “$100 dollar Apple Pie;” it’s full of tart, juicy apples and surrounded by perfectly moist crust.  Definitely order it with the caramel sauce and whipped cream.  This massive pie (pictured above) transcends any possible description, so just trust me when I say that it is absolutely incredible!!

The Rigatoni and Giant Meatballs are crave worthy.  Their famous marinera sauce is sweet and rich, and oh so satisfying.  The meatballs come out individually and they are HUGE!  You can really taste the homemade goodness.  

Last but not least is the incredible gelato.  Made fresh daily, the gelato really has the perfect creaminess and balance of sweetness.  My favorite flavors include Coffee Crunch, Pistachio and Vanilla Lemon.

They are celebrating their 28th year in business— if you haven’t been there yet, you’re definitely in for a special treat

NOODLES.

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Crustacean- (LA) This Beverly Hills staple has the best Garlic Noodles around!

Tsujita- (LA) Originating in Japan, Tsujita serves authentic artisan noodles, but only during lunch time.  The thing to get here is the Tsukemen— dipping noodles. The broth is simmered for 60 hours so its is incredibly flavorful, and you decide what kind of protein options to top off the noodles.  Don’t miss out on their perfect soft boiled egg!

Momofoku- (NYC) The Momofoku empire started off with the Noodle Bar, so they must be doing something right over there.  The signature Momofoku Ramen is some of the best out their (pictured above), and the Ginger Scallion Noodles are a delicious vegetarian option

Souen- (NYC) Come here for Macrobiotic deliciousness.  It’s all organic here, with many vegan options.  The broth and noodles are made with kombu and other healthy ingredients which are truly good for you

Absolutely Phobulous- (LA) Come here for their Glass Noodle Vegetarian Vermicelli; it’s light but flavorful

9021Pho- (LA) The Spicy N’Sour Pho is really delicious!  Very clean flavors

Chisou- (London) This minimalist Japanese restaurant serves some of the best udon noodles; they are perfectly cooked with just the right amount of saltiness

Ippudo- (NYC) This is arguably the best Japanese noodle place in NYC.  The long waits are definitely justified by the incredible food.  The Tonkotsu Ramen recipes originate from Japan, so they are perfectly authentic

Cocoron- (NYC) If you’re into soba noodles, this place is the closest thing to a true Japanese soba-house in New York City.  The thing to get here is the Stamina Soba, dipping noodles style— you can really taste the freshness! And they have extensive vegetarian options

BIG GAY ICE CREAM.

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This is not your average soft serve ice cream, let me tell ya.

Starting out as a truck, Big Gay Ice Cream has garnered lots of attention for its absolutely original take on soft serve.  

There is a preset menu you can choose from, with their staple menu items, or you can create your own invention.  The “Salty Pimp” is probably their most popular choice— vanilla ice cream injected with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt and then dipped in chocolate which creates a hard shell

The “Monday Sundae” is another great one— a nutella lined cone filled with twist ice cream, dulce de leche and sea salt sprinkles, all topped with whiped cream

The “American Gobs” is also a good choice— vanilla ice cream with pretzels, sea salt, and dipped in chocolate

If you want to create your own version, some of their awesome selected toppings include: olive oil and sea salt, toasted curried coconut, cayene pepper, wasabi pea dust, pumpkin butter, sriracha, ginger syrup, key lime curd, cardamom, trix cereal, and more

So, as the NYC temps start to get warmer, make sure not to miss out on the unique and delicious Big Gay Ice Cream— even if there is a long line, it’s definitely worth it!

BEST MEXICAN.

It’s almost Cinco de Mayo!

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Casa Vega- (LA) The burritos are huge, the taquitos are perfectly crispy, and the quesadillas are so melty; this is LA-Mexican food done to perfection

Playa/Rivera- (LA) Some of the most creative and artful plates I’ve ever seen (pictured above).  Chef John Sedlar creates inventive small dishes that give you a range of flavors, colors, and textures of Mexican food

El Compadre- (LA) This is a fun atmosphere with great food and a live mariachi band.  They are famous for their Flaming Margaritas that come out to your table on fire, the Arros con Pollos, Nachos, and fresh ceviches

CaCao Mexicatessen- (LA) This Eagle Rock joint might be hard to find, but don’t let that stop you from the Corn Truffle Tacos, Squash Blossom Quesadillas, and Mole Fries!

La Esquina- (NYC) It’s an adventure to get here because you have to walk through the kitchen to get into the restaurant!  I love the Cucumber Margaritas, Grilled Corn, Steak Tacos, Plantains, and Queso

Empellon- (NYC) Mexican food with a modern twist in a lively, chic atmosphere.    Previously a pastry chef, Alex Stupak definitely pulls off new and creative flavors in a beautiful fashion.  The Lobster Queso, Scallop Tacos, and Guacamole with Cashew Sauce are not to be missed

Frontera Grill- (Chicago) Authentic and traditional Mexican food in a refined and upscale form.  Rick Bayless is famous for his mastery of Mexican flavors and his food definitely sheds a new light on Mexican cuisine in America

Gracias Madre- (San Francisco) The best organic, vegan Mexican food!  Everything is fresh and packed full of flavor.  The Mole Enchiladas are quite delicious, and you won’t even miss the meat

SUSHI OF GARI.

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I could eat here everyday of my life.  

Sushi of Gari has three locations in New York City, the original being on the Upper East Side.  Watch out for their new location coming to Tribeca.  Their fish is always incredibly fresh and the flavor combinations will blow you away.  Gari’s creativity with ingredients is really exquisite; each piece of sushi is like its own work of art.  A little secret:  Gari himself will happily prepare your meal at your in-advance request.

The Omakase is really the best way to go, especially on your first time there!  

The following are my favorites:

Salmon with Grilled Tomato— Eat this one first, because it is warm and oh so amazing!

Tuna with Tofu— The tofu puree is savory and creamy, and make sure to ask for spicy oil if you like it spicy

Tuna Tar Tar on Crispy Chip— The wasabi chip is a perfect contrast to the chopped tuna

Red Snapper with Lotus Root- This is like a salad on top of sushi, it’s really phenomenal

Seared Toro with Garlic Sauce- Perfect quality toro with delicious garlicky sauce

Snow Crab with Uni Sushi- Top quality uni torched on top of snow crab

Grilled Oyster- This grilled oyster is ridiculously creamy and tasty

Spicy Tuna and Spicy Scallop Roll- These two rolls are among the best I’ve ever had, simple and delicious

And to top it all off, they have the famous Lady M Mille Crepes cake for dessert, in regular or green tea flavor!