LuluBleu's Profile
Comme Ca? You're kidding, Right?
I don't know, it seems you had an ax to grind the moment you walked in. Your "gut instincts" and "first impression" told you it was going to be bad because of the black and white interior and simple and clean lines of the bar? The fact that they didn't give you a bread plate, but brown paper? Well, maybe your sour attitude affected your palate? Just a thought.
In Search of... Breakfast in Silverlake.
I have to concur on Square One. Hands down the best breakfast in that part of town. Highly recommend their french toast and pancakes - but their egg sandwich is a slam dunk too.
I Want Fries, the Sweet Potato Kind
I like Cobras & Matadors sweet potato fries. They have a good dipping sauce with it too.
The Bowery's are ok - but they serve it with ketchup! I ask them for mayo and mix the ketchup in a bit, and that works well too.
Comme Ca - the burger!
The bun is amazing. It's a bit thicker than most, but really light. I think it's brioche - but i'm not 100% certain. It soaks up the meat juices nicely, without ever feeling soggy. It's fab.
Comme Ca - the burger!
Hi All.
I had dinner at Comme Ca last night and I was lamenting to the waiter how I really wanted their amazing burger for dinner. Well, much to my surprise, he said it wasn't a problem because they're now doing the burger for dinner after 10pm, but they're not putting it on the dinner menu. You just have to ask for it.
I'm never on that side of town for lunch, so I rarely get to eat their fab burger. Needless to say, I was a very happy gal last night!
LOT 1 in Echo Park - another review
Encurtido - please. Things were paced well and there are such things as palate cleansers. Not liking an entire meal because we started with cheese plates (and it's listed on the starters part of the menu) doesn't sink an entire meal.
Btw, that cheese plate and salad saved the whole experience.
LOT 1 in Echo Park - another review
I thought I should put in its own posting, rather than have it as a reply to someone else's review.
LOT 1 in Echo Park - another review
went last night and have to say, your experience was ENTIRELY different than my dinner. First off, I know the space is small and intended to be cozy, but the chairs were super uncomfortable and the color palette and harsh lighting didn't express warmth and felt a little makeshift to me - and not in a good way.
The service, albeit nice and sincere, was off the mark too. We had to get additional silverware placements from a nearby table. When we ordered the cheese plate, he quickly plopped down the plate without an explanation of any of the cheeses (we had to ask him back to explain). I know they just opened and have to get their kinks sorted out, but this was basic waiting etiquette 101. Our waiter was very sweet and to be fair, seemed a touch nervous. I can give him a break.
Ok now the food. Now, we started with the forementioned cheese plate, and this was excellent. I really enjoyed the sheep and goat selections and the candied kumquats were a nice sweet companion. Next, we shared the sashimi of yellowtail and the arugula salad. The arugula salad was a joy - fresh, crisp, with a wonderful crispy eggplant and toasted hazelnuts. A glass of pinot grigio or a clean vosip would have been a delicious accompaniment - the salad was a winner. Now the sashimi…this was universally claimed at our table of four as a misstep. The jalapeno sliced atop completely overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the fish. I tasted ONLY the chili and it killed the fish. This was a disappointment.
They brought us popovers with the chimichurri-like sauce too. I guess after having the popovers at BLT Steak, these paled in comparison. They were doughier and oilier than what I'm used to, but the sauce they provided was tasty.
For our entrees we all shared two bowls of the torn pasta with brown butter and fried egg, along with the rib eye with fries and toast with bone marrow on top. Now let me explain - I love pasta. And I love butter. Fried eggs are a dream to me. So this was the plate I was looking forward to the most. It's the plate that makes me dream of Osteria Mozza over and over (that ravioli is to die for). Had this plate been executed properly, all would have been forgiven - but it was not. The texture of the pasta was great, the egg was fresh and beautiful looking, but all this doesn't matter when it's not seasoned properly. No salt - not a pinch. The pecorino was so minute, it immediately disappeared once we dug in and broke the yolk - didn't really get a taste of the cheese at all nor did it provide the salt and bite that it was probably intended to provide. Overall the dish was bland and blah and this was truly the biggest disappointment of the night. All four of us, foodies along with one professional chef, declared this a failure and all agreed that if this had been a success, we all would have gladly returned even with the NO BYOB policy.
The rib eye was fine in my opinion - properly cooked and tasty. The fries were decent but nothing special. The bone marrow toast was cold when we got it, although it was delicious. I really wish it had been warm. At $25, I don't really know if it was worth it. I'd rather have the steak at Comme Ca where the fries are perfect and the garlic aioli is to die for.
