Dana's Bites

The 38 Essential Los Angeles Restaurants

2009-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is a great post courtesy of Eater LA (despite what some of the commenters have to say). I've been dying to try Sushi Park, and this list has confirmed it further...I need to get there sooner rather than later. Enjoy, and next time you are looking for a restaurant to eat at, refer back...
The 38 Essential LA Restaurants

STREET

2009-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Susan Feniger's STREET for the second time. I am officially obsessed. This place is amazing. I loved it the first time I went a couple of weeks ago, but this time really inspired me to write about it. A few things that I really, really enjoyed:

1. Their organic Nero D'Avola from Vasari. It's listed under their "More Complex" reds section of the wine list and it is delicious

2. The way they serve their wines...in a tiny old-fashioned bitters bottle with a tumbler on the side. When they bring it to you a small amount of the wine is in the glass and then the rest is in the bitters bottle...then you refill your glass as necessary. Very cute!

4. Instead of bringing bread to the table before your meal, STREET serves these tiny little puffs of millet that are described as rice krispy treats with a curry flavor. They are both sweet and savory with a hint of spice and a great way to commence your STREET experience

3. Oh...my....word. This heavenly thing called Kaya Toast. OMG. I can't even tell you...run, don't walk here and order this immediately. Geesh it's amazing. On the menu it's described as "A uniquely Singapore experience: Toasted Bread spread thick with Coconut Jam; served with a Soft-boiled Egg drizzled in dark soy and white pepper." You pierce the yolk of the egg which proceeds to mix with the soy and you take the tiny sandwiches and dip it in the yolk mixture. The coconut jam is this sweet, custardy heaven and it's on this crunchy bread and then you mix it with the savory/saltiness of the egg. TO DIE FOR. Not kidding. My dining companion and I both said it was the best thing we'd ever tasted in our short lives. Can you tell I enjoyed this dish?

4. Everything else. I mean, every single thing we sampled on the menu was great...and so interesting. From the Spiced Potato Paranthas to the Turkish Zucchini Spinach Cake, to the Roasted Beets and Beet Greens and especially the Saag Paneer, Kokum Dal, and Rice Plate...it was all scrumptious.

STREET is described by its Owner/Chef Susan Feniger as "...a trip around the food stands of the world under one roof." It's like gourmet street food, and there really is something on this menu for everyone. Also, a great deal of the menu is vegetarian friendly. Not only did we love the food, but the atmosphere is great too, and last night we sat outside under the stars next to a fire pit to keep us warm. It was perfect.

Go...

STREET

742 N. Highland Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90038

323.203.0500

Public Service Announcement V

2009-05-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am drinking one of the most amazing wines I've had in weeks right now, so I thought I'd share. It's one of those luscious, fruit-forward, complex, and sensual wines that just makes me swoon. I can't stop inhaling the aroma...it's intoxicating...filled with juicy, jammy plum and red raspberry, the slightest touch of anise, and something earthy and heady that I can't quite identify. The color is a rich ruby red. The flavor is even better...it's all of those things plus a touch of minerality that cuts through the lusciousness of the fruit. It's velvety, it's smooth...it's delicious.

The reason I am so blown away by this wine is because it was only $5.99 at Whole Foods. It's called Three Winemakers "Red Haze" and I purchased it because of the price and the label. Yes, I sometimes judge a book (or wine) by it's cover, and oftentimes I've been disappointed but this time I'm beyond enchanted.

This is a wine I want to savor. I suppose I should head back to Whole Foods tomorrow and buy a couple more bottles (if it's still there!), because I can't find it anywhere online. This is all I've been able to come up with. Doesn't tell you much, but at least there is a photo of the "groovy" bottle.

I urge you...please go out and track down this wine. Just gorgeous, I tell you...you won't be disappointed.

Pizzeria Mozza

2009-04-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

Last night a friend and I tried our hand at getting a table at Pizzeria Mozza's bar. I hadn't been in a while, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect on a Wednesday, but we decided to give it a shot anyway. When I arrived, there were plenty of people milling around the doorway, so it seemed as if there was no hope, but then when I asked the hostess how long it might be for 2 seats at the bar, she said "20 minutes." She also asked if she could put my name down. This was a brilliant idea, I thought...they were now actually making a list for bar seats, saving the customers the need to hover behind someone already seated hoping to snag their seat the second they got up. Anxiety-free waiting...what a novel idea!

Of course, everything we had was delicious, from the great bottle of wine our server chose for us based on our stated preferences, to the amazing Fungi Misti pizza that we shared...I am still thinking about that earthy, savory beauty now (pictured above). We also split their famous Caprese salad which is composed of roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine sitting atop a mound of luscious, creamy burrata. Last but certainly not least (in my book) is my favorite salad on the menu; Nancy's Chopped Salad which is everything I could ever want in a salad (and named after Nancy Silverton, the Chef/Owner of both La Brea Bakery and one of the Partners at Mozza along with Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich).

For dessert we ordered the Butterscotch Budino, which in my humble opinion, the single best dessert in Los Angeles. It is beyond words. Everyone must try it at least once...I'd feel bad for you if you'd never had the pleasure.

Mozza is an outstanding restaurant, hands down. I might even get to go more often now that I've discovered this new brilliant bar list concept. Certainly made it a lot easier and more pleasant than I had anticipated!

Pizzeria Mozza

641 N Highland Ave (@ Melrose)

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.297.0101

Recent Restaurant Trips

2009-03-26T18:15:00.001-07:00

I've been to some really great spots as of late, so I wanted to share them all in one big post...

Most recently (last night, actually), I ventured into scary Downtown LA and tried a new(ish) place called Church & State. After picking my friend up from the Westin Bonaventure and hearing that the restaurant was fully committed for the evening, we thought we should give it a shot since we were all the way down there anyway. I am always so lost when I'm Downtown and I had no clue where I was going so I proceeded to plug the restaurant's address into my GPS and set sail. This wasn't the scenic route, however...instead we were driving down 6th Street right through the heart of Skid Row. When we finally arrived at our destination, we were on Industrial Street directly under the Biscuit Company Lofts. A little oasis. On one side of the street was Church & State, on the other was Royal Claytons, another hip place with a British Pub feel.

To make a long story shorter, the maitre d' was kind enough to accommodate us even though they were quite full and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal of Moules Frites and a Frisee Salad with poached egg. The reason for the interest around this place is that they have just received 3 stars from the LA Times. The service, however, was REALLY spotty and we lost our waitress for a majority of the evening (empty wine glasses, a lost dish we'd ordered), but it was fine...we liked the ambiance in there and had a good time catching up. WARNING: you WILL walk out of this restaurant smelling heavily of fried food. It was SO strong...to the point that you have to shower when you get home. I wonder if they can do anything about this?

We gave up on ordering another glass of wine, and instead decided to try another place we'd heard about called The Association. What a cool bar. It has no sign outside (that's their door in the photo above), it's underground (you have to walk down a stairway from the sidewalk to enter), and it's so dark, romantic, and brooding inside. Very much like what I'd imagine a Speakeasy would look like during Prohibition. They are serious about their cocktails here too. Very old-fashioned, classic drinks made with freshly juiced fruits and homemade bitters. I had the Hemingway which was a combination of Rum, Maraschino Liqueur, and fresh grapefruit juice. Delectable, but very strong. I couldn't finish it!

OK, a few others that I tried recently and would recommend: LOVED The Bazaar at SLS...that was one of my most memorable meals in recent history. Check out MyLastBite for some amazing coverage on that, just so you get an idea.

I also really enjoyed Gjelina in Venice. That was a great night all around. A few Sundays ago some friends and I first stopped at The Otheroom (my new favorite bar), and then headed to Gjelina afterwards for dinner. The pizza there is amazing. All 4 of my dining companions loved what they had ordered (with the exception of the Jidori Chicken...pass on that). I heard that the Espresso Braised Beef and the Lamb Chops were extraordinary. I just love Venice in general, so maybe I'm biased, but I'd recommend hitting both of those spots next time you are in the area. Just make sure you call several weeks in advance to make a reservation at Gjelina...that place is tough to get in to!

The Bowery is another great spot. It's located in Hollywood (just east of Sunset & Vine) and is a small, narrow New York style bar/restaurant. I was really pleasantly surprised with the salad I had there...it was very fresh and creative. It was their namesake salad which had Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Beets, Lentils, Mesclun Greens, Goat Cheese, and Hazelnuts with a Mustard Vinaigrette. Good stuff.

A little further East is Delancey (which was on my To-Dine list a year ago), and it was a pretty decent place. Both Delancey and The Bowery are owned by the same guy, George Abu-Daoud, a former New Yorker who decided to bring a little of that style of eating and drinking to Hollywood. Delancey is like an 0ld-school Italian restaurant with a great beer selection and gets packed with plenty of hipsters as the night wares on. If you are a hipster or enjoy hipster-watching, you'll be in heaven here.

I think that's it, actually. Anything I haven't mentioned was obviously pretty forgettable and not somewhere you really need to go.

And finally, here is where you'll find the aforementioned spots...hope you enjoy if you find yourself at any of them!:

Church & State

1850 Industrial Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014

213.405.1434

The Association

110 East 6th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014

213.627.7385

The Bazaar at SLS

465 S La Cienega Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90048

310.246.5555

The Otheroom

1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Venice, CA 90291

310.396.6230

Gjelina

1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Venice, CA 90291

310.450.1429

The Bowery

6268 Sunset Blvd @ Vine

Hollywood, CA 90028

Delancey

5936 Sunset Blvd @ Tamarind

Hollywood, CA 90028

323.469.2100

Trader Joe's

2009-02-17T17:47:00.001-08:00

I think this is so cute. Enjoy!

Animal

2009-01-07T19:28:00.001-08:00

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of (finally!) dining at Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo's restaurant, Animal (that's them above). It was one of the best nights out I had in quite a while...not sure if it was the company, the restaurant, or more likely the combination of the two...but whatever it was, it made for a delightfully magical evening.

The food and wine certainly added to the magic. We started with a few appitzers to share which consisted of:

Poutine, Oxtail Gravy, Vermont Cheddar
Young Kale Salad, Pecorino, Lemon Vinaigrette, Croutons
Burrata, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Crostini
Fried Hominy

Each dish was delicious, but we probably could have done without the fried hominy. It was nothing special. The other dishes, however, were all fabulous, each in their own way.

When it came to ordering Entrees, our table had two orders of the Turbot, a flat white fish served with the most delicious, meltingly soft and mellow whole Cipollini onions I've ever tasted. One of my friends ordered the Quail Fry with Grits, Maple Jus, Long Cooked Chard, and Slab Bacon on the recommendation of our waiter. He was right on...she loved it.

For dessert we had both the caramel-y Tres Leches Cake and the rich, silky Jar of Chocolate Pudding. Both were nothing short of heavenly.

We ordered two bottles of wine over the course of the evening from their interesting and exceedingly well-priced wine list, and because of the quantity of wine, I can no longer remember the names. I'm sorry...one was Bacchus, I think? This is when my wine journal would have come in very handy but I always forget to bring it with me. Oh well...

I love that on their menu it reads "changes and modifications politely declined." Good for you Jon and Vinny for not letting these LA folks tamper with your highly-skilled handiwork. There is simply no need to.

Since she does such a beautiful job of capturing her food experiences, please take a look at MyLastBite, who has stunning photos and descriptions from her numerous Animal adventures: MyLastBite

I am going back to this restaurant as soon as I possibly can since there were so many more dishes on the menu I would have loved to sample and the menu changes almost daily. So needless to say, I would recommend that you get yourself there as well. Enjoy!

Animal Restaurant

435 N Fairfax Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.782.9225

Best Pizza in Los Angeles

2009-01-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a nice article from food blogger Michael Lippman that reviews the top pizza places in LA. I have to say, I tend to agree with him...especially regarding Mozza, Vitos, and Terroni...in that order. Check it out: Best Pizza

Lucques

2008-12-30T19:53:00.001-08:00

Oy vey. I know it's been such a long time since I've posted, but work has been so busy. I really want to devote some more time to this blog again, because I enjoy it so much, however, I'm not sure how often that will be possible. Trying my very best though! OK, so away we go...

I had a lovely dinner last night at Lucques which prompted me to want to write today. I love all of Suzanne Goin's restaurants (see AOC post), and honestly I can't tell which one I like like better after last night's dinner. I love the wines, I love how seasonal the menus are, I love how fresh and delicious the food always is, I love the atmosphere...of both AOC and Lucques (Hungry Cat is her third, and the next will open in Brentwood sometime in Spring of '09).

One of my favorite things these days (since they are in season) are Persimmons, and of course, as soon as I saw the word on the menu, I knew what I was ordering...the Arugula and Persimmon Salad with Pomegranate, Seal Bay Triple Creme, and Walnuts (it was an appetizer). SO, so delicious. I was very happy. The cheese was amazing and strongly flavored, and it was the perfect compliment to the fresh, tangy/sweet Persimmon. What a dish! I want to go back soon so I can have it again. My dining companion ordered the Squash Soup with Bacon, Cavolo Nero, and Amaretti Crumbs...it looked beautiful, and he seemed to enjoy it.

For our mains, we both ordered the special fish, which was a wild Salmon which came with a parsnip puree (I think!) and some wilted greens. Sorry...I don't remember exactly what accompanied the salmon, but I assure you, it was nothing short of fabulous.

There were so many other items I saw on the menu that I would have loved to taste, but I tried (after much deliberation) to chose my favorites. I hope to get back soon (before the menu changes!) so that I can try the other dishes. Look at the menu...doesn't it look stunning? Lucques also has a well-known and much-loved "Sunday Supper," where for $45 dollars per person, you get to enjoy a lovely 3-course meal, which is different each week and which you can view on the website to see if it's to your liking.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of Goin's restaurants. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to revisit Lucques last night and am looking forward to doing it again soon!

Lucques

8474 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90048

323.655.6277

Public Service Announcement IV

2008-09-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

Cha Cha Cha in Silverlake. Do NOT go there. I had to, so I went, but I'm telling you, dear readers, to stay away if you can. Or go at your own risk knowing that I am a complete germ-a-phobe. There was a "B" grade on the door when I walked in. Everything in the restaurant (tablecloths, chairs, etc) was sticky...enough said.
I was utterly grossed out. But that's just me...the hipsters that were dining there seemed perfectly content.

Cha Cha Cha
656 N Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Sorry!

2008-09-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I haven't written in a while and I'm sorry about that. It's just that work has been keeping me VERY busy. Not only that, I really haven't had any fabulous meals as of late...at least nothing that has inspired me to sit down and write.
Let's see: lately I've been to Porta Via in Beverly Hills which was decent, but nothing great. It wasn't bad by any means, but just kind of forgettable.
I've also been at my neighborhood spot, Melrose Bar & Grill several times...there is a post on that here. Still way above average when it comes to food, service, and atmosphere. This will always be one of my favorites.
I went to Loteria Grill again last night and not only was it packed, but the food was just as good as I remembered from my first visit. Best margarita in the city, hands down.
Oh, I had breakfast at Simon LA (at the Sofitel across from the Beverly Center) the other day. It was OK. The service was outstanding...friendly, accommodating, and warm, but the food was just "meh." The fresh watermelon juice was delicious and refreshing, however.
I visited Osteria La Buca on Melrose which I've heard rave reviews about (well, before they renovated..now a few people are complaining they've gotten a little too cocky), and it was solid Italian, but I've had better at plenty of other places in LA.
That's really it. Gosh, I wish I had some better reports, but I guess I just need to find a "WOW" restaurant experience to inspire me to write again.
On a home cooking note, I'm hosting a bridal shower brunch today and am making a few recipes that I thought sounded delicious. As I'm sitting here writing this, the egg dish I'm making is cooking and filling the house with a delicious aroma. It looks very impressive too, even though it was quite easy to assemble. Here is the recipe in case you are cooking for 12 anytime soon: Egg and Sausage Casserole
I'm also making this salad, and this pasta. It'll be served with croissants and fresh fruit salad. I'll let you know how it all comes out. :) Till next time...

Lou on Vine

2008-08-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to FINALLY make it to the tiny, blink-and-you'll-miss-it, located in a Hollywood strip-mall Lou on Vine last night and wish it hadn't taken me so long! Lou has been open for quite some time now and I've heard nothing but rave reviews from all sorts of people, however, it is a little off the beaten path for me so I simply hadn't made it over that way...until now. Here is what it looks like from the outside:

Told you if you'd blink, you'd miss it. See it? On the sign it says "Lou" (third one down, under the * Burgers and above the Discount Store)? Not really the way in which one would picture such a fine restaurant to look, but that's the great thing about Lou...they'll open your eyes to so many great, yet uncommon wines (lots of organic and biodynamic ones too!) which match perfectly with their farmer's market driven menu. Once you enter the space however, you are surprised at how modern, cozy and hip it is. I loved their tree trunk wallpaper and huge chalkboard which listed the specials along with some cute drawings by the staff.

