Xericx's Profile
NYC -> LA in June: Tell Me What I'm Missing
A-frame is better for dinner foodwise IMO, the menu is much bigger but its more crowded. Ambiance for lunch If its a nice day, is really good. I like their fish tacos which I think are on for lunch only..they also do vietnamese style drip coffee (I believe its Cafe Du Monde) which is good. They also have really nice cocktails there.
One thing I like doing on saturdays is getting a coffee at Intelligensia on Abbott Kinney and an egg sandwhich at Gjelina 2 Go, then go down to the Farmers market in Santa Monica and browse around/shop. A-frame would also work since its not far.
I'd consider Manhattan Beach post too. Really good stuff there, I haven't been for brunch but I hear its good.
And Lunch near the Getty, I'd go to Farmshop over Tavern. Brentwood country mart is great to walk around too.
Restaurant Stakeout
Anyone catch this last night? Hidden cameras in a restaurant recording everything. To me, it seemed staged, looked up the restaurant it covered, it seemed to be a popular, highly rated restaurant concept in Las Vegas (Firefly)
any thoughts? seemed more of like a way to get a restaurant on TV more than anything.
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 2 - Ep. #17 - 02/29/12 (Spoilers)
watching the replay now, you're right about Tyler. I still think Paul showed better leadership in the kitchen.
I think Paul's story was more genuine and heartfelt, which is why Sarah's statements looked really lame. Seemed bratty in losing.
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 2 - Ep. #17 - 02/29/12 (Spoilers)
Paul was totally humble and team building. Didn't throw his team under the bus, while Sarah was just playing the victim role with that horrible guy.
Also Sarah kept on saying "I deserve to win". If Sarah had a better attitude, it would have helped her.
So glad for Paul.
Las Vegas Bachelorette Moderate Price
I think Jaleo is a good pick. Its in the cosmopolitan, lots of lively foot traffic and its pretty open and hip. The food was really good too, my favorite was the secreto jamon iberrico, it was outstandingly good. Large menu for sharing between everyone, it'll be a good time.
Feelings about Wicked Spoon?
I went to Wicked Spoon today and found it very poor, both in food and service. Many people hearalded it as some sort of "foodie buffet" but I found the execution on the dishes itself to be very low quality. Flavors didn't mesh well. Selection wasn't the greatest. Interesting dishes were executed really poorly, like mall food court bad. I mean how can you screw up chicken wings or biscuits and gravy? The Pho was disgusting.
I did enjoy the french toast and some of the carved lamb, but a lot of the food seemed to take interesting "foodie" concepts but dumb it down for the masses. I prefer Wynn, Bellagio and even the one at the Aria (I've gone to a lot of different Vegas buffets over the years). The quality was much higher. The free buffett I got at Treasure Island, overall was more well cooked than the Wicked Spoon.
Straight dish on the food truck scene?
I've only enjoyed Ludo Bites, Grilled Cheese Truck and Kogi.
Otherwise, I'd find some good Taco Trucks around town.
A lot of the food trucks are pretty expensive actually for what you get and they try to be too campy with their combinations. Its oversaturation and everyone and their mother started a truck to get on the bandwagon, often with pretty mediocre results.
Layover L.A.
I thought it was pretty spot-on as far as living in LA, at least as I've experienced it.
Union Buffet and pho 99, wilshire and barrington.
Well, Panda Express' food has probably actually been "cooked" within 30 minutes of you eating it. I don't think I can say the same about Union Buffett, it looks like a lot of it is recycled.
Union Buffet and pho 99, wilshire and barrington.
Union Buffet- Its pretty inexpensive. Can't think of anything I like there though, I go when I want to load up on chicken/protein. Its not horrible though, its just a little depressing eating in there though.
Pho99. I go there when I'm sick or have a cold. The Pho is ok, not really outstanding but its quick and fairly inexpensive. I'm not a fan of pho really so I'm not the best one to ask. I sometimes get the Bun, which i like and the vietnamese coffee. like not having to wait for the bill, just pay at the register.
The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs (Episode 6 "Food Auction") [Spoilers]
Well, seeing that we can't taste the food, I think watching good technique is better for television purposes.
The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs (Episode 6 "Food Auction") [Spoilers]
She probably made that comment after she was eliminated already so she was probably pretty upset.
I love Zakarian's arrogance, as well as watching his "flawless technique". Its actually pretty inspiring to watch, much as Hung from Top Chef was fun to watch in that regard.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #5 - 11/30/11 (Spoilers)
I think if I were there, I would have done an upscale take on a blooming onion and see how'd they would like it.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #5 - 11/30/11 (Spoilers)
Such a creepy vibe from the hosts. It was interesting to see the taste of McMansion suburban hell types with money versus food critics, etc...a pretty accurate reflection of how America probably really is culinary-wise, otherwise the Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden would be out of business.
The food itself seemed really horrible and uninspired. The judges seemed pretty disappointed with the food.
The tension was palpable in the room. Is "getting margaritas" code for swapping wives? Just got a weird vibe from them like that.
Mendocino Farms - what's your favorite sandy?
I eat there maybe 2-3 times per week since its right by me. I love it. The sandwich I get the most is the Blue Buffalo chicken in the wheat tortilla wrap, it just hits all the flavors I like. Not for everyone, but I am a fan of buffalo chicken its awesome as a burrito.
