justinelc's Profile
No love for Le Saint Amour
That really sucks you had such a terrible experience. I haven't eaten there in probably a year, but back then it was newly opened. So maybe they tried a little harder. I'm disappointed to hear that not just their service was bad, but things as simple as running the kitchen efficiently failed. I was actually excited to see them on this month's DineLA. Not so much anymore.
Irvine
I love Bistango. It's closer to Newport Beach, but it's address is still Irvine. It's got a dance floor with jazz music which isn't very common these days. The food is good - new american. They don't have sushi, but they have a great tuna tartar.
-----
Bistango
19100 Von Karman, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92612
Henry & Kristen of the (now defunct) Reyn Pho in Pasadena have found a new home in Monrovia!!
Thanks so much for the update! My mom lives in Arcadia and there is no good pho nearby! I'm going to see her tomorrow, so I'll try to convince others to try it.
ISO "Ace of Cakes" style bakery for groom's cake!!!!
Thanks, @attran99. I know it's easier to work with a mid-sized cake when they sculpt so whatever is cheaper I think is the way I'll go. I'll have to look into the bakeries mentioned in those threads posted tomorrow since they're all closed today.
ISO "Ace of Cakes" style bakery for groom's cake!!!!
Thanks for these thread links. Any idea on pricing?
ISO "Ace of Cakes" style bakery for groom's cake!!!!
So I'm getting my wedding cake from Porto's but their groom's cake skills are a little lacking. Plus, if my wedding venue didn't come with an included wedding cake from there, I would not have chosen Porto's. Their cakes are way too sweet and their buttercream frosting is SO sweet it's gritty. Anyway, I digress. I am looking for a bakery that can make an In-n-out groom's cake. I'm looking to only spend around a couple hundred dollars. It doesn't need to feed the entire wedding, just my groom. Any ideas?
Tom Colicchio Visits!
I went to Craft last week for dineLA and the waiter said Tom would be there Nov. 1st to cook. He mentioned he visits the restaurant a few times a year, but I wouldn't expect him to visit too often since his family is in NY and he's got Top Chef duties. He also said all the recipes are his.
Best 2010 Dine LA Menu / Experience?
I looked on their website also, and it doesn't mention anything about being part of DineLA... wonder what they have. Love that place.
Top Chef - D.C. - Finale, Part 2 (Ep. #14) - 09/15/10 (Spoilers)
Kevin knew Michael was way outta his league so he helped him execute perfectly. I thought it was funny Michael made sure to comment that Kevin worked under him all those years ago, instead of with him like Kevin had said. He's so lucky he got him. I actually don't mind Ilan during his season because Marcel was such a little jerk. But I agree he wasn't much help as a sous. I don't get why Ed decided to have Ilan make a crap dessert when his banana poppers were so good.
Ugh, another TC to forget.
ISO Baby shower lunch in Pasadena/Arcadia/Monrovia
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm looking into Cafe Massilia. We're at 10 people, but I know my sister really likes French food. I've heard the food isn't that great at Caffe Opera, but always wanted to try it.
-----
Cafe Massilia
110 east lemon avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016
ISO Baby shower lunch in Pasadena/Arcadia/Monrovia
Actually, I remember seeing a baby shower there the last time I was there. I'll keep that in mind.
ISO Baby shower lunch in Pasadena/Arcadia/Monrovia
I am in charge of organizing my sister's baby shower and I need a nice, relaxing place we can have lunch on a Saturday. Outdoor seating would be best but isn't mandatory. I'd also prefer something American or Italian - but doesn't have to be. It can't be too pricey $10-$15pp and preferably not extremely busy. Any suggestions?
Top Chef - D.C. - Finale, Part 1 (Ep. #13) - 09/08/10 (Spoilers)
Yeah, I saw the preview for next week, and it's definitely Hung, Michael V., and Ilan as their sou chefs. I also think Hung works with Angelo (of course).
I'm disappointed Kelly was out. I feel like they really give Angelo a slight edge when they judge because he always seems to sneak by. Too salty? That's usually an automatic "pack your knives." I was willing to root for a woman I did like as opposed to not (Tiffany (season 1) and Lisa (season 4) come to mind). I really don't like Kevin I think even more than Angelo now. As least Angelo had some emotion after making it through.
I guess I'm just rooting for not Kevin to win. I hope the other posters aren't right....
LA Times Food and Wine Fest?
Aww, I wish I knew about this earlier. I'd love to meet Michael Voltaggio! Too bad VIP tickets are sold out...
