Packing up & moving on . . .

Since my life is — more or less — one big foodventure, and regularly goes beyond the confines of LA & OC, I decided to start blogging under "H.C.'s food•venture"; on top of being more encompassing of my adventures (food- and drink-focused, certainly, but not exclusively so), it's a little sleeker-looking too.

This blog will continue to be up as an archive, of sorts -- and I might even repost & repurpose some existing content here on the new space too.

Hope you continue to read & follow along, and embarking on worthwhile adventures of your own too!

~H.C.

Giveaway: Tickets for 2 to Le Grand Fooding Paris-LA Crush Preview Dinner, 4/25

from Wolvesmouth's crawfish-themed dinner in June 2012

Le Fooding, a French culinary movement described by The New Yorker as "what the New Wave was to French cinema. The hidden goal was to Americanize French food without becoming American, just as the New Wave, back in the fifties and sixties, was about taking in Hollywood virtues without being Hollywoodized" will be making its mark on L.A. on April 26 and 27 a series of events melding "eleven incredible chefs, a fine Champagne, gutsy fromages, acclaimed DJs and graphic designers to feast your senses and do some conscious good."

While two-day gastronomical affair is sold out, thanks to an opportunity sponsored by Mastercard's Priceless.com campaign, you and a guest will have an opportunity to attend a preview dinner on April 25 at 7 p.m., where you can mix and mingle with the chefs of the event while enjoying a meal prepared by Craig Thornton of Wolvesmouth and Miles Thompson of Allumette.

To enter simply follow me @LAOCFoodie and tweet:

"I've entered @LAOCFoodie & @Mastercard @Priceless' #giveaway for @LeFooding LA preview dinner on 4/25 http://bit.ly/11vwJh9"

I'll pick the winner at random around noon PDT on Wednesday, April 24 and direct message the winner with request for name, contact info, etc. (solely for fulfilling the giveaway.) In the event that the winner doesn't respond promptly, I'll pick & contact an alternate winner from random as well. Good luck!

Official disclaimer: “These tickets were given to me by MasterCard for promotional purposes to award to a reader of my blog & twitter, but I am responsible for this promotion.”

Quick Bite Highlights @ Umami Burger, Mendocino Farms, Drago Centro & VegeUSA

Just trying to jumpstart into a regular blogging routine again, so gonna attempt a weekly habit of recapping favorite bites that I've Instagrammed from the past week or so . . .

At Umami Burger in Los Feliz, I lunched on one of my favorite turkey burgers in town, the Greenbird that's piled high with assorted green toppings: butter lettuce, sprouts, green goddess dressing, crushed avocado and even a ever-so-slightly "green cheese" (which I found out from LA Weekly is a combo of more green goddess with ricotta & goat cheeses.) I love that the burger isn't dried out or too crumbly, and the assorted toppings gave it an interesting flavor and texture (I even appreciated the green cheese, even though I normally prefer a more melty cheese for a burger.)

The Smushed Potatoes with a smear of aioli were great too, love the contrast between the salty crisp skin and the buttery, fluffy interior. Alas, this was a side meant for sharing and I couldn't finish this on my own!

While working in downtown LA, I lunched at Mendocino Farms with a very yellow meal of Turkey Leg Confit sandwich with a side of Curried "That's a Choke" Couscous deli salad. The sandwich was messy (the housemade "yellow rooster sauce" was pretty watery) but worth it, giving a subtle heat to the juicy pulled turkey leg and providing some balance against the papaya slaw and pickled red onions. Of course, I also asked for a side of their jalapeno relish, which kicked up the heat factor a hundred times with repeated dipping.

The side deli salad was also great, but again, too much food for me to handle after the sandwich. So I'm thankful it already came in a to-go container, which allowed me to convert it into a breakfast (topped with diced avocados) the morning after.

