Photo: Courtesy of Tokuyamatcha Last week, we brought back "Cheap Eats," a list of singular, wonderful foods that all cost, even in this era of ballooning expenses, $17 or less. One of the goals, as we wrote, was to celebrate the work that goes into cooking food for all New Yorkers. Of course, we also wanted to give readers a list of amazing things to eat.
Though robo is in its name, the only labor robots actually perform is the cooking itself, which happens in rotating drums right behind the counter; the preparation and doling out of dishes requires humans to take over. For an affordable and quick option, Robowok more than fits the bill, but don't expect the same heart (or flavor) as your favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant.
For years, I've brought friends to Mercado la Paloma, the food hall and cultural center that is home to Gilberto Cetina's Holbox, the seafood counter that was our L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year in 2023 and last year was awarded a Michelin star. These days, there's always a line for Cetina's exquisite seafood plates, including his octopus taco with squid-ink-stained sofrito.
Chef Gilbert Cetina’s Holbox, recognized as L.A.'s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, offers exquisite seafood dishes at accessible prices, especially its $17 lunch special.
"Affordable pricesâthat was our key when we started this restaurant," Gangadhar says. "If a person is coming with even $5, with $1 chai and one puff he can have a good evening."
