✨NEW AFFORDABLE POWER LUNCH AT THIS FAMOUS VIETNAMESE SPOT IN LA✨ I finally got to cross this iconic elevated Vietnamese fusion spot off my list, and it was 100% worth the hype! This is Crustacean in Beverly Hills, a celebrity hotspot that’s been around since the 90s with food that’s actually amazing. The story of Crustacean’s creation is truly incredible — the chef, Helene An, became a refugee during the Vietnam War and built her restaurant business from scratch starting in San Francisco in the 80s. She’s now known as the mother of fusion cuisine, and was even recognized by the Smithsonian for her groundbreaking culinary achievements! I checked out Crustacean’s new power lunch menu, a three course prix fixe designed to get you in and out in 45 minutes, and I was super impressed. For the first course, I got the Steamed Shrimp & Lobster Dumplings and the Filet Mignon Beef Satay. When I say I’m still dreaming of those satay skewers… They fully melted in my mouth and were so flavorful with the perfect balance between sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy notes. For the main course, I got the Ribeye Banh Mi ‘Pho’ Dip and their famous Crab Fried Rice for a supplemental charge of $9. The ‘Pho’ Dip was my favorite of this course. Their eight hour pho is only served during lunch, and that plus the cheesy sandwich was comforting perfection. For dessert, you can choose a house-made ice cream or sorbet (the Jasmine was insanely flavorful) or opt for my favorite, the Warm Oven Baked Valrhona Chocolate Chip Cookie. The ambiance here was also gorgeous, with cherry blossom decorations and even a koi pond beneath the floor throughout the whole restaurant! The power lunch menu starts at only $39/person (a steal considering their a la carte prices) and is offered Tuesday-Friday from 12-3pm. Save this for one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles that actually lives up to the hype! 🦀 @Crustacean Beverly Hills #food #foodtiktok #foodie #fyp #losangeles #latiktok #lafoodie #laeater #thingstodoinla #restaurantreview #foodreview #beverlyhills #finedining #lunch #vietnamesefood #asianfusion

✨THIS IS THE MOST UNDERRATED PASTA IN LA✨ I wanted to gatekeep this walk in only hidden gem, but this authentic Italian restaurant deserves their flowers. Colapasta is located in a quiet area of Santa Monica, Los Angeles and prides themselves on their farm to table ingredients and fresh pasta made in-house daily. With delicious food and affordable prices (almost everything is under $20), it’s no surprise that they won a Michelin Bib Gourmand! The appetizers here are great, but the pastas are why you come. The red beet-filled Casunziei with hot brown butter sauce poured tableside is probably the best pasta I’ve had in LA! Be sure to order their off-menu Focaccia to sop up all the sauces, and even if you don’t like licorice I would highly recommend trying the Budino a la Liquirizia for dessert. 🍝 #food #foodtiktok #foodie #fyp #losangeles #latiktok #lafoodie #laeater #restaurantreview #foodreview #thingstodoinla #santamonica #italianfood #pasta #michelinbibgourmand #michelinguide #authenticfood #hiddengems