Number Nine-Noodles and Beer

Remember the last time you were dining in a cafe in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam?

Well, maybe not. Number Nine Noodles and Beer brings the far away destination to the heart of Long Beach's 4th street vintage district. It provides great food in an intimate, young and authentic environment. You will find young and old (mostly young) chowing down on chicken pho and sipping a cold Tiger Lager. But it is the little details that got me, like the vietnamese iced coffee sweetened with condense milk. Starbucks doesn't have a chance. Bring a group of friends, because it is reasonable to spend about $35 for a party of 4.

When you go, say hello to owners Gavin and Marta for us. They may be waiting your table or cooking up a little banh mi (vietnamese sandwhich) in the back. Visit them at:
www.numberninenoodles.com


Ăn ngon miệng (Bon Appetit)

Jonathan and Sarala

Giovanni's Trattoria

We have to kick off this blog with the restaurant that inspired us. In the heart of Culver City, in a raggedy strip mall, there lies one of the best Italian Restuarants we have ever eaten at. There is about seven tables, twinkle lights, a large cappucino machine and a cook, a waiter and a manager. When you walk in you are usually greeted by Giovanni, the owner/manager. You are served by a waiter who probably is a visiting cousin from Italy or you are served by Giovanni, owner/manager/waiter. Start off with some amazing bruschetta and an Insalata Giovanni. I highly recommend the chicken marsala, succulent pounded chicken breast in a light marsala wine sauce. It is no longer on the menu, but am sure, Giovanni-owner/manager/waiter/cook- will make it for you on request. Enjoy this with your own bottle of wine which they will cork for a small fee. Everything is homemade and fresh. Giovanni's is located at:

10026 Venice Boulevard
(at Clarington)
Culver City, CA 90232

Bring an appetite and a nice bottle of 2 buck chuck to this true hole in the wall.

Buon Appetito,

Jonathan and Sarala

Welcome to Hole in the Wall-Los Angeles

We would like to welcome all of our friends, family and passer-by's to Hole in the Wall-Los Angeles. When my spouse and I go out to eat, we like to make it worth our while. The large generic restaurant menus which lack originality and freshness get old really fast. We have found that the "Gems in the Alley", "The Ghetto Goodies", The Backstreet Bonuses", The Slum dog Saloons", The Heavenly Hideaways", The Wasteland Watering Holes", "The Crafty Cookeries"-is definitely the way to go.

Enjoy this little hole in the wall site by sharing your experience of a Los Angeles area restaurant.

Jonathan and Sarala