This restaurant opened up last year and then closed to be revamped. The food is very tasty, and has great seafoods and steaks. There are several vegetarian options, including a really good pasta dish. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the service is good. Some Peruvian friends of mine claim that this is “the real deal” when it comes to Peruvian food!

Kevin, the owner of Vinh Loi Tofu, paid a Japanese expert tofu maker to come here and teach him how to make tofu. He will show his production process, which starts with non-GMO soybeans. Not only is the tofu great, but he also makes mock meat products that taste wonderful. You can buy your meals there (very little seating so try not to go right at noon or dinner time) or buy the products to take home, or both! There is nothing as tasty as freshly made tofu, soy milk, or tofu custard. Although I have not yet tried ALL the menu items, I have nothing but good things to say about the ones I have. The soups are really good, and each one has its own unique broth. The food is very affordable. The store also features vegetarian Asian groceries.

The Palace was once Chi Dynasty, which moved down the street. The Palace was taken over by some of the staff. They have a varied menu and the dishes are prepared well, although a bit pricey. I love their pan-fried noodles, also their garlic string beans. “Mushrooms Delight” is a mushroom dish with many different kinds of mushrooms in it. The decor is very nice, a bit fancy but not everyone who comes in is dressed up – lots of jeans and tshirts. There is a full bar as well. Last time I was there they were offering special meals with a shuttle bus to the Hollywood Bowl.

I have eaten at this new restaurant several times and it has quickly become a favorite. Open every day, they have excellent lunch specials from 11am-3pm for only $8. These are large portions – I usually take some of mine home. There are several vegetarian entrees, but I like their vegetarian platter best. The baba ghanoush is the best I’ve ever had! They will also substitute different things, such as their herb basmati rice for the tabouleh. My omnivore husband claims he is going to try everything on the menu, but the last half dozen times he keeps ordering the “Sabzi Polo with Salmon,” which is a large piece of salmon served with the herb basmati rice. I also like their baklava (which is nicely flavored with rosewater), and the House Special Persian Ice Cream (made with rosewater and pistachios) is awesome! The staff is very friendly and often offers samples of their various dishes. There is a television on one of the walls which plays Persian music videos – a Persian rap one was very entertaining. They recently started a special on Wed. nights – buy 1 dinner and get the 2nd dinner 1/2 price, and there is live Persian music. They also offer a full bar.

Nopgow is so authentic the owner has not opened up another restaurant because she cannot find any good Thai cooks. The food is fresh and well seasoned. The lunch special is a huge platter of food – soup, egg roll (the best!), vegetable noodles, fried rice, and your choice of entree, all for only $5.95. There is plenty for vegan or vegetarians, as well as meat lovers and seafood lovers. Reasonable priced, and they do a huge volume of take-out.