sharkgirl88's Profile
ISO brioche rolls
Rockenwagner in Culver City makes mini brioche rolls for special ordering. So does Emil's Swiss Pastry along Barry Avenue.
Looking for some good ol Filipino food!!
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/552454
Enjoy!
I need Filipino food!!
Hmmm... sorry, but I don't know. But that's another reason to go back and find out! Will do that soon and will report back.
Porto's Burbank vs. Glendale
I always go to the Burbank location. The lines are more manageable and they seem to move faster. The last time I was in Glendale, I felt like I needed a GPS to navigate those danged lines! As far as service goes, I have yet to encounter a crabby Porto's server in both locations -- which speaks volumes about the owners and the way they handle the business.
My memory fails me but I seem to recall that special orders are only available in the Glendale location. This means if you're getting any of their dessert or sandwich platters, you will have to call and pick up from there. Not sure about the cakes, though. Please call ahead and ask. And don't forget to pick up a dozen cheese rolls :)
Best onion rings in LA...who's got them?
Billy's Grill on Van Nuys Boulevard has some stellar onion rings. Have them with with an ahi tuna, ostrich or a buffalo burger, a mango and banana smoothie and you'll find yourself smiling after having a really excellent meal. Their fries aren't shabby either.
Billy's Grill
5162 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 783-6317
Closed on Sundays. Open until 7 pm (I think), Mondays to Saturdays.
I need Filipino food!!
The Ube Milkshake at the Oinkster is made with Fosselman's ube ice cream. so yes, it's real and yes, it's good!
Suggestions on books which can inspire dinner
Happy to help.
Here's another title I failed to add:
Cooking and Screaming: Finding My Own Recipe for Recovery
Inspirational and a good read if you like "I will prevail" type of books.
Follow up Tender at the Bone with Comfort me with Apples and Garlic and Sapphires and you pretty much have Ruth Reichl's life story in front of you.
I also enjoyed The Man who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten but it's more of a collection of essays he wrote for Vogue where he was (is?) a food writer.
Suggestions on books which can inspire dinner
The Language of Baklava
The Last Chinese Chef
Bento Box in the Heartland
Climbing the Mango Trees: A Memoir of a Childhood in India
Tender at the Bone
Enjoy :)
best birthday cake
Jamaica's Cakes! You will not be sorry. Their cakes are not too sweet at all -- in fact, James the co-owner, made it at a point to stress that to me when I ordered for a birthday cake for my 9 year old niece. They did a fantastic job and to this day, the adults at that party still rave about that cake.
I am attaching a photo of the Ugly Doll cake they made for my niece. The execution was flawless. I'm sure they'll be able to accommodate your superhero requirement.
Take a peek at their delicious cake flavors by hitting the "Build your own" button at the bottom.
http://jamaicascakes.com/
Best Char Siu Bao - Chinese Steamed Pork Buns?
Should you find yourself in North Hollywood, please try the bao at BBQ Unlimited on Sherman Way. I grew up eating bao in Asia and this is by far, one of the best I've eaten in LA. I do prefer the pork over the chicken but try both anyway. They're in the same strip mall as that of Sanam Luang. You can then get a couple of baos and stop for Hainanese Chicken in Sanam.
Here's a link to their website:
http://www.bbqunlimited.com/
Have fun!
Boston first timers... Help!
Thank you everyone for your responses! The trip is slowly taking shape because of all your advice.
We are planning to fly in from LA on the 17th and leave the 24th. That'll give us Memorial Day to rest when we get back. We plan to stay at the Marriott Fairfield Inn in Woburn, but we do have a car to get around.
As far as cuisine choices, anything goes but we would like to experience places and flavors that are inherently Boston. We are more hole in the wall, diners and food finds type of eaters -- the occasional fine dining experience is appreciated -- but we find we enjoy the food most when the atmosphere is casual and the establishment is well-loved by the locals. I don't mind the occasional tourist traps because in this case, we are! I'm planning to go to Fanneuil Hall and we are doing the Duck Tours, for sure. We also want to do a walking haunted haunts tour at night.
