L.A., Day 1 ... Fresh and Meaty Burger, etc

To wrap up my DAY 1, after my burger adventures I went to Hollywood Park Casino (www.playhpc.com) right on Century Blvd in Inglewood..... I used to deal poker there 5 years ago, and wanted to say hi to some friends who work there. Got a real nice welcome!!
Then I drove down Florence Ave. thru South Central L.A. to play poker at the Bicycle Club..
(I decided to take the "scenic" route this time, instead of the freeways)
The towns in this part of L.A. are mostly Latino.

On FLORENCE AVE in south Central L.A. ....What's up with all the CAMARO'S ???? Cool!

On FLORENCE AVE at the intersection of ALAMEDA.
Sizzler on the left...(Sizzler Steak Houses are still big in L.A. area. Corporate offices are in Culver City.) Sizzlers shut down in NJ

HUNTINGTON PARK (pop. 60,000) is a bustling mostly Latino city...
Consisting of recent immigrants, and those that have "moved on up" from East L.A............lots of "Times Square like" happening street activity...

I made it to the BICYCLE CLUB in Bell Gardens (right off the 710)
Played poker for a few hours, and lost about $250. Not a good start for my trip, but better times ahead!!!!

---END of DAY 1 ---

Please come back for DAY 2, DAY 3, etc, etc. !! Thanks for taking the journey with me!

Ellen, wonderful report as always. But I think you should give Winchell's Donuts another chance next time you are on the Best Coast (BTW I live in CT.) Dunkin is much less a donut place and much more of a coffee place now. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I had a donut at Dunkin. The chocolate cake donut at Winchell's is one of the best I've ever had. I would say it is better than the ones at Donut Dip in West Springfield, MA.

quote:

Originally posted by ellen4641

quote:

Originally posted by Twinwillow

When I lived in LA, I used to got to a restaurant called, "Hamburger Hamlet". Big thick juicy burgers. Anyone else remember this restaurant?

YES !! I used to go to the ones in West L.A. (on Sepulveda), and in Van Nuys..
They USED TO be really good; a perfectly charred burger...
HOWEVER, the whole chain has been "re-branded"; I believe it's even a different company that owns them now, and they changed the name to "Hamlet Restaurants".
The latest reviews seem to lean with "not so good anymore"...

yes. The burgers were great. I was just driving by the the former location of the one in West Hollywood this week, and was telling the young woman with me how great it was and how my girlfriend and I used to go to that one and the one in Westwood when we were graduate students at UCLA in the 1970s. She also used to like the zucchini sticks, I think it was, with a sweet and spicy apricot sauce they had. I just moved back to LA (Santa Monica) after living most of the intervening years in the New Haven area. I lived together with my graduate school girlfriend all these years, until she died this past July after a 20-yr illness. So it was particularly bittersweet seeing the former HH location.

I'm surprised you did not go to Langers for Pastrami. It's handcut, and I find it the equal of NYC's best. Langer's is certainly Jewish, but not Kosher.

BTW, LA has a significant Jewish population of Eastern European heritage.

quote:

Originally posted by douginvirginia


BTW, LA has a significant Jewish population of Eastern European heritage.

And because of that, I'm certain that the Kosher and kosher style deli's are just as good as the ones in NY.

quote:

Originally posted by douginvirginia

I'm surprised you did not go to Langers for Pastrami. It's handcut, and I find it the equal of NYC's best. Langer's is certainly Jewish, but not Kosher.

BTW, LA has a significant Jewish population of Eastern European heritage.

Yes. And they all moved to Los Angeles from New York.

Hamburger Hamlet became Hamlet and now, the Sepulveda Bl location is now out of business. When they dropped the Hamburger, they also dropped all knowledge of how to run a restaurant.

Somewhere on Roadfood I posted a rant about that location.

They claim that they lost their lease.

Only if the landlord tried to order a meal!

Wish I could tell you the difference between East Coast and West Coast delis.

