Sunday, November 30, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
Architectural Tour of Downtown Los Angeles with LA Conservancy
Did you know that downtown Los Angeles actually has some cool architecture and historic buildings? And did you know that you can take a tour with LA Conservancy to see them?
I took this tour with a group of bloggers one Sunday morning. We had a very enthusiastic tour guide (who is obviously a Hapa as you can see from his t shirt).
Before we started walking he explained the two main architectural styles we will see. One is the Beaux Artes style which we could see with the Millennium Biltmore hotel nearby. The beaux artes style buildings feature three horizontal layers and typically pay tribute to the Greco Roman empire through their accents and decorations.
Not the Biltmore, but a typical beaux artes style nonetheless. |
Posted by gourmetpigs at 8:13 AM 1 comments
Labels: angels flight, Architecture, Art Deco, beaux artes, bradbury building, downtown la, dtla, la conservancy, los angeles, walking tour
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Omakase at Q Sushi (Downtown Los Angeles)
One of the latest high end sushi restaurants to open in Los Angeles is Q Sushi in downtown. It's a quiet dining experience: he interior is stark, but certainly well thought out and elegant. The man behind the operation is Chef Hiroyuki Naruke who ran a small sushi bar in Tokyo but moved to Los Angeles after the tsunami in 2011.
Q has been called the most traditional, "real edomae" sushi in LA, which focuses on the flavors of the fish rather than the rice or condiments (says the J Gold). I suppose it's true that LA has had a fascination with sushi rice since the days of the Sushi Nazi.
Waiting for my perpetually late LA friend, my sushi chef (not Naruke) entertains me by showing me their wasabi from Shizuoka. Just like the restaurant, chef Naruke is a quiet man and he oversees everything even when he's not making the sushi.
Finally my friend arrives and our meal starts with a light, bright sashimi of Fluke
Followed by a fattier Baja California Swordfish with caramelized onion dressing and soy sauce
The touch of the dressing and sauces here are delicate, not a drizzle more that might overpower the fish.
Next: Japanese red snapper in homemade black sesame paste, garnished with gold flake
The first time I've had sashimi with black sesame, and I certainly enjoyed the unusual combination.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 8:32 AM 0 comments
Labels: downtown, dtla, edomae sushi, la, los angeles, omakase, q sushi, sashimi, sushi, toro, uni
Sunday, August 24, 2014
New Chef Heralds Summer at Cafe Pinot (Downtown LA)
Downtown's Cafe Pinot has announced Joe Vasiloff as their new head chef. Chef Vasiloff has worked with the Patina Group since 2011, most recently opening the Wine Bar at the Hollywood Bowl. Before that, he's also worked at Bouchon and Animal.
I recently went to a lunch tasting, sampling some of his menu offerings.
Soup du Jour: Chilled heirloom tomato soup, bluefin crab salad, old bay and cheddar crackers
Burrata salad, mixed stone fruits, honeycomb, mint, smoked sea salt, mache, marcona almonds, candied lime
There are quite a lot going on in this burrata salad! I particularly loved the addition of the honeycomb, and the almonds provided a nice texture contrast. I think I might start putting honeycomb on my salads ...
Posted by gourmetpigs at 7:48 AM 0 comments
Labels: cafe pinot, downtown, dtla, fried chicken sandwich, los angeles, patina group
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Build Your Own Burger at Nick + Stef's
Nick + Stef's in downtown LA has started a Craft Your Own Burger experience, available daily after 5pm at the bar and patio areas only.
You can choose your own 8 oz patty, toppings, cheese, and sauces, but being a Patina Group restaurant, there are some wild card options like bone marrow and mac n cheese! I, of course, had to make one with bone marrow. You can see the options below:
Posted by gourmetpigs at 8:16 AM 0 comments
Labels: bone marrow, build your own burger, burger, downtown, downtown la, dtla, los angeles, mac n cheese, mac n cheese burger, nick and stef's, patina group
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Sipping through the Spring Cocktails at Mo-Chica
by guest blogger Brian Lee @iam_robot
By now I trust you all have made it to Mo-Chica. Since its opening more than 2 years ago, this modern Peruvian delight is known for its fantastic lunch deal, expansive happy hour menu and wildly exotic fares (alpacas stew, Amazonian fish escabeche, etc). It’s definitely one of my favorites and it almost seemed like a miracle when Zarate moved to this upscale DTLA location after 3 years residing as a modest food court stand in Mercado Paloma (east of USC). I remember I was redeeming my $20 groupon and I was thoroughly wowed with his mashed potatoes & crab dish (Crab Causitas).
