eyebrows from many of my white comrades at USC. Never before I moved from NY to LA would my I be questioned for considering fried chicken or BBQ ribs as possibly my favorite food. More of my friends than I would ever dream have...

Tommy Burgers are legendary. They make In N Out seem like Carl’s Jr. Growing up in the Pasadena area, we would drive to the Los Angeles original down on Rampart after high school parties, and I was hooked. Any USC student...

My friends and I celebrating last day of summer school classes (USC) and I was wondering if there are any suggestions from you guys about good lunching places that are decently priced (optimally below $10—but will go as...

We will be attending our daughter’s graduation from grad school at NYU in May. I’d like to host a dinner the evening of the graduation for the few family and friends who attend. Considering we are spending hundreds of...

Really? Then how do you explain the nasty food and below-average instruction at USC?

Looking for a special place downtown or in the USC area to celebrate our son’s 21st b’day. Read a review from Fodor’s about an Italian place called Cicada. Sounds great? Should I keep looking?

A group of good friends and I are having our last “semesterly” dinner together as USC students next week. We’re trying to find a sit-down place that’ll be somewhat memorable and not too expensive (ideally...

Hey all, School's back in session and I need some advice for grub. I don’t discriminate, as long as it’s good, hearty, and easy on the wallet. Suggestions, please! I’m tired of Pollo Campero and the Rodeo Grill.

You didn’t exactly say that your friend lives near USC, just that she is in grad school there. But assuming you will be based near that area and to add to a list of very good recs: (noted the ones that have websites; you...

Hope the search for Mexican cola is still timely. While stocking up daughter’s fridge for summer school, went to the Superior Market near USC at University Village shopping center. Was pleased to find the “real”...

Well. There’s this little place in Columbia. If you drive north out of town on Main Street, turn left onto Monticello (Highway 215). It’s on the right. Near (just past?) Eau Claire High School. I do not know if the...

Will be attending USC night game vs. Cal and am looking for some late night recs for post-game dinner (hopefully a celebratory one). Haven’t been to L.A. in a few years so I don’t know what’s new; however, my...

Bran: There is no place that i know of that does Midlands style SC Barbequen in Chicago. I learned to love the stuff when I was in school at USC. My best bet is to order through Maurice’s in Columbia or his brother’s...

In early December I’m making my annual trip to teach for a week at USC. Is there anything new and exciting in Columbia?

Heard of it? That place is legendary. Aged prime steaks that are REALLY PRIME and REALLY AGED. Old school style – I’ve been eating at PDC downtown since I was a kid, and that aside, it’s been there for almost...