October 2009
24 posts
1 tag
Swedish (fish) Sushi
All of that Baltic Sea seafood… the Swedes must have great sushi. Swedish… Sushi… Fish… Swedish… Fish… Swedish Fish Sushi.  I found this on This is Why You’re Fat. I am appalled and yet intrigued… and definitely know someone who will likey.
Oct 31st
1 tag
The Halloween Reveal
*******UPDATE*******UPDATE******UPDATE*******SEE BELOW****** Halloween is my favorite holiday and it’s time to reveal my costume. I’ve been practicing all week to get into character and I’ve got bunny ears, an Egyptian headdress, an arrow headband and a banjo for the occasion. Guessed yet who I’ll be? He’s my crush of the century… Steve Martin! Here’s my...
Oct 30th
1 tag
The Witch's Wish
A lonely witch once lived on ScaryBlob Lane, Her cauldron bubbled and boiled but good cooking was her bane. See, the pot was too black from the tricks that she played, And tasted of farts from the elves that she once slayed. She had very little trouble serving such gruel, To the monsters, goblins, trolls, and ghouls. They’d take their rusty knives and stab at the flesh, Of half baked...
Oct 29th
1 tag
$400 at Smith and Wollensky
I got a last minute invite to join my big brother and his buddy at Smith and Wollensky last week while going ballistic in NYC. They had some $400 gift card that they’d been wanting to use for a while. That seemed like reason enough to hit up the classic uptown meat palace. Here’s the crew. We got things started with a bottle of Turley, one of my favorite California vintners. We moved...
Oct 26th
1 tag
Tipsy Parson; First Look
Tasha gave me a little tour of Tipsy on Friday. And things are looking rad. Sadly, I had to head back to LA before I could sample the goods… always a good reason to return. Cute exterior. Check. Inviting front room with stocked bar. Check. Cozy back room. Check. I didn’t want to leave. And here’s me and Tasha - truly one of my mentors and someone I truly admire. Can’t wait...
Oct 26th
1 tag
West Village Breakfast
I forgot that one of the little pleasures of living in the West Village is banana pudding for breakfast. It’s not debated that it’s the best from Magnolia. Sneak back into bed with a little bowl-full. It even goes with freshly brushed teeth.
Oct 22nd
1 tag
Jilly loves Rawvolution
Before leaving LA (first time since moving!), Taylor and I decided to do the most crunchy thing possible just to give me a little extra boost before re-entering the jungle: NY. What did we do? We went to a raw restaurant on the way to LAX! Moreover, it’s called Euphoria Loves Rawvolution! The place is as you’d imagine: mismatched furniture, worn in. Community art. Scarves and other...
Oct 20th
1 tag
Jitlada, an Out-Of-Towners Sripraphai
Now that I live in LA, I have to find replacements to all my NYC go-tos… my fav burger, my fav cheap Japanese, my manicure place, my dry cleaner… and my new Thai hideout. My go-to in NYC was always Sriprapahi in Queens.  Yes, far out but ooooo so worth it. So I was stoked when my secret connect here told me about Jitlada. It’s known to be a spicy favorite amongst foodie here. The...
Oct 20th
1 tag
Soup Cubed
After a long business meeting/lovefest at Cube Marketplace last week, I was sent home with some frozen Roasted Kobocha Soup. After it sat in my freezer for most of the week, I was finally able to whip it out in a pinch during Game 2 of postseason - a game that completely derailed my Saturday evening plans, leaving me on the couch, alone save the players.  And I got hungry. I was supposed to be at...
Oct 19th
1 tag
The Feeding Frenzy
Sometimes New Yorkers let things get a little out of hand. Actually, it’s more likely the case that they push things in that direction.  Such is the case with the recurring, “FergusStock” as Eater is calling it.  Each year, Fergus Henderson comes to New York and makes a bevy of dishes at the Spotted Pig (and this year The Breslin as well).  While I take no issue with what...
Oct 15th
1 tag
Mozza
Since I’ve arrived in LA, everyone has been saying Mozza is the place for pizza.  Coming from NYC, I was wary but I’ll try any Batali-backed Nancy Silverton restaurant once.  I went for lunch with my buddy from E! and was happy with our selections.  She suggested the squash blossom and burrata pie. (photo from jeffandakiko on flickr) Oooo I loved the combination.  Crust was a little...
