Manischewitz Banana Split Macaroons - LA area?

No, I haven't seen these, but I bet you can find them in a grocer near/on Fairfax or in any other area with a sizable Orthodox population. This sounds easy to make; Just make a recipe for Macaroons & add pureed Banana. I'll bet it will top any mass-produced version! Good Macaroon Mazel, JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

2012 RESTAURANT SEDER VERDICTS; ADD YOUR EXPERIENCES!

Again this 2012 year, the family attended the Seders at JAR and SPAGO. The fist night's Seder at JAR confirmed our feelings that the Seder lacked much of any tradition. For the second year in a row, the scattered woman who led the event forgot to call on me when she had earlier assigned me parts in the Haggadah! The same lovely Gospel Soloist sang some songs. Appetizers included Chopped Liver on Homemade Matzah, a Pea Shoot Puree' with Mint & Feta on the same Matzah, and absolutely scrumptious crispy rafts of grated Potato topped with a dollop of Cream Fraich and House Cured Gravad Lax. I wish I could have made a meal of the later two items. Next came a Chicken Soup with the requisite Matzah Balls, and a nice addition of Lemongrass & a few slivers of Shitake Mushroom. There was also a Composed Salad of Asparagus & a few al dente Vegetables in a nice Vinaigrette. The entree' was a choice of fish or Chef Suzanne Tracht's signature Pot Roast. Everyone in our group ordered the Pot Roast. It was a bit too saline, but delicious & meltingly tender nevertheless. On the side was a surprising redundancy; a Gravy Boat of Creamed Horseradish, and Creamy Mashed Potatos that were seasoned with Creamed Horseradish. I like Horseradish, but enough is enough! One had a choice of a White Wine, a Red Selection, or a Sparkling Proseco. Desert included a plate of mini desserts; something dense & Chocolaty, a Lemon Cheesecake that was very Eggy-Tasting, and a couple of other choices I don't recall. This is the only restaurant that, thus far, has offered a first night Seder. I hope that others realize that competition is not stiff for the first night, & they offer a first night Seder for 2013! SPAGO is a bit pricier, also good food, and a lot more organized while including just enough tradition to make it feel like a true Seder. Each year, it is presided over by Barbara Lazaroff, who does a lovely job. At this Seder, there are no appetizers. The seating is in rows of long tables, mostly in a main room. A Rabbi from the University Synagogue does some of the Liturgy, and the L.A. Children's Chorus always performs a few songs. The meal began with petite Gefilte Fish Balls seemingly steamed in Cabbage Leaves. These had a dollop of Horseradish on top. The Kenaidlach Soup was traditional and good, albeit a bit too saline. The entree' for everyone was the same; A small bit of Boneless Beef Short-rib in a dark Port & Cherry Reduction Sauce and a slice of poached Salmon plainly made with a bit of Almondine. There was a small pool of pureed Yam or Sweet Squash to the side. Also, small serving dishes of delicious Chopped Liver came around. Neither restaurant made a particularly interesting or different spin on their Haroset. The Matzah at JAR was plain, but good. The Matzah from Wolfgang Puck was pretty addictive, served warm with minced chewy onions, garlic, and a green herb baked on top. The desserts at Spago were also minis served off communal platters. These included several Chocolate options, Macarons that were too soft but had a nice, intense Pistachio Filling, & traditional Coconut Macaroons. All desserts were pretty good, with the Chocolate Truffles and Chocolate Cake topped with a Candied Kumquat being the tastiest. I was quite surprised that Coffee and Tea were not served with the dessert. For now, our plans are to probably return to Spago next year or try Akasha or Street. Does anyone know about how much tradition is brought into those two Seders? What we are greatly hoping is that Koutoubia will offer a first night &/or a second night's Seder next Year, because that seems as if it must have been delectable & fun. I recall that Marcel (the proprietor?) said that it was being led by someone from a Conservative Temple, so I assume there is some semblance of tradition. I am asking, please, for anyone who attended this year's Street, Akasha, any other, or especially Koutoubia's Seder can please share the juicy details including amount of tradition & menu reviews! - Many Thanks, JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

2012 RESTAURANT SEDERS???

What!?, JAR absolutely did do a Seder this year/2012, & I was there. Where did you get incorrect info. from????

