gourmetgal1's Profile
Brunch in Santa Monica, Brentwood with Bottomless Mimosas?
Thank you so much! Zengo looks great.
Brunch in Santa Monica, Brentwood with Bottomless Mimosas?
My friend just got engaged and we are taking her out for brunch this Sunday to celebrate. Obviously we will be toasting her happy news with champagne so a bottomless mimosa/drink deal would be great. Does anyone know of brunch spots in the Santa Monica or Brentwood areas that have great food and an option like this? Thank you so much!
Next Weekend in Chicago
Thanks for the recommendations! All of these look great, The Purple Pig looks like it is right up our alley. I have been meaning to check out The Publican, didn't know that they were open for brunch. Thanks!
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Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Next Weekend in Chicago
My husband and I will be visiting Chicago next weekend (we get in late Thursday night and will leave Sunday afternoon), we will be staying at the Peninsula. So far, we have reservations for Saturday night at Alinea to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. It will be our fourth time to Alinea and we couldn't be more excited! We usually go to Graham Elliott when we are in town but were wondering if there are any new/exciting places not to be missed. I know that it is less than a week out so we are limited for friday night, but what would you recommend? Sable looks interesting. I have been to Avec in the past and loved that but know that the wait could be crazy. We have been to the Gauge for lunch which was good. We are planning on having tea a the Peninsula one day. Basically we are just looking to round out our dining plans in the city, we are open to any cuisine and price range and are in our mid-late twenties. Open to recommendations for bars and lunch places as well. We love Chicago so much and really appreciate any feedback you may have!
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph St Ste A, Chicago, IL 60661
Ortolan is *horrible* -- why do any of you say you like it?
I never said to disregard the original poster's experience, nor did I question their credibility. Everyone has different experiences and preferences when it comes to dining, which I completely respect and understand. The whole point of this board is to share opinions and experiences, which is what I did above. Please read more carefully before injecting your defense.
Ortolan is *horrible* -- why do any of you say you like it?
I am also very suprised to hear about your negative experiences at Ortolan. I have been to Ortolan many times over the years and have always experienced exceptional service and food. Last September I held my rehearsal dinner at Ortolan and was incredibly happy, as were all of my 15 guests. My dad declared it "one of the finest meals" he has had in years and he owns a restaurant himself and is incredibly particular about food and service. Chef Eme and his team work so hard to create a memorable experience for their diners. I hope that anyone that reads this post will give Ortolan a try for themselves. I would also encourage you, cbrundage, to contact the restaurant about your experience. Even the best restaurants have off nights.
A perfect evening at Ortolan-Long Review
Thanks J.L.! His wife was not serving as hostess that night.
A perfect evening at Ortolan-Long Review
My fiancé and I met with Chef Eme yesterday afternoon to discuss our upcoming rehearsal dinner. We knew immediately upon walking in that this was the perfect place; the chandeliers, the draping, the distressed hardwood floors - the decor is romantic and elegant. It has the feel of a luxurious home in the French countryside. The private area is perfect for a small dinner party. Chef Eme was so gracious and charming and came up with a perfect menu for us. We immediately decided to return for dinner later that night.
We were seated in the main dining room. The chairs were very comfortable and we immediately felt at home. We started with champagne and were greeted by the chef who asked us what we would like to have. We decided upon the Menu Plaisir- a 13-course tasting menu. We were promptly served our first amuse bouche- 2 emulsions placed in test-tube like glasses-a prosciutto/melon emulsion and tomato/basil emulsion-both awoke our palates perfectly. We were served a lovely selection of bread with both salted and unsalted butter on the side. I had the raisin-walnut and my fiancé had the french bread, both delicious.
-The first course: Terrine of fois gras with mango sorbet and fig; warm brioche was served alongside. This simplicity of the terrine was refreshing-although I enjoy trios of fois gras and other creative presentations it was so nice to just focus on the flavors of the fois gras. The warm brioche had a sprig of rosemary on it that really flavored the bread, adding and extra element and wonderful fragrance. The pairing with mango sorbet and fig was excellent.
-The second course: Frogs legs served over risotto with tomato confit and a Parmesan emulsion. This was my first time trying frogs legs- the meat was very tender and it had a hint of garlic that paired perfectly with the warm risotto and Parmesan. I always love to try something new and really enjoyed the flavors of this dish. We opened up a bottle of wine that we brought- a 2003 Screaming Eagle that we had been saving. It paired very nicely with the rest of the courses.
-Third course: Egg with vanilla whipped cream and caviar served in the shell. This was served in a beautiful silver egg dish that gave the dish a luxurious feel. My fiancé and I dined at Melisse 3 weeks prior and had a similar egg dish. I preferred the preparation at Ortolan, it came off of the palate with a silky and rich, yet light flavor. The caviar added a salty component that tied it all together. Delicious.
