eat & drink

Houston

2009-09-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

The Breakfast Klub

The Breakfast Klub single-handedly made my Sunday afternoon in Houston. The staff was incredibly hospitable and warm, checking on me constantly, making sure I was enjoying myself. Their signature Katfish & Grits with perfectly soft poached eggs is something I wish I could find back in Los Angeles for I'd surely eat it on a more regular basis. Rumor has it around Houston that TBK's second signature dish, Wings & Waffles gives L.A.'s Roscoe's a run for its money.

The Breakfast Klub
http://thebreakfastklub.com/
3711 Travis St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-7754

Hubcap Grill

Hubcap Grill
Neighborhood: Downtown
1111 Prairie St
Houston, TX 77002
713-223-5885
www.hubcapgrill.com

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

A hole-in-the-wall burger joint right in the middle of downtown. Most Houston burger lovers have it listed as one of their top three burgers in Houston. It's garnered a lot of accolades and good press.

New Burgers
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2009/07/hubcap_grill_new_burgers.php
muffaletta burger
http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-10-09/restaurants/muffuletta-burger-at-hubcab-grill/

Yelp - http://www.yelp.com/biz/hubcap-grill-houston

99 Essential L.A. Restaurants

2009-08-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

See the full list of L.A.'s 99 Essential Restaurants - HERE

An essential restaurant is one that reflects Los Angeles in a startling and unusual way, that uses fresh local ingredients in a fashion that respects the land in which they were grown, that showcases cooking echoing both foreign-trained chefs’ region of origin and the hypercharged mosaic of the L.A. dining scene. An essential restaurant moves people, inspires them to think about food in a different way, inspires them to think about Southern California as a great agricultural region, a great port, a builder of the shiny symbolism that is a large factor in how the rest of the world thinks of itself. And it’s also a damned good place to eat. —Jonathan Gold

http://www.laweekly.com/content/printVersion/685208

26 Beach

2009-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Famous Craftsman Hamburgers on housemade buns = Burger Heaven.

Here are 3 of my favorites:

Bombay Burger – coconut curry sauce, mango chutney, lettuce & tomato.

P B & J – creamy Skippy’s peanut butter & Knott’s Berry strawberry jam. Yes, our version of a peanut butter & jelly, this is chef Francois' favorite burger ! No lettuce or tomato on this one.

The Brunch Burger, served all day and often! – fried egg, thick applewood bacon & cheddar on top of a burger, with mayo, lettuce & tomato.

See the entire Burger Menu HERE

26 Beach Restaurant / 3100 Washington Blvd / Venice, CA 90291 / (310) 823-7526 / www.26beach.com

DENVER

2009-07-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Buckhorn Exchange

Denver’s original steakhouse, The Buckhorn Exchange is located in the city’s oldest neighborhood, just 5-minutes from downtown Denver -- with a light-rail stop right across the street. This National Historic Landmark and Western Museum has been serving the finest in Old West fare since 1893.

Prime grade beef steaks, buffalo prime rib, elk, salmon, quail, game hen, and baby-back pork ribs are just some of the marvelous offerings on the Buckhorn menu. Exotic appetizers such as alligator tail, rattlesnake and buffalo sausage are available as well as Rocky Mountain Oysters.

The Buckhorn Exchange / 1000 Osage St / Denver, CO 80204 / 303.534.9505 / www.buckhorn.com

Royal/T

2009-07-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

What this city has been missing is a Japanese cafe filled with waitresses done up in maid uniforms.

LA's first real cosplay (short for "costume play") cafe, Royal/T Cafe is inspired by the Maid Cafes of Tokyo's Akihabara district, with concrete floors, walls of glass and the occasional incongruous chandelier that make it all feel like a contemporary Asian art gallery gone wild—which it is. Patrons can expect a menu that, like the art and design of Royal/T, is authentic to a contemporary Japanese experience. The menu presents a fusion of French and Japanese texture with local and organic California style. Alongside "comfort" food and beverage classics like Curry Rice and Matcha Milk Tea, are modern creations like Ponzu Salmon and Kyoto Sunset Tea. Royal/T also offers specialty desserts and afternoon High Tea. The cafe melts into an adjoining shop and gallery currently featuring the rather demanding new exhibit "Just Love Me." But your attention will be focused on the Japanese comfort food as interpreted for California diners—think shrimp and avocado salads, flank steak sandwiches and green tea mousse cakes—and delivered by the maid serving you for the duration of your stay. (see full post @ Urbandaddy)

Royal/T / 8910 Washington Blvd (W. of National)/ Culver City, CA 90232 / 310-559-6300 / http://www.royal-t.org/ / Map

* This Friday night, 7/17/09, marks the kickoff of a new art show called Crusaders & Haters: Superheroes and Villains in American Pop Culture—and the Royal/T gallery is throwing a suitably outlandish blowout.
Curated by the world's foremost authority on all things superhero-related—an actor from Mean Girls—the show explores everything from character studies of the Joker to what would happen if Batman were actually Beethoven. (Answer: he'd be Bathoven.)
To supplement all this profundity, there's a photo booth, a DJ and some allegedly superhero-themed snacks. There'll also be an epic costume contest that's sure to draw a crowd far removed from your usual Friday-night get-togethers.

Conservatory for Coffee

2009-06-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa has been part of the Culver City community for over twelve years. They pride themselves on making perfect batches tailored not just to the standard fare, but quality roasts that speak for themselves, uniquely branded as comforting, custom blends.

In the summer I love their Vanilla Iced Latte. Unlike some coffee chains that blend their drinks with ice, The Conservatory's version blends vanilla with milk then pours that mixture over ice and floats a few shots of their delicous espresso on top. So good. (Note to first timers: i ask for 1/2 the powder so as to enjoy the coffee flavor more than the sweetness)

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa / 10117 Washington Blvd / Culver City, CA 90232 / 310.558.0436 / www.conservatorycoffeeandtea.com

Yamashiro’s Pagoda Bar

2009-06-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday BBQ at Yamashiro’s Pagoda Bar

The new and improved Pagoda Bar at Hollywood’s historic Yamashiro has kicked off summer with its BBQ pool parties. Every Sunday from 2-5pm, Executive Chef Jason Park is grilling up $3 cheeseburger sliders and Kurobuta carnita sandwiches served with a side of Asian coleslaw and house made pickles. Enjoy muddled cocktails like the strawberry Basil-Jito, Glover’s Gimlet, or one of Norman’s famous Mai Tais...

Get the full scoop at my buddy Mattyshack's DigLounge

Yamashiro's Pagoda Bar / 1999 N. Sycamore Avenue / Hollywood, CA 90068 / 323.466.5125 / www.thepagodabar.com

Breed Street Food Fair

2009-06-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

A portal into Mexico. Right in East LA, exploring the street food of Mexico and beyond.

More info online at these sites:
Beed Street at Rants & Craves
Beed Street at Chowhound
Beed Street at Exile Kiss
Beed Street at Eat Drink & Be Merry

Breed Street Food Fair
Breed Street at Cesar Chavez, across from Big Buy Foods
Every Thursday-Sunday from 7-10 pm
link to map on Yelp.com

Washington, D.C.

2009-06-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

Dukem (pronounced DUK-em) named after a small city south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. The name "Dukem" brings nostalgic memories of the best 'Tire Siga' ( fresh red meat ) -a delicacy; it also brings up memories of leisure weekend travel as most families, friends that travel to the resort areas of Nazareth, Sodere, Langano and Awasa stop by Dukem on the way back to Addis Ababa.

It is with this tradition of Dukem city that Dukem Restaurant is founded in Washington DC. For most Ethiopians when they are at Dukem Restaurant they feel like they are back in Ethiopia as they meet and see old friends, catch up on family and friends separated by the Career focused busy American way of life. It's this reason why most out of towners stop by Dukem first as they arrive to DC and why they make Dukem their last stop on their departure from the city.

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant / 1114 - 1118 U Street (12th Street NW) / Washington D.C. 20009 / 202-667-8735 / www.dukemrestaurant.com

Hours of Operation
We serve all 365 days:
Sunday - Thursday 11am - 2am
Friday - Saturday 11am - 3am
(Kitchen closes 1hr before closing time)
Carry Out: 9am - Midnight

Ben's Chili Bowl

Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has become a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C. Located at 1213 U Street, N.W., Ben's sits next to the historic Lincoln Theatre on one side, and a new Ben's owned restaurant & bar called Next Door on the other.
Known locally and nationally for their famous chili half-smokes, chili dogs, milkshakes, and rich history. Locals, politicians, celebrities and tourists all flock to Ben's for the great food, service and family atmosphere.

The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl (since 1958) / 1213 U Street, NW / Washington, D.C.20009 / 202-667-0909 / www.benschilibowl.com

Flagstaff, Arizona

2009-06-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery

Great food (watch video below for details) and a great coffee bar as well as 12-time "Best of Flagstaff" award winner, including...
BEST BREAKFAST & LUNCH 2008

I think i tried everything you see in this video:

Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery / 1500 E Cedar Ave. / Flagstaff, AZ 86004 / 928.779.2187 / www.brandysrestaurant.com / link to menu

Macy's European Coffee House

Skip Starbuck's when in Flagstaff and head immediately to Macy's instead. Opened by native Californian Tim Macy in downtown Flagstaff in 1980, Macy’s was the first commercial coffee roaster in Arizona. On any given visit you’ll find a random mix of students, professionals, tourists, skiers and rafters enjoying good food and great coffee.

Currently fourty people comprise the Macy’s team. Their Bakers use the finest, freshest ingredients they can find and take great pride in creating classic baked goods like pies, tarts, layer cakes, cheese cakes, brownies and cookies (with an all-vegetarian menu featuring an assortment of wheat-free, dairy-free and vegan options).

Macy's European Coffee House / 14 S Beaver St. / Flagstaff, AZ 86001 / 928.774.2243 / www.macyscoffee.net

Navajo Tacos @ Cameron Trading Post

Cameron Trading Post / 466 HWY 89 / Cameron, AZ 86020 / 877-608-3491 / www.camerontradingpost.com

Flagstaff was Featured in Esquire's
Great Places to Discover on a Last-Minute Summer Road Trip

Flagstaff, Arizona
Nearest highway: I-17
You're bringing: Friends
Suggested length of stay: Three days

There is a reason my parents wouldn't let me go to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff: They would've had to peel me off the hundred-year-old bar floors of Monte Vista or Charley's, former Wild West saloons created back when men knew how to fight and fuck and kill people and look for gold. Or they would have found me using the city as a base camp for plundering the surrounding country; in Sedona, sitting with the mystics in the Red Rocks, or at the Grand Canyon, watching that massive hole in the ground, or heading toward southern Utah along Route 89, where the road curves and wedges between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. It's maybe forty miles of zigzags, but with the red and pink canyons and arches and mesas goading you at every corner. It's the last great road in America. Then it's back to Charley's. —TYLER CABOT

National Doughnut Day

2009-06-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

When : Always the first Friday in June

National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to raise much-needed funds during the Great Depression, and to honor the work of World War I Salvation Army volunteers who prepared doughnuts and other foods for thousands of soldiers.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl".

On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shop, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause. If you find them, please be generous.

Note: The word "Doughnut" is often shortened to "Donut. So, if you see the term National Donut Day, its the same day.

Some Great Donut spots in Southern California:

Stan's Donuts
For almost 40 years, Stan's Corner Doughnut Shop of Westwood, California, has baked the world's most gourmet donuts. Every customer finds something to satisfy their donut desires--from a Cinnamon Chocolate Cheese Danish, to an Apple Fritter, to a Reese's Peanut Butter Pocket with fresh banana. Stan's offers donuts you will find nowhere else in the world. You can take a look at our 75+ varieties on this site, and learn more about how Stan's has grown from a small shop frequented by locals, to a nationally-acclaimed donut heaven recognized for creating the world's finest donuts.

http://www.stansdoughnuts.com/

The Donut Man

Donut Man / 915 E. Route 66 / Glendora, California 91741 / 626.335.9111 / Open 24 hours / http://grubinla.blogspot.com/2007/05/donut-man-dips-it-in-dream.html

The Blind Lemon

2009-06-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

One of my all-time favorite bars.

The Blind Lemon / 938 Hatch Street / Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 / 513.621.3666 / www.theblindlemon.com

NEW YORK - May 2009

2009-06-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey opened in New York in January 2000 and is located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Entrance is by referral and appointment only. Many New Yorkers assume that M&H is an urban myth but access is easy for London members seven nights a week until 4am. The place itself is owner Sasha's personal retaliation against celebrity-obsessed nightlife. One of the bar's rules prohibits "name-dropping and starfucking"; only mellow, non-famous folk receive the unlisted address; and all must call ahead to be buzzed in through the surveillance system-equipped door. The space encompasses a candlelit lounge, a four-seat bar and a few reservation-only booths. Sasha himself meticulously prepares each expensive cocktail, with blood oranges for screwdrivers and fresh mint for mojitos. Drinks often arrive with complimentary warm nuts or honey-drizzled sliced fruit. The intended effect is achieved—even a nice nobody can feel like royalty. That is, if you can get on the guest list.

Extra
Despite the fact that everybody's in the same club, groups at Milk and Honey don't tend to mingle. And don't even think of scoring phone numbers: Sasha has ordained that, "Gentleman will not introduce themselves to ladies."

From citysearch - http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11351686/

* Once buzzed through the unmarked door of this "tailor shop," the lucky few enter a sanctum of hushed reverence. The dimly lit space, which feels trapped in time, has several deep, cozy banquettes and a small bar. A single waiter gently whisks drinks on a candle-lit platter to and from the bar. The only sounds are the murmur of voices and the shaking of cocktails. It's not about being famous, and patrons range wildly in age, dress and social status. The drinks, guided by owner and cocktail celebrity Sasha Petraske's impeccable taste, are renowned for their inventiveness and nuance. There's no drink list; guests can ask for a specific concoction or make general requests about flavors and liquors and wait for the creative returns.

