Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Meal Deal- Lawry's
Providence
Date:
Cooking Event- Williams Sonoma
Magnolia Bakery (NY)
What is a trip to NY without a visit to Magnolia Bakery?
Craftsteak- NYC (NY)
Date: 9-28-09
Top Chef Sightings
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cooking Class- Gordon Ramsay
Executive chef Andy Cook and his team at Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood will host a two-hour master class Saturday August 15, 2009 teaching students how to create several of Ramsay's signature dishes. If you miss it, there are seven more of these master classes scheduled through the end of the year.
$150
10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 358-7788, www.gordonramsay.com.
Comme Ca- Homage to Julia Child
Spoiler Alert- Top Chef
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Food Event- Taste of the World Festival
Taste of the World Festival
Friday, Aug 21 10:00a
Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles, CA
A World tour of all four continents, featuring The Next Superstar (Music), Dancing with The Salsa Stars (Dance), The Next Celebrity Chef (Cooking) competitions.
50,000 attendees expected
For more information see www.Festivalnet.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
Chef Event- Chef Ben Ford at Williams Sonoma.
This handsome son of Harrison Ford and owner of Ford's Filling Station will be at Williams Sonoma on Sat. August 15, 2009 from 11:30am-1pm.
1600 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Great deals from Corkbar
Happy Hour! Monday thru Friday, from 4pm to 7pm; and at 11pm for NightCap! $4 pints, half-off appetizers, wine specials, and more. | |
Test Kitchen Tuesdays! Chef Albert Aviles tests an appetizer-sized portion of a new, market-driven dish not available on the regular menu for only $2. *Every Tuesday at 5pm, one per guest, while ingredients last. |
An Open Letter to Hipcooks Cooking School
A WARNING BEFORE YOU TAKE CLASSES AT OR VOLUNTEER AT HIPCOOKS
The letter below...
Frankly, I am appalled.
I have never been disrespected, demeaned, and belittled the way I was tonight.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Food Event- July 28
Malibu Wine and Dine |
July 28, 2009 |
Charlie's 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy. |
Join executive chef Eleano Camboni and uncover the hidden gems of Malibu – the wines, not the starlets or beaches – with a five-course menu paired with Malibu vinos at her surf ‘n' turfer across from the Malibu Pier. With an amuse of ostrich with a Port Cassis glaze, a demitasse of lobster bisque, wild arugula salad with candied walnuts, lychee and taleggio, a trio of fresh pastas and a Gorgonzola-crusted petit filet with mashed potatoes and root vegetables, by the time you’re done dining in the restaurant’s leopard print Dolce & Gabbana chairs even the non-famous will feel like they should be hiding from the paparazzi. |
Event Details: $65 for five courses, $95 with wine pairing; tax and tip not included. |
To Reserve: Call 310-456-3132 and mention “Zagat Presents.” |
Cooking Class- Jar
Monday, July 13, 2009
Food and Music at Ford's Filling Station
Check out www.fordsfillingstation.net
Xooro
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Laurel Tavern
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tavern
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Susan Feniger's STREET
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Foundry
Date: 6-20-09
Birthday dinner! We started off each ordering the beet and burrata salads with a beet puree underneath. The portion was small but the salad was delicious. We also shared a fresh corn soup with crab and morel mushrooms. Amazing. Literally lick the plate delicious.
The meal started off with tiny little bread selections, one of which they called an amuse bouche but was more of a roll. The others were baby sized biscuits with honey butter and small foccaccia slices with a balsamic sauce. Adorable and tasty.
For entrees my father and I both ordered the duck that came with artichokes, artichoke chips (small fried slivers) and sunchokes. My stepmother ordered the salmon. I very much enjoyed the duck. It was lightly dressed so it wasn't overly rich. The salmon was amazing. It came on top of some potato dish and was as soft as could be. Not dry at all and not undercooked. Very skilffully done. We ordered two sides as an accompaniment. it should be noted that the portions are not huge. The sides were the huge pan roasted gnocchi with thin slivers of parmesan and the mustard greens. The mustard greens were not overcooked. With leafy greens, overcooking is an oft practiced sin. These were whole, not overcooked at all, and well seasoned with a hint of vinegar. The gnocchi defy words. I could see my father calculating whether or not we had time for another order.
I also have to say our waiter was helpful and charming. He enhanced the experience.
The outside back area is the best for larger groups but the front has more of a bar scene where jazz acts can often be found.
All in all, a great birthday meal.
The Foundry, 7465 Melrose Avenue
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Minestraio
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Itacho
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
65 Roses
Friday, May 15, 2009
Food Event- June 4, 5
June 4 & 5, 2009
Simon LA
8555 Beverly Blvd. (La Cienega Blvd.)
Join Iron Chef champ Kerry Simon for a four-course menu built around a special ingredient – tuna. Expect mini tuna sliders with smoked bacon and avocado, ahi tuna crudo with lemon and Serrano pepper, and pan-seared ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes and baby bok choy, plus a Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert. Optional wine pairings will also be available.