Their wine list is overwhelmingly smart and interesting, yet they sort it by descriptive headings which help you choose. Their staff is also extremely knowledgeable and will help you if you need guidance. My friends and I decided on the Italian Col di Luna Rosé di Valmonte, a pink sparkler which was a blend of Raboso and Pinot Nero grapes and was absolutely stunning. I have to find this to keep at home because as of right this minute it's my favorite wine.

We then ordered our parade of dishes (everything here comes in share-able portions), which consisted of:

Roast fresh figs, Tilston blue, almonds, grapes

Burrata, stone fruit, prosciutto, wild arugula

Savory tart: Porcini mushroom, goat cheese, ricotta

Niman flat iron steak, bistro potatoes, asparagus, wild arugula

Carolina pulled pork sandwich, slaw, aioli

Frisée salad with bacon & poached Lily’s egg

Plank of 5 artisinal cheeses and accompaniments

Cheese Plank

Everything I tasted was delicious (the only item I didn't try was the pulled pork sandwich). Each dishes' ingredients were the star of the show and only minimally "fussed" with, which as anyone who knows me is aware, is my favorite way to eat. The savory tart got oohs and aahs galore from all of us, and the bite of Niman Ranch steak I tasted was cooked perfectly and you barely needed a knife to cut it, it was so tender. Everything was just fresh and gorgeous.

Throughout the evening the 3 of us tasted various wines, which Lou encourages with their "taste" selection...a two ounce pour as opposed to a full glass. Lou changes their wine list about every two weeks, keeping it very interesting and allowing frequent visitors (lucky bastards) to try new and different wines each time they dine here.

My only qualm with Lou is that they don't have any ice! I actually thought the waitress was kidding when I asked for some and she declined, but alas, they truly don't have any. Odd. It was a little warm inside on this 90 degree + day so I would have really enjoyed some ice in my room temperature water, but no dice. Oh well...nobody's perfect I suppose.

As you can probably tell, I'd highly recommend a visit to Lou. They also offer fun events like "Monday Suppers," a $55 prix fix, five course, seasonal wine pairing dinner or "Tasting Tuesdays," where they pour themed flights of wines. Sounds like fun!

Burrata w/stone fruit

Lou on Vine

724 Vine Street

Hollywood, CA 90038

323.962.6369
Reservations not accepted for parties under 6

Public Service Announcement III

2008-08-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more gorgeous?...I think not...

If you haven't already luxuriated (yes...this is in fact a word...one of my favorites, at that) in this season's fresh figs, get off the darn computer and get to your local farmer's market (or Whole Foods) and do so NOW! I'm serious. These things are otherworldly. As you can tell from my lack of posting on this blog, I haven't been going out to eat as much lately so I've been trying to make nice meals at home so I wouldn't miss it as much. Last night I had a dish that was better than any I've had at ANY restaurant in the past year...and that had little to do with me, and a lot to do with the ingredients I was working with. I had purchased some green, or Adriatic figs from the market along with some fresh Chevre. I cut the heavy, lush, soft figs into quarters (being careful not to cut all the way to the bottom since I wanted them just open on the top, not completely quartered). I stuffed some of the goat's cheese in the middle of the fig and cracked some fresh black pepper on top. It didn't really need it since they were already so naturally sweet, but I also topped them with the tiniest drizzle of organic Agave nectar to further enhance their flavor. This combination was beyond divine. I couldn't believe that something that came from nature could have such unbelievably complex deliciousness. I could have eaten them plain and they would have been the best things I ever tasted...hands down.

Fig season isn't very long, unfortunately, and runs from now until about late September / early October. Please do yourself a favor and get some soon. You will be thrilled you did. Enjoy!

Loteria Grill

2008-08-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

Chef Jimmy Shaw recently opened his second outpost of the famous Farmer's Market Mexican restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard and I finally made it there last night. I was in the area for a movie screening at the Egyptian Theater and Loteria was just about a block away, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally try out the new location. Upon walking in, you immediately notice how open, airy, and clean the restaurant looks...it's mostly white with dark wood seats adding a stark and modern contrast. Definitely much different from the small colorful stall with bar stools all around it at the Farmer's Market.
My friend was running a little late so I decided to take a seat at the bar and order a "Margarita Fresca." This was the real deal...made only with Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh squeezed lime juice. It was tart, refreshing, and quite potent! They had a nice selection of cocktails, beers, and an extensive list of tequilas...also much different from the original location which was lacking a liquor license all together.
When my dining companion arrived we ordered some of their fresh guacamole which was delicious and identical to the guacamole I enjoyed during my recent trip to Mexico. I also ordered two soft tacos: one Calabacitas and one Champinones con Epazote. The Calabacitas contained zucchini and fresh corn succotash, and the Champinones con Epazote was filled with Mushrooms and Epazote, which is a common Mexican spice. Both were phenomenal. My friend ordered what she declared was "the best Tortilla Soup in LA," along with the Nopalitos (or fresh cactus salad) Sope. The sope base is similar to the tiny corn tortilla my soft tacos came on, except fried and puffed up. Simply put, everything we tried was amazing.
Loteria Grill definitely has the best Mexican food I've had this side of Mexico. If you don't believe me, check out this link to see what others have to say. Do yourself a favor if you are craving Mexican food...get yourself here and get the real deal.

Loteria's Tacos

Loteria Grill
6627 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.465.2500

I'm in LOVE!

2008-07-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have come across my dream man, and much to my utter delight, I can watch him on my computer screen everyday if I so choose. Ahh, true love + technology...how romantic. His name is Gary Vaynerchuk and he runs a website called Wine Library TV. Vaynerchuk is an avid sports fan (especially his beloved NY Jets, which makes me swoon even more), and is the Director of Operations at his family's shop, the Wine Library, which is located in New Jersey. He makes wine appreciation fun, approachable, and breaks down wine elements into layman's terms. I can't stop watching his webisodes...he's magnetic. Some may say he borders on obnoxious, but not in my book...preach on Vaynerchuk!

Give The Gift of Wine

2008-07-29T12:28:00.001-07:00

I found these darling little wine tags on Serious Eats today. They are a cute and cheeky way to gift (or re-gift as the case may be) a bottle of wine. Check it out.

Anisette Brasserie

2008-07-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from a wonderfully delightful Brunch at Anisette, Alain Giraud's new Brasserie in Santa Monica. I have been wanting to try Anisette since it opened but had yet to make it over, so a friend of mine and I decided to venture to Santa Monica today and I'm so thrilled that we did. I have been reading some great reviews since it opened back in early June, and there was so much "buzz" leading up to its opening that I was a little worried the experience wouldn't live up to the hype, but much to my delight, it most certainly did!

The space itself is stunning...upon entering you are instantly transported to France. It's quite authenthic as you can see by viewing this brief photo tour. We were seated on the top level overlooking the downstairs, which was a great perch not only because of the view it offered of the entire restaurant, but also because we were situated right in front of the open kitchen. It was fun to see the cooks and pastry chef in action...and not only that, it was great to see firsthand how immaculately clean the kitchen was! We even got to see Chef Giraud who stopped by (in what appeared to be workout clothes?) to survey how everything was going.

After perusing the menu, which had a nice combination of breakfast-y and lunch-y items, we had decided: I ordered the Feuillete of Scrambled Eggs with White Crab Claw Meat, while my dining partner opted for the Anisette Omlette. The Feuillete consisted of a "box" made out of puff pastry (complete with a darling little lid) filled with scrambled eggs and topped with a delicious, fresh, crabmeat mixture. I asked for egg whites, and after checking with the chef, my wish was granted, and it didn't effect the taste of this dish in the slightest...it was still full of flavor and very satisfying.

My dining companion loved her Anisette Omlette, which contained Eggs, Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Feta Cheese, Spinach and Wild Arugula. All of the vegetables were fresh from the Santa Monica farmer's market, and all of the eggs served at Anisette are organic.

We had to try a couple of their desserts, since I've heard such good things about the Pastry Chef at Anisette, so we opted for the Vacherin Glace, made of Lavender Ice Cream, Raspberry Puree, fresh Strawberries, Chantilly Cream and Meringue Peaks (their signature dessert!) along with the Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce. They were both equally tasty, albeit very different, but maybe I'll give a slight edge to the Vacherin Glace. I loved the subtle lavender flavor and how it complimented the tangy raspberry puree.

I can't wait to return to Anisette...even if it is across town for me...the drive is so worth it. I'd love to try dinner here next since that menu looked absolutely fabulous as well. What a great addition to the Santa Monica dining scene (or lack thereof). Highly, highly recommended!

Anisette Brasserie

225 Santa Monica Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310.395.3200

Photos courtesy of ExileKiss

Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar

2008-07-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

We went to Willi's the second night of our trip to Healdsburg, after our Cyrus experience. I felt like it was probably best to do something laid-back and lighter after the gastronomic event we had the previous evening. I'm so glad we ended up at Willi's since this was exactly what I was looking for. It felt like a real local haunt...bustling, a mix of young people alongside families with babies, and small plates meant to be shared. Of course, they had a nice wine list. I can't imagine a restaurant in this area that wouldn't or couldn't. My dining companion and I ordered a half-bottle of a Bandol Rosé from France, which was crisp, dry, and refreshing, and then got to the task of deciding which of their small plates we would choose. I read a good deal about Willi's as we were planning our trip up to Sonoma, so I kind of had an idea of what their best items were in the minds of their customers. Because of this we ordered the following:

1. Warm Maine Lobster Roll with Garlic Butter and Fennel

2. Dungeness Crab Cake "All Meat / No Filler!"

3. Hearts of Romaine, Point Reyes Blue, Spiced Pecans

4. Asparagus Flatbread with Goat Cheese

5. Willi's French Fries with Goat Cheese Ranch

OK...so first thing: DON'T order this much unless you are famished. This was way too much...probably because of our large dinner the night before, but we both agreed we would have been happy with just the Crab Cake, Hearts of Romaine, and Flatbread. These "Small Plates" are definitely NOT Los Angeles-sized Small Plates. These were a very good size for sharing. The plates were all very reasonably priced, however, so we didn't feel that terrible being able to get a little taste of all 5 dishes (one fry each was all we could manage by the time they got to us)!

The food was really good. The seafood here was fresh. It is a nice spot to have in Healdsburg when you are looking for something affordable but still high in quality. An enjoyable meal!

Willi's Crab Cake

Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar

403 Healdsburg Avenue

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.433.9191

Cyrus

2008-07-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

I really don't know how to write this post. I am so overwhelmed and intimated...I don't think I can do this restaurant justice. I think that's why I have waited for so long to write this report. I'm going to give it a shot here...OK, here goes...
I have read and heard about Cyrus in Healdsburg for quite some time now. I have heard things like next to French Laundry it is the best restaurant in the country. I have heard some say that it was even BETTER than French Laundry. I have read about others' experiences at Cyrus...photo tours through their meals, like this one here. (You should definitely give that review a look see before you read on. I think it will give a great idea of the atmosphere and the way the food actually looks, since I have no photos of my own).

The absolutely amazing thing about Cyrus is the service. It's friendly, but at the same time impeccable without being overbearing. You feel very well taken care of throughout the entire experience.

Immediately after we were seated at our little corner table, our waiter came over with the Champagne and Caviar cart, and even though it looked impressive, we decided to forgo this portion.

I knew, however, that I wanted to start with a cocktail, since their cocktail program is so highly regarded. Bartender Scott Beattie is like a scientist who concocts delicious potions with local and seasonal ingredients...combinations you would have never thought of before that come together seamlessly in his hands. I decided on the Thai Boxer, which was a blend of Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum, Thai Basil, Rao Ram (which is a herb blend used in Asian cooking), Spearmint, Lime Juice, Thai Coconut Milk, and Ginger Beer. See? I told you! Quite the recipe. My dining partner ordered a seasonal cocktail called the Westside Bellini, which had Prosecco, Gradek Spring Rose White Peach Puree, and Paprika dusted Marigolds. Yep, the actual flowers were floating beautifully in the peach-colored libation.

Next came the task of ordering our food. There are multiple options at Cyrus, which is nice, yet makes the decision-making process that much more tricky. There is the choice of partaking in a 3, 4, or 5 course meal, OR you have the option of selecting the Chef's tasting menu, which is composed of 8 courses. Our waiter explained that depending on the number of courses you choose, the food is portioned accordingly as to not make the diner achingly full. The other brilliant part of this tasting menu is that you can choose the courses you would like to have included from their dinner menu...it is fully customizable. The fun thing about the Chef's tasting menu, however, is the element of surprise. This menu consists of courses that aren't listed on the dinner menu at all, which is amazing, however I was with a less adventurous dining partner, so that wasn't really going to work. We decided on the 4 course menu, which was a nice compromise.

After we placed our order with the waiter, the fun began. First, someone came around with a basket filled with our bread options: there were two types of Sourdough, a Brioche, a Bacon-laced roll, and a mini Olive Loaf. The breads were fresh and delicious, but the best part were the accoutrements which consisted of a butter made of Goat's Milk, a butter made with Cow's Milk, Pink Himalayan Salt and a white coarse sea salt. I favored the goat's milk butter...it was lighter and tangy-er (is that a word?), and had a nice hint of grassiness to it.

Next came our Canapés which was a 3 tiered serving platter with what the waiter described as elements to stimulate different taste receptors in our mouths. There was a tiny bite of something salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami. Forgive me for not remembering each one of these elements, but the one that stands out in my mind was the bitter "Beer Bubble," which was literally that: a tiny bubble that when you bit into it and broke the outer shell, tasted like beer! It was very interesting...

Then came our Amuse Bouche, which consisted of a very refreshing Cucumber Gelee, which was served in a very artfully designed glass container. It was as stunning to look at as it was to eat.

OK...so NOW we finally arrive at our first courses. Yep...that was all the warm-up! I was already nearly full. But here we go:

Course One

I had ~ Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese, Arugula, and Pistachios

My DC had ~ the Tasting of Summer Beans

Course Two

I had ~ Thai Marinated Lobster with Avocado, Melon, and Hearts of Palm

My DC had ~ Summer Squash with Hijiki Noodles, Miso Stuffed Blossom, and Sea Stock

Course Three

I had ~ Sea Bass with Sweet Corn and Spring Onions, Mussel-Saffron Sauce

My DC had ~ Crispy Poussin with Potato Puree, Haricots Verts and Morels

Course Four

We both had ~ Passion Fruit Baked Alaska, Apricot Bread Pudding, and Lemon Almond Custard

Thai Marinated Lobster

In between the third and fourth course, we were offered a palate cleanser of Watermelon and Lime ice, which came on a skewer with a nickel-sized bite of two-toned "ice" on the end which was adorable. Then after our fourth course, the cart of Mignardises came around and we were served a plate of tiny tastes from the Pastry Chef and a beautiful white and gold box to take home with us. Inside the box was a rich-looking brownie wrapped in cellophane with a gold sticker on the top which read "Tomorrow??" Very cute. I couldn't find a bit of room for the gorgeous Mignardises, so I discreetly stuck a few of them in my little to-go box.
The food here was everything I hoped it would be and more. I can't possibly do the dishes justice by attempting to describe them, but just know that we ooh-ed and ahh-ed the whole way through. Everything tasted so fresh and the flavors were so clean. Just stunning. My very favorite course of the evening turned out to be the Sea Bass. The accompanying corn mash was so sweet and full of flavor...it was the essence of summer on my plate. My only mistake was not opting for the cheese course as one of my selections. I should have went without the dessert course and instead gotten cheese. The cheese tray was unlike any I had ever seen and I was mesmerized by the description and presentation the table next to us got when they were served. Every cheese had a story about who made it, where they lived, why they made the cheese the way they did, etc...everything down to the feistyness of a particular cheesemaker whom had to like you as a person before she allowed you to offer her cheese at your establishment. It was fascinating. Right before we left, we were handed a beautiful folded menu which listed each course we ordered along with our name, date, and "Birthday Celebration," since it was mine. Every detail was thought of here, and it was a once in a lifetime experience (although I hope not)! I hope that everyone has the opportunity to visit Cyrus at least once. It's an experience not to be missed.

Cyrus

29 North Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.433.3311

Photos courtesy of KevinEats

Coming Soon...

2008-07-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. I will be back soon with reports from my trip to Healdsburg (Cyrus and Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar), as well as a recent dinner at Wilshire in LA. In the meantime, please enjoy the cutest thing I have seen in quite some time. I can't wait to see this movie:

A Votre Sante

2008-07-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just had the most delicious, healthy lunch at one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles called A Votre Sante, which means "To Your Health." I haven't been there in years, however when my family first moved here it was one of the places we frequented after being introduced to LA's hippy dippy health food movement. Having come here from New York in the early 90s, I had never been to a restaurant like this before...we didn't see sprouts, tofu, or organic nachos back home very often, so this opened up a whole new world to me. I thought it was so cool. Now I've kind of become one of those health-conscious LA nut jobs, but how can you not when food this good is available? One of my favorite things on the menu then...and now...is their Mediterranean Platter, which comes with humus, eggplant dip, tabuli, baba ganuj and whole wheat pita. It's technically an appetizer, but don't let that fool you...it's humongous! It's also fresh and delicious as is everything else I've ever tried from their menu.