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover

The weeklong Passover Hotel Programs were what we've tried for about 4 years prior to doing the "restaurant thing. We did the one in Valencia, & it was pretty awful. That is, the food was pretty awful. I called Tierra Sur at the Herzog Winery. It's disturbing; They advertise as a Kosher Restaurant, but when I asked the young man who answered their phone if they were having a Seder, he responded, "What is that?". In fact, several of the restaurants that were listed as having had Seders relatively recently also asked "What is that?" when asked if they were having a Seder again this year. This IS Southern California, and I think it behooves those in the restaurant business to at least have a clue that I'm not just making up strange words!Even though it's not a Seder Meal, the Clementine sounds like it might be a great place to get some take-out during the week of Pesach. Has anyone ever eaten there before? -JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover

Hi Gascook & Jefferson, Your post reminded me that I also left a message for the caterer at the Luxe Bel Aire (a few weeks ago). Needless to say, they did not get back to me. I also recall that a few years ago my folks & I went to a Seder there as that location of the LUX (Bel Aire) was host that year to a Pesach Resort Program. The Seder was traditional -right down to the "Orthodox Standard Time"; That is, there was so much rabbinical discourse before the meal that the meal-in-earnest began close to midnight. That sort of killed it for me! Anyhow, the person I spoke to at the LUXE did mention that while there was probably not a Seder scheduled this year, private parties/families, have the option of renting space there for their own Seders. This wasn't what we had in mind either. I also found out that year that there were Community Seders at the Woodland Hills Hilton & one at the Woodland Hills Marriott. Foodie that I am, I directed my family toward the few restaurant options that had more gourmet cred. If either of you hear more, let me know! Shame, I would have loved to partake in a Moroccan Seder on one of the two nights........ Look for the Nemon Family if you happen to also partake in either the JAR &/or SPAGO events...We'll compare notes! - JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover

Per my original post for 2012 Restaurant Seders in the So. Cal Area, I found very few places that actually are offering a Seder with a minimal amount of the traditional service/liturgy. I found the only places to be SPAGO, JAR, KOUTOUBIA, STREET, & AKASHA. JAR was the only venue which does their Seder on the first night. SPAGO, KOUTOUBIA, and AKASHA do theirs only on the second night. STREET will do theirs on a night that is not either the traditional first or second night because that is when a local congregation has retained them to do the Seder. Anyone else is welcome to attend, but this large group determines the date. One can already reserve for SPAGO & JAR as my family has. The amount of ritual at the JAR service is a little lacking for our tastes, but I found no other option for a restaurant Seder for the first night of Pesach 2012. I would be very interested to hear about KOUTOUBIA'S Seder. It appears that they have also planned their Seder by the request of a local congregation. I hope to try one of these others if they ever offer a first night Seder, as we have decided that the SPAGO option will always be a part of our CHAG. By the way, there are other restaurants that offer Pesach-Style meals, such as Bistro Garden & some others I checked, but we need a bit of ritual with our meal. A manager at Melisse said she has worked there the past 3 years, & has never known them to have a Seder, so I'm not sure why someone claims they went to one at Melisse last year??? Best, JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover

Thanks, but that is dated info. which has places that are now closed for business. My post (separate from this original post) was written after calling all these suggestions, so it has updated info. Plus, some info. that is still not answered by other Pesach Posts on Chow. Please respond to that if you have specifics that are current. I wish AKASHA did a first night.........You described it well! - JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

New West Valley Thai

Pink Elephant was fine but not great. Anything new in the way of a really delicious Thai Restaurant on Ventura Blvd. closer to the West Valley? - JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Visit to San Francisco

