No More Apologies

Despite a plethora of celebrated Mexican and Salvadorean eateries, barbecue and soul food spots, the restaurant scene in West Adams has seldom been trumpeted; and, the question--oft asked is, 'Does one have to leave the neighborhood for a decent meal?'

As it happens, the previously under-served USC area is exploding with new options, including a fleet of gourmet loncheras, mostly stationed along Jefferson and Hoover. Greek, Korean-Mexican fusion, Vietnamese, pizza by the slice, and desert trucks, an ever changing roster, have enlivened these bustling corridors.

Adjacent to the events center on Figueroa, the USC hospitality folks have assumed control, replacing a tired Sizzler with a gastropup (The Lab), replete with firepits and flatscreens, added an upscale surf-n-turf (McKay's), and a pizzeria.

At Grand Street and 37th, Mercado La Paloma, a former warehouse, hosts six restaurants and a couple handcraft vendors, sprinkled about communal space. Amongst the food choices: noted Peruvian-Japanese establishment Mo-Chica, and a satellite location of Westlake's legendary Yucatanean hot spot, Chicken Itza.

A veritable restaurant row is in the making, making my response easy.