First time in San Fran

I stayed up in Fisherman's Warf my last trip up north. Although the area is not an epicurean paradise, (a) I got to wade through the crowds to see the sea lions cavorting on the pier, and (b) had a jaunty morning walk to Liguria Bakery to get some focaccia that I still dream of.

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

Where to Buy Monkfish in LA

I have been to various fishmongers and farmers markets, but have yet to find a place to purchage monkfish to cook at home. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Urasawa etiquette?

My meal at Urasawa was magnificent - the standard by which I have held all sushi since. However, when I was asked if I there was anything I didn't care for, I stated my aversion to eggs. Hiro-san did not offer to make any accommodations, but simply stated that there were several egg-oriented dishes to be served and left it at that (chawanmushi and tamago were served). I winced when they arrived, but it didn't ruin my overall experience. However, in retrospect, I wish that my wishes had been accommodated. For one, he asked. Secondly, it's a pretty penny we all put out to dine at Urasawa. My few food accommodations have been met with much grace, and with super delicious alternates, at other fine dining establishments. Having said that, I would go again in a heartbeat when the next windfall comes.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Last Meal in LA? Leaving after 20 Years

I concur. The tasting menu at Spago is a fine dining experience, and it is quintessentially LA.

I also agree with the Alinea rec. My dinner at Urasawa was how I used to respond when asked what my all time favorite meal. Alinea tops the list by leaps and bounds.

I would also sneak in an In 'n Out with grilled onions, if possible.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Sunday brunch near Disney Hall?

I haven't been since the new chef took over, but I have always enjoyed Lazy Ox for brunch. Really good ricotta pancakes and that burger to end all burgers. Wonder if they have retained the same menu with the change in the kitchen.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Looking For Restaurant With Great Bone Marrow / Marrow-Based Dish

Although I have never had anything remotely resembling a good meal at Comme Ca, their bone marrow really stands out in large part to the side of oxtail jam on the side. I find the rest of their food meh.

I had this amazing osso bucco pasta at one of the Scuola di Pizza's pasta dinners earlier this year. The pasta was made with saffron and had this perfectly roasted marrow bone in the center, just waiting to be folded into the ragu. I wish Mozza would put that on their permanent menu. It was pretty darned perfect.

If you are ever in Vegas, the bone marrow ravioli at B&B are outrageously good.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

What to order at Scarpetta?

I concur. I had lunch during the last DineLA so I could give it a shot without breaking the bank. The polenta was sublime, but the spaghetti (although decent) was not hype worthy in my opinion, and certainly not at a BH entree price point.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Going to Animal

There is a lot of meat on the menu, obviously. Don't let that steer you away from the veg/fruit centered items. They have as deft a hand with produce as they do with protein and it is a nice way to cut through the richness of the other fare. Having said that, the poutine and the foie gras biscuit are the stuff of which dreams are made.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Saturday night dinner: Providence vs. Mozza

I love both. Providence is my favorite restaurant in the world and I usually reserve that for special occasions. The service, in my experience, has that nice balance of professionalism with warmth. It is also very seafood intensive, which might be a key factor in your decision making. Nobody in LA does seafood better than Cimarusti, in my opinion.

Of note, my two best experiences at Osteria Mozza were sitting at the Mozzarella Bar and having the pasta tasting menu, with one of Silverton's mozzarella apps to start. I find it one of the finest culinary treats in LA, and even trumped my meal at Babbo by leaps and bounds.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Seared Foie Gras

I generally prefer a seared preparation over a torchon (although I refuse neither!) Any recommendations of places around town that have a good seared preparation before the ban? Thanks.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

Reservation made for Aziza - very much looking forward to it, and reporting back!

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

Aziza has been on my radar for a while. Sounds like a good treat, and a nice switch up from the uber high end stuff we will have had the days prior.

I'm always able to sneak a trip to the Ferry Building when I visit! Still haven't had that porchetta yet - hopefully I can cross that off my list too.

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

We will be staying walking distance from Delfina. Thanks for the confident recommendation. Plenty of friends speak quite highly of meals had there.

