Here I am working in a "prime location" of Beverly Hills (Wilshire Boulevard and Doheny). One would think this would be pretty exciting stuff, and that every day I'd be bouncing along Rodeo Drive, happily making some purchases at Tiffany's, and taking a quick martini break while nibbling on jumbo shrimp cocktail. Well as previously mentioned - I'm a working girl. Even executives I know earning half a mil per year in my office aren't doing that at lunchtime. So what is the reality? What are our choices for lunch here in this super "posh"area? You'd be surprised to know that most of the choices are definitely sub-par. Let me review:
1. Cafe Connection
This place is TERRIBLE. I still order from here from time to time but only due to a loud growling stomach and the speedy convenience of delivery and halfway normal prices. Honestly, McDonald's is cheaper and probably better for you. The best thing on the menu has to be the french fries. The worst thing on the menu has to be the chicken. One time I ordered a rotiserrie chicken meal and I swear it must have been an anorexic, previously freeze dried chicken. It was disgusting. The hamburger, turkey burger, hot dog and all "grilled" foods are marinated in extra grease before served. If you decide to eat here, a healthy dosage of Pepto Bismol is highly recommended. Something relatively safe is the pesto turkey breast sandwich but I always take off like half the turkey and ask for extra cheese. Their BLT's seem okay and if you add avocado it is doable.
2. Beverly Hills Market & Deli Connection
Okay. This place is smack dab in the middle of major Beverly Hills shopping. When you think of "Beverly Hills Deli," you think of a charming little bistro, with only the best deli meats and excellent all white meat chicken salad which would have some fancy ingredients such as cranberries, walnuts or brie. Nope. It's just another version of Cafe Connection. While it's menu may offer more choices - again, the quality of the food itself is pretty terrible.
3. Lazy Daisy of Beverly Hills "Organic Eatery" (organic, my a$$!)
Again, terrible, and not cheap! Just do not waste your time or money here. Go to CVS and get a frozen Lean Cuisine meal and save yourself money and stomach problems.
Here are some places I do recommend:
1. Kate Mantilini
Kate's is a nice restaurant right on the corner of Wilshire and Doheny. It can be a little pricey if you're just looking for a quick lunch but the food and atmosphere is very good. In contrast to the $10 anorexic rotisserie chicken being sold up the street at Cafe Connection, Kate's has the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had. You get a choice of either Rosemary or Garlic, and your bird will come smothered in herbs with a nice big serving of mashed potatoes. For lighter eaters, I highly recommend the "Life Chicken," which is chicken breast sauteed in some sort of special onion sauce over rice. Very tasty. If you're on a budget, you can always pick up an order of Macaroni & Cheese for $9.
2. The Chicken Lady
Nestled in a strip mall on the corner of San Vicente and La Cienega, this little gem is a great place for a casual, tasty and inexpensive lunch. "The Chicken Lady" is famous for catering to popular TV shows and movie sets and recently opened her own little shop to patrons such as myself. As the name suggests, she primarily serves all kinds of chicken dishes, sandwiches and salads. On Fridays, however, you can usually find a scrumptious Rib special. All meals are under $10.
3. La Gondola
A bit of an odd combination of Kosher Italian food, but pretty good. For those unfamiliar with kosher foods you will notice a difference in taste, but in my opinion it's not bad. I am especially fond of the "Spencer Steak" served over cabernet sauce.
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