ThatPat's Profile
Birthday dinner with 5 friends Santa Monica/westside--my treat, not too noisy, moderate price
Yeah--really disappointing about Orris--one of my very favorite restaurants. I went there many times over the years and always loved it. I think now Shiro is catering to the young Japanese demographic in the area--they love spaghetti in Japan. And pasta is very cheap, so they can make lots more money than on the pricey ingredients they used to specialize in. Blue Marlin down the street on Sawtelle, which is a lunch place, specializes in things like uni spaghetti. They get a lot of youngish people for lunch. I do like the Six but have been there too many times and for me it's not a birthday destination--they do have a GREAT burger BTW. Waterloo and City was okay the one time I was there but too noisy. Not familiar with Larry's. There are lots of good reports for Tar & Roses--so that's where we're going. Thanks for chiming in on this oldish thread.
Birthday dinner with 5 friends Santa Monica/westside--my treat, not too noisy, moderate price
Decided to have my birthday at Tar & Roses; that's on Sunday. However, tonight a friend and I tried Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, the pop-up on Abbott Kinney in the old Capri space. It's terrific--Gjelina type food (the ubiquitous kale salad, but a delicious one with apples and shaved parmesan), a great dish with little scallops in a very flavorful sauce on toast, and probably the best, crispy pork belly with broccolini--piquant but not too spicy. A great Luna Sangiovese by the glass. Pretty reasonable--a young crowd but not as terminally hip as Gjelina and very nice service. They now have their lease for another 4 months. I hate to give away the secret, but this is a really fun addition to the Abbott Kinney scene and we were able to walk in at 7 o'clock on a Thursday night and get a table. Am almost thinking of changing my birthday location to this place, but Tar & Roses does sound like it's worth trying also.
Birthday dinner with 5 friends Santa Monica/westside--my treat, not too noisy, moderate price
Date is March 18 which is a Sunday night--gives me a bit of time to plan.
Small plates or izakaya--
There are 6 of us, all (ahem) 50+. Musha was great--been there several times. Upstairs 2 would be great I think (never been) but they are closed on Sunday nights. Orris was a favorite--sadly, they are now a spaghetti house(!!)
Robata-Ya--haven't been there in a while, but I like it. Am leaning toward it. Has anybody been there recently? Nanbankan is better -- but have been there too often recently. Never been to Bar Hayama but it doesn't look like they take reservations.
Thought of Blue Stove in Nordstrom--but they close at 8 on Sunday. I guess that would be okay if we start early. I've heard good things lately. Is this okay for a birthday? Just looked inside it when they opened.
Tar & Roses seems like fun but very noisy (if I can get in) unless we get there early. Anybody been? Rustic Canyon is around the corner from where I live but it is so noisy I never go there--do go to Huckleberry but get my food to go.
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Venice) sounds fabulous but will it be open in March? Gjelina is great and have been there several times but too crowded for my taste.
Thought of prix fixe menu at Koutoubia, actually--a place I've never been. The Moroccan decor would be fun. Somebody on CH raved about it, but there are some really weird negative reviews talking about the owner on Yelp FWIW.
Any ideas please? About $40/person for food is what I'm thinking since I'm treating. We're not big drinkers by the way. Thanks in advance.
Tavern or Josie for quiet dinner on the 23rd?
Maudie--Do you remember what you had at Tavern recently that was so good?
Tavern or Josie for quiet dinner on the 23rd?
My cousin prefers to try Tavern. Thanks everyone! Will report back.
Tavern or Josie for quiet dinner on the 23rd?
My cousins and I are looking for a pre-Christmas quiet dinner on Friday night. I love Josie and it's wonderful around Christmas esp. by the fireplace. They have never been. Have only been to Tavern (Brentwood) for lunch, which I don't remember as being very special. Nice room. (I do like the Larder.) Is Josie more expensive than Tavern? Is the food at Tavern as consistently good as Josie's? In looking at reviews of Tavern here and there, I am feeling less enthused--many people talk about the attitude and are not impressed with the food (but then I read a lot of negatives on CH about Bouchon Bistro in BH before I went and I really love the food there--I usually eat fish and it was perfectly prepared, subtly sauced and perfectly salted, so can't believe everything you read.)
I live in Santa Monica, they live in Westwood. We don't want too much driving--otherwise would think of Hatfield's. Any suggestions for something else comparable? For me food is #1 criterion. I also have thought of Villetta (never been there). How about Josie Next Door? Is it noisy? Is the food as good as Josie proper? Thanks all.
