BeachGrub's Profile
southwestern style food
My favorite in CA (Anita's in Fullerton) is now closed. So now the only legit New Mexican style food I know of is in Santa Barbara. Zia Cafe. Not great but decent. Adovada is about right and they do a good salsa and sopapilla. But nothing like NW,
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-zia-cafe-santa-barbara
In ABQ nothing beats Duran's Pharmacy for the real deal. Christmas style and homemade buttered flour tortillas all the way.
Chashu Ramen special at Ramen California
The are featuring some new special ramen dishes at Ramen California in Torrance.
One was a new broth that was 1/2 chicken and 1/2 fish broth. We didn't try but I will need to go back.
The other specials were I believe called "Banmen" which we were told was a different style dish. It came with Chashu pork or Chicken. They also had homemade hard boiled eggs you could add to dishes.
We ordered the Chashu with egg. We watched the chef pull out a nice big piece of pork and pull out his special knives and slice the pork very thin.
The dish soon came out and indeed the pork was much more thin than usually had with Ramen. The dish had a really nice smoky smell that seemed to be from the pork and was infused in the noodles. The sauce was very light and sort of just dressed on the noodles rather than a soup. The eggs were really nice. Much better than the normal boiled egg. The yolk still was custardy and mixed in with the noodles and broth.
Really liked the dish. Need to go back and try the chicken and other new stuff.
They have also now added Japanese Asahi and Kirin beer. We were told before that the owner only wanted American beer so just had Miller and other stuff we don't like. So we were really happy.
Moving to Paso Robles area - would love recs from locals
They opened in town right near the square but it has looked pretty dead last few times I went by. Not sure of the status. I would check first.
Moving to Paso Robles area - would love recs from locals
Fun for you. Learning a new area's spots is a real joy in life.
Here are my favorite sort of off the radar places. Lots of local non-chain places to check out.
Pizza has been hard for me but I like the pizza at Bistro Laurent (Petite Marcel) at lunch. I have tried the others in town but haven't loved them.
Panolivo for breakfast and pastries. Cupcakes at Two Birds. They do quiche and potpies also but I havent tried.
Favorite al pastor tacos at Restaurant Tenexpa tucked back on Creston road near the Mexicana market.
Vietnamese at the Tea house on the square is quite good. Don't know about take out but Basil Thai does take out across the square for sure and they are good. Firestone on tap also :)
For sandwiches, I love the spanish-style bocadillos at 15c. My hot tip is to have them with wine or beer at the counter. Just right next to TJ's with Pier 46.
Templeton doesn't have a ton but I like McPhee's obviously (lunch is a more limited menu but good) and Joe's for breakfast is great.
There is also a little Bistro tucked back by Templeton Hospital that I had a nice sandwich and salad but forget the name so didn't make a huge impact.
Tom from Villa Creek is opening a farm stand out at the Four Vines tasting room and I understand they will have sandwich type stuff. Not sure when it opens if it hasn't,
Enjoy.
Sona Closing?
Follow up on same board:
"I just heard from someone who used to work there that this is a "financial restructuring" and they expect to continue to operate the restaurant in the same space. No details, just that.
I guess some of the existing investors will buy the assets and form a new company?"
http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/showthread.php?p=2751063#post2751063
Sona Closing?
Saw this on the Robert Parker board.
This is the well-known cellar from the Michelin-Star restaurant, Sona, in Los Angeles. Included in the cellar are Romanee-Conti, Mouton-Rothschild, Petrus, Harlan, d’Yquem and many more.
