Los Angeles
March 5th- Osteria Mozza
http://www.mozza-la.com/
Dinner was at Osteria Mozza- Mario Batali's restaurant with Nancy Silverton (of La Brea bakery fame) required reservations a month in advance but it was worth it.
Appetizers of Buffala Mozzarella with 4 different kinds of garnish (pesto, romesco, tapenade and caper berries ) was good and the crispy pig trotters was something unusual but very good as well.
Main courses of lamb shank, crisp duck legs , brasato and quail . All were generous servings and made you feel you ordered too much food.
Dessert was Almond Cornette and olive oil gelato.
Too much food for one night.
March 10, 2008 - Osteria Mozza (again)
can't have enough- had to go for another night!!!
This time appetizers were again buffala mozzarella with the four relishes and afetati misti with gnocco fritto- (very nice deep fried ravioli pasta with no filling)
Mains were the striped bass (just the right size) and Grilled beef tagliata and the raviolo.
Servings were not huge this time which left room for a lot of dessert. A plate of 4 gelatos, torta della nonna- served warm and very nice to the palate.
March 11, 2008- Matsuhisa- lunch was at Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills-http://www.nobumatsuhisa.com/
Rock Shrimp tempura to start follow by Oyster filo (nice and crunchy).
Chirashi (catch of the day over sushi rice), bento box set menus and black miso cod made up the main courses.
Sushi can't be much better than this, service has remained the same over the years and wa sstill good and attentive.
Dessert was a trio of Creme caramels- hazelnut, vanilla - i can't remember the other one.
March 13, 2008- Vancouver
Had a hunger for beijing duck and went to a place called Northern Dynasty in Richmond across from the Four Points Sheraton-
They served the duck 2 ways and it was good- the other dishes very so-so; fried rice was bland-
I'd go back though for the Beijing duck
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Feb 28th to March 2nd
Detroit to Montreal to Los Angeles in 3 Days
The Detroit Metro Airport is one of the best airports we have in North America (my opinion solely) - the shops, the restaurants, the Westin Hotel--Food was great at the Westin Hotel and at the Japanese Restaurant at the airport-
http://www.metroairport.com/services/mcnamara.asp
not something you expect at an airport location- maybe its because of all the Japanese flights-not enough time to explore food outside of the airport as there was a big snowstorm going on .
Montreal- is a fabulous city- cosmopolitan, vibrant- good food- everthing you want in a city. Although the city was buried in snow, the eating places were open on Ste Catherine- the main avenue in downtown. Here you can have different kinds of food from Montreal Meats at
Reubens http://www.reubensdeli.com/large/indexB.html
to poutine at different places. If you are ever in Montreal on a weekday and have time for one lunch and one dinner- you have to go to Le Caveau at 2063 Rue Victoria- a nice french restaurant in a cave like building. Have the duck confit.
For dinner one must go to AU Pied Cochon on 536 Duluth Est
http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/
here you can have everything with foie gras- you cannot find the freshest best foie gras in North AMerica. The servings are large too; On numerous occassions I have had foie gras with poutine, foie gras with magret, foie gras with pork and a side order of foie gras- meltingly good.
Reservations are a must though as it is always packed.
Back to Los Angeles March 2nd
Dinner at Ebisu in Little Tokyo brings you back to Tokyo- all the servers are Japanese, all the patrons speak Japanese- the sashimi box and sushi plate are reasonably priced ; If you want the best freshest sushi go to sushi gen a few steps down but the wait is always too long
The Detroit Metro Airport is one of the best airports we have in North America (my opinion solely) - the shops, the restaurants, the Westin Hotel--Food was great at the Westin Hotel and at the Japanese Restaurant at the airport-
http://www.metroairport.com/services/mcnamara.asp
not something you expect at an airport location- maybe its because of all the Japanese flights-not enough time to explore food outside of the airport as there was a big snowstorm going on .
Montreal- is a fabulous city- cosmopolitan, vibrant- good food- everthing you want in a city. Although the city was buried in snow, the eating places were open on Ste Catherine- the main avenue in downtown. Here you can have different kinds of food from Montreal Meats at
Reubens http://www.reubensdeli.com/large/indexB.html
to poutine at different places. If you are ever in Montreal on a weekday and have time for one lunch and one dinner- you have to go to Le Caveau at 2063 Rue Victoria- a nice french restaurant in a cave like building. Have the duck confit.