Event Details:
$48 for four courses, $15 for wine pairings; tax and tip not included.
Dish
La Canada, CA 91001
(818) 790-5355
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Memories of Cajun Christmas
This year instead of our traditional Christmas fare, I decided to cook cajun cuisine for our friends holiday dinner. I made okra, jambalaya, dirty rice, and hush puppies. All of these things can be made at home with little effort and result in a lot of flavor.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Animal
Want a FREE Zagat?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Yu N Mi Sushi
I also have to say, I'm not really an iced tea person, but their iced tea is so good. It's a green iced tea (boy is it green!!!) and it has a nice flavor that needs very little sweetener.
9475 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Swine Flu
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Briganti
Date: 5-6-09
As that I'm transferring offices with two other co-workers, our colleague and friend Tony G. took us out for a good bye lunch.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mother's Day Specials
All mothers will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine!!! In addition to offering our wonderful brunch menu, Tiara Cafe has joined up with Urban Shopping Adventures for the perfect Mother's Day package. Receive brunch for two and a personal guided shopping tour of the Fashion District's best locations. Check out the details at www.downtownla.com/mothers-day/. Be sure to mention the "Mother is a VIP" package when making a reservation.
Berri's Pizza Cafe
Natalee Thai
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Good Earth
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Hall At Palihouse Holloway
Friday, May 1, 2009
Washington DC Restaurants To Check Out
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Palm
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Places to go for cooking classes
New York Bars
New York Restaurants To Check Out
Food Event- Friday May 1
$85
S U S H I
Soy Braised Pacific Bluefin Ahi & Eringe Mushroom
Ohitashi Watercress, Yamaimo, Grilled Shishito Pepper
Created by Lorin Watada, Corporate Sushi Chef
Maso Canali Pinot Grigio Trentino, Italy
S H E L L
Maine Lobster Simmered in Sauvignon Blanc
Macaroni, Wilted Cabbage, Stewed Tomato, Bacon
Created by Gordon WK Hopkins, Original Hawaii Kai Chef Partner
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand
F I N
Herb Grilled Hawaiian Shutome
Oxtail & Wild Mushroom Purses, Parsnip Purée, Peas, Merlot Sauce
Created by Roy Yamaguchi, Chef Owner, Founder
Red Rock Merlot California
F I E L D
Lemongrass Crusted Filet Mignon
Pancetta Wrapped Bok Choi, Cabernet Natural Sauce
Created by David "DTA" Abella, Original Kahana, Maui Chef Partner
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, California
S W E E T
Island "Lei Day Celebration" Butter Cake
Lilikoi Curd, Mango Cream, Vanilla Lime Syrup
Created by Leslie Gorman, Desert Ridge Pastry Chef
Kona Coffee
Price does not include tax and gratuity.
Food Event- Thursday May 14
East Side Market and Deli
Date: 4-29-09
Oh god do I love eggplant parmesan. But not every eggplant parmesan. Eggplant is one of those tricky little suckers that if prepared wrong is awful, if prepared right is amazing. Anyone who doesn't like eggplant has probably had it poorly prepared. Eggplant can be bitter, chewy, and stringy when incorrectly cooked.
But the eggplant parm (yes, I abbreviate it and try to pretend I'm Italian) at East Side Market is amazing. You can get it as a sandwich as it listed on the menu, but I always order it as a plate (no bread). The bread is very thick and filling, and I'm not wasting my stomach space with that! The eggplant slices are thin and delicated breaded and coated with egg. The tomato sauce is light (maybe needs a bit of salt) and fresh. You also get roasted green peppers with it. I like to add pepperoncinis to my bites.
East Side Market is a classic Italian deli. The sandwiches are overflowing with meat, the meatballs are generously sized, and it's a family business. And let me tell you, there are TONS of varieties of chips to accompany your meal, including one of my personal favorites- munchos. Why are those so hard to find? It seems like a trivial detail, but really, the selection is astounding. I was going to grab the chile/limon flavored chips but I had already given the guy my credit card so I passed.
Try their fabulous meaty deli sandwiches (turkey, roast beef) or classic Italian sandwiches (meatball, sausage and peppers) or even one of their plates or combos.
The space was recently redone (new tables, new paint job and decor) but it still has the same feel as it did when i first started going there in 2003. it's almost impossible to find and had my supervisor not taken me there (thank you Stacie!) I might never have started my addiction! When I asked one of the employees today when they did the rennovation, he said 4 months ago. I said, "Wow, I guess I haven't been here in 4 months!" and he replied, "That must be why you look so thin!". Hysterical. That reflects the family business spirit that permeates the deli. Some of the guys behind the counter have been working there since I started coming.
And you know a place is good when it's filled with cops and firemen. No doubt about it, cops and firemen always know the great local watering holes.
Lucky downtown denizens know where this place is, but I'll spill the beans to you "outsiders":