Things Are Going South

It's officially my second day of summer and I vowed to do whatever I damned well pleased. Just kidding! I never do what I damn well please but I can wish, can't I? So today after completing wedding stuff I made my way to Abbot Kinney, dashed into Gjelina Take Away, grabbed two of their to-die-for chocolate chip cookies, and made my way over to 1146 for the sandwich of the century! Chop Daddy's (formerly known as Pork Belly's) Belly Up Sandwich was voted one of the top 10 best new sandwiches in LA in 2014 by Zagat! That's no small potatoes! Cooked in the in-house smoker for 12 hours, the meats literally melt in your mouth! All rubs and sauces are made on the premises and are absolutely wonderful! Eric Solton brings his love and knowledge of southern style bbq to Venice for everyone to enjoy! Today I had the Pulled Pig ($8.95). I must say that this pulled pork is at the top of my list! Topped with homemade bbq sauce and coleslaw, and served on a brioche bun; this sandwich is hog heaven! Of course I couldn't pass up the fried pickles ($3.95) with cornmeal crunchy coating served with two dipping sauces. Pickles were absolutely fried to perfection. Drinks are varied and all great choices are available. Who doesn't love a grape Hi C? ($1.99) every now and then? You can get the combo for $13.99, plus they throw in a yummy freshly baked (throughout the day) chocolate chip cookie. ($2.75) I was lucky enough to get to try a new creation; the absolutely fabulous bread pudding with whipped cream! It was, by far, one of the most outstanding bread puddings to pass these lips. Just a side note, employees are super nice and friendly too! Though there are no tables inside, you can pig out in the front, back patio, or just take your food down to the beach. It tastes amazing anywhere! Chop Daddy's 1146 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice (310) 450-1533 Hours: Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Thurs. 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday-Sat. 11 a.m.-11.p.m.

 Recommended: The Belly Up, The Pulled Pig, Fried Pickles, Chocolate Chip Cookie.

If you have a craving for bbq, and you happen to be in Studio City, Uncle Andre's serves some pretty authentic southern fare. Seriously there's not much (read any)  atmosphere here but it's a long way from Calabasas so we choose to "dine" in the tiny (mostly take out) joint. I use the word dine cautiously as the parade of to-go customers is both hectic and endless. However, the freshness of the chow is worth the 40 minute wait especially when you can look at all of the signed autographs and celeb photos adorning the walls while you ponder over whether you really are ever getting any food. Fried chicken wings ($7.95) are golden brown, crispy and made to order. These are some of the biggest wings we've ever seen. Seven of them come in an order. Try a basket of of French fries ($2), Hush Puppies ($3.25), or a piece of cornbread ($.50). The Half Bird  ($11.95) is authentic southern fried and worth every minute of that wait. White and dark meat is juicy and tender and crust is thick, perfectly salted, and super crunchy. We ordered two sides of homemade mac and cheese ($3.75) which is thick, creamy, and cheesy. We could not pass on the Half Baby Back Rib Slab ($12.95) and I'm glad we didn't! These are possibly some of the largest, meatiest ribs outside of real Kansas City bbq! Come hungry, come early, and be prepared to wait. Bring a project, a good book, or a good conversationalist to pass the time. Uncle Andre's BBQ 11715 Moorpark Street, Studio City. (818) 763-8414. Tue-Fri 11 am-9 pm Sa-Su 12:30 pm-9 pm. *Get there by 5:30 pm (or call for take-out) as they do run out of food!

Recommended Dishes: Baby Back Ribs, Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese.

Want a little taste of the South? If so, Willie Jane in Venice nails it with their Southern fare. The location is right on the trendy strip of Abbot Kinney near other favorites like Joe's and Primitivo. If you can, request a table on the patio as heat lamps abound! Chef Govind Armstrong serves up some serious eats. As a teeneger, Armstrong worked on the line at the original Spago. Now he brings his talent to Willie Jane with refined Southern cooking. Start your meal off with a specialty cocktail like Mississippi Tea (vodka, Altar Herbal) or the Coal Miner's Daughter (Bourbon, ginger syrup, lemon juice, honey and lavender). Most of Armstrong's hearty fruits and vegetable come from Geri Miller's urban farm, Cook's Garden right next door. The buttermilk biscuits with burnt orange butter are buttery, soft and flakey ($2 each). Mary's chicken is fried crisp and juicy and some of the best around. Half a chicken is served with Snipped Garden Leaves. ($18). Cast Iron chicken with Poached Garlic and Grilled Lemon ($19) is perfectly cooked and good-sized. The Mac 'n' Cheese with Herbed Bread Crumbs ($7) is big enough for two to split. True Southerners must try the Bourbon Smoked Rib Rack ($18) with Orange and Hibiscus glaze and the Black-Eyed peas simmered with ham hocks and kale. ($6) For dessert don't miss the oatmeal cookie sandwich! ($8) 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice (310) 392-2425 

Reservations necessary/Valet Parking

Recommended Dishes: Mary's Chicken, cast iron chicken, shrimp and grits, simmered greens with pickled peppers, raisin oatmeal cookie sandwich.