There has been legend that @ave has the best homemade chicken noodle soup known to man. The original recipe is now a family heirloom passed down from his mom @celynnda_ingrande_gaudino . I’ve heard this mythological tale for years but never had any confirmation if true or not. The myth showed up at my doorstep itching for a review. Big Pappy himself showed up at my door with 4 frozen bricks of the golden bird elixir. In preparation I heated the soup on the stove and got a loaf of the finest sourdough one can buy from @bubandgrandmasbread . Hitting the soup with a dusting of parmigiana as the chef recommended and cooking the noodles separately al dente . The moment of truth… At first bite I was surprised by the deep vegetal, earthy, rich flavor. The broth was thicker and packed with moist chicken breast. The vegetables weren’t too soft and had a nice bite to them. Dipping the buttered @kerrygoldusa sourdough bread in the soup was an out of body experience, my pupils widened and gazed In disbelief. The soup surpassed my expectations… it warmed my soul . Hands down the best chicken noodle I’ve ever had. Big Pappy can look intimidating but this soup proves that with might comes big flavor. Will punch again.
Table for one as I climbed the volcanic molcajete like Frodo Baggins to destroy the precious. Los Milagros in San Miguel de Allende is known for their molcajete, a piping hot volcanic cauldron filled with various meats. I ordered the special with steak, chicken, shrimp, grilled queso, and cactus. At the bottom is a boiling salsa verde. The meat was so tender and salsa verde gave it a tangy spice. Shrimps were a stand out and the spongy queso bricks clouded my train of thought. Served with tortillas, beans and guacamole. I was told it serves 3-4 people and I was 1 shrimp away from breaking the camels back. But like a true guerrero I cleaned my plate cause mi perro esta aqui. Will punch again.
Every now and then you pull up to a piping hot parking lot full of highly motivated food individuals. After roasting at our other job, @aacostaa mentioned a taco spot close by called Tacos El Fogon. The food was fast, efficient, and a rare post pandemic salsa bar. I ordered 12 tacos… 4 asada, 4 pastor, and 4 Cabeza. Asada and pastor had a kiss of Smokey flavor, the Cabeza melted in my mouth. It was the cure for the 7/10 sunburn @codyasada and I acquired. The boys cooled off with agua Fresca and burritos. Great food and greater company. Doce tacos por vida, will punch again.
Throughout the month of February, @cafetristela will be hosting @bruce__la on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Talk about a 3 day weekend. Bae and I decided to give it a try and in true punch fashion we ordered one of everything off the menu. From start to finish the meal kept surprising and we were excited for the next dish. Stand outs were the radicchio salad, with blue cheese chunks and sweet crisp apples. Also the tuna Carpaccio with prosciutto was the best thing since the making of sliced bread. It was fresh and had an aioli with a hint of lime underneath and a surprising zing of shallot. The Classic clam and fries were addicting but also the hen with toasted bread covered in a roasted tomato sauce. The textures and flavors of the bird soaked bread were unreal. The pastina was a warm comforting bite with butter and saffron. The desserts that followed upheld the bar. I don’t know what it’s called but the 2 swans in a custard and jam had such an interesting and complex flavor. It was gone in seconds followed by the rice putting and chocolate cake with a rich cocoa flavor. Had to do a cheat day with bae on bae day. Outstanding food, lovely people, go get a taste and tell em Big Juice sent ya. Will punch again.
HELL OF A YEAR…2025 Punch of the Year is none other than @quartersheets in Echo Park. I know what you’re thinking, “it’s Jan 10! You’re late”. I needed 10 days to digest and you never know when a Ginwoo meal can drop at the buzzer. Quarter Sheets Pizza has been putting it down all year long. Not only is it the best Pizza in Los Angeles, but if you get a chance to eat at their restaurant I strongly advise you try their whole menu. As I write this I am tempted to put in an order for pickup. Lord knows I eat 2 full pies, one pepperoni and one Bianca. As I eat I rotate back and forth between the 2. It’s like playing chess with my tastebuds. Will punch again. plant in my car
Here at JCP we thrive in giving you the most honest, transparent, and full bodied reviews you deserve. It’s a passion to stuff my face for a like and a flame emoji. We bring soup season to a halt to enjoy some Peruvian cuisine at @miskymisky626 in Covina Ca. I ordered 2 lomo saltados, ceviche mixto, and 2 beef empanadas. The lomo saltado is beef with onions, French fries, and tomatoes stir fried in a dark sauce that tastes like beef and soy sauce. It’s so damn good I get fomo on ordering just 1… so I get 2. The ceviche mixto is made up of fish, squid, clam, shrimp, and octopus. It’s fresh, tangy and refreshing. The beef empanadas are a nice touch and I do recommend ya get your fill. @louielopez cleaned his plate and took the before and after photos. @codyasada with the lifestyle contribution. Happy to be here, will punch again.