-Fourth course: Tagliatelle style cuttlefish with citrus and sugar snapped peas-cleverly served with chopsticks. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture and flavors; the peas and citrus brought a brightness to the cuttlefish. Another success.
-Fifth Course: Lobster spaghetti with morels and beef broth. The spaghetti was rolled and filled with ground lobster, it was beautiful and innovative. The morels and beef broth brought depth to the dish, it was delicious.
-Sixth Course: Turbot wrapped in a delicious leaf with poached tomato. The fish was cooked perfectly.
-Seventh Course: Duck with rhubarb and turnip. This was my favorite dish of the evening-perfectly cooked and seasoned duck was complemented by the sweet/tangy rhubarb. There was a delicious sauce painted on the dish and a green (rosemary?) salt on the side were also fun to play with. I loved this combination and was incredibly satisfied with this dish. Amazing.
-Seventh Course: Veal Blanquette with cheese gnocchi, potato pillows and English peas. Another incredibly successful dish. The meat was tender and flavored perfectly, there was a lemon flavor that lightened the dish and brought out the flavor of the meat.
-Eighth Course: Cheese! Beautiful selection of cheeses; served with poached quince, blackberry jam, nuts and delicious warm, raisin/walnut bread. I would go back just for the cheese.
-Ninth-Thirteenth Courses: Wow. The most spectacular dessert presentation I have ever been presented with. They brought us out a basil sorbet to cleanse our palate that was very refreshing and prepared our palate for the sweet desserts to come. Both my fiancé and I were then presented with a plethora of sweets all plated separately and beautifully: I was given a perfectly cooked chocolate soufflé served with whipped cream and chocolate ice cream, Cheesecake served atop Macarons and Lavender Ice Cream, a Panna Cotta served in a caviar tin, topped with strawberry “caviar”-so light and delicious. My fiancé was served the same dishes with the difference of his chocolate dish: he was served a chocolate ganache with olive oil and coffee ice creams and a chocolate meringue. We were also presented with wrapped rhubarb with raspberry, macarons and lavender ice cream which was unbelievably tasty and just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess; perfectly cooked Caneles-forgot how delicious these were; and several flavored jellies and macarons. Wow.
We were once again greeted by the chef at the end of the night, which brought the meal full circle. Chef Eme made us feel at home in his beautiful restaurant and we were blown away by the food. The portions were perfectly sized, the food was innovative and beautifully plated, the service was excellent-friendly and unobtrusive. The atmosphere was luxurious and warm. This is the type of place where you can go for a blowout, 13-course meal, or a delicious and elegant yet casual dinner with friends. The bar area also looked very appealing-dark and sexy with an herb garden perched on the wall behind. There was also a small lounge area in the back with a glowing fireplace that looked quite inviting. To me, this place is a gem in this city. We felt such a strong sense of integrity and pride from the chef-it is clear that he loves what he does and is passionate about his restaurant, which makes me want him to succeed even more. I am thrilled that I will be having my rehearsal dinner at Ortolan and I cannot wait to return (maybe next weekend!).
Romantic Restaurant w/Private Room-Rehearsal Dinner
I am getting married in September and need a location for my rehearsal dinner. The wedding and rehearsal will be at the Hotel Bel-Air so we are hoping to go somewhere in that general vicinity (Brentwood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, etc) for dinner. The rehearsal dinner will be on a friday evening.
What we are looking for:
-Romantic, upscale ambiance
-Private room (we will have 15-18 guests)
-Incredible food and wine
We are willing to spend for ambiance and great food/wine-around $110 per person for food and beverage, but would be willing to go over for the perfect place. Right now we are looking at Ortolan-I love the decor and romantic feel of the restaurant, food is wonderful. Also love Melisse, but the private room wasn't as special or romantic as Ortolan. Where else should I be looking? Just wanted some feedback from the experts before finalizing details! Thanks in advance!
Bazaar, Tavern...need some inspiration
How about Rustic Canyon? I have heard great things about it but have never made it over there. Anyone been there recently?
Bazaar, Tavern...need some inspiration
Thank you for all of the great suggestions! I had drinks at Fig last week-great ambiance, have to check it out for dinner. I have been to Josie and Wilshire. I will add Church and State, Boho, Jar and Hatfield's to my list of places to try for date night!
Bazaar, Tavern...need some inspiration
Sooo, I tried to make a reservation for this Saturday at both the Bazaar (booked on Saturday thru August) and Tavern (nothing until 9:30). My fiance and I have date night on Saturdays. I was really looking forward to trying these places and I am feeling a little discouraged.
I have been to Animal-LOVED it, but wanted to try somewhere that I have never been and that is delicious. Is there anywhere else along these lines that I should try? I have been to Spago, Ortolan, Melisse, Joe's, Sona, Comme Ca, Lucques, AOC, etc.