While debating dinner plans that same day, I also made a stop by Drago Centro, which has one of the best bar menu deals in downtown (and possibly LA) with a variety of tasty bar bites and drinks on their all day long happy hour menu. Normally I wouldn't give a second thought about dining at Drago but after the Mendocino carb fest for lunch, I couldn't bring myself to indulge in pasta here (and not ordering it would've been sacrilegious!)

So I indulged on a simple snack four of Crystal Point Oysters topped with rhubarb "caviar", 4 for $5, and a glass of Le Vigne de Alice Prosecco. I was also lucky enough to taste some of their Spring cocktail experimentations, but will keep that hush hush until they're perfected for debut later this month. (Ok, maybe I'm not so great at keeping a secret, particularly after a glass of bubbly.)

And lastly, this past Friday I had a chance to finally check out VegeUSA, a vegetarian marketplace with a small café attached. I went for a trio of their Vegan Tacos ($1.90 each) and even though I'm not big on faux meats, the "fish" taco had surprisingly great flavor and texture -- might've even fooled me for real fish if not for its perfect slice shape, even after a deep-fry.

I wasn't so hot about the other two fake meats ("spareribs" and "BBQ chicken") but the fish taco is promising enough that I'll give some of their other dishes a try (definitely curious about their faux-crabcake salad), and shop from their market as well -- particularly stockpiling on their frozen vegetarian steamed buns!

Tasting Omni Hotels' Simply Street Food Menu @ Noe Restaurant & Bar

As far excitement goes, those in hotel restaurants — particularly chains — tend to be pretty bleh. The drill and the menu reads all too familiar. Overdressed Caesar salad, a minestrone that’s been simmering for who knows how long, and of course the “just kill my tastebuds” club sandwich.

So when Conbon and I were invited to check out Omni Hotels’ Simply Street Food menu, I was definitely surprised to see them do a little risk taking with the bar fare offerings.

Wary travelers looking for comfort grub, don’t fret; Noe still offers the familiar fare of burgers and mac ‘n cheese, though I would definitely steer you towards their seafood-focused offerings, or the more exotic bites of the Simply Street menu, regionally inspired from chefs across the Omni Hotel chain. And out of that menu, these are the ones we loved the best.

Chicken Musakhan Sandwich

A great Middle Eastern spin off a chicken salad sandwich; tender, succulent pieces of chicken are roasted with aromatic spices (the sumac was the most noticeable for me) then wrapped in a pillowy flatbread with tomatoes and sweet onions. It’s festively flavorful and finger-friendly, making it a great bar bite (especially if you have a hoppy beer or an herbacious cocktail in the other hand.)

Duck Confit Empanada with Smoked Tomato Mayonnaise

A lovely high-meets-low snack, sweet duck confit is mixed with cabbage then baked into a crispy pastry crust, rounded out by the tangy & smoky dip. Like the Musakhan, I love that this is also fairly robust in flavors, and can easily hold its own against a more potent & aromatic drink.

Short Rib & Vermont Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Probably the most familiar of the Simply Street menu, I love this elevated take on the classic with short rib that’s been braised for hours, accented with the nutty tang of cheddar and smacked in between two crisped slices of sweet brioche.

And since we were at the Noe Bar, we took the time to check out some of their libations too. While I was impressed with the Vineyard Margarita pictured above (the addition of Sauvignon Blanc gave this usually-too-cloying drink a refreshing, spritzy feel), Conbon and I definitely gravitated towards Noe's Prohibition-era drinks, including a fantastic Boulevardier…

… and an old school Sazerac made with Cognac (which Tyler Dow, Noe Restaurant's General Manager, illuminated me as the original base spirit of the cocktail, before a trade embargo of sorts steered New Orleanians towards Rye; he also share similarly fantastic lore with Conbon while making her Aviation, with Creme de Violette of course!)

Needless to say, we both had a fantastic time at Noe Bar and so glad to know of this Bunker Hill gem where we can grab a fantastic classic drink, and satisfying bites to go with.

That being said, the Simply Street Food menu is expected to run through June, so hope you have a chance to try before then. Though if you're daring in the kitchen, you can always try making them at home with these recipes!

