1. why are you kidding me – over the fried pickles… you’re a food guy…. this isn’t new food.. although the only place I’ve seen them on the menu in LA is (I think…) BB Kings ( I didn’t order).
2. Red velvet cake isn’t difficult…just regional…so it’s rare and IS usually ( in LA) done very poorly when I find it here (yes – even Sprinkles does them badly). The best red velvet I’ve had in the LA area is Susie cakes, hands down. They have a few locations : http://www.susiecakesla.com/

This past weekend I tasted it in wedding cake form and it rocked. (I occasionally work with a fabulous wedding planner so I’ve tasted ALOT of wedding cake/ cup cakes in town).

But bad desserts are,sadly, pretty common all over LA…with a brief reprieve with the chocolate salumi at Cafe’ Laggo on the 3rd st. promenade.

I’m looking forward to trying Gus’s- I long for a serious down home BBQ joint with meat that falls off the bone and real Carolina sauce (no corn syrup slop please!) As you can tell I have a large opinion about my BBQ – and my Southern breakfast! I shall report back soon!
(do I dare ask what meat sweats are……)

I salute you and BBQ!