As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of industry types, bloggers, and chefs. This year, we asked the group eight questions, from 2010 Headline Predictions to Top Standbys. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights on Thursday.
On we go, in no particular order; all responses cut, pasted and unedited:
Q: What are your top restaurant standbys of 2009?
Jonathan Gold, LA Weekly: Euro Pane, Osteria Mozza, Pho Minh, La Casita Mexicana, the Varnish.
Lesley Bargar Suter, Los Angeles Magazine: Little Dom’s, Jitlada, Elf, Hungry Cat, Palate.
Eric Alperin, mixologist, The Varnish: The Woodspoon (Brazilian, Downtown on 9th street), Daikokuya, (I know they've been around, but my hangovers have had a love affair with good ramen...), Monica's Spaghetti and Meatballs at The Nickel, and Blossom Vietnamese #23 please...
Sam Nazarian, Hotel/Restaurant/Club mogul: Pizzeria Mozza.
Jeff Miller, Thrillist: These don't really change, do they? I'm still eating at Animal, Sushi Ike, Pita Kitchen in the Valley, and Loteria Grill, though this year I've added this all-you-can-eat korean bbq spot on 6th St near Western that's identifiable only by the cartoon pig on the outside. It's amazing. I also have lunch a lot at Milk, thought that may change soon: they just jacked up all their prices, which makes justifiying a drive up there that much more difficult.
Cedd Moses, restaurant/bar owner: Coles French Dip (food and cocktails), Soot Bull Jeep.
Mark Peel, chef and restaurant owner, The Tar Pit: Umami Burger and BLD.
Odell: Dean Sin World, Rustic Canyon, Han Yang, Varnish, Library Bar at the Roosevelt, Axe, Church & State, Asanebo, Sushi Park, Beverly Falafel, Huckleberry, Kiyokawa, Sham, Earth Bar .
