Taco joints run by non-Mexicans.

Once you've got a fancy dog food/toy store, you're there. You know, those ones that all seem to sell the same mix of products and brands, where you can get a 6 oz bag of duck chews for $16, or a $80 goretex dog vest.

So I'd say follow the dog food, not the people food.

Just to clarify.

Restaurants that gets buzz because of the head chef's reputation instead of the actual food.

I agree with Commenty Colin: fancypants dog shops are what I look for. Also, gelato.

I miss Chez What?... Was it as good as I remember it?

It seems finding places that show a place has been gentrified are easy. Anything that speaks exclusively to upper middle class white America. What I'd like to know, is what places portend gentrification. Then I'd know where to buy my next house.

DLS 3.0 - Yes, it was. Not perfect food, but just what was needed.

Thanks, Patrick, for mentioning it, brings back good memories. We made a point of going there at least once a month for breakfast and just taking it easy.

We went to the "replacement" restaurant shortly after it opened just to see what the fuss was about and, though crowded, found the service downright rude. Could have been an anomaly, but given the fact that one of our favorite places was already gone, it wasn't worth going back again to find out.