Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Food, Inc.

I saw Food, Inc. last night and foodie or not, you have to see this documentary.  I absorbed a wealth of knowledge about the food system in our country, and I think everyone should be educated on how the food we eat gets from "farm" to the supermarket .  I was heartbroken to learn how irresponsible these huge meat companies really are.  The fact that they have the audacity to corner the farmers of America into using certain products and engineered soybeans, and strong arm immigrant workers into abusing pigs, cows, and chickens is appalling.  It is important that we become more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. (Shop at Farmers Markets when we can, read the labels on the food we are buying, and eat organic foods that are not pumped with pesticides and hormones).
Doing these simple things might take more effort and money, but they are defiantly imperative aspects of being socially responsible members of today's society.

NEW PINKBERRY FLAVORS!!!

image: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3644897821_a8213882ee.jpg
Coconut and Passionfruit have arrived.  Both are divine.



Monday, June 29, 2009

Potato Chips On Beverly


Thank God for Potato Chips because I was getting sick and tired of driving all the way to Bay Cities or Larchmont Wine and Cheese every time I wanted a good sandwich. When you walk in you see a menu with six basic sandwiches on a cute little chalk board. They offer an Italian, turkey, tuna, Sopressata, and Proscuitto. Of course I went for the Italian, however next time I will give something else a whirl. I loved the fact that the lettuce was shredded. I am not a big fan of whole leaf bulky romaine on my sammy. I also loved the bread...it was fresh, flaky and again, not too much bulk. Salty, crunchy, and good quality meat. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
7613 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2705
(323) 931-0911


NOW OPEN!


Went to Katsuya at LA LIVE downtown last night.
YUM!

Terroni is BOMBoni



Terroni, one of my favorite places to eat in LA was exactly what i needed last Friday night. Refusing to wait 30 minutes, I luckily scored 2 seats at the bar and went to town. I started off the night with caprese. Their version used grape tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella. The pasta I order every time (dandelion greens, spicy sausage, cream, and Fontina cheese) was perfect as usual. Still wanting more food, we opted for a pizza. Thin, crispy and amazing. Somehow, I still made room for desert. Fratellis (fried Italian donuts), stuffed with Nutella and accompanied with homemade hazelnut gelato.
7605 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2705
(323) 954-0300

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad





3 ripe tomatoes (herloom or vine ripened)
3 ripe peaches
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into quarter inch slices
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons of balsamic vinigar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Cut each peach and tomato into 1/4 inch slices. Layer a peach, tomato, basil, and mozzarella. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, then sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and basil. (You can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to several hours.) Serve cold or at room temperature.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Grazi for Grazie


Grazi in Scottsdale, AZ was recommended to me by one of my food loving counterparts, Kalleen.  We share the same interest in fried foods, cheese, wine, pizza, and breakfast burritos.  So when she told me about Grazie in Old Town Scottsdale, I decided to check it out.  Mind you I was alone, and I never dine solo because I get insecure about where my thoughts might wander and if people are going to think I am a serial killer.  And lets just face it, people are NOT assuming I am on business with I roll in with my high blonde bun and mint green sundress.  Anyway, I began with the house salad.  Pretty basic ingredients, except the dressing was divine.  It was what seemed to be a mixture of blue cheese dressing AND Italian.  In my mind, there is no better combination.  After I downed that like a little white cottontail, I moved onto the REAL reason I headed over there.  The Sofia Pizza.  Complete with Scamorza (Smoked Mozzarella), Parmigiano Reggiano, and Parma Prosciutto Tomato Sauce.  YUM YUM YUM.  If all restaurants were this good, I think my fear of dining alone might have diminished by now.       

6952 E Main St
ScottsdaleAZ 85251(480) 663-9797


Sugar High







I have ALWAYS wanted to check out Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale, AZ..however I was always told it was a tourist trap and to get over it.  I am feeling like a bonehead for taking that advice until today.  As I was driving around in the 108 degree heat, I was in desperate need of a cool treat.  Not wanting the usual McDonalds ice cream cone or Baskin Robbins, the kitsch Sugar Bowl popped into my head.  Boy am i glad it did.  Walking into Sugar Bowl, I was immediately transported into the 1960's.  After a long gander at the menu, I opted for an ice cream sundae because that was what everyone else was eating.  As if that wasn't enough,  I ordered a kona coffee kiddie scoop on my way out.
Great atmosphere/service/ice cream.
4005 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-0051

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

DREAMING...