Buche de Noel cake?
I saw a very pretty buche de noel at Sweet Lady Jane on Montana and 17th today. It was very expensive though. They do make good stuff. I think the Bouchon idea is a good one. I love their food.
LA hound visiting Berkeley--quiet, moderate-priced, birthday restaurant for this Saturday?
Wanted to thank everybody for their kind replies as I am leaving Berkeley after my rainy but wonderful month here tomorrow. Our group ended up at Lalime's which was really the perfect choice I thought--cozy and warm (in decor and service) and very pleasant if not spectacular food (several of us had a seafood stew that was a special that night). The prices were at least $10 less than the entree prices posted on their website, which was quite a nice surprise--ended up costing about $100 less than I had imagined. I would certainly go back there. Bye-bye Berkeley--may come back to live here later in the year after 30 years in LA!
-----
Lalime's
1329 Gilman, Berkeley, CA 94706
LA hound visiting Berkeley--quiet, moderate-priced, birthday restaurant for this Saturday?
I'm visiting Berkeley all this month (from Santa Monica) and am trying to find a somewhat festive place for my birthday this Saturday for 6 people. Two of the guests are very elderly (and one is deaf), so quiet (not necessarily sedate) is better. I'm treating, so price will need to be moderate. Somewhere on Solano might work because the old couple live fairly nearby. Having looked at various reviews, I was wondering about Vanessa's Bistro? (I tend to enjoy small plates places in LA like Orris, Musha, AOC). Is Rivoli awfully pricey? I've been to China Village several times recently, otherwise that would be a great choice pricewise and location.
Thanks SFO board--this is my first post up here (and my first chowhound post in quite a while actually).
-----
Vanessa's Bistro
1715 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
Rivoli Restaurant
1539 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
NY&C/NY-Chgo Pizzeria OPEN?
Ah, I did not know that--I always thought that Romans were few on the ground here (yes, I'm kidding). I don't take one person's opinion as anything more than that. I just said it FWIW to anyone. So where are your Romans telling you to go, if I may ask? (Or were you just trying to put me in my place. ) In any case, having spent 6 weeks in Italy this year, I would say that most Italian pizza isn't like either NY or Chicago pizza, and also varies from one region to another--but even most Italians seem to like Neapolitan style pizza the most. In any case, I bow to your superior pizza wisdom--you mention a bunch of places I've never heard of and have no idea where they are. And I really know nothing about Chicago pizza.
NY&C/NY-Chgo Pizzeria OPEN?
I got a couple NY slices to go the first week they were open--one plain cheese, one with mushrooms and peppers--NY style. Very cheesy, sauce was very tasty. The crust was soft and foldable. I am not a NYer (except by birth) and haven't eaten enough pizza in NYC to be able to compare. I do remember going to Ray's on 6th Ave. & 11th in the Village years ago and also Bill's on Bleecker--and I think this is similar style, but as I've said, am not in a position to judge. I actually prefer crisper crust. I'm curious to hear from others if NY&C is authentic.by NY/NJ standards. I'm gonna try a Chicago pie to bring to a friend originally from Chi later in the week. (You can only buy the Chicago--which is only DEEP DISH BTW--in a whole pie, not by the piece. If I remember, it's $22, but don't quote me.)
The owners all seemed to be there and everybody was very friendly and welcoming. Nice to have in the neighborhood (I loive a couple of blocks away). I don't think I personally would make a special trip to this place, to be honest. The only pizza I've had in L.A. that would make me drive across town is Mozza (and BTW a Roman guy I know says Mozza is the only "real" pizza in L.A.)
Quattro Leoni - what to get?
I agree. Was just there 2 nights ago--had the pear pasta (the stuffed ravioli), and it was lukewarm. Didn't send back as I was too hungry and it was my first course. Interesting...but not all that special. Then had a veal dish that was just...veal stew. Perhaps because I am a woman dining alone, the service was a tad indifferent as well. I preferred I Raddi, also in the Oltrarno, where I ate last night. Attention to detail, good service, interesting menu (I had a Sardinian fish soup that was fabulous--muscles, calamari, octopus).
My favorite restaurants in Florence. Enjoy!!
Thanks for the great list. I am currently in Florence until the end of May. I have been sampling gelato including Vivoli and Grom, this last recommended to me by several different people. I agree with you that Vivoli is the best (altho' there is one--Badiano--or some such a little out of the way, that NY Times raved about a few years ago). Haven't tried it yet though. Am finally getting a little sick of gelato actually.
