On The Nickel


“On The Nickel” contains probably the most devastating and beautiful lyrics I have ever heard. “The Nickel” refers to a section of Fifth Street in Downtown Los Angeles that was gathering place for the homeless and down-&-out folks during the depression era. The song is the title score for the 1980 film by Ralph Waite. The music rings like a childrens’ lullaby, with the words harking to the days when these now hapless “Nickel” characters were just little boys running amok and making mischief. This is one of those songs that is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and I have have a hard time picturing it having the full effect if covered by somebody other than Waits. Cant help but love his music. A glass of whiskey, candles and a lit cigarette. ( Smoking is bad for you kids ). Enjoy!

sticks and stones will break my bones,
but i always will be true, and when
your mama is dead and gone,
i’ll sing this lullabye just for you,
and what becomes of all the little boys,
who never comb their hair,
well they’re lined up all around the block,
on the nickel over there.

so you better bring a bucket,
there is a hole in the pail,
and if you don’t get my letter,
then you’ll know that i’m in jail,
and what becomes of all the little boys,
who never say their prayers,
well they’re sleepin’ like a baby,
on the nickel over there.

and if you chew tobacco, and wish upon a star,
well you’ll find out where the scarecrows sit,
just like punchlines between the cars,
and i know a place where a royal flush,
can never beat a pair, and even thomas jefferson,
is on the nickel over there.

so ring around the rosie, you’re sleepin’ in the rain,
and you’re always late for supper,
and man you let me down again,
i thought i heard a mockingbird, roosevelt knows where,
you can skip the light, with grady tuck,
on the nickel over there.

so what becomes of all the little boys,
who run away from home,
well the world just keeps gettin’ bigger,
once you get out on your own,
so here’s to all the little boys,
the sandman takes you where,
you’ll be sleepin’ with a pillowman,
on the nickel over there.

so let’s climb up through that button hole,
and we’ll fall right up the stairs,
and i’ll show you where the short dogs grow,
on the nickel over there.

ANIMAL!

The name is actually Animal, but it deserves the exclamation mark. One of my Favorite restaurants! Rich, decadent, full-flavored food. I loved this place! You might like it, you might hate it, but i personally enjoyed most of the dishes that i had. We were too full to finish the ribs.
I would give more details but onto the pictures! No one wants to read the crap i write, we all just want to see the pics!
(i know the pics look all brown, but its meat dammit!)
I will try to name each dish.

melted petite basque, chorizo, grilled bread
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barbeque pork belly sandwiches, slaw
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poutine, oxtail gravy, cheddar
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baby broccoli, pancetta, parmesan, soft egg, bread crumbs
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bone marrow, parsley salad
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quail fry, grits, chard, slab bacon, maple jus
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balsamic pork ribs, delicata squash, cippolini onion vinaigrette
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I also had the bacon chocolate crunch bar, s&p anglaise. No pic but I LOVED it! (I was too busy eating it and forgot to take a picture)

Reservations recommended. (small place and fucking crowded!)
Animal Restaurant
435 N. Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-782-9225
www.animalrestaurant.com

Hot Stuff Cafe

Not your regular Hong Kong style cafe. The Chef actually takes the time and plates his food. The place is in a non-descript part of San Gabriel Blvd, almost hidden. What a surprise for a place that sounds like another HK cafe. The cafe has a seasonal menu so you are most likely not to get the same thing every time. They serve beer and wine and the pricing is reasonable.
Taste is subjective so try the place and let us know what you think.

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Hot Stuff Cafe
315 S. San Gabriel Blvd, Suite A
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-292-7975
www.hotstuff-cafe.com

Five Guys Burgers

Yeah, Yeah…i know its a chain. But there are only two locations here in the LA County area. One in Cerritos and the other one in Carson.

This place is supposed to be the In-N-Out of the east coast. Personally i think that In-N-Out is the best fast food burger around. Their #1 combo (double double, fries and drink) is what i usually order and damn do they make some delicious grub. Only using fresh ingredients and making their fries from scratch is another one of those things about them that make me smile… Well, back to me writing about Five Guys.

Five Guys uses fresh ingredients too, their menu has a bit more stuff than In-N-Out. You can get Bacon in your burgers and they also serve hot dogs (didn’t get to try those). They also have complimentary roasted peanuts (Yay for free peanuts). I had the Bacon Cheese Burger, large fries and a coke. The food is decent, better than your average fast food joint. Portions are big but you will probably end up spending around 10 bucks for your meal.

Overall, a new choice for a decent cooked to order, fresh ingredients burger, fast food joint. I will go back and try it again. Anyways. here are the pics…

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FPFTW! (Free Peanuts For The Win!)
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The location I visited:
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
11461 South Street
Cerritos, CA 90703
www.fiveguys.com

Valenzuela’s

Thius was my first time here and was told by a friend to to try the recommended specialty.
The “Carne En Su Jugo”, Basically its carne asada cut small, its cooked in its own juice and beef broth. It has pinto beans, cilantro, onions, garlic, and lime. It is accompanied with a plate of radishes, grilled onions and peppers. Choice of Tortillas, fresh cut lemons and limes are standard with this meal.

I guess you can consider it more of a soup, but damn, was this thing good! It was flavorful yet still felt light and refreshing (probably due to the lime). Use the spoon and dig up all the juicy tidbits of carne, pinto beans, and cilantro. The combination of flavors feels familiar yet i have never had this dish before.. A hearty meal that left me feeling stuffed throughout the night.

If you get a chance, hope you try this dish.

Valenzuela’s Restaurant
11721 Valley Blvd
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 579-5384