We took our victuals to the car where we could shame eat in peace; behind a sun shade that left no peering eyes to find us and air conditioning because we’re in a small car in late August eating donuts and rice dogs with more fervent energy than a toddler on a sugar rush. Hot Chip and Com Truise supplied the soundtrack.

At $3.95, you get what you pay for: bread. The sandwich is thin on filling—far from loaded—but the pickled daikon, et al, are crisp, fresh and flavorful. The pâté is smooth and creamy; a decadence that should be sold by the pound.

East Coast transplants like myself … are always on an unending, if not, unnerving quest for comfort that can only be brought on by good greasy spoon Chinese or the perfect slice of pizza. More on the former at another time, but for now let’s talk about a little gem of a place called Gracie’s Pizza.

Located in the Byzantine-Latino Quarter (sounds romantic, doesn’t it? It’s not, but should be), Dino's Chicken and Burgers is an LA institution amongst locals. An unassuming counter-serve option that calls attention to itself via a heady and inviting aroma of char-grilled smoke; leisurely billowing out over the parking lot as you enter. This is a taste buds yes moment.