Subscribe

RSS Feed (xml)

Friday, October 30, 2009

To Try: STOUT

http://la.eater.com/archives/2009/10/30/hollywood_gets_another_beer_and_burger_bar.php

Thursday, October 29, 2009

To Try: Library Bar at Hollywood Roosevelt

Last Tango in Modena: Hendricks Gin, muddled strawberries, 3-year-old balsamic vinegar topped with St. Germain foam. I’d say the margarita and this cocktail tied for the number-one favorite. I love the innovativeness of this and how he turned one of my favorite desserts into an impressive cocktail. It even looks like dessert in a glass. I kinda wish it wasn’t served over a big block of ice though because I wanted more of it to drink! Perhaps a smaller cube for me?

Library Bar at Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 466-7000

"I went to high school with Kyle Bacon who was actually really hot & I wanted to marry him so I could be Ms. Bacon"

Now I'm all for anything Bacon, and this is yet another thing on my list of "want to try." Rick Gresh, the executive chef at David Burke's Primehouse in Chicago has created something truly amazing... Bacon Fat Votive Candles!

Every year Bath & Body Works has a candle that comes out during the holidays called Christmas Cookie, which I absolutely adored because it would fill my non-domestic dorm with the scent of freshly baked oven cookies! (Although it did throw me for a loop a couple of times & then I was really sad that I didn't actually have cookies and a cold glass of milk.)

Now, I have to say... A candle that releases a subtle hint of bacon-y goodness sounds too good to be true. AND since it's just rendered fat, he pours it over some of his savory dishes for an extra bacon flair?! This sounds too good to be true. So if any of you are in the Chicago area anytime soon, please please pick one up for me? Thank you!!

A two-inch high candle in a glass holder is $5 in the butcher shop at the restaurant in the James Hotel in Chicago, or call (312) 660-6000 (shipping is extra).

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Ghost Cupcakes!

I know I sometimes go a little over the top with my cupcake blogging, but these were just too cute to not post! I've been a bad little baker, with no new creations of my own to share, so you'll just have to be satisfied with the idea of eating something as yummy and adorable as these.

But not get to actually eat them.

Tokidoki invades Yogurtland!!!

How Kawaii!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

California Roll Factory


California Roll Factory
http://calrollfactory.com/

For the non-traditional roll, I absolutely LOVE the garlic sauce on their rolls! It's to die for!

Attari Sandwich Shop


Attari Sandwich Shop
1388 Westwood Blvd
West Los Angeles, CA 90024
Yelp Review

Absolutely delicious. Something to try, Ash soup & the Chicken Kotlet Sandwich.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

I'd actually totally forgotten about these! I made them a while ago, but surprisingly they never ended up on the blog. So for your eye feasting pleasure...


Sincere Strawberry Cupcakes

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 pkg (10-12 ounces) frozen strawberries, defrosted or fresh strawberries (please see specific instructions for below)
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

If you're using fresh strawberries: First, rinse the berries really well and remove the stems. Quarter or rough chop them them into a bowl and add a few tablespoons of water and mix to coat. Then add a tablespoon or two of sugar (enough to coat the surface) and mix to coat again. Cover and refrigerate the berries for several hours or better yet, overnight.

If you're using frozen strawberries: Put the defrosted strawberries into a bowl and cover them with the sugar, mixing well to coat them. Let the strawberries sit on the counter for at least an hour to macerate (best to do this the night before or early in the day).

Once they are soft and mushy, use a fork to mash the strawberries. Be careful not to mash them too much (you want there to be some chucks). Place the berries in a mesh strainer and drain as much of the juice that you can. Reserve the juice.

Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin tin with baking cups.

In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer for 3 minutes. It should be very pale yellow and and fluffy. Add one egg at a time and mix for 1 full minute on medium-low speed (no cheating! :) ) - be sure to scrape down the bowl a few times to ensure that everything is mixing together properly. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix again for 30 seconds.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, in 3 batches, starting with the flour. Be sure to mix well after each addition and scrape the bowl down every so often.