For dinner one must go to AU Pied Cochon on 536 Duluth Est
http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/
here you can have everything with foie gras- you cannot find the freshest best foie gras in North AMerica. The servings are large too; On numerous occassions I have had foie gras with poutine, foie gras with magret, foie gras with pork and a side order of foie gras- meltingly good.
Reservations are a must though as it is always packed.
Back to Los Angeles March 2nd
Dinner at Ebisu in Little Tokyo brings you back to Tokyo- all the servers are Japanese, all the patrons speak Japanese- the sashimi box and sushi plate are reasonably priced ; If you want the best freshest sushi go to sushi gen a few steps down but the wait is always too long
Feb 25-27 Los Angeles
Feb 25th- Had office visitors so made a quick for lunch to Titos Tacos
http://www.titostacos.com/
Chips were great, no soft tacos though- makes sense why people fall in line, Cheap too!!!
Feb 26th- Santa Maria BBQ was it for lunch - at their location in Culver Cityhttp://www.santamariabbq.com/all.htm
tri-tips, ribs, steaks- everything for meatlovers-
Bread was good too- you gotta eat it hot though- not as good cold-
http://www.titostacos.com/
Chips were great, no soft tacos though- makes sense why people fall in line, Cheap too!!!
Feb 26th- Santa Maria BBQ was it for lunch - at their location in Culver Cityhttp://www.santamariabbq.com/all.htm
tri-tips, ribs, steaks- everything for meatlovers-
Bread was good too- you gotta eat it hot though- not as good cold-
Friday, February 22, 2008
Feb 20-21 Still in Miami Beach
Feb 20th- after all the eating yesterday, we decided to go easy today and drove to the Argentinian Tango Grill in Key Biscayne- nice drive to the area-
We had a plate of the mixed grill- steaks, sweetbreads, ribs- you name it- good stuff
We also had Argentinian empanadas- and coconut shrimp.
After hours of bar hopping- it was midnight and we decided to have some cuban sanwiches but we missed it by seconds and ended us having philly cheesesteaks at 1AM from a store on Le Jeune Road at 1AM
Feb 21st- Cuban Coffee- one must try the Cuban coffee, either the cortadito (espresso with lots of sugar) or the Cafe con Leche- Coffee with sugar and milk- the jolt alone will last you through the day
We could not resist having a late lunch again at Versaille although we had dinner reservations at Govind Armstrongs Table 8 on 1458 Ocean Drive in South Beach.
Versailles--- Ropa Vieja, Tasajo and lamb shanks this time- good stuff and we left with boxes of cuban pastries- Pastiletos con guava (Pastries with guava paste) these are addictive and will bring your blood sugar up.
Left Versailles for a quick change at the Hotel and drove straight to Southbeach for dinner.
Table 8 is a nice restaurant in South Beach Florida.
http://www.table8la.com/sb.html
The food was very good- Kobe Beef, Burrata- (very fresh); yellow tail could not remember everything we ordered and the wines complimented the dishes
The chef was even there I guess because the South Beach Wine and Food Festival was ongoing on the beach itself.
2 full meals in 5 hours- was too much- have to go to Mangos bar to unwind and take in the loud latin beat. This time it was packed- no room for movement.
3 Hours sleep everynight for the last 4 nights- was too much- have to unwind and go back to LA.
Feb 22, 2008
Left the hotel for an 8:00 AM flight to LA; whew- glad to be able to stop eating for a while
We had a plate of the mixed grill- steaks, sweetbreads, ribs- you name it- good stuff
We also had Argentinian empanadas- and coconut shrimp.
After hours of bar hopping- it was midnight and we decided to have some cuban sanwiches but we missed it by seconds and ended us having philly cheesesteaks at 1AM from a store on Le Jeune Road at 1AM
Feb 21st- Cuban Coffee- one must try the Cuban coffee, either the cortadito (espresso with lots of sugar) or the Cafe con Leche- Coffee with sugar and milk- the jolt alone will last you through the day
We could not resist having a late lunch again at Versaille although we had dinner reservations at Govind Armstrongs Table 8 on 1458 Ocean Drive in South Beach.
Versailles--- Ropa Vieja, Tasajo and lamb shanks this time- good stuff and we left with boxes of cuban pastries- Pastiletos con guava (Pastries with guava paste) these are addictive and will bring your blood sugar up.
Left Versailles for a quick change at the Hotel and drove straight to Southbeach for dinner.
Table 8 is a nice restaurant in South Beach Florida.
http://www.table8la.com/sb.html
The food was very good- Kobe Beef, Burrata- (very fresh); yellow tail could not remember everything we ordered and the wines complimented the dishes
The chef was even there I guess because the South Beach Wine and Food Festival was ongoing on the beach itself.