Today I was surprised when I walked in as they've recently doubled the size of the restaurant...thank goodness, because in the past it could be tough to get a seat at peak hours. Everything looks brand new and clean, and now there is a huge bar in the center. I ordered the Vegetarian Tostada, which consisted of a toasted whole wheat tortilla filled with brown rice, black bean chili, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, and tahini. I nixed the brown rice and added Tofu, which made for a delicious vegetarian lunch with plenty of protein. My dining companion ordered the Falafel Platter which had a grilled falafel patty, humus, tabuli, lettuce, tomato, tahini, and whole wheat pita. She couldn't stop raving about how good it was. I can concur, as I had to steal a taste.

The best part is, we left feeling satisfied but not stuffed, and felt like we had a healthy lunch to go with the Pilates session we had just come from. Not only that, whenever I come here I get so overwhelmed because there are usually four or five items that sound great, but I am well-aware I can only order one. It's nice to go somewhere that has a good deal of variety to their menu.

If you are ever in the Brentwood area, I highly recommend a trip to A Votre Sante for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner...especially for breakfast though, as their choices for that meal are particularly to die for.

A Votre Sante

13016 San Vicente Blvd. @ 26th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90049

310.451.1813

The Pool Bar & Café @ the Beverly Wilshire

2008-07-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely lunch today out by the pool at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (formally the Regent Beverly Wilshire). Minutes after we sat down what was left of the "marine layer" retreated and it turned into a beautifully clear, sunny, warm day...the perfect day to sit outside and lunch with some of my lady-friends. There are only about five tables available along with a bar at which visitors can sit for an al fresco meal, however, the rest of the pool area is, of course, occupied by lounge chairs which are available to Hotel guests only. We were able to secure a table at about 12:30 PM on a Wednesday without a problem.

The prices at the pool are right in line with The BLVD restaurant downstairs, although there is a much more casual feel to dining in this area of the hotel. I ordered a glass of an Alexander Valley Rosé and the Tofu Burger which came with french fries and a delicious mixed green salad. The tofu burger was topped with a grilled Portobello mushroom cap, raw white onion, butter lettuce, and a generous slice of a ruby-red heirloom tomato. It was a wonderful alternative to a red meat burger, but at $25 a pop, not sure it's worth it. (And with $10 for valet parking, that was some expensive faux-meat burger).

I'd love to come back here sometime, however, to enjoy a few drinks and appetizers on a late afternoon/early evening since the setting is so nice and relaxing. It was a perfect place to sit for a couple of hours and catch up with two of my favorite people.

Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310.275.5200

Comme Ça...Take 2!

2008-06-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a small review on some drinks and appetizers I enjoyed when a friend and I meandered into Comme Ça on a random evening out. As promised, I returned again today in order to give a more complete rundown.
To put it simply, I love this restaurant, there is no getting around this fact. I have been there about 5 or 6 times now and each time I've left pleased and eager to return. I'm happy to report that today was no exception!
As I mentioned in my last post, Comme Ça really takes their cocktail program seriously, so of course we couldn't do without one on this particular visit...I had the East Side Cocktail which is a blend of rum, lime, cucumber, and mint, served up, while my dining companion ordered the Rumble, containing rum, lemon, blackberries, and crushed ice. Both were refreshing, not too sweet, and light.
To start, we decided to split the Roasted Beet Salad with warm goat cheese, pistachios, and a horseradish creme. It was a beautifully presented composed salad with the yellow and red beets lined up neatly in a fan pattern, topped with a few sprigs of watercress and a little dollop of warmed goat cheese which was encrusted with the crushed pistachios. It was a lovely and fresh-tasting start to the meal and the perfect amount to share if you are looking for a light appetizer.
Next, I ordered the Steak Frites. I couldn't resist after seeing the woman sitting next to me who seemed to be enjoying hers so much. I'm glad I did because my piece of steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was so full of flavor without being fatty in the least. The "meat" flavor really came through and even though it was a smaller piece of steak, it was so satisfying considering the concentration of flavor in each bite. My friend ordered their famous burger (see my "Great Hamburger Debate" post below). The Comme Ça burger, which was topped with cheddar, lettuce, and a "special sauce" of some kind was a stunning example and my friend seemed to enjoy it immensely. I asked her to recap her experience just now via email and here are her words: "Burger was delish, wish I could get my mouth around it for all-in-one flavor bite, but it was too big. The meat was really good. Medium rare is the way to go. Dont add or change anything. Perfect mix of flavor and spice." So there you go.
And just because I wanted a taste of each, we ordered both the Crème brûlée and the Apple Tarte Tatin for dessert, which were pretty good...the Crème brûlée being the better of the two. It had a nice hard, crackly burnt crust and was flecked with thousands of tiny vanilla beans which added a pure, smooth vanilla flavor.
Our waiter was absolutely adorable and lovely, and made the meal even that much more enjoyable (even though there were a couple of small service foibles, which were easily overlooked in the face of cuteness). Overall, the service at Comme Ça has always been friendly and helpful...I've never had a bad experience, although I have heard of those who have been disappointed, mainly with host/hostess/seating issues.
I recommend trying Comme Ça at least once. You'll be very happy you did. This restaurant is truly a neighborhood jem and hope to be back soon!

Comme Ça
8479 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.782.1178

Photo courtesy of LA.com

The Great Hamburger Debate

2008-06-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked "who has the best hamburger in Los Angeles?" by a friend, and he suggested that I devote a post to the subject since I couldn't really come up with a definitive answer. There are several places, however, that it can be debated have the best hamburger in town, so I'll go ahead and list them and then you can decide for yourself:

1. The Father's Office burger: A very controversial entry since it cannot be customized to the diner's liking at all. Sang Yoon, it's creator, should be officially known as the "Burger Nazi" due to his strict standards, however Esquire Magazine once named this burger the "burger of the year," so go figure. The burger features a oval shaped bun (which is actually closer to a french roll) and dry-aged sirloin patty topped with Maytag bleu cheese, gruyere, arugula, and an onion marmalade. This guy would beg to differ, however, and I love him for it.

2. The Hungry Cat's 'Pug' Burger: This mostly seafood restaurant has produced a burger that many sing the praises of. The Pug Burger (pictured above) features thick slab-cut bacon, avocado, and bleu cheese on a crusty Ciabatta-type roll. It's about 6 inches high, however, so the real challenge is figuring out how to eat it. 1555 N Vine St @ Sunset Blvd, Hollywood: 323.462.2155

3. The Counter: This "designer diner" is a little different in that your burger can be fully customized, which is quite appealing to many a burger fan. Their menu has some fully constructed burgers which you can simply order as is, but that takes away half of the fun. The menu is essentially a "Build Your Own Burger" checklist where you can check off the type of meat you'd like, the size of the patty, the type bun (or English muffin!), and a seemingly endless list of toppings. Click here to see what the menu looks like. Various locations

4. Lucky Devil's: This Hollywood restaurant uses Kobe beef to make their burgers, and to some, that makes all of the difference. The burger I've heard the most raves about is their Kobe Bacon Bleu Burger which features, you guessed it: Swiss Gruyere & Maytag Bleu cheeses, double smoked bacon, caramelized onions & garlic aioli. 6613 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 323.465.8259

5. Apple Pan: Some old-schoolers say that the Hickory Burger at this long-standing West Los Angeles institution can't be beat. The burger is covered in tangy Hickory barbecue sauce and features Tillamook cheddar, pickles, and crisp iceberg lettuce on a soft bun. A classic. (Oh, and they take cash only)! 10801 W Pico Blvd @ Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles 310.475.3585

6. Burger Night @ Grace: Neil Fraser's Grace Restaurant hosts a weekly burger night on Sundays where you can dine on a gourmet burger made with prime dry-aged Highland beef and your choice of buttermilk blue, gruyere, or truffle cheese. The burger comes with fries, pickles, ketchup, aioli, and a fleur de sel bun, all house made. 7360 Beverly Blvd (bet. Fairfax and La Brea), Los Angeles, 323.934.4400

7. Comme Ca: The absolute best cheeseburger according to LA Weekly's Pulitzer-prize winning food critic, Jonathan Gold, which is saying a lot. I'll let him describe it, though: "But until I am persuaded otherwise, I swear that the best cheeseburger I’ve ever tasted was the one I had for lunch at Comme Ça last Tuesday, a thick, dripping, loosely packed puck of bloody-rare beef, glazed with a quarter inch of good Cheddar, barely but adequately contained in a soft, shiny-crusted hamburger. I am an admirer of both the Orchestrated Crispness and Mannerist Condiment schools of cheeseburger construction, but Comme Ça’s burger is from an older tradition where ingredients are allowed to speak for themselves, unfussy hamburgers that taste like good aged meat." But, don't forget, the burger here is only served during lunch. 8479 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood. 323.782.1178

8. In-N-Out Burger: There simply cannot be mention of burgers in Los Angeles without mentioning In-N-Out. This is technically a fast food chain, but they never freeze or pre-cook their pure-beef burgers (which are free of fillers, additives, and preservatives), and the lettuce and tomato they top them with are the freshest available. Everything is kept very clean and tidy at these 50's era restaurants, and there is even a "secret menu" that you need to be privy to before you order (and don't worry...they don't really try to hide it from the masses, it's right there next to the "regular" menu). Various locations

Gordon Ramsay at The London

2008-06-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

I was invited by a friend of mine to attend the opening of The London West Hollywood's stunning rooftop pool. We arrived around 7:00 PM to a lovely little affair with plenty of room to enjoy some champagne while taking in the magnificent 360 degree view, spanning from Downtown LA all the way to the ocean. The London's rooftop is the perfect setting for a cocktail party or just for enjoying the pool on a sunny day...I hope to be back in order to partake in one of the fabulous cabanas soon considering it is only about a block away from my home!

After the party, we decided that we should head down to chef Gordon Ramsay's new restaurant and try to grab a spot at the bar and maybe sample some of the dishes on their Bar Menu. After perusing the limited offerings and noticing that there seemed to be tables in the main dining room available, we decided to treat ourselves and just have dinner there instead. We were seated at a great table in the far dining room (which seemed to be the one with the most action), and like the rooftop, it also had a lovely view. The decor here is great...lots of gold accents, baby blue tufted banquettes, and an interesting mix of dark and whitewashed woods. Some have called it "gaudy" or "New Jersey Diner meets Donald Trump," but, hey I guess that's just my style since I thought it looked exceedingly beautiful.

Let me be upfront and say that the service was pretty hideous. Our waitress seemed so disinterested in us and eventually we were able to get her attention for long enough to order a couple of glasses of wine after sitting there for 15 minutes or so. We placed our wine order with her and then some guy (maybe their sommelier?...he didn't say much) came over with a bottle of what my dining companion had ordered and poured her a glass, and then maybe 5 minutes later he came back with mine and poured some for me. The funny thing was, the pour literally looked like what a sommelier will normally pour when they are waiting for you to determine whether or not a bottle you ordered is corked. We thought maybe he would be back to pour the rest, but no such luck. We were giggling in utter disbelief that this was considered a glass of wine at Gordon Ramsay, especially for the prices we were paying, and asked our waitress if there was something wrong. She looked at us suspiciously and said "is that really how much he poured?" and after we replied "yes," she walked away, a few minutes later returning with the bottles to finish the pour. Even after that these were still small pours for American restaurant standards...the right size, to be clear; 4 - 6 ounces, which is fine, but at least now we had more than what would amount to just one sip!

When we were finally able to get the waitress back to place our order she gave us the spiel about how everything there is "small plates," and the menu is broken up (by price) from lightest dishes to "heaviest," which isn't saying much since all of the portions here are quite minuscule. We decided that we would be fine with two plates each, even though our server suggested 3 - 4, due to the fact that we weren't starving. After we placed our order, we received two mini sourdough baguettes which were fine, nothing special, and were served with fresh butter sprinkled with fleur de sel.

We both opted for the Burrata mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, cape gooseberries, and basil pesto for our first course which was very good.

The heirloom tomatoes are in season and were plenty flavorful and the burrata was delicious as it is always. The bright green basil pesto added a really nice fresh element as well. After that, our second courses arrived; mine being the Hand-dived sea scallops, cauliflower purée and sherry vinegar reduction, and my dining companion ordered one of the specials which was the wild asparagus risotto. The scallops were dusted with a curry flavoring and were cooked perfectly...not the least bit rubbery, thank goodness.

The asparagus risotto (which I sampled) was very creamy while still remaining al dente...a very comforting dish.

For dessert we opted for the only chocolate dish on the menu; a chocolate (supposedly) sticky toffee pudding. When it arrived it was laughably teensy, and had no discernible chocolate flavor in any of its components (there was a robin's egg sized spoon of ice cream next to it)...it was overwhelmingly caramel-y, which wasn't exactly what we were hoping for. Oh, and yes...we were quite full and satisfied after this, so I am happy to report, for our particular appetites, we ordered correctly.

I really want to say that I will be back since this restaurant is so amazingly close to my home and has such a wonderful ambiance, however, I wasn't really all that impressed. Although the setting was beautiful, the food was lacking, forgettable even. It was fine, don't get me wrong, but definitely not worth the price of admission. Maybe I ordered the wrong things or should have opted for the chef's tasting menu if I was going to write a critique, but it is what it is. If I do return I truly hope that I'll be able to amend this post a bit with some raves, but until then...

Gordon Ramsay at The London

1020 San Vicente Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.358.7788

Photos courtesy of Kevin Eats

Zin Bistro Americana

2008-06-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I visited this restaurant which is situated right on the lake from which Westlake Village obtains its name. It's an absolutely beautiful setting, especially now that the weather is warmer, and that was really what the initial draw was in choosing where to have dinner on this particular evening. I've been to Zin Bistro before, however, it was shortly after it opened, and to be honest, that visit left me feeling downright indifferent. I loved the view and atmosphere, but the food was forgettable. This evening, I'm happy to report, was better. It was surprisingly crowded on the patio at about 7:15 on a Monday when my dining companion and I arrived, and it seemed as if we snagged the last remaining table, which was right inside the patio in a room that is separated from the outdoors by only a sheer panel to block the sun, which was later raised to provide an unobstructed view of the lake. It was pretty warm when we arrived, so this made me think immediately of ordering a nice, cold, crisp Rosé. When the waiter asked us what we'd like to drink, I asked him what his driest Rosé was (they had three to choose from on their wine list), and he deferred to the Captain, since he had more wine expertise. The judgement, reported back to us by our waiter, was that the Niner Barbera Rosato from Paso Robles was the driest tasting of the three (which were all excellent values, I may add), so we decided that would be our choice. The wine ended up being exactly what I was hoping for; with a nice crisp, fruit forward flavor...the perfect refreshing Summer wine which matched perfectly with both the view and the weather.

I knew what I wanted to order almost immediately after looking at their menu: the Lobster Cobb Salad, while my dining companion opted for the Cioppino. While we were waiting, we were offered a choice of bread: either an focaccia-type or a dark raisin...we both chose the latter. The raisin bread was great; a really nice example. Our entrees arrived, and my salad was a large traditional cobb complete with chopped lettuces, hard boiled egg, avocado, blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, and asparagus, with, in this case, the protein component consisting of fresh, succulent pieces of lobster. It was a nice, unique variation of a salad I've had hundreds of times. My dining companion seemed to like his Cioppino, which featured scallops, crab, mussels, shrimp, and various other types of seafood in a spicy(ish) tomato based sauce. I sampled a mussel and a scallop and both were really fresh and cooked perfectly...not rubbery at all which can sometimes happen with Bouillabaisse or Cioppino.

I do have to say that much of this restaurant's appeal still lays in its location and view, however, it isn't bad. I enjoyed my meal...the food was fresh, and their fish is of the highest quality since they have the same supplier as their sister restaurant, Fins, which specializes in seafood. It's definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Go enjoy a cocktail or their nice wine list and watch the boats and ducks go by. You couldn't ask for a better setting on a warm Summer evening.

Zin Bistro Americana

32131 Lindero Canyon Rd., Ste. 111

Westlake Village, CA 91361

818.865.0095

Big news!

2008-06-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wow...this is impressive and extremely exciting! The new restaurant from the two "dudes" (pictured to the right) who ever so briefly had a show on the Food Network called "2 Dudes Catering," has just opened and it sounds like it's a force to be reckoned with. They do, in fact, have a catering business, but this is their first restaurant, called Animal, and although I've been hearing chatter about this for quite some time, now I'm really looking forward to going. Look what Dana Harris from "The Knife" just said!:

"9 p.m. Animal. The brand-new restaurant that everyone will be talking about.
DISAPPOINTMENTS: Uh, that I'm a nimrod for initially writing this place off as a dimwit Food Network tie-in?
PLEASURES: We were still in the Loews hotel, discussing the Gourmet on Fire disaster, when Eater LA's Lesley Balla began recounting the glories that were her two meals at Animal. When I began gnashing my teeth over the fact that Animal gave her the opportunity to try real mulberries, she suggested that we go, like, now. So we headed east, walked past the Kibitz Room at Canters, into the former T on Fairfax space and what could be the most exciting new restaurant in LA. (Caveat emptors: It's not even open a week and I've been only once. I'll be curious to see what J. Gold has to say -- he's been already). OK, as for the rest of it: Small wine list that features quirky (yay!) choices like Aligot and dry Gewurtzraminer; melted Petit Basque with caramelized onions and dry chorizo (queso fundido as high-end pizza dip -- yum); the most enormous soft-shell crab I've ever seen, tempura-fried with a Thai slaw; fried quail with greens, bacon, grits and gravy that was slap-the-judge good. And the desserts -- chocolate pudding, stone-fruit crisp, golden raspberries and mulberries -- were terrific. Especially those mulberries. Gentlemen, my apologies."

