Passing it Over on Passover

I'm not sure that anyone is as obsessed with Farmer's Market as I am. My Nana and Papa used to take me there when I was a little girl. Rumor has it, that even then I adored meeting new people and struck up quite the conversation with Raymond Massey (from the old Dr. Kildare series). Upon meeting the charming then 65 year-old, I told him he had funny looking teeth and should pay a visit to my father, the dentist. After Mr. Massey got over the initial shock, we shared a donut at Bob's and my grandparents lectured me about having a censor on the way home. Sadly, my grandparents are long gone, but Bob's is still there as well as Magee's Kitchen, an original FM staple since 1934.

I know the combination of Irish and Mexican food sounds really random, but trust me, it works. Our favorite enchilada is the cheese ($4.25). It is a perfect blend of tortilla and tons of melted cheese. Both Soft or Hard Tacos ($3.50) as well as Tostadas ($7.95) Chips and Salsa ($1.50), and Burritos ($7.95) are available. Take your choice of beef or chicken, onion, peppers, and hot sauce for burritos. For tostadas, you get beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. Ask the wonderful Dwayne for a sample of the new Salsa Verde; it's fantastic! 

Be prepared for one of the most tender, flavorful, delicious corned beef sandwiches ($9.95) you've ever bitten into! Pefect chewy rye encases tons of juicy corned beef and yellow mustard. The French Dip ($9.95) is a hearty sandwich that you'll order over and over again. Magee's pickles rival any deli and will have you going back to the counter asking for more!  Magee's Kitchen at the Original Farmer's Market 6333 West 3rd Street Stall 624, Los Angeles. (323) 938-4127. M-Sat 9 am- 9 pm, Sun 9 am- 7 pm. Validates for Parking in Farmer's Market outside lot.

Recommended Dishes: Cheese Enchilada, Corned Beef Sandwich, French Dip.

What better place to meet your daughter's wedding photographer than this great winery in the middle of Westlake Village on a Tuesday afternoon? Apparently a lot of locals and guests of the Westlake Inn think so too. This place was crazy crowded at 4:30 today! By the way, our photographer, Chelsea Elizabeth is fantastic, should anyone be looking. Check out her website, www.chelseaelizabeth.com for more info. Anyway, grab a table with a fire pit outside or opt to sit inside where it's nice and toasty warm. Walk up to the bar and the friendly staff will recommend wonderful flights of three 2 oz pours ($13-$16) for Red and $10-$18 for white. Pick from trios like The Local Flight ($13) Colcanyon, Merlot "Estate," Malibu, 2008, Los Robles Hills, Trinity, Thousand Oaks, '09, and my favorite Principie, Cabernet Sauvignon, Hidden Valley, '10. I'm starting to move away from white wine but enjoy the "First Class" Flight. ($18). The Talley "Estate," Arroyo Grande, 2011 has a hint of tangerine and melon, and goes well with the Dolin, Malibu Estate 2010 which tastes of lemon rind, caramel, and pineapple. The third in the flight is Girardin, Puligny-Montrachet 2009 from France. Wine is also available by the half glass, glass, and bottle. My daughter adores the Delamotte French Champagne ($20). Wines by the glass start at $4.50 and include French, German, New Zeland, Italian, Chilean, California, Spanish, Australian, Portugese, and Argentinian. Don't miss the fromage served with crostini and fresh pears. For $15 you can mix and match 3 cheeses or anything from the charcuterie. We love the Comte extra aged cow's milk cheese from France. It has a slightly spicy flavor and is aged over five months in caves. Comte is considered one of the finest cheeses in the world!  The Pave d' affinois, a double cream soft cheese,  tastes slightly of mushrooms, and is really buttery and rich. Finally, the St. Agur Bleu, from the mountains of France has a rich, creamy texture and is perfect for spreading on the luscious sliced pears! Stonehaus 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. (818) 483-1152.  

I'm not going to lie and tell you this is in the best of neighborhoods. So leave your designer handbags and Le Bron's at home and jump in the car for a joy ride to Winnetka for the tastiest combo of Caribbean and Latin food! Johnny Pacific is tiny place in a strip mall, with friendly quick service. It only holds about 20 people so come early or get food to go. Empanadas are top dog here. Prices are as listed: $2.35 each, 4 for $8.95, or a dozen for $25.50. Fluted half moon pies are crispy on the outside stuffed with different juicy fillings. Each one is like biting into a perfect little surprise. You get to try all of the crazy good dipping sauces too. Chimmi-Churri is the best we've had in LA, so ask for extra ($.25) Chipotle is a close second, with BBQ, Basil-Aioli and Sweet and Sour right behind. What the heck; just get them all! The Chicken has a delicious lemon flavor and is our favorite, followed by the BBQ Pulled Pork, Beef Tinga, and Spinach and Cheese. Vegetarians will go ape over the Mushroom and Roasted-Veggie Garlic. Be sure to try the JP House Fries ($3). Crunchy, salty, hot, and crispy; they are definitely a just because! JP Plates are very popular too. The #1 Island Skewers ($11.95) with Grilled Korean style flat iron steak skewers,sticky rice, one empanada, and organic field greens with balsamic vinaigrette is a favorite of ours. For lunch try the JP Lunch Combo ($7.50). You can choose any 2 empanadas, fries, or salad, and a drink. Refrescos ($3.35) are special in-house fresh fruit beverages that come in flavors like watermelon and pineapple. For dessert we love the Banana Chocolate Empanada with Caramel sauce. Who needs luxury anyway when you've got Johnny Pacific? Love it! Johnny Pacific 7574 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka. (818) 885-6927. Mon-Sat 10 am- 7 pm Sun 10 am- 7 pm

