Nicolle Kelly, owner of Clockwork Translations, has high standards for affordable dining out.  So when she mentioned Gang Lung Jip -3250 W. Olympic Bl. #305 Los Angeles, CA 90006 (323) 731-9770 -  in the Koreatown Galleria , I knew it was going to be great…and it was.

A huge salad with typical Korean veggies and tuna and tilapia for under $6!  This is topped with a spicy dressing and served with seaweed soup. All this in a fun food court where you can indulge your love of Sanrio afterwards. After walking around the shops you might need a treat so try the Cake House with beautiful pastries and coffee.

Don’t miss the supermarket on the ground floor.  Low prices on produce, massive selections of soy sauce, raman, and kimchi. Be adventurous and try some new condiments, kitchen products, and spices.

Now many of you may have heard of the wonders of the Olympic Spa. This is an indulgance that can be as low as $15 for spending time in the simple soak to $100 for an hour and a half spa treatment called Pure Bliss Aromatherapy Massage and Body Scrub .  This spa experience begins with the Akasuri Body Scrub. After a citrus jojoba bead body polish, a full session Korean Deep Tissue Massage with aromatherapy oil blend  and stimulating essential oil scalp massage followed by a botanical facial massage and chamomile mask. They even wash your hair at the end. Now you will be spending time walking around with other naked ladies so it is not for the modest.

It’s five o’clock  and you are at the office and you really don’t want to make dinner tonight. If you are anywhere near Ocean Park and 29th pop into IlForno Caffe  and get dinner to go for $6. And I’m talking a entree size order of pasta, an entree size salad, or a pizza. Plus they all come with bread.  Now this is take out only, cash only and available from 5:30 to 6:30. They also do this special at lunch from 11:30 to 3:00. Think of the possibilities – get one yummy pasta, one healthy salad and split it with your coworker.

The order is made to go and you take seats at the communal courtyard and revel in a fantastic restaurant meal for $6 each.  Order two different pastas for variety – maybe one with sausage and one vegetarian -before you leave work, pick them up, and add a dinner salad at home. Dinner for $12 and you didn’t have to turn on the stove.  Did I mention parking is free in the lot and there is usually plentiful street parking.

For those who need office catering this is a fantastic way to feed your workers either on $6 apiece or 10 x 13 pan size trays priced $30 for six to eight or 13 x 21 size priced at $60 for fourteen to sixteen. And did I add that the food is fresh and fabulous. 

Take a night off, dial 310.450.1241, and relax.