andytseng's Profile
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
I think Angelini Osteria is considered one of the better joints, and I've been going to maximilliano in highland park recently, but I believe you're right in saying that Italian in SF is on another plane. Word is that a place like Torrisi (from NY) is in the works
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
Didn't mean to disrespect Zuni's chicken. The SO has just never been impressed with chicken, particularly roasted chicken, including the version from Bouchon, so I try to steer clear of anything of the sort.
Unfortunately, we're driving up and back. I'm trying to talk myself into grabbing an early dinner at 5:30 before hitting the road, but we probably wouldn't get back until after midnight.
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
The menu does look intriguing...
Just noticed that they're only open in the evening. We'll only have 2 dinners during our trip, so I guess the question is Cotogna or Commonwealth? I originally chose Cotogna in case we arrived late.
I've read a few mixed things about Zuni, and I fear the "This just tastes like Costco chicken" response to roasted chicken.
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
The Sunday lunch is still up in the air. I was also tossing around the idea of trying Canteen. Actually, when I was reading about Commonwealth in my initial research, it didn't seem like something up my alley. I think it's because so many people kept mentioning that it was a solid meal w/ a great value. I'm not super concerned about value and I don't eat too much (portion-wise). It reminds me of what people say about Nook Bistro (sorry SF people... LA reference), which I'm not a particular fan of.
I'll definitely keep it in my rotation of stuff to research though.
Thanks for the tip!
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
unless it was dim sum stuffed with foie gras and caviar, i'm pretty sure she'd say that it tastes better at home, or it's not that much better that it would warrant spending one of our few sf meals on.
Trip Report: Cotogna, Ferry Building, Atelier Crenn, Koi Palace
I've been doing research here and there for the last few days, and my itinerary for a weekend in SF looks like yours minus Koi Palace. Driving up on Friday and going to try to make it in time for Cotogna. Then the Ferry Building on Saturday, and Atelier Crenn at night. Sunday, we're scheduled to go to Bar Tartine. I don't think the SO would take kindly to going to dim sum.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
I think they are thinking the same thing. They spoke very highly of Julienne and it seems they have a close relationship with the owners. They also said it was too bad it was Sunday, otherwise we could've visited C'est Cheese.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
I came across Handlebar Coffee Roasters on the bottom of the Julienne menu, which mentioned that they are 2 doors down on Canon Perdido
They only opened recently (within the last year), and are roasting their own beans in house. The daily coffee brew rotates, and is brewed in a French press. They were very friendly and more than happy to talk about their coffee philosophy. The storefront was pretty small inside with 2 tables, but they had a few tables set up outside that were perfect given the nice weather we had over the weekend.
I almost went to The French Press, since we were sitting across the street from it (at Andersen's), but I'm glad I made the short walk over to Handlebar instead. Definitely worth a shot, especially if you're a coffee hound.
The types of beans they have are listed on their website.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for the recs. Went to Julienne on Saturday and had a great time. Had the pate, chicken liver toast, grilled rabbit loin, pork tongue, and foie gras & doughnuts. And a cheese plate for dessert. The pork tongue was amazing. Kinda melt in your mouth consistency and great flavors. Everything was good to great, including all the other bites I tried of other dishes. Service was top notch. I think I will make this an annual stop.
Also of note on my trip, I visited Andersen's for breakfast the morning after, which was very solid. And had a pleasant conversation with the owners of Handlebar, who it seems are very into their coffee. Had a delicious cappuccino while I was there. Unfortunately, my trip was cut short so I didn't get to hit all the places on my list.
Thanks again!
Spice Table Lunch
fwiw, their menu/website doesn't say banh mi anywhere. i think people here are just calling it that.
Kogi Truck Innovator Goes Meatless (in his own eating)
I'm just glad that our Los Angeles-based young Asian chefs are represented by the likes of Roy Choi, Sang Yoon, and Bryant Ng versus the insufferable Eddie Huang
Melisse on Saturday, Friday night??
It is worth noting that Saam is a much different experience than Bazaar. It's in a separate, quieter room, and several of the courses are delicious versus just being novelty concepts. I think Saam is worth trying once in one's lifetime.
Either way, if you wanted to change it to Italian, I second the recs for Osteria Mozza and Angelini Osteria.
NYC -> LA in June: Tell Me What I'm Missing
tasting menu when i went was $85, which i think was for 6 courses (may have been additional courses/amuses/etc... that i was unaware of). I went in a party of 4 that got us the entire menu minus 2 items, and we spent $80 pp. In a party of 2, it's worth consideration. Sorry, not a lot of help.
