beingreen's Profile
Moving to L.A. - NEED to find great Asian food.
I just found a note on their website that it's supposed to open 3/25/12.
Where to buy burnt candy peanuts?
Thanks for the info, Cathy! Found a plastic prepack of them at Sprouts. Never would have thought to look there if not for your suggestion...
Where to buy burnt candy peanuts?
No, but I will now. Thanks! Tried local candy stores and haven't had any luck yet...
Where to buy burnt candy peanuts?
I know I can buy these online, but I'm looking for a store in the vicinity where I can get them sooner and not have to pay shipping. Does anyone know of someplace in the LA vicinity (preferably Westside) where I might find them?
Thanks in advance!
Turkey Rolls At 101 Noodle Express In Fox Hills Mall
I know they're legumes...I meant peanut allergy. :) My point was they're not what one might expect in the veggie side and people might not think to ask.
Turkey Rolls At 101 Noodle Express In Fox Hills Mall
I went there about a week and a half ago, and though I had to ask, the sides available were fries, salad or veggies. I got the veggies, which were a mixture of edamame, diced baked tofu, a green veggie (maybe Chinese broccoli?) and boiled peanuts. Pretty good, though my tongue was tingling by the end, and I wondered if there was MSG in it. Also, I'm glad I don't have a nut allergy, because I wouldn't have expected peanuts in my side of vegetables. Definitely going to give them another try.
Where to buy goose?
We bought ours at Whole Foods last year...and still have a container full of goose fat in the fridge to use for something special!
Soup for when you're sick?
Great list, Thi, thank you. Can't wait to start trying some of those places. I almost had ramen today instead of the soto ayam, but wanted to try something I hadn't had before (which is why I didn't have any matzoh ball). And from the way I'm feeling this evening, I can almost guarantee I'll be having soup again tomorrow...
Soup for when you're sick?
I've got a stubborn Autumn cold and I feel like all I've been craving for the past few days is soup. I had a couple of canned soups I had on hand, then wanted something fresher and more exciting, so today I went to Simpang Asia for lunch and picked up an order of Soto Ayam (which I'd never had) to go. When I got home, I thought they'd made a mistake because there was an extra container in my bag, but when I opened it... Lo and behold, it was full of shredded chicken, sliced hard-boiled egg, sprouts, noodles, lime, a packet of ketjap manis, and a little container full of some kind of hot chili sauce. I gleefully put everything in, and expected to eat about half since my appetite hasn't been great, but after I had beads of sweat on my brow and my nose was running, I ate the entire thing. This is my new favorite soup, even for when I'm not sick (can't wait to bring the hubby back there!). Sooooo good!!
Does anyone have any other suggestions for good places to get soup when you're sick? (So, preferably not cream-based soups or anything too heavy. I've been searching in vain for a Peruvian chicken soup called caldo de gallina, as I read that this is the Peruvian answer to the matzoh ball variety, but with no luck. I would prefer places on the Westside, but would also be willing to travel a bit if the soup is that good, and to-go is better, especially since I don't want to annoy neighboring diners with my sniffling.
Thanks!
Vegas - Look Ma, No Cupcakes!
My husband and I tried several, and our favorites were Cinammon Toast, Blueberry Pancake (a daily special that day, but similar to Short Stack, it has a shot of maple syrup in the cupcake!), and Chocolate Fountain. We're from out of town, so we're going to miss next month's special flavor, Apple Cider. I'm so bummed!
Vegas breakfast pastry--Payard or Bouchon?
Well, we ended up eating pastries at Payard the first morning, and I have to say we were both a bit disappointed. I got an apricot danish that was very good, and DH had a plain croissant which was also good, but neither of us was overwhelmed. Also, the service at the takeout counter felt rushed--when we asked what was available (we couldn't see what was in the baskets on the wall behind the counter), the salesperson rattled items off without even looking behind her (and it turned out that one of the ones she mentioned was already sold out). I'd really been hoping for the almond croissant, as I keep hearing about it, but it was not to be. The next morning we decided to go to Bouchon, and were much happier. We got a blueberry croissant (AMAZING!) and a pain du raisin (which we ate the next day, but it was still good).
I don't know if I'd go out of my way to Payard, but I'd go back to Bouchon in a second....
Vegas breakfast pastry--Payard or Bouchon?
Figured I'd throw this out there for some opinions... DH and I are about to embark for Vegas, and for one morning we decided we want to do something simple for breakfast, just some pastries. As far as take-out pastries from places in the Strip area, what would anyone recommend? Right now I'm leaning towards Bouchon or Payard--any thoughts?
