Every restaurant has two realities: the one visible from the dining room, and the one happening behind the swinging kitchen ...

Line cooks know the truth behind every plate. Their recommendations are hard-earned, and if they let you in on them, you listen. Here's a guide to their favorite comfort dishes in L.A.

Ivy Knight spent a decade as a line cook before becoming a writer and filmmaker. She focuses on the inner workings of restaurants with an eye to showcasing the underserved in the food and wine ...