Best gourmet ice cream and patisserie?
i love 3 of the recs (Mother Moo, Bulgarini, and Semi-Sweet), which makes me think that I need to check out Proof.
Staying at Beverly Wilshire tomorrow night
Red Medicine is definitely not Japanese... unless your co-worker is one of those old, "set in his ways" guys who means any sort of Asian when they say Japanese.
5x5 Events... What are your thoughts...
Dunno how I missed this in the news cycle. Just made reservations for Providence. I'm sure the Melisse/Ludo dinner will be great (and I'm betting you'll get a healthy portion of foie gras somewhere in there).
Love Ink, but I've had Cosentino's offerings at Boccalone and now Umamicatessen and haven't really been blown away. I'm sure the other chefs will do interesting things in the ink setting though.
NYC -> LA in June: Tell Me What I'm Missing
1 night is 1 of them, and the following night is the other 1
NYC -> LA in June: Tell Me What I'm Missing
I just wanted to say that I don't feel like going to dinner at Animal and Son of a Gun is a great plan. LA has such a wide variety of things that you haven't addressed. This itinerary to me barely scratches the surface. I feel like the extreme/slipperyslope version of this is, what would you say if my plan for a trip to NY was to go to Babbo, Del Posto, Eataly, and Esca.
How's dinner at the Langham, Pasadena?
The difference in styles is huge between Voltaggio and Feau. I would say the average CH-er might prefer Voltaggio's iteration, but would also guess that the average Pasadena/San Marino/South Pasadena citizen and Langham guest would prefer the current version.
Staying at Beverly Wilshire tomorrow night
It's pretty rare to find a stuffy atmosphere in any restaurant in LA these days.
626 Asian night market a ZOO!
I asked above about what actual food there was at the event, because I wanted to know if what they promised had actually been delivered. If the food was there, but the venue was inadequate, I would consider attending their next attempt.
If they underdelivered on the food, I'd feel more hesitant.
In LA for work Sat - Tues.....where to eat alone?
Based on your schedule and transportation situation, I'd plan my trip around the various clusters. Since a lot of places are small plates, you could try maybe hitting 2 places/night. Here's what my general plan would be:
Since you'll already be at Le Comptoir on Saturday, might as well check out Umamicatessen for a drink and if you have space, a donut. (Actually, not that big of a fan of the place, but it seems a lot of people like Umami). Wood Spoon is close by as well, but the pot pie is quite filling.
Rivera is not surrounded by a lot of other stuff, but if you wanted to check out LA Live/Staples, etc... you could make a night out of that.
Spice Table, Wurstkuche, Lazy Ox (although, I don't know how it is w/ the new chef), as well as Cafe Demitasse, Kagaya, and Aburiya Toranoko are in/near Little Tokyo.
Baco Mercat, Coles/Varnish, Semi-Sweet Bakery (if you can make it early enough), are in the Old Bank district. Not the safest feeling area if you're out on your own late at night.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
Don't know if you are serious about the IHOP thing or not, but I LOVED IHOP crepes growing up. Haven't been in forever (my SO swears that IHOP is worse than Denny's and refuses to go), but I'm pretty sure I used to order the French (orange) one more often. Back when I was eating them, I think they had four countries for your crepe topping, but I don't see that on the website anymore.
We'll be out by UCSB on Saturday and Sunday. Always willing to drive to accommodate the stomach though.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
Thanks for the other recs! Especially because if Julienne is as it sounds, I think we may share similar tastes.
I wanted to mention that this trip will involve playing basketball during the day, so breakfast and lunch need to have good options for lighter fare. Of the places you mentioned, what fits the bill for that? I think we'll have to do La Superica on the way out on Sunday.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
We're only going to be there for 2 days and 1 night, but if we have some time to soak in some culture, the cafe is on my list! Thanks!
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
La Superica is definitely on my list as well. Had never heard of it before I started doing a little research for my upcoming trip.
Opinions on Julienne in Santa Barbara
Thanks for the feedback. Julienne certainly seems more up my alley than the other places. I wish I could get a little bit more of a concensus.
Best Omakase in Los Angeles for $100?
Kiyokawa is one of my favorite "budget" omakases, but I think it's worth noting that theirs isn't straight fish. They do several prepared/cooked items, including several little bites (some of them amuse bouche-sized). All these little things, plus the soup, fried whole fish, etc... are why I love Kiyokawa. If you are just looking for fresh fish and nothing else, maybe try something else.
SGV 'Hounds ... a quick quixotic question for you.
Ironically, safe is probably not a word the health department uses to describe Tokyo Lobby.