Milk & Honey / 134 Eldridge St. / New York, NY 10002 / 212.625.3397 / http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/newyork.php

Lupa Osteria Romana

Review
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lupa-osteria-romana/

Lupa Osteria Romana / 170 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 / 212-982-5089 / http://www.luparestaurant.com/

Bread

A stylish, pint-size panini parlor in SoHo that serves more than just paninis. Neighboring Balthazar supplies the ciabatta rolls and baguettes—the crusty building blocks for a dozen or so terrific, beautifully presented Italian sandwiches. Sandwich standouts include: Sicilian sardines with tomato and "Thai-pepper mayonnaise" on a baguette with a hot and crispy crust but a soft, moist crumb; aged Genoa salami with nutty Taleggio and a swipe of olive tapenade on ciabatta; and rich Italian tuna with lemon dressing on ciabatta.

At night, candles glow against this restaurant's silvery interior. A metallic bar and burnished open kitchen contrast the white-washed brick walls hung with local art, and ethereal indie music enhances the intimate mood. Though the name refers to goods procured from renowned bakery Balthazar down the block, Bread makes a name for itself with fresh and honest Italian fare. The bread stands out in signature sandwiches, but even loaf-less dishes exceed expectations. Don't overlook the ever-popular, marinara-rich tomato soup, thickened with seasonings and Parmesan cheese.

Bread / 20 Spring St. / New York, NY 10012 / 212.334.1015

Carrot & Cilantro Caipirinha

2009-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

Try the Carrot & Cilantro Caipirinha at Westside Tavern. One of the more unique drinks I've had recently (pictured on the right in the photo below. Moscow Mule on the left).

Carrot & Cilantro Caipirinha: Cilantro Sprigs, Boca Loca Cachaco, Lime Juice, Carrot Juice and Angostura Bitters

Westside Tavern / 10850 W Pico Blvd. / Los Angeles, CA 90064 / 310.470.1539 / www.westsidetavernla.com

Beer Sommelier

2009-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Great Brewers' Beer Sommelier is a simple guide to appropriately pairing beer with food. The process starts with a vertical row of large picture boxes, each representing a main ingredient, from meet (beef, fish, poultry, game), to dairy, pasta, nuts, fruit, cheese and chocolate. Click one and a second row appears offering loads of popular dishes within the category (i.e., Pasta breaks into mac & cheese, lo mein, lasagna, etc.). Once a dish is specified, a third row appears featuring general styles of beer to pair with it (i.e., German-style strong doppelbock, Bamberg-style Marzen Rauchbier) with links to a fact sheet on the style (flavor profile, typical ABV, bitterness, appropriate glassware), and myriad examples of the style from a database of over 2,100 craft beers, each with its own page replete with tasting notes, availability, and tap type required.

http://greatbrewers.com/beer-sommelier

Once you find the perfect brew to pair with your meal, GB uses its connections with 22 of America's leading craft/specialty beer wholesalers to Gmap out people selling it near your zip, whether for take-home purchase or on tap.

Ice Cream Floats

2009-05-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

From Tasting Table...
Root Beer Inspired by good old-fashioned diner food, BLT Steak pastry chef Jessica Goryl added a classic float ($9; pictured) to the summer menu. But this one's special: She makes all the ingredients from scratch. Her root beer is more herbal and less carbonated than store-bought brands, and perfect poured over her rich, homemade vanilla-bean ice cream.
BLT Steak / 8720 W. Sunset Blvd. / West Hollywood, CA / 310-360-1950 / bltrestaurants.com

Beer When made with smooth, dark Old Rasputin Imperial Stout and Scoops' gelato, the Golden State's beer float ($8) is the root beer float's doppelganger. It might not be for sweet tooths, but with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, the malty stout makes a perfect foil for creamy brown-bread gelato.
The Golden State / 426 N. Fairfax Blvd. / Mid-City; LA, CA / 323-782-8331 / thegoldenstatecafe.com

Port Downtown wine bar The Must tops vanilla gelato with locally made San Antonio Winery ruby port and a splash of cream soda ($7). After it swirls and foams in the small glass, the fruity concoction verges on milkshake, but it's sweet fun.
The Must Bar / 118 W. 5th St. / Downtown Los Angeles, CA / 213-627-1162 / themustbar.com

BOSTON

2009-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The third stop on The GRAMMY Concert Tour, Boston...

Trattoria Il Panino

Voted the best pasta in Bosoton by Cosmopolitan Magazine and said to be the city's first original Trattoria, Trattoria Il Panino is as much an experience as it is a truly great place to eat. Located in the heart of Boston's North End (Boston's Little Italy) you feel like you've just stepped off the streets of Italy and into a neighborhood cafe.

Trattoria Il Panino / 11 Parmenter Street / Boston, MA 02113 / 617-720-1336 / www.TrattoriaIlPanino.com

Modern Pastry

The award winning Modern Pastry is located on Hannover Street in the heart of Boston's historic North End and specializes in authentic, old world, Italian confections. The pastries, cakes, pies, cookies and candies, are fresh and handmade with time honored traditions using the finest ingredients. When we went it was all about the Cannolis. Available in a plain or chocolate dipped shell and filled with your choice of vanilla custard, chocolate creme or the only one that really matters, Ricotta. Some of the best I've ever tasted.

Modern Pastry / 257 Hanover Street / Boston, MA 02113 / 617-523-3783 / www.modernpastry.com

SAN FRANCISCO

2009-04-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

My goal again this year is to do a culinarty post from my stops along the GRAMMY Concert Tour like a did last year in Chicago and New York. First stop was LA, so I'm starting with our 2nd stop in SanFran.

Rose's Cafe - local cafe

Rose's is the local cafe at it's best. Quaint, friendly and warm. Great food, great coffee. A great place for breakfast or lunch with friends. My friend Elwood raved about the breakfast pizza, and though it wasn't served during lunch when I arrived, the maitre d' was quick to suggest a work around by ordering the Margherita pizza and adding a few items to make more or less the same thing. It was delicious. My party also shared the Grilled Chicken-Tarragon Sausage, Organic Poached Eggs, Polenta & Spicy Tomato Sauce dish. Another winner.

I want to try their other restaurants - Rose Pistola and Terzo - next time I'm in town

Rose's Cafe / 2298 Union St / San Francisco, CA 94123 / 415.775.2200 / www.rosescafesf.com

Perbacco - Italian

The website will tell you that “Perbacco” is an Italian word to accentuate positive comments. It can also be an expression of pleasure and surprise, as well as a reference to Bacchus, God of Wine and “good times.” A fitting name for a restaurant steeped in the traditions of Italy with a refreshingly modern feel and attitude. Perbacco introduces urban San Francisco to the full range of flavors found in the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria, with a touch of France by way of Provence.

The appetizers were all lovely and the Herb Agnolotti filled with roasted rabbit and truffled sugo d’arrosto was so good I’m considering flying back next weekend for another plate.

Perbacco / 230 California Street / San Francisco, CA 94111 / 415.955.0663 / www.perbaccosf.com

City View Restaurant - Dim Sum

Located in San Francisco's Chinatown, City View serves some of the best Dim Sum I've had in a long time and it's still served table side from push carts unlike many modern Dim Sum restaurants.

City View Restaurant / 662 Commercial St / San Francisco, CA 94111 / 415.398.2838 / www.cityviewrestaurant.reachlocal.com

Bread and Cocoa - coffee shop

For great coffee in the city, skip Starbucks and hit Bread and Cocoa.

Bread and Cocoa / 199 Sutter St (between Kearny St & Lick Pl) / San Francisco, CA 94104 / 415.956.7200 / www.breadandcocoa.com

Mercury Lounge‎

Mercury Lounge‎ / 1582 Folsom St. / San Francisco, CA 94103 /‎ 415.551.1582‎ / www.mercurysf.com

Clift Hotel

From the website:

Hotel Overview
An inspired fusion of old-world hotel elegance with distinctly contemporary energy and glamour, the nearly century-old Clift’s modern and daring sense of diversity perfectly captures the city’s spirit. Steps from Union Square shopping and the legendary Nob Hill, Clift is perfectly located for sightseeing, shopping and socializing. Clift’s classic stone exterior opens onto a glowing purple entryway that prepares guests for the wonderland within. Designed by Philippe Starck, the soaring lobby contains one of the most eclectic furniture collections in all of California, with chairs from Ray and Charles Eames, a coffee table by Salvador Dali, a surreal stool by Renee Marguerite, and a sculpture custom made by William Sawaya. The centerpiece is a thirty-five-foot fireplace with a Bronze chimney sculpture by Gerard Garouste. The thrilling monumental scale and fantastical furnishings create a dream-like composition that is the cornerstone of Clift’s magic.

Redwood Room
A cherished San Francisco landmark, Clift's famous and historic Redwood Room has been restored and reinvented as an elegant and modern San Francisco bar. The interior features the original redwood paneling and enormous bar, which, legend has, was carved from a single redwood tree, as well as Starck-designed lounge furniture and an ever-changing array of digital artwork displayed on plasma television screens hung throughout the room.

Clift / 495 Geary Street / San Francisco, CA 94102 / 415.775.4700 /
www.clifthotel.com

Funny Food Blogs

2009-04-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

SCANWICH - Images of scanned sandwiches

This Is Why You're Fat
where dreams become heart attacks

FUCK YEAH CILANTRO
IF YOU DON'T LOVE CILANTRO WITH ALL YOUR HEART I WILL FIGHT YOU. NO JOKE.

Street

2009-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Mattyshack got some of the my top 5 members together for dinner at Susan Feniger’s newly opened Street. Located in the former Highland Grounds space, Street is "a virtual museum of street food, snacks and savories from every part of Asia". It was great. Really fun environment and everyone there seemed to have a good attitude; super helpful and friendly.

Though we tried a bit of everything, the appetizers are where it’s at. Entrees were good, dessert was OK, but neither were as impressive as the apps.

If you go (and you should) try and request Parker as your waiter. He was great. Heather the hostess is really nice too.

And by ALL means, do not leave without trying the Kaya Toast (a uniquely Singapore experience: toasted bread spread thick with coconut jam; served with a softboiled egg drizzled in dark soy and white pepper). It was one of Parker's glowing recommendations and unanimously one of our party's favorites.

Links to the menus can be found here
· Dinner Menu: Page One, Page Two [.pdf]
· Lunch Menu: Page One, Page Two [.pdf]

Susan Feniger’s Street / 742 N. Highland Ave. / Hollywood, CA 90038 / 323.203.0500 / www.eatatstreet.com

Magnolia

2009-03-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Second location now open Downtown.

www.magnoliala.com
Magnolia Downtown / 825 James M Wood Blvd / Downtown, LA / 213.362.0880

Kogi: Korean BBQ-To-Go

2009-01-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Kogi Korean BBQ Tacos & Burritos
http://kogibbq.com/

Kogi Storefront now open at Alibi Room in Culver City:
Kogi gets a brick-and-mortar location

The roaming Kogi Taco Truck has become somewhat of a culinary phenomenon these days, attracting hundreds of guests at every stop they make. This article in the LA Weekly does a better job of summing up the essence of Kogi than I ever could: Kogi in LA Weekly

Kogi Caters Elwood's Birthday Party - 1.30.01

Kogi on CNN:

Food Trucks & Street Vendors

2009-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

The latest: Marked 5 offers a unique spin on an American favorite. Angelenos love two things--burgers and street food--so it was only a matter of time before someone combined the two. Enter Marked 5 and its rice-bun burgers.

Kogi Korean BBQ Tacos & Burritos
http://kogibbq.com/
Kogi in LA Weekly

Fishlips Sushi - http://www.fishlips-sushi.com/

Pulley's - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2009/01/pulled-pork-in.html

Daily Candy's Guide To FOOD on TRUCKS

Heart Attack Grill

2009-01-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

Heart Attack Grill in Arizona

Watch CBS Videos Online

Places I Want To Try...

2009-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

CLOSED (in the process of moving to the former Chocolat space on Melrose, now 8 Oz. Burger Bar, see post below): Table 8 / 7661 Melrose Ave (Cross Street: Spaulding Avenue) / Los Angeles, CA 90046 / 323.782.8258 / http://www.table8la.com/
http://lamag.com/eat/article.aspx?id=8178

Abode / 1541 Ocean Ave. @ Colorado Ave / Santa Monica, CA 90401 / 310.394.3463
Brunch: three-course prix fixe menu with bites like short rib hash, brioche French toast, and lemon blueberry pancakes. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Lunch & Dinner: Though there are many adventurous choices on the menu, two must-haves are the Wagyu Beef Tartare with mustard frost, quail eggs, horseradish foam and truffle oil; and the Baby Beets Salad with French goat cheese mousse, wild cress, beet gelée and candied pecans. And if you really feel like pampering your taste buds and the environment be sure to order the $300 Tahitian Black Pearl Martini served with ultra-premium coconut pearl vodka, a splash of blue Curacao and garnished with a AAA 12 mm Tahitian black pearl (appraised at $800). All proceeds from the costly cocktail go to Heal the Bay.

Vanilla Bake Shop / 512 Wilshire Boulevard @ Fifth Street / Santa Monica, CA. / 310.458.6644 / www.vanillabakeshop.com

Hadaka Sushi / 8226 Sunset Boulevard / West Hollywood, CA 90046 / 323.822.2601 / http://www.hadakasushi.com/

Pizza Buona / 2100 Sunset Blvd / Echo Park, CA / 213.413.0800

Green Door / 1439 Ivar Avenue (between West Sunset Boulevard and De Longpre Avenue) / Hollywood, CA / 323.463.0008
Johnny Zandar’s (Teddy’s expat) new bar and lounge in Hollywood.
With a French ’40s motif, it’s spacious and inviting with intimate lighting, plush chairs and sofas, and dark velvet curtains. It doesn’t get going until after 9 p.m., so naturally it’s more about the drinks than the food (though it’s never too late for mac and cheese with truffle oil or a crepe with banana, Nutella, and vanilla ice cream). Prepare for an extensive wine and cognac list that flaunts a $2,500 bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea / 3922 West Sunset Boulevard (between Hyperion and Sanborn Avenues) / Silver Lake, CA / 323.663.6173 / http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
Intelligentsia, the environmentally and socially conscious roasters from Chicago, opens this weekend in Silver Lake.
After a year in the works (hey, it takes time to implement a manipulated water filtration system and configure those 68 seats between the two inside bars and outdoor tables, okay?), you can finally try their direct-trade, reserve, dark roast, or blended beans in Clover made-to-order cups, espresso beverages, or to-go bulk.
Like wine, beans are graded, named for regions, and priced according to year, locale, and availability, with everything from $2 drips to $130 pound bags. Order Ethiopia Yirgacheffe or Costa Rica Flecha Roja “bright and clean” — the coffee concierge will heart you forever. Brush up on your javocabulary at Sunday morning home brewing seminars, where you’ll pick up terms like “cupping,” “baggy,” and “micro-lot.”

