Beignets's Profile
I have never, ever, had a bad meal at ____________and I have eaten there over a dozen times!
pizzeria mozza
sin ba la
gjelina
golden deli
in n out
nbc for dim sum
Not at all speaking about the experience (service could be downright atrocious in some of these places), just strictly about the food.
and not quite a dozen time yet but very close, animal.
2012 Coffee List - Since any other list is Outdated
I have been a fan of Conservatory Coffee for years and years. Sadly, I don't purchase their coffee anymore as they mess it up more often than not. Sometimes, it's a simple over extraction with water being too hot, how is that possible? I know there are people there who know how to do it right. The last straw was a double shot Americano. It was just.. ugh. If I was meaner, I'd pour it down the trash by where the condiment table is while making sure she's looking but instead, I looked at the girl who did the pull and wondered if the owner is doing someone a favor by hiring her. I do still buy their beans.
Best Chocolate layered cake in L.A. county 2012
Which chocolate cake from Jamaica's Cakes would you recommend? Simply chocolate or Chocolate Overload? Thanks.
Mozza Cookbook's Ragu Bolognese
You're right, I did eat the ragu bolognese in Osteria Mozza. but it was somewhat vague, I only had a single big bite as the dish wasn't mine so I can't rely on memory. I am convinced it was better at the restaurant so perhaps it is a cooking mistake. But I'm quite sure I followed the direction and ingredients exactly. Hmmm.....
Mozza Cookbook's Ragu Bolognese
OK, I'll attempt to describe.
It's a tiny tiny bit bitter although nothing was burnt. It didn't seem to have enough savory layer of flavor. Despite the cooking method and ingredients (veal, pork, soffrito, tomato paste, chicken stock, wine, whole milk) that had to be cooked one at a time (basically, throw ingredient 1 and simmer til the moisturize evaporated, then ingredient 2 til evaporates, and so on). It took a total of 4 hours not counting the time to do the soffrito. It's almost impossible not to have layers and layers and layers of savory flavors.
don't get me wrong, it was not at all terrible, it was good, but it wasn't WOW!
weird b/c Batali's recipe is simpler in method (shorter in time too) and with the same ingredients yet I liked it better. Maybe it's something I did.
Mozza Cookbook's Ragu Bolognese
Merry Christmas! It's almost 1AM on Christmas day, I've just finished the ragu bolognese recipe from the Mozza cookbook. And... I'm worried. I'm serving for today's Christmas lunch and I don't like it. It took me all day to make and I followed the recipe to a T including making the soffrito which took 4 hours, as per recipe in the book.
Anyone made this before? What did you think of it?
I loved Batali's version and the Mozza's version is virtually identical in ingredients but they taste very different. I'm hoping after resting it'll taste better because I don't have an alternative.
Los Angeles next weekend...help! narrowing down restaurants
I'd also do a search on this board on taco trucks for lunch for time/location as sometimes they vary, I really think you'd enjoy it. Many are located within 10 miles from Century City.
Some questions for my Maui trip
I think the little farm stands in Hana will be open. I know a few don't open on Sundays but Christmas day, like most retails, places tend to be open if for shorter hours.
You don't have to call ahead for tasting @ Spago but if you have dietary restrictions, it's a good idea to let them know well ahead. If you want ocean facing tables, arrive a bit earlier and request that and be willing to wait. As for portion, if you exercise self control with their bread trays that come along every so often, you'll be fine but will definitely not leave feeling hungry.
Question about Wailea, Kihei, Maui
I really liked Eskimo Candy in Kihei. It's about 2 blocks off the main Kihei road. Their selection varies but they're good quality.
Need a good restaurant in Santa Monica for date night with my husband.
These days... there are not that many restaurants that are completely booked, I bet you can, especially if you're willing to mill around the bar and wait.
Exploring Sawtelle
Orris still holds its delicious standard though I think it's gotten pricier fast.
I like Hurry Curry slightly better than Curry House.
Absolutely stay away from Zip Fusion.
Kiriko for simple, clean, dependable sushi. Though again, the last 2x I've gone, they've disappointed me with their simple tuna. How could you mess up tuna?
Little HK cafe is decent, it rivals Hop Woo a couple blocks down.
Asahi Ramen... I don't know how this place gets such a cult following. I've been over a dozen times throughout the years and well... it never had a redeeming quality to me.
Hide's great. Service not so great.
Have to agree with the little crepe nazi place... it's amazing this place is doing well. It's dirty, unfriendly and most importantly, not even good.
Mizu is overrated, imo.
