My Grand Finale

Alright, I haven't posted here in awhile, but I've been eating out a lot. Now time is running out, so please accept, humbly, my short recaps below (of the places I remember, even though I'm sure I've been out more):

The Edison (bar) -- By far the coolest bar ambiance I've seen, though, admittedly, I haven't been to that many bars. Food is mediocre and drinks are overpriced, but it's worth a visit, particularly during their happy hour, when drinks are less overpriced. B+

The Dresden (bar) -- Kitschy, but their signature "blood and sand" drink won me over. Maybe if I'd seen Swingers I'd like it even more. Does not, thankfully, resemble the bombed-out German city in ambiance, but it's also no Edison. B-

Manna -- Oh man-na, so much meat. Go there to meat up with friends, because it's a nice social atmosphere, but the meat isn't terribly delicious. I never heard Daryl's scary bathroom story, so I can't say much else. B-

Mandrake -- My favorite bar in LA. A

World Cafe -- Mediocre all around, and not worth me trying to find something to say about it. C

El Parian -- Best carne asada I've ever had, but also more carne asada than I ever wanted. B+ [go to the website and see how hardcore I am to be a guy with a criminal record eating at a place like that.]

Fritelli's Doughnuts -- definitely not the next Pinkberry. Stick with Stan's. C+

Abode -- great food, outrageous prices. Definitely not a humble abode (not a toilet either, though). B (A- for food, A+ for menu creativity, D for value)

Spago -- Best meal I've ever had, best wines I've ever had, and best service I've ever experienced. But at $500 for two people, we deserved it. A+ (even for value) [note: I'm going to try, if I can remember everything, to go through course by course on a full entry.]

Fraiche -- Accessible French food. Delicious, fraiche ingredients (yes I had to make that pun), and the only mushrooms I've ever actually liked. I have a feeling this will quickly become the best restaurant in Culver City (it's only been open a month and a half). A

That's all I can remember from my last few weeks (it's been a busy month for my tummy... and wallet).