Is it possible to find steamed pork belly buns as perfect as David Chang’s from Momofuku Ssam? Is there a west coast equivalent to the honey butter drenched fried chicken biscuit at Pies and Thighs? Can Wylie Dufresne’s molecular take on eggs benedict at WD 50 be duplicated? (Or for that matter his duck breast in a cheddar cheese consomme that is to date the most incredible thing I have ever tasted?)
Despite my immediate fear of disappointment, I understood that the only way to find out was to venture out into the vast under (and upper) belly of Los Angeles, and eat … as much as my heart, stomach.… and fiancee would allow.

Then the idea hit me: what if I could eat in every single city within Los Angeles County? This would surely produce at least a few culinary equivalents to my New York exploits… right? Wait…how many cities are there in LA County? According to the county website there are a total of 88 cities that make up Los Angeles County (click HERE for a full list of cities with population).  My immediate thought? Oh yes. This is absolutely happening.

**NOTE: Neighborhoods such as Silverlake, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Venice, just to name a few, are noticeably missing off the 88 cities list. These are in fact districts, unincorporated areas, or neighborhoods within LA and not technically cities. News to me! However, I will still be eating and writing about all these fantastic foodie areas as well – along with the official 88!**

While New York spawned my initial inspiration, this has become more about uncovering the hidden gems in my hometown of LA. Mom and pop, hole in the wall, greasy spoon, upscale steakhouse and taco joint – the objective is to try them all, and everything in between. The diversity of Los Angeles is unparalleled, which makes finding and eating as many cuisines as possible an absolute necessity. Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Mexican, Italian, Peruvian…. The list goes on.

With the help of Yelp, hours of research and my many foodie friends, I have devised a list of where I think I should eat in each city. This is in no way set in stone and I am fully open to any suggestions along the way!  Please email me at joplin@joplinshouse.com  if you have a place I shouldn’t pass up!

Much love and happy eating!

Joplin