Hi RNP, I just saw that you also posted about local L.A. Restaurant Seders. As for San Francisco; I lived there most of my life, and all the best restaurants are to be found in the Italian Region of S.F. known as "North Beach". Outstanding Italian Restaurants in North Beach abound of all price ranges, and most have a lot of character. North Beach is just over the hill from Fishermans Wharf & through the Streetcar Tunnel from Chinatown. I'm a big "Foodie", and feel that there is not a lousy choice amongst the Italian Venues in North Beach. I would choose while there, but try to get tickets to the most authentically San Francisco Show Experience at "Beach Blanket Babylon" where the actors wear 6 FT. Tall architectural hats! This requires advance planning & is within the very walkable restaurant region I know & love of North Beach, "Garlic Capital of the Western World"! Enjoy! - JET

Jet in San Francisco Bay Area

Passover

I just posted a long schpiel about updated restaurant seders before I saw Weiner Mobile's Post. I promptly called Melisse, and the hostess told me she has worked there for three years at Melisse, and at least during that time, they have not had a Seder there. Is she mistaken!? That would solve a lot of problems if I could get a correct answer as, please read my Pesach Post of this evening, 3-10-12, I am not finding a restaurant Seder for the first night. -Thanks, JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

How To Re-Find That Amazing Lamb Recipe? [Moved from Los Angeles Area board]

I think the original (L.A. Times)is worth the extra effort . The end result has always been pure culinary poetry! Thanks again, Clio! By the way, have you tasted this masterpiece?

Jet in Home Cooking

How To Re-Find That Amazing Lamb Recipe? [Moved from Los Angeles Area board]

Thank-you!!!

Jet in Home Cooking

How To Re-Find That Amazing Lamb Recipe? [Moved from Los Angeles Area board]

Many thanks, Patrick...Have you also found this dish irresistible!? I love it over Saffron-Scented Couscous. It is the quintessential, soothing & scrumptious cold weather dish.

Jet in Home Cooking

Best Little Armenia Eatery?

Thanks, I'll have to try it!

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Best Little Armenia Eatery?

I'll definitely have to try it!

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Best Little Armenia Eatery?

Oh yes, Tadig with Fesinjan (Pommegranite) Sauce, Thank-you!!

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Anyone else miss Gourmet Magazine?

Oh, I so totally miss my Gourmet Magazine!!!! Bon Appetite doesn't even approach it. All I can read to console myself these days is "Saveur" & "Fine Cooking".

Jet in Food Media & News

What food find still haunts you - that you had once and haven't found since?

I remember another S.F. place, SALMAGUNDI, that served unlimited bowls of soup alongside SF Sourdough. There were 5 selections to choose from a day, & one of its locations was near Union Square. That was an amazing concept & a delicious place for a meal!!

Jet in General Chowhounding Topics

2012 RESTAURANT SEDERS???

After many years of wonderful huge family seders in the parent's Northern, CA. Home, my senior folks have had to slow down. Our new tradition began last year with restaurant Seders, both nights, in my L.A. Region. We much enjoyed the Seder at SPAGO last year, and somewhat less exciting &/or traditional was the Seder at JAR. For whatever reason, the local papers Tribe & Jewish Journal do not put out a section mentioning which restaurants have a Seder, nor have they responded to my request for such a section. I see that Pinot Bistro, La Gandola, La Cachette, Gorbals, Koutoubia, Akasha, Il Moro, & Angeli have had them in the past. Does anyone know which of these (or any others) are planning a 2012 Seder? We plan to go to the one at Spagos again, but we are looking to try a new Seder for the remaining night. -JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area

NEW LADUREE' OPENING IN N.Y!?

