The best things I ate in dining rooms (where I found comfort this week).

The burger @hereslookingatyoula brought me back to life after being evacuated from my home. We are back in the house and feeling extremely grateful. Thank you @lientigre for the hospitality. It was a much needed respite from reality.

And the best curly fries in town.

This last @latimesfood column was one of the most difficult to report. Earlier this week I spoke with Dean Yasharian of @perle_restaurant , one of my favorite restaurants in Pasadena. Owners Dean and Pauline Yasharian are one of thousands of families who lost their homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires. They’re part of a community of survivors now deep in the throes of navigating how to house their families and rebuild. Instead of taking the time to grieve and fully process their loss, the Yasharians switched gears to focus on their restaurant and the 30 employees they consider family. The restaurant, like many in Los Angeles, was already struggling through Covid and the writers strike. After being closed for one week, its working capital dropped to an all-time low. It’s the same story at so many resultants around town. If you’re in a position to eat out, keep supporting restaurants. You can read more about the Yasharians and Perle at the link in my bio. I was at a corner table in the dining room on Wednesday when they reopened. Here’s their excellent tarte tatin.

The French onion soup

And the stellar sole meunière

Sandwiches from @dtlacheesesuperette . Thank you @bettyhallock for always being so wonderful and thoughtful

Burrito 2.0 and chivichangas from @sonoratownla … for the burrito add poblano chile and extra cheese

Bo kho braised short ribs from @dinelittlesister

#latimesfood Less