A Place to Cook.

image above: http://thebubbreport.blogspot.com/2008/10/whats-up-with-kelly-wearstler.html

image above: http://www.countryhome.com/shopping/getthelook/colorful-kitchen_ss1.html

=image above: www.fffound.com

image above: http://www.strangeclosets.com/index.php?s=buckingham

Everybody knows there is nothing like cooking in your own kitchen. Above are a few of my favorites, the last one being my at my parents house. There is nothing like going home and smelling homemade cinnamon rolls wafting under the door to my bedroom and into my dreams.
One day, I will have an amazing kitchen of my own. Complete with homemade cinnamon rolls, a roasted chicken, and grilled asparagus.


8 oz. Burger Bar



3 Burgers in 24 hours this weekend, are you really surprised though?
Saturday night, I ventured down Melrose to 8 oz. Burger Bar to satisfy my first of what turned out to be three cheeseburger cravings over the course of one day. Great assortment of meats... (grass fed, turkey burger, veggie, and a house blend...which was what I went for.) Piled high with 1000 island, American cheese, shredded iceberg, tomatoes, and onions, it was exactly what I wanted it to be. Sides are a la carte, and I obviously ordered the classic Kennebec fries. I can't really imagine eating baby broccoli with my burger, but hey...to each their own. If you are not big on burgers, you can opt for a tuna melt, mini corn dogs, a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich. Great drink menu too, the two Sidecars did the trick.
7661 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
(323) 852-0008
www.8ozburgerbar.com







Monday, June 22, 2009

Strawberry Shortcake...wouldn't you know


Kate's Strawberry Cake...yum...my little baker!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Speaking of Chicago...


Is there anything better then a sammy from Potbelly?
No honestly. I have scoured the world, as I am a HUGE sandwich person...and I really can't think of anything I would enjoy more right now.
Multiple Locations.
MY location:
508 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 644-9131

Tavern On Rush...



Back to Chicago in about a month and I am already plotting my food moves. It wouldn't be a trip home unless I paid a visit to Tavern on Rush for cocktails, tomato bisque, and whatever else I am feeling up to.
Delicious...
1031 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-9600

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"Death By Hamburger"...David Lachapelle

Image: www.parispopcorn.com

This is how I would like to go...

Vinoteca in Los Feliz




This place takes the cake. Top 3 for Risotto in LA and very well could be the best that I have ever eaten. Perfectly al dente, creamy, and cheesy with mushrooms and sage. $6 glasses of wine before 7pm every night...3 glasses for $12 on Thursdays. For the Parmigiano Vinoteca (pan fried parmigiano) they shaved parm onto a frying pan and let it crisp up and right before it hardened, they folded it into an aesthetically pleasing tower of goodness. The caprese was fresh buffalo mozzarella, roma tomatoes, and greens.
yum yum yum.
1968 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-8070

Friday, June 12, 2009

Happy Hour Makes Me Happy.

image: www.arthappyhour.com

"***" denotes a favorite happy hour of mine.

Downtown
***Edison
4-7 pm
Thursday 35 cent martinis
Friday Complimentary grilled cheese and tomato soup
Magnolia
4-7 pm
$4 Stella
$5 Greyhounds
$6 Appetizers
Chaya
3-7 pm
$4-7 sushi rolls
$5-6 cocktails
Ciudad
4-7 pm
$4 mojitos
***O Bar and Kitchen
4-7 pm
$3 tacos
$4 beer
$6 well drinks
Bar 107
3-8pm drink specials

Hollywood/West Hollywood
***Belmont
4-7pm everyday
½ price drinks and appetizers
Stone Fire Pizza Co.
4-7pm Monday Friday
½ price pizza and drinks
Saturday 11-7pm
½ price pizza and beer
25 Degrees at the Roosevelt
3-6pm
½ off selected cocktails and appetizers
***Marix
4-7pm Monday-Friday
$3 Beers
$4 Margaritas
$4 Quesadillas
$4.5 Nachos
$2.25 Chile con Queso
Monday Margarita Madness
$3 Margaritas ALL NIGHT…
Katsuya
5-7pm Monday-Friday
$5 menu
El Carmen
5-7pm Monday-Friday
$4 Margaritas

