King Truffle

It's been a while since I was treated to a gourmet, home cooked meal. So I was excited when I was invited to a Sunday dinner celebrating the truffle.
Since my truffle-heavy meal at Guy Savoy I haven't had the opportunity to eat the decadent fungi, as they're quite expensive.
Starters included fresh tomato and basil bruschetta,
roasted garlic hummus with pita,
and Marcona almonds, truffle cheese and harissa cheddar cheese.Dinner included two types of pasta with different but complimentary sauces: shaved black truffles with linguine and truffle carbonara with strozzapreti pasta
Guanciale is an excellent pork product. It's unsmoked so it doesn't overpower the dish, however it still has the incomparable consistency and flavor of pork.
Dessert was magnificent- fresh berry tart on lime shortbread crust.
It's a testament to the chef's skill, because the meal was outstanding and allowed the truffle to be king. None of the flavor components challenged the truffle yet the meal didn't come out bland as a result.

Lemonade's Gonna Get Paid

Lemonade is a trendy cafeteria with gourmet salads, sandwiches, desserts and, of course, lemonade.
Their organization is lacking, with poor circulation between ordering and paying. I'm sure in time it will smooth out.
We had:
-roasted beets with hazelnuts and red onions $3
-roasted cauliflower with golden raisins and curry vinaigrette $3
-quinoa, butternut squash, and whole orange vinaigrette $3.50
-Israeli couscous, feta, tomato and lemon vinaigrette $3.50
-corn chowder $3
-freshly blended blueberry, mint lemonade $2.75
-freshly blended peach, ginger lemonade $2.75
The food definitely stacks up in flavor compared to Joan's on Third- and it's less expensive. The namesake lemonade actually was too sweet- it's not Hot Dog on a Stick, they could cut some of the sugar.
Lemonade won't have a problem doing business as they serve the entertainment industry's publicists and design savvy shoppers and salespeople. Hopefully it won't turn into an Urth Cafe scene...

A Sweet Mother's Day

My mom summed up mother's day pretty well when describing the Gulab Jamun at Bombay Cafe: "it's like a donut covered in maple syrup"... so basically it's as sweet and wonderful as she is.

I'm Not the Only One...

These guys in Malaysia went on a 24 hour, 25 food marathon at 23 different locations.

I'm speechless.

Jin-n-Out

Had a quick bite and tea at Jin Patisserie.It's a serene environment with music playing.
The Darjeeling G.F.O.P. is called the champagne of teas and deserves the name.
The chicken salad sandwich on seven grain was nice. Nothing world-changing but good.
Ditto for the ham sandwich.
The dessert was obviously the highlight. A vanilla and raspberry mousse.
I think I liked Jin better when it was part of the food marathon, as dessert is really the only thing you need to get there.

Francine's Friendly Froma

I'm late in finding Froma, but better late than never...It's Francine Diamond's wonderful little gourmet market and kitchen in a central shopping location on Melrose near Fairfax.The menu includes breakfast, crostinis, soups, salads, paninis and some desserts.
The crostini can be topped with spreads like chestnut honey robiola, sun-dried tomato chutney, prosciutto speck, salmone marinto and a long list of other delicious choices.
I had the Bellwether fromage blanc, horseradish blue crab and duck mousse basquaise.I sat at the small bar facing one of Melrose's top lingerie shops and Argentine restaurants, drank my wine and thoroughly enjoyed me food.
As a special treat, Froma sells Ostrich eggs. If you ever need that eight-egg-omelet but don't want to bother with all those small shells...Froma sells specialty oils, mustards, cheeses, sauces, spices and wines in addition to
a unique find,El Bulli'sTexturas. These are the components of molecular gastromist Ferran Adria's kitchen, which include everything you need for Emulsificacion, Sferication, Gelificacion and Espesantes. I'm not quite at that level with my cooking but for those who are, get your Agar and Gellan at Froma.

Financial Food

With rising food costs and tough economic times Chef Costing is the place for the financial aspects of food. Chef Costing provides news and numbers for chefs, but ultimately is helpful for everyone as food is becoming more expensive for all consumers.
A friend of mine who works in a well known steakhouse recently noted that Saturday nights' seatings have diminished drastically. She said servers are worried, as their tips aren't what they used to be.
Just One Plate is helping those who want food from their favorite restaurants but can't afford to eat out. By featuring recipes from LA's best restaurants, anyone can eat Providence's Arctic Char or Fraiche's beet and ricotta salad.

Ortolan's seared calamari with oxtail and spaghetti

Red Mango is Better

Red Mango is better than Pinkberry.

Save Our Taco Trucks Night

First, the $6.66 bill on Monday didn't have any ill effects on the week. So take that superstitions.
Second, taco trucks are the quintessential food marathon purveyor. They provide easy access, quick, inexpensive, delectable food and can be found throughout Southern California. So when the recent movement to save them from recent regulations by the LA County Board of Supervisors, I jumped into action. Well, I ate at a taco truck, but that's about as politically active as I get...
After the Does It Offend You, Yeah? show last night
I drove around the corner to El Chato. Located nightly in a parking lot at the busy intersection of La Brea and Olympic, this taco truck is an area favorite.
With ample parking, the truck is adorned with artwork beckoning a visit.
Fresh lime, radishes, onions and peppers garnish the pungent tacos.
The tacos al pastor and carne asada were delicious. The flavor to size ratio is ridiculous.
Thick, gooey quesadillas....
The Board of Supervisors are trying to protect the citizens of Los Angeles from unhealthy meat on wheels and local businesses from roaming restaurants. To the first point, I think there's a certain person who will eat at a taco truck and that person is willing to endure whatever repercussions ensue. I personally have never had a problem, and until widespread cases of food poisoning are exposed I think they should be left to serve the community delicious meals.

Great Weekend, Great Week?

Another summer weekend in April- packed full of unhealthy ultraviolet rays and ultra fatty food.
Saturday I was back in Malibu, this time for their best restaurant, Malibu Seafood.While watching morning beach traffic I had a squid steak sandwich, fried oysters and french fries... a healthy way to start your weekend.The sandwich was good, with fresh squid that wasn't too rubbery. The oysters were juicy and the fries well done. Next time I'll get some grilled fish with raw oysters.
Saturday night had dinner at Pane e Vino which I still think is a great restaurant for the price. One of the nicest patios in LA, good portion sizes for fair prices and ultimately the food is good.
Sunday went to the Dodger game. It was hot, we had great seats and the Dodgers won. More importantly though, the new concession system is much faster and easier to use. First the service stations are all larger and streamlined. Second the condiments have been moved out from the deeper recesses of the halls to the aisle directly behind the seats. Third, the addition of Ruby's, Canters and Camachos doesn't mean much to me as I'm a die hard Dodger dog fan. I did try Ruby's cajun frieswhich were basically fries covered in pizza seasoning. They needed some cheese and pepperoni and then might be worth the $5+ price tag. Had a Dodger Dog and footlong corn dog as well...
All in all another great LA weekend. It will be interesting to see how this week goes, as my total at the market this morning was $6.66: