To say things have been hectic lately is an understatement! However, I am now on the other side of the mountain and things are settling down. My last foray was Sunday Supper at Lucques. Again, that was wonderful. I have managed to watch every episode of Top Chef. SOOOOOO much to say.
1) Still love Dale. He's just precious. I LOVED his apology to Lisa. From that day on, I promised to apologize to people in the same manner. Basically, I'm sorry for yelling/being mean to you, but you get on my nerves/I just don't like anything about you. :-)
2) Love Stephanie and Andrew. I think Stephanie might be our next Top Chef.
3) I'm glad Spike was FINALLY able to make that damn squash soup.
4) Why is Nikki still there? Even better question, what is up with her HAIR!?! That updo thingy she has going on looks insane.
5) I'm glad Jenn's gone. Liked her until Zoi left. I just wanted to SCREAM every time she told us she was "doing this for Zoi"
6) Spike and Mark?!? I'm going to leave it alone. I'm so un-PC. I'm sure to offend someone.
7)The food looks fantastic this year. I seriously want to make/eat everything.
8) I'm tired of the catering challenges. Seriously...TIRED! Don't mind the team challenges as much, but I'm almost tired of them.
I'm still considering my next visit. I'm leaning towards Comme Ca or Josie. Also, I'll be in Nashville and Atlanta in coming weeks. I've identified two restaurants that I will visit while out of town. Looking forward to sharing my experiences.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Anonymous Shout-out
I believe I mentioned in a previous post that I sometimes fail to mention if I am dining alone or with others. There is really no rhyme or reason why I do it. Sometimes, I don't feel like writing about other people because I feel the need to describe what they ate. My posts are long enough. Sometimes, I'm just lazy. I don't feel like writing. It just depends.
So, my road dog decided to catch up on reading my blog and discovered that she was omitted from two or three of my posts. Today is a lazy (and BUSY) day for me, so I'm not about to go back and fill in. However, she requested a shout-out. However, I seriously doubt that she would want me to put her name all up and through here. Isn't that ironic?
So, big shout out to she who will not be named here! :-)~
So, my road dog decided to catch up on reading my blog and discovered that she was omitted from two or three of my posts. Today is a lazy (and BUSY) day for me, so I'm not about to go back and fill in. However, she requested a shout-out. However, I seriously doubt that she would want me to put her name all up and through here. Isn't that ironic?
So, big shout out to she who will not be named here! :-)~
Top Chef: Block Party
I HATE that I do not have time to watch Top Chef and write about it. Also, I'm still sans lap top. *sigh*
So, Block Party.
* Spike and Andrew need to kill the Borat shtick. Seriously, I've reached my limit.
*Tired of the "true to the street food" and "soul chef" crap. Make the freaking taco and shut up about it. I just didn't understand it.
*I wanted to reach through the screen and grab Drew's duck taco with plantain jam and cotija cheese. Yumalicious!
*Richard's taco was really interesting. However, I thought a little shrimp or something would have worked better for me.
*HELLO! Can we see what EVERYONE made!? I wanted to see Dale's dish. It was all layered and stacked and stuff. :-(
*Erik and the corndog. How can they make a similar mistake twice in a row? Crazy!
*Didn't care for the elimination challenge
*I thought Red had a slight advantage, but they both kinda sucked
*Who makes a bad pasta salad? Wow!
*Drew's outburst...WOW!! LOL. That's right boy! That's your house!
So, Block Party.
* Spike and Andrew need to kill the Borat shtick. Seriously, I've reached my limit.
*Tired of the "true to the street food" and "soul chef" crap. Make the freaking taco and shut up about it. I just didn't understand it.
*I wanted to reach through the screen and grab Drew's duck taco with plantain jam and cotija cheese. Yumalicious!
*Richard's taco was really interesting. However, I thought a little shrimp or something would have worked better for me.
*HELLO! Can we see what EVERYONE made!? I wanted to see Dale's dish. It was all layered and stacked and stuff. :-(
*Erik and the corndog. How can they make a similar mistake twice in a row? Crazy!
*Didn't care for the elimination challenge
*I thought Red had a slight advantage, but they both kinda sucked
*Who makes a bad pasta salad? Wow!
*Drew's outburst...WOW!! LOL. That's right boy! That's your house!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Sunday Supper at Lucques
So, I dined at Lucques (pronounced Luke--very important) this past Sunday. The Sunday Supper is a Lucques tradition and a great way to experience Lucques if you are on a budget. The Sunday Supper consists of a three course meal for $40. Considering the fact that Chef Suzanne Goin is a James Beard award winner and Lucques was just named the best restaurant in Los Angeles, $40 is a steal. I had the great pleasure of dining with another member of my food group. As I said before, although we were strangers, we just chatted away. I could talk about food all day.
The first course was a salad of james birch's baby escarole with mustard, lemon, parmesan and garlic croutons. I'm of the opinion that a salad is a salad. But, I will admit that the salad was really tasty. Fresh greens, nice creamy dressing, and the crunchiness from the croutons. It was a rather large salad, and I ate the entire thing. Again, fresh ingredients can elevate the mundane.
The second course was the ragoût of beef shortribs and spring vegetables (asparagus and french green beans) with farro and savory crème fraîche. I love short ribs...love them! Since they are so hearty and it is spring, I thought my short rib window was closed. But, alas, here they were. The short rib was tender and nicely flavored. It was one of the best short ribs I have ever had. The creme fraiche was dolloped on top of the entree. I was able to identify chive. It was delicious and added a pleasant creaminess to the dish. The veggies were nice and crisp. A surprising and nice contrast to the tender short rib. Farro. Wow. This was my first experience with farro. Farro is a wheat grain. It had a very unique texture. I can totally see people not appreciating the texture. However, I thought it played well with the meal. It was simply delicious.
The first course was a salad of james birch's baby escarole with mustard, lemon, parmesan and garlic croutons. I'm of the opinion that a salad is a salad. But, I will admit that the salad was really tasty. Fresh greens, nice creamy dressing, and the crunchiness from the croutons. It was a rather large salad, and I ate the entire thing. Again, fresh ingredients can elevate the mundane.
The second course was the ragoût of beef shortribs and spring vegetables (asparagus and french green beans) with farro and savory crème fraîche. I love short ribs...love them! Since they are so hearty and it is spring, I thought my short rib window was closed. But, alas, here they were. The short rib was tender and nicely flavored. It was one of the best short ribs I have ever had. The creme fraiche was dolloped on top of the entree. I was able to identify chive. It was delicious and added a pleasant creaminess to the dish. The veggies were nice and crisp. A surprising and nice contrast to the tender short rib. Farro. Wow. This was my first experience with farro. Farro is a wheat grain. It had a very unique texture. I can totally see people not appreciating the texture. However, I thought it played well with the meal. It was simply delicious.
And then there was dessert. The dessert was almond cake with citrus zest, candied rhubarb and strawberries, and vanilla custard. The cake was moist, yet had a deliciously crunchy top. The custard was smooth and a perfect consistency. As for the fruit, I was not particularly fond of the rhubarb. But, the strawberries were nice. Frankly, I would have enjoyed the cake with a little bit of the cream. Yum!
Sunday Supper at Lucques is divine. I highly recommend it. I have a feeling I will make my way there again very soon.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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!
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!
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