I do have a soft spot for bakeries, so please point me to the best. I plan to go to Flour to experience their cinnamon pecan buns, but I would like to visit a few other ones too.
Thanks again!
Boston first timers... Help!
Planning a week long vacation in May and since it's our first time, I don't have the foggiest idea of what to do and where to eat!
We are celebrating my husband's birthday too, so one special meal will be enough. The others suggestions, I hope will steer us towards the budget friendly yet chow worthy.
Also, since we want to make the most out of our stay, are there any day trips that we can do? Maybe drive to Maine for lobster or do the Ben & Jerry's ice cream plant tour in Vermont? We are renting a car so, getting to places won't be a problem. (I hope!)
I guess the question to answer is this: If you had a week in Boston (and access to nearby states/places), as a visitor on a budget, what would you do? What would you see? And above all, where would you eat?
Your responses are over the moon appreciated.
Cakes??
Second Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown! I'm throwing in J&J Bakery in the mix too!
Although Jamaica's cakes is indeed situated in a small area, this is a place where size definitely does not matter. I love how they take care of their customers and although they are not cheap, the quality of their cakes are really something else.
As visual proof, take a peek at the birthday cake they made for my 9 year old niece who is cuckoo over Ugly Dolls. All I had to do was email James a picture of what I wanted and I never had to worry about a single thing. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did :)
Bakeries in & around Placentia?
I am attending a baby shower in Placentia and I need a bakery that will make either a baby shower cake or cupcakes.
Does anyone know of a good bakery in or around that area? I am not too familiar with that city, being that I live in the valley. Your recommendations for a solid and please, not expensive bakery will be much appreciated.
Thanks all!
Large spiral lollipops?
Any candy shops that sell these? Anywhere in Sherman Oaks and its surrounding areas would be great. The bigger, the more colorful, the better.
Thanks everyone!
I need Filipino food!!
Your post made me smile. I'm Filipino and it always makes me happy when non-Filipinos appreciate our cuisine. I've met quite a few haters so it was gratifying to read your post.
There is a place on Colorado Blvd. in Glendale called Arko Foods International. It's actually an international grocery but they have a "food court" if you will, that serves authentic and really delicious Filipino dishes. Food court is in quotations because it is a strictly take out place. There are no places to sit and it's a grab and go operation.
Be warned though; the lines are always long especially between the hours of 5 to 7 pm. I once had to wait 30 minutes to be served! Prices are more than reasonable and once you get a taste of their adobo, pansit and bbq, you might just forgive them for making you wait.
Arko Foods International
1428 E Colorado St
Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 242-5921
If you find yourself in the Carson area, drop by Tita Celia's. Their lecho kawali is good and not greasy at all. The kare-kare is rich and their peanut sauce is delicious. There you can eat in and come back for seconds if you want to! (You have to pay for it, of course :) ). For dessert, try their banana cue and their cantaloupe drinks.
Tita Celia's
241 W Carson St
Carson, CA 90745
(310) 834-6289
Happy grubbing!
The 5 best EVER dessert cookbooks?
My favorites:
1. The Baker's Dozen Cookbook
2. Southern Cakes
3. Desserts by the Yard
4. Perfect Cakes
5. Baking: From my home to yours
6. Gale Gand's Just a Bite: 125 Luscious Little Desserts
7. Pure Dessert
and for personal, sentimental reasons:
8. Filipino Desserts: the mini cookbook series
Great thread :)
Anne Burrell ~ Striped Bass, July 20/08
Holy crap...
I just finished watching this show for the first time. What the hell was that?
I was excited to finally be home on a Sunday morning so I can watch this show. I have been wanting to catch it for weeks now, but things would always come up. But after that, uh, surreal experience, I don't know... I'm still scratching my head. Were those grunts and growls really necessary?
I felt like I was watching an episode of "The Electric Company". All it needed was for Millie to burst into the room and yell: "Heeeeey, you guuuuuuuuuuys!!!!"
Holy crap...
Filipino Food in the Southbay Area
Here's their address:
241 W Carson St
Carson, CA 90745
Filipino Food in the Southbay Area
The new Tita Celia's on Carson Street has good Filipino food.