Thanks!
Lola's On Fairfax. How's the Food?
Other things are pretty good, from what I remember as well, but yes, nothing stands out like the mac n' cheese--mmmmmm!
Fab Hot Dogs--mini report
Aw, Galen, that means we have to wait until you visit two more times to find out about the burger? :)
Fab Hot Dogs--mini report
Yeah, the Spicy Hatch Green Chile Burger is calling my name--but I can't get out to Reseda for at least several more days. Oh no!
Fab Hot Dogs--mini report
Galen--
Good to know you so enjoyed the other things you tried. If I were in the Valley more often I'd definitely be at Fab more, and not just for the Rippers... And don't worry, the deep-fried part isn't as scary as you think--it's more along the lines of fried balogna than, say, almost anything at a county fair... :)
Fab Hot Dogs--mini report
I was happy to sample Fab's wares to do the report--every time I saw the "rippers" thread I almost wanted to book a flight to NJ immediately (and then clean the drool off the keyboard...).
And no, I wasn't conceived at Rutt's--but my mother always pointed out the make-out area of the parking lot... :)
Fab Hot Dogs--mini report
Having just seen the newly-revived discussion about "rippers", which recently included mention of Fab Hot Dogs in Reseda, DH and I decided to travel the 30 miles or so from our house to go try some dogs. Being a former Jersey Girl, I was practically raised on Rutt's Hut rippers (for those of you who have never heard of them, they are hot dogs with a casing that "rips" when cooked in hot oil), so I headed to Reseda with both great anticipation and wariness.
As we entered the unassuming storefront, we found a clean and cheerful interior with 3 tables on one side and two stools next to a tiny counter on the other. Taking up an entire wall was an extensive menu, featuring different dogs, some burgers, and many toppings. Among the offerings are The Bald Eagle (ripper with mustard relish), Coney Island (chili, cheddar cheese, diced onions and mustard), L.A. Street Dog (bacon-wrapped all-beef dog, grilled onions & peppers, diced tomato, jalapenos, mustard, mayo & ketchup), Spicy Hatch Green Chile Dog (roasted Hatch chiles with jack cheese & mustard), and a Carolina Slaw Dog (homemade chili, mustard and southern cole slaw). There are also double dogs (such as the Sonora Dog, consisting of two dogs on a toasted sub roll with bacon, tomatillo salsa, Jack cheese, pinto beans, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion & sour cream), a few different French fry options, and tater tots. I went for the Bald Eagle, while DH tried one as well, along with an L.A. Street Dog. After we ordered them, the owner showed us the ripper before he applied the toppings, because he said he likes to show them to people, I think so they know what they're getting (and let's face it, a ripper has an unusual look). We got to chatting, and he said that he and his wife had taken an East Coast hot dog tour so they could try different styles (as reflected on the menu). He also said that his rippers are supplied by the same place that supplies Rutt's Hut, and that he had to convince them to ship the dogs out to him.
Finally, the moment of truth had arrived... Well, actually, the Street Dog came out first, so DH chowed down on that as I waited (okay, I had a bite too!). Really good--I'm not one to put jalapenos on my hot dogs, but I liked it, and hubby enjoyed the smokey flavor the bacon added. (As a disclaimer, we can't compare them to actual L.A. street dogs, as neither of us has been initiated enough to try them, despite passing by trays of them many a time after a Hollywood Bowl performance--but, that's a whole other discussion!) We were told that the Fab relish was different than Rutt's, and it was. Carrots, a long-rumored "secret ingredient" of Rutt's relish, were in visible evidence here. I liked the crunchy texture of the relish a lot, but to anyone who expects Rutt's relish, be forewarned that this is not the same. Good in its own right, though. As for the hot dog, I liked it very much. I actually would have preferred a bit more crunch or snap (maybe next time I'll ask for it well-done), but it was still very tasty. DH enjoyed his as well. Can't comment on the fries or tots, as we didn't have any, but next time I'll have to try the Garlic Ranch fries--yum!
The owner was super-nice--he said they'd been open about 6 weeks, and when I told him I'd discovered the place from a thread on Chowhound, he was very intrigued. I really like the idea of the menu including different regional styles of hot dogs, and I can't wait to go back to try some different kinds.
So, the final analysis? Well, to me, nothing can replace my beloved Rutt's Hut rippers (though I think part of that is the overall atmosphere, including the surly waitresses, wood paneling, and knowing that the place has been around since my grandparents were dating there), but Fab does a really good job. And considering that a drive to Reseda from the Westside is a lot quicker and cheaper than a flight to Newark, I'll be back again for sure, especially since this is the first time I've seen rippers on this coast at all.