Mix in the strawberries on low speed plus 1/4 cup of the strawberry juice. Scoop batter into prepared pan and bake for 21-23 minutes. The surface of the cupcakes should spring back when touched and just a little brown. You can also test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cupcake comes out with just a few pieces of cake clinging to it. Cool in the pan for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.


Frosting: Basic Butter Cream. Use a stick of softened butter, and slowly beat in a box of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of strawberry blend until it forms stiff peaks.

Topping: I just added mini chocolate chips. I thought I was going to get brave & melt the chocolate and actually DIP the cupcakes in, but my frosting ended up being a little too wet for the situation & I'd run out of powdered sugar.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Black is the new Pink

So here's the real question, how have I not heard of Blavod before this? I feel like I am extremely behind considering just this week I've finally been exposed to the Pug Licking video and Californication (I'm totally in love with David Duchovny).

Anyway, on to black vodka loveliness.

"Black will always be the color that defines style and sophistication and it has a place in the world of spirits as well. It is not surprising that with all of the designer vodkas on the market that someone would devise a way to add color to the famously clear liquor without drastically disturbing any of the flavor characteristics of a true vodka. Blavod is the result of that brainstorm and is the only premium black vodka on the market today."

"Blavod is an extremely smooth vodka with clean undertones of dark berries and the ever-so-slight hint of cloves and anise. This heady spirit emits an intriguing sweet citrus, woody and flowery aroma that can do no more than entice one to have a sip. "

This is totally going in my shopping bag at my next BevMo trip.

Because I'm a dork...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Voyeur

Bar To Try: The Roger Room


The Roger Room
EaterLA Review

370 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (310) 854-1300

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Poached: If Blow-Up Dolls Could Talk...



I love my people. We're the best!

It's like Pinocchio meets the sex industry. I bet Ralph Garman would have a field day with this one.

Cupcake Sheep?!


OMG these are too cute!! & seem super easy to make, god Martha what will you think of next?

DSW you evil tease!

While sorting through my overdue mail (we'd forgotten to empty the box for a week & I was thusly yelled at by the postal people when picking up the remnants of junk mail too big to cram into our tiny space) I came across a lovely little postcard from DSW advertising a free cute Charley Hobo bag with purchase.

Even though I'd JUST shopped out their sale section a week before, I trekked back w/ my co-worker K, to do a little credit damage on a new pair of boots. Instantly K finds an adorable pair of purple patent leather pumps that are divine & I find my (new love Impo) black faux suede stretch boots & we run up to the counter to claim our prize.

Lo & behold, they've run out of stock, and after a very confusing conversation with the checker, I manage to tell her I'm going to try my luck online. Figuring they'd have a vast stock of free Hobo's to send out to their loyal customers, I was sadly mistaken. But now I want the boots! They'd teased me into the store, and gotten me hooked.

Impulse buying aside, I then had to make the decision, to go to the store & have instant gratification, or order online with a $10 savings, but have to wait up to 7 days?! Decisions decisions. Thankfully, the gross weather made up my mind for me & I figure, $10 buys me at least 2 mojito's at Palamino's, my feet can wait a week for their shoes.

BJ's or Breakfast Jacks?

Just thought this needed to be shared.

9:37 AM p: that is NOT a breakfast jaack
that's totes on ciabatta bread or something
+ that has bacon
me: dude
thats what their website looks like too
p: no way
me: you can substitute ham for bacon
p: ZOMG WHAT?
me: yes
Fried egg, ham and American cheese on top of a bakery bun. Guests can substitute bacon or sausage for ham
9:38 AM p: this is the best day of my life
you have changed me in a way i cannot express
9:39 AM me: I <3>
p: but still.. the photo is not on ciabatta bread
infact, the no sesame hamburger bun is totes the way to go
9:40 AM so soft! so moist!
so <3
bakery bun. i have to remember that.
me: ha
9:41 AM thats just like a toasted bakery bun
p: it's not toasted tho
the miracle of the bj is mindblowing
i mean that in both food and sex.
9:43 AM me: wow
i was like what?
blow jobs?
9:44 AM p: BREAKFAST JACK!