Silverlake/Los Feliz
***Cha Cha Cha
5-7pm Monday-Thursday
$2 Sangria
$10 pitchers of sangria
$2-$6 Jerk Chicken Pizza, Calamari, Goat Cheese and Mango Quesadilla
***Vinoteca
5-7pm Monday-Friday
½ Price bottles of wine
½ price most of the menu







Thursday, June 11, 2009

Magnolia...new location on 9th and Fig

photo: www.wherela.com

Magnolia, one of my favorite restaurants in Hollywood to drink wine, gab with the girls, and eat comfort food has made its way downtown LA. Same "loungie" feel with a cozy fire place, modern decor and a large outdoor patio. The difference between the Hollywood location and this one is that downtown has a MUCH larger lunch crowd. We went for an 8:30 dinner last week and we were honestly the only ones there. Awkward. I am hoping that people will soon realize it is a much better experience to eat YUMMY food in a good atmosphere, than crappy food down the street at ESPN zone. Chicken Noodle Soup. Button Mushrooms. Marinated skirt steak with mashed potatoes. Rigitoni bolognese. Mmm...
825 James M Wood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 362-0880

For happy hour info:
http://wherela.com/blog/?p=149

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Rum Giggle


photo: www.hwtm.com


It was a sad day in Beverly Hills on April 30, 2007 when the long standing Trader Vics closed. However, you can ONLY imagine the smile on my slightly buzzed face when I discovered that a new location JUST opened downtown at LA Live. The new and improved take on the Polynesian themed restaurant was just as good as I remembered. The exotic drinks served from conch shells, tiki statues, and yummy finger food transported me straight to paradise.
800 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 785-3330

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Lumberyard...Malibu




Pretty sure most of you already know this, but the Lumberyard opened in Malibu a couple months ago. Great place to shop (think Intermix, Planet Blue Kids, Tory Burch, new and improve James Perse store) and an even better place to sit outside and indulge in treats from my favorite bake shop: Crumbs. Something about the new location makes biting into the unbelievable cupcake an even better experience than I ever thought possible.
Crumbs
3939 Cross Creek Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-3700


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Thursday Nights...1910 Night at Edison downtown...


I have discovered the best happy hour LA and it is at The Edison downtown. Every Thursday, they have a "1910 martini for a 1910 price of 35 cents"...genius. Can't make it Thursday? On Friday nights they have complimentary tomato soup and grilled cheese between the hours of 5-7...added bonus: 25% of proceeds during this time go to local charities. Who's with me?
108 W 2nd St Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000

Fiesta!


This is really the only thing I miss about Tucson. Tres Leche Cake from El Charro...sometimes I dream about it. Still searching for a recipe that compares...anyone? A couple weeks ago I dug into the little slice of heaven, and it was as heavenly as I remembered. The perfect texture doused in caramel, cinnamon sugar tortilla strips, and loads of frosting.
El Charro
311 N. Court
Tucson, AZ

My Love For Hot Dogs...


If you know me, you know about my undying love for hot dogs. Ever since I learned how to chew, I've been eating them...and the obsession has grown over the years. If I could drive the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile around town I would quit my job in a second. Too bad I just read in this months "Food Network" magazine they just hired someone new. Guess I will have to drool over this hot dog raft I saw in Lake Havasu last weekend until they are hiring again.

The Roger Room


Went to the opening of The Roger Room last night with Mar, Jorge, Javi, and Stephanie.
Drinks were amazing...ginger margaritas, fresh fruit drink menu, and my favorite item: ABSYNTH. The theme was circus-y (think plastic monkeys hanging off of your glass), dark and dismal, good music, vintage circus paintings taking up most of the wall space, and bartenders that know what to recommend. No sign, easy to miss...same owners as Bar Lubitsch.
Check it out:
370 N. La Cienega

THANK YOU BETH AND MAR



For the amazing cupcakes on my birthday (from Bristol Farms and Crumbs, my two favorites!)...I love you guys!


Bottega Louie





So you can either pick up food and grab a quick glass of wine in the prepared food section, OR...you can opt for the sit down experience, which was what we did. I loved this place because there were many small plates to choose from, ranging from $6-$8. We got the burrata with grape tomatoes, meatballs marinara, olives, spaghetti bolognese, pepperoni pizza, and my FAVORITE dish, which was the house made ravioli with panchetta sage and peas in a light cream sauce. Words do not express.
On the corner of 7th and Grand...downtown.
www.bottegalouie.com

The Biggest Marshmallows I've Ever Seen!!!



...And boy did they make great smores!