When it comes to dining out, I’m a no frills kind of guy.  I want delicious food with little or no fuss, fast and inexpensive.  Sure I love the occasional visit to Cicada, Asia de Cuba, Campanille or Taylor’s Steak House.  But here is a partial list of my favorite fast and easy Los Angeles eateries.

Zankou Chicken.
http://www.zankouchicken.com/
I’m always amazed to discover yet another delightful approach to chicken.  A French friend of mine first introduced me to Zankou Chicken in the early 1990’s.  The original was in Beirut, Lebanon.  I find the Sunset Blvd location way more convenient.  Let me just say that the garlic paste alone is worth a visit.  You just want to rub it on everything.

Cielito Lindo.
(213) 687-4391
The taquitos at Cielito Lindo are legendary.  I’ve been eating them since I could walk, maybe before.  I recently heard a man on KCRW’s  Good Food cooking show request them for his last meal.  No place makes a better green sauce than this Olvera Street institution.

Empanadas Place.
http://www.empanadasplace.tangoafficionado.com/
Having Ecuadorian heritage, I grew up eating empanadas.  Our version usually featured jack cheese, green onions in a puff pastry sprinkled with sugar.  Yummy.  But Empanada’s Place is like the Baskin-Robbins of empanadas.  They have at least 16 savory choices, each folded distinctively so you can tell what delicious filling awaits you.

Sorrento Italian Market.
(310) 391-7654
My sister introduced me to this charming Italian market in Culver City because it was near Loyola Marymount University, our Alma Mater.  I still visit to pick up frozen pesto. You scoop it out like ice cream.  But my primary reason is the most delicious pastrami sandwich in the world.  This is a great and regular treat to or from LAX.

Torung Restaurant.
(323) 464-2750
Everyone in L.A. has a favorite Thai Restaurant.  Torung in Thai Town is mine.  It’s the perfect late night supper stop since it stays open until 3:00am.  I’ve been going here for decades with friends and family.  The Pad Thai is fantastic.  All of the soups are excellent.  And the prices cannot be beat. Plus you can bring in your own beer or wine with no corkage fee.