Monday, October 12, 2009

*guestpost* the webby weekend

while i've recently taken a break from blogging due to tastier pursuits, given niki's recent lapse in follow-up due to her health condition (it's official. fall has arrived in la.) i've decided to pick up the slack and dust off the ol' keyboard...

as greenday so eloquently put it, the end of september brought an onslaught of changes, stemming from a break-up, blossoming into a weekend of debauchery, and bringing into fruition the realization that being single in LA can be just as damn fun as our east coast counterparts (plus, the weather is way better here for the most part, so put that in your pipe and smoke it).

friday night brought five friends and a welcome guest together for a fun dinner at the newly minted sweet love hangover. nestled in a nook just opposite hollywood's playhouse (providing ample fodder for whitetrash commentary), the theme of the joint was more board games + bourbon than martinis + maitre d's. we started with a saucy round of mad libs and eventually graduated to a titillating game of jenga. food was par for the course, but coupled with our multiple rounds of drinks, we were warmed up in no time to head over to empire, just around the corner.

it took a while for the spot to work out some sound kinks, but later in the night we met our requisite Fun Bobby and Rando Camera Boy (everyone loves an asian harem!). we shared a few dances with strangers in the night, and before we knew it, it was time to head home. .. or so we thought.

not quite ready to call it a night (aka. too tipsy to know it was time to hit the sack), we stopped by citizen smith's which was so dead it should've been called citizen kane. so we hopped across the street to capitol city, in the former goa space (just checked the 'blag and apparently it's so high class their urinal graffiti is in cursive. i also hear ramblings of "rentable cabanas"?). something like your usual sports bar, but since it is in hwood, we managed to *of course* bump into the usual industry lackeys.

one thing led to another, and - after my demands for a breakfast jack were not met - all i have to share is this story:

12:01 PM M: So
I washed cars today
And I was cleaning my windows
12:02 PM In my backseat cupholder
I look down
And there's a really soft tomato
12:03 PM That you really wanted
me: ..
ohhh.. from .. the house..?
hm. how did i drop/forget that?
12:04 PM i'm sorry. did it destroy the cupholder?
12:06 PM M: Ha
No
But had I not washed my car
Who knows how long it would have been there
me: .. true :(
12:11 PM M: Cause clearly
You remembered it
me: i remember holding it!
12:12 PM M: Ha
And then
Blank?
Or breakfast jack
12:13 PM me: BREAKFAST JACK!


pontificate + pro-create.
i'm out,
~p

p.s. o man. i forgot the part about letting superman + clark kent get a photo opp.

Quality Food & Beverage

Quality Food & Beverage

FINALLY tried this place & I totally understand why my boss loves it so. Had the Mozzarella scramble & it was super yummy. The Potatoes were well seasoned & the biscuit was divine.

Next time to try: Scallop Eggs Benedict

Yatai - Japanese Topless


Yatai Bar
yatai-bar.com

I always forget about this little gem right up the street! The food is well priced, very tasty & as we discovered this weekend, this restaurant is full of beautiful people. Seriously everywhere we looked! Guys & girls equally hot.

To order, Albacore w/ crispy onions & ponzu. Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms w/ Spicy Tuna, Thai Style Green Curry, & Spicy Tuna Rice Burger

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sofi Greek



To Try: right next to Quality on 3rd. Very cute courtyard area.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Ranch

So after a long hiatus from The Ranch, I'm single & I'm back on the game.

Or so I thought. Apparently the ranch now has a new valet staff of little asian men, who are extremely protective of the bars patrons.

When we first pulled up, fully planning on dinnering & then walking back to the ranch for a nightcap, we were firmly told that we must go into the bar or move our car. Really??