On to dessert. We ordered the strawberry and rhubarb "crumble" along with the chocolate mousse with olive oil. Again, I need to express that I love dessert and really am the biggest sweet tooth person on the planet. The crumble wasn't crumble-y. The top crusty part was completely soggy and the strawberry/rhubarb was very watery within. The chocolate mousse was more like a fudge - dense and heavy, although the flavor was rich and complex. I don't think the olive oil added to the dish, rather gave it an herbal slickness that didn't provide any depth.
The bill overall was $138, before tip.
So as you can see, it was a mediocre meal overall. Let me explain that I really loved Centeno's work at Opus and was super excited that he was cooking nearby again ( I still am). Now, will I go back to Lot 1? Although this review was a lukewarm, disappointed one, I'd have to say that yes, only because I'm well aware that it's BRAND NEW and the kitchen is still finding it's voice and personality. However, it would be a good couple of months before I do. I really hope the dishes become more consistent as I really am a fan of his culinary work.
Lot 1 - Echo Park, Review with photos
I went last night and have to say, your experience was ENTIRELY different than my dinner. First off, I know the space is small and intended to be cozy, but the chairs were super uncomfortable and the color palette and harsh lighting didn't express warmth and felt a little makeshift to me - and not in a good way.
The service, albeit nice and sincere, was off the mark too. We had to get additional silverware placements from a nearby table. When we ordered the cheese plate, he quickly plopped down the plate without an explanation of any of the cheeses (we had to ask him back to explain). I know they just opened and have to get their kinks sorted out, but this was basic waiting etiquette 101. Our waiter was very sweet and to be fair, seemed a touch nervous. I can give him a break.
Ok now the food. Now, we started with the forementioned cheese plate, and this was excellent. I really enjoyed the sheep and goat selections and the candied kumquats were a nice sweet companion. Next, we shared the sashimi of yellowtail and the arugula salad. The arugula salad was a joy - fresh, crisp, with a wonderful crispy eggplant and toasted hazelnuts. A glass of pinot grigio or a clean vosip would have been a delicious accompaniment - the salad was a winner. Now the sashimi…this was universally claimed at our table of four as a misstep. The jalapeno sliced atop completely overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the fish. I tasted ONLY the chili and it killed the fish. This was a disappointment.
They brought us popovers with the chimichurri-like sauce too. I guess after having the popovers at BLT Steak, these paled in comparison. They were doughier and oilier than what I'm used to, but the sauce they provided was tasty.
For our entrees we all shared two bowls of the torn pasta with brown butter and fried egg, along with the rib eye with fries and toast with bone marrow on top. Now let me explain - I love pasta. And I love butter. Fried eggs are a dream to me. So this was the plate I was looking forward to the most. It's the plate that makes me dream of Osteria Mozza over and over (that ravioli is to die for). Had this plate been executed properly, all would have been forgiven - but it was not. The texture of the pasta was great, the egg was fresh and beautiful looking, but all this doesn't matter when it's not seasoned properly. No salt - not a pinch. The pecorino was so minute, it immediately disappeared once we dug in and broke the yolk - didn't really get a taste of the cheese at all nor did it provide the salt and bite that it was probably intended to provide. Overall the dish was bland and blah and this was truly the biggest disappointment of the night. All four of us, foodies along with one professional chef, declared this a failure and all agreed that if this had been a success, we all would have gladly returned even with the NO BYOB policy.
The rib eye was fine in my opinion - properly cooked and tasty. The fries were decent but nothing special. The bone marrow toast was cold when we got it, although it was delicious. I really wish it had been warm. At $25, I don't really know if it was worth it. I'd rather have the steak at Comme Ca where the fries are perfect and the garlic aioli is to die for.
On to dessert. We ordered the strawberry and rhubarb "crumble" along with the chocolate mousse with olive oil. Again, I need to express that I love dessert and really am the biggest sweet tooth person on the planet. The crumble wasn't crumble-y. The top crusty part was completely soggy and the strawberry/rhubarb was very watery within. The chocolate mousse was more like a fudge - dense and heavy, although the flavor was rich and complex. I don't think the olive oil added to the dish, rather gave it an herbal slickness that didn't provide any depth.
The bill overall was $138, before tip.
So as you can see, it was a mediocre meal overall. Let me explain that I really loved Centeno's work at Opus and was super excited that he was cooking nearby again ( I still am). Now, will I go back to Lot 1? Although this review was a lukewarm, disappointed one, I'd have to say that yes, only because I'm well aware that it's BRAND NEW and the kitchen is still finding it's voice and personality. However, it would be a good couple of months before I do. I really hope the dishes become more consistent as I really am a fan of his culinary work.
