OMG Wow! 

Ordinary takeout Japanese by day...incredible tasting sensation by night.  Niki Nakayama is the chef and master of one of the most spectacular tasting menus I have had in quite some time.  Disclaimer:  This is only meant for the pure foodie.  If you are hung up on atmosphere and a pedigree wine list, not to mention if you are put off by the drive to Arcadia, this is not your scene.  If it is all about the food, read on... ...

Ben Ford is a really nice guy.   We saw him on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.  Loved the bit on the whole suckling pig "comfit" (entire pig was on the stove in a pot of duck fat).  Homemade head cheese also looked great.

Up until now, we had not yet made it to Ford's Filling Station.  I work in Culver City so it is certainly convenient, but reviews have been so-so.  Well, after seeing that episode we had to check it out. ...

We needed some takeout for a picnic on the beach.  Sure, we could have just grabbed some sandwiches, or perhaps a burrito from Chipotle.  We have even been known to bring takeout sushi.  But I wanted something light, something tasty, something special. 

We were driving along PCH waiting for inspiration to hit us, and bam! I saw a place I have been meaning to stop by for a couple years now...Poulet Du Jour.  Signs on the window advertised Rotisserie chicken, hummous, baba ghannouj, falafel, more.  My instincts said it would be good.  ...