I grew up in Los Angeles, which hasn't really been recognized as a food destination until recently (thanks for overlooking us for years, Michelin!). Most of the spots showcased in popular media are in the Pasadena-DTLA-SFV area, but there's a silence about what's available outside that.

That bugs me. 

There's so much out here that's been a local favorite for years or is new and innovative that to act like it's a no-man's land for good food and drink is ridiculous. Sometimes, you may just want a solidly tasty burrito or bowl of noodles without it having to have been blessed by some secret organization or costing a chunk of a month's rent. It doesn't have to be the best or the newest or have the most buzz. It just has to be GOOD.

So I want to find those places. Yes, it's my opinion, and no, I don't always go in knowing anything about the cuisine I'll be tasting. But I've got a good number of years of eating my way through L.A. County under my belt (literally!), an opinion about whether something tastes good to me and why, and the willingness to talk about it--maybe incessantly. Which brings us back to the beginning. 

I'm Joyce Let's make each other hungry.