2 full meals in 5 hours- was too much- have to go to Mangos bar to unwind and take in the loud latin beat. This time it was packed- no room for movement.
3 Hours sleep everynight for the last 4 nights- was too much- have to unwind and go back to LA.
Feb 22, 2008
Left the hotel for an 8:00 AM flight to LA; whew- glad to be able to stop eating for a while
Feb 18-19, 2008
From Los Angeles to Detroit to Miami
Feb 18 was lunch at Chipotles Mexican Grill in Pasadena- very reasonable and if you don't want the burrito , you can have it in a bowl without the tortilla. The Barbacoa is the best meat; the servers however rush you into ordering so you tend to just say everything on it .
Feb 19th- MIAMI - When you are in Miami, eating at the foremost Cuban Restaurant Versailles on Calle Ocho is a must.
Have the Vaca Frita ( shredded beef with plaintains and cuban black bean rice) and yuca fries. For Dessert Tres Leches is a must.
And thats only for lunch, dinner was at one of the restaurants on Ocean Drive in Soutbeach- steaks and seafood- thats all there is- very expensive though as its a tourist area.
After dinner we had mojitos and caipirinhas at Mango's a loud bar with goodlooking latin ladies and men dancing. We wonder how all the males in Miami Beach are good at salsa.
Feb 18 was lunch at Chipotles Mexican Grill in Pasadena- very reasonable and if you don't want the burrito , you can have it in a bowl without the tortilla. The Barbacoa is the best meat; the servers however rush you into ordering so you tend to just say everything on it .
Feb 19th- MIAMI - When you are in Miami, eating at the foremost Cuban Restaurant Versailles on Calle Ocho is a must.
Have the Vaca Frita ( shredded beef with plaintains and cuban black bean rice) and yuca fries. For Dessert Tres Leches is a must.
And thats only for lunch, dinner was at one of the restaurants on Ocean Drive in Soutbeach- steaks and seafood- thats all there is- very expensive though as its a tourist area.
After dinner we had mojitos and caipirinhas at Mango's a loud bar with goodlooking latin ladies and men dancing. We wonder how all the males in Miami Beach are good at salsa.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Pizzeria Mozza on Feb 15th
Dinner on Feb 15th was at Pizzeria Mozza- Nancy Silverton/Mario Batali's pizza joint on Highland and Melrose in Los Angeles.
The menu has changed a bit- gone were the Littleneck clams, lardo and squash blossom pizza.
We has white bean bruschette and Nancys chopped salad - which were very good choices.
We ordered 4 different kinds of pizza
Fennel Sausage- best amongst our order
Egg, guanciale, radiccio and bagna cauda- not bad
Goat cheese, leeks scallions and bacon- anything with bacon has to be good
Gorgonzola, radiccio and fingerling potatoes- our least favorite, the radiccio did not go well with everything else, in our opinion
Dessert was good- the Budino, olive oil gelato , soffiata and the lemon gelato pie-
Was worth the 1 month wait for reservations
The menu has changed a bit- gone were the Littleneck clams, lardo and squash blossom pizza.
We has white bean bruschette and Nancys chopped salad - which were very good choices.
We ordered 4 different kinds of pizza
Fennel Sausage- best amongst our order
Egg, guanciale, radiccio and bagna cauda- not bad
Goat cheese, leeks scallions and bacon- anything with bacon has to be good
Gorgonzola, radiccio and fingerling potatoes- our least favorite, the radiccio did not go well with everything else, in our opinion
Dessert was good- the Budino, olive oil gelato , soffiata and the lemon gelato pie-
Was worth the 1 month wait for reservations
Still in Los Angeles Feb 4-10
Poquito Mas close to Universal Studios was it for lunch on Feb 9th-
Very good tacos- you can't get more orginal than this- poquitomas.com would give you more info on their various locations-
On my way back to Vancouver Feb 10th- saw me looking for a place to eat quickly close to LAX. As I had 45 minutes to spare , Kabuki was out of the question- ended at IHOP on Sepulveda and Manchester-
Have not been to IHOP in years and I think Denny's would be a much better choice.
