Unless you're totally satisfied with Ethiopian cuisine (which is, don't get me wrong, deeply satisfying) and tantalized by Moroccan cooking (which is, in and of itself, tantalizing), it's near impossible for the international foodie to get a thorough African fix in LA. Where are the West African eateries, the Central and South African cafes? The truth is, they're disappointingly few and far between. We Angelenos have got more couscous, tagine, and doro wot than we know what to do with, but if you're looking for thiebou diem or fufu, you're pretty much out of luck. Aside from a (very small) handful of restaurants, African flavors in LA are restricted to Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The restaurants that do stray from that model vary in their offerings, authenticity, and quality. Though they don't require a passport, some involve a serious safari, so I guess the question is: Just how far are you willing to go for an outstanding bowl of Egusi soup?
Gridskipper
It happens to the best of us: An old friend or family member comes to visit from St. Louis or Missoula or Long Island and wants to "see celebrities." If you're anything like me, the request is exasperating. We do not go celebrity hunting in LA; we simply hobnob and rub elbows. That said, sometimes you just have to compromise, so rather than agreeing to a Starline Tour, why not meet in the middle and appease your guest with dinner at a restaurant where a celeb's name is at least somewhere on the deed? They'll get to go home raving about how they "dined with Ashton," and you'll get to retain at least a semblance of self-respect. Hardly an exhaustive list, so feel free to pile on in the comments or tips.