Top Chef - D.C. - Ep. #12 - 09/01/10 (Spoilers)
It's hard for this season to be good especially with the Voltaggio brothers last season. I don't really like anyone this season. I was shocked Tiffany went home because she's been doing so well. I was thinking Kelly would go home based on the amount of time she was 'narrating.' I kinda like Kelly but she isn't good enough to win. I wanted Kevin to go home tonight. I hated Angelo in the beginning but I guess him sucking the past few weeks made him more tolerable. Ed is such a goober but he's been doing well. This is turning into the season where Hosea won... forgettable.
Shabu Shabu and Hot Pot
I posted this some time ago... http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/703567
Haven't gotten the chance to try any yet, but if you do, let me know!
The Boiling Crab. Trying to cure my crab craving.
I've only been to the one in Garden Grove, but the shrimp is usually mushy and unappetizing. I prefer the dungeness or king crab. But I usually get to eat king crab at my mom's house so it's not worth it to me. I love the corn and sweet potato fries though. Fried catfish is good but nothing special.
Which Din Tai Fung?
I usually try to go after 2pm on weekends. Waits have been around 5-10 mins which isn't bad considering lunch and dinner weekend wait times are at least an hour. I've never been there when it first opens though since I am not a morning person :p Parking is horrible during lunch and dinner hours; mid-afternoon parking isn't too bad but you still might have to circle a couple times. Try parking in the Arcadia Market lot off Duarte and walk over.
Kid-Friendly Near USC
I used to eat lunch at the Natural History Museum Cafe all the time when I went to school at USC. It was cheaper and fresher than campus food -- and kid-friendly. Unfortunately, it closed a few years ago. There is a food court at the California Science Center next door, but it's mostly fast food. Pasta Roma is very similar to Viztango Cafe, but bigger and may have more than one highchair. It's a couple blocks before Viztango. There's also an international food court at the University Village on the other side of campus that should accommodate kids.
-----
Viztango Cafe
3017 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Pasta Roma
2827 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Which has Better Food: Calamigos or Malibou Lake?
I'll look into that then, thanks for your help!
Which has Better Food: Calamigos or Malibou Lake?
Did you have the buffet for your wedding? I was leaning towards the sit-down, but I didn't know food quality would be worse. I was hoping it would be better actually...
Shabu shabu in SGV??
Oooh yeah I've been to Kagaya but it's a little steep for a normal night for dinner... Shabu shabu house is always packed. But I'll check out Mr. Shabu shabu! Thanks!
-----
Kagaya
418 E. 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Shabu shabu in SGV??
I have been craving shabu shabu for awhile now and can't seem to find a great shabu shabu place that is not incredibly expensive. Suggestions?? Thanks!
Which has Better Food: Calamigos or Malibou Lake?
I am planning to get married next spring and am really torn on which venue to choose: Calamigos Equestrian in Burbank or Malibou Lake Club in Agoura Hills. I want to base my final decision on food, but they do not allow food tastings before a contract is signed. Calamigos uses their own catering, while Malibou uses Truly Yours Catering. Has anyone ever had the food at these places? Good and/or bad experiences? Anything is helpful... I need to decide ASAP! (also, I've read older posts on Truly Yours Catering but I'm hoping for updated reviews) THANKS!!
Saint Amour for lunch today - good, but too tough bread
I ate there last month with a couple of friends for dinner. I do recall their bread being hard and I was disappointed since I usually love French restaurants for their bread and butter. Our appetizers and entrees were very good though. I ordered the escargots which were a good size and flavorful. I usually dip the bread in the leftover garlic butter... but since the bread was hard, it could have been better. For the entree I got the duck confit. The portion was much bigger than I expected and the duck was very tender. My friends liked their lamb and "fish-souffle" as the waiter described. I'll definitely go again! Prices aren't too bad either for the quality and portions.
Best Pho in the Westside?
I've been to Pho 99 and just thought it was alright. My friend thinks it's the best on the westside. I've had better in OC. But I'll try Le Saigon and Pho Citi! Yum, thanks everyone!!
Best Pho in the Westside?
I have been craving pho but I can't seem to find any good pho places nearby (culver city). Any suggestions? Thanks!
OC Restaurant for small wedding dinner
My boyfriend's brother is getting married in Lake Forest and need to find a place for dinner afterward that will hold about 20-30 people. A private room would be best, with a set menu and drinks; $100 max per person. They'd also prefer it be near to the beach. Any suggestions?? Thanks!
