Jonathan Aviles has been leading the kitchen at Salazar (still one of the hottest restaurants in L.A.) for almost a year now, so he's understandably a busy guy. But the chef, who previously worked at Little Sister in Manhattan Beach and the SLS Hotel in the Beverly Grove area, does like to kick it around his hometown of Pasadena, eating comfort food at long-standing favorites.

“Being born and raised in Pasadena, you tend to get a sense of camaraderie grubbing on local and hidden gems around town. You run into family and friends, recognize the regulars and not so regulars, and even though you’ve probably never spoken or exchanged any words you both know you’re there for the exact same reason ... good fuckin’ food," Aviles says. Below are his top choices.

Gin Sushi