Notice of Public Sale
Notice is hereby given that all assets of the restaurant SONA, LLC will be sold by GEMCAP LENDING I, LLC (“GEMCAP”) at a public sale on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at 10AM (PDT), which has been changed from the original date of Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at the offices of EZRA BRUTKUS GUBNER, LLP, located at 21650 Oxnard Street, Suite 500, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Assets shall include all inventory, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and any and all other assets of SONA, LLC. The assets shall be sold to the highest qualified bidder. Assets shall be sold in bulk, as a unit, or in parcels, on an “as is, where is” basis, without representation or warranty of any kind. Interested bidders who would like further information should contact Steven T. Gubner at (818) 827-9000. GEMCAP reserves its right to adjourn or cancel the sale at any time.
good grass fed beef
How about grass fed bison? Most beefy-beef you will have. Linder Bison is at the Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Torrance farmers' markets at least.
http://www.lindnerbison.com/
I was just talking to him last week about how the ground was a bit more lamby this time. Seems like it is what they are grazing on this time of year. I liked it, it had a little more punch in our chili. The rib eye steaks are great and I was eyeing some short ribs for next time.
I also buy from Old Creek Ranch in the Central Coast and they ship or if you are in the Central Coast, look them up.
http://www.oldcreekranch.net/
Paso Robles Wine Producers
There are also a lot of threads on the board about it already.
Like this one that went on forever about ones to avoid:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/369917
Off the top, many of them are dry-farmed and use native yeasts.
Ambyth is Biodynamic.
Tablas Creek (some dry farmered like the Mourvedre on scruffy hill) all native yeasts and organic.
Dante Dusi Zinfandel is dry farmed but not organic. They use it at Turley, Four Vines, and the family J Dusi.
Pipestone is organic if I recall.
but Pasowine.com will have all the info you need.
You can also check out my site for a map to all the local wineries
www.pasotours.com. I will look into it and add organic and biodynamic info to the links.
Phở in the central coast
There was a thread on it I contributed to a while back. It is good. Don't let the little shop fool you. The owner started cooking because she had people asking for good Vietnamese food in the area (including me).
They always recommend something when we go. My wife particularly likes the flower tea they serve (though I find it a bit sweet with bits of apple).
I also like the Bun rice bowls. They did Bahn mi at least one time and it was ok but not outstanding mostly due to the bread not being as fresh as I like.
About the best I have found outside of Little Saigon in Westminister. Certainly the best I have had in Paso :).
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585352
I heard Santa Barbara has the best SEA URCHIN (UNI) - true?
I don't know about Santa Barbara, though with the kelp beds, I am sure it is good.
Many of the better sushi places source their uni from San Diego. I have ordered from Catalina Offshore Products before and the uni was very good.
http://www.catalinaop.com/California_Premium_Uni_p/sushi_roe_3a2.htm
central coast farm visit
I forgot the threshing event at Jack Creek was this weekend. I missed it last year. Definitely going to go by and check it out.
central coast farm visit
I am a big fan of Windrose Farm in Paso Robles.
http://windrosefarm.org/
They still may have some of their great tomatoes, certainly apples, and other seasonal items. They also raise Sheep and Chickens on the farm.
Best Pho in the Westside?
I've been to Pho Show on Sepulveda (odd name since if you pronounce it right from what I understand the pun doesn't work, anyway).
I don't find their Pho very interesting. The broth it somewhat bland though the toppings are pretty nice and fresh. Meat is properly rare when asked for and the usual variations are there. If I am craving a quick Pho I will go. But for serious Pho, I will drive a bit further. It is a nice, clean place, if a bit too Westsided up.
I actually like the Bun pretty well there though and will go get that. Fresh rolls aren't bad either.
I personally like Saigon Dish in Redondo Beach right off 405 if I don't feel up to driving to Westminister. I also like Pho Hoa in Hawthorne.
Paso Olive Farms
Glad you enjoyed. Come back and visit soon. Jan-Mar is perfect time. Cool, clear, and no crowds.
Spanish Chorizo
I go to La Espanola quite a bit. The both make their own sausages and ham but also import. Not sure but believe they are without fillers. Quite good and a huge selection.
http://www.laespanolameats.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=bodegas
You can order and have delivered to SD.
Hatch chiles at Raleys, Merced
Our local Whole Foods has them as well. Picked up a couple of pounds and we roasted them over the weekend to make Green Sauce.
