perk's Profile
Wedding wine suggestions?
Also...don't be afraid to ask for advice from a wine store you might like. Or....since you're beer drinkers....ask your friends who like wine to recommend one. You're buying a fair amount of wine, so it's a good sale for them. And they certainly understand that you have a budget. Even a good grocery story with a good sized wine section might have someone you can help.
Where To Buy Raw Peanuts in LA/OC?
I find them at Thai markets. They're really cheap, too, for a big bag....and they're shelled. The ones at the Farmers Market (on Fairfax) have the shells on them.
a little help for watermelon
adding a little salt can help....
but it's hard to do much when the taste of it is not good....
Ideas for puff pastry appetizers?
Corn and tomato sounds good....but would you really want to do something as an appetizer that mimics what the main course will be? Chicken, bbq sauce and coleslaw might be a little redundant...depending on the whole menu.
Sunday brunch near Disney Hall?
That's a great idea! I've been meaning to get there. Thanks. Not quite the "glass of champagne and some interesting eggs" brunch I had in mine....but something fun and tasty.
Sunday brunch near Disney Hall?
I'm going to the Mozart concert on Sunday at 2 and wanted to do brunch before. I had hoped Patina might be open, but not until 4. Drago Centro is not open until later. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Celebrating my 30th birthday
I'm pretty sure it's just Thai food. I don't recall seeing anything else on the menu. Haven't been to the new Boho....so I'm not sure. The original one was just a nice mix of good food with a fun atmosphere. But the scene may have changed now that it's closer to the tourist area of Hollywood. Maybe some other 'hounds have updated info.
Celebrating my 30th birthday
I thought of Bazaar, too. But drinks are pricey....and food can get expensive. I'm not sure it's affordable. But it depends on what she considers affordable.
Celebrating my 30th birthday
This may, too, be a bit more of a party atmosphere....but I always think Palm Thai is a fun place for celebrations. You just have to call and make sure that the Thai Elvis is in town and performing.
And Boho in Hollywood might fit the bill....though I haven't been there since they changed locations. They're still in Hollywood, but closer to the Kodak.
Appetizers for a Memorial Day BBQ for a crowd
I love grilled artichokes for bbqs. You clean and steam/boil them the night before. Then just half them....season with salt & pepper and whatever herb mixture you like....and throw them on the grill.
They're done quickly....and I serve them with a couple of different dipping sauces. Usually a chipotle mayo and a mustard sauce. I get lots of requests......
Chocolate Covered Strawberries - West LA? Today or tonight.
Gelson's often has them.
Saturday night dinner: Providence vs. Mozza
Which Mozza are you talking about? Pizzeria Mozza or Osteria Mozza. One is much more casual....and quite a bit louder. I don't find Providence at all pretentious, but it is fine dining.
Best Fish 'n Chips in LA?
I really liked the fish & chips at Son of a Gun. And....if you're up for a bit of a drive....Fishermen's Catch in Oxnard is a terrific little family run place. Three generations of fishermen. You ask them what they caught that day....and they'll cook it however you want...including fish and chips.
TAM O'SHANTER
I agree with the sandwich bar recommendation. It's kind of fun....and a good deal. Good turkey, too.
Best tasting store bought bruchetta....
I think it's kind of hard to buy it assembled in advance (or much in advance) because it can get soggy so quickly. But Trader Joe's used to carry bruschetta "topping" in their deli section. That way you just had to put it on the bread at the last minute. I've done this for large parties. I usually toast the bread before hand (sometimes the day before) with oil and then keep it in a large ziplock bag.
You can also just put it on bread...without the toasting...if you're really in a time bind. Not as authentic, but still good......
Dishes for a winery picnic?
I used to work with a guy who would never eat brie....he said it would be like eating dirty socks!
Summer Birthday Party for 40 Guests
I think the gazpacho in shooter glasses is always fun. Just seems festive. I find that when I'm doing a big crowd in the summer, salmon on the grill is always a bit hit. I try to serve it with a few different sauces to make it interesting....mango salsa, cucumber dill sauce, mustard sauce. All go well with an Asian marinade.....
Dishes for a winery picnic?
There are some lovely pastas served at room temperature that pair well with nice crisp white wines. One of my favorites is linguini with roasted red and yellow papers, tomatoes, basil and lemon zest. Really light...great at room temperature....and visually appealing. I agree with the crusty bread and cheese suggestions....also a selection of salumi. You could offer a fruity red in addition to the white....and cover all bases.
Umami Burgers....Worth the price ??
Wow...the Baja Burger sounds great. I may have to head south!
Wine and cheese paring activity in Santa Monica?
The Wine House on Cotner has a number of activities and classes. And they have a terrific restaurant upstairs (called Upstairs 2) where they have a variety of wine dinners.
Balsamic Glaze?
I use it on strawberries....also grill peaches with some balsamic glaze and put them over ice cream. For appetizer, I like to stuff figs with goat cheese, wrap with prosciutto and brush with balsamic glaze....then grill or roast.
The Nook
A couple of years ago I was on a walker recovering from a fractured spine. The only time I got out was when I went to the doctor's office....and would treat my friend who was driving me to lunch. It's certainly not "hound worthy"....but we went to Tam O' Shanter a lot. My friend likes the prime rib, and they've got LOTS of folks with walkers. We also did Blair's for lunch a lot, but they've now closed during the day.
The Nook
I think it was in response to my comments about how nice the staff at Nook was to my dinner companions there recently. They were older folks.
20th Wedding Anniversary - Need recs for something truly special.
This may be something you've already thought of...and disregrded....but couldn't you have any of your favorite chefs cook a private dinner for you? I would think you could do a lovely hotel suite and have the chef come to you.
Cleo on Vine
I haven't been....but foodie friends of mine raved about it. Definitely on my "must try" list. Thanks for the reviews.
The Nook
I went about a week ago, with a friend and two older folks to celebrate a birthday. I hadn't been for about a year. I've always found it to be good. Not a food destination, but a good neighborhood place with solid food and service. I haven't crossed paths with the owner in a long time, but I must saw the staff was very kind and patient with the older folks. I'll go back.
Recommendations near CBS studios?
3Twenty Wine Lounge on La Brea and Third has very good small plates, a great selection of wines (by the pour or the glass) and a terrific owner (Edgar) who will recommend wines if you'd like. I work near there, and it's my favorite place in the neighborhood.
quesadillas for a lunch party at work
I've also heard that an iron works very well....but I've never tried it.
