clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

What Was The Biggest LA Dining Surprise of 2010?

New, 9 comments

The close of 2010 is upon us, and as is the tradition here at Eater, we've surveyed a variety of bloggers, writers, and industry types to comment on the LA dining scene over the past 12 months — as well as what diners in our fair city might expect to see in the year to come. The results will run in this space throughout the week from Meal of the Year to Top Standbys. But we want you, dear readers, to share your voice, too, so don't forget the comments.
2010_12_sona.jpeg
A view that no longer exists.

Q: What was the biggest LA dining surprise of 2010?

Neil Kohan, Food Marathon: That LA Street Food Fest turned from a debacle in February to a success by July. That anyone still eats frozen yogurt. That there are still new food trucks. That Villaraigosa is still mayor when we all know Jonathan Gold should be.

Barbara Fairchild, former E-I-C Bon Appetit: Culina at The Four Seasons Hotel—proving that a hotel restaurant can be so much more than a cliche...one that is modern, lively, and fun, and really delivers on the food.

Cathy Chaplin, Gastronomy: Voltaggio leaving Pasadena! Wink, wink.

Zach Brooks, Midtown Lunch: That the answer to the last question could possibly include Palms.

Kevin (whose last name will remain undisclosed), kevinEats: Wolvesmouth. Best. Underground dinner. Ever.

Brad A. Johnson, Angeleno: The closing of Sona.

Jonathan Gold, LA Weekly restaurant critic: The burst not just in quantity but in quality of the food trucks. They really have taken the place of the undercapitalized first restaurant for aspiring creative chefs.

Lindsay WIlliam-Ross, LAist: The relentless obsession food enthusiasts had for Test Kitchen.

Jeff Miller, Thrillist: Two restaurants I didn't expect much from were actually great: Cleo at the Redbury and WP24 at the Ritz. Both are hotel restaurants run by huge corporations, but both of them managed to be distinctive and delicious.

Josh Lurie, Food GPS: After more than 13 years of full-throttle dining in Los Angeles, not much surprises me at this point, but it has been great to see the city’s dining scene become even deeper on the mobile, fast casual and mid-priced fronts.

Heather John, contributing editor Bon Appetit: In a move that was more Palin than punk rock, Red Medicine for refusing service to restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila and publishing her photograph.

Brad Metzger, restaurant recruiter Restaurant Solutions: Continuing trend of chef driven burgers and pizza.

Galarza: When Red Medicine outed S. Irene Virbila.

Odell: The Red Medicine debacle, Marcel Vigneron cooking at Bar210. Oh, and caviar plus caramel are a match made in heaven, thanks Ludo.

Sona

401 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90048