The first time I visited Lazy Ox Canteen it became one of my new favorite places in downtown Los Angeles. It has the feel of a neighborhood place in Little Tokyo and there is plenty to entice you with its small plate theme. The variety of tempting dishes is more than sufficient to make each visit as exciting as your first visit.

Definitely start with the assorted house seasonal pickles with dill. What the chef pickles changes frequently. One night we had exquisite pickled whole okras along with delicious cucumber pickles.

In addition to the menu, there are numerous chalkboard specials, including a nightly dinner special for two. My daughter and I shared the 18 ounce pork porterhouse. This was possibly the best pork I have ever had. It came in a bowl slow cooked with black lentils, peas and potatoes. The pork literally melted in my mouth. Wow. It was just simply amazing. The dinner also came with a large salad to share — a true bargain for $28.

Plates include cheese selections from the excellent Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes, lamb cheeks, quick fried smelt, charred octopus, and too many tempting unusual dishes to list. The burger also looks fantastic. Lazy Ox also has a small, but eclectic list of wines and beers on tap and in bottle.

Lazy Ox Canteen is located at 241 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles. Phone number is (213) 626-5299. Web site is http://www.lazyoxcanteen.com

By Jeff Daar -

I could live on good sausage, bread, cheese and beer. This relatively new place in the artists loft district of Downtown Los Angeles gets pretty close to my idea of heaven. While it does not focus on bread or cheese, it does have some of the best sausages and Belgian fries in California.

Wurstküche offers more than 20 varieties of grilled to order sausages in a bun. You see the sausages in a refrigerator case when you order them. Some of my unusual favorites include rattlesnake and rabbit with jalapeño peppers, duck and bacon with jalapeño peppers, alligator and pork, and buffalo, beef and pork with chipotle peppers. Other unusual offerings include mango jalapeño and sun dried tomato and mozzarella. There is an ample offering of more traditional sausages. Four types of mustard are available; topping choices include caramelized onions, spicy peppers, sweet peppers and sauerkraut.

The Belgian fries come with dipping sauces and for a wee bit more money can be first dipped in white truffle oil. Some of my favorite dipping sauces are the bleu cheese, walnut and bacon, tzatziki, and chipotle ketchup.

Wurstküche offers 12 different Belgian ales on tap, 8 different German beers, and a handful of American. Each one comes in the specialty glass intended for that brew, just like in Europe. Other beverages include a select grouping of gourmet sodas, including Sweet Blossom Elder Flower soda and some of the Fentimans sodas.

I work in downtown L.A. and come here often for lunch. You get in and out quickly. But on weekend nights, you can expect 45 minute-plus lines. Wurstkuche is located at 800 E. 3rd St. in Los Angeles. Phone number is (213) 687-4444. The web site is www.wurstkucherestaurant.com