From the 110 south, take the Carson exit and take a left. It will be on your right side. They moved from their old location and the new place is bright, clean and with AC. Make sure to try the lechon kawali (deep fried pork belly) and their sinigang (fish in tamarind soup). Their menu changes daily so you might want to call ahead and see if they have your lumpia and adobo that day. And don't leave without bringing home some banana cue!
Tita Celia's
(310) 834-6289
CUPCAKES GALORE!
This might be a bit out of your way but Babycakes Cupcakes in Torrance will surely fit the bill. Their cakes are on the smallish side which just might be what you are looking for. The cakes are always fresh and not cloyingly sweet. The owners are very accommodating and will work with whatever ideas you have. I used them for my mom's 60th birthday and there wasn't a cupcake left after the party.
http://www.babycakesshop.com/
Best wishes to you and your hubby :)
Best Fajitas near Sherman Oaks
La Fogata on Van Nuys Blvd. right across the park. Never fails to satiate a fajita craving.
5142 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
There's also Tony's Mexican Grill on Magnolia Blvd. Parking is tricky but the food more than makes up for it.
12910 Magnolia Blvd #F, Sherman Oaks, California 91423
Fu Yuan Low in Rolling Hills Estates
And oh, mad props to Linda the owner. She was great to work with :)
Fu Yuan Low in Rolling Hills Estates
This follow-up is soooooooooooooooo late that it's not even funny.
i just wanted to thank everyone for your input on Fu Yuan Low. We had the surprise birthday party for my mom there and it was an unmitigated success.
The food wasn't spectacular but it wasn't bad by any means. Standard westernized chinese best describes it. But it was good, it was cost-effective, it was a LOT, the service was great, everyone was full and a good time was had by all.
We achieved what we set out to do -- surprise the birthday girl. She had the time of her life and that's all that mattered.
My hubby is a filmmaker and he did this li'l thing for her. Come have a look-see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICXDUIH_ltU
Cheers, everyone!
Asian Food Blogs?
http://www.marketmanila.com/
http://www.pinoycook.net/
http://dessertcomesfirst.com/
http://scentofgreenbananas.blogspot.com/
http://eatingasia.typepad.com/eatingasia/
(wonderful site where they tour Asia and eat!)
http://appetiteforchina.com/
http://www.stickyrice.typepad.com/
Those should keep you busy for a little while. Enjoy!
Catering for small party in Silverlake?
Auntie Em's in Eagle Rock. Terri (the owner) is accommodating and very laid back.
http://www.auntieemskitchen.com/
Good grub served by good people. I cannot recommend them enough. Have fun!
Affordable cupcakes in the SFV
I second Ralphs. I'm the favorite aunt because every year, my nieces know they'll be getting a theme birthday cake from me. People are always floored when I tell them it's from Ralphs. They do make the pull-away cupcakes and those are yummy and a hit with the kiddies.
The best Ralphs to go for these treats is the one in Encino by Balboa Avenue. I've done the Ralphs valley tour and even if it's out of the way for me (I live in Sherman Oaks and there is a closer Ralphs to me), I always go to this location for the fantastic service and because their cakes are never dry and the artwork is always meticulous.
Hope the kids have fun :)
A True L.A. Treasure: Yakitori Bincho - Grilling Excellence [Review] w/ Pics
Thank you for the thorough, excellent review, exilekiss :) With your recommendation, I reckon this place is worth a a drive from the Valley.
Would you mind giving me an idea of what the prices are per person? Thanks a bunch!
Catalina Island recs?
Thanks, Beach Chick :)
We are actually leaving this Friday and staying until Sunday. We will definitely check out the places you have mentioned.
weekend dinner for small group Palos Verdes area
I'm not sure if they could accommodate a group of 24, but call them anyway and try:
Bistro 767
767 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
http://www.thebusinessneighborhood.com/sitecreator1//bistro767/default.asp?page_no=1
Also try Restaurant Christine:
http://www.restaurantchristine.com/
There is also the Admiral Risty but I would hesitate to recommend it -- it's a Palos Verdes institution and although the view is still nice, the place is showing its age.
Have fun.