So as the Ranch has the cheapest parking on the strip, we headed back to drop the car before checking our Libertine. Unfortunately for us, cutting through the bar and out the side entrance, rendered the same results, being chased down by the asians in little blue coats shepherding us back into the bar.

The asians are efficient to say the least.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Buttercake Bakery

Aside from the adorable boxes, these cupcakes look super yum! Going to try them out... bought a box of mini's for $9!

Sweet Love Hangover


Sweet Love Hangover
Food: B
Ambiance: A-
Mad Libs: A+

Would I go here again? If I were drunk, absolutely!

The Den of Hollywood


The Den of Hollywood
http://www.thedenofhollywood.com/

Checked out this place w/ P & M on a Wednesday night, excited for 2 things. 1 check out the decor, which was OK, had a very good birthday bar feeling, and 2 Angry Mac! Pepper Jack, Chorizo, Roast Chilies & Chipotle make up this gooey dish & it's spiced to perfection.

To try next time, TV Dinner & Bacon wrapped dates.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Photo of the day

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Go with your cougar honey!

So P & I are chilling are Sharkeez Manhattan Beach, killing a few hours & we've stumbled across a question I wish our fellow male friends could answer.

Why, why do guys feel the need to shove their hand in their ass while talking to girls?? In the time it took us to lushify over shark bites & pina coladas, no less than 3 asses were prominently grabbed before our very eyes.

We also witnessed what we will call little trucker man (playboy in his late 30's wearing a yellow trucker hat & has probably a wide variety of STDs) pick up a cougar at the bar. Overheard @ Sharkeez: "go with your cougar honey!"

Enjoy.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Lemonade


So yums, loved the spaghetti squash salad thing, and the fig salad. Really want to try the stews next time!

susan feniger's street

susan feniger's street

http://www.eatatstreet.com/



We decided to go on a lovely tour, with their Globe Trotting Menu & Beer Pairings.



Enter text here.KOREAN RICE SALAD fried egg atop chopped lettuce, brown rice, soybean sprouts, enoki mushrooms, nori, daikon radish, tofu, and sunflower seeds in a spicy sweet sesame dressing.



Kind of like a fancy Bim Bim Bop



INDIAN SEMOLINA CAKES crispy pan fried cakes of utma semolina with toasted cashews, peas, tomato and spices; topped with tomato chutney.



Enter text here.MOLDAVIAN MEATBALLS ground beef & kasha meatballs simmered in a sweet and sour tomato sauce with dill sour cream.



The Meatballs were super yummy... the cakes, just OK.





Enter text here.MASSAMUN CHICKEN CURRY traditional Southern Thai curry with chicken, red yam and mushrooms, simmered in a coconut milk and spices of Muslim Indian influence.



Enter text here.VIETNAMESE CORN wok cooked medley of fresh corn, spring onions and glazed pork belly.



The curry was amazing, the corn was just OK. A little spicy for my tastes.



All in all, restaurant was a solid B. Good for a try, but not somewhere I need to return. However one thing to note, the beer pairings with the food were incredible!



Tavern Brentwood Brunch

Tavern Brentwood
Simply Amazing. Totally worth a 2nd look.


We started with a Pecan Sticky Bun done "Suzanne Style" which meant complete with Bacon toppings. Yummy! Great combination of sweet & savory.


Then moved on to the The tavern “benedict” with prosciutto and lemon. I didn't actually try this one, but it looked beautiful.


Then M and I split the pork, pork, pork with manchego and romesco burger, mostly because we wanted to try the herb fries w/ a nice garlic aoli which turned out to be the right choice. The fries were perfectly crisp and well flavored, very reminiscent of the fries at Beppe back in NYC.

All in all a very successful trip. On tap for next time...

wild mushroom frittata with spinach and cheddar
The Pilgrim –roasted turkey, cranberry, stuffing
Monkey bread

puff pastry is food of the gods.

