LizGraphix's Profile
Which restaurants/cafes in LA are featured in Entourage series?
californication likes filming at the Vista as well. I live in Los Feliz! I wish someone would film at Alcove. I like it far better than Urth although I do like Urth. I second anyone going to Drago!!
Who actually makes the See's Chocolate cakes?
I love these at restaurants but can seldom get the one I like (Chocolate Orange) when I want it. I would love to just order it from the source. Does anyone have an idea which bakery that might be?
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
I have yet to be disappointed by ANYTHING at the Parkway Grill! That banana dessert they have is a toe curly and is on our top 5 list!
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
We did end up confirming (thanks to an earlier poster) that it came from Auntie Em's! We can still get it at Aromas and plan to stop at Aunti Em's!
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
Sorry but I have to disagree on this one. We eat at Brent's and LOVE it!!! But the carrot cake was a huge disappointment. It was dry. We couldn't finish it. We have faith in the Eclairs however! They are HUGE!!!
Fish & Chips -- Not Atlantic Cod
Wow ... I'm happy that someone else cares about seafood depletion. I go to the Monterey Aquarium's Seafood Watch website frequently to find out what not to choose on a menu. And I prefer restaurants that care as well.
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
Oh wow!!! If you're right you've made my day!! I'm going to wite to them and find out. I had forgot to mention the pineapple and coconut in the cake. I've never had another carrot cake as good. At least Aroma still has it.
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
I haven't ... and I have heard Claim Jumper is good. I was kinda turned off by Cheesecake Factory. Their restaurants are not as well bussed or cleaned as they should be. Late at night they leave tables unbussed and they seldomn clean under the tables before they seat new people. Just poor management. It's a shame because I do like most of their food. I'm fussy about clean restuarants.
Hunting down that outrageous carrot cake!
For three years I have been going to both Alcove (Los Feliz) and Aroma (Studio City) at least once a week. One of the biggest draws for me has been the carrot cake. It's two layers of the most loaded, moist cake (lots of actual sweet carrot, raisins, chopped walnuts and spices), with a very generous layer of sweet cream cheese frosting on top and between the two layers. It was (next to mom's) the most perfect carrot cake I have ever had.
But at Alcove it is no more. They have switched bakers!! And while they say that their customers prefer the new version, I find the cake void of raisins (which made it so sweet and moist) and sadly lacking in carrot. The frosting is very obviously made with a salted butter; the saltiness being obvious on first bite.
Happily; though it's a bit of a drive because I live in Los Feliz, I can still get the original carrot cake at Aroma - who actually carries three different kinds of carrot cake (bundt, the original 2-layer and the new 3-layer). Though there is a link between these two cafes, they each maintain their own set of vendors.
But here are my 2 big questions:
1. Who makes that outrageous 2-layer carrot cake, still sold at Aroma?
2. Which do you prefer? (The original 2-layer, or the new 3-layer)
Need Reasonably Priced Wedding Cake Near Pasadena
You mean Porto's? :-) I totally agree. Too bad about The Bees Knees!
First Time to Century City, LA. Where should I go for good food?
I work at 10100 Santa Monica on the corner of Avenue of the Stars. There is a HUGE shopping plaza called the Westfield there. On the second floor near the movie theatre is an amazingly upscale "food court" There is a Brazilian grill there called Picahna that is fabulous. They even have an outdoor bar on the deck. But there are many places to eat. And on a nice evening, the outdoor dining area is lovely.
Adjacent to the Westfield complex is a restaurant on Santa Monica called Gulfstream. I wonder why no one has mentioned it so far. It's FANTASTIC!!!
And I have to second Clementine. be aware it's a cafe/bistro where you walk in and order from the counter and find your own seat ... mornings can be a little crowded. Soups, sandwiches, pastries, meatloaf .. it's all good!! The atmosphere is very pleasant.