Fab Dogs
6747 Tampa Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335 (just south of Vanowen)
(818) 344-4336
fabhotdog.com
Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Sun 11am-6pm
Jitlada--1st post-Gourmet magazine visit (kinda long)
Not everything we had was spicy--it's certainly possible to get some mild things. Your best bet would be to ask the waitperson (or Jazz, the owner/hostess). I wouldn't let a preference for mild food keep you from going! :)
need a breakfast mtg location in culver city
There's Cafe Laurent on Overland...
http://cafelaurent.com/
best bread and cookie
Breadworks in WLA is great and has many varieties.
http://breadworksbakery.com/
I like cookies at Clementine a lot--their chocolate chip is soft and chewy.
2go--New sandwich shop in Culver City
This little sandwich shop in a strip mall on Overland had a "COMING SOON" sign in the window for months, so hubby and I wondered if they were ever actually going to open. A few weeks or so ago, we saw with surprise that they had. Not seeing any posts about it on these boards, DH husband suggested I try it and "take one for the team."
I did. But I don't think I did anyone any favors.
Sharing the strip mall with a liquor store and a comic book shop, I didn't have high expectations, but I thought if it was decent, it would be a nice sandwich option addition to the neighborhood (we've tried Joyce's--and don't feel any need to return). At 12:30, I expected there to be at least someone else there in the middle of lunch time, but I was the sole customer. The proprietress was very sweet (maybe relieved to see someone walk in?), but as I looked over the menu (actually several paper signs taped to the front of the counter), nothing really appealed to me. Not wanting to just walk out, though, I ordered a "2go sandwich," consisting of ham, turkey and bacon. Other offerings were several generic sandwiches (tuna salad, turkey, etc.), fish and chips, chicken strips, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and wings (they also serve a few breakfast items, mostly eggs). As I was waiting for my sandwich, I heard the distinct sound of the deep fryer. Oh, I thought, maybe she's making something for someone else at the same time, but unless the other person was invisible, I'm pretty sure that was the sound of bacon cooking for my sandwich, especially since the sandwich felt warm when she handed it to me.
I brought it home, and though it wasn't bad, it was very uninspired: slices of ham, turkey and cheese, mustard and mayo, italian dressing, romaine lettuce, and very anemic tomatoes. The bread was fine, fresh and chewy, but again, not exciting. I feel sort of bad because I wanted to like it, but with other sandwich chains and places like Famima around offering a wider variety of items, I don't know how this little shop is going to stick around.
So, in case anyone was wondering, now you know...
Swelterin’ in Sin City-Las Vegas Report Day Three: Tableau and Craftsteak
Thanks for another great report--now I know exactly what to expect when we eat at Craftsteak next month!
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
LIC, I've been anxiously awaiting your return (as I'm sure others have been) to read your thorough and knowledgeable reports. This did not disappoint--it helped me decide not to go to B&B for my upcoming short trip. Thanks so much!
Jitlada--1st post-Gourmet magazine visit (kinda long)
Well, we just got home from our third visit to Jitlada in about six weeks, and our first since they were mentioned in Gourmet magazine. When we got there at 6:00 for our reservation, the first dining room was empty, but the second one (where we were seated against the "bar", under the Michelob lampshade) was about half full. The previous times we'd been there, there had been--at most--three other tables filled in the same room at any given time (each visit has been on a Saturday night). By the time we left tonight, about 7:15, our dining room was filled except for one table, and the first dining room was full. Happy to say, though, neither the service nor the food has been effected by the apparent increase in volume.
Decisions, decisions...we have yet to repeat any dishes, as the menu is so expansive. My husband and I both tend to want to work our way through a menu to try to sample as many dishes as possible on repeat visits before we start ordering our favorites again--but it almost makes me sad that we probably won't order a few dishes we loved for a while until we try more things... Funny, also, that although so many soups look and sound amazing, we have yet to try any, since neither of us has been in the mood for soup in the summer (oh well, good excuse to go several more times when the weather gets cooler!). As for the food...