Thanks, Ara, I can't wait to sink my teeth into a Macaron Beur Sal...I am on the WEst Coast, but I'll find a way to see if they ship. At some point, I'm going to try to replicate the recipe! Best, JET

Thanks, Ara...I've been waiting so very long to sink my teeth into a Macaron Caramel Beure Sal, & now it could happen sooner. Alas, I am in California, so I will hope that they open on the West Coast OR they (the N.Y. Branch) ship to CA!! -Best, JET

Jet in Manhattan

Passover dinner in downtown

Thanks, "Mobile", I think this will be our next night in addition to the Spago Seder for next year! Best, JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jet in Los Angeles Area

PESACH SEDERS / 2011 @ JAR & SPAGO

I forgot to mention AKASHA in my original post! I heard that they & now a few others are mentioned for Seders in a related post. WE will need a restaurant seder with at least a few of the traditional songs & prayers sung, and for me, a delicious gourmet take on Passover Food! This will add to a repeat seder at Spago. Can anyone report about the seder menu at any of these other places? Also, do any of these also have at least a minimal amount of the ritual song & liturgy included? -JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover dinner in downtown

Of these three, are they "Kosher" or "Kosher Style"? Do any of the three have at least a minimal service with a few prayers & songs before the meal? Have you eaten at any of these three to know ifwhat their seder menu is & if it is tasty? I just tried & posted about the seder meals at Spago & Jar, having tried restaurant seders for the first time. Jar was good vut below Reform in its lack of ANY traditional content. The parents insist on at least a bit, & we got that from Spago. I know Angeli, Akasha, Street,& the afore-mentioned also do seders, but we will certainly look for another seder to do along with Spago next year. We need a bit of tradition, & I am the FOODIE who also wants the gourmet seder experience. -JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jar Restaurant
8225 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

La Cachette Bistro
1733 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Akasha
9543 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Street
742 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Jet in Los Angeles Area

AFFOGATO BLISS DESIRED

--Sounds yummy!!

Jet in Los Angeles Area

PESACH SEDERS / 2011 @ JAR & SPAGO

After many wonderful big family Seders led by my aging Bay Area parents, it was time to try something new & creative. Enter the Foodie, Now-Angeleno Daughter. After a large amount of calling, I determined that Cafe' Angeli Osteria, Sue Feniger's Street, Spago, Jar, & a Glatt Kosher French Restaurant all had a Pesach Meal. Angeli offered a meal without the Seder, & Sue Feniger's Street spoke of a "minimal" seder & was late with complete details. We once tried the Kosher French Restaurant & were quite dissappointed with the quality & authenticity of the food. Our first night Seder was at JAR. the restaurant was filled to the brim, but there was little opportunity to socialize because of the tight seating. Canapes were uneventful Chopped Liver & a delicious Pea Puree served on home-made Matzah. The Matzah was very pleasent...tastier than store-bought, but not seasoned much. The Canape of home-cured Salmon on a raft of coarsely-grated potato with sour cream & chive was outstanding and addictive!. The chicken soup had Lemon Grass infused, but it was still bland. The next course was an asparagus & radish composed salad in a vinegarette which was just okay. The main course brought a choice of Jar's Signature Pot Roast or Alaskan Halibut in a Fava & Scallion Cream Sauce with Hoseradish Mashed Potatoes. I tried both, & both were excellent. I am not a big red meat eater, but I was over the moon with the most scrumptious Pot Roast I had ever eaten!!Dessert included Chocolate & Lemon Macaron which were nothing special, an eggy-tasting Lemon Cheesecake which I didn't care for, & a dessert called "Chocolate Emminance which was nothing special. There was a very small amount of audience participation in a relatively short service, & a Black Soloist from a local church choir sang three beautiful Gospel-Style Songs. The Haroset was quite traditional, of the chunkey sort, & basically good-tasting. Verdict: My dad complained (to me) about the lack of singing even a few of the traditional melodies after the meal (or before). I wouldn't be interested in attending another Seder there as it is now, but I am anxious to go back to try more of Suzanne Tracht's dishes & that fabulous Pot Roast again. For our 2nd Seder, we went to Spagos in Beverly Hills. Immediately we were taken by the artistic & tasteful ambience of the interior. Proprieters Barbara Lazaroff & Wolfgang Puck warmly greeted both new & old guests as people arrived. As Jar, some proceeds went to "Mazon", a Jewish Response to Hunger". A nice touch were songs performed by a local children's choir, & the introduction of celebrity attendants' Melissa Manchester, Carol Conner, & Lainey Kazan. There were no Hors d'Ouvres. The meal began with a simple but tasty & traditional Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls. Next came a small parcel of Gefilte Fish which seemed to have been steamed in a cabbage leaf. It was mild and pleasant tasting. The entree' consisted of a wedge of tender salmon toppped with a vegetable garnish & a wedge of Pot Roast whith a deep Wine Demi-Glace'. Both were quite tasty. The Haroset had a trace of Rose Water & was of the mushier variety texture-wise. I would have preferred a chunkier mixture with a bit of Tangerine Zest, but the taste was lovely. The hard-boiled eggs were uneventful. I could have seen Spagos doing something more unique with the eggs like "Huevos Haminados" from my Sephardic Tradition.The Matzah at Spago was suprizingly delicious. I was surprized as I never expected to actually LOVE Matzah. I asked Wolfgang, & he reponded that shallots & garlic were part of his Matzahs.....Absolutely scrumptious!! The dessert tray included chocolate desserts, macaroons & macaron. The one standout on the dessert plate for me was a soft chocolate pudding-like square that seemed to taste like Malted Milk Balls. Macaroons & Matzot were given natch to departing guests. We enjoyed chatting with new aquaintences at our large table.My family & I were enchanted with the evening & would most definitely come back! -JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jar Restaurant
8225 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover at Jar