I never could complain about RobataYa but never really felt the need to praise anything either.
PhoReign, try it if you really must have Vietnamnese and can't drive over to San Gabriel.
Yogurtland is much preferable to Pinkberry.
Gordon Ramsey at the London lately?
Ramsey isn't there but visits. Their exec chef is Andy Cook though a lot of the staff loves to tell you it's Christina (the winner from hell's kitchen) who's I think the senior sous chef.
DineLA Restaurant Week 2009
I must repeat the original question too... is Dine LA a thing of the past. I do think the increased prices as well as the newly introduced 3-tier pricings are a bit of a turn off - a bit pretentious especially in this economy. Another turn off is after looking at the menu (a good half haven't posted their offerings), I thought many did short cuts.
Nevertheless... there are more restaurants participating. My coworkers and friends are normally excited over DineLA - but not a lot of noise this year. Is it solely because of the economy?
Massive price increase at Banh Mi Che Cali
I believe the BMCC in Alhambra/San Gabriel area was already 2.25 starting from a few months ago. I'm guessing they're more than 2.50 now. hmm.... did mr. baguette, et al also raised their prices?
Looking for Good Baklava on Westside...
Try the Glatt market on Santa Monica Blvd and Colby? They've got a very small and limited bakery that sell baklava by the pound.
Best Egg Whites Brand? & Best store-bought roasted chicken?
Those who consume a lot of egg whites in their diet, what is the best brand of egg whites in cartons (i.e. Egg Beater, Pepito's, Trader Joe's). I normally grab the one from Trader Joe's just because it's reasonably priced but are there better ones? If so, which other than cracking eggs and extracting the whites?
Also, those who buy roasted chicken from supermarkets, which do you enjoy the most?
Thanks!
In search of self serve fro yo on Westside
There's one opening soon on Santa Monica blvd. and Bundy called Twist or Twister or something. In the same shopping corner as Ono's Hawaiian. They're supposed to charge 38 cents per oz. Don't know when it'd open, no indications, no dates.
San Gabriel Valley Banh Mi with cilantro
Ba Le and Saigon's bakery give all those you mentioned. If they don't, just ask for them. Banh Mi Cali gives cilantro (sparse in amount) as well though I always throw those out.
BEST FRENCH FRIES IN LOS ANGELES
The chain known as Islands offers really good fries though their inconsistencies really kill this recommendation. So why am I making it? I just had it yesterday and they did an incredible job, almost every single piece in the basket was perfect. Always order it well done.
West L.A. - Great Italian Resturants
Valentino is repetitive and well known but it is legitimately good. Vicenti is a little bit lower in price but I'd passed it over Valentino. I also like Drago. I want to like Il Moro but it's been inconsistent the 3x I've gone. Pomodoro is a lower end Italian but good, gives off that Mom and Pop feel with good food. And so does Fritto Misto (Santa Monica) and it's even cheaper than Pomodoro, good food and down to earth good value.
best fish & chips
I'm curious why no one has mentioned Andria's in Ventura. Never been myself but have heard lots of positive reviews. Thoughts?
I love taro..
Oh I love those chewy taro balls in Taiwanese ice shavings!!! Hard to find soft chewy ones though
Donut Man, at last!
Thank you both Jay and Ozzy... I'll definitely consider it since I have none of the casserole and quiche material on hand at the moment. If nothing else, it'll allow people to try it out.
Donut Man, at last!
Anyone remember the prices for these donuts? Anything... the strawberery, the bear claw, the tiger tail, etc. I'm attending a brunch potluck for 50+ people next week and wondering if I should pick up a few boxes instead of making my own casserole and quiche.
Thanks!
Where can I find potted herbs?
You didn't state your location but any farmer's markets will have them.
Santa Monica without a car
I'd recommend taking the MTA bus north on PCH (I think there's only one line though I don't know the number) to stop by Malibu Seafood. Bring a blanket or some sort of cloth to sit on. Get the fish and chips and drinks. Jay walk across (be careful!) to the beach and chow down whilst enjoying the beach and the sun. Take the same bus line back down south when you're ready to go back to the hotel.
You can take the bus by walking on Ocean ave and down the stairs to cross PCH.
PS. It won't exactly be trendy but definitely got that "california cool" vibe.
Taiwanese Food Hop in SGV
So have you gone to Uncle Chen's Eatdrinknbemerry? Any reviews??
"Sugar" coke in LA
If the passover coca cola is the same as the Mexican version, Ralphs should have it now. It's currently on sale for $1.25 per liter bottle.
