Santa Monica Farmers Market (Saturday)

Healthy Family Farms has great chicken and their eggs are fantastic, as well.

I can't remember the name, but there is a wonderful grass fed beef vendor. The ribeye was amazing. (They also sell melons and squash, I believe.)

If you are hungry, I highly recommend the oyster guys who shuck them for you. You can also buy them by the bag, but it's my favorite Saturday brunch.

FYI, I've had flowers from the vendor in the middle for a week and a half and they still look wonderful!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Rehersal Dinner Space in Beverly Hills

First of all, congratulations! Here's a thought...It's just outside of Beverly Hills, but Barefoot on Third St. has a lovely space upstairs.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Ceviche Quality Tuna on the West side?

I would check out Nijiya Market on Sawtelle and Olympic. They have a huge selection of sashimi grade fish, and I've been buying their fish for years (to prepare sushi and sashimi at home).

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

One Breakfast and One Lunch in DC

Thanks for the recs! And, I just checked the weather and it looks like these California girls will be just fine! It's going to be really nice!

LAGirl in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

One Breakfast and One Lunch in DC

Thanks for your help! Any good breakfast recs? We're staying close to the convention center...

We California girls appreciate your assistance!

LAGirl in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

One Breakfast and One Lunch in DC

Hello,

My sister and I will be traveling from LA for a conference this weekend. Most of our meals will be at the convention center (yum) or in large groups with non-'hounds.

We will be taking the red eye and arriving in town at 6:30AM. We have a reservation at the Holocaust Museum at 2:15PM and would like to hit the Newseum at some point during the day, as well.

After reading through the board, it seems like crab cakes are a must. So, we'd love two good non-buffet recs (one for breakfast and one for lunch).

Thanks so much!

LAGirl in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

santa monica post LA marathon lunch

The evening after I ran my first marathon, I ate at C&O...carbs were all I wanted, so I must have eaten a ton of those garlic knots! It's not chow-ish, but it's wallet and carb friendly!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Matsuhisa or R23?

My all time top four favorites are:

Salmon Kelp Roll
Tuna Tataki sashimi salad
Ankimo (monkfish liver pate)
chocolate bento box

Enjoy!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Hide Sushi visit...

For the price, it's solid. Since they are usually so busy, the fish is always fresh, based on the volume they go through. It's my go-to spot for quick and inexpensive solid sushi. Is it creative? Not really. Relaxing? Not so much. But, it is what it is. Their salmon and yellowtail are usually very good. Last time I was there, the ankimo was so tender that we ordered seconds. Unfortunately, the second serving was not nearly as good as the first. But, at that price, it was something I could deal with. I'll continue to go there when I want no-frills, inexpensive sushi.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Birthday at Bar Hayama...suggestions please???

Thanks! I can't wait! (And will report back)

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Anyone been to The Grill on the Alley in B.H?

I've had almost everything on their menu over the years so here are my recs.

Apps: Steak Tartare, garlic cheese bread, gravlax, shrimp or crab cocktail

Entrees: If they have it, John Dory & dover sole are great, veal chop, chicken piccata, one of the best liver and onions around

Basically, it's great, solid food with good service. The martinis are divine, as well.
Enjoy!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Birthday at Bar Hayama...suggestions please???

Thanks, Snoopy. Maybe we'll stick with the cooked dishes.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Birthday at Bar Hayama...suggestions please???

Thank you both for the recs (and the warning)!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

30th Anniversary Dinner Party

I don't believe either of these have music, but the food and budget should work. Campagnola on Westwood Blvd. and Cafe Bizou. I've thrown a shower at Cafe Bizou, and it was wonderful.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Birthday at Bar Hayama...suggestions please???

Thanks! I will definitely report back!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Birthday at Bar Hayama...suggestions please???

Hello fellow 'hounds,

I have decided on a Xmas Eve birthday dinner at Bar Hayama on Sawtelle (followed by karaoke). I have heard/ read pretty good things, but I have never eaten there.

Can you please suggest what to order?

Any "can't miss" items or "must avoid"?

Thanks in advance!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Best Rice Pudding?

They are the same recipe, and I think it's one of the best around.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Restaurant Recommendations for My Mom's Funeral Reception Needed

Please accept my deepest condolences.

