Top Chef: Zoo People

Yes, I realize that there was actually a new episode on last night. However, I fell asleep while attempting to watch it. Not once, but twice. I was exhausted. Anyway, here are my thoughts about the Zoo People episode.

1) Spike and the fedoras. Um, what's that all about? Dude, as soon as you wake up you reach for your fedora? So strange. Cute, but strange.

2) Val reminds me of Rachel Dratch. The Debbie Downer version at times. I realized this last week. I thought it was a revelation until I read the TWOP recap and noticed that the recapper thought the same thing. I swear!

3) Reminded of how much I love Farmer's Markets. LOVE THEM! Spike had the right idea. You just can't rush an afternoon at the Farmer's Market. Dale made a very astute point about the quality of meat at a Farmer's Market. Honestly, I never buy meat at Farmer's Markets. All this talk of markets, I might go this weekend.

4) Wylie Dufresne-wow! Molecular Gastronomy is not really something I'm all that interested in. I mean, I admire what they do, I just don't really want to eat it.

5) Braised chicken wings. I HATE braised/barbecue/baked whole chicken wings. It's just so messy.

6) I hate that Andrew didn't follow directions. His dish looked yummy.

7) Zoo challenge was kinda wack. Yes, I said wack. No other word to describe it.

8) Erik the Soul Chef? puke

9) I'm tired of the 'hands in the air' thing after the challenges. I will NEVER forgive the Season Twosies for that.

10) Challenge food...I wanted to try the ceviche, lamb meatballs, stuffed anchovy, and the banana cake. Mmmm

11) Ahem...Top Chef contestants. For the love of all that is good and holy, stop making freaking mushroom caps. What are you TGIFs? I mean seriously. I actually like mushroom caps, but they are not very attractive. Especially, if they are filled with more brown stuff.

12) I'm glad that people are capable of making desserts this season. I mean, seriously.
13) My boy Andrew won! Coooooooooolness!

LA Magazine Names Top 75 Restaurants in Los Angeles

This is no secret to people who know me...I LOVE LA Magazine. Of course, the restaurant stories and reviews are a definite highlight. So, imagine my glee when I received my mag this week and noticed the feature...Top 75 restaurants in Los Angeles. Here's the list.

1. Lucques
2. Melisse
3. Providence
4. Bastide
5. Urasawa
6. Sona
7. Vincenti
8. La Cachette
9. All'Angelo
10. Patina
11. Hatfield's
12. Osteria Mozza/Pizzeria Mozza
13. Mako
14. Wilshire
15. The Dining Room at the Langham
16. Valentino
17. Angelini Osteria
18. Spago
19. Campanile
20. Fraiche
21. Josie
22. Saddle Peak Lodge
23. Craft
24. Cut
25. Water Grill
26. Ortolan
27. Joe's Restaurant
28. A.O.C.
29. The Grill on the Alley
30. Gardens
31. Xiomara
32. Jar
33. Nishimura
34. Mimosa
35. Comme Ca
36. Mastro's Steakhouse
37. Ciudad
38. Simon LA
39. The Foundry on Melrose
40. Grace
41. Bar Hayama
42. Michael's
43. Drago
44. Il Grano
45. Kiriko Sushi
46. Matsuhisa
47. Lawry's the Prime Rib
48. Blair's
49. Massimo
50. Madeo
51. Sushi Katsu-ya
52. La Botte
53. The Hump
54. Sushi Dokoro Ki Ra La
55. Tanzore
56. The Buffalo Club
57. Mori Sushi
58. The Lobster
60. Chameau
61. Il Carpaccio
62. Trattoria Tre Venezie
63. Nanban-kan
64. Asanebo
65. The BLVD
66. Paperfish
67. Petros
68. Sam's by the Beach
69. Bashan
70. The Ivy
71. Cafe Pinot
72. Crustacean
73. Cafe Pierre
74. La Scala
75. Tasca Wine Bar

Ok, so wow! I've only dined at seven. I have alot of eating to do! But, I do have reservations at Lucques. I'm so glad the reservations were made prior to this list. Hmm, perhaps I will work from this list. Eh.

Top Chef Ep. 1

Season Four is officially here! I will not bore you with a complete recap of the show (frankly, I have no desire to write a thesis this morning). However, I have a few little comments.

1) They all have potty mouths! It was insane.

2) The couple...the lesbian couple. Interesting spin.

3) Sista girl Nimma...wow! I know she's a line cook, but she seems a little too soft-spoken for that world. Good luck to her. I might try to eat at her restaurant when I go to Atlanta.

4) Top Chef crush...kinda hard this year. But, I'm leaning towards Spike and Dale (I have an Asian thing--I can't explain it)

5) Ones to watch: Dale, Stephanie, Richard. They are on my radar now. Just too many folks right now. I had to rewind and pause a million times to get people straight.

6) Lastly, I think I love Andrew. No, seriously. I think he's my favorite. The New York thing, mixed with his frenetic speech was just too much. He reminded me of a Spike Lee character. His reactions made me giggle on more than one occasion. LOVE HIM!

It's Back!!!

Oh Joy of joys! Top Chef is back! As previously noted, I LOVE this show! If you didn't know before, I'm sure the excessive use of exclamation marks tipped you off. In addition to blogging about my restaurant visits, which are few and far between, I will post my thoughts on the show. I’m looking forward to a great season (please, no reverting to the ridiculousness of Season II). I’m also looking forward to possible Bourdain and Hung appearances.
*One last thing…I’m very excited. My top picks for Top Chef and Project Runway actually won. My pony never wins. Let’s hope my streak extends itself to the Democratic Primaries and the General Election.

I've Found My People!

Soooooooo, yes. I've joined a food group. In the Violet recap, I mentioned that I dined with a member of the food group I joined. What? How? Why? I'll cover all of that. The important thing is, I've found my people.

One day, as I perused Chowhound, I came across a post listing several LA food groups. Some focused on wine. Some focused on ethnic food. However, one group covered it all. So, that's the group I joined. Basically, it's a yahoo group consisting of people who are interested in food. There is discussion on various food related topics. More importantly, there are outings. Perfect! Since starting the quest, I find myself dining out alone. Sure, I am usually joined by a friend or two. However, sometimes they are just not as excited as I am. They just want to eat. Also, fine dining is expensive. It's my thing. I know that. I certainly don't begrudge folks not wanting to spend $50 to $80 (or more) on a meal. That being said, it's all good now because I have found my people. How do I know?

I made a side comment about my dinner at Violet in a discussion thread, and soon others wanted to join me. They were just as excited about going as I was. I ended up dining with a member of the group. Mind you, we were total strangers. However, the conversation flowed the entire night. We discussed our meal. We talked about other restaurants, the group, everything. It was great! So, I'm looking forward to many new and exciting culinary adventures!