Tinto / 7511 Santa Monica Boulevard (@ Gardner Street) / West Hollywood, CA / 323.512.3095
Try a perfect pitcher of sangria at Tinto — the new (and only, say owners Reg McDonald and Juan Sola Jr.) authentic Spanish restaurant in West Hollywood.
Enter the antiquified spot full of brick archways, surprisingly cozy bar chairs, and cush banquettes and say hola to Mr. Sola Sr., who’s also responsible for the 100-deep wine list.
Eat tapas made the old-fashioned way: vieiras al ajillo (jumbo scallops in garlic, white wine, and chili flakes), guiso de calamar (squid with onions and potatoes in saffron broth), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with paprika emulsion and aioli), and albondigas sorpresa (uh, meatball surprise). For something a little bigger, go with the signature dish, Magret a la Manera de Tinto — duck breast with poached pears.

Food Court L.A. / 8334 W. Third St. (between S. Flores St. & S. Kings Rd.) / 323.782.9689 /
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., noon-11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., noon-1 a.m. / http://www.foodcourtla.com/
Plastic tray fare from around the world gone gourmet: fried chicken Cobb salad, Latchino (Latin + Chinese) steak, panko-breaded fish and chips; Brutus salad (think Caesar with pancetta, tomatoes, and a jalapeno and yuzu kick). Plus cocktails to boot.

Sno:la / 244 North Beverly Drive (between Dayton Way and Wilshire Boulevard) / Beverly Hills, CA / 310-274-2435 / snolayogurt.com
a board full of seasonal shifters like tart, sour cherry, mango, wolfberry, chocolate, and espresso chip, all made from fresh local ingredients, plus a toppings bar with more than 40 options, from fresh mint and toasted coconut to coffee cocoa nibs and sesame flax crunch.
If the six types of probiotics in the nonfat, organic, white sugar-free treat don’t sway you, their green side — solar-powered yogurt machines, parfait glasses made from corn, biodegradable spoons, countertops made from recycled computer chips — will definitely make you want to grab a spoon.

Hidden / 3110 Main St. (at Marine St.) / Santa Monica, CA / 310.399.4800
Fabrizio Bianconi (Via Veneto) lets an army of chefs do their thing under one roof: Minori Fujita on sushi, Michael Bao Huyhn on Vietnamese, Daniele Lai on tapas; Ruben Vasquez rounds out the gang. When: Daily. Lunch, noon-3 p.m.; dinner, 5 p.m.-midnight. (Thurs 8/14/08 w/Dilushka)

Lift / 6533 Hollywood Blvd / Hollywoo, CA / 323.469.1848
Opening tomorrow for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Lift's a Parisian-facaded bistro from a Spider Club vet. The menu rests upon unusual ingredients like Jamaican coconut water, Moroccan chilies, and homemade nut butters. The result's a rotating slew of dishes riffing on comfort food, e.g., the Tuna Panini's made with reggiano and aioli, while the be-lobster'd Mac and Cheese is just the way mom used to make it, provided you were birthed by the Gorton's Fisherman.

Once up to full speed, Lift'll only be closed from 4-6am.
Click below to check out the menu

Look for 86 downstairs from Lift in the next few months

S Bar / 6304 Hollywood Boulevard @ Vine Street, Hollywood / 323.957.2279
S Bar, the latest Philippe Starck-designed spot from Sam Nazarian’s SBE and Brent Bolthouse.
Tea party with wacky potions like horseradish and pomegranate margaritas, Bee Knees (gin, house-made clover honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice), and Blackberry Love Soda (vodka, fresh lime juice, blackberries, and brut).
More intimate than its siblings Hyde and Area, S Bar works a Mad Hatter aesthetic with mismatched lounges, club chairs, and coffee tables (the ones with drawers are good for stashing purses and such). Clusters of upside-down lamps from every era hang precariously above Gothic candelabras; back-lit screens depict the walls of Versailles. And a ceiling-set flat-screen in the loo screens classics like Alice in Wonderland.

Carousel Restaurant /5112 Hollywood Blvd, Hye Plaza Ste 107 / Los Angeles, CA 90027 /323.660.8060
Tucked inside Hye Plaza in the heart of Little Armenia is this modest gem serving Middle Eastern/Lebanese comfort food. While the decor is a mere afterthought--pale pink walls, faded seat covers--the food is anything but. Families, foodies and locals flock here knowing that inside the compact kitchen is an Armenian grandmother dutifully crafting old country dishes like yogurt-covered beef kebabs, dolmas and muhammara, an unusal spicy-sweet pate of crushed walnuts, red peppers and pomegranate.
The Extras
While folks at this casual Hollywood outpost can show up dishabille, for a more formal (and pricier) experience, visit the spacious sister location in Glendale featuring belly dancers, live music and plenty of people watching every Friday and Saturday night.
Know Before You Go
This locale sells no liquor, so bring your own bottle of wine (no hard liquor or beer, please)--there's not even a corkage fee.
Parking
The free onsite lot usually has available spots right in front of the restaurant.

Cross Street:
Normandie Avenue
Hours:
CLOSED Monday, Sun-Thu 11:30am-9pm , Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm

-- MAY NEVER OPEN -- Mode Restaurant / 916 S. Olive St. (between W. Ninth St. & W. Olympic Blvd.) / LA, CA. Downtown / 213.627.4888
A new fashiony French bistro downtown stays open around the clock. With Brioche French toast and steak frites on the catwalk. Daily, 24 hours.

Joe's Pizza / 111 Broadway / Santa Monica / 310.395.9222 / http://www.joespizza.com/
In 1975, Joe's started out in NYC, where it's as revered as In-N-Out (though ordering "Animal Style" will get you attacked by pigeons). Here as there, their specialty's thin crust by the pie or slice, cooked in a 500°, Bakers Pride oven.
Standard toppings include pepperoni, onions, garlic, and meatballs, plus more elevated offerings like the classic Caprese (fresh mozz, basil, tomatoes) and the triple-layered "Grandma" -- parmesan-on-marinara-on-mozzarella, an ode to senile women who forget they've already cheesed as soon as they sauce.
Asked whether he's abetting his authenticity with imported tap water, Joe himself demurs with "You just gotta taste the pizza"

Terroni / 7605 Beverly Boulevard @ North Curson Avenue, Mid-City West / 323.954.0300
The traditional Southern Italian spot — a standard in Toronto — opens its L.A. outpost today. Founder Cosimo Mammoliti teamed with wine expert Max Stefanelli and nightlife queenpin Shereen Arazm (Shag, Parc) to create the joint, which features walls of exposed brick lined with more than 200 handpicked bottles, butcher block tables, and vintage chandeliers.
Pull up an Eames chair and mange house specialties like Natalina Pizze with tomato, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, Calabrese salami, garlic, and olives; or Spaghetti al Limone with spinach, capers, parmigiano reggiano, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil.

Melograno / 6541 Hollywood Blvd (between Highland and Cahuenga) / Hollywood / 323-465-6650 / http://www.melogranohollywood.com/
Melograno, the under-the-radar Italian restaurant that has opened quietly in a Hollywood courtyard. Upon entering the refined but casual space, you won't find pulsing lights or blistering techno or any of the other usual benchmarks of dining within steps of the Walk of Fame. The room (and by room we mean corridor) is unadorned but for three simple light fixtures that illuminate bare white walls, exposed beams above and dark wood floors below. (The bar at the back works for an aperitif, but you'll likely want to avoid the courtyard patio for now—at least until the summer months, when you start to crave that first alfresco meal.)
The simplicity of the space puts the focus on the quality of the food. The emphasis is on seasonal ingredients, and the menu is still evolving, but you might discover a Tarta' di Verdure e Fonduta al Tartufo (warm vegetable tart served over Fontina cheese), Gnocchi d'Ortica al Burro e Salvia (potato and nettle dumplings with butter and sage) and Perchia Striata al Forno con Funghi (black sea bass with seasonal wild mushrooms and sweet vermouth wine). The chef is from Piedmont, though you'll more likely recognize him from Il Moro or Piccolo.
(Tues 5/21/08 w/Andrea)

Lamill Coffee / 1636 Silver Lake Boulevard, between Effie Street and Berkeley Avenue / Silver Lake / 323-663-4441 / http://www.lamillcoffee.com/

Lamill. The boutique coffee roaster’s Silver Lake outpost is now open.
Toile walls, embossed-croc chairs, and tables for two are lit by gold chandeliers. But the main attraction? The drinks: espresso shots (19 grams, 165°, 8.75 bar, 1.75 ounce), French press, and Clover cups for the purists; rosemary water with coffee spheres and Coffee and a Cigarette (cafe con panna with tobacco-infused whipped cream) for the avant garde.
Lunchtime brings Providence chef Michael Cimarusti’s savories like pumpkin soup with coffee maple Urfa chile creme fraiche; frisee aux lardon with coffee vinaigrette; and Asian pork belly with arugula, tomato, and preserved black beans, a.k.a. ABLT.

BondSt Restaurant & Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel / 9360 Wilshire Blvd (at Crescent) / 310-601-2255 / http://www.thompsonhotels.com/

BondSt, the bifurcated restaurant and lounge now open inside the new Thompson Beverly Hills hotel.

The same hotel group that bankrolled the Roosevelt. You enter the restaurant just past the lobby. Once seated in the main corridor or on the walled-in patio, you'll try the expected sushi rolls or more adventurous choices like Spicy Crispy Shrimp with Yuzu Calamanci Vinaigrette and Chipotle Aioli.

But if you head from the lobby straight for the stairs, you'll find a cozy, secret-feeling lounge tucked away on the second floor that lends itself to saucier behavior. You'll recognize the modern-rustic décor as the work of the omnipresent mega-designer Dodd Mitchell, though the low ceilings and vaguely illicit background—the hotel used to be a Best Western—conspire to lend a speakeasy feel. If you prefer to get some work done over your Gin Basil, step through the French doors to a private conference room that's lined with smutty art books to combat any unnecessary stuffiness.

Mr. Pizza Factory / 3881 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown / (213) 738-0077 / http://www.mrpizza.co.kr/# / Open daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. / Beer, wine and soju. Takeout. Semivalidated parking in rear. AE, MC, V. Dinner for two, food only, $17-$30.
http://www.laweekly.com/2008-01-31/eat-drink/i-yam-what-i-yam/
(3.30.09 w/Ulloa)

The Waffle / 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. / Hollywood, CA 90028 / 323.465.6901 / http://www.thewaffle.us/iWeb/Site/Index.html
menu: http://www.thewaffle.us/iWeb/Site/Menu_files/menuwaffle-2.pdf
(Wed 4/30/08 w/Recording Academy)

Luckyfish / 338 North Canon Drive, between Brighton and Dayton Ways / Beverly Hills, CA /310-274-9800 / luckyfishsushi.com

CLOSED: now Cobras & Matadors -- Goat / 460 S. La Brea Ave. @ Sixth St., La Brea Corridor / LA, CA. / Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. / 323.936.7622
Steven Arroyo opens a rustic new American cafe with salads; sandwiches; and heartier fare like goat confit with warm, French bread

Creperie by Jack n’ Jill’s / 8738 W. Third St., @ Robertson Blvd. / Beverly Hills, CA / Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. / 310.858.4900
Go for a savory Baton Rouge (blackened chicken and pinot noir BBQ reduction) or sweet Lucky Number Seven (caramelized pears, almonds, hazelnut liqueur, and chocolaty sauce).
(4.8.09 e/Elizabeth Condon)

Murano / 9010 Melrose Avenue, between Doheny and Almont Drives / West Hollywood, CA / 310.246.9118 / http://www.murano9010.com/
Murano’s new spring menu starting April 1, and $12 Tuesdays starting on April 8.
Melted Cherry Tomato Sauce is always on the menu at Murano.

Vinoteque / 4437 Sepulveda Boulevard, at Braddock Drive / Culver City, CA / 310.482.3490 / http://www.vinotequela.com/
Working rich colors and smart, cozy design, the old Syngery Cafe transformed into a warm, welcoming space that’s part bar, part resto-lounge, and part intimate venue for live blues and jazz.
Most of the rustic Italian/French/Spanish small plates are under ten bucks. Same goes for the by-the-glass wines. But you don’t have to stick to the standard list: Pop open any of the 250 bottles, and they’ll price it per pour (a little something co-owner Adam Fleischman brought over from his old digs, BottleRock), then add the label to the specials monitor.
(Thurs 5/15/08 w/Lien Ta)

Delancey / 5936 Sunset Boulevard @ Tamarind Street / Hollywood, CA / 323.924.2093
The newest East Coast throwback from Bowery bar and bistro owner George Abou-Daoud.
Past the custom glazed red-brick facade and vintage cast-iron windows, the antique radiators, pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick archways, and handsome oak wood bar look straight out of the West Village.
As does the menu: fried calamari; vegetable fritto misto; speck with quail egg, Taleggio, and crostini; chicken piccata; and pastas (some homemade) like spaghetti carbonara, gnocchi with pesto, and rigatoni Bolognese. For dessert, go for lemon semifreddo or classic street-fair zeppole. there are nearly twenty wines by the glass, twenty beers on tap, and liquors pulled off the impressive back wall collection (it may have the most in the city).
(Wed 5/7/08 w/Jason Chess)

4.26.08
Now TWO Locations:
Lemonade / 505 S. Flower St @ Fifth / Downtown, Los Angeles / 213.488.0299
Lemonade / 9001 Beverly Boulevard @ North Doheny Drive / West Hollywood, CA / 310.247.2500
Embrace the past at Lemonade, a literally underground souped-up stand, now open for breakfast and lunch Downtown.
The modern twist on a nostalgic concept is part lemonade stand, part grade-school cafeteria—come lunchtime, you'll grab a tray and slide it down the counter to examine your options. Unlike those early years, though, you'll actually want to build a meal from what you see under the glass—you might find a Grilled Cheese with Ham and Quince on Pumpernickel, which could work with a Snap Pea and Edamame Salad and a Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Square.
Then select from several varieties of the requisite house-made lemonade (favorites include Rosemary Lemon and Blueberry Ginger). The next incarnation on Beverly Boulevard (just east of Doheny) is only a couple weeks away.
(Sat 9/27/08)

5.5.08
Lot 1 Café /1533 Sunset Blvd (at Laveta) / Echo Park, CA / 213.481.8400
an out-of-the-way discovery focused on original food—like the highly addictive Bacos. Lot 1 Café, a no-fuss find manned by a vastly underrated chef, opens tonight in...Echo Park
It's the kind of neighborhood corner place you wouldn't look twice at—a few café tables inside, some sidewalk seating and a small side patio. (You know what they say, never judge a restaurant by its patio.) But when you take a look at the menu, you'll see dizzying combinations of ingredients put together in hard-to-classify dishes like Confit Beet Gazpacho and New Zealand John Dory with Lima Beans and Pickled Strawberries.
And then there are the chef's Bacos—think of them like giant tacos on warm homemade flatbread—in varieties like the Carne Picada (with lamb sausage, potato croquettes and caraway pepper sauce) and of course the original, The Baco (crispy pork belly, short rib carnitas and smoked paprika aioli).

