TerriDawn's Profile
What to do now that Thees' is gone.
Hi Paliman:
I TOTALLY feel your pain. I used to buy Parker House Rolls and Monkey Bread. I also loved the smaller, ready-made chocolate Parisian cakes and princess tortes. They also had great cookies. Are there any more bakeries like them left in Los Angeles? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Porto's, but they don't seem to have any interest in opening a location in the city; and driving to Glendale or North Hollywood or Downey (REALLY?) just isn't practical for me. Viktor Benes is very good, but I found out that I have to special order the Parker House rolls or monkey bread in advance.
I really miss Thee's. The bakery that replaced it just doesn't cut it at all. We need a comprehensive BAKERY, not another gimmicky brand name.
T-D.
RIP: Thee's Bakery
P.S. I checked Viktor Benes's web site, and Monkey Bread is listed. I phoned the Century City location, since it's closest to my residence and just two blocks from my office. They informed me that they do sell Monkey Bread, but you have to order it 24 housr in advance. the girl I spoke with on the phone didn't even know what a Parker House roll is (go figure). At least I know I can order some Monkey Bread for Easter, if we decide to stay home for dinner!
RIP: Thee's Bakery
Hi Clyde:
Well, to be fair, her baguettes are more than just fine, as are her cinnamon rolls and any other basic fare. However, her tarts and other pastry are sorely lacking (especially when compared with other French bakeries). Her tart dough seems very hard to me, and is not buttery at all. The location on Jefferson has a really good sausage sandwich (the owner is known for her charcuterie, and her pate is highly regarded). I do prefer Maison du Pain on Pico. Their prices are also very high, but justified in my opinion.
RIP: Thee's Bakery
With a 7-month-old, a two-year-old, and very little sleep, I managed to miss this entire thread! I made my obligatory stop at Thees last Friday after picking up my Honey Baked Ham. The parking lots were worse than usual, there were tour buses everywhere, and the Farmers Market was PACKED with Rose Bowl tourists,. When I found that Thees was GONE(!) I cursed out loud, and was thoroughly reprimanded by my two-year-old.
Where the heck will I buy my Parker House rolls and monkey bread now? I don't have time to prepare holiday meals AND bake bread. I mean, WTF!? When I was a kid, my mom bought the Parker House Rolls from Thees and the Monkey Bread from Jimmy's Bakery in Leimert Park (Jimmy passed away many years ago). I am so sick and tired of these cutsie, gimmicky, new outlets; and the crappy supermarket bakeries. The new outlets are okay, but they're not functional. To get a good cake or old-fashioned bakery items, all I have left is Viktor Benes; but I have to deal with mall parking to get inside (which I hate), and I don't think they sell monkey bread or Parker House Rolls!
Remember when there used to be loads of great little bakeries on Pico west of Robertson? The neighborhood, which I grew up in, seems to have changed from German and Polish Ashkenazi to Russian Jewry who seem to keep Kosher (hence all of the new Kosher restaurants). I tried Delice Kosher Bakery, but was thoroughly disappointed. It's just not the same as those yummy Jewish bakeries that were there when I was little.
Thees was cool because it was close to my house, relatively accessible, and they had really good, old fashioned bakery items at reasonable prices. I wish to God Porto's would open a location in Los Angeles. I am so sick of driving to the ends of the earth to get to them. They even opened one in DOWNEY, but not L.A. -- REALLY? This SUCKS!
The only thing that saved me from totally losing it was the fact that I had to make my New Years Gumbo, which we ate with French bread. Speaking of which, the Normandie Bakery in the Farmers Market sucks compared to the outlet on Jefferson. Her pastries just aren't so hot at either location, and everything seems over-priced to me.
Okay, I'm finished complaining now. Thanks for your patience!
Need Really Nice Gift Baskets
Dear Fellow Hounds:
I use Chelsea Market Baskets for East Coast recipients, but is there a local source for very nice gift baskets? I need a vendor that consistently delivers very high quality gift baskets. Any suggestions?
Many thanks,
T-D.
Need Recommendation for Sushi Restaurant
Thanks so much, Windy! I REALLY appreciate the sppedy reply. This place sounds perfect!
T-D.
Need Recommendation for Sushi Restaurant
Dear Fellow Hounds:
Can you please recommend a sushi restaurant in SF?
My boss will be visiting his daughter, who is a freshman at SF State this weekend. He plans to take she and some of her friends to dinner this evening. He needs a very good, but not too-high-end, suchi restaurant.
Thanking you in advance,
T-D. in L.A.
Mothers Day Crab in Chinatown?
Any suggestions for a Chinatown restaurant for a lunch of live crab on Mothers Day?
Looking for Oysters
Thank you, Trojans. Pico/Fairfax is my 'hood. Can you name me one or two places?
Looking for Oysters
Good Morning Hounds:
I used to be able to find jars of oysters at the supermarkets, to use in my shrimp and oyster dressing, but this year I feel as though I am on a quest. Any ideas about where I can find what I'm looking for? I would prefer a stand-alone store or market in the Mid-City area. I don't really want to deal with parking at the Farmer's Market or Century City (Gelson's).
