Tatsu Ramen: Sawtelle

The only good thing about this place is their iPad ordering system. 

Other than that, this ramen joint falls short on everything. 

The ramen runs around $10 per bowl, which is more expensive than other ramen restaurants in the area. 

Jinya down the street runs about $9 and tastes 100 times better. 

The ramen was salty, yet lacked real flavor. How is that even possible? The broth was this weird cloudy color, so not appetizing. 

Old Skool Ramen

The pork was inedible and tasted and looked like rubber. 

Noodles were like the ones you could buy at the supermarket for $0.35 each. 

Epic fail all around. 

Service was fine, but they didn't have to do much except bring the food, water and the bill. 

Pass!

Tatsu Ramen

2123 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

FIG Restaurant at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel

Located at the swanky Fairmont hotel in Santa Monica, FIG serves up seasonal ingredients on daily basis. 

If you can, ask to be seated in the sunny indoor patio area, with a nice view of the pool. 

Also, keep in mind that the menu is seasonal so if you see something you like, you should order it!

With that being said, the pork banh mi sandwich was quite delicious and juicy. It also came with a huge pile of grilled shishito peppers that were awesome. I love how they didn't skimp on the peppers. 

The steak and fries were just ok. Hanger steak isn't my favorite cut, but it's decent enough for what it is. The fries were mediocre as well. I would probably pass on this dish and go for one of the more eclectic entrees. 

It took a while to get our food, so we asked for some bread. The waiter said they only had rolls which were $5 for 3. Kinda disappointing that they charge for bread, but to fair, the rolls were really yummy! And, they even brought us fancy butter in a jar. 

I would recommend this place if you're in the mood for some fresh, seasonal ingredients.

FIG

101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 319-3111

CoCo Fresh Tea and Juice - Boba in West LA

Finally, a good boba place in West LA!

Located in the Olympic Collection plaza, next to Pinkberry, Coco delivers fresh teas and juices with good boba. You know, boba that isn't all hard and nasty. *ahem Volcano Tea*

We happened upon this place after dining at Morinoya upstairs in the same plaza. 

The guys who work at night are way better than the girls who work the daytime shift. As in they know what they're doing and they pay attention. 

Good items to try: Vanilla milk tea with pearl and chocolate with pearl. You can also specify how much ice or sugar you want in your drink.

Drinks run about $4 - $4.50 on average. 

Wait time can go up to 15 minutes if the place is busy. 

Music could be turned down a few notches. 

The pudding is just okay, I prefer the boba..

And yes, they do take credit cards!

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

11301 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064