Last Monday I had the chance to taste their spring cocktail menus. Each season, experienced mixologists update their cocktail menu to accentuate local and seasonal ingredients and both classic and new trends. This time, Deysi Alvarez, also mixologist at Zarate’s Paiche & Blue Tavern, incorporates fresh fruits and floral accents to match up Zarate’s fresh tropical dishes like Chicken Truffle Causitas and Crab Causitas. I think I ate 8 of those crab causitas ...
I really like how Alvarez infuses lots of unconventional ingredients into her drinks (egg whites, chica morada reduction, or rhubarb cardamom gomme). As strange as some of these ingredients sound, her drinks are very approachable to amateur cocktail drinkers like me – they mostly taste refreshing without being overly fruity or sweet.
Below is the list of cocktails presented to me:
Basil Blossom - Thai basil infused quinoa vodka, violet liqueur, fresh lemon, simple syrup, soda water
This is probably my favorite. I am bewildered with the floral aroma and burst of fruity flavor from the vodka and violet liqueur. I was hesitant about the violet liqueur inclusion at first but the aroma is very subdued & not artificial at all. Overall the cocktail feels very light with some fizzy finish. I thought this would pair very well with lightly seasoned dishes or steamed vegetables.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 8:49 AM 0 comments
Labels: cocktail, deysi alvarez, downtown, dtla, mo-chica, peruvian, ricardo zarate
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Chaya Downtown Introduces Kaisen Seafood Menu
Following its popularity at the San Francisco location, Chaya Downtown recently launched a Kaisen (seafood) menu.
We had a tasting of the Kaisen menu (and more), starting with the Uni and oyster shooter (Pacific oyster with sakura shio ponzu, ikura, momiji, seaweed). To the right is an amuse bouche of crispy uni tofu (made with uni puree), topped with soft scrambled egg and Santa Barbara uni. Yep, the uni is also mixed inside the tofu, not just on top!
The Kaisen platter is $62 for a small or $120 for a large one. Served in a beautiful box filled with ice, the platter is certainly eye catching. Want to impress a client or a date? Get one of these!
The platter includes Shigoku and Kusshi oysters, sushi rolls, and a bunch of ceviche and other raw seafood dishes.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:24 AM 0 comments
Labels: chaya, chaya downtown, downtown, dtla, kaisen, king crab, los angeles, paella, seafood, soft shell crab, sushi
Friday, May 16, 2014
Provence Menu and Paul Sanguinetti's Cocktails at Kendall's Brasserie
I've always only thought of Kendall's Brasserie as that pre-theatre and opera restaurant. Sure, it's a Patina restaurant, but I never really tried to visit the restaurant sitting below the Ahmanson and Dorothy Chandler. Their cocktail menu has gotten a big revamp, as well - more on that in a bit.
Well, recently I finally made it in to try their limited-time Provence menu. I started with the Chabrirou Gratinée (Baked Goat Cheese on Potato Salad, Mixed Frisée-Arugula Salad, Picholine Olives - $15)
Brandade Cake (salted cod and potato cake, fennel, arugula salad - $16)
The cocktails here have gotten a huge upgrade since Paul Sanguinetti (Ray's and Stark Bar) took over the menu. He has a few special ones for the Provence menu ($12 each).
I started with the St. Tropez Swizzle (Absolut Elyx Vodka, Imbue Petal and Thorn Rose Vermouth, Chamomile Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fever Tree Soda Water, Crushed Ice)
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:34 AM 0 comments
Labels: downtown, dtla, french food, kendalls brasserie, los angeles, patina group, paul sanguinetti, provence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Tacolandia Returns on June 28!
A $25 all-you-can-eat taco festival curated by Street Gourmet LA? Yep, Tacolandia returns this summer on June 28. Tacolandia is probably the most affordable food festival out there, and the food is great!
Among the favorites last year making a return this year Mariscos Jalisco and their famed fried shrimp tacos
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: downtown, dtla, food festival, los angeles, streetgourmetla, summer, taco, taco festival, Tacolandia
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Fickle's New Spring Menu + $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway!
Little Tokyo is not just for ramen and sushi. There's plenty of diversity in the restaurants that have popped up there recently.