Many thanks,
T-D.
Dungeness season is on! Has anyone found great deals in LA markets?
Just bought some Sunday from a little seafood market in Chinatown, on the east side of broadway, just north of Alpine, for $3.99/lb. Delicious!
Perfect Chocolate cake... Where are you?
I love the Chocolate Parisian at Porto's, Viktor Benes (inside the Gelsons Markets), and at Thees International Bakery in the historic Farmer's Market on Third and Fairfax.
Also, I saw Kiss My Bundt at the Century City Farmer's Market yesterday.
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Gelsons Markets
15424 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Century City Farmer's Market
1800 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, CA
NOT the Whole Roast Pig from China Town?
Thanks, Nolita. I'll keep that in mind as well!
NOT the Whole Roast Pig from China Town?
Thanks, Peter L. I don't have a lot of experience with the BBQ joints. My lifetime has been spent in the pursuit of Cantionese seafood joints and dim sum; but I frequent Chinatown because that's where my father always bought the live crabs for his gumbo, and I have continued that family tradition.
Thank you again!
NOT the Whole Roast Pig from China Town?
Good Afternoon Hounds:
Las month I posted an inquiry about purshasing a whole roast suckling pig from China Town, after I attended a party where one was served. I also included Monku's photo from a previous post. Well, now I have a related question. Can I get SOME of a roasted pig without buying the whole pig? Does Hong Kong BBQ sell this, with the crispy skin? Please do tell!
T-D.
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Hong Kong BBQ
803 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
China Town
10935 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
ISO Shave Ice
Sorry to reply so late in the game, but the heatwave has me thinking of New Orleans-style "snoballs"; and, when they're done correctly, they're just as delicately wonderful as anything in Hawaii (and certainly Kansas!).
This past summer we finally got around to trying New Orleans Snoballs, on the southeast corner of Slauson and Overhill in Los Angeles. We were not at all disappointed by the product. Their snowballs are as good as Plum Street or any of the New Orleans favorites.
If you're interested in reading a bit about New Orleans-style snowballs, check out this article on Chuck Taggart's Gumbo Pages:
http://www.gumbopages.com/food/dessert/sno-balls.html
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New Orleans Snoballs
4452 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
Yamashiro's Farmers Market
There was an article in the LA Times today...
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-night20-20100820,0,2362739.story
Great Food Truck Race
@Kevin & Hounds,
I live in L.A., but my people relocated here from LA in the 1940’s. My paternal grandmother was descended from the gens de couleur libres, and my paternal grandfather was Cajun. I was shocked and dismayed to see Rajin' Cajun in the competition. The guy has an authentic accent, but he owns a restaurant in Hermosa Beach where the food is DISGUSTING. I had food from there ONCE, and will NEVER try it again. What self-respecting Cajun sells gumbo made from BURNT roux?! He claims his food is based on his "mama's mama's mama's recipes," but the food they sell at that restaurant is just a poorly-executed mess. I think the only reason they stay open is their location, near the beach, in a community with no ties to (or knowledge of) Louisiana food-ways. He couldn't pull that mess in some of the traditional areas of Los Angeles where Louisiana folks settled in the 1940's! As far as the on-camera personalities go, the Rajin’ Cajuns don’t seem very likeable, the owner is projecting a stereotypical “coon-ass” caricature as a gimmick; and using the attractive, young blonde to attract male customers. They just come across as sleazy!
I thought the Nana Queens just didn't have their act together, and didn’t represent old school, South Central, soul food trucks very well AT ALL! How do you take off on a food truck competition with no propane in your tanks (WTF)? Some of them were actually crying when they were asked to go; but they didn’t come prepared to cook, and their overall concept was weak. I also didn’t like the fact that one of the sisters disparaged the French restaurant truck as having a menu that was terrible (or some equally negative adjective). That guy is a real chef, who owns a successful restaurant in San Francisco; but, most significantly, she was being negative and unsportsmanlike about a fellow competitor, when she didn’t have her ISH together. I also disliked the burger guy's snarky comments about the Banana Man, as well as the Banana Man's snarky comments about the burger guys!
I have to add that I was disappointed overall with the lack of solid representation from Blacks and Latinos, who started this whole culture in Los Angeles! There should have been at least one taco/Mexican truck, and one solid soul food truck in this competition. The taco trucks consistently win food truck throw-downs all over Los Angeles, and are by far the most popular, most traditional, and most numerous of all the types of trucks here. I think Nom Nom definitely belongs in the competition, as does a burger truck. I wish they could have had a truck from Bayou Grill or one of the more decent Creole spots in Los Angeles, and that could have represented both suol food and traditional LA food cultures from Los Angeles. I’m skeptical that the Rajin’ Cajun truck even existed prior to this competition. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that their truck was devised to allow them to participate on this show.
