fishyak's Profile
Ridgeback Shrimp at The Shack - Rowland Heights - With PHOTOS
I also had them for the first time recently. I bought them from a fish stand on Sunday in the Hollywood Farmer's Market. They were tasty. But I admit that I paid more for them then these other sources.
Please Magic Johnson + Guggenheim, make this happen
I was at the first Dodger game at Dodger stadium. I remember games at the Colliseum. Vin Scully + grilled Dodger dogs are just part of LA, period. I want my real Carnation chocolate malt back along with my 25 cent, not $5 peanuts. And the beer prices? Puuullleeze! So my wife and I often agree to be late to the game and eat at a variety of "on the way" restaurants that serve GOOD food, and are HAPPY to see us versus the SLOWEST lines serving LOUSY, over priced food at Dodger stadium.
Gotta remember to plan ahead more often and take a decent sandwich but then what $5 water or $11 beer? Magic, R U listening?
Los Angeles - Scandinavian (preferably Danish or Dutch) Restaurant
Hakarl comes from the huge Greenland Shark. Sounds like the name is descriptive of the sound you make when you projectile vomit after ingestion. "Poi" is no where near as bad, but the name offers the same sound concept. (Universal translation: "How can you eat that s*it?)
What to order in Bouchon?
Some people's idea of food adventure is very different from others. To some, skate wing in brown butter sauce would be adventurous. At Bouchon, it was a marvelous special one time as was a grilled octopus salad one night. I'd look to any seafood special because you are likely dealing with a preparation based on the purchase of an exceptionally good fresh product as was definitely the case with the skate wing. Yes, it is likely to be prepared as a variation on a classic bistro presentation, but I've found the seafood specials at Bouchon to be a likely source of a home run.
Under $100 for two on the strip...best picks??
I would rate BLT in the Mirage over Burger Bar.
Fleur in Mandalay Bay is a small plate format with some interesting choices.
If the Cut of the Week is to your liking, it is a really good value.
Tell me where to eat near MGM!
In MGM, Fiamma's has great fresh pastas. The short rib raviolini. the veal cheek ravioli and the liguine with spot prawns I will personally vouch for. Also, the dessert "donut holes" are a tasty finish.
Get to KA AT LEAST 15 minutes before show time. Things start happening before the formal start of the program. The stage cost $168 MILLION. Enjoy the show. (Been 3X)
My wife and I were at Le'Atlier once watching a couple slam down some food and drink to get to KA on time. What a shame. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the theatre and your food!
I need a good recipe for grilled whole turkey
I've used a Weber kettle for years and it does a great bird.
1) Brine it. Not too much sugar or apple juice in the brine or the skin may burn. The basic Alton Brown foodnetwork thing works great.
2) Set up two fires in the kettle with a strong alumunum drip pan in the middle.
3) Prepare an aluminum foil breast covering to place on the bird after the 1st hour of cooking.
4) No stuffing. (Stuffing is evil. Dressing is great.)
5) Check bird infrequently to keep heat in BBQ, Use thermometer and allow for 5 degree carryover. Let bird rest for 15-20 min. post BBQ.
This method works well because all poultry need the thighs to be cooked to a higher temp than the breast. The breast cover helps with that as does the fact that the heat from the two fires is directed up to the thighs to help them cook faster.
This method will deliver that crisp skin we love but shouldn't have. The brined bird will help keep the breast moist and the two side fires will cook the thighs faster as needed.
No Thanks--Is that a sea bass on your plate?
Sea Bass is probably the most abused fish label in a restaurant. There is no species called just "Sea Bass". Chilean Sea Bass is in fact Patagonian Toothfish. It have been overfished and we should avoid it. (None of it is caught off of Patagonia any more.) White Sea Bass is a recovering California native and is a delectable member of the croaker family. But again, not a bass. Stripped bass is a bass and can be farm raised or wild. The mediterrean fish mentioned here might have been Branzino, which is now farm raised. Sea bass used to be the overall term for any of the 16 varieties of rockfish caught off the California coast.
Never accept the label sea bass at a restaurant. Ask for the specific species and whether it is wild caught or farm raised. Then you will know what you are ordering. (If the restaurant is honest is what it serves. I had another place offer "Santa Barbara spotted prawns" and what I got was really good shrimp. There is a taste difference.) Getting good fish takes some education on the part of the consumer.
Does CRAFTSTEAK have seasonal tasting menu at this time
In the past, it was always listed on the website. No listing now so I suspect not. Seablue and Diego have "happy hours" but that was about it for specials in MGM on last visit.