I want to add to the list a really nice little restaurant I tried tonight that has really stood out for me after 6 days in Rome, 3 in Pienza/Montalcino and now almost a week here in Florence--called "I Raddi"--in the Oltrarno off Via dei Seragli on a small street. They do have all the typical Tuscan dishes including bistecca by the kilo (which looked very good) but also some interesting dishes from other parts of Italy. I had a "zuppetta" from Sardinia with mussels, octopus and calamari and a little bread at the bottom of the bowl, in a very nice soup that was perfectly spiced and not too salty, and it was a nice-sized portion and reasonable IMO at 13 euro. As a first I had a salad with buffala mozzarella and lovely small tomatoes. Some of the best buffala I have ever had--really soft and creamy. For dessert a lovely mascarpone cream with strawberries. Good service. The name has been there for 15 years or so they told me but this chef has only owned it a year and a half. I think it's the meal I have enjoyed the most in Florence, and that includes the night before where I had the pear stuffed pasta dish at I Quattro Leoni--which was not hot enough and a veal stew that was just...veal stew, nothing special--and I have to stay as a woman alone, I was slightly turned off by the waiter there. He was okay, but maybe overworked--anyway, I was not at all blown away by Quattro Leoni.
Anyway, once again, I Raddi is worth crossing the Arno for IMHO.
Birthday lunch in S.M. this Wed--ideas
Thanks everyone for some good ideas. Am now thinking of the Getty Restaurant--neither of us have ever been there and now there's another friend of hers coming --even raining the view should be pretty nice up there. I can't really find a menu but I think they have some $20ish lunch salads. Has anyone had lunch up there on a weekday? Is it more about the view or is the food good too these days?
I guess I'll also suggest Anisette and maybe Riva (how's lunch there?) to her tomorrow and let her choose. I'm pretty sure they both have valet parking, but then maybe not, since I'm usually walking by. It's not clear that it will be hard rain--weather report says "showers," so we might be able to walk a block or two from the parking structures if we're going to Anisette or Riva.
Nosh--which new Rockenwagner Bakery are you talking about--the one off the 3rd St. Promenade? That's a little more casual than I was thinking of.
Yogachik--tell me about Fig--what kind of food? I remember reading something but forgot. I'd like to try Gjelina sometime but it sounds like too much of a scene right now. True?
You know, I'm not a huge fan of SM Seafood's chowder (had the cioppino too and wasn't that excited about it). I think they could have done a lot better with the restaurant food. It's now about 2 blocks away, so I stop in there fairly often but never want to brave the line to eat there--and except for the osyter bar, the menu does not impress. The fish is looking good again though, after the shaky first week where they didn't seem to have the temp right in the freezer case. How is Huckleberry? It's been quite crowded when I've peeked in the window--these are my hood so I'm often close by or across the street.
Birthday lunch in S.M. this Wed--ideas
I'm taking my friend out to lunch for her birthday. Was thinking of Wilshire for the patio, but it looks like it's gonna be raining. How's the food at the Huntley and the lunch menu? At least it'll be a beautiful view, and I'm sure she hasn't been there. Is it too businessy at lunch these days? (we two are not in the dress up and go to work-force these days.) Someplace pretty with good food--nice salads. I'm semi-regular at 17th St. Cafe, so not there.
I'm starting to think Anisette, but other good ideas nearby are welcome. Thanks.
Pat (yes THAT Pat)
New Bistro in W. LA?
Ate at Qusqo with some friends a couple of weeks ago. It was very mediocre. They're sweet people and trying hard but the "paella" (nothing like real Spanish paella) was very underwhelming and so was everything else. But the prices are very reasonable and it's pleasantly decorated. It's not a bad place to go to after a movie down the street.
New PINKBERRY in Santa Monica and Brentwood
The sign was not visible when I walked by last week, so I don't know, but there is definitely construction going on there. I did see a DBA sign with Pinkberry (and something else) in the name a month or so ago. Plus I talked to the waitresses at 17th Street about it. Maybe I'll ask there again what they've heard about it.
Dinner near Director's Guild?
I never go to this part of town. In a search on CH found Vivoli and Cheebo. We are three ladies who are looking for a place that has nice entree salads, etc. Is there anything like BLD (which I just tried last weekend for the first time) around here? Or is Vivoli our best bet? Thanks!
santa monica blvd x 10th street?