Happy Hour Guide

2008-06-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

I was debating whether or not to call this post "Public Service Announcement III," however, I thought that might be a bit of a stretch, since it can be debated that low-priced booze might not be considered a wonderful find for one and all. Even worse, some may even argue that it's actually a public disservice, but of course, those folks are no friends of mine. Greek yogurt, my first PSA, however, is certainly worthy of the designation (except to the lactose-intolerant community, of course), and my second PSA which was regarding the wine e-commerce site and community, Domaine 547, was another helpful tip, but...Happy Hour? I wouldn't want to run the risk of you doubting the seriousness of my Public Service Announcements, so I won't go there this time.

I went to a great Happy Hour yesterday afternoon at Chaya (which they refer to as their hoity-toity "Industry Hour") and I was reminded of how nice it is to have a couple of half priced drinks before nightfall. My friend and I were looking for a spot to get an early, light dinner, and so I remembered that Chaya has a nice selection of appetizers, sushi rolls, and drinks at special prices between the hours of 5:00 - 8:00 PM. We really enjoyed it, which prompted me to post a round-up of some of the other Happy Hour-type deals around town. Cheers!:

Air Conditioned Supper Club: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Air Conditioned offers up free hors d'oeuvres in addition to $1 off beer and $2 off glasses of wine and cocktails from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. 2819 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Bar 360 @ The Luxe Hotel: Every weekday you are welcome visit this bar which sits directly on posh Rodeo Drive and enjoy martinis for only $3.60! A selection of their small plates such as sliders, tuna tartare, and chicken satay are available too for only around $8.00. 360 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Foxtail: This newish hotspot just opened their doors for "The 9th Hour," their version of Happy Hour which features special menu items and their fancy house cocktails, each for just $9.00. Monday - Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. 9077 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Boulevard: From 6:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesdays through Fridays, this West Hollywood restaurant serves well drinks for $5.00 and a selection of menu items from $6 - $9. 1114 N Crescent Heights Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Kula Sushi Bistro: Head to this new sushi restaurant for their "Kula Kocktail Hour" which lasts from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on the weekdays. They feature new cocktail specials every day and half orders of their large sushi rolls for half price. 10351 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Lola's: On Monday through Friday this iconic martini bar/restaurant offers $5.00 martini specials and $5.50 appetizer specials. Believe me...all you need is one of those babies and you will be stumbling home. 945 N. Fairfax Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

That should give you a good start. Enjoy!

bld

2008-06-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

I had a great lunch today at Neil Fraser's bld, which stands for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Fraser's other restaurant is Grace, just up the street on, also on Beverly Boulevard, and it's been on my "to dine" list for years. I still have yet to get there, which is ridiculous, but hopefully soon. I've been to bld, however, countless times...I used to meet a friend here for lunch as her office is about five minutes away, and the food is always simple, fresh, varied, and has never let us down. I haven't been there in what feels like ages and someone asked me to meet them there today so I was thrilled to return once again.

We went at an odd time on a Monday, around 12:00 PM, so we easily walked in and got seated immediately and there were probably only ten other tables occupied at the time. Their menu is large and has many options...you can choose from a more traditional lunch menu which is composed of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and the like, or you can go with something from the breakfast menu which is served until 3:00 PM. They also have an amazing cheese and charcuterie list, and you can put together a nice selection of both for a lovely antipasto if you so choose.

I was in the mood for one of their great egg dishes, so I opted for the grilled vegetable scramble with egg whites along with their wheat toast. It was delicious and topped with a pesto of sorts, with lots of fresh, seasonal vegetables. My dining partner opted for the Turkey Burger with Gruyere cheese and lots of skinny, crispy fries seasoned with fresh herbs. They also have a choice of a beef, pork, or veggie burger, so all of the bases are covered. I was also happy to see items on the menu that included tofu, like the eggless egg salad sandwich, which was my second choice behind the egg scramble I got...maybe I'll try that one next time.

My dining partner knew bld's new manager from his previous position at Vibrato Bar & Grill, and because of this he not only made sure we were well taken care of, but also sent over the largest slice of cake I have seen in probably 15 years. It was a sight to behold. He explained that it was bld's version of the classic yellow cake, but this incarnation consisted of three dense layers of a buttery, creamy pound cake topped with blankets of dark chocolate buttercream frosting. It was to die for. I had three bites and that was plenty...it was so rich and dense you couldn't possibly make a dent in that thing. We thought it was such a nice gesture that the GM sent it over...it turned out to be the perfect "something sweet" I needed to put the period at the end of my meal.

bld continues to be a reliable breakfast, lunch, or dinner spot, that has the feel of a familiar neighborhood cafe, and food that is consistently high in both quality and taste. I have to put it back on the rotation of my "regular" spots. Glad we reacquainted today, bld!

bld

7450 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323.930.9744

Café 14

2008-06-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

A very food and wine-savvy friend of mine was kind enough to introduce me to a delightful little restaurant which is located off the beaten track, hidden in a nondescript strip mall, in Agoura Hills. I have heard much about Café 14 since it opened four years ago, however, still had yet to visit. I'm so glad I finally had the opportunity.

Café 14 is owned and operated by its two chefs; Neil Kramer and Claudine Bernard who...get this...met in the bread aisle of a market, fell in love, and got married. That alone would make me want to eat at their restaurant, however, I have heard great reviews about the food, so that was even more of an incentive.

I decided to bring a bottle of wine, since their corkage fee is only $18/per for the first two bottles ($34 after that, I believe), but since I knew we would only be drinking one this evening, I felt like it would be a great value. It was a 2000 Joseph Phelphs Insignia, and let me tell you, it was stunning. What a fabulous way to start off our evening.

My dining companion, whom had been to this restaurant several times before, promptly ordered us the "Double Truffle" Pomme Frites with Aged White Cheddar, White Truffle Oil, Shaved Black Truffles, and Fleur de Sel. Um.....hello?! Does that sound unreal or what? Geesh. Anyway, it arrived as we were sipping on our first glass of wine and you couldn't have wished for a better accompaniment. The frites were extremely crispy, and with that wonderful earthy aroma and flavor from the truffles, it was just sinfully delicious.

Hearing the evening's specials and browsing through their menu made it difficult to decide, however after some deliberation we placed our order: To start, we split a little salad composed of red and yellow roasted beets, goat cheese, and a few sprigs of baby arugula. It was fresh, light, and had a citrusy kick from the dressing. We then decided to opt for appetizers as our entrees, and my dining companion chose the Crab Cakes with Mixed Greens and Creme Fresh Remoulade. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare Stack topped with Daikon Radish Sprouts and Wasabi Aioli. The tuna itself was quite fresh and I liked the Wasabi Aioli, but the sauce the "stack" was sitting in on the plate was cloyingly sweet. I really couldn't identify what it was, probably because all my taste buds were registering was "sweet," but I really wish they had left this off the plate. Sometimes less can definitely be more.

The bite of the crabcake I had from my friend's plate was really nice...it contained lots of fresh lump crabmeat and very minimal filler. A great example of this dish.

We opted to forgo dessert and I just enjoyed the last few sips of my wine, while my dining partner decided to cap off the meal with a cappuccino.

I am truly glad I finally had the opportunity to try this little, unassuming restaurant which can certainly be considered a haven in the midst of what some may consider the culinary wasteland that is the Conejo Valley. There are little gems scattered throughout of course, but Café 14 gives this area exposure to creative, well-crafted, modern food that prior to this, one had to venture out to "the city" to find. I'll be back soon I hope, since there were several items on the menu that I would have loved to try.

Café 14

30315 Canwood Street

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

818.991.9560

Comme Ca

2008-06-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

Please bear in mind that this is sort of a "mini-review" before I go back to Comme Ca again to actually have a full meal in the coming weeks. I've been there several times already, but not while I was blogging, so in order to really give an accurate report, I feel like I need to return once again.
Last night a friend of mine and I ended up at Comme Ca around 9:30, without reservations, and even though it was packed, we decided to try our hand at scoring two seats at their small bar. We only had to wait about 10 or 15 minutes before a couple of people who were waiting for their table got called and we snuck right in.
Comme Ca has an amazing cocktail program, which is quite innovate in Los Angeles...this style of fresh, pre-Prohibition cocktails has only (up until the last six to eight months or so) been popular in places like New York or London. There are several bars in New York that brought this trend back into the limelight...places like Milk 'n Honey, PTD, Death & Company, and Pegu Club. These places have really elevated the bar experience to something akin to fine dining, and the bartenders take their cocktails quite seriously, much to the enjoyment of their customers. They find the freshest ingredients, the finest liquors, and even choose the size of ice cube depending on how slow it is to melt in the particular drink recipe. There are a few places in Los Angeles that are starting to do this, and Comme Ca is one of them. Our amazing bartender, Joel, created several off-menu drinks over the course of the evening for my friend and I, and not because we were VIPs, because this is what they do. The bartenders here are so passionate about their craft, and they can't wait to show you what they've got up their sleeves. I told Joel that I don't like sweet cocktails in the least, and that I usually go for something that's more refreshing and crisp. That's really all I had to say and I saw his eyes light up as he went to work on whatever had just popped into his head. I ended up with a drink which consisted of vodka, cucumber, lime, and a dash of salt, and let me tell you, it was fabulous. My friend said she wanted a champagne cocktail, so Joel made her one with muddled fresh raspberries.
Since neither of us had eaten dinner we decided to get a couple of little things to snack on with our drinks. We had their frites, which come with a garlic aioli and ketchup (which I had to request, of course), along with the Tarte Flambee with fromage blanc, caramelized onions, and lardons. Both were delicious and the perfect foil to our drinks.
We decided on a second round which we wanted to consist of new drinks entirely. This time I received a drink which was cute, small, pink and I loved it. It was made with vodka (I think), muddled raspberries, strawberries, and shaken with an egg white for a great frothiness and then served in a petite fluted glass. It resembled something I could see Marie Antoinette enjoying in her parlor. My friend received another champagne cocktail, this time with muddled lime and mint. A perfect, light green, refreshing Summertime drink.
We were at a party down the street and were so glad that we decided to swing by Comme Ca and see if we could get lucky and find a seat. We had a wonderful time speaking with Joel about how he learned his craft, the history of this "cocktail culture," as well as what he was serving to his other customers as we watched him create drink after drink. A perfect, enjoyable night to be sure!

Comme Ca
8479 Melrose Avenue (@ La Cienega)
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.782.1178

Craft

2008-06-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to return to Chef Tom Colicchio's west coast outpost of Craft for quite some time now...more specifically since I went for my birthday last July shortly after they first opened. When I sat down at the bar this afternoon while I was waiting for my lunch companion to arrive, I got to chatting with the bartender who said that a lot has changed since that the last time I was there...namely, things were running a lot "smoother" service-wise. Of course, no restaurant opens without a few service (and sometimes food) kinks to work out, however none were apparent on my first trip to Craft. In fact, one of the things that pleasantly surprised me and I remember to this very day was how amazingly attentive and pleasant the service was...and today was no different.
The lunch and dinner menus are the same at Craft, however, there is a catch here: the menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are fresh from their suppliers and/or the farmer's market on that particular morning. The menu is then adjusted accordingly. I absolutely love this. This method of creating a menu is so exciting to me. Not only that, they try to source their food from suppliers and farms that are as close to Los Angeles as possible...another wonderful detail that makes such a difference in both food taste and quality. Already off to a good start, right?
The restaurant itself is quite modern in design, but the warm-colored wood details and fresh flowers take away any starkness this type of decor could potentially lend. During lunchtime, Craft is positively filled with suits (rare in LA!), as the Creative Artists' Agency is right next door, in addition to the several financial institutions that are based in the area. If you are looking for a place to "power lunch" (3 Martini Lunches don't exist in Los Angeles, sorry), this is the spot. So, needless to say, I did my best interpretation of the "Lady Who Lunches" look and headed over to Century City.
When my dining companion and I sat down we were immediately greeted by our waiter who actually offered tap water, which is great, since I always feel like such a cheapskate when I don't order bottled water, but I truly have a hard time paying for this particular item. I mean...it's water, for goodness sakes. Anyway, we gladly accepted and began to peruse the beautiful and well-organized menu to plan out our ordering strategy. Most, if not all of Craft's dishes are meant to be shared, which is a great way to get a taste of several items over the course of one visit, which is usually what I like to do in this caliber of restaurant. Here is what we decided on:
We started with the Craft Cobb Salad, which was a mix of butter lettuce, red and yellow grape tomatoes, baby corn, bacon, and poached chicken. It was served with a creamy, yet light dressing...almost like a tangy Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs. Whatever it was, it was delicious and refreshing, and the salad wasn't overly dressed so that you could really taste the freshness of the vegetables. We also ordered the Roasted Veal Sweetbreads with Kumquat, which was quite tasty as well. I would have been fine if we just stopped here, since that was plenty for me, however, of course we also ordered Mains which would be arriving shortly. Our main course consisted of the Diver Scallops with Vermouth Butter, the Roasted Assorted Mushrooms, and the Braised Baby Artichokes. The Scallops were cooked perfectly...there were three of them on the plate and they looked so beautiful with just a hint of a golden-brown crust, all the while remaining soft and just barely opaque in the middle. The Assorted Mushrooms was one of my favorite dishes that I remembered from my first visit to Craft, consisting of Hen of the Woods, Oyster, Baby Shiitake, and Trompette Royale mushrooms...again, very simply prepared so that the earthiness of the mushrooms was really apparent. Lastly, the Baby Artichokes, which were good, but not very flavorful...almost a little watery. This was my least favorite dish and we could have certainly done without it.

Roasted Assorted Mushrooms

Yes, we had to order a dessert, since Craft is well-known for theirs, so we chose the creative and beautifully presented Peanut Butter Cup. This was actually a dark chocolate tart with a layer of peanut butter on the bottom and the top was sprinkled with fleur de sel, which is one of the most ingenious things you can do with a dessert...ever. If you don't believe me see here. There was also a scoop of Carmel Gelato and Carmel Gelée next to the tart, which is supposed to fit into the Peanut Butter Cup equation somehow, but I still have yet to figure that part out. I'll get back to you on that one...
I have to say, I still love this restaurant. I wanted to check it out again since I throroughly enjoyed my first visit, and since that time, I have heard some not-so-positive reviews. I have a feeling that some of the reason for this has been Chef Colicchio's participation in Bravo's "Top Chef" reality show, however, that doesn't change anything at all for me...I still think he is a talented (and handsome) chef. I'm glad I had the opportunity to return today to reconfirm that we are quite fortunate to have a restaurant of this quality here in Los Angeles.

Craft Los Angeles
10100 Constellation Blvd
Century City, CA 90067
310.279.4180

The Village Idiot

2008-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

No...I'm not the village idiot, nor am I about to write about someone whom I think could probably be the village idiot...instead, I went to a gastropub last night called The Village Idiot. I've been to this place several times before and always enjoy it, but now that I'm officially blogging, I thought I should spread the word regarding how fun it is. The Village Idiot has been open now since January '07, and has become a great neighborhood pub that walks the line between lowly bar and fine dining establishment. It's a great combo, as you can imagine...since you can go grab a glass of wine or pint of Guinness and call it a night, or you can sit, relax and dine on some of the best food I've ever come across at a bar in my life.

Last night my girlfriends and I went for an early dinner before a party we were to attend, and when we arrived around 6:30 we were able to score one of the high booths situated next to the windows that line Melrose. It's a great, comfortable spot that gives you a birds eye view of not only the passers by outside, but also over the entire bar since you are sitting up so much higher than the tables. These booths are usually quite elusive, but I got there just in time to grab the last one.

I promptly ordered a deliciously refreshing rosé from France that was dry, pale pink, and smelled of strawberries. There was a new appetizer on the menu which I decided to order since I wasn't all that hungry. It was a chili relleno (green Poblano pepper) stuffed with summer squash and goat cheese in a very spicy sauce that I loved. See? Not your ordinary pub food. My friend ordered their burger, which came with your choice of cheese and an onion marmalade on the side, served with thick french fries with their skin on. I also ordered us a side of their slow cooked greens. They were a collard green, I believe, cooked with a touch of garlic. My third friend is back on her "green tea diet" where she drinks only green tea all day, so needless to say, she wasn't partaking in the food portion of this evening. She did get a nice big vodka and soda though and put it on top of her plate so she could feel like she was eating. Hey...to each their own.

