Bargain Buffet ... at IKEA

Do you need a feast to go with your Billy bookcase or your Poång high-back birch chair?  Then IKEA has just the ticket. The Swedes and their notoriously inexpensive cafe at IKEA are spicing up the offerings by hosting a crayfish buffet party on Wednesday evening (tomorrow), Aug. 19.

Who knew that it was a tradition to gather the family amid the lush Swedish gardens to feast on savory shellfish? The European furniture store is honoring this Swedish summer soiree season by offering an all-you-can-eat crayfish evening buffet for just $9.99 ($2.49 for children). Included in the buffet will be the Swedish classics such as crispbreads, rolls, cheeses, meatballs and mashed potatoes. The meal also includes beverages and dessert.

If you can't make it for the buffet, crayfish plates will be served for $7.99 through August. And of course, you can always shop for crayfish items in the IKEA Swedish Food Market.

Burger Bargain

If you've ever spent much time at the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, then you know Ruby's Diner is an institution there. On Monday, July 27, celebrate this classic diner – and its namesake's birthday – by cruising into any Ruby's and chowing down on a $2.70 RubyBurger and fries.

Founder Doug Cavanaugh wants to celebrate his mom, Ruby, who spent her childhood in the area and was the inspiration of the 1940s theme. The first restaurant opened in 1982 on the Balboa Pier, where Doug transformed an old bait shack into a classic diner. Ruby's now has 42 locations throughout Southern California, Nevada, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Washington.

The $2.70 RubyBurger and fries promotion kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and is available while supplies last. It is not valid at the LAX location, the Shake Shack at Crystal Cove or sporting venues.

Tracking the Truck Taco

Ever since I moved to Los Angeles nine years ago, I've been on a quest to find the perfect taco. It's a worthwhile pursuit and not nearly as easy as it sounds.

As a native New Mexican, I'm allowed a bit of snobbery. My palate has been spoiled by the ladies of the state's indigenous cultures who make flour tortillas right before your eyes – as your mouth waters. My taste buds tingle at the thought of the fiery green chile that is produced in the fertile fields of the Mesilla Valley, where I grew up. I quest for the deep-fried dough known as the sopaipilla – perfectly crispy and drizzled with honey – that is virtually unknown in these lands.

But I have also come to realize that while Los Angeles might not produce the New Mexican cuisine that I know and love, the evolution of the taco here is to be savored and appreciated in its own light. The influences of many cultures have brought wild and fabulous variations on this simple recipe of meat wrapped in corn. Even the Korean culture has brought its influence, adding kimchi and other flavors and creating a cult frenzy of Kogi BBQ Truck followers (I've yet to find the patience to stand in that line, although it's high on the list).

And the latest to enter the taco truck craze? The Border Grill, a popular franchise from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of "Too Hot Tamales" fame. I've enjoyed their cuisine both at the Border Grill in Santa Monica (for a partilarly fabulous anniversary meal) and Ciudad downtown. So I might just stand in line when their truck pulls up to the Melrose Trading Post on Sunday, June 21, to try the carne asada or cilantro chicken tacos.

You can stalk it like me on Twitter, so you don't miss your shot when it pulls up at a location near you.