At Fickle, you will find a range of items from shrimp cocktails to Vietnamese style noodles. From the new spring menu, I liked the Kampuchia Shrimp with Pickled Carrot and Cilantro, Black Pepper and Lime Vinaigrette. Dip them generously in the sauce.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:30 AM 10 comments
Labels: bone marrow, downtown, dtla, fickle, little tokyo, los angeles, sea urchin, uni
Sunday, April 13, 2014
DTLA's Hot Spot: Faith and Flower
The huge space that was Towne in the WaterMarke Tower has turned into one of the hottest restaurants in Los Angeles. Faith & Flower is the newest project from David Bernahl and Rob Weakley (LA Food and Wine, 1833), and Stephane Bombet (formerly a partner of Picca and all of Ricardo Zarate's restaurants). Faith & Flower's kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Michael Hung whom they had recruited from San Francisco who has previously worked with Traci des Jardins.
I love how the menu is inserted into a gorgeous bound book.
The content of the book is mostly gibberish but look through it to find some gems (like a quote from Louis C.K.)
For appetizers, don't miss the New York Steak Tartare, uni cream, kombu seaweed, black sesame ($14)
The combination of two of my favorite foods, beef tartare and uni, was amazing and brought together well by the crispy rice chips.
People were raving about the sea urchin toast, but alas, I couldn't have it that night. The chef had sent back the uni he got because he wasn't happy with the quality. I'm glad he has high standards though, I'll just have to return for the uni toast. Instead, I tried the Dungeness Crab Toast with jicama, pickled sea beans, green goddess aioli ($15)
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:13 AM 0 comments
Labels: bone marrow, cocktail, downtown, dtla, english milk punch, faith and flower, la restaurant, los angeles, sea urchin, steak, uni
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
A Breakfast Tour of Downtown LA's Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles is one of the most exciting food destinations lately, with tons of new vendors opening up shop. I was recently invited to a breakfast tour of some of these vendors, new and old. Since it's breakfast, we of course started with G&B Coffee.
Our next stop was Sticky Rice.
What we had for breakfast was actually a snack that they will have in the afternoons, Kanom Krok. They have a special pan to make these delicious little coconut custard cakes.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: breakfast, breakfast burrito, cheese, coffee, downtown, dtla, DTLA cheese store, g and b, grand central market, juice, la, los angeles, pastry, sticky rice, Valerie
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Tom's Urban Opens at L.A. Live
The newest lineup on the bright lights of LA Live is quite distinct from any of its neighbors. Far from the glitz of Fleming’s or Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill, Tom’s Urban seeks to whip up multi-ethnic and contemporary cuisines utilizing the freshest ingredients. With its expansive space and state of the art décor, Tom’s Urban is definitely a cozy hangout spot offering a fully stocked bar of liquor, beer and wine, gourmet bar food and comfort food.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 11:18 AM 0 comments
Labels: bar, cocktail, downtown, dtla, la live, late night, los angeles, staples center, tom ryan, tom's urban
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Cocktail Academy's Apartment A, Now Open for Education and Parties
Apartment A itself is a beautiful space. The first thing I noticed while trying to find the place is the billowing white curtain by the door. Stepping up the stool reveals the dimly lit room decorated with hanging vines and lovely couches. It's cozy, charming, and comfortable. It won't hold a lot of people but it's perfect for small parties or intimate tastings.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 1:56 PM 0 comments
Labels: apartment a, brandyn tepper, cocktail, Cocktail academy, downtown, dtla, los angeles, max kestenbaum, private event, venue
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Bulgogi Banh Mi and Juices at Fruit Farm in Little Tokyo
An unassuming cafe called Fruit Farm had popped up inside of Little Tokyo's Galleria mall, serving fresh juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. What to know is that one of the owners is Korean so you can get fun sandwich mash ups like this bulgogi banh mi ($6.75 gets you the two pieces shown below and you can get half filled with something else!)
The bulgogi tends on the sweeter side and I think the light spiciness of the pork works better with the banh mi accompaniments, but both were good and interesting.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 9:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: banh mi, bulgogi, downtown, dtla, galleria, juice, korean, little tokyo, los angeles, lunch, salad, sandwich
Thursday, December 12, 2013
643 North: Polenta Pizza and Craft Cocktails in Chinatown
While Italian restaurants and craft beer and cocktail bars are abound in downtown Los Angeles, 643 North occupies an unusual location: Chinatown. You might be confused driving there through a desolate part of Chinatown, but don't worry, it's there. Plus they have a free parking lot to the left, perks of a cheaper real estate.
