Lunch in a Greenhouse

The Commissary 
3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

I first heard about this place from my chef son, Nikko.  He knew I would like it.  Of course, I couldn't pass up another gastronomic adventure to Koreatown. It was the perfect opportunity to go since I was off for a couple of weeks for the winter break.  

Although I don't mind driving to DTLA, I also don't mind taking the metro.  I knew it would save time plus visit more places in one day.  Yes, started our adventure on the Green Line, then the Blue Line, and hopped on the Purple Line to Koreatown.  I was already familiar with the area so I knew exactly where to get off (Normandie & Wilshire).  The restaurant was just a few yards from the metro station so it was perfect!  

The Commissary located inside the Line Hotel  is one of the newest restaurant owned by Chef Roy Choi.  Loved the ambience of the restaurant -- It was nice and cozy.   Just imagine a greenhouse filled with lots of greenery.  It was definitely different!  You had a choice to sit in their communal tables if you don't mind sharing your space with others.  I loved the place setting too -- nothing matched.  

The food was okay -- nothing spectacular,  or maybe just what I ordered.  My friend and I were on a food adventure so we didn't want to fill up.  Would I return?  Absolutely!  I like the place and this time I will try the other dishes.

           

eclectic place setting and menu items are pictures of food/vegetable items inside an envelope 

Pimms Cup (Pimms & French Lemonade) and Bourbon Bellini (Elijah Craig Bourbon, Peach Nectar and Cremant de Bourgone)

Burger wagyu, pork, bacon, tomato jam, brioche bun

 

a seed packet come with your check 

Late Night Grub

The Bun Shop
151 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90004

KTown? Buns? Sure, why not!  How can I resist not going to KTown on a Thursday night.  I love bao buns!  This place serves all sorts of buns (kalbi, pork belly, katsu, spam just to name a few).  Of course, I had the pork belly!  Oh and the price....$2.50 per bun.  Can't beat that!  Happy Hour prices that's for sure -- even better!

There are also other menu items.  I tried the Ba Corn Cheese (bacon, mozzarella, jalapeño and scallions). I'll definitely return for more.

The place:  It's not very big but trendy like many restaurants in KTown.  It's on Western Avenue and just down the street are coffee shops and a boba shop too.

Bao Buns: PORK BELLY (Pickled Vegetables, Scallions, Asion BBQ Sauce; KALBI (Sweet Garlic Soy, Tempura Onion, Spicy Aoli; KATSU (Dark Chicken, Creamy Slaw, Asian BBQ Sauce)  {Photo Credit:  Chad Marquez)

BA' CORN CHEESE (Bacon, Mozzarella, Jalapeño, Scallions) -- Yummmm!  

Just Around the Corner

Cachi Coffee
10 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 3, La Palma, CA 90623
Just a bike ride away from my home sits this cute coffee establishment.  Too bad their operation hours are from 6:30 am - 3:30 pm (Monday - Saturday).  I guess they cater to the working people in the area.  It would have been nice if they're open longer though.  However, any chance I get, I stop by for their cup of cafe mocha.  Also on their coffee menu is Stumptown coffee.  I've only tried their breakfast -- have yet to try their lunch menu.

     

Cafe Mocha and a shot of Expresso 

You can sit at the coffee bar if you like. 

Had the Western Bacon Panini (eggs, bacon, grilled mushroom, cheddar cheese w/mayo spread) with my cup of cafe mocha.