UNASSUMING SPOT #3

Tito's Tacos (Culver City)

I don't know if this actually falls under unassuming food but I feel the need to write about it anyway. Tito's Tacos...hmmm. I'm still trying to figure out what all the hype is about. My tacos tasted and looked like they had been sitting under a heat lamp since yesterday. I don't like these kind of tacos. The only way I can describe them is Americanized tacos and if I want that kind of taco I will go to Jack In The Box for 99 cents. Jack blows the competition out of the water if we're talking about that kind of taco. I'm really dissappointed, Tito, and I won't be visiting you again.

Since my dining partner and I don't agree on this place it gets two letter grades:

Skeptical diner grade: A

My grade: D-

UNASSUMING SPOT #2

Skratch (Culver City)

Skratch... I mean, what kind of establishment is this exactly? Crazy cat-lady store? DJ academy? I am hesitant to try such a destination on my hour-only escape from being chained to a desk, aka, lunch hour, however there are only so many times one can eat the tuna salad sandwich at the over-priced cafeteria so I persevere with my much braver food companion. Once we claw our way through the long line (ha, see what I did there? "claw" "skratch" no? ok) we see the menu written on a chalkboard informing us that we can order any of the delicious sounding meals as a sandwich, wrap or salad. We. Are. Sold. This is without a doubt a hidden gem amongst Culver City hospitals and pharmacies, Skratchlicious if you will. And ever since that fateful day, we can regularly be found at one of the outside tables chowing down on any one of the various salads or wraps, often with a side of the delish wild mushroom brie soup. Some of our faves include: the braised pull-pork, waldorf turkey, chipotle chicken (note: to my delight salads are served with a nice hunk of bread to meet my need for carbs). The prices are affordable, food is fresh and gourmet, leaving your stomach full and happy, wallet only slightly lighter. Nicely played, Skratch.

Unassuming Food Enthusiasts Grade: A

UNASSUMING SPOT #1

Westsubs (Culver City)

Ok, we have to admit at first glance Westsubs does not appeal to us. And the name is totally misleading. What are we getting here, a Subway knockoff? But we try it anyways because it's hotter than hell outside and we're thirsty and it's lunch time and a good excuse to leave our overly frosty offices for some fresh air. So we walk in and already I'm crushing on the place. Boba, games, magazines, orchids lining the wall and local art displayed. We take our seats and a gentleman in a festive Hawaiian shirt promptly takes our order. The boba menu is HUGE so obviously I'm in heaven. My dining partner is skeptical...she does not like boba. But I digress. Our meal arrives quickly - Crunchy Tuna Wrap with salad AND fruit (and fruit!) and for my dining partner a Chinese Chicken Salad. Oh, and of course I got a huge, Green Tea Mango Boba that was not only the best value on the menu but super refreshing. It even came in a frosty beer mug. At this point I'm in love and I haven't even taken a bite yet. The staff is beyond friendly and super attentive. The portions are huge and food is unassuming, inexpensive and good! We have a winner.

Unassuming Food Enthusiasts Grade: A