fdb's Profile
Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced oceanview restaurant buy-out in Santa Monica?
Check out Annenberg Community Beach House. They can accommodate the size of your party, and they provide a list of caterers. http://beachhouse.smgov.net/plan-your-event/event-services-and-catering.aspx
It's DineLA Time Again: 1/22-27/12; 1/29-2/3/12
Some of the places I've been to: Culina (good), Rivera (good), Water Grill (good), Spago (good), the Bazaar (good), Kiriko (good), Zengo (good), Bouchon (disappointing), Ombra (disappointing). Planning on going to Lukshon, Mezze, Starry Kitchen, Picca. Maybe Spago and Kiriko again.
DineLA @ The Bazaar
Bohemiana: My entry was from two years ago and I went again last year. Note that the portions on some of the dishes have gotten smaller. As for the value, do you know you can choose 3 items (not just 1) from the second course menu? WildSwede offers some good suggestions below on what not to order. To get the best value, I would order the shrimp, scallop, flank steak and Japanese taco. I also like ceviche with avocado roll and organized caesar salad. For starters, I would order Tortilla de Patatas “New Way” or “Philly Cheesesteak”. I like all the desserts. Hope you enjoy it!
Dine LA Restaurants
Lunch at Culina was fabulous! Top-notch service in a beautiful dining room. Excellent preparation of branzino! Rivera also exceeded my expectation. Was not thrilled by Bouchon.
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Culina
300 S Doheny Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90048
The Spice Table - Perceptor's Photo Report
Went there last night and tried Tripe Satay, Laksa, Black Pepper Crab, Kon Loh Mee, Fried Cauliflowers, Kaffie Lime Custard, and COGNAC Soft Serve Ice Cream (made with Remy Martin V.S.O.P.). Thought all the dishes were tasty but heavily spiced. Great for beer drinking but certainly not for those watching sodium intake. I really liked the Cognac ice cream. Enough alcohol to get me buzzed in my head.
Picca or Bazaar? looking for small plates place for anniversary dinner
Mako is closed.
Best small plates in Los Angeles??
How about Bar Pintxo for Spanish tapas?
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Bar Pintxo
109 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
50th birthday dinner in LA
I had mine at Saam -- the private dining room in The Bazaar.
looking for canele or canelle in LA
I can't seem to find any recent discussion on this but anyone knows where to buy freshly baked canele (or canelle), a small French pastry with a soft and tender custard center and a dark, thick caramelized crust? I've seen them at Surfas but they are frozen.
The Curious Palate & Beach Cream at The Market in SM Place
woooo....that sounds like a must-try!
The Curious Palate & Beach Cream at The Market in SM Place
I was shopping at SM Place today and decided to stop in The Market for a bite. I remembered reading about the MISO BEEF WRAP from The Curious Palate. I ordered it to go and ate at the counter near Beach Cream. The wrap was really delicious and the beef tender, juicy and flavorful. And to top it off with a STRAWBERRY SURFER GIRL from Beachy Cream, strawberry balsamic swirl ice cream on a sugar cookie, for dessert was blissful. The Curious Palate validates so I get 3 hours of free VALET parking! I used to hate shopping at the mall but now with gourmet food abound and free valet, mall shopping is not a pain anymore.
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The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
Belgian Waffles?
Shaky Alibi in West Hollywood serve the closest thing to authentic Liege waffles that I've ever tasted in LA although I do not like that they add cinnamon flavor to the dough. They also serve savory waffles which I haven't try but sound interesting.
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Shaky Alibi
7401 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Looking for a particular ice cream flavor
I had it once at Scoops two years ago, and it was pretty amazing.
Gourmet Bazaar at Santa Monica Place Opened Yesterday
The Curious Palate and Primi both offer validation now.
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The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
Giorgio Baldi --- still good, has anything changed???
I like their panna cotta for dessert.
Lazy Ox Lunch -- What To Order?
Lunch menu at Lazy Ox is not as exciting as dinner but a few items that I like--pig ear chicharon, crispy surf clams, and roasted cauliflower (my favorite). The turkey and pork belly sandwich was very dry when I ordered it. And yes, do leave room for rice pudding.
Family Lunch/Dinner in Chinatown
They can definitely easily accommodate more than 20. They have quite a few large round tables.
Family Lunch/Dinner in Chinatown
JR Bistro is our go to place in Chinatown for delicious, authentic Cantonese food.
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JR Bistro
750 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Most delicious gelato--Grom Malibu -- gelato made the old fashioned way
Thanks for the heads-up. Can't wait to try the melone flavor but I dread the traffic on PCH especially with the construction going on. Wish they would move closer.
ISO breakfast in Santa Monica - takes reservations a plus
Tavern is a fantastic breakfast/brunch option.
Zengo Weekend Brunch
Yes, all you can order from the weekend brunch menu...and cocktails, too!!
ISO Thai sausages to cook at home
In East Hollywood, Silom Supermarket and the small market in the plaza where Sanamluang Cafe is located (corner of Kingsley).
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Silom Supermarket
5321 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
BEST RED VELVET BIRTHDAY CAKE???
I'm updating my favorite to Doughboys now that I've tried it. It's simply amazing!
Mastro's Beverly Hills - what to Order?
All the recommendations so far are good. Bone-in ribeye is great but a few weeks ago they had a Australian Wagyu for 2 as special--that was superb in flavor and texture. I also like their sweet potato fries.
Zengo Weekend Brunch
We had a wonderful brunch (party of 14) at Zengo yesterday with unlimited small plates and free flowing cocktails. We must have had over 60 plates and uncountable drinks on the lovely balcony! The food and cocktails were delicious and our server was friendly and attentive. And free 3-hour VALET parking is a plus!
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Zengo
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Most delicious gelato--Grom Malibu -- gelato made the old fashioned way
Made it to Bulgarini last week. Boy, what a drive! I had a few samples including yogurt with sea salt and olive oil which I didn't care for very much. My three scoops consisted of almond, pistachio and pear sorbet. Only one I really liked was almond. The texture of pear was too coarse for me. As for pistachio, I have to say I much prefer Grom's. I like my gelato (or ice cream) very cold. Somehow Bulgarini's didn't feel quite as cold as I like it, and I personally think the quality and aroma of Grom's pistachio can't be beat. All you Bulgarini lovers, I would love to hear your verdict if you would trek down to Malibu and give Grom a try.