McDonald's fried apple pie [Moved from L.A. board]
they're not. maybe you're confused with the baked apple pie. no other mcdonald's has them but the one in downey.
McDonald's fried apple pie [Moved from L.A. board]
Fried Apple Pie locater! Hilarious!
McDonald's fried apple pie [Moved from L.A. board]
So, for the non-snobs out there, I had to share this since I loved these when I was a kid. These fried, scary pies, with their molten lava hot apple center and their grease-stained box. They discontinued them a few years back and tho I rarely eat at McD's, I've longed for them on occasion...a very specific craving. In Europe and Mexico you can find them, but not here.
So to my surprise, I stopped at the Downey McDonalds (the oldest one in the country) to grab a quick diet coke. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the photo of their apple pie was the fried, bubbly kind. I asked the kid (more like shrieked) behind the counter and he shrugged and said "yeah, they're fried."
So in case any of you have a soft spot for these - the Downey shop sells 'em! I hope I'm not the only one excited about this.
Cheers.
Fruit Island - Italian Yogurt ? No Thanks!
No lid and $5.00 for bitter chips? I would have been PEEVED.
Ce Fiore is so dreamy, I wish they had one in Larchmont...
Warung Cafe - Downtown Dinner
Thinking about trying this place for dinner tomorrow night. Has anyone been there? Recommend or stay away?
Thanks!
REVIEW - My dinner at BASTIDE. (Long post...)
With all that wine and fabulous company, it can be summed up by what it was: good food, amazing wines, and great conversation. I guess it depends on your attitude going in, but it was definitely fun and hardly like watching paint dry.
REVIEW - My dinner at BASTIDE. (Long post...)
I'm really excited about Bastide and highly recommend all 'hounds to check it out. I think the buzz will come...eventually. Plus, there seems to be a bit of a Mozza/Craft backlash on these boards...
And don't forget, the wine pairing was free...you might want to go before they do away with that.
Cheers!
REVIEW - My dinner at BASTIDE. (Long post...)
Hello fellow hounds.
Last night we had our much anticipated dinner at Bastide. We walked into the courtyard (our reservation was at 8pm, for two, and we were right on time). The waiter had us wait at a table outside and poured us generous glasses of champagne - Diebolt Vallois Blanc de Blancs. Fruity and sprite, with a great creamy finish. As we sipped, he explained that there were two menus - a 4 course for $80 and a 7 course for $100. We went with the 7 course. He added that the wine pairing was included with our meal and was on the house. A nice surprise, to say the least...
First Course:
Once seated in the main and small dining room, we had our first course - a "lobster taco." A shot glass of salsa on the right (topped off with a skinny chip), in the middle was a fork with a perfect bite-size piece of lobster, followed by a sorbet shot made of tequila. Salsa first, bite of chip, then lobster, and the shot of tequila sorbet to end - that was the order. The presentation was lovely, it was fun, and all the flavors combined really worked. This was a definite pleaser. The tequila sorbet shot was potent and definitely woke me up.
The bread basket was filled with bacon brioche, hazelnut brioche, and several other beautiful, dainty breads. The first two mentioned were amazing. But I held back from inhaling the whole basket. After all, one down but six to go...
Second Course:
The first wine served was a Croatian wine - Posip Mark Polo, 2005. A lovely, light white wine - fruity, fragrant without being perfume-y, and one of the highlights of the evening. It was paired with our second course, a yellowtail sashimi with lime zest, accompanied with an oyster shooter over a carrot and ginger slushy. The waiter then brings out what looks like a pink brick - turns out it's 7000-year-old Peruvian salt and he grates this over the yellowtail. The fish was delicate yet rich. The zest and the salt definitely gave it a kick and spiced it up without overwhelming the subtle flavors of the fish. The oyster shooter was good but the oyster itself was slightly overwhelmed by the ginger (which I usually love, but felt it a bit too much here).
Third Course:
This time we had a refreshingly sweet Riesling, Spatlese 2005. On the menu, this course was called "Thai Street Food." A curry soup poured over corn mash, with generous pieces of Alaskan king crab. Next to the bowl, one shrimp on a fork. Next to that, a tiny spring roll and a tiny bowl of papaya mash. For me, this dish was great - but not as a whole. The curry soup with crab was warm, savory, harmonious. I could have had three more of these. The crunch of the corn mash with the succulency of the crab and the sweet and spicy curry - heaven. The shrimp and the spring roll were perfectly fine, albeit a little boring. The papaya mash was fresh and clean. The star here was clearly the soup and the Riesling was beautifully paired with it.