As the night goes on, The Village Idiot gets consistantly busier and busier no matter the day of the week. It has a fun, lively atmosphere that definitely keeps me coming back since the crowd is such a great mix of people. There are not many places like this in Los Angeles...it seems more like a bar you'd find in London or New York. They don't take reservations, so if you'd like one of those coveted booths, I'd suggest you get there as early as you can!

The Village Idiot

7383 Melrose Avenue (@ Martel)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.655.3331

Photo courtesy of Eater LA

La Scala

2008-05-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

So I was originally supposed to go to Pizzaria Mozza last night, but I was redirected to the classic Beverly Hills Italian eatery, La Scala. Because of forces much more powerful than I, my Mozza plans fell through (will go next week and report back, however), and instead we landed at this old-school, red leather boothed, random tzotchke-laden standby. It happens to be my dining partner's favorite restaurant, one that she frequented with her family growing up in Beverly Hills, as did many natives. Every time we go there, she inevitably runs into one or more people she knows, and last night was no exception. It's actually really nice that there exists a place amongst the mean streets of Beverly Hills that has a friendly, familial feel to it.

The only thing I've ever gotten at La Scala is their famous Leon Original Chopped Salad...it's really good. I almost ordered a piece of fish, however, that salad was calling my name, and it was a salad kind of evening. My dining partner and I actually split their Ortolana puree of vegetable soup to start. It's literally pureed vegetables, maybe a touch of vegetable stock, and nothing else. It's very fresh and healthy tasting. The great thing about the Leon Salad is that it's fully customizable and there are a myriad of add-ons and options such as tomato, bacon, hard boiled egg, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, basil, etc -- all chopped finely, of course. I opted for the Turkey Chopped which contains iceberg lettuce, mozzarella, garbanzo beans, and my addition of cucumber. My friend ordered the Leon Turkey Chopped as is. It definitely hit the spot. For dessert we had the freshest berries imaginable...strawberries, blueberries, and huge gorgeous raspberries. So simple, but so good.

La Scala

434 N Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.275.0579

Hitching Post Wine Dinner

2008-05-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin here...I feel like anything I write will not do justice to the amazing experience I was fortunate enough to be a part of last night at The Foundry on Melrose. We didn't originally set out to go to The Foundry for this wine dinner...we had no knowledge of it when making our reservation, but when they had called to confirm, I was asked if I wanted to be a part of it. I have had several varieties of The Hitching post wines in the past...their Generation Red, a meritage, and their Cork Dancer Pinot Noir, both very good, but I wasn't sure I wanted to have a multi-course dinner nor did I want to drink so much wine (which usually happens to me with events of this kind). To make a long story short, I was the first to arrive so I sat down at the bar to order a drink while I waited for my friend. A man who was sitting a couple of bar stools down asked me about the drink I ordered (the "Consigliere," which was a blend of a dark liquor I'm forgetting, Amaretto, and fresh-squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit served on the rocks). He then inquired as to what brought me to The Foundry on this particular evening. After chatting for a few short minutes, I learned he was Gray Hartley, one of the wine makers and co-owner of The Hitching Post winery (with his business partner and friend, Frank Ostini), and he wanted to know if I was going to be joining them for the wine dinner. We got to talking about his Pink Pinot Rose, which I mentioned was the #1 reason I was considering participating (a good Rose is my absolute favorite wine in the warmer months), and after hearing his enthusiastic story about how he makes that particular varietal and how much he loves drinking it, I was sold.
I asked the maitre d', Steve if my friend and I could have the Chef's table, because ever since I was at The Foundry last, I had been dying to sit there, and he agreed, which made me even more excited about the dinner we were about to enjoy. After sitting down, we felt like the guests of honor...it was so much fun and such a great spot to watch the Chef choreograph the whole show. Can I just interject here about how relaxed, yet elegant this restaurant is? You feel like you are in a stylish friend's home, but at the same time the service and food are top notch. So, needless to say sitting at the Chef's table was relaxed, fun, and exciting all at the same time...not stuffy or overly ceremonial at all. It had just the right amount of pomp and circumstance while all the while maintaining the restaurant’s warm, approachable manner.
The way this dinner was to work was that there were 5 courses, each paired with an appropriate wine. Before each course, Chef Eric Greenspan told us why he chose the particular flavors that could be found in each dish, and what elements in the wine the food was meant to compliment. Then Gray Hartley would stand up and tell us a story about how the wine came to be. I really loved listening to him speak...he is so passionate and enthusiastic about what he does. You can tell how much joy winemaking brings to this former fisherman, which made me love the wines that much more. Remember my post appropriately entitled "Rant" where I said "...I get so excited, however, when someone introduces me to an interesting wine I've never heard of or tasted before...made with care by a passionate wine grower that puts his heart and soul into what eventually ends up in my wine glass. That's exciting. That's what keeps me so interested in wine and learning as much as I possibly can about it." Well, that's Gray Hartley. I was truly so honored to be there and to get to taste the wines he takes the great care to produce.

The meal consisted of:

Albacore Tuna Tartare / Haricot Vert / Strawberries / Serrano Ham ~ Paired with the 2007 Pink Pinot Rose

John Dory / Crab Pomme Fourchette / Almond Leek Beurre Blanc ~ Paired with 1999 Clos Pepe Chardonnay

Duck Breast / Peaches / Pee Wee Potatoes / Fennel ~ Paired with 2006 Cork Dancer Pinot Noir

Braised Lamb Shank / Polenta / Piquillo Peppers / Eggplant ~ Paired with 2005 Purisima Mountain Syrah

Raspberry Apricot Tart / Amaretto Ice Cream / Chambord ~ Paired with 2005 Sanford and Benedict Late Harvest Reisling

Overall, the food was delicious, and everything paired so well with the wines. The Chef created the perfect little tastes to go with each wine chosen by Hartley (and since these selections were only available at the winery, Chef Eric wasn’t able to try them prior to composing his menu...he just went off the tasting notes)! It was quite impressive how well it all worked. OK, so here is where I'm getting a little concerned...I don't really think I can do justice to how amazing some of these wines were. I guess all I can do is try and hope that you understand on some level. The most pleasant surprise of the entire evening was the Clos Pepe Chardonnay. I normally don't enjoy Chardonnays in the slightest; however I absolutely loved this one. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't that usual heavy, syrupy, oak-y, buttery California Chardonnay...it was more Burgundian in style, and the glass was filled with crisp fruit, minerals, a tiny bit of spice, and a nice acidity. Oh, it was so good. I couldn't believe how well it went with the Almond Leek Beurre Blanc that was served with the John Dory...the wine enhanced the flavors of the dish while the dish highlighted the flavors in the wine...the perfect pair.
I also loved the Pink Pinot (of course...it has pink in the name, how could I not?), and the Syrah was out of this world. I wish I wasn't so drunk by the time we got to that one, because I really enjoyed the couple of sips I took. It reminded me a teensy bit of an Amarone...it had that luscious raisin-y flavor and other fleshy dark fruits that I could barely pinpoint at this state of tipsiness, but I seem to recall raspberry amongst them.
Not only am I looking forward to going back to The Foundry again, but I am so looking forward to visiting Gray and company up at The Hitching Post this summer to try these wines all over again. This is going to be my birthday gift to myself...I finally decided that last night. Until then, I am going to order some of these wines from their website to enjoy at home, and I would suggest you do the same if you are looking for something wonderful.
I must admit, after seeing the movie Sideways, I was a little skeptical about The Hitching Post wines for whatever reason. Maybe it was the fact that they were being endorsed by a film, or maybe I felt that the surrounding hype would let me down...but boy, did Gray Hartley change my mind about all that last night. Thank you a million times Chef Eric and Mr. Hartley for such an unforgettable, enjoyable, and fabulous evening. I haven't had that much fun at a restaurant in a very long time.

The Foundry on Melrose
7465 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.651.0915

Public Service Announcement II

2008-05-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to bring the following online wine shop to your attention since I really, really love how they do things there. You see, their motto is "more wine, less attitude," and they want you, the wine drinker, to not be afraid to try new wines, ask lots of questions, and realize that no one in the wine profession knows all there is to know about wine...the learning phase as it relates to this particular subject is a lifelong one. It's a site completely devoid of pretension, and they say that "wine need not be put on a pedestal or saved for special occasions, but should instead be a part of everyday life—because life is just that much better with a glass of wine in your hand (unless, of course, you are an alcoholic or under the age of 21)." Did I mention that they do all of this with a sense of humor as well?
The best part is that they have extremely interesting selections in their e-shop, and even a wine club where they'll hand select a bottle (or bottles) for you every month. Last but not least, I love their little wine bottle cartoon mascot...he's such a cutie pie, I just want to squeeze him! Check it out!

Border Grill

2008-05-18T16:15:00.001-07:00

Today I met some friends for brunch at Border Grill in Santa Monica. Border Grill has been a long-standing institution in the Los Angeles dining scene, which launched the careers of two of the first "celebrity chefs," Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. For those of you who have watched the Food Network since it's inception like I have, you'll remember them best as the "Two Hot Tamales." The Border Grill "serves upscale, modern Mexican food in an urban cantina setting," and now is a mini-chain, with its sister restaurant residing at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.

I used to like Border Grill a lot...back in the early- to mid-90s it was constantly packed and the food was amazing, fresh, and authentic. In fact, my first "real" date was at this restaurant (I say real, because the guy had his driver's license and actually picked me up...a very exciting turn of events for a girl who usually had to be dropped off on her dates courtesy of my Mom, which really cramped my style, as you can imagine). Anyway, here I was today at the very same spot. The last time I had been at a Border Grill was in Vegas about 2 years ago and I remember feeling like the food had suffered due to Mary Sue & Susan's exceedingly busy schedules and projects (they have another restaurant in LA called Cuidad and a line of products sold at Whole Foods Markets in addition to their Border Grill locations). I'm sorry to report that not much has changed since that time. The service today was disappointingly neglectful, which was odd considering when we were first arrived we were just about the only ones in the restaurant. Our food took about 30 minutes (at least!) to arrive.

They have a brunch menu here and you are able to order off the regular menu as well, which is always a nice touch. They have a variety of both breakfast-y and lunch items...for instance, two people at our table ordered the Banana Pancakes with Coconut Syrup, and two of us ordered the Border Chopped Salad. The last two ordered Huevos Rancheros. Everyone seemed to be eating, but I don't know how thrilled we all were with our food. I think everyone kind of felt like it wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. I have a feeling Border Grill is now just a place to come for Happy Hour after work. They are known for their Margaritas and Guacamole, so maybe it is best to stick with that. I know I definitely won't be rushing back here for Brunch any time soon.

Border Grill

1445 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

310.451.1655

I'm a "Compassionate Carnivore!"

2008-05-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

I knew that we'd eventually come up with a term for this...I mean, we have "vegan," "vegetarian," "lacto-ovo vegetarian," "locavore," etc, etc, so it was only a matter of time that the phrase compassionate or "conscious" carnivore became a part of our lexicon. I like it. I wasn't really sure what to call my desire to only support farmers that raised their livestock under pleasant, humane conditions, but this sums it up nicely.
Remember this post? How about this one?
Well, they both hit on my feelings on the subject, and if I can have another opportunity to bring it up here, well then why the heck not? It's important. I read a great article today in the Philadelphia Inquirer which brought to my attention to the new term describing this practice. It's very informative as well. Check it out.

Photo courtesy of FarmSanctuary.com

Wonder how Gangsta' Rap would figure in here...

2008-05-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

An interesting study was recently released regarding how the taste of wine is affected by the type of music you are listening to while drinking it.
The researchers said cabernet sauvignon was most affected by "powerful and heavy" music, and chardonnay by "zingy and refreshing" sounds.
Check it out here.

Jar

2008-05-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

Back in Los Angeles, and time to catch up with a friend of mine, but where shall we meet? We decided on one of my favorite restaurants, Jar, helmed by one of my favorite female chefs, Suzanne Tracht. Jar is one of those rare Los Angeles restaurants that is always buzzing, no matter the day, and is on every critic's list of the top places to eat in our city. It has the feel of an old Hollywood supper club, with lots of dark woods and large leather chairs, along with decor that is a bit retro at first glance, but at the same time looks very current and hip. The food has always been outstanding, and I was looking forward to another great meal. Jar did not disappoint...everything we had was fabulous. Upon walking in we were immediately sat at one of the best tables in the house and ordered a couple of martinis...a Lemon Drop for me, and a Rubitini for my dining partner, which had tequila as a base and something else in it that gave it a redish hue...cranberry maybe? Pomegranate? I've forgotten, but she enjoyed it. We had such a difficult time deciding what to order, which is the case every time I come to this restaurant. Everything sounds so good that it's hard to narrow down the options...when the waiter came over to tell us the specials he threw an even bigger wrench into our plans...another few dishes that sounded extraordinary...what were we to do?

We finally decided, and although Jar bills itself as a "chophouse," we veered away from ordering steak. I personally wasn't really in the red meat mood, but that isn't even an issue since there is so much more on the menu to choose from. To start, we shared the Crab Deviled Eggs (a must order in my humble opinion), and one of the specials; the Tempura Fried Squash Blossoms stuffed with Lobster and Artichoke...I mean, how can you NOT? My dining companion had never been to Jar so I was very excited to see her reaction to the food here, and she was nothing short of amazed right off the bat. The two dishes we started with were both so good...the eggs were generously topped with fresh crab meat and the squash blossoms were so flavorful and light.

Next, my dining companion ordered Jar's signature Pot Roast (pictured above), which I was thrilled about because this meant I could have a little taste. I ordered one of the appetizer salads, the Jar Chopped with chicken, Parma ham, fennel, red onion, green olive, cabbage, and feta, which was the perfect little size. On the side we got one of my favorite items on the Jar menu: the Japanese Purple Yams with creme fresh and chives...another must order at this restaurant. They arrived as 3 mini potatoes sliced in half and topped with a bit of the creme fresh which was warm and melty due to the roasted potato's heat. My friend described them as tasting like caramel, which is a great description...they are naturally sweet, simply prepared, and unlike anything you've ever tasted. My salad was good, and the Pot Roast...oh, the Pot Roast...meltingly tender, rich, and sitting in a jus with the carrots and celery it was cooked with. No need for a knife. It's simply divine...my trying to put it into words is just taking away from how good it really is. It is something you just need to experience for yourself.

For dessert we ordered their chocolate pudding. It was so rich and dark that all I needed was a spoonful to be satisfied. What a perfect dinner!

I really can't say enough about this restaurant...I just love it. It was such a treat to be able to go last night. It's a perfect place for a special occasion or just a casual dinner out. You can even walk in and sit at the bar, and have an equally as lovely dinner there. They have a wonderful and extensive wine list as well as classic cocktails that just seem to go with the supper-clubby theme of the place. Oh, and one last thing...I'll let you in on a little secret: it's not on the menu, but order the french fries with the Lobster Béarnaise sauce on the side for dipping. It's an out-of-this-world combination that one of their regulars came up with years ago. You'll be happy you did!

Jar

8225 Beverly Blvd. (at Harper)
Los Angeles, California 90048

323.655.6566

New York, New York...a little diversion

2008-05-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! I've been MIA for a while...I'm so sorry. I just noticed the date of my last post, which was 10 whole days ago. I feel like I've been quite neglectful. Well, please forgive me and never mind all that, because here I am now, fresh back from a trip to New York City where I was fortunate enough to try a few new (for me) restaurants that I've had on my to-dine list (NY edition) for quite some time.
Here they are:

The Orchard

This is a cute little restaurant on the Lower East Side that is owned by John Lafemina, who also has Apiz and Peasant restaurants, both Italian and highly acclaimed by the critics. The Orchard is his third venture, and although it has a lot of Italian influences on the menu, there are touches of Asian and Latin flavors as well.
We (and when I say we, I mean my sister) decided to choose a bottle that I normally would not have picked, a Malbec Reserva "Nieto" from Argentina. It was very affordable, which I believe was the draw, as were a lot of their bottles, which is nice. The wine was good...actually better than I expected, and it meshed fairly well with all of the dishes I sampled throughout the evening, especially our first, the Royal Trumpet Mushroom Flatbread, with polenta, mushroom puree, and fresh herbs. The earthiness of the mushrooms was very apparent and that really brought out the earthiness of the wine. It was a nice match.
Since the appetizers sounded better to me than the entrees, I decided to order two of those instead. I started with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, with crispy tostones (plantains), guacamole, and creme fresh. This was really good, and not only that, fun to eat. It was a "do it yourself" project where each element of the dish was deconstructed into little segments that you could eat the way you wanted. For instance, take one of the tostones, scoop up a little tartare, dab on a drop of guacamole, and then finish the bite with a small dollop of creme fresh...see?...fun! After that I had the Grilled Filet Mignon wraps which came in little butter lettuce leaves which served as the 'wrap,' and then was topped with chimichurri pesto and spicy mayo. This dish, unfortunately, was forgettable. These were both very small portions and not really suitable for sharing, however, I could have done without the wraps entirely...I felt like they were such a waste to order.
My sister seemed to enjoy her entree which was the Grilled Bronzini with lemon-lime glazed vegetables. It was a very light and flaky white fish that had a good char on it from the grill. Our other dining companion opted for the Orchard Paella, with manila clams, tiger shrimp, mussels, chorizo, and carnaroli rice, which she thought was very good.
I have to say, although the food was decent, the best part of this restaurant was its ambiance; the lights were dim and the seating was very comfortable and cozy. There is a bar in the front of the restaurant perfect for a quick drink and a bite, but the main dining room seemed to be a great spot for a date. Just don't let your date order the Filet Mignon wraps...