Back in these streets and the clip less head to the comfort of a hot beef dip at @philippetheog . It’s a staple in Los Angeles and I’ve been back on the bread. I ordered 3 beef dips with American cheese and 1 pastrami with a side of potato salad. If we are talking beef dip, it’s the best I’ve had. The bread is light and the au jus is like a warm beef hug. Gotta love their hot mustard as well, it hits hard and brings a sharpness to the simplicity of the sandwich. Pastrami was a nice rotation to complement the 3 beefs. Tip the cap to @codyasada for sparking the idea. @ave even bought a shirt. On a dip scale it’s a 9… will punch again.
This cold whittled me to the bone… you need something to warm you up from the inside out. Hot bowls of pho plague my mind. @nuge666 insisted on the #20 at @pho87la_og so I went the very next day. I ordered the #20 charbroiled pork pho, egg rolls, pork spring rolls, and 2 side pork chops an ode to Big Jim @jimgreco . This bowl of pho is unlike anything I’ve ever had, smokey and bits of char floating around the savory broth. I drank that broth like it was the fountain of youth. Love the egg rolls and spring rolls, both pair with beautiful herbs and sweet dipping sauce. Pork chop was salty and crispy and stuck to my ribs like a rat trap. It was hog heaven. I realized my pho photo was absolute trash so I went back today and it was closed. Everything I love is closed on Tuesdays and I apologize for the photos. Will punch again.
It’s soup season and I’m gettin Pho’d up tonight! @andrewb.allen and I love the pork chop at @thegoldendeli in Alhambra. We waited 50 mins to get our mitts on the the delicious chop. I ordered the beef pho #1, roasted pork bahn mi, egg rolls, and 2 side chops to scratch the itch. The pho is a smooth and bold beef broth, I get it with brisket, rare steak, tendon, and tripe because I ain’t no punk. This is some of the best pho I’ve had in LA. The roasted pork bahn mi is on point… fresh French baguette with sweet pickled carrots, salty pork, fresh cilantro, and mayo to tie the knot. Egg rolls are extra crispy served with lettuce and a sweet vinegar dipping sauce. Let’s talk about this chop though. Sliced thin and fried it is a tender, juicy, crispy morsel that is a must try if you’re in the pork business. Gotta have my chops. Big Drew must have read my book on ‘How to Eat on the Card’ because I ended up buying. Will be back for a pork chop and a coffee… will punch again.
As you might have guessed, I’m a bird man. I love a good chicken and the bird at @azizam_la has hands. It’s a Persian home style cooking that’s comforting and bold in flavor. I ordered a chicken and rice, side bird, and 2 beef tongue sandwiches. You heard that right… beef tongue sandwiches. They are incredibly good, great bread, the meat is tender with a rich beef flavor, a bed of tomato with fresh herbs, smothered with two different sauces. One is a creamy garlic yogurt paired with a pesto like spread. It’s aromatic and bursting with flavor… I get 2 every time but I’ve had 3 and my dopamine was through the roof. The chicken is clean off the bone. Served on a bed of turmeric rice and pickled vegetables. It all balances so well together and truly tastes like a home cooked meal. Crispy onions on top is the chefs kiss to really bring it home. Look at the bones for Pete’s sake… I am the grim reaper of all things chicken. Outstanding food and reasonably priced, Will punch again.
Bae’s Birthday yesterday so we had to indulge in the wicked wheat. Bae loves carbs…Bae will be bae. We started our journey at @courage_bagels . Salmon and garden on everything bagels for the boy. It’s a sourdough bagel done exceptionally well. Beautifully seasoned with crispy exterior with a soft airy center. I chain sawed the corner of my mouth. It’s pricey but in my humble opinion it’s worth it, or buy singles for $3 and byocc and salmon. Next stop on our carb journey was the glorious @quartersheets . This ain’t our first rodeo as it’s been rated in 2023 and punched consistently. @ryanflynn highly suggests the appetizers and boy oh boy was he right. Word on the street is he’s a vegetarian but cracks the meatballs, but that just shows how good they are. Tender melt in your mouth with that tangy tomato sauce. Pepper and peach salad…amazing. Beans with corn and roasted poblanos… yes King, yes. Best pizza in LA and worth a revisit for appetizers. Behind every great man is a strong woman asking if they can have a bite. Will punch again.
Go ahead and have a seat and I’ll be with you shortly with a controversial review. Little Fish in Echo Park known for its gourmet fish fil a sandwich. Coming in $17 a pop, we got 3 fish sandwiches, an albacore sandwich and some fried potatoes. Beautifully crispy batter with a moist fish, great tange from the pickle and salt from cheese. The good lord knows I love a craft single but if you’re charging me $17, throw some gourmet on that thing. Potatoes are crispy, well seasoned and comes with a creamy garlic aioli. Albacore sandwich was on a ciabatta bread, which is a gamble, but it worked. Tangy vinaigrette complimented the fish and I enjoyed this sandwich maybe even over the tik tok sensation. I have a whirlwind of emotions about this place… yes it’s good but would I pay that much for it? It’s the erewhon of fish sandwiches. I could have used 2 more sandwiches to feel something and satiate the hunger. Will punch again on company card and or gofundme.