We started with néua tàet dìaw / néua sũwan, the dried/fried beef jerky. The meat was tender, tasty, and served with a wonderful bright orange spicy sauce that tasted of chiles and lime and a few other things that made my tongue tingle and my tastebuds spring to attention. Having only had this dish before at Tuk Tuk (where, IIRC, it had a sweet, carmelized outside and was quite chewy, with no dipping sauce), this was a welcome beginning. Next came kaeng tay poh plaa châwn hâeng, the curry with dried mudfish and water spinach. I know that some people have commented that mudfish can be a bit of an acquired tasted, but DH and I both loved this curry. The mudfish was chewy, the water spinach was crunchy, and the curry made my nose run (that's a good thing in my book). I can handle a moderate amount of spice, and DH likes it at least twice that, but we compromised a bit and ordered "medium" spice. I probably could have withstood a bit more heat, but it was great as it was. While we were enjoying that, out came deep fried chicken pieces with garlic (I'm not finding the Thai name for it anywhere at the moment), with more of the spicy orange sauce. This was probably the only dish I was disappointed with--though the flavor was great (can't go too wrong with chicken sitting among little nuggets of deep-fried garlic), the chicken was served bone-in (imagine eating Chicken McNuggets with tiny bones), which made it difficult to be too polite while eating, and was a bit dry. It was nice to try it, though. Last, but not least, we got a mango salad with fried shredded catfish (I think it was yam plaa dùk fuu, but I'm not 100% sure...). When it was placed on our table, DH and I looked at each other with bemusement--the mango salad wasn't visible, as it was entirely covered by a frizzy, crispy tangle of fried catfish. Think funnel cake meets onion loaf, but made of catfish. And tasty! The mango salad itself was wonderful; tangy, crunchy with the mango, sliced red onions and peanuts, but the catfish took it to another level. Each bite dissolved in our mouths with a faint crunch, like a piece of catfish cotton candy (sorry for the clashing taste image, but I can't think of any other way to describe the texture!). I instantly added it to my mental favorites list to try again in the future. For dessert, sticky rice and mango, of course. This was wonderful as usual (the only dish we've repeated), with the only downside being that it was served to us with two mini forks (mine looked like a seafood fork), almost like they'd run out of clean silverware. Who knows, maybe they heard me comment that I'd eaten too much already and were trying to help me out!
Our only hiccup was when DH tried to order a "red syrup with milk" (which he's ordered as a "red drink" at Lotus of Siam), and the first waiter didn't quite understand (or hear) what he said, so he brought a red syrup mixed with water (which my husband drank anyway). When he tried to order a second one with a different waitress, she didn't understand, either, and brought a repeat of the first one. When Jazz came by and checked on us, DH explained nicely that he'd wanted it with milk, and she quickly and politely whisked it away, after which we heard a raised voice speaking in Thai from the kitchen. A moment later the correct drink was brought out by the sweet waitress, and my husband thought she looked sad and hoped he didn't get her in trouble! A very minor quibble about a wonderful meal. After that, we drove to the Thai market on Hollywood Blvd. and DH happily came home with 3 different syrups, some hot sauces, a can of jackfruit, and a bag of "seafood mayonnaise" potato chips (after trying a bag of "pickle" flavored potato chips in Canada once, the more unusual flavor of chip, the better to me!).
As usual, the service was friendly and accommodating--each time we've been, Jazz has made us feel like long lost friends with whom she can't wait to share her family's fantastic food. Also, it seems like they may have changed the Southern menu since Erik M. first posted the translated version; for one thing, now there are over 50 items on it rather than the 40 he initially wrote up, and we also didn't see the yam sôm mûang "Pak Nang", or Amphoe Pak (Pha)nang-style papaya salad listed (and tried to ask about it, but the waiter suggested a different papaya salad, not seeming to know exactly what we were talking about). So, with even more items offered now, I wonder how long it'll take us to work our way through all of them... Thanks again, Erik, for bringing this restaurant to our attention!
Help for Las Vegas--too many restaurants, too little time!
I'm with you, Bill. Though I've been married a lot less time, we're going for the food. Not that romance doesn't count, but I'm not depending on a restaurant's ambiance to supply it for me... :) Can't wait to eat at L'Atelier, now!
Help for Las Vegas--too many restaurants, too little time!
Thanks, Alan. It's been a bit confusing, as on MGM's website it says that you must mention the summer menu either when making a reservation or when you arrive, depending on which web page you read. I figured as long as I know they exist, I'm not afraid to mention it to someone!
Help for Las Vegas--too many restaurants, too little time!
Perfect Debbie, thanks. Looks like we'll be doing L'Atelier (summer menu), Craftsteak (summer menu), and LOS, with a stop at Nobhill for drinks. Can't wait! Thanks for your input, CHers!
Swelterin’ in Sin City- Las Vegas Report Day One: ‘wichcraft and Nob Hill
Great, detailed report--thanks! Can't wait to get to the MGM, though that's more because I can't wait to eat at the restaurants there than for the hotel itself... :)
