My "Collections" of LA's Top 16 Special Occasion Restaurant and Best Restaurant Bars

I was asked by Foodie.com to make 4 "collections" of the top spots in Los Angeles. It's a pretty easy way to make lists, I can just search for a restaurant and click to add to my collections (it's not just for restaurants but you can do the same for recipes on the site as well). Then you write a blurb about why it's in your collection. So far it's quite easy to use although the search results give you restaurants from around the country so for common names you have to sift through a bit.

Well, anyway, here are two collections that I made. One is LA's best restaurants from special occasion dining, from steak to sushi worthy of a splurge and celebration! (note: the widgets unfortunately don't show the full collections. To see the other restaurants you'd have to click "See collection")

Another collection I did is the LA restaurants with the best cocktail bars (yes, there are many other great cocktail bars but I specifically chose the ones in a restaurant for this). I ventured as far as Pasadena (1886 Bar - technically separate but it's connected to the Raymond Restaurant after all) and Seal Beach (320 Main).

Brussels Sprout 8-Ways And Great Seafood at Tapenade (West LA)

New restaurants keep popping up on Sawtelle Blvd and they're not all Japanese. Tucked inside the Olympic Collections is Tapenade, which all brussels sprout lovers should visit.

The chef, Ressul Rassalat, also loves it so much he serves it multiple ways at his restaurant. They're all prepared the same style and crispy, but with different flavors. Currently I'm counting eight different flavors of brussels sprout on the menu, and he will either rotate or add more! I had to order the "Indonesian" (because I am one, in case you didn't know) even though that was not one of the waitress' recommendations. This latest addition is made with pineapple, cashews, lime and chili ($9).

It wasn't quite typical Indonesian flavors but it was spicy and tropical. I want to try the Moroccan one next, which comes with lamb, olives, goat cheese, and red wine vinegar.

Goat cheese tapenade, brioche bread ($10)

I had to try a tapenade because of the restaurant's name! I liked its creaminess (and wished there were more bread).

I especially enjoyed the seafood dishes here, where I think the chef's classical training really shows. Try the Seared scallops, New England chowder ($14)

I thought New England chowder was the white, creamy ones and that the red one is a Manhattan chowder? Well, anyway, the scallops were perfectly cooked and fresh, and the light chowder broth had a lot of of flavors.

Read more »

Giveaway: Oktoberfest at Fairplex in Pomona

It's Oktoberfest time and time for another giveaway! I'm a bit late to this since the Oktoberfest at Fairplex in Pomona had already started on October 10, but it's still going on until the 27th so you still have time! The events are happening Thursday-Saturday 6pm to midnight and Sundays from 12-6pm.

There will be domestic and local beers, bratwurst, burgers, pretzels, and King Taco. Various cover bands are ready to entertain you with songs from traditional German "Oom-pah" to Journey and Queen. Tickets are normally $5 each with beer and food for purchase, but you can enter this giveaway for a prize package!

The prize package includes: two admission tickets to Oktoberfest, two 16oz beers, two meal tickets, and a souvenir hat.

To enter, just leave a comment below with your contact/email info.
Get an extra entry by tweeting: "Win a prize package to #Oktoberfest @Fairplex from @gourmetpigs! http://bit.ly/1alTZ2C"

I want to give you enough time to get to Pomona, so the giveaway will end at midnight this Thursday, Oct 17!