Local Flavor: Southern California

One of the only pleasures of business travel is the opportunity to seek out local flavor. On a recent trip to Southern California I found several great eateries that I strongly recommend.

In San Pedro, California, visit Sixth Street Bistro: 354 W. Sixth Street, 310.521.8818. Try the Seafood Paella, and eat on the patio. You can watch the sailors hit the bars. The live music is good if there's a crowd. The musician drifts toward street musician fare from time to time.

Near Commerce, try Tamayo's Restaurant: 5300 E. Olympic Blvd., 323.260.4700. The architecture and the art are incredible, as is the food. Here I tried my first Menudo. It was rich and spicy. The Shrimp a la Tamayo was wonderfully presented, with sophisticated textures and flavors.

Also look up Steven's Steakhouse at Atlantic Blvd. and Eastern. It's just off the 5. This is an old, family owned restaurant that understands fine dining in a casual age. The tournedos of beef, medium well, will melt in your mouth. The complimentary pasta is incredible, and just enough. They also have a great seafood special, and good desserts.

I enjoyed a great and inexpensive brunch with friends at Lulu's Cafe in Los Angeles. Here's a link to reviews and a map. I believe it's on Beverly, near La Brea & Melrose. This is a funky little area that's great for people watching.

In Pasadena, I recommend Chiara Brazil Italian Cuisine: 43 E. Colorado Blvd. This is in the Old Town shopping and dining district. While Old Town is a little bit touristy, it offers a number of excellent independent restaurants, coffee shops,bars, and other merchants. There are a few popular chain restaurants there as well, but why bother? Try the brazilian-style bar-b-que, and the dark Brazilian beer. Service wasn't great, but the food more than made up for it.

Sushi Roku in the same area serves excellent, fresh, and artfully presented sushi. I believe there's also one at Caesar's in Las Vegas.

My favorite place in Pasadena had to be Tutti Gelati in Old Town: 62 West Union Street, 626.440.9800. Forget the calories and get two scoops.

All of the above are reasonably priced, and I had no problem getting a table for 1-4 at any of them.

Next stop, Maryland.