Fourth Course:
A very dry, Chardonnay, Matyas Szoke, 2005 paired with Abalone and Squid Ink Risotto. This was one of the weaker courses for me. Several pieces of abalone, wrung around on top of black risotto. The risotto was tasty and complex. The ink was not overwhelming, but gave it richness and weight. The abalone was disappointing. A cooked dish, some pieces were chewier than others, and some were blatantly rubbery. If the abalone were to be cooked properly, then this dish could be a winner. The risotto wasn't good enough to save chewy shellfish. The Chardonnay was robust and dry, but overall, this pairing didn't please me.
Fifth Course:
I'm getting a little full at this point. And here we are at the heaviest dish: simply sliced, medium-rare lamb, accompanied by a petite eggplant-stuffed tomato topped with breadcrumbs. First off, I must admit that I am not the biggest fan of lamb. I find it a tricky meat to prepare, and if done so poorly, can really turn you off. This lamb was simple and cooked beautifully; it melted in your mouth. The eggplant tomato was delicious and the breadcrumbs gave it a nice needed crunch. Wine here was a big, bold Forman Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. Spicy and robust, this was a big gun and complemented the lamb superbly. Simple and beautifully done - a winner.
Sixth Course:
Oh boy, we're approaching 11pm! Wow. I have to admit, I'm feeling a little tipsy by this point. Which is why I can't remember all the cheeses that were brought out. A bleu, a goat cheese. A hard Dutch cheese that was five years old. Each accompanied by a dollop of jelly preserve or honey. It was a cheese plate and it was divine. Didn't help that I drank the lovely Slovenian dessert wine served with it, Batic Valentino, 2003. The wine was lovely - with notes of nectar and honey - a palate pleaser.
Seventh Course:
Two desserts here - one was a sake martini (very small) with a white wine sorbet. This was paired with Kogl Mea Culpa Kerner, 2006. This dessert was light and refreshing. Much needed after a lot of rich foods, but there's a lot of alcohol going on here. Oh boy.
Second dessert - a dark, rich chocolate panna cotta, served with a tiny glass of warm chocolate milk. This was served with a Porto Niepoort Colheita, 1986. The chocolate was super duper rich (as you would expect). Not too sweet but delicious. For me the winner was the "chocolate milk." I have a feeling I will dream about this one - it tasted like Mexican hot chocolate and hazelnut. A huge winner. The port was lovely, a wee bit too much alcohol for me. I didn't finish it but it went very well with the dish.
Overall, this was a lovely and long marathon of a meal, clocking in at almost four hours from start to finish. The wait staff were attentive, informative, and sincere. The courses were properly timed and consistent. The sommelier came by and explained every wine served, and she did so with humor and ease. We walked out festive, tipsy, with happy palates and bellies. There wasn't an ounce of attitude and a sincere appreciation for our patronage was warmly expressed to us. I will go back to Bastide, without a doubt, and I look forward to its evolution in the months ahead.
I sure hope they keep that hot chocolate on the menu.
What's the new "it" dessert
Olive oil gelato at Craft and Olive oil sorbet at Osteria Mozza. Clearly olive oil is big right now.
overrated/over hyped?
Royal Claytons - great ambiance and great for grabbing drinks but the food is not good. stay away from the pizza.
Katsu-ya. The last few times I've been I wasn't thrilled at all. Rather go to Hamasaku.
El Cholo - agree with everything that's been said about this place.
Serenata de Garibaldi (west la) - i dont know why, but this is just baaad. i'd rather drive to the eastside original.
Dusty's - good for breakfast only. the dinners there not so much.
25 degrees - Mediocre burgers, bad service. Lucky Devils down the street is better.
My Osteria Mozza dinner
Ok. So tho are reservation was at 8pm, we weren't seated until 830pm because some of my straggling friends were late. The moment you walk in, you see Nancy preparing cheese plates at the mozzarella bar thats smack in the middle of the restaurant. No Mario Batali I'm afraid, tho I did see one Cheese chef wearing those orange Crocs...ha.
The decor is very nice, pleasing. We had a great middle of the house table - it was PACKED. The moment we sat down we were given a free amuse bouche of pinwheel mozzarella with basil and peppers. Very nice way to start the meal.
So, there were four of us and we all started with cheese starters. I had: burricotti with braised artichokes, pinenuts, currants and mint pesto. My friends had prosciutto with burratta, burricotti with walnuts and honey, and I forget what another one ordered but but it was basically deep fried cheese with tomato sauce.
