I often drove by this dark looking bar The Must (illuminated only with a neon sign) at the gallery district in Downtown. The ghetto Skid Row adjacent neighborhood put us off trying it for awhile until now.
Turns out the interior is nicely decorated with amazing looking straw mat wall hanging, and the vibe is casual and hip. Black Sangria, made with black berries, yum!
I was baffled by my friend describing this place as gourmet white trash cuisine at first. I finally understand what she meant when I saw Soy Hamburger Helper on the menu.
Cheese Plate (St. Andres Double Cream Brie, Double Glouster Cheddar, Manchego w/ Fig Almond Cake Humboldt Fog) $15 and Mini Chicken Sliders – Crispy fried chicken breast, smoked mozzarella, ranch dressing, pickles on a mini brioche 3 for #10. The later was junky tasting.
They also have the option for ‘Ghetto Cheese Plate” served with sliced Velveeta, Ritz crackers & salty NUTZ. 😉
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Sauteed with bacon & mustard sauce $6 This is recommended by the waiter (who made a disclaimer “this might sound gross”), and I love it! The texture is crispy and crunchy, and the roasted aroma and flavor of bacon + mustard is just so GOOD!
Coca-Cola Pork Chop – Bone in oven roasted Pork Chop w/ coca-cola brine served over pink lady apple sauce with wilted arugula $14. So tender and juicy! The coca-cola gave a touch of sweetness in the meat, very yummy!
Chicken Pot Pie a la Mode – wild mushrooms, root veggies & snap peas in a light cream w/ a homemade biscuit $12. Good comfort food, but not wow.
Elbow Mac & Cheese – w/ bacon $7 very comfort tasting, enhanced with a touch of bacon. The dessert is Fluffernutter– Smoked almond & roasted peanut butter, marshmallow fluff and bananas on grilled brioche with dark chocolate ganache $10. So so, taste no different from smearing peanut butter and Hershey’s chocolate syrup on toast.
They have free birthday ice cream cakes for the birthday girl in our table, and the happy hour seems like a great deal. I love the humor and friendly vibe of the place. Though the walk back to our parking lot at midnight was err…”eventful” (with fireman trying to break down some door few doors down, cops handcuffing a homeless guy…).
The Must (213) 627-1162
118 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013-1418
Damn I miss dining out. XD
Coca-Cola Pork Chop sounds erm….interesting. Does the sauce actually taste like coke?
Wow! I had no idea the Must was serving up all that fancy fare! Those brussel sprouts sound amazing!
haha gourmet white trash cuisine….(;^_^A
seeing the the Mac & cheese dish, I totally understand!!
soy hamburger helper???Σ(゜o゜；) I’m curious how that tastes!!
Seat, you haven’t been dining out (other than casual eat)? Not enough time for the finer dining kind?
Yes Diana
Tomoko, i can’t help thinking of mr. hamburger helper in hippie outfit…