Paso Olive Farms
Pasolivo at Willow Creek Olive Ranch is the classic. Very fresh oil with a nice piquant hit of white pepper. They have several blends including some infused with Lemon, Orange, etc. Try the lime in guacamole... Mostly Tuscan style with a Mission (California) and an interesting single varietal they call "Secreto" since are unsure of the variety.
www.pasolivo.com
In town We Olive has almost all the local producers so you can try some of the smaller makers there. Some do offer tasting but you should try first before you drive all around.
http://weolive.com/
Plenty of links on the board for dining. But love Artisan and Panolivo across the street as well as many others.
Most wineries allow children though some may make them wait outside the tasting room in my experience.
Have fun.
Great organic farm in Cayucos
JudyBird,
We love Old Creek as well. I have bought quite a bit of beef, lamb, and even goat from them. And the pork is definitely one of my favorites. They told me they feed the pigs on avocados that were too ugly to sell. They certainly are a favorite.
I wish they were still going to the Templeton market but for those who don't want to trek down to their place, you can pick up their products at Nature's Touch in Templeton.
Paso Robles Wine Recs to go w/Asian Food?
I have always found for some magical reason Viognier goes really well with Curry. I can also suggest a Grenache Blanc, I have had the Tablas as well as Bodegas Robles I believe with Asian and they were great.
I would also think Albarino would go well. And I agree with the Vermentino rec.
In general, in my opinion, with Asian (unless it is something like Korean BBQ) you would want a crisp white with some nice acidity and a bit of body.
Big reds crush asian food unless it is grilled meat as I mentioned.
Central Coast / Paso Robles / SLO high end w/ veg options
Artisan does use a lot of local purveyors and farmers. However, many of those are the very good local chicken, beef, and pork growers, as well as the other farm fare. It is nice but still in a farming community. I buy my meat from the same sellers as he does. But I know they have veg items on the menu and will work with you. Vegan is a lot less common in Paso but it is something they could do I am sure.
For Olive Oil, I am a big fan of Pasolivo, but the tasting room schedule may be a bit iffy lately so you should call first. The benefit is it is on the way to Justin if you go vineyard. Also We Olive in town has dozens of the local oil makers and a large tasting bar, so you should be hit that as well.
Have fun.
Central Coast / Paso Robles / SLO high end w/ veg options
Big Sky is the obvious choice for Veg and Vegan since that is one of their things. But I wouldn't really call Big Sky "high-end" dining.
Artisan is quite nice and can certainly accommodate the requests particularly if you call ahead. The chef is quite talented and always has some good Veg (though can't recall if Vegan) options.
Also on that level of high-end, I am certain both Bistro Laurent and Villa Creek can also serve you up something you will like. The VC quinoa and squash stuffed serrano peppers are one of my favorites. Though make sure since they also do one stuffed with Pork. They also do butternut squash enchiladas (though have to ask if Vegan is possible). But I would suggest the stuffed peppers, hold the cheese and put extra of the chipotle salsa on it (yummy). That and one of the harvest farm salads and I think you'd be good. Chef Tom could deal with that easy enough for you :).
I am not a huge fan of Hoppe's or Buona Tavola though many like them both.
1215 is gone and was a second outpost for Matthew's though I have heard much not so good things and it may be gone from there also. I haven't paid attention to it lately.
Justin's is very small and could likely do something for you though it may be trickier and it is a long way out there unless you are staying the night at Justin.
Paso Robles Wineries to avoid
I have been a bit less interested in Zin lately and most have been discussed above but:
The big guns are obviously:
Turley (though I pick and choose with them)
Rotta (haven't been since they opened the new(old) winery
Linne does some wicked Zin blends (problem child is a favorite).
Four Vines (they do a Dante Dusi Zin that is nice)
A couple of possibly less known:
Nadeau (for the big bombing style at a very good price)
J Dusi (Janell Dusi is doing her own wine from the Dante Vineyard and it is quite good in a less huge style than the Turley or Four Vine versions. You can get it a 15c)
In keeping with the thread I would avoid:
Calcareous - want to like but just dont
Norman (not the same as when the boss was around)
I will leave the rest to others.
