Going places

Housenka

This diminutive izakaya, or pub-style restaurant, done up handsomely in bamboo, is discreetly located in a strip mall. Among the specialties: nabe, which is akin to shabu-shabu but features a robustly flavored broth. There are also about two dozen items you cook yourself on tabletop grills.

* Nabe, $45 to $55 for two; grill items, $5.50 to $20. 9123 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 271-7231.

Rubin’s Red Hot

One of the foodstuffs that is emblematic of Chicago is the hot dog. At this stand, topped by a portion of a Windy City El station, Chicago ex-pats can get their dog fix. The “Big Red” features mustard, onion, celery salt and that impossible-to-miss Day-Glo relish.

* Big Red, $3.55.15322 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 905-6515.

The Tudor House

Chintz wallpaper, English china, a menu of meat pies, finger sandwiches and scones, and servers with that unmistakable lilting accent conspire for an experience that is altogether British. After you’ve finished your PG Tips tea, browse the neighboring shop, where you can stock up on all manner of biscuits, crisps and Cadbury chocolates.

* Meat pies, $7.50; afternoon tea, $13.95. 1403 2nd St., Santa Monica; (310) 451-4107.

Gumbo Pot

There’s a reason there’s often a line at this beloved Farmers Market eatery: an authentic taste of New Orleans, including stick-to-your-ribs gumbo made with spicy andouille sausage and poor boys. You can also get hot, made to order beignets dusted with powdered sugar.

* Large gumbo, $7.50; oyster poor boy, $6.75. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A.; (323) 933-0358.

Warszawa

The pierogi -- golden dumplings filled with a choice of mild cheese, potatoes and caramelized onion, braised beef, chicken breast or, our favorite, wild mushrooms -- are excellent. And the hot lemon crepe (for dessert) at this surprisingly romantic yet haimish spot is not to be missed. If we had relatives in Poland, we’d hope for something like this.

* Pierogi, $12 to $14; crepe, $6. 1414 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 393-8831.

*

-- Leslee Komaiko