restaurants

Why Americans Love Diners

For 135 Years, the Iconic Eateries Have Been Our Home Away From Home

Driving north on Route 95 through Connecticut, I noticed a billboard advertising a local diner. Its immense letters spelled out: “Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and Diner Classics.” I knew a seismic shift had occurred when Blue Plate Specials—hands-down favorites for nearly a century such as meat loaf, hot turkey sandwiches, and spaghetti and meatballs—were last on a list of diner offerings.

Over their long history, diners have been a subtle part of our built environment and also our inner landscapes. They are as familiar as the language we speak and the …

By Richard J. S. Gutman |

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The Long, Hard Road to Fast, Fun Vegetarian Fare

For the Co-Founder of Veggie Grill, Going Plant-Based Required a Major Lifestyle Conversion

By T.K. Pillan |

Truth is one, paths are many. That was the motto of Swami Satchidananda, a popular spiritual guru from India. His philosophy, which I grew up hearing, was that God can …

I’ll Have What She’s Having

Jewish Delis Are Noisy, Crude Eating Places That Turned the Idea of the Restaurant on Its Head

By Ted Merwin |

My maternal grandparents, Jean and Lou Kaplan, did not keep kosher. That was their ancestors’ way, the path of slavish adherence to the stringencies of Jewish law. But old habits …

From England to Taiwan and Beyond in One Afternoon

The 260 Bus Line Showcases the Global Cuisines of the San Gabriel Valley on the Metro Tour de Food

by Sarah Rothbard |

On a steamy Saturday afternoon in the San Gabriel Valley, families, groups of friends and co-workers, some adventurous solo travelers, and one person carrying a selfie stick gathered upstairs at …

Is the 720 L.A.’s Most Delicious Bus Line?

Eating Burgers, Ramen, Soft Serve, and Tamales on the Inaugural Metro Tour de Food

by Sarah Rothbard |

A Mexican-American take on In-n-Out Burger. A strip mall ramen shop. A soft serve ice cream stand. A Latin American cafe. Four restaurants in four Los Angeles neighborhoods, all served …

The Crusty, Dusty Places That Angelenos Love

Zócalo and KCRW Asked Los Angeles What Old-School Places They'd Like to Live Forever

Who says Angelenos only like new, shiny things? When Zócalo and KCRW teamed up to ask locals, “What’s the old-school L.A. spot you love most and why?”, we were bombarded …


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