I've noticed that in some WC delis the size of the take out counters are shrinking.

I want to see salamis hanging and drying out! I want to eat lox wings!

Those and a few other things are now missing.

CAn I still get them back East? Why do we say BACK East anyway?

Love your post! The biggest difference between NY delis and LA delis is in the cured meats and smoked fish. Btw, most all the delis outside of NYC order their smoked fish from NY.
Maybe the fish products are just, fresher in NY.
You can go to a number of sites of NY delis and order your goodies to be shipped overnight. No reason you should go, without what you love.
And, the main reason we all say, "back East" is because, pretty much up to a generation ago, most all were originally from the East.

mar52 - It is considered, "back East," because of Manifest Destiny.

Katz's website does ship Salami, as the saying goes, "Send a salami, to your boy in the army."

On Delis

Lived in the OC for many years but my job took me to LA several times a week and San Diego often. The best deli in all of Southern California is DZ Akins in San Diego, 6930 Alvarado Rd. well worth the drive as San Diego is a great city.

Live on the west coast of Florida now sadly no delis here; drove to Miami a couple of years ago and could not find any of the delis that I remember when we used to vacation their many many years ago but that's a whole nother issue

Ellen, Is poker legal in LA?

Ellen..that pastrami, if you're living in Central Florida, looks just fine. Everything in life is relative.

Give me that Showburger..You can keep that Fresh and Meaty..Looks nasty...just like Steak and Shake I guess it's the age old argument thin vs thick...

I've heard Langer's was very good. I've been to Nat and Al's. Nothing to write home about. Again, I'd love N&A in my town, but Nate and Al's would have a tough, tough time in NYC. They'd have to step it up many notches to compete in the Big Apple.

Great pictures...Thanks as usual. Another place I don't have to actually visit ..Living it through your report(s).

Ellen - Do you like Mexican food?

WOW !!! So many great responses this morning!!! That little bit of Junior's pastrami sparked some great insightful comments..

ARTPHON: Welcome to Roadfood! Sorry to hear about your long time GF's passing; sounds like she brought you a lot of happiness! You were a lucky guy...
BRAUNSTEIN: Sounds like I've gotta give Winchell's another chance, and I'll try the choc. cake donut this time
(it's been a long time since I've been there, anyway)

TWINWILLOW: Great words about the NYC-L.A. deli scene. Like you said, most other delis outside of NYC get their lox, etc, from NYC. Even goes for the pastrami, as well. It's their big selling point.
MAR52: Let's hear it for those hanging salamis!! Anything hanging like that in L.A.? (doubt it, right

JOE ROGO
BAAH BEN
etc.. I will respond to YOU guys and more Roadfooders on my next break from dealing poker!!!
Happy Halloween!!!

Thanks, Ellen. Don't wear out those cute little hands of yours.

quote:

Originally posted by Twinwillow

Thanks, Ellen. Don't wear out those cute little hands of yours.

You're too sweet!
Actually , ended up taking an "early out"; home sweet home now...
That means plenty more time for my Roadfood buddies!
(and to start my L.A. Day 2 report!)

Regarding CANTOR'S, I asked the young Latino counterman if the pastrami was made there. He said it was cooked there, but not "cured and smoked" there. HOWEVER, he also said they USED TO "pickle" the corned beef right there in the basement, until the HEALTH Department stopped them. (WHY???)But he said they still make homemade pickles in the basement. That guy knew his stuff!

When I come across pastrami I like in L.A., I say "It's good for L.A. pastrami". And THAT'S how I feel about Cantors! Figured I'd give them a 2nd chance, (I remember vaguely not liking the pastrami years back...)
And I enjoyed it this time! Certainly way better than Juniors!

quote:

Originally posted by joerogo

Ellen, Is poker legal in LA?

