The Apple Pan - West Los Angeles, CA

Address: 10801 W Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90064

Items Ordered:

• Hickoryburger with Tillamook cheddar cheese
• Steakburger
• French fries
  
• Apple pie à la mode

The Apple Pan is within walking distance of where I live, yet I've only eaten pies there for the last 2 years--albeit deliciously, gooey, and warm boysenberry, apple, and banana cream pies. It was at the recommendation of Jonathan Gold's 99 Eats that I decided to brave the line and try the hickoryburger at The Apple Pan, and I'm so glad I did. The hickoryburger had a nice tangy sauce and the cheese was melted perfectly, making this one messy but super enjoyable burger. Oh yea, the fries are perfectly crispy here, and I would go back just for the fries as well. Last but not least, with a place called Apple Pan how can you not get the apple pie...mmm. I really loved this old school diner, and I highly recommend you try it!

--y

9021PHO - Beverly Hills, California

Address: 490 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Items Ordered:

• Pho Bo
• BBQ pork Banh Mi

You might be surprised, but growing up in Houston, I was surrounded by authentic Vietnamese restaurants as well as homemade Vietnamese food from my friends' houses. So lets say I'm a Vietnamese food expert ;). Why then did I go to a pho restaurant in the middle of Beverly Hills?? Cuz 1. I liked the name, and 2. I'm still on an epic search for authentic Vietnamese food in West LA --it's debatable whether I will ever find that elusive place. So how was 9021PHO? The pho broth was a little on the bland side, and I wasn't in love with it. I'd only rate it above Pho Citi on the Westside. However, the BBQ pork banh mi was surprisingly flavorful and the baguette was nice and crunchy, but I couldn't wrap my mind around the hefty price tag. Would I recommend a visit? Nah, save your money and taste buds for some Sprinkles cupcakes or Urth Caffe instead.

-y