Greek and Bulgarian

First off, an apology to my fiercely patriotic Bulgarian friend Theo. I couldn't make a separate Bulgarian page, as I have forgotten how to change the date on these Blogger posts (or else the function disappeared). So here you are lumped in with those insidious Greeks.

Mama Voula's
11923 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 478-9464
Awesome Greek place for meze-type dips, mains like sausage and octopus, desserts, coffee and friendly service. For once, the Westside wins... fancier than Papa Christos but still cheap.

Papa Cristo's
(323) 737-2970- 2771 W. Pico Blvd, Pico/Alvarado-ish
Greek contender attached to grocery store. Excellent rack of lamb for very little dinero.

Danube Bulgarian Restaurant
1303 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, (310) 473-2414
Bulgarian fare here is hearty and good, with saucy Bulgarian waitresses and folk music on TV as extras. Shopska salad with superb Bulgarian feta cheese (the best of its kind) is essential. Also yogurt - the bacteria is called Lactobacillus bulgaricus for a reason - and the pepper/eggplant appetiser. Spicy kufta and pork chops are solid mains.