THIS WEEK GET SAUCED

Want to impress a date or simply enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home? Keep one or two of the following yummy dressings and sauces at the ready in your fridge.

Our favorite of chef Jean Francois Meteigner’s super fresh dressings is the versatile soy harissa emulsion, a pretty coral-colored sauce with a welcome chili kick that does wonders for tofu or simply grilled seafood. Three hours notice required. $18. 10506 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, (310) 470-4992.

Asking who does the town’s best Chinese chicken salad is bound to get passionate and differing responses. The one served here is certainly a contender. And it’s all about the dressing: a thin concoction with just the right balance of oil and vinegar that coats the lettuce perfectly. Available in two sizes. $4.35 and $6.95. 1949 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, (310) 475-0400.

LA CACHETTE

FEAST FROM THE EAST

AMARANTA

Store-bought salsa is never as good as homemade, but not everyone feels like chopping tomatoes and onions. At the wee marketplace neighboring this newish spot, you can pick up containers of any of the three salsas made fresh daily: the chunky, mild molcajeteada, the smoky quemada or the fiery green doce serrano. $5 each. 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 1029, Canoga Park, (818) 610-3599.

LAWRY’S

We don’t suggest you pour the “Sherry Vintage” salad dressing from a great height and spin the bowl a la the servers when they prepare their famous spinning salad tableside. This prime rib den also sells jars of that divine C.C. Brown’s hot fudge sundae sauce. Dressing, $7. Sundae sauce, $7. 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 652-2827.

MISHIMA

No doubt quite a few diners have tried to duplicate the sesame dressing that this casual noodle specialist uses on its popular tofu salad. Why bother when you can score a bottle of the rich, creamy, mayonnaise-based recipe for just a few dollars? It’s enough for several sizable salads. $3.78. 8474 W. 3rd St., L.A., (323) 782-0181.

-- Leslee Komaiko

theguide@latimes.com