Dirty Chips and Plastic Bananas.

Metro Rapid Bus 754 - Vermont/Melrose

If you have a pitcher of sangria, a view of Elvis and the Virgin Mary, and healthy helping of black beans, you might just be inside the Original Cha Cha Cha.

Inside the pink exterior are two dining rooms where the Chiquita Banana would feel right at home. It is one of those rare wonderful places that thrive in Silverlake or Venice beach, where good food and a friendly atmosphere blend perfectly with the eclectic decor.

Every time I go, the Dirty Chips with Guacamole are the first things ordered. Before 2pm you can enjoy breakfast dishes with sides of plantains (which are my personal favorite here). After 2 pm, make sure you make it to happy hour: 4-7pm Monday - Thursday for $10 Sangria pitchers.

The side dishes are always a hit, and I hear the Jamacian Jerk Chicken is amazing, although I can't say I've tried it myself. Best of all, everything comes with fresh, warm bread, perfect for dipping in black beans.

You'll leave a little happier, a little warmer, and feeling a little bit more like a part of the family that has kept Cha Cha Cha standing (out) on the corner for the last 22 years.

TOFUZILLA! (Tofu meets its perfect match)

Metro Red Line - Pershing Square

[Oh! My Goodness! You shall never win while TOFUZILLA stands!]

[He grows! Taller, more powerful, as we speak!]

[Never fear! We shall fight the mighty tofu! All powerful forks! And chopsticks!]

[You are brave, little one. Go forth! Fight the mighty firm TOFUZILLA!]

[Without victory, I shall not return!]

Welcome to the LA Tofu Festival. There may indeed be 101 Things to do with Tofu within these two blocks of Little Tokyo.

Once a year, those who love the soy bean in all its cubist glory gather here to shop, eat, and be sunburned together.

To enjoy such soylebrations as Soy Wax and TofuBots.

Somehow the people here know how to make the squishy white blocks sound naturally kinky.

They also know how to have exhibits and tables dedicated to things you never imagined existed.

This guy to your right (standing behind me) belongs to the Dongguk Royal University.

He is advertising a "Gift of Health to Our Community" consisting of one free tongue acupuncture. Unfortunately, I can't take advantage of this offer. Sadly, my teeth get in the way.

Beneath the giveaways and merchandise are the people at the Little Tokyo Service Center. Their focus on local development, housing, and social services creates a strong neighborhood network, where the volunteers are proud to work with families as they grow through the generations and enhance the surrounding community.

The tofu festival is one of their many community events, and is a highlight of the Nisei Week Celebration in Little Tokyo. You can meet friends here, whether hanging out in the beer garden, or stopping by the fat rabbit farm.

And, of course, you can enjoy Tofu. From noodles to margaritas, pizza to BBQ, the combinations are plentiful (though not necessarily vegetarian).

Just be ready to wait in line.

[TOFUZILLA met his match, certainly!]

[He is eaten! We must all rejoice!]