5.9.08
Wilson bar & cafe / 8631 Washington Blvd. / Culver City, CA / 310.287.2093 http://www.wilsonfoodandwine.com/
Brian Wilson's son Mike, you're so good to me

5.14.08
Saturday Morning Brunch @
Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen / 1119 Wilshire Blvd., between 11th & 12th Sts. / Santa Monica, CA / 310.393.7050 / http://www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com/
Count on mimosas, strong coffee, and pastry chef Zoe Nathan’s baked goods buffet, but the menu changes slightly every week.
When: Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pico Never Lets Us Down:
http://losangeles.metromix.com/restaurants/roundup/navigating-pico-corridor/154572/content

5.23.08
Noé Restaurant @ the Omni Hotel / 251 S. Olive St (between 2nd and 3rd) / Downtown, Los Angeles / 213-356-4100 / http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/LosAngelesCaliforniaPlaza/Dining.aspx
Ice Cream Burgers (with ice cream as the meat and macaroons as the bun) part of the new bar menu at Noé Restaurant inside the Omni Hotel. Since it's on the bar menu, no need to bother with actual dinner first—just head upstairs, grab a stool at the counter and order your "burgers" with an Irish coffee. (Chef's choice.) When the plate arrives, you'll find a surprise assortment of house-made mocha, strawberry and vanilla patties (depending on the day) between poppy, sesame and almond macaroon buns. Chef Glenn Ishii has also created an assortment of cereal-flavored ice cream like Cap'n Crunch, Apple Jacks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Honey Nut Cheerios.

6.10.08
Animal / 435 North Fairfax Avenue (btw Oakwood & Rosewood Avenues) / Fairfax Corridor, LA / 323.782.9225
Animal, the new spot from chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (a.k.a. Carmelized Productions, b.k.a. the Food Dudes), opening tomorrow.
There’s no sign on the door. Naked bulbs, a wall-length wooden bench, and lots of elbow room at the copper bar make the stripped-down space ideal for indulging.
Seasonal, sustainable ingredients — and lots of pork — dictate the weekly changing menu: johnnycakes topped with foie gras and blueberry-plum syrup; fried soft-shell crab atop watercress and avocado dressed in pancetta vinaigrette; balsamic-glazed country pork ribs with warm bacon potato salad and a rich chocolate crunch bar sprinkled with — yes, siree — bacon bits for dessert.
Choose from 25 wines by the glass and affordable carafes and bottles handpicked by sommelier Erik Kelly.
(Wed 7/16/08 w/Armando)

6.21.08
Crudo Bar & Ristorante / 8570 W. Sunset Blvd (W. of Alta Loma)/ West Hollywood, CA / 310.289.1131
After much buzz and prepwork, the Sunset Strip venue is now soft-open for weekday lunches.

This raw-Italian haven hasa spacious bar and lounge area, covered patio and dining room. The big draw of the place is the central crudo bar, which is like a sushi bar, but with more Italian accents. There you can feast on cold specials like Carpacco di Salmon and Pinzimonio (raw vegetables…mmm).

If you can't stomach the thought of a meal that's not hot, try the filet, the Carbonara di Mare (homemade spaghetti with whitefish and zucchini) or the Bistecca di pescespada (it's like a swordfish steak).

The best place for privacy is one of the dining room's rear booths.

7.11.08
Xooro / 125 Broadway (between Second Street and Ocean Avenue) / Santa Monica, CA / 310-260-2919 / http://www.xooro.com/
Xooro (pronounced “sure-oh”) is the United States' first restaurant specializing in gourmet Spanish churros. Xooro also features 6 different gourmet hot chocolates.
(Thursday 7/24/08 w/Christina & Lourdes)
my review on Yelp.com:
"I had been looking forward to trying the churros at Xooro since reading about it online and visiting their website a few weeks ago. I mean, "the United States' first restaurant specializing in gourmet Spanish churros" and they also have 6 different gourmet hot chocolates? Come on, let's go already. I had hyped the place to two friends at work and we all went after lunch today. First of all, there are 3 kinds of $4 hot chocolate on the menu at Xooro, not the 6 different gourmet versions described on the website (www.xooro.com). The one I tried was so sweet I couldn't finish it. Onto their specialty; "gourmet churros" - if a cold, stale, five dollar, 4 inch fritter with room temperature artificial flavoring spells gourmet in Spain, the only spanish I need to know is "no bueno". We tried three of the selections on the menu and none of them were impressive, fresh or remotely warm. I have no idea how a place that only serves questionable hot chocolate and overpriced, subpar churros is going to stay open very long. I only wish I'd read the reviews on Yelp before I went so I could have nine bucks and 30 minutes of my life back."

7.16.08
8 Oz. Burger Bar / 7661 Melrose Avenue between North Stanley and North Spaulding Avenues / West Hollywood, CA / 323.852.0008 / http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/
East Coast butcher shop-meets-West Coast brasserie feel. Serving Kobe corn dogs or celery with blue cheese aioli. The main event: the 8 oz. burger, a tri-tip/sirloin/chuck/secret-ingredient patty that’s rested in a 38-degree, Himalayan salt tile-lined locker till it’s ready to hit the wood-burning grill.
Balsamic onions, purple mustard, heirloom tomato ketchup, sweet potato chips, and stout-battered onion rings are some of the house-made sides and condiments. And let's not forget the Beer Float (like a root beer float, but using one of the specialty brews instead of soda)
(Tuesday 7/21/08 w/Armando) >click here to read his review on Yelp<

From Dilushka:

Ya-Tai
http://www.yatai-bar.com/ – great hole in the wall place

Jones on Third or Jones (on Santa Monica )
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/78263
http://losangeles.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaId=34&restaurantId=26832

Fraiche
http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/ – (Thurs 10/6/08 w/Dilushka)

Sri Lankan Delight
http://yellowpages.sulekha.com/los-angeles/grocery-stores/tarzana/sri-lankan-delight.htm

9.6.08
Take a Bao / Westfield Shopping Center / 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, between Avenue of the Stars and Century Park Way / Century City, CA / 310-551-1100 / http://www.takeabao.com/
At a slick modern counter in the middle of the room, the fast, casual Asian spot serves fresh salads, rice and noodle bowls, sake, beer, and wine. But really, it’s all about the bao, available in a host of thoughtful options like signature barbecue pork with ginger, hoisin, red onions, pea shoots, and marinated cucumbers; pomegranate steak; and red chili and citrus-glazed chicken — all of which come wrapped in a steamed white or wheat bun.
(Friday 9/19/08 w/Mike & Christina) - Good. I'll definitely go back.

9.16.08
Millions of Milkshakes / 8910 Santa Monica Boulevard / West Hollywood, California 90069 / T: (213) 38-SHAKE(74253) / http://www.millionsofmilkshakes.com/
(Tuesday 9/16/08 w/Lucy and Armand Llenado)
my review on Yelp.com:
Anyone who knows me, knows I like milkshakes, a lot. So, when I heard about a place called "Millions of Milkshakes" you can bet I was excited. Millions of Milkshakes, or as I like to call it, The Overpriced Soft-Serve Shop, does not serve what can honestly be called a milkshake. Three types of frozen vanilla (soft serve, yogurt or soy) substitute for actual ice cream in these "shakes" and at $5 for a one topping regular ($6 for a large) and another $1 for each additional topping, a small 4 combo frosty is going to run you close to 10 bucks. Ten bucks for soft serve and some candy. What a bargain.

If the name itself weren't deceiving, I wouldn't have as much of a problem with the place. If, for example, it was called, "Millions of toppings for your vanilla soft serve" my expectations would have been properly managed, though I imagine that name wouldn't have suckers like me driving to West Hollywood to try it.

Do yourself a favor, go to McDonalds, get a McFlurry and save the other 8 dollars for some real ice cream. Or better yet, go to MILK on Beverly (http://www.themilkshop.../) and get an actual milkshake.

9.18.08
Kiss My Bundt Bakery / 8104 West 3rd Street / Los Angeles, CA 90048 (3rd and Crescent Heights Blvd.) / (323) 655-0559 / http://www.kissmybundt.net/
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8AM - 7PM / Sunday: 10AM - 5PM
A specialty, made-from-scratch cake company specializing in bundt cakes with 30+ cake flavors and 20+ frostings. Bundt cakes come in three sizes: Mini Bundt Cupcakes, Baby Bundt Cupcakes, and Big' Ol Bundt Cakes. The bundt cake menu rotates daily. Each day features 8 of the most popular cakes, like Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting, Carrot, Luscious Lemon Drop Cake with home-made lemon syrup, or Callebaut chocolate cake hand-dipped in Belgian chocolate. In addition to the "Daily 8", another 5-7 cake options are available that reflect the various flavors in season or in their baker's imaginations.

9.23.08
Church & State / 1850 Industrial St (at Mateo) / Downtown, Los Angeles / 213.450.1434
Downtown Brasserie from the Cobras & Matadors Guy (Steven Arroyo). It's on the ground floor of the Biscuit Company Lofts in a ghost-town part of Downtown. Choose from charcuterie, mussels and cheeses, and you can construct a long meal with small plates and some Bordeaux . There are also some bigger dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew) or Truite au Lard (trout in bacon).
(Thurs 4/30 w/Mattyshack, Angela and Celia)

9.24.08
Library Bar / 630 W. 6th St (at Hope) / Downtown Los Angeles / 213.488.1931 / http://www.librarybarla.com/
If you're in the mood for small bites, try the Pork Belly Skewers, the Deviled Marrowbones—or the Steak Fries tossed with pork fat and sea salt. If you're looking for meatier fare, you might want to try out The Library Burger, a notable accomplishment in the city's burger oeuvre, with grilled onions, arugula and housemade pickles.

10.02.08
Gjelina / 1429 Abbott Kinney Rd / Venice, CA 90291 / 310-450-1429
LA Times - Gjelina in Venice: a high-energy Mediterranean restaurant
(Tuesday 12/9/08 w/Michelle)

10.3.08
City Sip LA / 2150 West Sunset Boulevard, between North Alvarado Street and Rosemont Avenue / Echo Park, CA / 213.483.9463 / citysipla.com
Wine classes are offered inside City Sip LA's streamlined Echo Park digs, start at the very beginning with The Essentials, a what/why/when/where of the swirl/sniff/sip/spit basics session with handy food pairing tips. Or partake in regional explorations like Latin Lover, covering the vines of Spain, Portugal, and South America, or Que Syrah, Syrah, focusing on big Australian, French, and Californian reds.
lWhen class is not in session, have a seat at the bar for cheese, charcuterie, and a glass of wine.

10.14.08
XIV / 8117 Sunset Blvd (at Crescent Heights) / West Hollywood, CA / 323-656-1414
After twenty years away, prodigal son Michael Mina is back in LA, along with pals Philippe Starck and Sam Nazarian, to bring you the long-awaited Sunset Boulevard small-plates palace that is XIV, opening tomorrow.
You may have heard a thing or two about XIV, but you'll want to check out this unusual, genteel restaurant first-hand. You'll immediately be comforted by the dark and cozy mix of European furnishings, fireplaces, bookshelves, paintings and chocolate-brown velvet—it's as if you're dining in an eccentric Count's country getaway (Count Chocula, excluded).
Bring a date—preferably one that isn't afraid of experimenting a bit (which should already be a given)—grab a table by one of the mirrored walls and dig into the adventurous menu. Rather than use pesky designations like "appetizer" or "entree," Mina divided his food into seven categories— Shellfish, Garden Vegetables, Meat & Game, etc.—with the idea that you'll mix and match options to create an individual tasting menu (try the Sake and Maple-Cured Kanpachi or Saffron-Braised Veal Cheek).

12.11.08
Cincinnati Style Chili @ Chili John’s / 2018 W. Burbank Blvd. / Burbank, CA / (818) 846-3611.
Chili John’s is a ’40s-era spinoff of a century-old chili parlor in Green Bay, and the chili is pretty outstanding. What Chili John’s serves isn’t Cincinnati chili but a spicy, all-but-extinct Wisconsin style (and I, for one, am thankful for that), but they do serve it more or less as a 4-way, with available spaghetti, beans, onions and shredded cheese. There are hot dogs. And you can even get it as a 3-way or a 5-way if that is your inclination. I tend to go for the extraspicy with beans. 2018 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, (818) 846-3611.

12.19.08
Carmela Ice Cream
Made in small batches using all-natural and local ingredients, the frozen delights change seasonally — or at the whim of Jessica Mortarotti, the head churner who cranked things up after attending the prestigious Penn State Ice Cream Short Course
Scoop up brown sugar vanilla bean, dark chocolate cacao nib, and salted caramel classics, along with signature herb, spice, nut, and flower flavors like cardamom, nutmeg, strawberry basil, and cranberry orange thyme.
Sample them all at the farmers market and cruise home with four-ounce containers and full pints or order a six-pint flavor assortment online and indulge for days.

