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!

Party Time!

As all my good friends know, I love throwing parties with yummy food and good people. The Memorial Day party at my parents condo in Chicago was even MORE fun than last year (even though we did miss Mary) with Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes, Portillos chopped salad, Italian Beef, Jalapeño cocktail shrimp, cheese, wine, and Clare's potato salad that is to die for. Katie, my 20 year old sister who doesn't drink, was a fabulous bartender...and kept the drinks flowing until we ran out (or until my mom started dancing to Poker Face...can't remember what came first).

Fred's at Barneys Opens In Chicago

Different menu than New York location...still amazing though. They also need to work out a few kinks in the service department-the AC was blasting to the point where I nearly had windburn and we had to wait over 10 min. (even with a reservation). Turkey Bacon Club-AMAZING...Pesto Pasta with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes...AMAZING...chopped salad with chicken...AMAZING. Good lunch, great view...all at my favorite store in the world.

Coconut Water...

Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help:

1. Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage.
2. Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
3. Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
4. Raise your metabolism.
5. Promote weight loss.
6. Boost your immune system.
7. Detoxify and fight viruses.
8. Cleanse your digestive tract.
9. Control diabetes.
10. Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
11. Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer.
12. Treat kidney and urethral stones.

Info from: http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-320.html

You can purchase coconut water at Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, and other health food stores in your area...(and it is reallllly good for hangovers!)

BESO BEARS THE BEST SIDE DISHES IN THE WORLD...

Margarita flatbread. Sauteed exotic mushrooms coated in garlic butter. Mashed potatoes. Veracruz Corn (Creamed corn with cheese and jalapeños). French fries with queso fresco. Wild Striped Bass with Tamarind Jam. Raspberry vodka with fresh muddled berries. Churros (best in the world, not kidding) with queso fresco and caramel. This place also has good energy, and great decor, which somehow makes the food that much better. The menu is extensive and has something for even the pickiest eaters. We got a bunch of appetizers, sides, and entrees and went at it. Lisa even unbuttoned her pants afterwards.
Beso
6350 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 467-7991
www.besohollywood.com

AGO

Ago in West Hollywood...yum. We started out with the Caprese Bufala...it was insanely fresh and the perfect way to start out the meal. I couldn't decide what to order but ended up going with the special which was Chilean Sea Bass with grilled veggies. It melt in your mouth deliciousness, and perfectly seared. The Angus Beef Rib Eye Steak was also really good (I had a few little tastes), and was served with spinach and rosemary potatoes. No surprise, I was stuffed to the max but found room for an assortment of desserts...and another glass of wine. Almost three hours later I was in a food coma and ready to hit the hay. Gotta love dining with Italians.
Ago
8478 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 655-6333
www.agorestaurant.com