Hankerin'
L.A. Cheap Eats by Mz. Moxy
The ‘skinny rocker’ is a stereotype for a reason. We live on slim pickins’. We “dine” out on the 99 cents menu (restaurant: irrelevant), or perhaps if we’re feeling mortal – a piece of fruit and single serving yogurt from our local 7-11. That is true rock star dining. Who can afford to please the palate when one meal may run as much as a totally bitchin’ vintage stomp box?! No thanks, keep your high end grub, I’ll save up for my dream amp, a 1968 Vox AC-30 (and I WON’T shoot my eye out). So began my quest to eat in style…under $10 a meal. Not an easy task. I have trolled this city, and found the best of the cheapest. True, these eateries may not be healthy, trendy, or even in a gunfire-free neighborhood – but they sure are tasty.
Some Like It Wild, Not Mild
The ability to ingest intensely spicy foods is a point of pride amongst the macho and the risk-taking bracket. Years and tears ago, I was part of an Atomic-Fireball candy eating contest. With my lips cherry red and my tongue on fire, I reveled in all the glory that goes hand in hand with second place. Am I still fit to feast on foods of fire? I put myself to the test, even without the expressed written consent of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
9512 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-841-0561
www.chipotle.com
“Hot Hot Hot” by Buster Poindexter
Never before has a spicy pepper garnished so much jealousy amongst its peers. The green pepperoncinis and bell peppers are hating, big time. In only five short years, this flavorful smoked variation of the chile has exploded onto every menu west of the Mississippi. Headquarters for this flavor sensation is, not surprisingly, positioned at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. The entire menu is lean and spicy - and even something as simple as their chips have the perfect infusion of lime and salt. This seasoning of the new millennium is flavorful, addictive, and (can you believe it…) healthy!
Moxy’s Greatest Hits: (Best in L.A.!!) Chipotle guacamole, the Barbacoa and the burrito bowl.
Palms Thai
5900 Hollywood Blvd. Ste. B
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.palmsthai.com
“Burning Love” by Elvis
This Thai joint has a soup so spicy, I had an episode a few years back that brought the entire staff to my aid, (including the 70+ year old Elvis impersonator) shoving bread and sugar into my mouth to quell my taste bud inferno. I had the Tom Yum spicy hot and sour lemongrass soup, and thinking it was a scallion, bit into some kind of pepper from Hell. I am actually amazed that such a spicy pepper has been approved by the FDA for human consumption in such a litigious country.
Moxy’s Greatest Hits: Tom Yum soup…if you dare.
Singapore Banana Leaf
6333 W Third St Ste 122
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-4627
“Some Like it Hot” by The Powerstation
Singapore Banana Leaf is a mom & pop establishment, located on the south side of the Farmer’s Market. The food here is Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean. Think India and Thailand’s lovechild. Spicy, Indian style flavors combined with Asian noodle dishes challenge even the bravest palate. All of their meat and chicken dishes are marinated in coconut and ginger, and are as succulent as they are flavorful. If you order your dish in its spiciest variation, brace yourself – and don’t say you weren’t warned. Author assumes no liability for the actions of culinary daredevils.
Moxy’s Greatest Hits: Chicken Rendang, roti paratha flatbread (with spicy dipping sauce) and the chicken satay.
Mz. Moxy is the vocalist, guitarist and songwriter of lollipo-rock band, Moxy (moxymusic.com). She is an East Coast broad keeping it quirky in the 323. Have a place that you think Mz. Moxy should include in Hankerin’? Suggestions are always welcome just keep it under $10 per person: mzmoxy@h-monthly.com
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