Very good tacos- you can't get more orginal than this- poquitomas.com would give you more info on their various locations-
On my way back to Vancouver Feb 10th- saw me looking for a place to eat quickly close to LAX. As I had 45 minutes to spare , Kabuki was out of the question- ended at IHOP on Sepulveda and Manchester-
Have not been to IHOP in years and I think Denny's would be a much better choice.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Back in Los Angeles Feb 1-3
Superbowl weekend- means stay at home- managed a quick bite however on Saturday at Noodle World on Colorado Blvd in Pasadena
Nice cheap Asian food place- everthing less than $10.00
Nice cheap Asian food place- everthing less than $10.00
January 28-31 in Vancouver , BC
Vancouver was having its dineout Vancouver festival and some good restaurants were participating.
Dinner on January 28th was at Cactus Club in Richmond - of Seared Ahi Tuna with Rice pilaff and came with fresh pineapple garnish- food was good - a little expensive though- but a lot of server watching- All the young female servers looked Hot!!! and at this restuarant all had to wear black
January 29th at "C" on Howe Street- This restaurant is considered to be one of Vancouvers top 5- and in all my visits I have never been disappointed. Appetizers were a salad and some seared foie gras - while the main course was Alberta beef - cooked perfectly. Wines by the bottle were expensive!!! The view however is breathtaking- of Granville Island-
January 30th at Feenies oN Broadway- Used to be a very good restaurant- rumors had it that they no longer had Chef Robert Feenie- dinner was terrible. We ordered artic char and received salmon- no explanations- thought we won't notice the difference- In all my times at this restaurant- this was the worse. I don't recomemmend coming here again.
Dinner on January 28th was at Cactus Club in Richmond - of Seared Ahi Tuna with Rice pilaff and came with fresh pineapple garnish- food was good - a little expensive though- but a lot of server watching- All the young female servers looked Hot!!! and at this restuarant all had to wear black
January 29th at "C" on Howe Street- This restaurant is considered to be one of Vancouvers top 5- and in all my visits I have never been disappointed. Appetizers were a salad and some seared foie gras - while the main course was Alberta beef - cooked perfectly. Wines by the bottle were expensive!!! The view however is breathtaking- of Granville Island-
January 30th at Feenies oN Broadway- Used to be a very good restaurant- rumors had it that they no longer had Chef Robert Feenie- dinner was terrible. We ordered artic char and received salmon- no explanations- thought we won't notice the difference- In all my times at this restaurant- this was the worse. I don't recomemmend coming here again.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Indian Food in Los Angeles
Back in Los Angeles, we had to have Indian food which made me drive to
Shan Restaurant in Artesia- Authentic Indian Buffet lunch for just about $11-
(562) 924-1880
18743 Pioneer Blvd
Artesia, CA 90701
Shan Restaurant in Artesia- Authentic Indian Buffet lunch for just about $11-
(562) 924-1880
18743 Pioneer Blvd
Artesia, CA 90701
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Still in Houston
Lunch at Cafe Annie was very good- learned later that this restaurant in the Houston Galleria area has received numerous awards. Lunch was melon and shrimp salad(very refreshing) and hanger steak with a bittersweet chocolate adobado sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly. Dessert was a creme carame with cinnamon churros. A little expensive for lunch but worth it.
www.cafe-annie.com 1728 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056(713) 840-1111
If you ever have time to spare going through George Bush Airport in Houston ; lunch at Papadeux's in Terminal E is a must. Cajun food is all there is- buffet is served at lunch and consists of deep fried catfish and chicken fingers, crawfish etoufee, blackened catfish, dirty rice and of course youcan have gumbo. Yum!!! Good lunch today
Going to Memphis soon and will try the BB-Q
www.cafe-annie.com 1728 Post Oak Blvd Houston, TX 77056(713) 840-1111
If you ever have time to spare going through George Bush Airport in Houston ; lunch at Papadeux's in Terminal E is a must. Cajun food is all there is- buffet is served at lunch and consists of deep fried catfish and chicken fingers, crawfish etoufee, blackened catfish, dirty rice and of course youcan have gumbo. Yum!!! Good lunch today
Going to Memphis soon and will try the BB-Q
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
January 2008
I was in vancouver and had an early dinner at Rangoli
http://www.vijsrangoli.ca/ This is the smaller restaurant by Vij Rangoli- his flagship restaurant is next door , no reservations are take so you have to queueup at 5:00 PM otherwise you will have to wait till 8:30 to get in. The food is indian inspired and very good. We had the samosa appetizer that come with chickpeas and a lamb curry dish with Rice- good stuff cheap wines by the glass too. And if thats not enough there are pouches of single servibg food avaialable for take out at about $7.00
The Next night I had dinner at Jang Mo Jib next to the Four Points Sheraton in Richmond, BC- normally have galbi- the barb-qued beef short ribs but I had bulgogi this time- it was also good
Today I fly back to Los Angeles so its airport food- at the Vancouver airport your best bet is Hanami- close to Internation Departures- Japanese food, dimsum and chinese dishes. The japanese bentos are good and cheap and so are the chinese dimsum dishes. Don't spend more that $10 per person.
