Hoi Nam Chicken at Big Wong
Eating at Big Wong, one of the newer holes-in-the-wall in our expansive Chinatown neighborhood, is like eating at the house of some longtime family friends — no frills, just simple, great food. Hoi Nam Chicken is the epitome of that vibe, a huge plate of tender, juicy, stewed chicken (complete with skin and other odd but delicious parts) served with a pile of white rice and soy and ginger-chili sauces for a dipping extravaganza. It’s an utterly satisfying, ridiculously cheap meal, following in our Chinatown traditions. — Brock Radke
Big Wong 5040 Spring Mountain Road, 368-6808
This newly opened quick-serve spot in the Miracle Mile Shops is looking to grow quickly, and they’ve picked the perfect menu item upon which to build a dynasty. Lobster ME’s lobster roll is a study in sweet and savory decadence, a butter-drenched and grilled bun loaded with fresh lobster salad and topped with the peerlessly sweet meat from three lobster claws. Sounds over the top, huh? It is. But somehow, we still want more. — B.R.
Lobster ME Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 785-5555