Available Thursdays, 4-8 p.m., at South Pasadena Farmers’ Market, Meridian Avenue and Mission Street, South Pasadena; Sundays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at Hollywood Farmers’ Market, Ivar and Selma Avenues, Hollywood; online at http://www.carmelaicecream.com/

2.17.09
Umami Burger / 850 S La Brea, Mid-Wilshire / LA, CA. / 323.931.3000 / preview the menu
(Monday 2/23/09 w/Lien Ta)

2.19.09
Hole in the Wall Burger Joint / 11058 Santa Monica Blvd / Los Angeles, CA 90025 / (310) 312-7013 / http://www.holeinthewallburgerjoint.com/

http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/47427703/los_angeles_ca/hole_in_the_wall_burger_joint.html (Monday 2/23/09 w/Lien Ta)

2.23.09
Cecconi’s / 8764 Melrose Avenue @ Robertson Boulevard / West Hollywood / 310-432-2000 / http://www.cecconiswesthollywood.com/
Straight from London, Cecconi’s opens today bringing Venetian-influenced food and drink to the old Morton’s iconic address.
Enjoy lunch tableside with finished salads and tartars on the terrace and dinners of charcoal-grilled sea bass or wood oven-roasted veal osso buco in the main room. Just show up anytime for breakfast in the cafe or handmade pasta and pizza at the bar. Any seat in the house lands you top-notch service and expertly executed food that isn’t uptight or stuffy. Prices are reasonable, but they’ve spared no expense: a $1 mill Damien Hirst, Mauviel cicchetti pans, and cheese and charcuterie imported from Italy.

3.16.09
The Oinkster / 2005 Colorado Boulevard / Eagle Rock CA 90041 (map) / 323-255-6465 / theoinkster.com / Slow fast food
The Oinkster, a fast-casual concept from acclaimed fine-dining chef Andre Guerrero, invites diners to kick back and enjoy high-quality American classics in a relaxed, modern and fun environment.
Occupying the former site of Jim’s Burgers on Eagle Rock’s newly hip Colorado Boulevard, The Oinkster aims to be Los Angeles’ antidote to both, expensive gourmet meals and their cheap fast food counterparts. On the restaurant’s $10-and-under menu that skips high prices in favor of better flavors, quality will be paramount.
Premium sandwiches made with house-cured pastrami or sloooow-roasted pork compete for diners’ attention with juicy burgers made from freshly-ground Nebraska Angus beef, first-rate rotisserie-roasted chicken and crispy Belgian fries. Fake fast-food cheese are given a pass in favor of scrumptious Gruyere and yummy sharp cheddar; home-made sauces, dressings and spice rubs share the plate with house-made condiments and crunchy veggies.
In typical Oinkster-fashion, all remaining culinary needs are addressed in taste and style, too: Each meal can be rounded out with a premium beer, quality wine or one of the restaurant’s unusual specialty sodas. Hand scooped shakes made with Fosselman's ice cream and an assortment of handmade cupcakes and desserts tempt the taste buds.
Innovative and affordable, stylish and fun, The Oinkster treads where no LA eatery has gone before and combines culinary classics with no-attitude style: The smartly updated landmark building offers seating for 50 guests indoors and can accommodate another 50 diners on an outdoor patio in the up-and-coming Eagle Rock neighborhood. The experience is casual with all counter-service.Developed by local restaurant veteran and celebrated chef André Guerrero,The Oinkster is the fine-dining chef’s first foray into the rapidly growing market of fast-casual dining. The Oinkster is open daily for lunch and dinner. It's also the perfect place to grab a late night bite to eat or relax and enjoy a few cold ones while watching the game on two big screen TVs. Summer Hours:Open Monday through Thursday 11am to 11pmFriday and Saturday 11am to 12 amSunday 11am to 10 pm

BoHo / 6372 W Sunset Blvd / Hollywood, CA / 323.465.8500
From members of the Kitchen 24/Geisha House crews, BoHo's located conveniently in the same center as the Arclight, and reflects a purely hodgepodge mentality: huge, open windows feeding air to 12-foot ficuses, which're jammed up against bookshelves sitting near a fireplace topped with stuffed deer heads, while mismatched light fixtures/furniture/silverware come from vintage stores, then hopefully get washed. The similarly unpredictable, everything-under-$21 menu's stacked with gourmet ingredients, and includes small plates like oyster po-boy sliders and a charcuterie plate w/ whiskey chicken liver mousse, and "big ass plates" like a burger w/ Cambazola cheese & caramelized onion, Scottish salmon w/ sunchoke puree, and a fry-ringed, tamarind/guava-glazed "Pile O' Ribs" so alluringly sweet, Harrison Ford will leave his wife for it. Rounding out the patchwork's a slew of gas-oven pizzas, with toppings like homemade pepperoni, fennel sausage, and pulled pork from Eagle Rock's beloved Oinkster.
BoHo's also got 24 taps of craft beers (Allagash White, Delirium Nocturnum), plus a fully stocked bar

3.17.09
D-Town Burger / 216 W 6th St / Los Angeles, CA 90014 /(213) 228-0022
Opened in early March, 2009, this small 1950s-inspired greasy spoon dishes out burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes while "Duke of Earl" and "La Bamba" play on the digital jukebox. The curvy white counter, cherry red vinyl seats and portraits of James Dean make it feel like Johnny Rocket's-lite, but the menu is much more limited. Your entree options are: a traditional hamburger, a veggie burger, a hot dog or a grilled cheese sandwich. There's only one side, fries, which are mix of regular and sweet potato fries. And you can wash it down with a soda or a milkshake. Counter service is quick and the lunchtime wait has so far been minimal.

Primo Bistro / 8585 Santa Monica Blvd / West Hollywood, CA / 310.289.8890 / menu
Rocking rough-cut stone walls and a massive, 2000 sq ft streetside patio, Primo's a new, all-day bistro with a menu made up almost exclusively of the finest light fare from counter-service spot Caffe Primo and heavier stuff from Tony's Steakhouse, two joints related by owner, yet previously divided by menu, and 328 long feet of Sunset Blvd. Caffe's contributions're breakfast-and-lunch-centric, with omelets like four-cheese bacon & tomato w/ organic eggs; toasted paninis, like grilled chicken pesto, and tuna & artichokes; and salads like the white tuna, cannellini beans, and red onion "Tuna & Bean", which sounds like a kooky buddy comedy that must involve Steve Zahn...guess which one's Steve Zahn. Most starters and true entrees are pulled from Tony's catalogue: steamed mussels in saffron sauce, chicken Milanese w/ ciabatta bread, and pasta carbonara w/ prosciutto and bacon, with steaks on their way soon, as cows are notoriously slow walkers.

Only a couple dishes're just-dropped cuts (eggs Benedict, smoked-salmon-aided "Benedict at Sea") and Primo's also got a full liquor licens
(Thursday 3/26/09 w/Gloria)

4.1.09
Shin / 1600 Wilcox Ave. / Hollywood, CA / 323-464-4100 / http://www.shinbbq.com/
Simon Shin took everything he learned from his family's Koreatown restaurants and opened his own place near the Cahuenga Corridor. That's right, bulgogi and kalbi...in Hollywood. With its sexy red walls and D.J. nights, Shin doesn't have the most traditional vibe, but the food is as good as any you'd find along Western or Olympic. And with a new all-you-can-eat deal for $25 (available nightly), it's more affordable than ever.

Considering the quality of ingredients used, this AYCE is a steal: Pretty pink brisket sliced super thin, Sriracha-rubbed chicken breast and thick slabs of meaty pork belly come ready to cook on the tabletop grill; from the kitchen, we like the tender, cross-cut beef short ribs with sweet and spicy glaze. Snack on traditional banchan like translucent pickled radish, salty marinated fish cake and house-made kimchee, but for the uninitiated there's also a romaine salad tossed in a kicky wasabi vinaigrette. It's all very clean tasting and fresh, not heavy or greasy.

The best part: Thanks to the grill's special exhaust systems, you won't smell when you leave, no matter how long you sit.

4.7.09
Platine Bakery / 10850 Washington Blvd., /Culver City, CA / 310.559.9933 / http://platinecookies.com/
Jamie Cantor's cookies are some of the most delectable we've found in L.A., but that's not all the French Laundry alum creates at her new Culver City bakery, Platine. From decadent cakes, seasonal tarts and rich pots de crème--all in mini form--the pastry chef has a way with sweets.Everything at Platine tastes homespun, the way Mom would bake if she worked under the watchful eye of Thomas Keller. We can't get over the "short stack," (pictured) three tiny pancakes soaked in maple-orange syrup and topped with tidbits of sugar-glazed bacon and "bacon candy," a sticky, hardened glaze. It's breakfast in one bite, but a fun twist for an anytime dessert ($2; available next week). Cantor's gooey caramel-covered brownies sell out fast, but the perfectly sweet cream-cheese brownies are an excellent stand-in. On the cookie front, don't miss the Platinos, a softer version of the classic Oreo ($2).The space is mostly a commercial kitchen with a small retail area where the treats are displayed in a glass counter, like jewels. It's grab-and-go for now, but she'll soon have a few tables out front where you can sit and snack.

4.8.09
Bottega Louie / 700 S Grand Ave. / Downtown LA / 866.488.9162 / http://www.bottegalouie.com/
This gargantuan upscale Italian market/cafe/eatery boasts white marble floors, a show kitchen, and shelves stocked with specialty ingredients like Australia-imported pear fruit paste and locally handmade Valerie Confections chocolate. The banquette-lined restaurant does fresh fare like thin-crusted fennel sausage pizza and oven-roasted black cod, and the market boasts a deli case with 200+ prepared dishes, like a Brie/apple/watercress panini, osso bucco, garlic-studded pork, and Bibb salad -- with the way you eat, as if there were any other kind.
(Tues 5.12.09 w/Celia)

6.10.09
West 4th/Jane / 1432A 4th St, Santa Monica, CA / 310.395.6765
West 4th/Jane's a new casual two-story gastropub from chums who've been talking about opening a place together since high school; their vision's finally come alive, complete with a downstairs with a marble bar, faux-aged concrete walls, and a Ms. Pacman/Galaga tabletop, a quieter upstairs candlelit lounge with chocolate leather couches and antique coffee tables, and a menu stuffed full of next-level bar eats and 100+ beers. Brews break down geographically, including US (Abita Amber, Allagash White), Europe (Fuller's ESB, Hofbrau Munchen), apparently not-in-Europe Belgium (Duvel, Chimay Blue), Canada (Maudite, Blanc De Chambly), Mexico/Islands (Bohemia, Negro Modelo), Asia (Singha Lager, Hitachino White Ale), and "Cans", because no one wants to take the blame for Schlitz. Eats include snacks (tater tots w/ homemade ketchup), 8oz burgers w fries & thin-sliced onion straws, sandwiches like "The All-or-One Hangover Sandwich" (peppered turkey, salami, coppacola & fried egg), and breakfasty goods like bacon-crusted French toast and a burrito w/ black beans, egg, bacon, and potatoes, also available "X-mas Style" -- meaning drowning in green/red salsas and creme fraiche, not tears cause it didn't get a pony again.

They'll also be hosting rotating exhibits from local artists, with openings on the first Tuesday of every month, complete with the free booze, bringing them considerably closer to their dream of one day closing a business they dreamt of opening.

6.12.09
Mexico Restaurante y Barra / 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. / West Hollywood, CA / 310-289-0088 / www.gogomexico.com
Two things inspired Larry Nicola (Nic's Martini Lounge) to open his newest restaurant: A large, pink neon "Mexico" sign he found at a local antique shop 15 years ago and a wood-burning oven left over from the West Hollywood space's former tenant, Bienvenudo. Both are what make the month-old Mexico Restaurante y Barra a stand-out.

As an Italian restaurant, the space was hidden and intimate. Now it's completely changed, with gleaming white chairs; bright red, pink and turquoise walls; twinkling lights strung across the patio; and that blazing "Mexico" sign. You can't miss it.

Thankfully, Nicola kept the wood-burning oven. The chefs make good use of it, whether it's to add a smoky flavor to black beans, to roast meats or to caramelize tomatoes for salsa. The chile rellenos ($14)--Anaheim peppers oozing Oaxacan cheese and spinach--get a nice char, and taquitos come stuffed with succulent wood-fired duck ($9). Away from the oven, there's a perfectly cooked skirt steak carne asada ($16) or a cool verdolaga (purslane) salad with chunks of tomato and silky avocado ($10).

It wouldn't be a Nicola restaurant without creative cocktails, and margaritas with muddled raspberry and cilantro, tamarind and pineapple, or chile, lime and cucumber go down way too easily

Man Bites World

2008-10-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

The guy that runs Man Bites World is trying to see how long he can eat the food of a different country every single day for as many days in a row as possible.

http://manbitesworld.com/
thanks to Mattyshack and Dig Lounge for this find

Downtown L.A.

2008-10-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

EAT - Pete's Cafe | Colori Kitchen

DRINK - The Doheny | The Edison | Seven Grand

Mountain Cafe

2008-10-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Delightful Korean comfort food. The Abalone Porridge, served with 3-4 delicious sides, and the Ginseng Chicken Soup, served with a whole small chicken in the broth are both delicious. When eating in, they crack a raw egg on top of the porridge that cooks as you stir it into the steaming abalone rice. The egg makes it even better. A note to the uninitiated: the porridge is egg-less when ordered to go; the thought being that you can add your own egg at home.

Open 24 hours and, I believe, run by the same few Korean ladies (two moms and, I think, one grandma) I've seen every time I stop in. The place is small (only a handful of tables) and hard to find, tucked in the corner of a small strip mall on the south side of 8th street in Koreatown, where many of the store fronts are only in Korean. I believe they just added "Mountain Cafe" to the marquee so the honkeys could find it. And this is one honkey who is very glad they did.

Mountain Cafe / 3064 W 8TH St / Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA 90005 / 213.487.7615 / Google Map it

Colori Kitchen

2008-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Mattyshack took me to Colori this past weekend and I loved it. If I lived closer, I would be a Colori Kitchen regular.

