ajbinla's Profile
Provecho Restaurant: Disappointment, Waste of $$
Actually, just opened and still just doing lunch, and it seems after one visit you are being sorta harsh. I went with a friend on new Years Eve and had a very nice meal. We started with a watercress salad with citrus and cumin vinaigrette that was lovely, moved on to pork rillette toasta, that was only mexican via the corn tortilla discs, but pretty true to french service with good mustard and cornichons. Red snapper soft tacos very nice, and pork al pastor, which to me was the weakest link only because it was a bit tough. We both had a drink and our bill per was $38. I think you need to let them sort out the bugs and try it again. By the way, the space is beautiful, and to consider the solo diner is rare. They have a great space for singles in front of a spectacular water feature.
Pancake help?
If you can find a Betty Crocker Cookbook, the buttermilk pancake recipe is flawless. I've made it many times, and the only change I make is sometimes add a bit more buttermike than called for. They are light and fluffy, very tasty...
A bag of plums and no place to go
Big second on Ina's tart. This is a GREAT recipe. The crust is wondeful and it is very easy. Works well with almost any kind of fruit.
Culinary School
Anyone know anything about Pasadena's Culinary School, in particular the pastry program.
Just Tried The Hungry Cat
I had a great meal there. The standout was the peel and eat shrimp, which I could have made a meal of alone. I got the peeled version, very good. Service was great and my friend had oysters he said were excellent. They got my vote...
Coffee Brewing?
Thanks for the scoop. I do have the Melitta cone filter which works well, but I like the French press better. It does feel more substantial in the mouth and less acidic. I also have an Italian style stovetop espresso maker, which I don't think I've come close to mastering. As for beans, I can walk to the arts district Groundwork for great beans.
Making cheesecake without an electric implement?
If you like dense New York style cake, run it through a blender. It results in a very different consistency then what a mixer produces. Pre-mix by hand or in a mixer.
Best Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown
Let the jeering begin, but if you are brave---Won Kok at Alpine and NewHigh has some great stuff. Not an americanized dish in sight, very reasonable, but it is sort of "3rd worldish." I have eaten there many times over the last 18 years and never had a problem. They are open late---2:00 AM or later and work their tails off. Same waiters for years and years. I love their Chowmein and mongolian beef. Okay Hounds, give it to me!!!!
Malo: Never Before has a Restaurant's Name been so accurate.
Since I never turn down a good "drinkie" I was going to give Malo a whirl based on what I have heard are great cocktails. Do they in fact have great margaritas and a world class selection of Tequila?
ISO dinner restaurant around Redcat Theater
There is an italian place just south of MOCA on the east side of Grand. Very close to RedCat---but as I am a dunce I'm forgetting the name. It is a little spotty, but I have had a decent meal there. Anyone know this place? It's in the California plaza...
Coffee Brewing?
Thanks,
The clover is actually a VERY expensive machine for places like Groundworks and La Mill, not home. I was really wondering if the Chemex was markedly different than regular drip. French Press seems to garner a lot of devotees, myself included. I forgot about the vacuum thing, I have never seen one! Thanks for the reply,,,,
Coffee Brewing?
Can anyone speak to the differences in Chemex vs French Press vs Clover vs Drip....I have a press that I love, and I am wondering if a Chemex is much better? Do I need one? Confused by all the home brew choices...Thanks
Need recs for great food in Savannah...
Great list! Thanks so much for the info. My friend who I will be visiting is new in town, but already found The Lady and Sons pretty bad, but loves the Tea House and the candy company. Can't wait to try out your other picks! Cheers from Los Angeles
Need recs for great food in Savannah...
I posted on the "south" board with no results, so I'm reaching out to all you angelenos. Does anyone have any good recs for Savannah. I will be there for a few days next month?
Visit to Savannah...need recs for great food!
Hello Southies!
I am going to Savannah for about four days next month. What are the great spots for food? B, L and D!!!!