I'm trying to think of high ends (as in Jiraffe) open for lunch--Michaels is open (not walkable unless you have a long lunch), The Lobster is open (haven't been there in years). Oh yeah--La Botte is open for lunch (or was a while back). That is walking distance from where you work (it's at 7th/SM Blvd.) --very expensive, however. Drago is at Wilshire/26th or so; it's open for lunch. Wilshire is a block or two west; does lunch (or did last year). There's a good lunch buffet at Nawab of India (this is not high end but has always been decent) --Wilshire & 16th I think (or 15th). East on SM Blvd. from 10th there is Bistro of Santa Monica at 21st (I haven't been there in years so can't vouch for it). If you want to get in your car and drive a little bit there's Le Petit Cafe on Colorado around 30th St. It's a pretty authentic French roadside cafe. The prices aren't bad at lunch. In that vicinity (Bundy/Olympic), there's Lemon Moon on the ground floor of the Media Bldg. It's the Citrin/Lunetta place that is cafeteria style and has a large deli case and great hambugers. A little farther east is Nook on SM Blvd. They have great lunch options. Let's see what else--4th and SM is Sushi Mon--pretty nondescript sushi but they have a lunch special at 3 prices (12/15/17 I think roughly)--with your choice of many rolls and 5 large pieces of sushi (not the best but good enough and filling). There's one other place close to you that's a decent little cafe called Buon Giorno. It's at 1431 SM Blvd. You can walk from 10th (parking is bad).
Hope this will keep you busy for a while. I should say, by the way, that I've been very appreciative of your several lists over the last few years. You're a real asset to this board!
santa monica blvd x 10th street?
The last time I walked by Jiraffe a week or two ago it was NOT open for lunch. It has not been open except for dinner in a few years as far as I know. However, if you know that it's just started doing lunch again, I'd be happy to learn that.
New PINKBERRY in Santa Monica and Brentwood
I don't know about elsewhere in Santa Monica but there is a sign on a former clothing store on Montana Ave. for Pinkberry--it's next to 17th Street Cafe (between 17th and 16th) on the south side of the street. There will probably be parking problems, but heck, I can walk! I loved PB the one time I was there (Sawtelle & Olympic). So I'm happy.
Mar Vista/Venice/Santa Monica recs???
Lemon Moon is good because if you're in a hurry, they have already prepared takeout sandwiches and salads and/or two deli cases filled with cold salads that are extremely good. They also are cafeteria style, so things go fast. And they have a beautiful patio for these gorgeous spring days. A great place, open for breakfast and lunch (and I haven't been there in ages--gotta go).
Mar Vista/Venice/Santa Monica recs???
Kiriko is actually on Sawtelle, about half a block north of Olympic (but it is in the "Olympic Collection" minimall, and you can park there and get validated). Kiriko's lunch omakase is pricey ($29.50) but amazing!
Buon Giorno Cafe in Santa Monica open for dinner
I discovered this place through CH, even tho' I've lived a few blocks away for years. Finally tried express lunch last week and was quite impressed with the quality. The only problem, of course, is the parking. Anyway, discovered that for about 2 months now, they have been open for dinner. I went yesterday and got the salmon livornese (with tomato and peppers I think) to go. Comes with a side of very nice pasta and steamed veggies and some bread. They are empty at dinner apparently, because nobody knows about it, so I thought I'd put a heads up here for you fans of this place. This is a nice and cheaper alternative to Montana Ave. places and the food quality is surprisingly good. At night the street parking is not hard to find (parked right in front in fact). Location, by the way, is 15th and Santa Monica Blvd (1431 Santa Monica).
Spaghetti alla Bottarga
I'm pretty sure the spaghetti alla bottarga has been on the regular menu at Drago for years and years (unless it's changed recently).
Santa Monica/Westwood Restaurant Needed
I also agree on Nook. Another place with good food on edge of Santa Monica and West L.A. is Literati II (Wilshire & Bundy). Another place not far away from UCLA that everybody always loves is Orris on Sawtelle--Japanese/French fusion small plates. Terrific food but they don't take reservations. Still if you go early you shouldn't have any trouble.
Best sushi in West LA or mid-city?
I believe there is no connection between the two places.
Josie must haves?
Taking a friend tonight for a birthday. I had trout there the last time, which was incredibly good. Thanks.
Italian on the west side
I second Il Moro, altho' I haven't been in a while. Always very reliable.