Now that I’ve finished my belly aching, I just want to add that I really enjoyed the show (as well as the overall concept). It was exciting to watch, and even the obnoxious “coon-ass” caricature was somewhat entertaining. I will definitely be tuning in for the duration, and I’ve got my DVR set for the series!
T-D. Trosclair-Gonzalez
Los Angeles, CA
Where can I buy European butter?
I've seen Kerrygold Irish butter at Smart & Final. Thanks fo rthewarning. I've seen at least four different choices of European butters at Whole Foods in Culver City.
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Smart & Final
10113 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Whole Roast Pig from Chinatown?
Good Morning Hounds:
We attended a birthday party in mid-July, where a whole, roast pig was served. It was delicious, and incredible! My husband is Cuban, and he said he thought the chinese style was even better than the Cuban style roast pig.
The hosts told us they bought the pig at Sam Woo in Chinatown for about $180, but I've seen posts here that Sam Woo in Chinatown closed in early July. How could that be, when we had this pig in mid-late-July?
Any idea where this pig came from? It looked exactly like the roast pig photo posted by Monku in another Chowhound post, which came from Sam Woo in Monterrry Park. Oh, and it came with a hoisin-like plum sauce, and they also served a delicious fried rice dish that was loaded with scallions and shitake mushrooms.
Thank you,
T-D.
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Sam Woo Cafe
727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
ISO Lemon Custard Ice Cream
Monku, for me that flavor is an entirely different memory... of my Aunt Cherie making homemade ice cream from fresh peaches on the Fourth of July, first in the hand-cranked ice cream maker, and later in the automatic one. We always ate it with my mom's home-baked peach cobbler, and there was never enough ice cream to satisfy everyone! Thanks for stirring up such beautiful memories!
ISO Lemon Custard Ice Cream
Thanks so much, Monku and Swtcrm, but I don't want to drive all the way to Alhambra for an ice cream cone, though I may be forced to do it if I can't get my Lemon Custard fix pretty soon.
Baskin-Robbins used to have Lemon Custard when I was a child, and now it's just a "regional flavor". It was always my favorite, and I ALWAYS got the same flavor when my father took us to the Baskin-Robbibns on LaCienega just north of Pico Blvd., and later on South Robertson. Now, when my sister and I take her kids to the store on South Robertson, we always reminisce about our childhood flavors (my sister's was Daiquiri Ice at Baskin-Robbins).
We had different favorites at different places. At the Swenson's that used to be in Marina Del Rey, we used to share a sundae, my Hagen Dazs favorite was always strawberry; but I always wish I could taste that Lemon Custard again. The last time I had it was as an undergraduate student, more than twenty years ago, at a Baskin-Robbins in New Orleans East (probably lost to Katrina).
My baby turned one yesterday, and we had to reschedule his birthday party this Saturday because we were afriad he would still be contagious. Now that we know he is no longer contaigious, maybe I'll take him for his first scoop to Fosselman's (just so Mommy can have a scoop of Lemon Custard)!
Wow, I guess I really went on and on with some of my ice cream memories here! It can be such an emotional topic (smile).
Thanks again,
T-D.
ISO Lemon Custard Ice Cream
Dear Hounds:
I live in the Fairfax District, and would like to know where I can find Lemon Custard Ice Cream. Maybe in the Farmer's Market? Any ideas or assistance will be very much appreciated.
Thank you,
T-D.
Recs for Xcellent Chocolate Birthday Cake on Westside
I know I'm too late, but Viktor Benes Bakery, inside the Gelsons Markets has a FANTASTIC Parisian Chocolate Cake. I think it may be the best chocolate cake I've ever eaten, and I am a cake connoisseur. Thees Continental Bakeryin the Farmers Market has a great one as well. There's a Gelsons in Century City.
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Gelsons Markets
15424 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Need Suggestions for a Beautiful Gourmet Gift Basket in the $500 Range
Thanks to all for the numerous suggestions. I have added all of these purveyors to my files for future reference. I ended up using Chelsea Market Baskets, but only because Citarella required 48 hours advance notice.
Thank you all, once again,
T-D.
Need Suggestions for a Beautiful Gourmet Gift Basket in the $500 Range
Dear NYC Hounds:
Can you give this L.A. Hound some recommendations? I need to order a really special, gourmet gift basket for someone in Manhattan. The price range is just under $500. Any suggestions will be very much appreaciated.
Thank you,
T-D. in L.A.
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Cuban King Cake?
Thanks, SeaCook, but I'm not seeking a literal translation ( I am a Spanish speaker). I'm hoping to get a respnse from a Cuban, who is actually familiar with the cake I'm looking for. My Cuban husband grew up after Fidel literally cancelled Christmas so he doesn't know. I want to call Porto's, but I would first like to find the name of the item I'm seeking. Although Porto's is owned by a Cuban family, most of the people working there are not Cuban. I may need to call my mother-in-law in Miami for the correct name. Thanks again.
Cuban King Cake?
Does anyone know thw Spanish name for Cuban King cake? Is it Rascon de reyes? Any idea where I can find one?
