We went to Cafe Bariloche last night and enjoyed it so much. All of the tables were taken so we ate at the small bar and enjoyed being close to the kitchen. We split a garden salad (small is large!), two incredible empanadas and spicy beef with veggies and rice. A nice wine list with a couple of great wine from argentina. Really lovely start to an evening.

hi. toward agoura...just past lindero golf course.

has anyone tried thai brasserie? i think it just opened up on TO blvd.

Thanks all!

Hi. I'm having a family open house, about 60 adults, mostly wine drinkers. I want a nice white, red and champagne to serve, but under $12.00 a bottle if possible. I usually go to TJ's but also could do Cost Plus or Costco's. Previous years I'd serve a Chardonnay and Cabernet, but I'm drinking more Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir at this time. Suggestions please!

does anyone know when gordon's menu was introduced?

thanks, we'll try it out.

I'm planning to go to the new Nokia theater next week to see the Dixie Chicks/Eagles. It's part of the new LA Live complex, but I have no idea if any restaurants have opened yet. Does anyone know if there will be decent food at the theater or suggest restaurants within walking distance?

i agree with everyone else that you need food right away. one thought is to have a theme...i just went to a moroccan food party and it was memorable with really fresh tastes and much of the preparation done ahead. the menu included roasted vegetables, veggie couscous, chicken couscous, shish-kebab (lamb/chicken), pastry dishes (forgot what they are called) and fruit. really nice on a warm night and the table was so festive.

i'd like to make something different from the ususal chinese chicken salad...anyone with a great recipe?

thanks!

can someone recommend a good thai restaurant?

zin's is a pretty new restaurant at the landing which we enjoy. it is great to sit outside and enjoy the sunset and some drinks.

some folks have mentioned the great pita in previous posts. it is under new ownership and has authentic greek food run by a nice couple. the salads are great and meat dishes are popular. there is a big wait at lunch time for carry out.

i'm doing yorkshire pudding, brussels, scalloped oysters and grapefruit/orange/avacado salad

it is fun on a pretty day but definitely split the meals! way too much food.

i think it would dry out too quickly. we were going to ask the safeway deli to help us out and then found a friend with the slicer. i bet a neighborhood deli would help.

i live in los angeles and just made for a party and modified recipes i got from chicago restaurant web sites www.buona.com and www.tonynitti.com

what i found...

all recipes called for garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
inserting garlic slivers into the meat is a must
need lots and lots of time, slow cooking in a 250 oven
it is great if you have a meat slicer (borrowed one from a friend) to get the real thin slices
hot giardiniera is available in lots of grocery stores.