The Orchard, 162 Orchard Street (@ Stanton Street), Lower East Side; 212.353.3570

Morandi

Keith McNally, owner of the famed Balthazar and Pastis restaurants in New York, has opened up his first Italian place in the West Village...with a rustic, farmhouse feel, and supposedly a great brunch menu so we decided to give it a go. We met another friend there on a partly sunny, fairly warm morning which usually brings NYers out in droves during the early springtime, but much to our surprise, there was no wait at 1:30 in the afternoon. We sat down and immediately loved the look and feel of the place. We ordered a couple of glasses of prosecco and dug in to the menu. There was a good amount to choose from, along with a few specials of the day, which all sounded good, so it made the decision-making process that much more difficult. We decided to start with a couple of appetizers which consisted of the Bruschetta with ricotta, nuts, and honey as well as the Carpacchio de Pesce, which was a marinated striped bass with salsa verde. Both were very good, but the Bruschetta was outstanding. It reminded me of a fancier version of a breakfast my Mom used to make for me as a child: toast topped with cottage cheese, honey, and cinnamon. The same elements where there -- the warmth of the rustic bread, coupled with the cool, tangy fresh cheese and sweetened by a touch of honey was such a perfect combination. The Carpacchio was very fresh and light, and not the least bit fishy.
Next, my dining companions ordered the Uova Affogate, which was two poached eggs over favas, escarole, and artichokes, along with Uova a piacere, two eggs any style (in this case scrambled egg whites), with a roasted tomato and country bread. I ordered the frittata special, which had asparagus, spinach and Parmesan. All of the egg dishes were delicious and perfectly cooked. All three of us were exceedingly happy. The service was a little sluggish, but not enough to really be bothered by it, considering we were having a leisurely brunch and weren't in a rush. I would love to come back here when the weather is a little warmer since there seems to be great people-watching on their outside patio.

Morandi, 211 Waverly Place (@ Charles Street), West Village; 212.627.7575

Boqueria

This was my favorite restaurant of the trip. Maybe it was the company, maybe it was the lively atmosphere, but whatever it was we had a great night at this tapas restaurant in the Flatiron district. Boqueria does not take reservations and when we arrived at 8:45 we had no wait at all. We ended up sitting right in the middle of the room at a high communal table, surrounded by booths that lined the outside walls.
We settled in and decided to order a pitcher of red sangria, which just seemed like the right thing to do at this Spanish tapas bar. This is really my favorite way to eat...little tastes of everything that you are able to share with friends, just like at my favorite Los Angeles place, AOC. We first ordered the Espinacas a la Catalana, which is sauteed spinach with chickpeas, pinenuts, garlic, and raisins, the Brandada de Bacalao, or whipped salt cod on toast, and the Datiles con Beicon, otherwise known as dates stuffed with almonds and wrapped with bacon, then roasted. There is no way the bacon wrapped dates could not have been fabulous (unless of course, they forgot to pit them which would be quite upsetting), the salt cod was good, but our favorite of the 3 was the sauteed spinach...very simple, but a great combination of flavors.
I was with two non-pork eaters which knocked about 3/4ths of the pork heavy menu off of our list of options (so sad!), but we ended up with a good assortment anyway since there was a special of tuna on a grilled bread (do yourself a favor and don't order this...way too fishy), and a scallop dish we really liked that made up for it. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and served in a delicious broth with clams and snow peas.
For dessert, we went with the Helado de Avellanas, or Hazelnut ice cream served over a coffee and chocolate mousse, which was just "eh." I could have done without it.
We weren't at all rushed, and lingered over our espressos and dessert while we caught up and reminisced about years gone by. The service was great and the atmosphere definitely added to the experience. It's hard to say I would go again, since every time I have the opportunity to visit New York I like to be able to sample new restaurants, but I would honestly be happy to come back here. This is, without a doubt, my kind of place.

Boqueria, 53 West 19th Street (between 5th and 6th), Flatiron; 212.727.1548

Asia de Cuba

2008-05-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I met some friends at one of our city's "older" (maybe "vintage" would be a nicer word) hot spots, located in the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset. Asia de Cuba butts up to the Sky Bar, which is a great place to grab a drink when the weather gets warmer and enjoy some seriously good people watching. The folks that strut their stuff up and down the aisles of both this restaurant and its adjoining bar are quite the cast of characters...it's very fun to sit back and enjoy the parade. While my friend and I were waiting for our third, we sat in Asia de Cuba's bar area and ordered a couple of their signature cocktails. I got the Lychee Martini and my friend ordered something called a Raspberry Pina, if I remember correctly. Both were very strong and very delicious.

When the friend we were waiting on arrived we were led to our table outside on the patio, which in my opinion is the best place to enjoy the beautiful setting and fabulous view of Los Angeles. Lots of voluptuous flowers overflowing their terracotta pots, crisp white linens, and twinkling lights...very pretty.

The thing about Asia de Cuba though that keeps my friends and I coming back after all of these years is that the food is actually really good. It's trendy, it's a scene, it's a little past its prime, but the food is definitely solid...a mix of Asian, Latin American, and Cuban flavors that truly work well together. They have their "signature" dishes which they have recently combined onto a tasting menu of sorts...$69/per person for about 6 courses, which seemed like a pretty good deal if you are a first timer and want a good sampling of their offerings, very hungry, or both. We decided to forgo this new option and instead just ordered a couple of our personal favorites to share as everything here is served family style. Our very favorite item on the menu is the Calamari Salad "Asia de Cuba," which is a mix of crispy calamari, chayote, hearts of palm, banana, cashews, chicory, and radicchio with a light sesame orange dressing. It's such a great refreshing combination of flavors and I honestly could just order this salad here and be happy without anything else. We also ordered, however, the Pan Seared Ahi Tuna, which is served over wasabi mashed potatoes, the Miso Cured Butterfish, the Marinated Crispy Tofu, and Plantain Fried Rice with Avocado Salad. All of these dishes were absolutely delicious, and I like that everything here is served to share so you can sample more tastes than you normally would if everyone ordered their own entree. I've been here numerous times now, and we usually order the same few items which have never failed to be extraordinary in flavor and presentation. One thing this restaurant isn't is inconsistent.

I highly recommend going to Asia de Cuba if you are looking for good food combined with a fun, Hollywood "scene." The ambiance is great for a date or a group of friends. Go and enjoy the show!

Asia de Cuba

at the Mondrian Hotel

8440 Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

323.650.8999

Photo courtesy of OpenTable

Red wine..."to your health"

2008-04-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an absolutely delightful article from Mireille Guiliano, the author of French Women Don't Get Fat published in the June '08 issue of Bon Appetit. (Click on the image to enlarge). Enjoy!

Father's Office 2.0

2008-04-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

If you've read the post prior to this one, you know how excited I was to try the new Father's Office in Culver City. (If you didn't, please scroll down and read that now so you can truly feel my pain here). Maybe it was all the hype, maybe I'm a tough customer, but I was really let down on my visit to FO 2.0 this afternoon. I got there promptly at 5:05 since I've read tales of the long lines that snake around the block, where potential customers wait patiently for the otherworldly Office Burger, but there was no one to be found other than the doorman and a couple of others sitting at the bar, who must have arrived at 5:00 on the dot. Because of the lack of bodies, my dining companion and I snagged a prime spot at the end of the bar and ordered our burgers without even glancing at the menu (how could we not?!), sweet potato frites "a la carte," which came served in a mini shopping cart, and a beer, which I asked for some help in choosing since I'm not much of a beer aficionado. I don't really like beer, quite frankly, and was hoping maybe this knowledgeable beer dude could convert me, but no such luck. The fancy beer he picked for me (the Scrimshaw Pilsner, I believe?) still tasted like dirt. Bleh. Better luck next time, I guess. For now I was stuck with this warm-ish dirt water. I actually think the mistake he made was choosing something that he said they serve with the burger due to its bitterness, where instead he should have chosen a beer that this self-confessed wine/champagne drinker would have preferred. I told him that's what I liked to help guide him, but I think his aim was a little too lofty for this non beer geek.

Anyway, our order was officially in so now all we had to do was wait for these wondrous burgers and fries to arrive. The anticipation was killing me! Oooh..this was going to be good....Right?

Ugh. I'm sorry...I hate to say this, but the burger was just OK. Not otherworldly, not stupendous, not the best burger in LA. Sorry Sang Yoon...it was just a'ight. To explain the way Father's Office works to the uninitiated, the chef/owner here (Sang Yoon) does not allow ANY substitutions. Any at all...they spell this out on their menu and website about 15 times, just in case you have a penchant for forgetfulness. Oh, and no ketchup, as I mentioned in my earlier post. This is a huge problem for me (and many other unsuspecting visitors, I'm sure). You see, I understand that you want the customer to eat the food the way you, the chef, want it to taste, and fine, you don't allow anyone to omit a particular ingredient from the burger when ordering, but we HAVE to eat the fries with the aioli? I mean....really. They are just fries, not foie gras. This is annoying. Fries = ketchup. To some (me) there is no getting past this fact. Why deny the paying customer something that may allow them to enjoy their food at your establishment even more? It seems silly...petty even. I could overlook this if Father's Office backed up this stance, but unfortunately they don't. The burger isn't good enough for Yoon to be this strict. Don't get me wrong...it's good, but not THAT good. The fries are delicious, but even my dining companion who originally snickered at the mini ketchup bottles I smuggled inside in my purse, exclaimed that she "wouldn't like the fries as much without the ketchup." It may be gauche or unsophisticated, but sue me. It brought those fries up a couple of notches on the deliciousness scale.

Oh my gosh...I'm really disappointed! I just got back from there not too long ago so it's very fresh in my mind, and the more I think about the whole experience the more I realize I would have been fine without it. Well, at least I tried it so I know better, right? To give them some credit the ambiance is nice and I hear it's 3 times the size of the original FO in Santa Monica. It's clean and stylish, and the bathrooms are lovely. The location is interesting...it's right in the same building as the home decor emporium, HD Buttercup. Maybe it gets busier and livelier later in the evening, but from 5:00 - 6:30 on a Monday it was very quiet.

I'll direct you to some other opinions so you can make your own decision as to whether or not you'll visit Father's Office for yourself. I on the other hand, I should have tried Akasha (from my To Dine list) which was right down the street...
What's To Eat LA

Oishii Eats
Amuse Bouche

Menus can be found here.

Father's Office

3229 Helms Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90034

310.815.9820

Photo courtesy of LAist

Exciting Openings!

2008-04-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of restaurants, one of which is opening tonight, the other opened a few days ago, that I absolutely can't wait to try.
The first, opening this evening, is called Delancey, and it comes to us (after much anticipation) from George Abou-Daoud who also owns Bowery, a few blocks down the street on Sunset Boulevard. According to Eater LA, Abou-Daoud describes his newest spot as an "Italian Gastropub" with an East Coast vibe (hence its name). Not only does Delancey have about 20 beers on tap, east coast Italian favorites such as chicken parm and spaghetti with meatballs, but some "fancier" dishes as well which include items such as quail eggs, porcini butter, and speck...but not necessarily together in one dish, of course.

The second (which I'll be trying on Monday with a full report here to follow) is the new Father's Office in Culver City. For those of you who don't know, Father's Office has been a long-standing
gastropub on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, known for having one of the best burgers in the city. Some say it's hands down the best burger, but I can't weigh in because I've never been! So, I'll finally get to check it out here at their second location. Oh, and if you like ketchup with your burger and fries (as we all know I do) you'll have to sneak it in yourself, since chef Yang Soon is very strict when it comes to what you can have on your burger (it's only served one way: with caramelized onions, Maytag blue cheese, Gruyere, and arugula...NO substitutions). You better believe I'll be stuffing about 20 of those little ketchup packets into my purse before I get here because not only can I not enjoy fries without it, but it's just the principle. I mean, come on...is it so terrible to carry a bottle or two at your restaurant? How rude. Anyway, I've heard the new Father's Office actually has over 70 different types of beer on tap, which seems quite impressive, right? Check out Eat Drink & Be Merry's review here. Just makes me that much more excited to go!

I'll report back soon!

Delancey

5936 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood

323.924.2093

6pm nightly, lunch soon

Father's Office

3229 Helms Ave, Culver City

310.736.2224

Mon-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat 12pm-2am; Sun 12pm-12am

Delancey photo courtesy of Eater LA, Father's Office photo courtesy of Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

McWorldly McDonald's

2008-04-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

A very wise and well-informed friend brought the following information to my attention today, so I thought I'd share. Kind of interesting to see what fast food lovers throughout the world are eating. I might actually eat at McDonald's if they served the "McShawarma" here in the States...
Well, no...I probably still wouldn't. Enjoy!:

INDIA
In India, there are no Big Macs because the Hindu people don't eat beef. However, they have the Maharaja Mac, which is a Big Mac made of lamb or chicken meat. There is also a vegetarian burger, the McAloo Tikki.

NORWAY
In fish-loving Norway, they have the McLaks, a sandwich made of grilled salmon and dill sauce.

GERMANY
It's bottoms up in Germany, where McDonald's serves - Beer!

CANADA
In parts of Canada, have a lobster dinner with the McLobster lobster roll. Pardon me - "McHomard" (in French).

JAPAN
Japan totally reinvents McDonald's with its Ebi Filet-O (shrimp burgers), Koroke Burger (mashed potato, cabbage and katsu sauce, all in a sandwich), Ebi-Chiki (shrimp nuggets) and Green Tea-flavored milkshake!

CHILE
In Chile, you can dress your burgers with - not ketchup - avocado paste!

COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica, unsurprisingly, you can order Gallo Pinto, meaning rice and beans.

GREECE
It's not Greek without pita, so when in Greece, have a Greek Mac, a burger made of patties wrapped in pita.

HONG KONG
Rice-loving Hong Kong, has - of course - Rice Burgers, where the burgers are in between, not burger buns, but two patties of glutinous rice.

ISRAEL
In Israel, McDonald's has 3 kosher restaurants where cheeseburger and dairy products are not served because Jewish Law forbids serving "the child [cow/beef] in its mother's milk [dairy]." They have McShawarma, meat in a pita bread roll.

URUGUAY
In Uruguay, they have the McHuevo, which is like a regular hamburger, but it is topped with a poached egg.

From an article by Beatrice Adams, originally published Jul 19, 2007

The Creperie by Jack 'n Jill

2008-04-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of having lunch with my oft elusive but always fabulous and wonderful friend who was able to slip out of work for a few hours to try a new spot with me: The Creperie by Jack 'n Jill's. This is the third restaurant from Richard Benson, who opened up the cute cafe Jack 'n Jill's of Beverly Hills on Beverly Drive in '04, and then their second location in Santa Monica a year or so later. The Creperie is a bit of a different concept...as is obvious from their moniker, the specialty of the house is a variety of crepes which are listed on the menu in categories: "Breakfast," "Sweet and Wonderful," and "Savory." Lots and lots of different crepes. I'm sure they are lovely, but I wasn't really in the crepe mood on this particular day, but instead went in the hopes that the rest of the menu would be similar to that of their original locations, which it was. There were a lot of familiar items in the form of salads, sandwiches, and their egg dishes. There are plenty of choices at this place, so have no fear crepe-haters; from a "'Messy But Good' Pulled Pork Sandwich" to a "Blackened Salmon Caesar," to an "ABT Omelet" with egg whites, Applewood smoked bacon, tomato, and avocado, they've got pretty much something for everyone.
As for my dining companion and I, we both decided to go with the deliciously-described "Creperie Burger." Here is the menu's account: "½ pound choice Angus beef or rotisserie pulled chicken with your choice of white cheddar, Swiss or blue cheese, with garlic aioli, caramelized onions, arugula and tomato served on a Brioche bun. Our burgers are BIG! please allow 15-20 minutes for preparation." I ordered my beef burger with White Cheddar (yes completely appropriate for Passover, since even though we have a milk w/meat situation here, at least I didn't eat the bun)! How exciting too, that their burgers are so big that they needed extra time to be prepared, right? AND that they actually needed to mention this on the menu! Well, because of this, I was anticipating a big, roundish, free-formed, juicy burger, pink in the middle since I ordered it medium, but what I got instead was a flat, perfectly formed patty that was pretty well done. I don't know...maybe it was my high expectations due to the menu's hype, but I was a little underwhelmed, to be honest. Don't get me wrong...I ate it, but that's besides the point. The sweet potato fries that came with it, on the other hand, were spectacular: they were perfectly fresh and crispy and actually tasted like sweet potatoes. Really good, if not the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Big statement, huh? Well I can't remember any better, so I guess this is it, baby. I feel perfectly comfortable going on record with that.
My dining companion also ordered the burger and liked it...so much so that she approved this restaurant for a return visit, which says a lot in her book.
All in all, I like this restaurant. It's a good lunch spot very close to my home and office, which is always helpful, and their food is consistently fresh and prepared well (as I can attest to from previous visits to their other locations). I'm glad I have a branch of Jack n' Jill's a bit closer to home. The Creperie is also open for dinner, with the addition of items such as a Petit Filet, New York Steak, and the "Catch of the Day." They also have a cute little wine list that has some nice offerings.
Go and enjoy The Creperie. It's a welcome addition to the neighborhood with pleasant service, good food (order the burger rare) and a lovely atmosphere.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri 11AM-11PMSat 9AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-9PM

Creperie by Jack 'n Jills
8738 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
phone 310.858.4900

Photo courtesy of The Creperie's website

Great Quotes

2008-04-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few days...I plan on writing a bit later, but in the meantime here are some of my favorite quotes about wine to tide you over until then. Enjoy!:

"Alcohol is necessary for a man so that he can have a good opinion of himself, undisturbed by the facts."~~ Finley Peter Dunne

"The only time I ever said no to a drink was when I misunderstood the question."~~ Will Sinclair

"The secret to a long life is to stay busy, get plenty of exercise and don't drink too much. Then again, don't drink too little."~~ Hermann Smith-Johannson, 103-year-old cross-country skier

"If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don't actually live longer; it just seems longer."~~ Clement Freud

"I drink to make other people interesting."~~ George Jean Nathan

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day."~~ Frank Sinatra

"I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food!"~~ Leslie Duncan

"I don't drink because I have problems or I want to escape. I just love drinking and being drunk."~~ Richard Harris

"If I give up drinking, smoking, and fatty foods, I can add ten years to my life. Trouble is, I'll add it to the wrong end."~~ P.J. O'Rourke

"Burgundy makes you think of silly things; Bordeaux makes you talk about them, and Champagne makes you do them."~~ Brillat-Savarin

"I've formed a new group called Alcoholics Unanimous. If you don't feel like a drink, you ring another member and he comes over to persuade you."~~ Richard Harris

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading."~~ Henny Youngman

Passover cupcakes!