Thanks, Andrea from Los Angeles
Lunch near 3rd and Fig
Jake,
Try the new pizza joint just north of Sunset on Fig, east side of the street. I think it is called LA Pizza works, but I'm not sure. Great empanadas and salads, and a nice spin on pizza. It is a take out place mostly, just a couple tables outside and a stand-up bar inside.
Great place for a birthday dinner?
I am looking for suggestions for a birthday dinner. However, I need a place that also is fun and has something more than just the food. Dinner mystery theater? A place where the wait staff morph into fabulous singers? Hopefully this won't mean the food is totally forsaken! We can do westside, pasadena, valley and downtown areas. Thanks hounds!
Marukai Market Little Tokyo
It is Famima!! and there is one downtown at Fig and 8th (next to Roy's and across from Zucca). I was in it once and was impressed by the brightness and selection. I've heard that this is the #1 chain of conveinence stores in Japan. A second location is soon to open in downtown as well....
Homemade Pasta Recipe?
I use half AP flour and half semolina. Anyone have thoughts on semolina?
Oatmeal Raisin cookies - Silver Palate?
I love to Quaker Oats recipe! I use golden raisins and they are fantastic! Have not tried the Silver Palate, but look forward to seeing what you hounds have to say!
what was the last great thing you made?
Basic homemade, hand rolled and hand cut pasta with lots of garlic, some onion and rappini sauteed and tossed together. Of course good freshly grated cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Simple, but it was so good. The pasta is what put it over the top!
Give me your best banana bread recipe
Huge second on the Betty Crocker recipe. I have never had a bad outcome with it, and I think it conforms to all of Alice's requirements.
Any great Cuban restaurants in the LA area?
I think this is the place I was in...Strip mall on south side, and very unassuming? I would like to go back. Thanks....AB
Best Steak in Los Angeles?
For an older man, who you want to pamper with the kind of ambience he may be looking for (you know him the best), consider Mortons or Pacific Dining car. Great food and special service at both...Happy Birthday! Taylor's is a better bargain, but I have had troulbe with consistency there. Like ecaitin, I know nothing about Mastro's or Arroyo.
Any great Cuban restaurants in the LA area?
Forgive me in advance for not knowing the name of this place--but I'm hoping some hound out there will know it! Stumbled into a great little Cuban place, on I think Olympic? and Alvarado? area---maybe. It was in a strip mall on the south side of the street. Anyone?
Also, Versailles isn't bad, and that is from the mouth of my Cuban partner at work...
King crab vs snow crab?
Clearly there is a huge difference in King vs. Snow crab legs---however, am I the only one who has had very good Snow Crab? They tend to be sweet and very good. King Crab can be saltier, and not in a good way. Thoughts on the little guys?
Edible Breakfast, Convention Center
You might try the cafe at the Standard---hip and fun and good food. Pantry is big food and small price tag. Also, Pacific dining car is fantastic, but very pricey. Worth it if you want to feel special and experience service that is unsurpassed at breakfast!
Pit Fire Pizza in NoHo
I've never been to the NoHO location, but frequent the downtown one all the time. It is solid pizza and mostly good pasta. I had a roasted veggie plate with cheese and a couple meats that was surprising good last time I was there. Even the salad is good, lightly dressed and always fresh. If No Ho is as good, you are lucky. The big plus now is after dinner or lunch you can grab a cup of the BEST coffee at Groundwork, which is next door, from the Clover!
Best Cakes and Pastries in LA
A friend brought me an assortment of pastries and chocolates from Boule, and I am hooked. Every chocolate was amazing, and I normally detest any type of fruit flavoring in chocolate. Coconut macaroons are the best I have ever had. I have not tried their cakes however, but go for the other gooey fantastic stuff!
SF/NYC Hounds Visiting - Recs?
Second on El Cholo. Don't come this far for that food! Better recs all over in the replies....
