gonavera's Profile
ISO wedding venue with fabulous food!
My friend got married at Cafe Santorini/Rococo Room. I thought they did a nice job; they had a buffet but I'm sure they can do a more formal sit down dinner. I love the Rococo room's space; you wouldn't have to decorate as much; a few candles and centerpieces would do. The space tends to be small though if you have a dance floor.
If you find a venue where you can bring a caterer, The Kitchen for Exploring Foods in Pasadena is great. They have gotten so creative over the years and their service and presentation is impeccable.
If you haven't done so, a must have for perusing venues is Here Comes The Guide; you don't have to buy the book...the website is great. It's herecomestheguide.com. They break down venues by geographical areas.
Congrats and have a great time planning your big day!
Oyster Po Boys
Sad but true...you won't find a po'boy anywhere in LA that comes close. But I find the Creole Chef and the New Orleans Fish Market on Vernon do-able.
organic/free range/grassfed meat - where do you buy?
yes please explain because I buy Organic Pastures products.
organic/free range/grassfed meat - where do you buy?
Last I went to Fresh and Easy, they do not have "organic," or "grass fed" meat. They do have "no hormones/no antibiotics" poultry and meat though at good prices. I don't know if they have "free range" poultry...they may. They do have good deals on organic eggs...cheaper than Trader Joe's.
Whole Foods has all the above...free range, no hormones/antibiotics, grass fed, organic, combination of the above, etc. But the cost is annoying. Trader Joe's has frozen new zealand steaks that are grass fed/all natural. They are pretty good. They also have a selection of New Zealand all-natural lamb (both frozen and fresh) as well as grass fed ground beef.
The York, gastropub in Mt. Washington
See what you started? :) I have lived in both Eagle Rock and Highland Park and now live in Mt. Washington. The York is in HP...and that strip of York was and always will be HP. It IS close to Mt. Washington (less than 5 minutes away from where I live which is off of Marmion Way and Ave. 43). Living in Mt. Washington, your "neighborhood" is the surrounding areas down the hill; i.e, HP, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and yes, even Eagle Rock and S. Pas. So there...
As for The York, having lived in this area for so long, it is such a welcome addition to the area and I LOVE THIS PLACE. It's a beautiful spot (long cry from when it was The Dragon Chinese Restaurant) and the crowd is low-key for the most part. We go at least once a week...yes, the menu is nice although the execution is not always great. The fish & chips were really oily last time I had it. But the beer selection is great, wine list is so-so, and the bartenders and staff are nice but agree they could staff more on weekends.
BBQ CATERER FOR OFFICE?
How about Robin's in Pasadena or Texas BBQ King in downtown (Temple and Fig). Not sure though if they bbq on site.
Birthday Party at the Edision what do you think?
Where did you end up having your party? I'm looking for a venue for 80 people. It is so hard to find the right venue! What is up with people not calling you back (I didnt' even try the Edison because they SUCK...waste of a beautiful space) but I find that these wanna-be trendier places just can't be bothered...anyway, curious to know where you had your party and if you would recommend it. Thanks.
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
Does Pollo Campero count as fried chicken? It's more like broasted chicken but it is nice, juicy, crispy and oh so tasty. Has various locations in LA. We also like Roscoe's (on La Brea, in Hollywood and Pasadena). And Astro's in Silverlake area makes really good fried chicken too.
Healdsburg/Russian River Valley help
Stayed in Healdsburg last November. So jealous you are going. We loved Willi's (ate there twice) and Ravenous (very quaint and intimate setting...menu is handwritten everyday and ingredients are all from local producers). Loved it. We meant to go to Madrona Manor and Cyrus as well but after couple of long days of wine tasting, we opted for more casual dinners at Willi's and Ravenous and enjoying bottles of Zinfandel and cheese at the vacation home we rented.
Re wineries, we primarily toured the Dry Creek appellation (home of Zinfandel), we really enjoyed Armida Winery (excellent boutique winery...don't get turned off by their Gothic look --- don't really know what that's about), Lambert's Bridge, Dutcher Crossing (a newcomer to the area -- owner is from Wisconsin), Ridge (old vine zins), Robert Young and Silver Oak (both towards Alexander Valley). I would probably skip Silver Oak (you only get to tase their 2 cabs - Alexander and Napa Valley, but we just wanted to pay homage to one of our favorite Cabernet makers). Have a wonderful time!
Recs for 40th Bday Dinner - San Mateo area
I do not live in the Bay Area and need help with suggestions for a special dinner. My cousin and her husband are both turning 40 next week and I wanted to surprise them with a restaurant gift certificate for their birthdays. They live in San Carlos so somewhere around their area would be great. Price range is open...just something befitting a special celebration and a night from the kids. (For instance, I know her classic favorites in the city are Masa and Fleur de Lys). Thanks!
Need Recs for a Very Special Dinner- San Mateo Area
Hello. I'm no longer from the Bay Area. My cousin and her husband are celebrating their 40th birthday and I wanted to send them a gift certificate for a fine dining restaurant in the San Mateo area or any other area near San Carlos where they live. Open to any cuisine and price range...something befitting a special celebration and a well-deserved night from the kids.
grassroots market & cafe in pasadena - reopening?
I miss Grassroots a lot too...especially since I hate going to the Whole Foods Arroyo for certain items that I would have found at Grassroots. So I just called their number to see if they opened a temporary store somewhere and their outgoing message said that they plan to have a grand opening late spring. I can't wait...I miss the cafe a lot.
Good, nice, affordable dining in dwtn LA
I second all the recommendations to go for happy hour. Redwood Bar and Grill on 2nd and Hill has great happy hour until 6:30 or 7:00 (???) and it's nice and dark inside. Other happy hour places are Nick & Stef's, Zucca, Daily Grill, McCormick, Arnie Morton's. But I love the Redwood Bar and Grill (although it is primarily a bar w/ booths and has less of that "corporate" feel to it).
Need Venue for Husband's 40th
I'll have to check out the Social too. Any Moroccan restaurant suggestions?
Need Venue for Husband's 40th
Although I love Valentino it would clearly not be the right atmosphere.
Need Venue for Husband's 40th
Formosa! That's what I'm talking about it. I knew I'd get a great idea from this board. I'll definitely put this on the top of my list.
Need Venue for Husband's 40th
I left the price range out purposefully because it's really quite open. I'm more concerned with finding the right venue with a fun atmosphere, cocktails and hearty appetizers and which can maybe accomodate karaoke or dj (although I could do away with this requirement). something along the lines of a gastro-pub/bar. So far, I'm looking into Figueroal Hotel, Blue Velvet, The York, New Otani Beer Garden (if open by April), Citizen Smith, Royal Clayton's (although very cool setting...service is really slow)...
Edendale per suggestion below would be a nice location (but a friend was not happy with their service when she had an event there). I will look into Cliff's Edge. Taix came to mind too.
Looking for a post-wedding bash location in Newport Beach
A friend of mine had a bonfire-rehearsal dinner on the beach. Lots of fun and your guests would definitely remember it. I like your picnic idea.
Need Venue for Husband's 40th
Help! Planning a 40th birthday party for my husband. Prefer a fun bar/lounge type of venue with good food. There will be about 80 people. I would love to throw in a karaoke dj if possible...thought about doing a buy out at Oiwake in Little Tokyo but really don't want to do the Japanese buffet thing. Thought of Royal Clayton but food is so-so and service is scary. But if you guys can think of something along those lines. Would prefer to stay in downtown/eastside/hollywood. Thanks!
