LaFemmeKatya's Profile
Anything new worth trying near Hollywood and Highland?
It's definitely open for lunch. I go there for lunch as often as I can...
Looking for Fantastic Osso Bucco in Portland
Thanks so much!
I've been meaning to take a crack at it. I love braising things, but I just haven't gotten around to the Osso Buco. You're blog is my incentive--it's lovely!
Looking for Fantastic Osso Bucco in Portland
Thanks!
Since I got no response from my original post before I left, I had to do some research.
The whole thing was started because my mom had eaten the "best Osso Bucco" she'd ever had in Portland the last time she visited, but she couldn't remember the restaurant. After a bit of walking based on her memory of where she went during that trip, we found Veritable Quandary!
The Osso Bucco was truly memorable. A delectably dissolving shank came steeped in a fragrant and flavorful wine-infused braise. The whole beautiful creation was nestled on a bed of mascarpone rissotto which by itself was a work of wonder.
The restaurant is charming. A dark-wood bar forms the entry. An outdoor patio is surrounded by flowers with a view of the river & bridge. A lovely two-level interior space provides for a very romantic balcony setting on the second level. This balcony provides a vantage for observing the other patrons.
During our visit the seared scallops seemed to be a big hit. Also, we noticed that many of our fellow diners were there for what seemed to be special occasions judging by the birthday desserts, etc.
The other dish that we had there was really not as exceptional as the osso bucco. Since we only got a chance to eat there once, I can't comment intelligently on the overall quality of the food. The service was good. We also indulged in three flavors of their home-made ice cream--outstanding!
Sushi, only the great need to reply
What about The Hump? I think it's wonderful, plus the airport ambiance is really fun.
Looking for Fantastic Osso Bucco in Portland
I'm taking my mom to Portland for the weekend and she loves Osso Bucco. Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks!!
goat madness at goat house in ktown
I guess one would need a culinary archeologist for that that. :-) Thanks, I appreciate the reply. I guess the thinking behind the question is the difference in taste between lamb & mutton...
Gumballhead
It sounds really delicious. I guess we'll have to swing by Indiana one day and check out Three Floyds. So many beers, so little time...
Gumballhead
Can you give some more info on this beer... Is it local? I don't believe I've ever hard of it, so it may not be distributed too far outside of it's local area... So, where are you in the world?
goat madness at goat house in ktown
I'm really intrigued by this place. I'm talking several people into going with me. So, one of my friends asked, is this goat or kid?
Red Pearl was a nightmare
I must have really lucked out too. I went with a small party. The service was good, friendly, not condescending. Oddly enough, we all really enjoyed ourselves and vowed to come back. I say that because I was worried that it was going to be one of those wanna be hipster joints with awful food...
It's a real shame that the service is so shaky. It really does have potential.
What do Chowhounds do for a living (besides eat of course)?
I am an interior designer. I specialize in kitchens and bathrooms. I guess it's both ends of the equation. I also have a BA in Russian Language & Lit. but I'm actually a high school drop-out.
My family is actually much more interesting than I am, but they took me on their ride across the world. My father was a Physicist and my mother a Russian Interpreter who worked for the State Department on a high level during the Cold War.
My parents lived in several different places in Europe when I was little and would take me to restaurants with them.
One of my very first memories is begging to order Escargot and my mother refusing because, she said, it was too rich for a little girl. I must have been about five.
I remember dining in a very nice restaurant in a rural area of Europe on a stone patio overlooking a fabulous European view. My parents had many friends with them and they were laughing and talking and the food was spectacular. That, I think was the starting point of my chow-houndish personality. I have always been looking to re-create that wonderful feeling. I have done so in many ways in my life, but that moment remains a wonderful childhood memory.
Every time I have a wonderful meal, I remember my father, who among all my friends and family is the one who probably had the most chow-hound in him.
Paella
Actually rabbit sounds really good! I think I'll try that... Maybe I'll see you there Herr Ubergeek.
Sit down Mexican near Arclight
The last time I went they had a fabulous pomegranate margarita--yumm!
Perfect dinner after the theater??
IMHO, Magnolia is highly overrated. Bowery is much better. Their menu may not be extensive, but everything on it that I have tried is very good. If you are going the 25Degrees route, I would opt for Lucky Devil. Again, IMHO, they have a better burger. Also, if you rather not venture onto Franklin Ave for Prizzis, Bella Cucina Italiana is very nice (on Hollywood & Las Palmas). Fabiolus doesn't really compare to either Prizzis or Bella Cucina. For a really fun experience, but truly overrated food, there's Memphis... There's several other places in the area that I am not including in my list because I haven't tried them yet: Los Balcones, Lou, & Off Vine. So many restaurants--so little time.
Perfect dinner after the theater??
I really like Prizzis for Italian on Franklin Ave @ Bronson. It's next to Birds. The Bowery is more of a pub on Sunset & Vine (walking distance to Pantages). I would stay away from Magnolia next door. Has nice burgers and things. There's the every-controversial Hungry Cat--I personally would stick to cocktails there. For sushi, I like Sushi Hiroba on Vine down toward Melrose. Sushi Ike at Sunset & Gower is also very good & walking distance. I'll probably think of some more shortly.
Versai on Fairfax (In Search of Russian Food)
I've heard really good things about Barin from several Russian friends. It's in Tarzana--if that's not too far for you. If you go, let me know how it is. It's a little far for me to travel for "home" cooking. I'd rather eat something exotic when I go out.
Recommendations for well-made cocktails?
I second the Hungry Cat for their wonderful cocktails. Social Hollywood is also good but rather pricey. I just recently discovered Red Pearl where they offer my current favorite -- the Waterloo with fresh watermelon juice. Red Pearl has happy hour starting at 9pm to close Sunday to Thursday. Past my bedtime...
Kobe Beef Burger?
I really like the American Kobe beef burger at Lucky Devil on Hollywood Blvd. They also have good beer and a great milk shake.