If its on the menu (its a seasonal item), the braised lamb with mint pesto and cypress grove goat cheese is life changing.
Weekend Indian lunch buffet in LA that doesn't suck. Does it exist?
I had a fairly good Indian Buffett at India's Tandoori in Hawthorne yesterday. Two kinds of rice, some Chicken Tikka Masala, goat curry, and several vegetables and a nice spread overall and the quality was fairly good. I liked it better than Jaipur, and I go to Jaipur a lot more since its pretty close to work.
It was $12.50 came with drink or champagne. Its not close to Burbank though, I wouldn't say its worth the drive..but for anyone else, its not bad.
Pann's
yeah, love that spicy andouille sausage. I'm also a fan of their hamburger patty and eggs. those are the things I usually order there.
Its hard enough finding biscuits and gravy in LA....not outstanding but it is kind of harder to find and for me its pretty convenient. I liked the wings, but not the waffle as much as roscoes (the Serving Spoon down the street does great wings as well).
I think I'm more in love with the experience than the food. Its an interesting LA vibe in there, especially for breakfast.
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The Serving Spoon Restaurant
1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
Christmas Party For The Office
I went to Fogo last year around christmas, it was quite a madhouse. Is it usually like that? Seemed like it was way too crowded.
Drive between Vegas and LA
If its my choice I stop for the Mad Greek, but usually I just hold it in until I get to vegas. She might like In-n-out in barstow too if she's from out of town which is where people usually make a pit stop, its a really busy one though.
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Mad Greek Restaurant
12120 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA 90680
First drink
I had my first legal drink at The Room in Hollywood. After watching Swingers, I appreciated it more for the "speakeasy" vibe. I say, take him for a drink at the Dresden with Marty and Elaine. The retro dining area is kind of cool, even though the food is meh. Single Malt Scotch would be good. They have old school bartenders at the Dresden and a nice mix of people so you won't be weird taking him there.
Another option is the Edison downtown. They have an extensive drink menu (and dress code) and is a really really cool space. Wednesday and/or Thursday they have some Vaudeville type acts.
Playa Del Rey - House Sitting
I also live in Playa too but generally I eat elsewhere since Venice/Culver City is like 10 minutes. Fresh Brothers I go to 2-3 times per month. They do deliver and I do like their pizza. I don't like the Bristol Farms on lincoln except for their deli and soup...like others I usually hit up the Whole Foods in Venice or El Segundo. There is an ok Farmer's market in Playa Vista on Saturdays but mostly geared towards prepared foods. Breakfast...hmm. I sometimes get a breakfast burrito at Cafe Milan.
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Cafe Milan
205 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Brunch near Marina del Rey
I enjoy A-frame's weekend brunch, its a bit less traditional of a brunch. She'd probably dig the architecture and vibe. Its super casual but I've enjoyed the food and drinks every time I've gone there for lunch.
http://aframela.com/new/index.php/menus/lunch-menu.html
Must eat food/places in Cuenca and Valencia area
thanks. I'm wavering, watched the "On the Road again" episode...it looks nice, I heard you can help cook the paella there but its more expensive...it does seem a bit out of town and without a bus, it may not be economical to do so......might lean towards just taking a bus to el palmar and checking out a random (or researched) paella establishment.
Must eat food/places in Cuenca and Valencia area
any new information on getting to La Matandeta. I might get a reservation there I am worried about the transport as it seems rather rural. I've looked online and it appears the taxis are about 30 euro+ and I'm wondering if its just better to find something closer to the bus stops?
Freebirds World Burrito Is Now Open In Marina Del Rey
It seemed (and tasted) like Chipotle with more options. Somehow my burrito was pretty dry tasting..not enough salsa, maybe my fault for the ordering but even then, it shouldn't really be that dry.
I'll give another shot, but not really into it.
Lemonade Brentwood is now open
I went today too. When I was there there was like 5-6 people behind the counter and only one person serving...and having to explain to the people in line how to order...giving samples also held up the line..was standing there for a good 5 minutes with 2-3 people in front of me.
Had the Coq Au Vin, but I didn't really like it. It was ok...just too light...almost soupish. Salads were ok though...like the variety and the price isn't too bad at all.
Its really too bad they don't validate for the big free parking lot at the current time...that was kind of odd. I had to go into Starbucks and buy something to get a stamp.
CUT - is it worth it?
they overcooked my Idaho waygyu ribeye as well. sent it back. really killed the mood to wait 10 minutes while everyone else dined, I snacked on creamed spinach.
i don't think Cut is worth it to be honest...i did like the waygyu appetizer though.
Cut - Any "Must Haves"?
They overcooked my "Idaho Kobe" ribeye as well, I sent it back. By the time I got my replacement, everyone else in my party was already done eating. Probably the last time I will order Wagyu/Kobe as a "steak" (although it is best eaten sashimi style, razor thin). It really is too fatty for my tastes, I had to struggle to get through 14oz.
I really liked the Kobe Sashimi appetizer though, a tad salty (from the miso likely) but other than that it was awesome.
Creamed spinach was kind of average IMO.
Need a sure thing celebrity spotting restaurant
Lots of Lakers and Dodgers there. Best Buy I've seen a few there too.
As far as restaurants, the Salt Creek Grill and Counter has some athletes during the weekday lunches.
