... and the menu matches the name, not the decor.
Great graphics, cute room. (Really cute.) A "cauliflower saute' " that looked and tasted like overcooked and lumpy mashed potatoes; sauteed green beans coated with something brown and very salty; chicken breast "parmesan" covered in shredded cheese that was another minute from being fully melted. Inedible? No. Memorable? Not in a good way. However, it is open until 1 am, seven days a week; go at the later hours, when you're more likely to be forgiving.
Food Court L.A., 8334 West 3rd St. (323) 782-9689
They should toss the menu, focus on the booze and stick to finger foods that they can't screw up- as the sentiments have unanimously been that the food isn't good but the location, room and liquor are.
Posted by: FoodMarathon | October 01, 2007 at 05:16 PM
I got a chopped salad to go, and was quite disturbed to find two short, black hairs in it. I don't think they have good food prep here.
Posted by: Taylor | October 02, 2007 at 03:49 PM
i had a great salmon sandwhich there, when you all attack a place. you ATTACK. food and service were pleassant and relaxing for a lunch on 3rd.
Posted by: chaderik | October 03, 2007 at 12:04 PM
We had dinner there a couple of weeks ago, and it was great.
Posted by: dave | October 03, 2007 at 03:00 PM
we went last night and had a nice time. the soft tacos and prawn salad i had were pretty good. i am only writing cuz some guy wrote that they had bad prep but they have an A rating. i was also wanted to order a chopped salad from them but they don't have one on the menu and when i asked them, they have never had one on the menu.
Posted by: jenny | October 05, 2007 at 10:19 AM
The bread pudding was pretty damn good: nice texture and not too rich. Above all, the service from the wait staff and owner was GREAT. The owner really has passion for what he's doing, and things will only improve.
Posted by: Bryan | October 09, 2007 at 09:10 AM
I just had dinner there and everything was delicious! The staff was super friendly and attentive. I loved their pumpkin cream pie with pumpkin gelato!!! I would definitely recommend this place.
Posted by: Vanidha | November 11, 2007 at 06:02 PM
wow, i read your review a while back to this restaurant and thus didn't go but my friend's had a birthday party there the last week and everything was so delicious and fun. it is such a greatc casual, inexpensive, very cute place, we're planning to head there for happy hour this weekend. we ate their mac n cheese, fried chicken cobb, special tacos, etc. and they have the best carrot cake i've ever had hands down. i am just disappointed i hadn't gone in sooner. oh and by the way, they have one of the friendliest staffs i have ever experienced in la and that is so rare. they do have to do something about the sound, it's a little loud at times and it does seem a little disorganized but that won't stop me from not going back.
Posted by: laura h | December 11, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I've eaten at the F.C.LA twice now, once during opening week and again last week. Both times I was really pleased with the service and the food.
Pan-asian comfort food is a good description. Each of the recipes seems to be a different/unique take on a traditional food.
The Caesar salad is spicy (pepper-hot) and is tossed with pancetta, and no anchovy (just fine with me).
The Mac and Cheese is really fantastic, with lots of baked cheese and a little bit of applewood bacon thrown in.
Richard is an attentive host, and does his best to make you feel welcome in his restaurant. The wait staff is attentive and friendly, very willing to make a recommendation, and the service is prompt.
I agree with one comment that the background music can be too loud.
Posted by: Mark | December 17, 2007 at 05:12 AM
I actually adore this place for what it is-an unpretentious, fun and hip place where service is incredibly warm and attentive.
The fish tacos are one of a kind!
It's the kind of place I kind of wish would remain a secret for a very long time.
Posted by: Grace | December 30, 2007 at 06:53 PM
I was walking down 3rd street and found the diamond in the rough! This restuarant is young LA with trendy comfort food galour. I had the salmon mac n cheese (amazing) for an apitizer, the vegi lasana for a main course and banana pudding bread for desert which was the best thing I've had a restuarant in 3 years. I will be sending every friend I have in LA to this place, the menu is over the top and the atmosphere is extremely comfortable. Good music and the help was very friendly. Must Try!
Posted by: Jon Perl | March 13, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Time to re-review. What a shame that you pallet is so far off from everyone else that eats here (or maybe a bad day for a very new restaurant?).
Posted by: Merlin | April 05, 2008 at 06:47 PM