You shouldn't miss their pasta, though, especially the Ossobuco ravioli (braised veal, housemade ravioli, baby heirloom tomatoes, broccolini, Parmesan broth, Parmesan cheese, $17)
I was expecting a heavy dish, as ossobuco typically is, but this is light and lovely. The al dente ravioli sits in a bright parmesan broth, letting diners experience ossobuco in a different way. This was one of the highlights of my meal.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the cocktails here, created by Adam Acuff from Far Bar, which is more known for their beers rather than cocktails (643 North also has a good beer list). All cocktails are $12 and include drinks like Smokey the Pear (High West Campfire, St Germain, spiced pear syrup, lemon bitters) which was nicely balanced.
Posted by gourmetpigs at 8:33 AM 0 comments
Labels: 643 north, beer, build your own, chinatown, cocktail, coffee, downtown, dtla, la, los angeles, manhattan, martini, pizza, polenta, polenta pizza, ravioli, sliders
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Factory Kitchen: A Strong Italian Contender in Downtown LA
I've had many good meals, but every once in a while, one stands out above the rest. This was my experience at The Factory Kitchen, which opened up in downtown LA recently. I didn't know much about it before, so I was quite surprised, but I really should've heard more. The chef, Angelo Auriana, was the executive chef at Valentino for 18 years before moving to Farina in San Francisco. The manager, Matteo Ferdinandi, was a business partner of Celestino Drago. Both of them are the epitome of Italian hospitality.
Because of the name, I was expecting a small restaurant, but the large dining room is simple but elegant.
I tasted another writer's Urban Cowboy (bacanora, cochhi americano, grapefruit, lime, sage honey - $10)
Bacanora is a rare find in the US, and I love how he used it in this cocktail.
I ordered the Soon To Be Divorced (tequila, campari, lime, agave, thyme - $10). I've never had tequila and campari together, but this was very drinkable with the lovely thyme aroma. Other than these seasonal drinks, Karl has a short list of classics as well.
For the wines, Francine Diamond Ferdinandi, who's worked at Gramercy Tavern and Spago, has created a small but impressive wine list. We left it to her to choose our wines and so should you.
Be sure to get the Prosciutto, which came in an unexpected form. 24 months Parma prosciutto is served atop a lightly fried sage dough, with some stracciatella in the middle ($18)
Barberosse Gratinate: oven baked sliced beet casserole with melted Asiago ($10)
Rather than pizza, The Factory Kitchen serves Focaccina calda di recco al formaggio, a thin focaccio crust. We liked both the traditional (with Ligurian olive oil) and Cotto (crescenza, cotto ham, rosemary - $17)
The focaccina is stuffed with crescenza cheese which was creamy but light.
Now, the pasta. Handmade pasta is one of my favorite things in the world and there's one pasta dish here that blows the rest away. It is the Mandilli de Seta (handkerchief pasta, Ligurian almond basil pesto, fiore sardo - $19)
This... This was outstanding. It's the dish that makes the entire table fall silent. So simple yet from the silky handmade pasta to the beautifully subdued pesto that covers it. This is a dish that you dream about days after eating it. It was heavenly paired with the white wine that Francine had chosen.
Pappardelle (taggia olives speckled pasta, duckling ragu, Italian parsley - $19)
This is also a wonderful pappardelle, although it was difficult for me to go to other pasta after the previous one. I usually like pappardelle with meat ragu so I'm going to have to eat this again another time before the mandilli di seta.
Porchetta (rolled pork belly, red onion, carrots, fennel celery - $24)
This porchetta is one of the best I've tried in recent memory. The richness and fattiness doesn't overwhelm, it's tender and flavorful.
Anatra (duck breast, huckleberry, romanesco, broccoli di cicco - $26)
The duck breast was excellent, but it's the leg confit that everyone fights over!
If you want something lighter, the dentice (pan seared tai snapper) is perfectly prepared.
I had to try one more drink. The Backyard Boogie (Templeton rye, root, fennel, absinthe mist, orange oil - $10) is perfect for those who prefer stronger, more aromatic cocktails.
For dessert, you can't miss the cannoli. We saw them make the cannoli shells earlier that night.
Perhaps it was the orange marmalade on one end, or the pistachio on the other, but this ricotta-filled cannoli was simply the best I've had.
Chef Angelo Auriana |
The Factory Kitchen
1300 Factory Place #101
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 996-6000
http://thefactorykitchen.com/
Posted by gourmetpigs at 10:53 AM 1 comments
Labels: cannoli, cocktail, downtown, dtla, italian, los angeles, pasta, pesto, pizza, prosciutto, the factory kitchen
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