Oct 14th
1 tag
Petrossian
I went out with INSANE FOOD BLOGGERS last night. We went to Petrossian Paris on Robertson Blvd. THey loved it because it was brightly lit. I loved it because of this block of steak tartare I ordered that came with a layer of caviar. It was hilarious. (photo from mylastbite.com - she organized the dinner) Our three course meal turned into about 8 since the chef, Benjamin Billy, kept sending out...
Oct 13th
1 tag
Rice Cooker
Whether in LA or NYC, I want a damn rice cooker. I found this amazing one on Amazon and have been hearing good things about it from the Culinistas. The  Zojirushi Rice Cooker is a 6-cup powerhouse. It even has a steamer. Thoughts?
Oct 12th
1 tag
Taste of Abbot Kinney
Yesterday, I was invited by a team of LA food bloggers to hit up Taste of Abbot Kinney, the first ever restaurant tasting festival on AK in Venice.  The event was sold out though it didn’t seem crowded. The tastings were inside of the restaurants (not along the street), which made for an awkward, if interesting time.  It worked well at Tasting Kitchen, as the “tasters” took over...
Oct 12th
1 tag
Vanilla Bake Shop
I found an elegant bakery on Wilshire yesterday afternoon while running a few errands. Vanilla divides attention between wedding cakes, cupcakes, delicate sweets and seasonal treats.  I was at first drawn in by the ornately decorated cupcakes.  Upon closer inspection, I was wowed by the flavors, which change daily.  I spotted key lime, pumpkin and mocha chocolate, which were specials as well as...
Oct 7th
1 tag
Cupcake Car
Good grief! There now exists a cupcake car.  Invented this year at Burning Man and now sold online for $25k at Neiman Marcus!
Oct 7th
1 tag
Eater National
As if the Eaterteam knew The Dish’s Dish was going bi-coastal, they, too, have expanded/revamped their layout. With a strong (not to mention witty) presence in NYC, LA and SF alike, they’ve combined the separated city sites and added an Eater National news strand where they are, no doubt, able to bleed sponsors of more money, selling a greater viewership. The change-up comes at a perfect time...
Oct 6th
1 tag
Best No-Gear Dessert
Moving never goes 100% smoothly, but The Dish’s Dish arrived in Malibu on Thursday September 24 (having packed up the office two days before) and still hasn’t been visited by the moving truck! There’s no office furniture, no living room set-up and, not to mention, no cooking gear! But sitting on the floor and eating take out didn’t stop me from building a sweet ending to a few dinners. Behold,...
Oct 6th
2 tags
Father's Office vs. Spotted Pig
People who visit NYC go to Spotted Pig for the burger. The meat is char-grilled and the brioche bun is griddled, with checkerboard marks to prove it. Between bun and burger rests an ample serving of blue cheese – which some swear is key. Cozied up to the patty is a mountain of shoestring fries laced with crisply fried rosemary leaves and slivers of garlic. (Pic from Serious Eats) Now, people who...
Oct 6th
4 notes
1 tag
Gladstone's
After hearing about the SBE takeover of Gladstone’s, I knew that I had to go asap - to experience the restaurant in it’s current state.  That’s not to say it’s in such a great state now, but I know that after it’s revamped, there’s always going to be the questions, “did you ever go before it got the face lift?”  Well, one mediocre meal with...
Oct 6th
2 tags
Gourmet Closing? Wha?
Gourmet Magazine just announced it will be closing. Wild.
Oct 5th
1 tag
Riva
I had an excellent lunch at Riva on Wilshire Blvd last week. It’s Jason Travi’s second restaurant in LA, which he has opened with his wife/pastry chef Miho.  I didn’t make it to dessert, but my wood-fired mushroom salad was superb.  Sweet greens and meaty mushroom were tossed in the lightest of vinaigrette’s (sherry?) and topped with razor-thin Parmesan. My friend ordered...
Oct 5th
1 tag
The Specials
Behold, Blackboard Eats. A website that offers up the specials of the day so to speak. Everyday there is a new, 24hr restaurant deal ranging from a free bottle of wine (yesterday) to 30% off your final bill (today). Currently, the specials only cover LA, but they claim NYC bargains are en route.
Oct 1st
1 tag
Hamburger Helper
If you’re the type for whom lunch never comes soon enough, try the hamburger hand warmer/mouse pad.  What a hilarious blend of technology and cuisine… To purchase, go here. Don’t shop while hungry.
Oct 1st