From Los Angeles we had to get on a cruise ship to Ensenada , Mexico and had the best market meal ever at the public marker. Ask for the mercado negro and go to the market and tell them what fish you want cooked for you- pargo frito (deep fried red snapper) is good so is the camarones aguachile and prawn tostadas- down it with some Pacifico and your made o and have some very fresh fish tacos
So much eating for the second week.
Third Week
In Los Angeles we had dinner a japanese place in Little Tokyo called Kappo Ishito at the Weller Court on the 3rd floor. www.japaneserestaurantinfo.com/kappoishito/01.htm
Food is good and not your ordinary sushi, and a costs a liitle more that the others sushi places.
To end the week we had lunch at Roscoes Chicken and waffles in Hollywood - what more do you want on a sunday- you leave full with enough energy to take a nap and maybe skip dinner
Fourth Week
Brings me to Houston via Memphis- tried Corkys BBQ Bun at the airport but it was horrible, I will try a full rack next time on my way back. In houston we late dinner of filet mignon at the Omaha Steakhouse- was good-located at the Sheraton Suites near the Galleria
Second Week
1488 West 11th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6H 1L1
phone (604) 736-5711
fax (604) 736-3701
I was in vancouver and had an early dinner at Rangoli
http://www.vijsrangoli.ca/ This is the smaller restaurant by Vij Rangoli- his flagship restaurant is next door , no reservations are take so you have to queueup at 5:00 PM otherwise you will have to wait till 8:30 to get in. The food is indian inspired and very good. We had the samosa appetizer that come with chickpeas and a lamb curry dish with Rice- good stuff cheap wines by the glass too. And if thats not enough there are pouches of single servibg food avaialable for take out at about $7.00
The Next night I had dinner at Jang Mo Jib next to the Four Points Sheraton in Richmond, BC- normally have galbi- the barb-qued beef short ribs but I had bulgogi this time- it was also good
Today I fly back to Los Angeles so its airport food- at the Vancouver airport your best bet is Hanami- close to Internation Departures- Japanese food, dimsum and chinese dishes. The japanese bentos are good and cheap and so are the chinese dimsum dishes. Don't spend more that $10 per person.
From Los Angeles we had to get on a cruise ship to Ensenada , Mexico and had the best market meal ever at the public marker. Ask for the mercado negro and go to the market and tell them what fish you want cooked for you- pargo frito (deep fried red snapper) is good so is the camarones aguachile and prawn tostadas- down it with some Pacifico and your made o and have some very fresh fish tacos
So much eating for the second week.
Third Week
In Los Angeles we had dinner a japanese place in Little Tokyo called Kappo Ishito at the Weller Court on the 3rd floor. www.japaneserestaurantinfo.com/kappoishito/01.htm
Food is good and not your ordinary sushi, and a costs a liitle more that the others sushi places.
To end the week we had lunch at Roscoes Chicken and waffles in Hollywood - what more do you want on a sunday- you leave full with enough energy to take a nap and maybe skip dinner
Fourth Week
Brings me to Houston via Memphis- tried Corkys BBQ Bun at the airport but it was horrible, I will try a full rack next time on my way back. In houston we late dinner of filet mignon at the Omaha Steakhouse- was good-located at the Sheraton Suites near the Galleria
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
January 2008 Food Trips
I do a lot of travelling for work and eat out a lot. This blog is all about the restaurants and food places i've been to.
New Years Day we had lunch at Newport Seafood House
(626) 289-5998
835 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776(San Gabriel is the new China town in Los Angeles) where they serve Chinese-Vietnamese fare. The French Beef and Deepfried Sole and The House special of crabs and lobsters are very good. The restaurant only takes cash though so be sure you have enough of it.The wait is about 30 minutes if you come at lunch hours (weekends) and at early dinner hours.
New Years Day we had lunch at Newport Seafood House
(626) 289-5998
835 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776(San Gabriel is the new China town in Los Angeles) where they serve Chinese-Vietnamese fare. The French Beef and Deepfried Sole and The House special of crabs and lobsters are very good. The restaurant only takes cash though so be sure you have enough of it.The wait is about 30 minutes if you come at lunch hours (weekends) and at early dinner hours.
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