We eat on Abbot Kinney whenever we can which is pretty often and consider Primitivo to be one of our favorite haunts. I love the cozy feel of the indoor bar/dining room. Be sure to check the blackboard for daily wine specials available in 2/5 oz glasses. We enjoy getting the smaller glass and tasting more incredible wines at this lovely Mediterranean bistro. Service is mellow and laid back, yet very attentive. I have to give a shout out to bus boys too, as these guys work really hard and do an awesome job! Check out the extensive wine list yourself or check with your very knowledgable server for wonderful suggestions. We enjoy the La Cana Albarino ($6/$11/$43) from Spain and the Ferrington Vineyard Gewurztraminer ($47/bottle). For a fragrant glass of Spanish Red order the Cuatro Pasos Bierzo ($14/glass). We love the enticing scent of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and vanilla. International wines include those from Germany, France, Israel, Austria, Portugal, Australia, Lebanon, Greece, and a plethora of other countries. If you're a wine lover, this is paradise! Plan to try a few glasses because there is an extensive selection. Soft, fresh bread and olive butter is a heavenly treat while you pore over the menu. And you will, because everything looks divine. The Primitivo Caesar ($12) is made with anchovy dressing, cherry tomato confit, grated pecorino-romano, and housemade croutons. This salad is outstanding. Be sure to ask for extra dressing to dip the bread. Anchovy lovers will go crazy for this! The Truffle Lobster Crab Tower ($13) is beautifully presented with tons of Dungeoness crab, Maine lobster, hass avocado, tomatoes, a balsamic reduction, micro salad, and truffle essence. This is one of the most delicious dishes I have ever had. I love it! Soup specials ($8) change daily but we really like the slightly spicy Potato-Leek. Bloomsdale spinach ($8) with garlic and pepppers is a fresh, flavorful side dish. One of our favorite hot plates is the Marinated Moorish Rack of Lamb ($25). Three tender juicy lambchops are marinated in a Moroccan spice blend, served wit three-cheese scalloped potatoes and black cherry chutney. For dessert, the vanilla creme brulee ($8) is perfect. The top is crisp and cruchy. When you break through, creamy softness awaits. You will finish every last drop, and you will unbutton your pants (hopefully you will wait until you get into the car). And you will wait for your car. The valet is shared by Willie Jane (see review), Joe's (review coming), and Primitivo. People watch while you're waiting; or just digest, either way; have fun! Primitivo Wine Bistro 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (310) 396-5353. M-F 12 pm- 2:30 pm M-Sa 5:30 pm- 12 am Sa/Su 11 am- 11pm

Recommended Dishes: Lobster Crab Seafood Tower, Caesar Salad, Lamb, Creme Brulee.

Do you ever go back to a place time after time because it has such sentimental value? We have been going to The Brentwood Country Mart since our kids were babies. I remember the days of bringing their portable high chairs and hooking them on to the picnic-style redwood tables (now white-washed) twenty four years ago. Now we're a little older, and sometimes kidless, but the food still has us coming back.  Every month my husband faithfully has his hair cut in the same "mart" barbershop that he has gone to since 1979. Every haircut equals a lunch at Reddi Chick, so I'm always happy to accompany him! The mart is well-known for its celebrity sightings. Don't be surprised if you're licking your fingers right next to Jason Biggs. I so wanted to ask him why Larry Bloom did that radio interview and why he gets to feel Piper's pain more than she does. (Orange is the New Black ) So sit yourself down, star gaze, ponder, and order up a basket. All baskets are served with a choice of one side: French Fries. Cole Slaw, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, or BBQ Beans. Get the French Fries! The Chicken Basket ($9) is golden brown rotisserie chicken (1/2) that literally falls off the bone. Be sure to ask for extra bbq sauce. It's magic. I don't know the recipe, have been trying to get it for 24 years, and have not come close. The Chicken Wing Basket ($7) is my kids' favorites. Occasionally I opt for the Fried Clams ($5) with creamy thick tartar sauce. Another specialty of Reddi Chick is the famous Gourmet Baked Potatoes. A plain spud will run you about $1.49 while more exotic treats like Southwestern Chicken (chicken, jack cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream) will set you back $3.99. Add extra items for $.60 each. Whole chickens are available to go for $11, a side of ribs (pork) for about $18, and even duck ($24) if you order ahead! Reddi Chick, 226 26th Street #23 Santa Monica. (310) 393-5238. M-Sa 10 am- 8 pm, Su 11 am-7pm.

Recommended Dishes: Chicken Basket, French Fries, Fried Clams, Wing Basket, Whole Chicken, Ribs, Gourmet Baked Potatoes.