Need Reasonably Priced Wedding Cake Near Pasadena
Jodie,
Contact The Bees Knees Bakery. They are on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. They have wonderful flavors and the cakes are beautiful and simple. I am not sure what they charge for them but if the price is right, you'll get a fantastic cake.
Reasonable Price with Ocean view or nice evening outdoor dining?
Canshman ... I think we crossed paths. I moved from Wheaton, IL in April 2005 and came here, to LA!
Last 4th of July I took my guy to a fabulous dinner at the Blue Water Grill on Redondo Beach. Their huge plate glass windows offered spectacular views. They have outdoor dining as well. The food was outstanding and the bar is very chic. The prices are reasonable. The servive was great.
In February, he took me to the Parker's Lighthouse. But that is a bit further south in Long Beach. It was good (not as good as Blue Water Grill) but offered lovely views in a New England setting. The bar on the third floor was a nice place to hang while we waited for a table.
I have not tried the Chart House in Redondo, yet but have been to their location on Long Boat Key in Florida and it was very good. In fact, my parents who live in Venice, FL (just south of Sarasota, are regulars there.
I DO NOT recommend The Lobster. For what they charged, the food was mediocre as was the service.
Moonshadows has a fantastic reputation although it can be difficult to get into on the weekends. The views there are quite lovely.
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Bluewater Grill
665 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Chopped egg in tuna salad?? Is that strange?
We drove through the heart of Ohio often as kids on our way to see grandma in Winchester, KY (long drive from Rochester, NY). We'd always stop at Stuckey's and once, I ordered the chili ... expecting the thick meaty experience I'd always had in NY. Nope ... it was SOUP!! I learned that Ohio chili is very liquid. *sigh*
Chopped egg in tuna salad?? Is that strange?
Totally! .. and Deviled Eggs .... and in any other place I am EXPECTING it! For me, food is not just about taste, it is a texture experience as well. The sliminess of those egg chunks in my tuna melt just really grossed me out.
Best 16oz Steak UNDER $20 in Los Angeles
This wasn't so hard to find in Chicago ... not even in NY. But here in Los Angeles, finding a really good 16oz NY Strip under $20 seems impossible. And forget those pieces of shoe leather at Norm's ... blech! Anyone know a diner or cafe serving this?
Chopped egg in tuna salad?? Is that strange?
For the record, it was not visible! It was only when I took the first bite and thought the texture was funky did I open the sandwich and look inside ... where I saw the egg.
If you had to pick one restaurant to try in Silverlake...
Ok, I've had their Beef Bouguingon - it's a little different but ... AMAZING!!! That is definitely the dish to have there.
Chopped egg in tuna salad?? Is that strange?
OK .. here is where I return to the discussion I started. Ewwwww! For sure.
#1. it was 50-50 Tuna-Egg
#2. Way too much mayo - it was really mushy
#3. And, right on ... doesn't work in a melt, although I could see it cold.
#4. Is it a regional thing?? I'm from NY State - mom was from Quebec and dad was from Lexington, KY. None of us ever knew about egg in tuna salad.
And to the poster who mentioned the chopped sweet pickle, my mother also made hers with a couple tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, some chopped celery hearts and a little mayo (and I grew to prefer Miracle whip).
But when it's in a melt, it should not have egg ... and should not be a gloopy mess. Are we all agreed?
Chopped egg in tuna salad?? Is that strange?
So, I love Doughboys but, on one recent visit I tried the Grandma Rose's Special. It's a Huge bowl of quite excellent chicken noodle soup accompanied by a tuna melt which they describe on their menu as follows: grandma rose’s rainy day special: a grilled tuna melt made with our butter toasted sourdough, sharp cheddar, and a big slather of tuna salad made with solid white tuna (no goofy pickle relish). it’s served with a big bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup filled with lots of chicken, egg noodles, and carrots. $8.75
So, the first time I had this the problem was they used Swiss cheese instead of the traditional (and listed) sharp cheddar. I knew it was wrong on the first bite and they happily fixed it. The Swiss unfortunately made the sandwich too "sweet" ... as swiss can be.