Thomas Hill Organics Restaurant ?
Yes, it is the place where Wine Attic was. I have not been yet though.
Locally raised meats on Central Coast?
To expand on what Toodie said, Nature's Touch sells meat from several of the local producers of beef, pork, and goat, and lamb. Old Creek Ranch and Creston Meats are the two that I usually buy. If you go through on Saturday you can hit the Templeton Farmer's Market and Debbie from Creston has a stand. Otherwise, you can get it at the store around the corner.
Unfortunately, our chicken provider from their doesn't have any birds right now since it is still too cold. So the only chicken at Nature's Touch is from So Cal. But in a month or so we should have chicken again.
You can also pick up direct from Old Creek if you call ahead.
http://www.oldcreekranch.net/
Paso Robles: Tiger Paws Indian Cuisine
Long gone. That location is now a pretty nice regional Mexican place called Mejor de Michoacan. Specializing in the Michoacan region obviously.
There is no Indian that I am aware of in Paso anymore. Shame since there are quite a few Indian innkeepers in the area. The food always smells really good in their lobbies.
Local Food and Farming Radio show in Central Coast
My wife and I are big fans of the local food scene in San Luis Obispo county. We frequent many of the farmer's markets and local farms.
Locals Melanie Blankenship (from Nature's Touch in Templeton) and Bill Spenser (from Windrose Farm) have started a radio show on local food and farming on 920 AM in San Luis Obispo. The show airs on Saturdays at 7am but they have put the shows on their website and available for download via ITunes.
I am a big fan of both Bill and Melanie and think it is definitely worth checking out if you are into the local food scene in the Central Coast of California (or even elsewhere).
Check out the website at:
www.earthtalkradio.org
or subscribe via ITunes at:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=307461386
They can definitely get on their soapboxes so if you are not a fan of the farmer's markets or don't care how far your food comes as long as it is cheap. You may not like it.
Vietnamese in Paso Robles
My wife and I went over the holidays. It is very good. When the other Vietnamese place up on Niblick opened a few months ago, we were very excited. But it turned out to be mediocre at best and a bit of a disappointment.
Apparently we were not the only ones who thought so. The owner of Vietnam Imports & Tea House has been in town a while (down the street) and had the import store. According to her, she was so disappointed in the other restaurant she decided to open her own. I am very thankful she did. The make just about everything from scratch from all the sauces to the entrees. We had a bun and the pho as well as fresh rolls. All were excellent. And it is a tea house, so they make their own tea blends. Try the flower tea.
Having grown up near Garden Grove, I really crave good Vietnamese, and while not the very best I have had, it is really good and by far the best I have had in the central coast.
The do Bahn Mi sandwiches as well (but I didn't want to push my luck so will save that for another day).
Overall, don't let the funky shop/cafe looks fool you. Go for it. We are starting to get our ethnic house in order now with good Thai and Sushi. If we could get a ramen house or a decent Indian, I would really be happy.
cheese making supplies: rennet, etc.
I have ordered supplies and stuff from this site. Very prompt and affordable.
http://www.thecheesemaker.com/supplies.htm
While you could get things like rennet, acid, and a thermometer at most kitchen suppliers. Hard to find things like cultures locally.
Garretson Wine Company
Matt has announced he and his family is leaving the business. The letter on his website explains the decision.
I will not be shocked if we see a bit more of this since the growth in number of wineries and the prices being charged has grown so much in the past few years. There was bound to be a bit of a correction and the recent economic data is proving a catalyst.
Villa Creek - Paso Robles
Glad to here it was a great experience for you. I love the place but it can be a bit uneven at times and I am terribly disappointed when I steer someone there and they have a bad time.
When it is on, it is one of the best experiences around. Can't beat the wine selections and prices. I can always dig out a good deal on that list. I can't say the same for a lot of places.
I just found out they have a blog and it has a lot of recipes from the restaurant. If you are a fan, you should check it out. http://villacreek.wordpress.com/