YES !!! But many people (even those living in L.A.!!) don't realize that it IS!
Poker casinos like the Commerce Casino and the Bicycle have upwards of 200 tables! Hollywood Park Casino (my previous dealing job) (and only 3 miles from LAX) has over 100 tables.
Players can eat and drink right at the tables. All kinds of cuisine is on the menus. (Thai food, Vietnamese, Korean, etc) I love the Korean Galbi beef ribs) (however, it AIN'T Vegas, so one must pay for LIQUOR.

Here's the STORY: A judge legalized Vegas style poker (Texas hold em, 7 card stud) back in 1987. (beforehand it was just draw poker and lowball)
HOWEVER, "gambling" per se is not legal in L.A......no "games of chance" allowed. (there are no craps tables or roulette tables) Luckily, this particular judge (Bless him) saw poker as a game of SKILL and said that Vegas style poker can operate!

So, DEAL ME IN !!

quote:

Originally posted by douginvirginia

I'm surprised you did not go to Langers for Pastrami.

No, did'nt go there THIS trip! HOWEVER, I've been there before, just once, about 10 years ago. LOVED their rye bread; pastrami was decent and most seem to REALLY enjoy it; but for my own personal tastes, I found it had a slight "goyish" flavor..
But, I feel I'm overdue for a return visit to Langers!

Roadfooder Mar52 wants us to go to Langers when I get back to L.A. ! ( had the pleasure of "meating up" with her in L.A.
thanks to this great website) You're ON , Marlene!
DouginVirginia, you're always welcome to join us!!

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben
Ellen - Do you like Mexican food?

I LOVE Mexican food! How's that place across from the Daytona Speedway? I read some good stuff about it...
Perhaps we can do Sunday brunch there during our Daytona "meat up" this weekend. Love to have a chance to meet your wife.
Our Bluemaxx Roadfood group could join us, too.... Just an idea...

quote:

Originally posted by charlottesailor
drove to Miami a couple of years ago and could not find any of the delis that I remember when we used to vacation their many many years ago

Sadly, most of the authentic Miami delis are gone... just "slicer joints" now... got that term from Baah Ben; it basically means delis that just buy pre-cooked meats like Hebrew National, and just slice it up. (no curing and smoking are done on premises)

HOWEVER, this past winter I DID have a great HOMEMADE corned beef at Arnie and Richies in Miami Beach...(since 1948!)
Pastrami was not homemade, and was just "okay"
I posted it on one of my Florida threads. The only thing that turned me off about the place was that I was'nt entitled to the cole slaw cause I had my order to take out!!! Only eat-in orders got the cole slaw... not right... so much for that dollar tip I gave the guy
If I was thinking faster, I would've just said "I do want some cole slaw...if you've gotta charge me, charge me".
It's not like I took the sandwich out that far , anyway. I just took it outside to one of their self service tables to enjoy the Miami sun

If you are in the neighborhood, try "Hungry Harolds" on the corner of Victoria Ave and Slauson Ave in the Crenshaw District. It was the burger place I enjoyed way, way back when I was a kid. To be honest, I haven't been back there in a while so I don't know if the food is still as good as I remember it. Their "Hungry Burger", which brings back very fond memories, is basically a double cheeseburger with almost everything including the kitchen sink! Chili, pastrami, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo if you want it (but why?)and a side of hot peppers. Again, don't know it is as good now as it was then. But if it is, it's the best burger ever!

"Slicer Joints"

That reminded me of my grandpa. In the 50's he owned a deli/market in Boyle Heights, CA a suberb of Los Angeles. In those days there was a large Jewish population in that city.

He had a large mechanical slicer for his meats but the lox he sliced by hand.

He could slice it thin and uniform... an artist with his knife.

In those days they used long, thin carbon steel knives.

I want lox wings!

Poker Clubs have been legal in the City of Gardena,CA, a southern suburb of L A (South Bay general area) since Before WW II. During the forties and fities (and later) 24 hour Poker was acceptable and legal and widespread at clubs like the Normandy, The Vermont and Other 'Night Club' appearing locations around the city. With the legalizing of 'modified Casino Gambling' in the 80's the attraction of the 'Cards Only' type of Club has lost a lot of it's market.