The second time I ordered this (for take out) I reminded them the make sure I got cheddar. The guy on the phone seemed to understand and commented back that sometimes they get a little "creative" in the kitchen. I picked up my order, got home to Los Feliz, loved the soup ... but imagine my shock (and horror) when this time I bit into my sandwich and it had more egg than tuna! And I am someone who hates egg salad!!! I called, and the guy on the phone seemed annoyed with me this time, telling me that was how they make it. I was really upset he was telling me this because I have had their tuna salad many times and this was the first time it ever had egg in it. So, perhaps this was the NEW recipe. regardless .. yuck!!
Either way, the bottom line is that a restaurant should properly explain their foods on the menu. Many people (including me) have serious egg aversions (due to the sulphur) and need to know about it's inclusion. Further, I love Doughboys but was disappointed with how this was handled. The guy knew I was a regular and had this before ... so I would know if the egg were unusual. To respond with so little understanding and not accept any fault (especially when they didn't even mention the egg in the menu listing) is just rude ... and disappointing to someone who has been a huge supporter.
Since I've never heard of this before I'd love to hear opinions on this. Is this something regional? From where? Who likes this and who doesn't? I'm open to all responses and experiences.
There are no truly authentic Buffalo wings in California.
SLAM DUNK!!!! I grew up in Webster, NY and went to college in Buffalo, NY (1983-1987) so I've known some great Buffalo Wings. And having moved to Los Angeles in 2005, I've been discouraged with the wings here. I even tried the fabled "Hoagies and Wings but they were extremely small wings (almost a joke) and dry. Very disappointing. So, today during the Patriots/Chargers game I came online and read some reviews and was shocked to hear that the BEST wings just might be in my neighborhood - Los Feliz, at Ye Rustic Inn. But WOW!!!! they really were amazing. My toes were curling. The mild were plenty spicy for me but they also offer medium, hot and heart-attack hot (good luck with that).
They took my order over the phone and they were ready in 15 minutes as promised. When we got there the bar was packed ... but getting the wings was quick and the staff was very friendly. And unlike other places didn't charge us for "a little more blue cheese dressing." I don't care where you live in Los Angeles, this place is worth the drive if you're craving "the real thing!!!"
If you had to pick one restaurant to try in Silverlake...
I live in Los Feliz/Silverlake. I find myself eating at both Alcove and Tropicalia over and over. The food is consistantly good. Nice atmosphere, great service and reasonably priced. Each has their own vibe. Alcove is fantastic for outdoor dining. And while Tropicalia only offers sidewalk dining, eating indoors can be cozy (in a good way) and, I highly recommend sharing a glass of their sangria over a Salad Brasiliera (with filet mignon). Alcove make awesome barista drinks, serves a nice wine selection but, it's the pastry counters (yes, plural) that will blow you away!
Best Place for Dessert in Pasadena on Saturday Night?
Pinkberry's is growing with someone's money. There was absolutely NOTHING on their menu of interest. It's a trendy fad. I hope they make their money while it lasts. YAWN!!! It's expanding like a plague across LA. If you're on Fair Oaks, share a sundae or split at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy. It's nostalgic and GOOD!!! ... the "soda jerks" behind the counter clearly have fun with their creations.
Best Place for Dessert in Pasadena on Saturday Night?
Two weeks ago we had dinner at the Parkway Grill. It is one of the BEST restuarant dinners I've had since moving to LA 2 years ago. I HIGHLY recommend the Chocolate Banana dessert! The service was friendly without being "familiar" and was exceptionally professional. If you go just for a Dessert ... you won't be disappointed. If you're there for an entire meal, it's magic!
madame matisse?