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Seablue Restaurant
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
lobster
It looks like you come from across the pond so I'll forgive the first mistake of looking to order lobster IN THE MIDDLE OF A DESERT! But there are some good options. The Lobster Pot Pie at Nobhill Tavern in the MGM is awesome and is big enough to split.
Dinner with a view - Sunday night
The Eiffel Tower in the Paris hotel may hit your "stuffy barrier but it has a great view of the Bellagio fountains. Two caveats: 1) Most, but not all tables have taht view, be sure to ask for it at the point of reservation. 2) If it is windy, they turn off the fountains.
And a trick...go the Eiffel Tower late for dessert and coffee. They have a chocolate sampler that is a killer with the ladies. Just get the view and set up the timing so that you will be there during when the fountains go off.
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Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Palazzo/Venetian Eats
Go across the street to the Mirage. BLT= really good burgers + boozy shakes at only moderately ridiculous LV strip prices. Smoothies from Canyon Ranch and the Asian noodles place near the poker room, I do not remember the name.
Local Wild Bluefin Tuna?
Per a fishing website, one local seiner wrapped 45 tons of US waters bluefin and returned to shore 7/5. The fish were what I call mid size units between 40-100 lbs each. Pacific bluefin tend to travel in schools of 20 lbs or less, or 40-100 and then the rare monster class of 100+. So this does look to be a one shot deal. Enjoy.
Quick simple (partial) review
La Cava is relatively new in my neighborhood, Sherman Oaks, so my wife and I gave it a go last Friday, fairly early. La Cava is in the "old" Watercress space on Ventura Blvd near Woodman Ave. I had read some reviews, which were mostly favorable. But a few flat out hated the place. What gives? Why the bi-polar reviews? I think I can explain the negatives and let you know where some positives truly are, the beautiful pastas there.
My wife and I each had pasta specials, she had a porcini ravioli with truffles in a rich butter sauce. I had the pappardelle noodles with veal ragout which had the richness you want of all slow cooked sauce. These were two ot the best pastas I've had in long time, particularly in our neighborhood. But, for a bowl of pasta, they were pretty pricey, $24 and $20 dollars. This price has put some others off, but for the quality, these fresh pastas were delightful and were worth the extra money. On the other hand, the $12 dollars for a glass of good, but not expensive Pinot Noir was truly overpriced. And the place is small and was getting noisy before we left. And I can also see how the owner might have rubbed some other reviewers the wrong way. To finish our dinner, the tiramisu my wife and I shared was $8; was nice and light, and big enough to easily share.
So if you want some really good pastas be prepared to open the wallet just a little bit more than the typical Ventura Blvd fare, but IMO it is clearly worth it. Watch your other orders for value and come early if you don't like it loud.
We'll be back for the pastas to support this local gem.
Favorite Food Vendor at the Hollywood Farmers Market
1) another vote for the pupusas.
2) The menudo at the Mexican spot next to the pupusa spot is really good take home fare. I add avocado, a poached egg and some chips at home and it becomes downright elegant brunch fare.
Noodle World-Sherman Oaks-Opening?
Lannathai replaced an old pool supply business and that pool remained from that old business dating back to the 60's!
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Lannathai Restaurant
4457 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Happy Hour on the Strip
for a more complete list, check out lvhhtime.com or just put Las Vegas Happy Hours into your search engine.
We did Diego's @ MGM - very good deal but only going for an hour and a half. Order some margaritas, taquitos, guacamole and some chicken mole tacos (exceptionally good!)
Best Desserts in Vegas?
1) The Eiffel Tower not only has soufflee's, it has a 7 piece Chocolate sampler plate. Get a table with a view of the Bellagio fountains, not all tables have that view.
2) L'Atelier in the MGM - assorted "tarts" These are VERY small but have amazing flavor.
3) Bouchon - it's listed in Italian for floating island - lightly almond flavored - awesome.
4) Grandma's Treat @ BLT in the Mirage - a milkshake with caramel and Maker's Mark whiskey.
5) Fleur in Mandalay Bay - the creme brulee trio includes an Earl Grey brulee that was exceptional.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cheap Eats ON the strip
"Good," "cheap," and "Strip" are 3 words that cannot be combined without copious laughter from locals. I am not a local, but I visit often enough and have local friends. So here are some budget conscious choices....
A) Breakfast @ Bouchon. Order the pastry basket (4) for two people, a side meat (good portions on really good bacon and ham) coffee, and you will feel spoiled at a good price.
B) Break the Strip only rule.
1) Ellis Island is walking distance from the Wynn and has good, cheap food. But make it a daylight hike ladies.