Paraphrased from the website:
Colori Kitchen is a classic Italian trattoria in the heart of downtown
Los Angeles featuring the inspired cooking of Luigi Barducci Contessi, longtime executive chef at Ca Brea. The warm and welcoming
brick-walled restaurant features delicious pastas, soups, salads, fish
and meat dishes, plus traditional Italian deserts. Service is friendly, prices are affordable and the quality and variety of the cooking is a constant source of delight for the ever-growing community of Colori Kitchen regulars.

No liquor license, but bring your own bottle of wine because there is no corkage fee.

Colori Kitchen / 429 W.8th Street (between Olive & Hill, a few doors West of The Golden Gopher) / Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90014 / 213.622.5950 / colorikitchen.wordpress.com

Hours
Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11am-3pm
Dinner: Wed. and Thurs., 6pm-9pm; Fri. and Sat., 6pm-10pm

MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL - THE TWIN CITIES

2008-08-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

A big Thank You to Ken Abdo
for taking me to all these wonderful places...

Nye's Polonaise Room
Named Esquire's Best Bar in America (read the Esquire article to really get a feel for it), Nye's has occupied the same spot in the Twin Cities since 1950. I read online that if they made a sequel to Fargo, the first scene would be set here, and that truly paints a proper picture of the place. The shiny gold vinyl booths and sing-along piano bar made this place the epitome of cool for the generations of Polish-Americans who populated northeast Minneapolis ("Nordeast" to locals). Thankfully, the old-timers are still hanging around.

Most of the pleasures to be had at Nye's are joyously lowbrow, and Twin Citian's know them well: The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, with Ruth Adams, the band's toothless accordion player (Documentary Short on TWMDPB); Sweet Lou, who has lead the piano bar for over 30 years; the formica tables and glittery plastic booths. Everybody says that stepping into Nye's Polonaise is like stepping back in time, and, for once, it's true.

Nye's Polonaise Room / Northeast Minneapolis / 112 East Hennepin Avenue / Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 / 612.379.2021 / www.nyespolonaise.com / Google Map

Manny's Steakhouse
"Life Is Good At The Top Of The Food Chain"
This award-winning local steak house (one of the Top 10 in the country) got a serious makeover in 2008 and a sister location in Miami, Florida. Now in the beautiful, historic Foshay Tower, Manny's is still thick with all of the meaty, traditional fare and atmosphere that would make The Rat Pack proud: juicy and generous steaks, lobsters and side dishes. But the new Manny's puts a unique twist on the steaks-and-chops joint by sprucing it up with healthier dishes and modern black-and-white décor that's as tantalizing as the marbleized cuts of beef.

Manny’s serves USDA-certified, dry-aged, center-cut beef, hand trimmed by master butchers. The menus reflect the availability of locally sourced ingredients but always offer chops, chicken and live cold-water lobster. Count on stone crab claws and fresh Alaskan King Crab legs when they’re available, along with specialty cuts of steak.

Side dishes and appetizers easily accommodate two or more. Hashbrowns serve up to five people (though the portion I was served seemed double that), and for dessert the whiskey bread pudding, freshly doused with Maker's Mark, fills a 25-ounce goblet. The hot fudge and caramel-covered macadamia nut brownie a la mode will satisfy at least 4 to 6 people.

The wine list: in addition to a 300-bottle regular list, there is also an extensive reserve list with deeper vintages.

Manny’s does not observe a dress code. There’s no charge for plate sharing. Just come as you are – and eat like never before.

Manny's Steakhouse / 825 Marquette Ave S / Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.9900 / www.mannyssteakhouse.com

Murray's Steakhouse
"Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak"
For an authentic Minneapolis dining experience, don't miss Murray's Steak House on 6th Street. It was established in 1946 by Art and Marie Murray. The famous steak house was called the "Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak" by Mr. Maurice Dreicer, world traveler and author of the book "The Diner's Companion." This is where Jimmy Jam eats every time he's in town.

Murray's / 26 S. Sixth St / Downtown Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.0909 / www.murraysrestaurant.com

Emily's Lebanese Deli

Emily herself can often be found working the main room, which is comforting, but the atmosphere and decor are not the reason to visit Emily's Lebanese Deli; diners sit at uncovered to-close-together tables next to out of date oversized refrigerators, but the food itself is reason enough. The Tabouli is some of the best I've ever had and the RAW Kibbe is delicous. First timers can opt to have the Kibbe, a blend of cracked wheat, raw ground beef and spices, baked; but to do so would be a shame because the texture and flavor of the more traditional raw version is something to be savored. This is the kind of food your mom would have made, if your mom was Lebanese and cooked amazing Lebanese food.

Emily's Lebanese Deli / 641 University Ave NE / Minneapolis, MN 55413 / 612.379.4069 / Reviews on Yelp

Cool Hotels in Minneapolis:

Chambers - The Luxury Art Hotel of Minneapolis
901 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
P 612.767.6900
www.chambersminneapolis.com

The Hotel Minneapolis
215 4th Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.thehotelminneapolis.com

Mandrake | bar

2008-08-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

"all my favourite artists had problems with alchohol"

Mandrak Bar on Yelp.com (with photos)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-mandrake-bar-los-angeles

Mandrake / 2692 S La Cienega Blvd (between Venice Blvd and Washington Blvd) / Los Angeles, CA 90034 / 310.837.3297 / www.mandrakebar.com

CINCINNATI

2008-06-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Aglamesis Bros.

Aglamesis has been making some of the best gourmet chocolates and the best premium ice cream for the last century. Founded in Cincinnati in 1908, the nostalgic ice cream parlor, candy kitchen and ice cream plant are family-owned and operated and they are celebrating their 100th birthday with a special on the History Channel. I have been visiting the ice cream parlor since i was a kid growing up in Cincinnati and to this day have never tasted better ice cream.

Original location since 1913:
Oakley Square / 3046 Madison Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45209

Montgomery location since childhood:
Montgomery Square / 9899 Montgomery Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 / 513.531.5196 / www.aglamesis.com

Skyline Chili

www.skylinechili.com

Established in 1949 by a Greek immigrant using family recipes handed down from generation to generation, Skyline’s chili is not the thick chunky version that typically comes to mind. The sauce itself is thin with ground beef and family secret seasonings that are rumored to include a pinch of chocolate. The popular 3-way is a plate of spaghetti topped with chili and mounds of finely grated cheddar cheese. The other signature item is the chili cheese Coney, a hot dog on a bun covered with chili, cheese, onions and mustard.

Montgomery Inn - Ribs King
www.montgomeryinn.com

The Original Montgomery Inn
9440 Montgomery Rd.
Montgomery, OH 45242
513.791.3482

Half Day Cafe
This neighborhood restaurant operated by a neighborhood family is open for breakfast and lunch, literally a half day cafe. The coffee and espresso drinks are made from locally-roasted beans and the breakfast is excellent with the mango-butter rum French Toast, sweet potato pancakes, broiled grapefruit with vanilla-ginger sugar and egg strata baked in its own crock as standouts.

Half Day Cafe / 1 Wyoming Ave. / Cincinnati, OH 45215 / 513.821.2323 / www.halfdaycafe.org

Honey

Doug and Shoshannah Hafner dreamed of owning their own restaurant for years. Cooking and dining together, they developed their vision.

Opening in in 2005 in the heart of Northside, Cincinnati's most eclectic community, Honey appeals to a wide variety of tastes and personalities. Having concepts of fine dining with a casual dining feel The Hafners have established a restaurant focused on the highest quality and innovation of cuisine, showcased in a friendly, unpretentious environment.

honey fries: Sweet, Yukon, and Idaho with chili lime honey
braised beef short ribs served over wasabi and ginger mashed Yukon potatoes, seasonal
vegetable, and Amaretti fortified braising jus reduction

Honey / 4034 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 / 513.541.4300 / www.honeynorthside.com

Drinks to try

2008-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

The London (freshly squeezed grapefruit shaken with Bombay Sapphire gin and Lillet. Served straight up and finished with Cremant de Loire) - Gordon Ramsey at The London West Hollywood / 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd. / West Hollywood, CA 90069 / www.thelondonwesthollywood.com/gordon_ramsay

English Quat (gin, mint, kumquats) - Boé Restaurant inside The Crescent Hotel / 403 N. Crescent Dr. @ Brighton Way / Beverly Hills, CA / 310.247.0505 / www.crescentbh.com / if it's anything like the english twat i'm friends with, it's bound to be good

The Sour Kraut
When a friend challenged Vincenzo Marianella to "make something special," the Copa d'Oro barman went straight to the kitchen to find inspiration. His eyes immediately landed on sweet orange marmalade and Dijon mustard, and he thought, "Why not?" The end result: the bar's most unusual drink, the Sour Kraut.

This is one surprising but very quaffable drink. It's tart and tangy with a subtle hint of mustard--if the ingredient wasn't listed on the menu, you probably wouldn't know it was there--and a touch of sweetness from the marmalade. "I'm surprised no one's really used mustard before," says Marianella. "It just adds an interesting, unique flavor." And it makes for a drink that's great with the bar's grilled cheese and ham sandwich, though it really cries out for a hot dog or soft pretzel (even better: a soft pretzel-wrapped hot dog).

Marianella uses Martin Miller's gin but says 10 Cane rum or Partida Blanco tequila also work. Because some marmalades are sweeter than others, he suggests adjusting the mustard and citrus ratio accordingly. Here's his recipe.

The Sour Kraut
Makes one drink

Ice
2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sweet orange marmalade
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, mustard and marmalade and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glass and serve.

Copa d'Oro / 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA / 310-576-3030 / www.copadoro.com

NEW YORK

2008-04-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Waverly Inn and Garden

Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s semi-private, revamped Waverly Inn is rumored to only take reservations via a special private phone number and/or e-mail address unless you show up on the restaurant’s doorstep in person two days prior to your desired dinner date. Luckily for me, I went with a friend who knows Doug, bartender extrordinare, and in my opinion, assuming he likes you, one of the best reasons to go to The Waverly in the first place (though the ever present paparazzi and star crazed patrons may not all necessarily agree).

We started with Doug’s latest concoction, the Cherry Blossom, a spring-minded martini of muddled cherrys and various other tasty ingredients. He recommended a great red I wish I could remember and by the end of the night let me try the homemade fresh garlic tomato water that was the base of his tomato martini, no longer on the menu but I bet must have been great. We ordered the tuna tartare, some version of which seems to be on everyone's menu the last few years, made of finely mashed tuna and a layer of avacado. I enjoyed it, but still think Magnolia’s version in LA is my favorite. Next we tried the Grilled Veggie and Country salads, the latter topped with a poached egg. Then we ordered the infamous $60 black truffle mac and cheese that was $85 when we were there because truffles were almost out of season. Though I don’t think it justifies the price, it is truly delicious; fresh grated black truffles on creamy Vermont cheddar covered macaroni. Doug insisted on either the apple crumble or bananas Foster for dessert and we obliged and ordered the Foster.

I’m not sure the food is as unbelievable as the hype surrounding this place, but it was quite good. Its one of those places that just feels good when you're there. The décor is dramatic, cozy and inviting and Doug is superb.

The Waverly Inn and Garden / 16 Bank St / New York, NY 10014 / 212.243.7900 / Cross: Between 4th St & Waverly St / Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave

BURGERS - NYC

Shake Shack

This alfresco burger joint sits in the middle of Manhattan’s Madison Square Park (at Madison Avenue and 23rd Street). The urban-retro “shack” rests beneath the park’s canopy of trees recalling 1950s chic to New Yorkers who have made the place so popular the line can sometimes stretch to the park's southeast entrance. I would advise going off peak hours (an hour or two before or after lunch) if you want to minimize your wait.
The Shake Shack burger taste is unique to some of NY’s other favorites (Corner Bistro and Burger Joint, both mentioned below) due to the sirloin-brisket combination used in their patties. And did I mention the Chicago-style dogs and St. Louis-style frozen custards? Simply delicious.

Shake Shack / Madison Square Park / New York, NY 10010 / 212.889.6600 / Cross: Madison Avenue and 23rd Street / Directions: N, R, W at 23rd St; 6 at 23rd St. / http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/

Corner Bistro
If you call yourself a New Yorker, chances are you’ve eaten at this classic tavern in West Greenwich Village at least once. And if you’re really a New Yorker, you'll know that the best time to do that is a weekday afternoon, when Corner Bistro is mellow and charming. Regardless of the time you visit, the real reason everyone goes is the Bistro Burger: an eight-ounce thick slab of juicy grilled beef piled several inches high with melted cheese, bacon and raw onions, served on a paper plate. And at $6.75, it’s not only delicious; it’s one of the cheapest eats you'll find in NYC.

Corner Bistro / 331 W 4th St. / New York, NY 10014 / Cross: Jane Street and 8th Avenue / Directions: A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave / 212.242.9502 / http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/

Burger Joint
Inside the posh Le Parker Meridien, a lone neon burger sign points around a curtained corner to the city's "secret" hole-in-the-wall burger obsession.

Burger Joint / Le Parker Meridien / 118 W 57th St / New York, NY 10019 / 212.245.5000 / www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php

CHICAGO

2008-04-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Carmine's - A Rosebud Restaurant

With heaping portions of mouthwatering Italian cuisine, a decent wine list and live music Monday through Saturday, Carmine's sets quite a stage. Seasonal seating outside on the canopied patio provides great Rush Street/Gold Coast people watching while inside features two levels of seating; conversation-friendly dining upstairs and a clubby, dark bar/dining area downstairs. A rotating menu of seafood, chops, and renowned signature pasta dishes epitomize the Rosebud experience of good food and generous portions that live up to the motto, "...the food is the star."

When I was a guest the service was incredible. General Manager Donny Greco and 2-3 waiters were ever-conscious that all our needs were met. That night the dinner menu featured Beef Brasato - Slow braised beef pot roast simmered with vine tomatoes, basil and red wine tossed with homemade egg noodles (I substituted the house special Square Noodles) and topped with whipped ricotta. A pasta dish unlike anything I'd ever had and so good I'll be back to have it again.

