Eat Out. Ludo Truck.

When I spotted Chef Ludo Lefebvre's truck on Melrose Avenue on Saturday morning, I knew we had to stop. Having never been to this particular food truck before--nor any of the super popular Ludo Bites pop up spots, there was no way I'd pass up the opportunity when lunchtime was approaching.

Jonathan Gold named Ludo's fried chicken one of the 99 things you should eat in L.A. before you die. Is it really that good? In a word, yes.

The chicken was really delicious--hot, flavorful white meat strips--my favorite. The honey lavender biscuit was different than I expected (sort of dense - definitely not your typical fluffy biscuit) but was nevertheless quite tasty. The cole slaw was pretty good too--crisp and fresh, but nothing to write home about. A thirst-quenching basil blood orange agua fresca rounded out the quick roadside meal perfectly.

Délicieux.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: the BEAT

Eat Out. Melrose Night.

Last minute awesome Thursday night out event! Food trucks, plus 10% off at Urban Outfitters--what a great way to get the weekend started early.

We think it's worth going for LudoTruck alone.

If you can't make it tonight, this ongoing event will take place the first Thursday of every month.

Tonight, January 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Info: melrosenight.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Melrose Night

Eat Out. M Cafe's Big Five special.

M Cafe is one of those eateries that I consider to be quintessentially "L.A.": the food is painstakingly fresh and healthy (specifically, it's macrobiotic, so add an extra point there), the setting is open with natural light and outdoor seating for optimal be-seen opportunities, and there's usually a celebrity or two (and subsequently, paparazzi). Oh, and the food is really good.

It's a true L.A. staple, which makes it a little surprising to think that it's only been around for five years. And tomorrow just happens to be its 5th anniversary, and you're invited to celebrate with the Big Five deal, when you can enjoy everything on their menu for just $5! The deal lasts from 5pm to closing, and you're limited to five items each (see a pattern here?), but that should be enough time for you to grab a delicious Big Macro burger (usually $9.75) or a varied sushi combo (up to $9.50). Just try to stay clear of the paparazzi.

The M Cafe Big Five deal is being offered at all three M Cafe locations, including: 7119 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood, 9343 Culver Blvd. in Culver City and 9433 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: M Cafe

Eat Out. Village Idiot [Thirsty Thursdays!].

So although the picture above shows a empty bar, this place is actually never bare. The Village Idiot is an amazing English restaurant/upscale pub, with really excellent food.

The noises of a crowded bar, with dishes clanging and people chatting, actually gives this place a charming atmosphere, and it feels really warm with the rich dark wood.

My favorite thing about this place is the blended beers. Quite often, their blends are a mix of dark, creamy, frothy beers from England, which are actually much better than the run-of-the-mill Guiness-and-something-else. Their half-and-half is phenomonal and I love the 1903 craftsman lager.

In my pre-vegetarian days, I would eat their ale-steamed mussels, but now I am restricted entirely to the "no face" portion of the menu, but their "two legs" and "four legs" options are quite tempting.

The steak and potato pie looks scrumptious.

The Village Idiot is located at 7383 Melrose Avenue.

-- Lauren Williams