What would you guys suggest trying for this Saturday that you have found, new and exciting lately, with great food? Hopefully I will still be able to get a reservation somewhere! Really appreciate your help in advance!
Last Minute Trip to Chicago! Need HELP
Wow thank you so much for the reply! I really appreciate all of your input! I made a reservation at Alinea for Sunday night (so excited!!!), so I am looking for a less expensive, but still amazing place for dinner Saturday. Maybe Aigre Doux? I would love to go to Avec, but don't want to wait since they don't take reservations...any other suggestions? North Pond sounds great for brunch on Sunday. Monday would be a great time to check out something local, like Giordano's...Thanks again!!
Last Minute Trip to Chicago! Need HELP
Hi! I have been to Chicago several times and am returning for a quick trip this weekend with my fiance!! Will be in town Saturday through Monday, hoping to have a few great meals. On past trips I have been to Tru, Spiaggia, Avec and a few others-and loved everything! This will be my fiance's first time in Chicago and I want it to be special. We livein LA and are in our mid 20's, we are staying at the W-City Center. Could you guys PLEASE recommend a few great restaurants? We need good dinner options for Saturday and Sunday and any other breakfast, brunch or lunch suggestions you have. What is amazing and new? I know it is last minute and might be hard to get reservations, but would still like to try! Thank you so much!
Can you help me pick a restaurant...
How about Warszawa? It is a Polish restaurant on Lincoln. It would definetaly accomodate your group, the food is great and the decor is cute.
Lunch on Saturday-Melrose/La Cienega
Hi,
I am going wedding dress shopping this Saturday around Melrose and La Cienega and am looking for a good place to have lunch. It will be my mom, my aunt, my godmother, my mom's best friend and I...so...we were hoping to find somewhere we could make a reservation that has good food and is not too crowded. If there is somewhere within walking distance, that would be great. We have already been to Comme Ca and Lucques, not interested in anywhere trendy like Urth Cafe. Are there any quiet, nice places where we can have a girls lunch? Any suggestions welcome!
Thank you so much!
Best Dim Sum in LA?
Looking for the best dim sum in LA that is open for lunch today. I have heard there are some good places downtown, does anyone have any favorites?
First Trip to New Orleans - Recommendations?
REVIEW of my First Trip to New Orleans
I had a wonderful time in your beatiful city! Did not get to as many restaurants as I would have liked, but enoyed all of the ones that I tried. I found myself saying, on several different occasions,"I guess this is what food is supposed to taste like!". The flavors and combinations were great. Thank you again for all of the recommendations, I can't wait to return!
Cafe du Monde: Great place for breakfast (filled me up until dinner!). The half and half coffee with chicory was great and the begniets were delicious-warm with tons of powdered sugar. My fiance and I ordered our own plates the first time, and shared one the second time. Worth every calorie, will definetaly go back next time we are in New Orleans!
August: Absolutely amazing. Walked from our hotel for an early dinner, were seated immediately. The decor was beautiful and the ambiance was warm and elegant. Ordered the tasting menu with wine pairing, which was perfect-amuse bouche, four courses with dessert and cookies and macarons at the end. We loved the ravioli with farm egg in a brown butter sauce with mushrooms and shaved cheese. We found ourselves savoring each bite. The Kobe beef was great as well as the course of lobster with sweetbreads. Wonderful dinner, great, unobtrusive service- we would go back in a second.
Rambla: Great tapas restaurant that was located inside of our hotel (the International House). We had drinks at Loa followed by dinner at Rambla. Ordered the Medjool dates stuffed with bacon, a marcona almond and Valdeon cheese; sauteed mushrooms with sherry and almonds; flatbread with serrano ham with fig and cabrales; chorizo; and paella Andalucia. Everything was great, the paella was flavorful and traditionally prepared. Would definetaly return.
Emeri's: Wasn't on my list, but my fiance told his boss he would go to try the banana cream pie. Started with the barbecued shrimp, small portion, but they were delicious. I ordered the pork which had a great rub and two delicious sauces over sweet potatoes, fiance ordered the filet of beef. Both of us loved our orders, though my boyfriends came out medium when he ordered medium rare. For dessert we went all out and had pecan pie and banana cream pie. Both were great.
Cochon: Absolutely loved this place. Minimalistic interior with great ambiance. The biscuits were delicious. We timidly ordered the fried alligator with chili garlic aioli-it was great! I ordered the brisket which was warm and comforting with a great flavor. Fiance ordered the cochon which was also delicous. Can't wait to return, wish we had somewhere like this by us!
Southern Candymakers: We were lured in from the street from the delicious scent of freshly baked pralines. The pralines and fudge were delicious, we took a box home. Would definetaly stop in next time we are in town.
First Trip to New Orleans - Recommendations?