2008-04-16T14:21:00.001-07:00

Good news, Jews...Crumbs bakeshop in Beverly Hills has their kosher for passover cupcakes available...starting now! If you aren't a macaroon fan or are simply searching for something different for dessert after your Seder, here is your answer. Holy Moses is right! Check it out.

Foxtail

2008-04-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Can cross this one off my To Dine list...finally got to try Foxtail last night and although it was good, it didn't really "wow" me, I regret to report. Maybe it was all of the hype surrounding this latest offering from SBE, combined with my high expectations, but not sure this is a restaurant I'll be rushing back to. What I did love was the décor...a little bit art deco, a little bit art nouveau...it was refreshing, actually, to see a place that wasn't all strong lines and monochromatic, neutral colors. Everything is so "contemporary" lately it's nice that Foxtail chose to go a different direction. Also, their chef, Antonia Lofaso, is a contestant on the current installment of Bravo's Top Chef and happened to be there in her chef's whites (she was actually cooking!) last night, which was exciting.

I had an absolutely fabulous dining companion, which made up for what the restaurant itself was lacking, so I enjoyed my dinner regardless of the food. But of course, I know the food is what my myriad readers are dying to hear about, so let me expound on that...

We started with a Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, which was very good; exhibiting flavors of black cherry, strong tannins, and a bit of spice. This was probably my favorite component of the meal. If I wasn't so tipsy I would have indeed wanted to savor some more, but this is a girl who knows when to say "when" (at least most of the time).

To start, I ordered the Frisee Salad with chanterelles, bacon, and poached egg, which is Foxtail's take on my beloved Frisee aux Lardons (see Palihouse post). I always order this item if offered and this version was nothing short of forgettable. I barely remember tasting anything...the dressing was under-seasoned and the egg was over-poached. On the other hand, my dining companion ordered the Burrata Panzanella with Tuscan bread, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and olives. I've never had a dish with Burrata that I didn't like...and this one was no exception. The burrata was fresh and buttery and the flavor of the roasted peppers and tomatoes complimented it well. It was good.

Our mains (which arrived only after our server asked us if we wanted to see a dessert menu), were as follows: I ordered the Seared Big Eye Tuna "Nicoise" with Haricot Verts, Artichokes, and roasted peppers. My DC ordered the special of the evening which was a risotto with crab and squash blossoms. Both decent...better than both of the appetizers we sampled, for sure. The tuna was well-seasoned and nicely seared, and the risotto was flavorful, with a hint of sweetness.

To finish we ordered the Chocolate Bread Pudding, which was a decent version served with a tiny pitcher of Creme Anglaise on the side to pour at your discretion. The cubes of bread were arranged in a way that allowed for some of the pieces to maintain their crispness while others were soft from soaking up the sauce. It was a little bit on the sweet side for me...I usually prefer a more bittersweet, intense chocolate flavor to dominate, but overall not bad.

I can't put my finger on exactly why I wasn't crazy about any of the aforementioned dishes...the ingredients were seemingly fresh and plated nicely, the flavor was (mostly) there, but nothing really stood out enough to be excited about.

I do have to mention that we had a lovely waitress though. She was very, very sweet and accommodating, although maybe a little a "green" when it comes to waitressing, which I can't hold against her. Not a hint of attitude and actually made us feel like she was happy to see us, which is rare enough these days to warrant a mention here. Also, the restaurant wasn't packed by any means. There were a few other tables, but it was surprisingly quiet inside. Granted, it was a Tuesday, but usually with SBE venues this doesn't make any difference. Wonder why they are so tough with their reservation policy?

Like I said earlier, I don't think I'll be returning to Foxtail any time soon, but I'm certainly glad that I had the opportunity to try it. Thanks so much, T!

Foxtail
9077 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.859.8369

Photo courtesy of the LA Times

Cooking Classes @ Jar

2008-04-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

One of LA's best chefs, Suzanne Tracht, occasionally holds cooking classes at her wonderful restaurant, Jar. Here is your opportunity to get in on the action just in time for Spring. Sounds like a lovely way to spend a Saturday.

Here is the email I just received from the restaurant:

On the menu:
Spring Green Garlic Soup
English Pea Puree, radish salad, garlic toast
Oxtail, with cumin, star anise, braised daikon
Meyer Lemon Tart

Classes are taught by Executive Chef and owner of Jar, Suzanne Tracht with Sous Chef Elizabeth Keitz. Our Sommelier, Rob Harpest will be on hand pouring and pairing wines throughout the class.
The dates are April 26th, May 10th, and May 17th. Class begins at 11 a.m. in Jar's Kitchen. Cost is $125 per student. Space is limited, so please RSVP early with Susan Kim at sk@thejar.com.

See you in class!

Jar is located at:

8225 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Phone: 323.655.6566

Fax: 323.655.6577

http://www.thejar.com/

My next read

2008-04-11T14:40:00.001-07:00

I am rushing out to the bookstore as soon as I finish this post because I can't wait to start reading Michael Pollan's newest book: In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. As I'm reading the critics' reviews and Publisher's synopsis, I'm realizing that the "diet" that Pollan is outlining in his book is very similar to what I try to follow in my everyday life...it's about eating real food...stuff that is grown in the ground or on trees, unprocessed meats and fish, whole grains, etc. Basically, the concept consists of eating things that are as close as possible to the way they are found in nature, with minimal tampering from both humans and/or machines. I really, really like this concept. Here is more detailed information from the Publisher:

"What to eat, what not to eat, and how to think about health: a manifesto for our times.
'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.' These simple words go to the heart of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food, the well-considered answers he provides to the questions posed in the bestselling The Omnivore's Dilemma.
Humans used to know how to eat well, Pollan argues. But the balanced dietary lessons that were once passed down through generations have been confused, complicated, and distorted by food industry marketers, nutritional scientists, and journalists-all of whom have much to gain from our dietary confusion. As a result, we face today a complex culinary landscape dense with bad advice and foods that are not "real." These "edible foodlike substances" are often packaged with labels bearing health claims that are typically false or misleading. Indeed, real food is fast disappearing from the marketplace, to be replaced by "nutrients," and plain old eating by an obsession with nutrition that is, paradoxically, ruining our health, not to mention our meals. Michael Pollan's sensible and decidedly counterintuitive advice is: "Don't eat anything that your great-great grandmother would not recognize as food."
Writing In Defense of Food, and affirming the joy of eating, Pollan suggests that if we would pay more for better, well-grown food, but buy less of it, we'll benefit ourselves, our communities, and the environment at large. Taking a clear-eyed look at what science does and does not know about the links between diet and health, he proposes a new way to think about the question of what to eat that is informed by ecology and tradition rather than by the prevailing nutrient-by-nutrient approach.
In Defense of Food reminds us that, despite the daunting dietary landscape Americans confront in the modern supermarket, the solutions to the current omnivore's dilemma can be found all around us.
In looking toward traditional diets the world over, as well as the foods our families-and regions-historically enjoyed, we can recover a more balanced, reasonable, and pleasurable approach to food. Michael Pollan's bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we might start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives and enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy.

Sounds good, right? So come on friends...go out and buy this book and we can start a little book club and discuss as we read. Wouldn't that be fun? Just like Oprah's book club. Because Oprah and Dana's Bites audiences are almost the same in size and scope. On second thought, hers might be a tad bit larger...

Best Brisket...EVER

2008-04-11T12:22:00.001-07:00

In honor of Passover, which is rapidly approaching, I thought I'd share my favorite Brisket recipe with you. This is my Mother's recipe...yes, my Mother's, not my Grandma's (sorry, G-Ma!), because over the years, my Mom has perfected the recipe my Grandma used to make for us all at every holiday. This was no small feat, mind you...my Grandma's Brisket was amazing. She used Diet Rite Black Cherry soda as part of the marinade, which I always thought was quite odd when I'd see her making it, but go figure...it came out great. My Mom, however, kicked it up a notch, in the words of my man Emeril. I've had Briskets all over the place...New York, LA, in restaurants, in people's homes, and nothing even comes close to my Mom's. It falls apart when you slice it with a fork, it's sweet and savory at the same time, it's lean, and it's delicious. So, here it is in all its glory. Print this out and keep it forever in a safe place...you'll be glad you did:
- At Whole Foods, Gelsons, or Bristol Farms pick up a "first cut" brisket
- When you get it home, salt and pepper it and sear it on all sides in a pot on top of the stove.
- Transfer to a roasting pan that you can cover in the oven - fat side up
- Take one whole bottle of "Sioux-Z-Wow" marinade (find it at Gelsons) and 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix mixed with 2 cups of water and pour both over brisket. Add cut up carrots and onions to pan
- Drizzle tomato paste or ketchup on top
- COVER TIGHTLY
- Bake for about 6 hours on 325 degrees
- Let cool completely (or better yet, refrigerate overnight)
- After completely chilled you can skim off any fat, then take the brisket out of the juices (but reserve juices!) and slice thinly against the grain
- Put brisket back in pan with reserved juices and reheat on 350 degrees until hot

Public Service Announcement

2008-04-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with Fage Greek Yogurt 2%. It is one of the best food products I've ever come across and because of this I eat one as a snack every single day since discovering the stuff at Bristol Farms four years ago (sometimes I have one as my mid-morning snack AND one as my mid-afternoon snack if I'm feeling really adventurous). Yes, I'm a creature of habit, but it is also very good for you. You know all that nonsense that's been going on lately about Dannon "Activia" and other such products? Well, my beloved Fage has had that "friendly bacteria" thing going on since it's inception...and even better, only has a few simple ingredients: Grade A Skim Milk and Cream, and live active yogurt cultures (L. Bulgaricus & S. Thermophilus). That's it! Activia, on the other hand, has fillers such as modified corn starch, gelatin, and sodium citrate...why would you want those things in your yogurt?

According to Fage's website, yogurt is truly a superfood. Look at all of the great things it does for us!:

"Yoghurt’s high nutritional value establishes it as an essential, irreplaceable daily food that perfectly combines pleasure with something that does you good:
-Yoghurt contains a high amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals (chiefly zinc) and of course calcium.

-Its calcium content renders it valuable to all children over seven months old, expecting and breast-feeding mothers, athletes, teenagers and the elderly, as well as those suffering from, or keen to prevent osteoporosis.

-It is beneficial to smokers and those who consume large amounts of alcohol, as it protects the stomach membrane.

-It constitutes one of the lightest and healthiest foods that one may eat when suffering from influenza, even with a high temperature.

- It maintains the balance of the intestinal flora as well as the mouths mucus for those on long-term antibiotic treatment.

-It combats diarrhea that may result from gastrointestinal infections, due to the neutralizing effect of its bacillus on the germs causing the infections.

-With its soft, watery texture, it combats chronic constipation, encouraging a “lazy” bowel to contract, whilst its bacillus restores the intestine’s balance, and rids it of any collected toxins.

-It contributes to the treatment of certain types of dermatological conditions that are due to a deficiency, or poor absorption of vitamin B complex via the intestine.

-It strengthens the natural regenerative process of skin cells as well as hair and nail growth.

-It strengthens the body’s immune system."

AND the best part is that it's delicious. The 2% variety is just about as thick and creamy as the original but it's very low in fat (only 4 grams). The taste is quite sour (I sometimes use it as is in place of sour cream), but when I eat it as yogurt I mix in a Splenda.

Just thought I'd share this with you in case you are in search of a wholesome, natural, and very healthy, protein-rich (17 grams!) snack. And no, I don't do their PR. Enjoy!

http://www.fageusa.com/

Factory Farming

2008-04-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

In light of my Mastro's post where I ever so briefly touched on my thoughts regarding Factory Farming and how it affects the meat products we have in this country, I thought I would at least link you to more information. I've been tossing around the idea of writing something here about the issues that I feel so strongly about, however, it is a topic not for the squeamish nor do I like to force my opinions on others. Anyone who knows me knows that I am far from being a vegetarian, however, it is very important to me how the meat products I purchase are raised, where they've come from, and the quality of life they had before they were put down. That's why I only purchase meat at Whole Foods Markets. Whole Foods has started their very own organization called the Animal Compassion Foundation which is a "natural progression of [their] efforts to help producers evolve their practices for raising farm animals naturally and humanely." More info can be found here.

If you'd like a good resource on Factory Farming and what actually goes on at the majority of meat suppliers in this country you can refer to this website.
Farm Sanctuary is an amazing organization that both educates the public and takes action against the cruel and inhumane methods that are, horrifically, the norm. There is a lot of useful information on this site and one of my favorite sections can be found if you click the "Get Involved" tab. It is not difficult to help if you wish to...if you have a moment, check it out.
When it comes to dining out, I feel more comfortable when I go to restaurants that are proud to tell you where the products they serve come from, which is thankfully becoming more and more of a trend these days. This is also one of the main reasons I'm not a fan of chain restaurants.
OK, that's all I'm going to say here. Sorry for the moment of seriousness, but I would be remiss in not mentioning it. Thanks for hearing me out!

Mastro's Steakhouse

2008-04-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

So I went to Mastro's last night with a girlfriend of mine who recently had a birthday. We had a proper birthday dinner for her on the evening of the "big day," however, we wanted to extend the celebration a little longer, if we could, with a second dinner somewhere fun. I happen to think Mastro's is fun. I like the atmosphere...the dark woods, dim lighting, clubby/steakhouse feel, and the guy in the corner playing old standards from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett on the piano. The real draw was that I also had a giftcard that was burning a hole in my pocket(book) and it was high time I used it...I couldn't think of a better occasion than my dear friend Roni's second birthday celebration (that's right, she's only 2)!

We can all comfortably and confidently admit that Mastro's is not home to the best food in town. Their food is decent bordering on good, but nothing to write home about by any means. It's a mini-chain and I have yet to figure out who supplies them with their meat, which has become an increasingly important issue to me...but obviously not so much so that it stopped me from ordering a Petit Filet. I just prayed that my filet came from a cow that had a pleasant, happy, comfortable, and pampered lifestyle before meeting his or her destiny. That's a different post, though, so I won't go into it here, luckily for you, my dear friends.

So Roni and I both ordered one of Mastro's signature (and unbelievably strong) martinis. I had the Flirtini which was a blend of vodka, Chambord, sparkling wine, and a drop of pineapple juice. Roni had the Pomegranate something-or-other which contained Tequila and POM, and possibly a dash of triple sec, but I don't remember...forgive me, it's the Flirtini's fault, not mine. You see, their martinis come in a huge martini glass with a full-sized shaker on the side, so you actually get 2 - 3 full drinks by the time you are finished pouring the last drops out of its vessel. Yikes. Needless to say, we each only needed to order one $17 drink and no more.

As for the food, we started with the Ahi Tuna Tartare, which was my favorite item of the evening. The tuna was very fresh and stacked neatly on top of tiny cubes of avocado and some sort of crispy rice cake on the bottom. The tartare itself was seasoned very well and chopped in decent sized cubes instead of a mushy paste like some restaurants have the tendency to do. I would have been satisfied with my martini and just that dish alone, but alas, we were at a steakhouse and order steak we must.