Special shuttle buses made the rounds of the various clubs at certain times to carry patrons from one Club to another. My Dad liked to go out to Dinner at the Normandy on a Weeknight (smaller crowds). He didn't play poker, but liked the restaurant in that Club.

Ellen

Your trip so far looks like a great adventure, looking forward to the upcoming additions

I tried to zoom in on the logo on one of the camaro's but I couldn't clean up the image enough to read it, but it looked like ???? Camaro Club. I noticed the same logo on one of the camaro's ahead of the back one.

Your burgers look great

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

Poker Clubs have been legal in the City of Gardena,CA, a southern suburb of L A (South Bay general area) since Before WW II. With the legalizing of 'modified Casino Gambling' in the 80's the attraction of the 'Cards Only' type of Club has lost a lot of it's market.

Good description, Al...
You're right that poker has been around L.A. area since pre WWII. (Gardena started around 1938, I believe) It was mostly confined to Gardena, and it was only draw poker and lowball. "Vegas style" poker, as we know it (Texas Hold Em and Seven Card Stud)started up in 1987, and helped truly transform the L.A. area as a huge U.S. poker (and pai gow poker!) market.

Glad you're dad enjoyed the aura of those Gardena casinos...

Many folks who are not up to date will think of L.A. area poker as "Oh yeah, GARDENA!?!", when of course it is so much more than that now. Of the original Gardena poker rooms, (places like the Rainbow, the Horseshow, and the Normandie) only the Normandie survives now. However , Larry Flynt (of Hustler magazine) fame has a poker club in Gardena since about the year 2000. Named, what else but the Hustler Casino!

quote:

Originally posted by mar52

"Slicer Joints"

That reminded me of my grandpa. In the 50's he owned a deli/market in Boyle Heights, CA a suburb of Los Angeles. In those days there was a large Jewish population in that city.

Yes, Boyle Heights! That's actually where CANTOR'S DELI started.....
and in 1948 they moved to their present location on Fairfax.
Supposedly Boyle Heights was like a Lower East Side of NYC; places where new immigrants settled..
it's mostly Latino nowadays...

Exactly, Ellen.

Canter's was across the street and down a little bit from my grandparent's store.

I have no idea how many daughters there were, but supposedly my father dated (maybe once?) one of the Canter daughters. He used to tease my mother with it.

Then it was lox and bagels... now Boyle Heights is a great place to get a delicious Elote from a street cart.

Delish!

Again, a bit late to the party but I always enjoy your reports , Ellen. Come to Portland and you could play poker on the coast or in Portland's suburban Washington towns.

I LOVE that you are hanging out in the "worst" neighborhoods! But Akkkkkk you were right next to Bertha's - the best soul food ever across from Hollywood Park!!!

I have yet to have pastrami in LA like NYC. They don't have the brisket-flaking kind, only the pressed-lunchmeat kind.

And those people bored by Apple Pan - are you getting the HICKORY burger? Hmmmm?

Also loved Hamburger Hamlet - they had an omelet with sour cream and hash browns - like a latke omelet! Now I freak out omelet-station guys at breakfast buffets with that one!

quote:

Originally posted by EliseT

I LOVE that you are hanging out in the "worst" neighborhoods! But Akkkkkk you were right next to Bertha's - the best soul food ever across from Hollywood Park!!!

I have yet to have pastrami in LA like NYC. They don't have the brisket-flaking kind, only the pressed-lunchmeat kind.

And those people bored by Apple Pan - are you getting the HICKORY burger? Hmmmm?

Also loved Hamburger Hamlet - they had an omelet with sour cream and hash browns - like a latke omelet! Now I freak out omelet-station guys at breakfast buffets with that one!

I love the hickory burger from the Apple Pan. It was my favorite when I lived in LA.