Hi NYC, I am not a big meat-eater, & after trying both dishes, was smitten with the "Pot Roast" from Suzanne Tracht!! I have now gone to both a Seder at Jar, first night, & a second-night seder at Spago. I am going to report on both on a new post (if I can remember how to initiate a post on CHOW! -Best, JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Tracht's
111 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

Jet in Los Angeles Area

Passover at Jar

Hi, I just saw your post. It is relevent only to me know as I am about to try the 2011 Seder at Jar for the 1st night, & Spago for the 2nd night. I'll be sure to post how both are as there is a paucity of info. about seders at gourmet outposts in L.A., I've noticed! -JET

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Jet in Los Angeles Area

AFFOGATO BLISS DESIRED

Thanks to all for your enlightening answers.. Joseph, my question was very clear & direct.. Obviously what is the "best" is highly subjective , & the balance of ingriedients may be played with, but I wanted to hear of venues from others who also adore AFFOGATO, & I did! I must say though, that after a visit from my European coffee-loving dad, I have been reborn with the gift of a Nespresso Cytyz Espresso Machine. I was really not a basic coffee or Espresso drinker a week ago, and this has opened-up a whole new gourmet love for me! Our latest family "party game" was the trying & rating of two new flavors each day on a scale from 1-10. We are both smitten with the following "tens"; Capriccio, Livantno, Dulsao, & Ristretto. What are favorites of others of you cognocenti? After this, we will rarely, if ever, go to a coffee place again here in the U.S. I have already made us AFFOGATOS at home with the Ristretto (intensity of 10) over Dolce' & Ciao Bella Vanilla Gelato with a dash of heavy "Mit Schlag"/ Whipped Cream from my Isi-Maker NIRVANA /MICHAYA/ BLISS/ HEAVEN/ OH YEAH.......................JET

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Ciao Bella
1630 Spruce St, Riverside, CA 92507

Jet in Los Angeles Area

AFFOGATO BLISS DESIRED

Where in L.A. County may one find the best Affogato? I realize that there are variations thematically on this perfect end to a meal, but in addition to Il Fornaio, where are some wonderful cups to be savored? -JET

Jet in Los Angeles Area