I would call Carlo at Campagnola on Westwood Blvd. His prices are reasonable, there is a private room, and I am sure he would work with you to meet all of your needs.

Best of luck.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Where the sushi bars shop?

Yes, International Marine seems to be the go to place for sushi chefs (at least on the westside). I believe that there may be certain times when they are open to the general public...so I recommend calling before you head down there.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Where to buy glasses in quantity in Los Angeles?

Surfas has them.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Christmas Eve Birthday Dinner

Thanks! I was actually thinking of Gjelina or Fraiche! I appreciate the help!

-----
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Nasty, guilty pleasures

In n out grilled cheese animal style...delicious!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Good soup?

I love the chicken soup at Urth Caffe. I add a bit of lemon to it for a really refreshing bowl of comfort! Their bread does the trick, too!

-----
Urth Caffe
267 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Christmas Eve Birthday Dinner

Yes, I am the rare Jewish girl who was born on December 24th! I usually go to dinner on the westside with my close friends who are not celebrating with family. So here's the lowdown:

Location: Anywhere from Santa Monica or Malibu to K-town (but I can be flexible)

Cuisine: I love all cuisines with the exception of Ethiopian. I would prefer not to have the clicheed Jewish people eating Chinese food! I'm very partial to Asian cuisine, small plates (I often order two appetizers) and seafood.

Cost: In this economy, nothing in the realm of Urasawa! Roughly $40 pp (not including alcohol). In the past, we've gone to places like Ocean Avenue Seafood and Woo Lae Oak, if that gives you an idea.

Menu: A la carte (the pre fixe menus are a bit limiting for the people in this crowd)

I know it's early, but everything gets booked very early for this date.

I appreciate any and all suggestions!

Thanks!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

JOE'S in Venice - very disappointing

Unfortunately, I also have to agree. I had brunch there a couple of years ago, and when our first courses arrived, my friend found a live, crawling slug in her salad! We called over the manager, and he was pretty blase about it. Not even an apology. They gave her a fruit plate instead, but did not even check back with us. Everything was downhill from there. Needless to say, I will not be returning. For a delicious brunch, I recommend 3 Square instead.

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Mother's Day/ Graduation WAY in advance!

Thank you all for your suggestions! I really appreciate it! While I would LOVE to go to Anisette, I have been told by family members that it is way too expensive, and they all refuse to let me take everyone there. Anyone have info on the brunch pricing? If it is not ridiculously expensive, I may be able to convince everyone to go there.

That said, I'm deciding between Lily's in Venice (which I hear has a lovely garden setting along with plenty of breakfast and lunch options) and Ocean Ave Seafood (where I can always have some oysters and wine). Since no one has been to Lily's (and OAS has been in the family's regular rotation for years), the family seems to be leaning towards going there. Any input on Lily's for brunch?

Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing your responses!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Best Sandwich at Bay Cities?

Godmother with the works mild (and the bread scooped out- my personal preference). Heaven!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

Mother's Day/ Graduation WAY in advance!

May 10th promises to be a very special day for my family. In addition to celebrating Mother's Day with my mother (who recently survived an aneurysm), and my two grandmothers (ages 92 and 86), I will be graduating with my second master's degree from LMU. I would like to organize a lovely brunch/ lunch for six of us for after the ceremony to celebrate.

Location: Anywhere from Beverly Hills to the Beach (but we are flexible)

Price: Would prefer not to be gouged since it's Mother's Day, but I'm willing to pay for outstanding food for this special occasion.

Cuisine: Anything but Mexican or Middle Eastern. We are all foodies, and very adventurous (even the grandmothers)!

I know it's early, but I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row.

Thanks in advance for your help!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area

The Seder's ready to go, but where can I buy a great Seder plate?

I've found that the two best places for Judaica in the city are Audrey's, the gift shop at the Skirball Center, and Gallery Judaica, on Westwood Blvd. south of Wilshire. They both seem to carry pretty good, varied artists. I'm personally partial to the Nambe seder plate (it's very clean and modern), but I'm not sure if either of those places carry Nambe. Good luck!

LAGirl in Los Angeles Area