Extremely happy with Madame Matisse. Strange but good fusion of French Canadian favorites with Mexican touches (like my omelette Normandie with salsa). It was really cold this morning but cozy and the hostess/waitress, though very busy was one of the friendliest we have encountered in a while.
My only wish would be that they have a bigger space - especially indoor seating. They would still pack them in.
This is a great little "nook" for eggs, pancakes, salads and pannini's. Their coffee was also quite good. We played Scrabble over breakfast on my Treo and enjoyed conversation.
I'm looking forward to a return so I can try their lunch fare.
Dusty's or Musty's
Frankly ... being Canadian .... living in Los Feliz ... I am sooooo tempted to show them how it's done!
You need a FULL crepe menu of both savory and sweet crepes (and do be creative AND traditional), killer omelettes (with fresh and smoked salmons, gruyere, capers), you need bowls of fresh berries and creme, soups!! (split peas, beans, barley ... etc.) menu items of Canadian hams, sausages, a Montreal steak to die for. And when it's time for dessert, a pastry tray they'd envy on rue Sherbrooke! Ok ... and the all-important MAPLE creme brulee!!
The atmosphere at Dusty's is perfect ... the execution is extremely disappointing.
Dang .. I need to find backers and bring REAL Canadian with friendly Canadian service to the area! Besides, I can't find a mocha daquoise anywhere.
Dusty's or Musty's
Red, I think you're lucky or a favored regular. Most people (unless they are celebs) don't get very good service .. and sometimes, not even very good food.
Clare K, per my posting, YES, they can screw up a simple poached egg.
Sad, this place has such potential.
Vivoli Cafe on Sunset Blvd.
This is one of the most fantastic Italian restaurants I have been to since Manetta's in LIC Queens (a non-Manhattan surprise).
The atmosphere is fresh and inviting, the service is OUTSTANDING, they remember us whenever we come in, the menu has never had a bad dish on it ... ok ... I'm gushing. But Vivoli so diserves it!
The Chocolate dessert with the candied orange sauce is a serious toe-curler! TRY IT!!! It was introduced by one of the waitresses there - her own (very gourmet) recipe from Italy. We've been to Vivoli on a busy Saturday afternoon just for a cappuccino and that dessert.
Please DO get on their email list. He sends something only about once a month and sometimes he has discounts if your birthday is in the month.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!
Dusty's or Musty's
On my first visit I had the sliced lamb sandwich - LOVED IT! We had a great waitress (Hungarian) who was very friendly and aware of the menu.
I eagerly anticipated a second visit. However, this experience was quite the opposite (only a week later). This time I ordered the lamb burger - it really sounded good. I ordered it medium rare. There was very little t'ziki - I asked for some more and waited 10 minutes! When she brought the t'ziki she asked how everything was (gee - I hadn't even started!). However, once I did start I quickly realized that my lamb burger (requested medium rare) was completely RAW inside. It totally grossed me out. All I could eat were the sweet potato fries (which are good) and wait for her return ... but she didn't come around again until 20 minutes had passed ... when I mentioned that the lamb burger was raw, she responded by telling me I should have told her when she came around the first time (before I'd even tried it - which she knew) then told me that NOW, there was nothing she could do and offered me a takeout box (so I could take it home and cook it myself???) UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I don't like creating a scene but I really don't think I should have had to pay for that. I haven't been able to go back since. How sad, since I am, in fact, Canadian.
Hollywood Gelato Co in Los Feliz: Now Open!
I hate to disagree but, I've tried many gelatos in LA, Chicago, Montreal and NYC ... and, having tried the Chocolate Brandied Caramel and the Malt with Crushed Malted Milk Balls I thought it was EXCELLENT! It was creamy, dense and rich in flavor.
In answer to the above question, no, they do not make it in-house, it is shipped from Michigan.
We're really excited about returning to this store again. We had tried the one on Sunset in Silverlake the week before .. it was awful - I couldn't even finish mine.
