Horse Thief BBQ

Guy Fieri travels throughout the U.S. with his show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" to feature many small restaurants and eateries. Horse Thief BBQ located at the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles was one of many.

Horse Thief BBQ has their own dining area (outdoors), however for those rainy days, there is seating inside the Grand Central Market.

Featured on the show were the pork belly (served on apple fennel slaw and spicy mayo) and the fried chicken sandwich. The pork belly needs to be featured on another food show called "Best Thing I Ever Ate" because it deserves to be there. The fried chicken sandwich was crunchy, crispy and juicy.

What was not featured on the show, but was a popular favorite with customers was the beef brisket. Or was it the brisket sandwich? The beef brisket was most likely used for the sandwich as well. It was juicy, tender and flavorful.

Also at the Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles includes a few other restaurants and eateries that were featured on "Incredible Edible America", "Andrew Zimmern: Delicious Destinations" and "The Next Food Network Stars". Maybe "Best Thing I Ever Ate" as well, but I can't remember.

Luigi Al Teatro

Luigi Al Teatro is a new Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, CA who recently had a grand opening. It sits in a historical landmark, a 100-year-old building, that went from an Edison company to a place of worship to a dance theater production. The restaurant is located within a few minutes from the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade as well as the Venice Beach Boardwalk. You can spend a few hours at the beach or Third Street Promenade followed by a romantic meal at Luigi Al Teatro. It is a true hidden gem, off the beaten path.

The restaurant has a semi-open kitchen so the guests can be entertained by the kitchen staff while their meals are being prepared. Guests can also sit in the patio area. The roof is retractable where it can be open, so guests can enjoy the nice warm air. Also in the patio area is a fresh herb garden to which the restaurant uses for many of its dishes. The wait staff is inviting and personable. They are knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. The wine cellar is impressive and can be seen above the bar area. The menu changes often according to what is in season, so guests who are fans of the restaurants are always trying something new at each visit, but the menu always features fresh seafood and the fresh pasta is made in-house daily.

Chef Luigi Fineo started his love for cooking at a young age from accompanying his mother to local markets while growing up in Puglia, a southern region of Italy. His passion grew and his dreams were realized when he traveled to the U.S. to continue his culinary journey where he worked with many great master chefs. He is very humble and gives extreme attention to detail in many of his creations.

Chocolate Martini

Tuna Cannolo

Baked Split Pea Soup topped with Scallops

Linguini topped with Sea Urchin

Lasagna with Seafood Medley

Lemon Tart

Pastiera Nepoletana (Barley, Ricotta)

For more information about Luigi Al Teatro or for reservations, visit its website here.