Both Roni and I ordered 8oz petit filets, cooked medium. Our waiter (who was an absolute delight) reminded us that Mastro's cooks their steaks on the rarer side of what you specify, so if you want your steak cooked medium, you might want to order it medium-well. We also remembered, however, that their plates are literally 400 degrees when they deliver them to your table, so essentially your steak continues cooking before it even cools down enough to taste. I guess the temperature your steak ends up being depends on how fast you eat it. I wasn't really in the mood for steak on this particular evening, so the second half of my filet ended up being a well-done hockey puck by the time my plate was removed from the table.

On the side, we ordered the "Colossal Onion Rings," and to make ourselves feel better, steamed spinach. The onion rings were true to their moniker and colossal indeed, but left much to be desired. Both french fries and onion rings are simply a vehicle for ketchup in my world, however, these weren't even good for that. The breading tasted like Progresso Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and somehow tasted a bit raw...the dried oregano flavor overwhelmed my beloved ketchup so obviously I wasn't a fan. Oh, and the steamed spinach was...steamed spinach.

We passed on dessert and sat for a while enjoying the "old-Hollywood" vibe...the people watching at Mastro's is always enjoyable...there are always a few standouts in the form of flashy women in what look like floor-length ball gowns and furs of every variety. Very odd...not sure were these folks come from...but very fun to watch nonetheless.

Of course, I'll go back to Mastro's again, but next time maybe I'll go against the grain and get an appetizer as both my appetizer and entree. They actually do a pretty good job with seafood here, and the crab cake seemed promising for next time along with my beloved Ahi Tuna Tartare. I've had better steaks at places like Cut and, dare I say it...Ruth's Chris. Mastro's excels in the ambiance and service departments, so go and enjoy those elements at the very least.

Mastro's Steakhouse

246 N Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310.888.8782

AOC

2008-04-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of dining at one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, AOC. AOC is the brainchild of partners, chef Suzanne Goin and sommelier Carolyn Styne and is named after the French agricultural designation Appellation d'origine contrôlée which translates into English as "controlled term of origin." In other words it's the way the French make sure their products are held to a rigorous set of clearly defined standards...the organization stresses that AOC products (wines, cheeses, butters) will be produced in a consistent and traditional manner with ingredients from specifically classified producers in designated geographical areas.
In a similar manner, Goin and Styne have held their restaurant to a high set of standards, which is quite apparent when you read through their wine list and taste their food. This is one of the reasons AOC has been around as long as it has, and is always packed...no matter the hour or day of the week.
Last night's meal was great as always, and even though I've been here countless times, the menu is always so different, mainly because they rely so heavily on seasonal ingredients that they come across at farmer's markets. They also have great wine choices at very reasonable prices, the 50 of which that are served by the glass or carafe are held in this amazing temperature-controlled machine called a "Cruvinet" that dispenses them essentially by the tap! My dining partner and I share a couple of carafes of the Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Meritage...looking back, we should have just ordered a bottle. I never think to do that at AOC, however, because when you sit at the bar, the bartenders are usually kind enough to offer you a taste of this or that and will serve you half glasses so that you can try as many varieties of wine that you like (without blacking out). We happened to sit at the cheese/charcuterie bar because the wine bar, our first choice, was so packed. I honestly would rather sit at either of the bars as opposed to a table when I come to AOC because it becomes more of an interactive experience...you end up learning a lot from their knowledgable staff, which is always fun when it comes to wine, cheese and the like.
My dining partner and I shared several dishes from their small plates menu. Two of the items I can never not order when I come to AOC are:
1. The Parmesan stuffed, bacon wrapped roasted dates (pictured below)
2. The chicken liver crostini
These two items are so perfect with a glass of red wine that it would simply be a sin to do without them. I was so thrilled to discover that my dining partner also likes the chicken liver since I usually have to eat that particular dish on my own. Not many of my friends are chicken liver fans for some reason...go figure. We also tried the root vegetable salad with burrata, ginger and mint (which was decent, but not a must-order) and the fabulous long-cooked cavolo nero (come to think of it, that's another item I order every time I go). Cavolo nero, to those who aren't hip on antioxidant-rich hearty green vegetables, is just that, a dark green Tuscan kale that AOC prepares in a way that makes it soft, yet at the same time crispy on the edges and brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness. So good.
We opted against desert, but the item that our waitress raved about repeatedly was new to the menu...the almond cake with strawberries, candied rhubarb and vanilla cream. Maybe next time. I was content with my wine.
I can't say enough good things about AOC. It's one of LA's finest restaurants and everyone should visit, at least one time. The atmosphere is jovial and vivacious, the wines are fabulous, the food is always solid and ever-changing, and the staff is warm and welcoming. I'll be back again soon...

AOC Wine Bar
8022 West 3rd Street (just west of Fairfax)
323.653.6359

My "to dine" list

2008-04-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Since I always come across restaurants opening up in LA that I’d like to try, and I never seem to remember these aforementioned restaurants when it comes time to choose one for dinner on any particular evening, I thought it would be a good idea to create a little list here. This way, I can refer to it when I’m stumped on a place to go, as can you, dear reader. OK, so let’s get started shall we?:

1. Akasha – New sustainable, locally sourced, healthy-seeming restaurant that opened in Culver City. Owned by celebrity chef Akasha Richmond, who after years of private cheffing decided to cook for the masses. I’m curious to try her food as well as her purportedly healthy cocktails and organic wines! 9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City 310.845.1700
2. Beso – Yes, it’s partly owned by Eva Longoria, and yes, she’s irritating, but let’s look at the bright side here: Todd English is also an owner and, even better, the chef! He’s dreamy, and talented, mind you, so I’d like to see how his food tastes with a “Spanish flair” (that’s the part Eva contributes, I suppose). 6350 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 323.467.7991
3. BLT Steak – Laurent Tourondel in Los Angeles? Wow, big news. That’s really saying something about LA’s food scene too. We have some biggies in the food world coming our way! Keep ‘em coming too…I won’t complain. In the old Le Dome space on Sunset: 8720 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 310.360.1950
4. Ortolan – This one has been around for quite some time now, but I still haven’t tried it. Christopher Eme is the chef and I’ve only heard good things. I’d love to do his tasting menu, but I’m afraid this is more of a “special occasion” place in my world. Maybe for my birthday? 8338 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 323.653.3300
5. Melograno – Chef Alberto Lazzarino is supposedly doing amazing things here with recipes from his native Piemonte region of Italy. I don’t think this restaurant has been truly “discovered” yet, but when it is I have a feeling it will be quite popular. 6541 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 323.465.6650
6. Nobu Los Angeles – Like Nobu in Malibu, but even better…it’s close to home. Same menu, flashier décor, harder to get in to. 903 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles 310.657.5711
7. Foxtail – New SBE owned and operated “Supper Club” (does everything have to be a club with these people?) in the heart of West Hollywood. Very small, very swanky, very tough to get reservations (annoying). Word on the street is that their chef, Antonia Lofaso, wins this season of Top Chef. Could it be true? Let me go try her food and I’ll give you my take. 9077 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 310.859.8369
8. Providence – Oh boy, this one has been on my “to dine” list for a long time. Providence has been open for years and has received numerous accolades from magazines, James Beard, and the like. Their specialty is seafood, but done in innovative and magical ways. I can’t wait to go and try their “Market Menu.” 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 323.460.4170

Photo courtesy of Eater LA

Salted Sweets

2008-04-08T15:44:00.001-07:00

You must see this photo. Absolutely unreal. Beyond gorgeous. This here is a picture of Marlow & Son's Chocolate Tarte which is composed of a chocolate crust, thick caramel center, and dark chocolate ganache. The best part and highlight of this dish is the dusting of fleur de sel...that's right, those crystalline flakes on top of the tarte are not sugar, they are in fact sea salt. This is one of the most genius food trends of the last several months...there is nothing better than the combination of sweet and salty in a dessert and in my mind, this is a premiere example of that. Marlow & Son's is, rather unfortunately, in the city of New York, however if you want something almost as special here in Los Angeles, try the Butterscotch Budino at Pizzeria Mozza. Divine.

The Hall at Palihouse

2008-04-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

OMG. I love this place. Just love it. I call it my home away from home...not only because I've been there way too many times to count at this point, but because it almost resembles someone's home when you enter. There's a "living room" that encompasses most of the first floor where you can meet a friend (or date) for a leisurely drink, and then the remainder is the dining room and outside dining courtyard. It's just so cute, I can't even tell you...you just have to go. If I had the wherewithal, I'd make my very own living room look like that of the Palihouse. But I can't. I've already gone the way of "Hollywood Regency," and this is more "faux French with a touch of safari (??) chic" (if there exists such a thing). Hard to describe, but you'll see what I mean when you go.

Where do I begin here? Let's see...how about with their cocktails? I'm more of a wine girl myself, but when you come to Palihouse you must try something off of their inventive cocktail list. My personal favorite is called the "Writer's Block," which contains vodka, muscat sparkling wine, and both fresh pressed cucumber and apple juices. It's like a Sweet Tart. My friend, and designated restaurant trying partner, Roni enjoys their Grilled Grapefruit Margarita. According to a waiter we had one evening, they slice pieces of Ruby Red Grapefruit, throw them on the grill and then juice them before mixing with Tequila (to-kill-ya), and simple syrup. There are several more on this list, which change seasonally, but all in all I am really impressed by their use of fresh ingredients and inspired recipes to create their cocktails. Good going, Palihouse!
OK, so now on to their food. I've tried many of their menu items, and they are off to a good, but not perfect, start. Their menu is broken up into several categories: "Small bites," which are little, snack-y type items, "Oysters," "First, "Meat and Cheese," Mains, and "Sides." The main courses all come with vegetables or some sort of accompaniment, so I suppose the "Sides" category is listed in case you want a little extra of something. You don't, however, need to order a side like you do at a steakhouse or other such place where they put a piece of meat on a plate and nothing else.
Let's start with the good: the Brasserie Burger is downright delicious. Always perfectly prepared to the diner's specifications, and topped with caramelized onion and a creamy aioli. The french fries that come alongside the burger are to die for. Always crispy (maybe because I always order them "well done"?) and sprinkled with fresh parsley adding a nice contrast.
The Frisee aux Lardons listed under the "First" category is a very good version of this French brasserie classic. Dare I say I like it better than the one served at Comme Ca? The lardons are juicy and warm, as is the poached egg, and when you break the yolk it combines with the perfectly tangy dressing to create one deliciously decadent salad.
Another starter (which can also be served as an entree) is the Kabocha Squash Agnolotti. The pasta is cooked perfectly al dente and when you break through it with your teeth you get the natural sweetness of the squash combined with the buttery sauce. Also a nice interpretation of a dish that can be found on lots of menus around town these days.
The Pissaladiere is like a mini pizza or flatbread with caramelized onions on top. It is a very simple dish, but the flavors are great. It comes with a little mixed green salad served alongside. Oh, and speaking of, even their House Mixed Lettuces Salad is really good and really fresh. So basic, so simple, but so good. It doesn't come with goat cheese...that's extra, but I'd recommend ordering it because it adds a nice tangy component to the dish and who doesn't love a little goat cheese now and then?
The one menu item I tried that I didn't particularly like (and I ordered it on two separate occasions just to make sure) is the Seared Scallops w/Short Rib. The scallops were actually prepared really well...truly seared and not at all rubbery, but the short rib wasn't all that impressive. It actually had a odd, metallic flavor which I'd never encountered in short ribs before. Who knows? I just wouldn't recommend it...pick something else. Like the burger!
The Desserts are pretty good as well. Try the Pear Crisp or the Chocolate Mousse Cake.
I have yet to go to Palihouse for Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch yet, but they serve all 3 in addition to Dinner. I've heard good things about their brunch, so that's next on my list.
I already touched on the atmosphere in the beginning of this post...it's relaxed, comfortable, and sexy in the evening. Great for a date or a night out with the girls (or guys as the case may be). Please go to the Palihouse though. I really want it to do well. It's such a nice little place...I just think not enough people know about it yet. I'll make it really easy for you...here's all the info. See you there!:

The Hall at Palihouse
8465 Holloway Drive (just East of La Cienega)
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-656-4100

Melrose Bar & Grill

2008-04-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

It took me a while to decide what I should write about first (besides my "welcome letter," of course), and I ended up choosing one of my favorite standbys in the city: Melrose Bar & Grill. Melrose B&G (as I will lovingly refer to it in this post) is one of those real neighborhood places run by two sisters who will remember you each time you go back and make you feel almost as if you are entering their home for a meal instead of a restaurant.

I've been to Melrose B&G many times, both for dinner and lunch, and more so now in its current inception. You see, before being reborn as Melrose B&G, this restaurant was called Doug Arango's, complete with an entirely different decor...more of a Southwestern look. I've never been to the original, but allegedly the first Doug Arango's is located in Palm Springs, and many of the Los Angeles folk who frequented it while weekending there, would visit the LA version while at home. Please don't take offense former Doug Arango's diners, but these people were of the "older," white-haired variety...while charming, not quite the crowd that lured me and my single girlfriends back on a regular basis. The owners closed Doug Arango's doors for a few short weeks, and then magically when they reopened, this spot became Melrose B&G with a great new look, a younger and hipper clientele, as well as a wonderful menu and impressive wine list. They kept a lot of the "favorite" menu items in tact, but added some new, equally delicious items as well. Check it out on their website (but keep in mind this menu changes weekly, if not more often)!
Let me start by saying their pizza is awesome. That is, of course, if you enjoy REALLY thin crust pizza...almost cracker-like. That's what I like in a pizza, and Melrose B&G has got the goods. I especially like the one with Fra'Mani Salametto and crushed red pepper...it has a nice spicy bite from the pepper and delicious pepperoni flavor from the artisan salametto. Their Mediterranean Platter is one of their specialties and is also a very solid dish. They bake their own pita bread which comes delivered to your table all puffed up like a soft pita cloud and then gradually deflates as it cools. Melrose B&G is surprisingly skilled when it comes to preparing fish dishes, so if you see the Grouper or Halibut on the special board, don't hesitate to order it. The fish is always impeccably fresh, and creatively, but simply prepared. Very healthy and light...very good. Another specialty is the Southwest Matzo Ball Soup, and if you are looking for a different take on Bubbie's version, be sure to give this one a go. It incorporates some southwestern spices (please forgive me, I'm forgetting what they are as I write this), but it gives the soup a fresh, interesting kick. Last but not least, their Chopped Salad is a great interpretation of the classic Italian-style preparation. You can get it with chicken or Fra'Mani Salami...I suggest getting it with both. Oh, I almost forgot, they always have a nice list of cheeses and fresh oysters on the specials board, so if you are in the mood for either, you'd surely be pleased by the selection.
Melrose B&G's wine list is also a pleasant surprise. They have a great collection of bottles, and decent choices by the glass too. When you order a glass, you actually get about a glass and a half's worth, because they serve the wine in a little tiny glass pitcher along side your wine glass. Very cute.
As for the atmosphere, it's fairly loud and bright. Definitely not the place for a romantic dinner a deux, but instead, go there for dinner with friends or family. The clientele is now an eclectic mix of people...old, young, gay, straight, rich, not so rich...a melting pot in the middle of West Hollywood, if you will.
So go and enjoy Melrose Bar & Grill. I have no doubt you'll be happy with your visit...like I said, it's a great little neighborhood standby...it's never let me down. Just don't go on a Sunday...they're closed. I always make reservations via Open Table, but it's not completely necessary, I just do it because I like racking up those Open Table points (for what, I don't exactly know, but I'm hoping something good will happen soon). They also accept walk-ins with open arms.

Melrose Bar & Grill
8826 Melrose Avenue (just West of Robertson Blvd)
310-278-3684

Welcome to my blog!

2008-04-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

OK, so I've finally done it. My friends have been urging me to start a food and restaurant related blog for quite some time now so here it is in all its glory. I am a veritable walking Zagat guide (although I think that I'm a little tougher on these restaurants than those lenient Zagats are), and I keep as up to date as I possibly can about the Los Angeles restaurant "scene" and the comings and goings of our chefs. You know how some girls get all excited and giddy when they see an actor or actress (aka a "celebrity")? Well, I'm that way about chefs. I have the biggest crushes on men who are knowledgeable about and capable of creating food. Oh, and men that know about wine...don't even get me started. Amazing. Maybe that's why I am so into restaurants and food now that I think about it...the men? No, that can't be it. Well, regardless of what it is, I go out to eat a lot, I love discovering new restaurants, and have become more and more proud of L.A.'s dining offerings these past few years (this coming from a former NY food snob).
What I intend to do with this blog is to share with you, the reader, my dining experiences, and while doing so, create a few guides such as the best places to take a date, best restaurants by neighborhood, etc. I hope to create a resource for my friends and family (and any strangers that happen to stumble upon this little site) which will help you pick your next restaurant with ease. So sit back, relax, get your reading glasses on (if you need them), and enjoy! xox