This is the stuff of legends. Caramelized Onion, Kalamata Olive, Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart.

All I can say is this sucker was deeelicious.

2 Onions
2 tbs Chives
1 Cup Kalamata Olives Sliced
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes Sliced
4 tbs Butter
1 Log of Herb Goat Cheese
1 Puff Pastry Sheet
Parchment Paper

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees. Line a cookie sheet w/ Parchment Paper & lay out thawed Puff Pastry. Poke holes in the pastry so it won't explode.

2. Slice the onions, and caramelize them in a pan using the butter, until they're golden and sweet. Salt and Pepper to taste. Add in the Chives and saute to mix.

3. On the Pastry, lay out the onions leaving a small boarder. On top lay the sliced tomatoes, olives and crumbled goat cheese.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until pastry is golden.

Enjoy with a nice glass of Riesling and a summer salad!

My soul-mate is in town!

& by soul-mate, I totally mean Ian, and not in that everlasting love way, but in the OCD, we could be twins, brother from another mother.

If you know anything about me & the way I organize emails... (reference DT Pub Crawl for an appropriate example) Then you'll see why, when it comes down to this weekend's festivities, this man is one of my good friends.

Wonderful friends (and Niki's wonderful friend's),

So I’ve safely made my way to the lovely west coast and fiiinally plans have been made. So first off, Friday night:

1. Dinner at Sweet Love Hangover at 8PM!

I don’t know much about it but it comes recommended by a really hungry person and the Yelp review adds that “They also have free candy! Blow-pops, Sugar Daddies/Babies, etc. Yummy stuff.”

Address is:
6508 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
8:00PM!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=1716+north+cahuenga+blvd+90028&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1716+N+Cahuenga+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028&gl=us&ei=4u_DSr_1KIGm8AbPtIHgCQ&ll=34.102975,-118.329105&spn=0.009221,0.016544&z=16&iwloc=A

2. From there we walk 1.5 blocks to Empire!

Supposedly a bitchy (good) new club.

http://www.empirehollywood.com/
1716 north cahuenga blvd 90028
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=1716+north+cahuenga+blvd+90028&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1716+N+Cahuenga+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028&gl=us&ei=4u_DSr_1KIGm8AbPtIHgCQ&ll=34.102975,-118.329105&spn=0.009221,0.016544&z=16&iwloc=A

We are aiming to be there by 10:00PM and 10:30PM at the very latest if we want to get in w/o waiting / bottle service.

Appropriate follow-up post will ensue pending how much of my evening I can remember.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The One with the The Head Tilt


So as most of you know, I just recently went through a break-up of my very own. But since my life revolves around all thing entertainment, I can sum up my emotions with the following scene from Friends. Like Tom Selleck, I'll survive. It's sad. It was the right decision, and I'll always have a special place in my heart for him, but life must go on. So seriously, enough with the head tilt... buy me a shot of vodka and give me a lap dance instead :-)

MONICA: I've been great, just great. How have you been? [tilting her head]

DR. BURKE: Oh, well obviously you know Barbara and I split up, otherwise you wouldn't have done the head tilt.

MONICA: The head tilt?

DR. BURKE: Yeah, since the divorce, when anybody asks me how I am, it's always with a sympathetic head tilt. [demonstrating] 'How ya doin'? You OK?'

MONICA: I'm sorry.

DR. BURKE: No no, it, it's fine, believe me. I do it too. I always answer with the 'I'm OK' head bob. [demonstrates] 'I'm OK.' [tilts head] 'You sure?' [bobs head] 'Yeah, I'm fine.' Hey listen, I've got to set up the music. I got a new CD changer, of course the divorce only left me with 4 CD's to change.

MONICA: [her and Phoebe tilt their heads] Oh, that's too bad.

DR. BURKE: [bobbing his head] I'll survive.

FYIYFI

For Your Information You Fucking Idiot

or

For Your Information You Fine Individual