Wow, thank you so much for all of the feedback! I am so excited to get to New Orleans this Sunday. Bill Hunt-I love your recommendations (August and Cochon are at the top of my list, the Columns sounds lovely, we will have to go there for a drink and appetizers). Jazzy B-I will definetaly be trying Rambla! I have put together a list (Central Grocery, Bayona, Brigsten's, Cafe du Monde, Cuvee, Herbsaint, Stella, Martinique Bistro, Patois and a few more options) and will try to get to as many of these places as possible, and I will report back! Thanks again.
First Trip to New Orleans - Recommendations?
Oh boy...sorry to lead you guys off course, but I really appreciate all of the great suggestions! I will add Bayona and Martinique Bistro to my list of possibilities (wish I had time to try them all!) How far in advance do you recommend I make reservations for August, Bayona, Herbsaint, Cochon, etc.? Thanks again for all of the help!!
First Trip to New Orleans - Recommendations?
Thank you all so much for the recommendations! Lives to Eat, what did you find dissapointing at K-Paul's? I love the streetcar and private carriage ride ideas! JazzyB, please let us know how you like "Rambla," if you go this weekend! Are any of these places (besides Rambla, obviously) within walking distance of my hotel? Thanks again!
First Trip to New Orleans - Recommendations?
My fiance and I will be visiting New Orleans from October 19th-25th. We will be staying at the International House and are looking for some nearby recommendations as well as any other suggestions you may have about where we should try! We definetaly want to try all of the local food (we are coming from Los Angeles), we are open to upscale and casual recommendations, anything romantic (we are newly engaged!!).
I have been doing some research on the Boards, so far I definetaly want to try August, and am interested in: Cuvee, K-Paul's, Herbsaint, La Petit Grocery, Cochon, Cafe du Monde...
We are also interested in good bars and jazz clubs/lounges with good food, I was thinking about: Polo Lounge, Snug Harbor, Columns Hotel Bar, Spotted Cat...
Please let me know what you think about the places I have listed so far or if you have any other recommendations! Also, what kind of apparel is appropriate in the more upscale restaurants? I'm not sure what the weather will be like, so if anyone knows, let me know!
Thank you so much in advance, I can't wait to visit your beautiful city!
Your week of easy dinner meals please
I would love the recipe for the coconut chicken if you have it...thanks for all of the great ideas!
Dinner for Boyfriend's Birthday!
Thank you for all of the responses! All of these sound great, I don't know how I will choose...Keep them coming!
Dinner for Boyfriend's Birthday!
My boyfriend requested that we stay in and have dinner on his 26th birthday this tuesday, so I am going to (try to) make him a wonderful dinner (complete with candles, balloons, great wine/champagne, etc.)
SO far I have decided to make some sort of starter salad or vegetable, filet mignon and mashed potatoes as the main course. I would also like to make an appetizer to put out with champagne while I prepare dinner and either a chocolate cake or red velvet cake for dessert. Any ideas for easy preparation or recipes that will work for this dinner? I want to make it as special as possible (as he opted to stay in for dinner rather than go out) without making it too complicated. Any good recipes for:
1) a starter salad or great vegetable dish
2) easy filet mignon and mashed potatoes (with red wine)
3) good appetizer to put out with champagne while I prepare dinner
4) chocolate or red velvet cake.
The menu will be for two. It is my birthday the next day, so it is okay if there is some left over cake! I would appreciate any tips to make this as special (but less stressful) as possible! Thank you sooooooo much!
Your week of easy dinner meals please
Wow, that sounds like the perfect dinner menu for the week. All of the simple but delicious ingredients we love...I will definetaly add these meals into our weekly rotation! thanks!
Tilapia recipes?
Thanks for the great ideas! How long does it cook for (in the oven or sauteed in the pan with butter)?
Tilapia recipes?
I have never cooked tilapia, but I bought some from Trader Joe's today to make for dinner. I wanted to make a simple dish to serve with couscous. I bought Thai yellow curry sauce to cook with it and I could top it with shredded coconut or raisins and maybe some red chili flakes for a kick...but since I am not very familiar with the fish I am not sure if that will taste good? I also thought about making a piccata sauce to pour over the fish and adding some grapes or yellow raisins to sweeten it up. I would like to use the ingredients that I have (lemon, raisins, italian bread crumbs, lime, oranges, white wine, capers, red grapes, dill, olive oil, butter, red chili flakes, etc.) I would really appreciate any good recipes or ideas! Thank you!
Dinner with Parents/Boyfriend...Help!
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I think that we are going to end up going to Angelini Osteria..it is one of my dad's favorites. We will try these other places next time!
Dinner with Parents/Boyfriend...Help!
Not really a budget, but nothing too fancy. My dad doesn't eat sushi..but other than that, anything! Thanks for the great suggestions!