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

I was considering Quince, but it looks like it has become significantly "elevated" from the last time I looked at their website (I'm probably not picking the right adjective). I've wondered about Cotogna, as I love Italian the most - esp. pasta. On my last visits, I found both Perbaccco and Flour+Water quite lovely on their own merits. although my second visit to Flour+Water wasn't as consistently good as my first.

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

I've been considering that. My extravagant mind was thinking Coi or Crenn to keep the theme going, but I think something more down to earth might be in order (and they are not open on Mondays).

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

After Manresa and French Laundry

My partner and I are coming up to the Bay Area for a long weekend in June. We have a Saturday night dinner reservation at Manresa and a Sunday lunch reservation at French Laundry. We are staying in the city (Mission) and still have Monday night free. Where shall we go next!

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

Picca, Sotto, Spice Table, and Red Medicine

I have yet to dine at these restos and wish to check them out. How should I prioritize this list? Thanks.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Best frittata in SF?

Any recommendations on where to get a really good frittata in SF. Staying near Fishermans Wharf/North Beach, but willing to travel for good grub. Thank you in advance.

djquinnc in San Francisco Bay Area

Pre-concert dining near House of Blues Chicago

Hey, all

Will be vacationing in a couple of weeks from Los Angeles, and have tix for a show at the HOB on Saturday, 9/10. Looking for some recs for a good meal before the show. Thanks!

-----
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60654

djquinnc in Chicago Area

Dinner in Santa Barbara Tomorrow Night (5/24/11)

Thank your husband in advance!

djquinnc in California

Dinner in Santa Barbara Tomorrow Night (5/24/11)

Going to see a concert in Santa Barbara tomorrow night at the Lobero Theater. Very bummed that Julienne is closed on Tuesdays. What would be a good place grab a nice dinner in the area?

Thanks in advance!

djquinnc in California

Cut or Melisse?

planning an anniversary dinner next month. Yes, I know these are vastly different experiences. Hoping that other well seasoned diners can offer me some pros and cons to help my decision making process.

Thanks in advance.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Best Mac n Cheese in LA

Awesome suggestions, Diana - thanks for the tips. I've passed by Taste a million times, but had no idea one way or the other about it.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Best Mac n Cheese in LA

I'm sure there is a thread or two in here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. Of course, any and all new, up to date info on the subject would be welcomed. Looking to indulge in superb macaroni and cheese on Thursday night. I live in the East WeHo area, but don't mind driving a little bit for some good grub. Thanks in advance.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Studio City Recommendations?

I think the sushi omakase at Katsu-ya is one of the best deals in town. Kinda depends on what chef you get, but you will wind up getting a piece or two of all of the trendy things that are being replicated all over town - only they did it first. Not sure if $35-ish is inexpensive by the posters standards, but it's a great deal.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Anything Decent at Knott's Berry Farm?

(1) Boysenberry juice trick? Cut it half with Sprite. Simple, gauche, and perfect.

(2) My tried and true amusement park stand-by is when all else fails, find the Mexican joint. The place in Fiesta Plaza is perfectly serviceable for what one would expect at a place like Knotts.

But the chicken, I think, is quite tasty. Go do the pre-Haunt buffet during Halloween season and you can eat all you want!

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Day Old Bread

I want to make a panzanella for a party this afternoon and want to know where I can go to get a good loaf of day old bread. I live near Santa Monica and La Brea.

Thanks!

Q

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Mojama?

I was in Boulder, CO a few months ago and ate lunch at the Boulder Dusahnbe Teahouse - totally amazing space, I might add.

http://www.boulderteahouse.com/

Had this amazing pasta served with mojama, which I had never experienced and still have not seen to this day. Any hints on where goodies prepared with this amazing stuff might be had in LA? Thanks.

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area

Bodybuilder Diet

I have been placed on this more or less traditional bodybuilder's diet (the Cartman sucking down Weight Cain 4000 to become "beefcake"! is not really the goal!) Lunch and dinner are basically:

1. lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey)
2. green salad
3. green leafy veg
4. brown rice or yams

I'm finding ways of spicing it up at home without drowning my dishes with sugary, fatty sauces (Lord knows I'd like to!), but want some options as to where to dine out under these conditions. I live in East WeHo and work in the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs area.

Thanks!

djquinnc in Los Angeles Area