Carmine's / 1043 North Rush Street / Chicago, IL 60611 / 312.988.7676 / http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rest2.php

Yolk - Breakfast & Lunch

Whenever I’m in a new city it is my custom to seek out a great breakfast spot. In Chicago, the buzz was all about Yolk, and with good reason. On par with The Griddle in L.A. and Hash House a go go in San Diego, Yolk serves up breakfast with the best of them. With over 40 different egg dishes (not including several build your own options) and almost as many cakes, crepes and French toast selections, the biggest challenge is choosing what to order.

Excited to see a benedict made with corned beef hash (the Irish Benny) I made my choice faster than usual. I should start by saying that everything else I saw and tried looked and tasted delicious, but I was pretty disappointed to find that with a menu full of so many unique, homemade dishes, the corned beef hash was canned. I’ll be sure to try another egg dish on my next visit.

My cousin, his wife and I were about to share the Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Yolk’s large fresh baked iced cinnamon rolls... sliced, dipped in their special batter, and grilled just enough to melt the icing) when our waiter strongly suggested his favorite, Orange Bread French Toast - sweet orange bread, sliced, dipped in the same special batter, grilled and topped with fresh sliced strawberries and drizzled with a homemade orange sauce. I’m not normally drawn to orange flavored baked goods, but this French toast was definitely an exception. So good.

And I would be remiss not to mention the fresh-squeezed strawberry-orange juice with which we started our meal. I would return for another glass of it alone.

Yolk / 1120 S Michigan Avenue / Chicago, IL 60605 (half block N. of Roosevelt Rd. on Michigan Ave.) / 312.789-YOLK (9655) / http://www.yolk-online.com/

Gene & Georgetti Restaurant

I asked my friend to show me the perfect Old Chicago evening, which to me meant dinner at a quintessential Chi-Town steak house followed by drinks and live music at The Green Mill. Gene & Georgetti fit the bill as the quintessential Chicago Steakhouse, and fit it to perfection. From the time you enter the family run Italian steakhouse established in 1941, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Many of the waiters have been working there for decades and no doubt serving some of the same patrons since they started. My friend Neil Tesser knew a guy that had a “guy” (i.e. Tommy) at G&G, so despite the always over booked Saturday night crowd we were seated immediately at a prime table in the nicest of the three private dining rooms that seat 20, 40 and 60, respectively.

I started the meal with a well-made gin martini and the three of us (Neil, his girl and I) shared the Sliced Tomatoes, Onions & Anchovies Salad, which proved to be the perfect appetizer for the steaks to come. I ordered the 8oz Broiled Filet Mignon, bloody rare (is there any other way), accompanied by a fine glass of Pinot Noir while Neil and Jeanie shared the gigantic Broiled T-Bone. Both steaks arrived cooked to perfection with cottage fried potatoes. For dessert we had 2 coffees, a macchiato and one of the best bits of Spumoni Ice Cream I have ever tasted.

The only thing better than the company, steaks and dessert was greasing Tommy for the table on our way out the door.

Gene & Georgetti's Restaurant / 500 N Franklin Street / Chicago, IL 60610/ 312.527.3718/ http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/

The Green Mill Jazz Club

Throughout its uproarious history, The Green Mill Jazz Club has played host to a number of famous - and often infamous - celebrities. Opened in 1907 as Pop Morse's Roadhouse, the "Mill" was a stopping place for mourners to celebrate the passing of a friend before proceeding to St. Boniface's Cemetery. By 1910, new owners had converted the roadhouse into the Green Mill Gardens, complete with lantern-lit outdoor dancing and drinking areas, and boasting such headliners as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker. Actors Wallace Beery and Bronco Billy Anderson also visited the Gardens, hitching their horses to the outdoor post and settling down for a drink after a days work filming westerns at nearby Spoor and Anderson Studios.

As the twenties roared, The Green Mill became mobster territory when Al Capone's henchman, "Machinegun" Jack McGurn, gained a 25% ownership of the club. Manager Danny Cohen had given McGurn the 25% stake to "persuade" comedian/singer Joe E. Lewis from moving his act south to the New Rendezvous Café at Clark and Diversey. McGurn managed to convince Lewis by slitting his throat and cutting off his tongue. Miraculously, Lewis recovered, but his songs never regained their lush sound. The incident was later immortalized in the movie The Joker is Wild, with Frank Sinatra as Joe E. Lewis and a Hollywood soundstage as The Green Mill. Of course, his interest piqued, Sinatra had to visit the club.

Throughout the 1930s, '40s, and 50s, The Green Mill continued to pack 'em in with a heady mix of swing, dance and jazz music. Uptown crowds from the Aragon Ballroom or Uptown and Riviera Theaters would "stop in for one" before or after shows. Business began to slip in the mid-seventies, and in 1986, present owner Dave Jemilo bought The Green Mill and restored it to its prohibition-era, speakeasy décor.

The Green Mill / 4802 N Broadway St / Chicago, IL 60640-3667 / 773.878.5552 / www.greenmilljazz.com

Chloe

2007-12-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

Past an unmarked red door next to the Hotel Carmel is where you'll find Chloe, the westside lounge from eastsides (at least Hollywood's) Laurie Mulstay and Ron Marino. Already known for bringing a saught after vibe to their places, Chloe rests somewhere between two: It has food as good as Magnolia (bacon-wrapped dates, mac and cheese, burgers), but it's not a restaurant; and it's not as much bar as The Bar. But there are some killer signature cocktails.

Mulstay calls it a modern take on a 1930s French lounge, filled with velvety animal print sofas, and server girls in fashionable gray uniforms with red sashes by local designer (and "Project Runway" contestant) Rami Kashou.

After settling in with your Sidecar, Pimm's Cup or Whiskey Cobbler (that's bourbon, Grand Marnier and fresh lemon), you'll sample small plates that are accessible but with a twist—the fries come with malt vinegar and sea salt, and you'll find ingredients like persimmon and pistachios that came from the Farmer's Market just up the street.

The overall vibe at the tiny, but radiant lounge is meant to inspire return visits; with a warm decor and neighborhood vibe. If the ex-New Yorkers who run Chloe's past success record is any indication (Magnolia is especially doing well), count on this Santa Monica gem to be around for many years.

Chloe / 1449 2nd St (btw Broadway & Santa Monica) / Santa Monica, CA 90401 / www.barchloe.com

Frittelli's Doughnuts & Coffee

2007-10-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

A sugar kaleidoscope of rainbow-hued treats beckon from the storefront window as aromas of fresh-brewed espresso waft out the door of this upscale shop. Inside, modern European decor creates a casual place to stop and smell cinnamon caffe lattes. A gleaming case holds nearly 40 flavors of fresh baked doughnuts in gourmet flavors--and made with real fruit and top chocolate--like Meyer lemon zest, green apple fritter, Bavarian creme, Vermont maple glaze, Tahitian vanilla nutmeg and Vahlrona chocolate glazed crullers.

Frittelli's Doughnuts & Coffee / 350 N Canon Dr Ste 6 / Beverly Hills, CA 90210 / 310. 276.1408 / Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-6pm, Sun 8am-6pm / www.frittelli.com

Meltdown

2007-08-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

Meltdown / 9739 Culver Blvd / Culver City, CA 90232 / 310.838.6358 / www.meltdownetc.com

Cube @ Divine Pasta

2007-07-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

A division of the Divine Pasta Company (though I've yet to order a pasta dish), Cube is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to spots in LA. I've been at least a half dozen times now and had a wonderful experience every time. The food has been phenominal and I don't think I've ever ordered the same thing twice; the wait staff always friendly and knowledgable and the atmosphere at once casual and chic.

There is no liquor license but you are encouraged to bring your own wine with no accompanying corkage fee. And though you could likely make a meal from the Cheese Bar & Charcuterie alone, you'd be missing out on the entrees and seasonal items that are far too good to pass up.

Cube / 615 N La Brea Ave / Los Angeles, CA 90036 / 323.939.1148 / Cross Street: just South of Melrose Ave. / Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm / www.divinepasta.com

Kwik-E-Mart

2007-07-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Eleven 7-Eleven locations in the United States and one in Canada were transformed into Kwik-E-Marts as part of a special promotion for the upcoming The Simpsons Movie. Though you won't find Apu Nahasapeemapetilon at any of the locations, for a limited time, 7-Elevens across North America will sell various Simpsons products, such as Squishees, Buzz Cola and Krusty-Os cereal.

See all Kwik-E-Mart locations.

La Bodeguita de Pico

2007-05-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

One of the better Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles...

La Bodeguita de Pico / 5047 West Pico Blvd. / Los Angeles, CA 90019 / 323.937.CUBA (2822) / www.labodeguitadepico.com

cefiore

2007-04-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Billed as a healthy alternative to your dessert cravings, cefiore (formerly IF Yogurt) is not unlike the more popular Pinkberry. Both serve a tart instead of sweet frozen yogurt, shaved ice, smoothies and fresh from the market fruit toppings. cefiore may not have been around first but it is nearly as good and offers blackberry and raspberry pomegranate as flavor alternatives to regular and green tea (the only two flavors available at PB).

cefiore also boasts a tea bar (though i did not try it) and their shaved ice (called snow ice) is delicious with two layers of sweetened condensed milk and choice of 5 toppings all under a bit of the tart frozen yogurt that is their staple.

Currently with two locations in Honolulu and one in the Japanese Village Plaza Mall in Little Tokyo Los Angeles, they have plans on expanding to Nevada, Georgia, Texas, Malaysia, China and all over Southern California soon (see website for details).

cefiore (formerly IF Yogurt) / 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012 / Little Tokyo - Downtown LA / 213.626.0806 / www.cefiore.com

Now open in Hollywood:
cefiore / 6922 Hollywood Blvd. #107, Los Angeles, CA 90028 / 323.465.9097

Revolutionary Soup

2007-04-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

Charlottesville, Virginia

Revolutionary Soup is a locally owned, independent restaurant. The website says their goal is to provide Charlottesville with the highest quality, freshly prepared soups, sandwiches, salads and wraps. If the french onion deluxe and shrimp & grits ("best in four states") I tried are any indication (pictured poorly below) they are doing a damn fine job. Fresh, healthy ingredients are the first step in the process and unique, creative recipes are the next. Add to this equation quick, friendly service in a casual atmosphere, and you have some very Revolutionary Soup.

Revolutionary Soup / 108 2nd Street SW / Charlottesville, VA 22902 / 434.296.SOUP (7687) / www.revolutionarysoup.com

the X lounge

2007-04-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Charlottesville, Virginia

Suggested by friends as a viable option for a decent late night bite to eat, I was pleasantly surprised at how truly great the food was at the X lounge. The all glass store front is at once modern and inviting. The menu, cleverly divided into sections by price (Three, Five, Seven, Nine, Eleven, Thirteen and Fifteen), is quite compelling.

My companion and I shard the Macaroni and Cabot Cheddar with White Truffles which was likely one of the best Mac & Cheese dishes I’ve had (and that's saying something coming from LA where every new restaurant seems to be trying their hand at a gourmet mac & cheese). Next my friend ordered the Grilled Ahi Tuna with Avocado Salad, Cherry Tomatoes, Soy Sauce and Wasabi. He seemed quite pleased with his dish, but I was so busy enjoying my Trio of Grilled Mini Burgers: Beef - Tuna Loin - Portabello Mushroom (complete with a semi-homemade ketchup, saffron aioli dipping sauce and olive tapenade) that i couldn't be bothered to try it. The burger trio was so good in fact, my friend ordered it after finishing the ahi dish. ..

the X lounge / 313 2nd Street SE / Charlottesville, VA 22902 / Glass Building / 434.244.8439 / the X lounge

DAIKOKUYA

2007-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

What makes Daikoku Raumen so special:

Soup -
The soup is made from soy sauce and boiling pork bones for nearly a full day
Pork -
They only use kurobuta (black pork), known for its tenderness and unique flavor
Egg -
Eggs are soaked in a special sauce all through the night before serving

DAIKOKUYA / 327 E. 1st Street / Los Angeles, CA 90012 / Little Tokyo - Downtown LA/ 213.626.1680 / www.daikoku-ten.com

Bodega de Cordova

2006-10-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

A wonderful Spanish Wine & Tapas Bar

From Citysearch:
As if snatched from an out-of-the-way Madrid alley and repositioned among Fairfax Village's bakeshops and beauty salons, this tiny wine-and-tapas spot across from the Farmers Market is moody and dark, with heavy wooden tables and a long, stool-lined bar. By flickering candlelight, Don Quixotes and their Dulcineas merrily knock back tumblers of imported Spanish wine. A modest but traditional menu features customary taberna munchies like paper-thin Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, Pamplona chorizo and Sevilla-grown olives.

Bodega de Cordova / 361 S Fairfax Ave / Los Angeles, CA 90036 / Cross Street: Fourth Street / 323.951.1969 / www.bodegadecordova.com

Cora's Coffee Shoppe

2006-09-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Open since the 1920s, this old-school diner was retooled for the modern brunch crowd in 2001 complete with outside seating under an ivy covered patio.

The atmosphere is quaint and charming, the homemade jams are delicious, the coffees are Illy, the juices are fresh, and the ingredients are organic whenever appropriate.

My favorites are the orange pancakes with fresh blueberries (when available), Italian- style vegetable frittata, burrata capresse omelet and prosciutto and egg panino.

Parking:
The small parking lot directly behind Cora's is easy to miss; to get there, turn in off Ocean, just before the Seaview Motel.

Cora's Coffee Shoppe / 1802 Ocean Ave / Santa Monica, CA 90401 / 310.451.9562 / Cross Street: Pico Blvd / Hours: Thurs–Sat: 7 am–9 pm, Sun–Wed: 7 am–2:45 pm

Curia di Bacco

2006-08-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's the Marmont of Rome!

Curia di Bacco / Via del Biscione 79, 00186 / Zona Campo De' Fiori / Roma, Italia / Tel: +39.06.6893893 / www.lacuriadibacco.it

BLD

2006-08-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Named fittingly after the three meals of the day it serves (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), BLD steps into the role of updated coffee shop in the former Opaline and Red location. I haven't been for lunch or dinner, but breakfast is quite good and the atmosphere is friendly and inviting.