2) Go to Firefly on Paradise. Very close to the Strip. Good tapas and sangrias. Good group party.
3) Lotus of Siam.
C) Make good use of Happy Hours. check out the HH's @
1) Diego's and
2) Seablue in MGM.
D) Todd English P.U,B.
E) Keller's Fleur in Mandalay Bay has gone down the tapas road and in now more budget friendly.
F) BLT in the Mirage.
But seriously, as easy as it is to menu AND price check online, please do so and then have some reality check discussion with your group.
Enjoy your trip.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Seablue Restaurant
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lotus of Siam
953 E Sahara Ave Ste A5, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Carnevino vs Craftsteak
Odds are you will get a great steak at either location. For you two, booze isn't a factor. (Great Scotch list @ Craftsteak!) Look up the menus and check out the appies, sides and desserts. Odds are the one the reads best to you two will eat the best, too. Craftsteak usually has the hard to find "hen of the woods" mushroom as a side dish and the Cinnamon Monkey Bread is killer. The sides @ both Cut and Carnevino don't fit my, and particulary my wife's tastes as well.
So ignore the steaks, read the rest of the menu and vote of which menu reads best to you and go there.
Looking for dinner near--Studio City this Friday
My "go-to's" in this area:
1) Loteria Grill, Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd.
2) Boneyard Bistro BBQ, beer and bourbon on Ventura east of Woodman.
This will post the address of the other Loteria Grill. Valley one is good.
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Loteria Grill
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Sherman Oaks lunch ... ?
Hugo's has good vegetarian choices - is freeway close to Coldwateer CYn - no Ventura Blvd. - good variety.
Casual dining?
Firefly on Paradise has fun food, particularly for groups. Great sangrias. Something for everyone.
Be&B or AquaKnox or another restaurant at the Venetian?
One of the sad/funny things I've witnessed in LV was a couple slamming down their food and drinks @ Le'Atilier in the MGM to get to Ka on time. We were all at the sushi bar area part of the restaurant and we were sitting with a Canadian chef who was planning on a 4 hour dinner experience. To wind up rushing a nice dining experience to make sure you get to the show on time puts your dining experience at risk. I suggest that you break "the rules" eat early and simple. Save the big night dining experience for another evening.
In the Venetian, Bouchon is my "go to" spot. Across the street at the Mirage try BLT for good simpler fare.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Solo dinner at a Steak House.......but which one?
Are you going to get a bad steak at any of these places? No. Check out the websites and work backwords from the side dishes and appies. The list that you like best is the one most likely to make you happy. BTW, Craftsteak has a positively AWESOME scotch list and the "scotch rock" ROCKS. Hence, I'd put my butt down there. The real missteak (spelling intended) would be to order a wonderful piece of hoof and order it well done.
Similar to Bouchon for dinner?
Yep, that is it. But Bouchon has better specials, good oysters all the time, good wines by the glass and the "floating island" dessert (I won't try to spell it in Italian) is on my Top 10 eternally list. Stay with the winnar!
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Similar to Bouchon for dinner?
There is a similar restaurant in the Paris Hotel, but the name escapes me at the moment. What doesn't escape me is my recommendation that you stay with Bouchon. Always a winner.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lunch/dinner rec's for Laverne/San Dimas area?
Have to visit the mother-in-law more and more often in the LaVerne area as she ages and needs more help. Family visits have often wound up in hideous food locations. Any sign of culinary life out that neck of the woods, say within 10 miles of LaVerne? Thanks.
Breakfast on a Budget
What, no love for Ellis Island on this thread yet? On Koval behind Bally's. BIG breakfasts 24/7 - great value. Chicken fried steak and eggs or pork chops and eggs. Old school red vinyl booths. Avoid prime time, very busy. It won't be as kid fun as Rainforest in MGM, but WAY better food. It's too far to walk from 4 Seasons.
Mesa Grill - Paying for the name? v Bar Charlie
1) If you have never tried Flay's food, it's just different. I really like it, but it isn't everyone's flavor profile. My wife has a tough time finding items she likes because she isn't into aggressive seasoning.
2) The dessert menu always rocks. Check out the current menu online.
3) The build your own margarita options are spectacular. They also have some premiums Mezcals for sipping.
4) Lunch or brunch is an easy way to test drive your taste for this "cuisine."
For me, Bouchon rocks 24/7 and anyone can find food to their liking within your price range. It's a much easier menu to make everyone happy. Last time there, we had a dessert that hit the all time favorite list.
I'd lunch @MG and have a margarita and dine at Bouchon.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