The burrata is outstanding. Mine was on a crostini bread so its really hard to use a knife and fork with it. So you just pick up and eat it. You get two of them, so it's perfect to share with someone The mint pesto was subtle and didn't overpower the cheese and tart artichoke. The cheese melted in your mouth although it was served cool (not cold). But I still think the simple prosciutto and burrata plate was my fave. A large cool plate of thinly sliced not stringy or fatty prosciutto with a big clump of burrata - so simple but satisfying.
For our second course we all ordered a pasta dish.
I had the Orrechiette with swiss chard and sausage. A very rich dish. The pasta was chewy, perfectly al dente, and the sausage was finely chopped and mixed in. Very savory with a bit of a spicy kick. The waiter sprinkles bread crumbs on top and the crunch with the chewiness of the pasta kicked butt - toothsome and hearty. One person ordered what i thought was the star dish of the night, which was a Fresh Ricotta and Egg Raviolo with brown butter. It's basically one large ravioli and the moment you slice it the egg yolk runs all over creating a delicious sauce with the brown butter. SO GOOD! Another ordered the goat cheese raviolis that were delicious too but paled in comparison to the egg one. And another friend ordered the Linguine cacio e pepe, a very simple pepper and cheese (a hard cheese grated into the pasta) with hardly any sauce. Very simple, chewy and delicious, the pepper giving it a spicy kick and the sheep cheese giving it depth. Simple but nice - i'd order it again if i wanted to eat something on the less rich side.
For seconds we shared two meat dishes: one steak and one short rib. The steak was served sliced, medium rare, with potatoes. A very simple dish but well done and delicious. But the short rib was to die for. Served on grilled polenta with freshly grated horseradish (the waiter grated it right on top), the meat was so tender you can scoop it up with a spoon. Was really savory and yummy. I want more!
For dessert we ordered three:
One was the Torta della Nonna - traditional pine nut cheesecake tart. Served warm, it was very rich but comforting. The crust had a great texture and cheese part wasn't too sweet - had the creaminess and texture of cheese. The pine nuts were plenty too.
Bombolini with raspberry sorbet - basically donut balls with powered sugar and a raspberry sorbet atop this chantilly lace creme. I mean really, can you ever go wrong with delish fried dough and sorbet? No. yum yum
Last was an Olive Oil Sorbet with Rosemary Cake Fritters. This astonishingly worked. It's basically a savory dessert, but honestly it was excellent. I was surprised I liked it. The saltiness of the sorbet with the fragrant earthiness of the rosemary fritters was amazing. Takes a moment to settle on the palate, but once you put them together in your mouth, worked amazing well. I felt like the rat from Ratatouille! I would order this again with the donut sweet bombolini to balance it out.
So all that, plus 2 bottles of wine, a limoncello and espresso (not to mention two glasses of wine while we were waiting for our table) came out to...$390 buckaroos. I would DEFINITELY go again, but I'd go with one person and share one course each. one cheese, one pasta, one meat and one dessert. no need to order one for each person, the portions are large enough (except that one delicious ravioli) and you walk away satisfied. And next time I'd want to sit at the mozzarella bar. It's lively and you can order a full meal there.
I want more! But now I'm broke - ha.
Downtown Steak dinner
Thanks for that Morton's suggestion - i found the coupon. Thanks~
Downtown Steak dinner
Taking my brother out on Saturday, was thinking Downtown (tho I'm open to Pasadena). He loves a good steak, any suggestions for the best steak in these parts?
Thanks much!
La Casita or Babita?
Thanks for the heads up! I was just about to call for Sunday father's day dinner...darn!
sweet lady jane- incredibly rude!
It's like SLJ is the Cynthia's of bakeries!
Although I think Cynthia left...didn't she?
La Casita or Babita?
I'm thinking of venturing out (from the westside) for proper for good mexican - and was wondering, which should I try first? La Casita in Bell or Babita in San Gabriel?
Several hounders seem to think the former is highly overrated...any thoughts?
Thanks!
Fried Chicken
I have to add that Cynthia's fried chicken is pretty good. Though I think on the bone is so much more flavorful in general. I used to love, love, love the fried chicken at Georgia's - I still think about it and it's been how many years since they closed?
This is fast food, but has anyone tried that Pollo Campero? There are a few locations around town...
Best Carrot Cake?
I second the Joans on Third. I find them a hit and miss with their food and desserts in general, but their carrot cake is a hit!
Dinner - La Cienega/3rd
I recommend Tasca - great food, great service, and BYOW. A very good tapas place. Get the risotto fritters - yum!
GOOD PRIME RIB IN LA
Lawry's is always pretty solid, tho for some odd reason I always like the prime rib more at Tam O'Shanter. Is it just me or is it better?
Also think the prime rib at Taylor's on 8th is delish.