Breakfast menu standouts like the Bruléed Grapefruit (carmelized sugar in the raw on top of two slightly warm, juicy pink grapefruit halves), soft Ricotta-Blueberry Pancakes (served with syrup in a house-shaped bottle available for purchase from the shelves in the corner) and homemade Cream Cheese & Chive Bisquit alone make it worth trying. Coffee is served in a sleek silver french press and the salt & pepper shakers are unique but can be confusing; push down on the top, don't twist or shake (it will make sense when you see them).

BLD / 7450 Beverly Boulevard / LA, CA. 90036 / 323-930-9744 / Cross Street: Vista St. / Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-12am; Sat-Sun 8am-12am / Parking: Valet, street / www.bldrestaurant.com

Thai Food

2006-07-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Two great places for authentic Thai food:

Sanamluang Café / 5170 Hollywood Blvd / Los Angeles, CA 90027 / just West of Normandie / 323.660.8006

Big bowls of Thai noodles are what make Sanamluang a must on every local chowhound's list. Sure, pad thai has a spot on the menu, but strike out boldly and order the unheard-of noodles like #37, spicy beef noodle soup with succulent beef tendon. Indian curry noodles, #44, makes a warming winter dish, and duck stew noodle soup is rich, greasy and filling. Garlic lovers swoon for the famous fried garlic and pepper with shrimp over rice, aka #64. Appetizers, like fish cakes, are particularly good. The koo chai, a steamed rice dumpling filled with chives, evokes a grassy aroma of summer on your tongue.

Yai Restaurant / 5757 Hollywood Blvd / Los Angeles, CA 90028 / between Bronson & Wilton / 323.462.0292

This casual Hollywood eatery offers little in the way of ambience, unglamorously sandwiched between a mini-mall doughnut shop and 7-Eleven. But inside, tables full of Thai families and dressed-down Hollywood locals noisily swap dishes and contentedly slurp noodles. The light Cali-Thai trend is forgone for homier, heartier dishes. It's like Thai soul food--crab rolls are meat-filled, deep-fried discs and whole catfish is presented hacked crosswise (bones and all), and topped with red curry.

Chef Marilyn's Place

2006-07-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

A great Soul Food Buffet

menu on menupages.com

Reveiw on Dailytrojan.com

Chef Marilyn's Place / 2638 Crenshaw Blvd / Los Angeles, CA 90016 / 323.737.8101 / Cross Street: South Crenshaw Boulevard and West Adams Boulevard

The Griddle Cafe

2006-07-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

A pun-filled menu describes American classics with childish twists: chili with chocolate chips, flapjacks with oreos, pumpkin pie filling or brown-sugar baked bananas. The inventive pancake combinations make it difficult to choose, but two of my favorites are the "Yellow Brick Road" (butterscotch, caramel and walnut filled cakes topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar) and "Saturday Morning Fever" (Bailey's and Kahlua swirled into buttermilk pancakes topped with real whipped cream and drizzled with Bailiey's). There's also a Secret French Toast that's not on the menu (served only during the week and only to regulars that know the password). *Note to first timers: you can order just one pancake instead of a full stack (and trust me, one is all you need).

Not to be outdone by the 20 different variations of pancakes, french toast and waffles, the Griddle does eggs with similar flare: The “Omelet My Soul” (an omelet filled with your choice of "Chili My Soul" Gourmet Chili and cheese and topped with sour cream and fresh salsa) and the "Poached y Papas" Benedict (a slice of baked ham & two poached eggs on top of the Griddle's special seasoned potato skins covered in their homemade hollandaise sauce) are prime examples.

Breakfast plays the leading role but lunch is no bit player with 28 flavors of Chili My Soul (4-6 flavors served daily; in a bowl, on a baked potato, rolled or with a grilled chicken breast) and sandwiches (your choice of a hand formed USDA choice ground chuck patty, grilled chicken breast, turkey burger, vegetarian patty or grilled sliced turkey breast) topped with combinations like "Mama Mia" (roasted peppers, mozzarella cheese, and garlic sautéed tomatoes) and “Cobb Sandwich" (avocado, green onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato & blue cheese).

Portions are quite big at The Griddle Cafe, so be ready to take your first bite starved and your last stuffed unless you plan to share with a friend.

The Griddle Cafe / 7916 Sunset Blvd. / Hollywood, CA. 90046 / 323.874.0377 / Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-4 pm, Sat & Sun: 8 am-4 pm / www.thegriddlecafe.com

Sprinkles Cupcakes

2006-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Reformed investment bankers Charles Nelson and his wife Candace (who came up with all of the recipes during a stint in pastry school) bake ten different cupcake flavors daily (from a roster of 20) in the sleek 500 square foot shop in Beverly Hills.

Sprinkles strays from your standard cupcake by using only high-end ingredients: Belgian chocolate, the freshest dairy (no growth hormones), real lemon juice, real pureed strawberries, sweet cream butter (never shortening) and the crown jewel-- Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla extract (at $200/gallon it is the most expensive vanilla extract in the world). This helps explain the three dollars and change you spend for one of these delicious desserts.

Different flavors are featured each day of the week. Red Velvet is a staple and consistent favorite (that and peanut butter chip are two of my personal favorites), and for the traditionalists, there's always yellow with chocolate frosting or chocolate with vanilla frosting available.

Sprinkles Cupcakes / 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd / Beverly Hills, CA 90291 / 310.274.8765 / Cross Street: between Bedford & Camden / Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm; Sun: 10am-6pm / www.sprinklescupcakes.com

Sushi Go 55 & Izakaya Haru Ulala

2006-07-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Sushi Go 55
A long pale sushi bar made of prized Japanese Cypress dominates the minimalist, blond wood and white bento box of a room. The chefs each have 25 years' experience, and the savvy crowd knows it. Homemade soy, ponzu and eel sauces belie the care devoted to the daily fresh fish from Japan. And for the brave, the scallops and sweet shirmp - served alive - are a delicious treat. Beyond sushi, other specialties include grilled conch served in its shell, sliced lotus root with beef tempura, deep fried hama hama oysters, and fugu (blowfish skin) with ponzu.

Parking Tip:
The restaurant is on the third floor of Little Tokyo Square, on the corner of Alameda and Third. During the day, enter on Alameda between Third and Fourth, and park on the fourth floor to access the entrance. After 8pm, enter through the parking structure.

Sushi Go 55 / 333 S. Alameda Street #317 / Los Angeles, CA 90013 / 213.687.0777 / www.sushigo55.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Izakaya Haru Ulala
Japanese style Tapas - a Japanese style tavern/pub where people eat small dishes and drink

Experience an authentic Japanese izakaya.
For hundreds of years, people in Japan have gone to Japanese style taverns called izakayas - hideaways for ordinary workers and townspeople on the journey home after a hard day. They are a "stepping stone" to refresh or decompress after a long day by chatting with friends over sake and small dishes at affordable prices. Very popular in Japan for men and women who seek real gourmet food and good beverages.

Izakaya Haru Ulala / 368 E 2nd Street / Los Angeles CA 90012 / 213.620.0977 / www.haruulala.com

Yamashiro

2006-07-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yamashiro means “Mountain Palace” in Japanese. It was the dream of the Bernheimer brothers in 1911 to build a hilltop mansion 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard to house their priceless collection of Asian treasures. Hundreds of skilled craftsmen were brought from the Orient to recreate an exact replica of a palace located in the “Yamashiro” mountains near Kyoto, Japan. This dream became a reality in 1914... More Yamashiro History HERE

Yamashiro / 1999 North Sycamore Ave. / Hollywood, CA 90068 / 323.466.5125 / www.yamashirorestaurant.com

Mao's Kitchen

2006-07-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Owner/chef Jake (Chinese name: Yanzhong Li) explains why the walls of Mao's Kitchen are covered with colorful posters of Communist Chairman Mao Tse Tung, "...I'm neither a communist nor an admirer of Mao -- however, this represents my childhood -- this was my upbringing; this is the art with which I was surrounded." The posters are treasures never again to be available. Jake collected them during his life in China and has put them to excellent use. He was born in 1964 in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution and emigrated to the United States in 1989 during a student movement striving for cultural freedom.

The menu is a unique "Chinese Country Style Cooking with Red Memories." All the food is prepared freshly, meaning nothing from cans and no MSG.

The food is delicious, and though I have not yet tried everything on the menu, order the Orange Ginger or Sichuan Eggplant (both with chicken) and you're sure to crave them again soon.

Mao's Kitchen / 1512 Pacific Ave. / Venice, CA. 90291 / 310.581.8305 / www.maoskitchen.com

Mao's Kitchen COMING SOON to Melrose Ave.

Aglamesis Bros.

2006-07-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

www.aglamesis.com
I have never tasted better ice cream.

Original location since 1913:
Oakley Square / 3046 Madison Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45209

Montgomery location since childhood:
Montgomery Square / 9899 Montgomery Road / Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

Ph: 513.531.5196

Spread Restaurant

2006-07-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

2879 University Avenue
San Diego, California 92104
619.543.0406
www.spreadtherestaurant.com

Serving very tasty and very creative food, Spread's mission is to stimulate and challenge the culinary imagination of their diners by working with all-natural, organic ingredients. With a belief in eating exclusively vegetarian and/or vegan, Spread is dedicated to providing the best of the best; and accomplishes that by scouring the local Farmer's Markets daily for culinary treasures such as purple asparagus, orange cauliflower, Buddha's Hand Citron, and bluefoot Mushrooms.

Hash House A Go Go

2006-06-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

"Twisted Farm Food"

Hash House A Go Go
3628 Fifth Ave. (Anderson Pl.)
San Diego, CA 92103
619-298-4646
www.hashhouseagogo.com

Now in three locations (San Diego, Las Vegas & Kansas City), Hash House serves "fresh farm food with a twist". One of the best and most impressive breakfasts/brunches I have ever eaten (as well as some of the largest portions I have ever seen). I have not yet been fortunate enough to try the lunch or dinner menus but have heard equally good things.

famous french toast | lattes of love

Pinkberry

2006-06-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.pinkberry.com/

Since opening the first shop (868 Huntley Dr/West Hollywood, CA/90069/310.659.8285) in 2005, Pinkberry has expanded to over 11 Locations in Southern California and 3 in New York City.

Definitely the best frozen yogurt I have ever tasted. It is the owner's own recipe (made from real milk; no powders, no mixers) and is impossible to find anyplace else. The yogurt itself is tangy and stiff, without the overbearing sweetness that screams artificial flavoring. Served with real fruit toppings, fresh from the market (not soaked in syrup) staffers recommend first timers order a medium (that comes with three toppings).

PHOTOS on Flickr.com

in the news:
wehonews.com - July 13, 2006

The Taste That Launched 1,000 Parking Tickets - August 4 2006
This is a story about yogurt, but it is also about entrepreneurship, financial and cultural expectations, beating the heat, beating the caloric system and parking. It's a feel-good story about an ambitious 32-year-old Korean woman whose small business has become successful beyond all reasonable expectations. And it's a feel-bad story about a sleepy neighborhood attacked, out of nowhere, by an army of frozen-yogurt fiends.

The complete article can be viewed at HERE

Lawsuit alleges Pinkberry isn't actually frozen yogurt

Father's Office

2006-05-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

"...where heaven is served on a bun and in a pint glass..."

Father's Office is the home of the renowned "Office Burger." The burger has earned accolades, such as "The True Burger King" from Esquire Magazine, "the burger as art," from Los Angeles Magazine, "the Glam Burger" from the Los Angeles Times, and recently Entertainment Weekly's "Most Powerful Burger."

TWO LOCATIONS: www.fathersoffice.com

Father's Office - Santa Monica / 1018 Montana Ave. / Santa Monica, CA 90403 / 310.393.2337 / Cross Street: 10th Street

Father's Office - Culver City / 3229 Helms Avenue (between Venice & Washington) / Los Angeles, CA 90034 / 310.736.2224

Posh On Pico

2006-05-29T01:33:00.000-07:00

Posh on Pico is relocating. Updates Soon at: www.poshonpico.com

5542 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA. 90019
ring: 323.931.4338

cross street: Curson

www.poshonpico.com

latin american gourmet food with a european feel

Tres Leches & Latina Burger - each are one of the best in LA.

Booze Brigade does Golden Gopher

2006-05-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Golden Gopher,
417 W Eighth St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 614-8001

" I'll have the pad thai " - by hannah b

the downside of reading reviews is running the risk of believing what you may finally discover as false advertising. planted with colorful seeds of promise, hope, and enthusiasm, you venture onward with that tickle in your heart, and bounce in your step that says "hey world, this is going to be GOOOD" (you might even be saying those exact words out loud. i like to.). but how quickly, and how OFTEN, we are deflated, left still hungry...this was no free meal- you've paid in full, and your soul is in debt. this, my friends, is not one of those reviews. because i can guarantee you will be filled with all things golden upon entering, experiencing, exiting, and then reminiscing about the GOLDEN GOPHER. so, lets get down to business.
the moment you walk into this cozy loft-like (hmmm) spot, your senses are wondering off-leash ...snooping around the booths tucked beneath the shadows along the walls and in corners. ears perked to what you will soon decide is a too softly played, but KICK ASS jukebox (everything from hank williams, to radiohead, to X), and thumbs tingling at the sight of a handful of old atari video games. the bartenders are awesome, serving up drinks with a smile AND a dinner menu if that empty tummy of yours needs some lovin'. they've got a folder full of take out menus that they will gladly share. too cool.
there are couches (although absent during my visit due to the moody weather) that bookend an outside space adorned with candles that could warm the heart of any smoker. the crowd is eclectic but cool- handfuls probably drifting over from work for the happy hour ... keeping to themselves and their office gossip. this is the kind of place where you can keep your mystery while you makeout with your honey in one of the intimate nooks, or enthusiastically chat it up with the people behind and attached to the bar.
owner of one of the oldest liquor licenses in L.A., the golden gopher also houses a small, but proud mini store in the front, selling everything from playing cards, to your favorite poison. c'mon! THAT's cool..... in fact, everything about this place is pretty freakin' cool, so visit the golden gopher, he won't let you down. oh! and while you're there, ask if they got the t-shirts in yet, i want one.

Open: Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Happy Hour weekdays 4 p.m.-7 p.m.