Noe Restaurant & Bar at Omni Los Angeles
251 S Olive St 
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 356-4100
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Recipe: Rocky Road Fudge

Rocky Road has been my go-to ice cream flavor since childhood; it's like getting three treats in one - indulgently rich chocolate, soft & fluffy marshmallows and the nutty crunch of almonds.

Of course the weather isn't always right for ice cream, so when I later found out that rocky road can mean any number of chocolate-marshmallow-crunch concoctions, I started experimenting with other sweets with that combo too. Fudge quickly became a front runner; it's infinitely more evergreen, more portable and arguably more healthy too, considering that I can get my chocolate fix satisfied with one little square (OK, maybe three.)

But of course, what's absolutely great about this Rocky Road Fudge is that it's a cinch to make and they're perfect bite-sized treats to bring to a party, box up as an edible gift, or simply stock away in the fridge to polish away whenever that craving hits.

Ingredients: (for approx. 60 bite-sized squares)

12 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips/chunks (my usual go to are the 60% cacao bittersweet chips from Fresh & Easy, which has a deep fruity cocoa flavor but not overly bitter or intense.)

4 oz. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

6 oz. raw almonds, coarsely chopped (walnuts/pecans work fine too)

4 oz. mini marshmallows

Optional: 1 oz. Amaretto, Coffee or Frangelico liqueur (the last is my favorite to add)

Directions:

1. Line a 8"x12" pan with aluminum foil, pressing carefully along edges & corners so you don't pierce the foil.

2. In a skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat on the stove, tossing regularly so that they don't burn. Once you smell roasted nut aromas, about 3-5 minutes, turn off heat and set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat -- when it is nearly completely melted, turn the heat to low and add chocolate chips, extracts and liqueurs, stirring slowly but steadily until you get a seductively smooth molten puddle.

4. Slowly pour about a third to a half of the melted chocolate mixture onto the foil-lined pan, using a wooden spoon or spatula to spread it out to completely cover the entire bottom of the pan.

5. Generously scatter the toasted almonds and marshmallows (as photo'd above), then pour the remaining chocolate mixture on top, covering everything evenly. 

6. Cover the pan and put it in the fridge for at least two hours (or overnight) until the fudge is set.

7. After it is set, invert the pan over a clean surface and peel off the foil.

8. Cut the rectangular block of fudge into bite-sized squares (or whatever size you choose, really) and serve right away or store in the fridge.

Obviously, it'll be a bit firmer when eaten chilled straight out of the fridge and more squidgy-soft after it comes to room temperature. I love it either way!

Recipe: Egg in a Purgatory

I am no stranger to eggs in purgatory, but my interest in this dish has been revived thanks to Nigellissima. To cite Ms. Lawson in episode 1 of this fantastic Italian-inspired series on BBC, "egg in a purgatory is absolute heaven when you're feeling like hell" and I couldn't agree more. It's comforting yet bold and super easy to make, perfect for those moments when you need something tasty and familiar pronto!

And who can really resist the glory of a poached egg's runny yolk or gooey strands of melted cheese? (Ok, maybe vegans)

This dish is extremely versatile too, letting me make use of leftover ingredients around the kitchen--particularly the scant amounts that aren't enough for a dish of their own. Post-Thanksgiving, I've tossed in a handful of bite-sized turkey meat, and other times when I'm left with a small amount of leafy greens (not enough for even an appetizer salad) I just give them a rough chop and wilt them down into this zesty stew. And it's easy to scale up if you're entertaining, just add more eggs, tomatoes & seasonings and use a bigger pan.

So here's my one of favorite breakfast-for-dinner (or dinner-for-breakfast) meal for one . . .

Egg in a Purgatory

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped scallions
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
half a can (approx. a cup) of diced tomatoes with juices - I prefer the no salt added variety
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon chopped basil
1 egg
1 ounce of shredded cheese - I prefer Asiago
1 slice of bread or English muffin

OPTIONAL: handful of cooked meat (chopped bite-sized) and/or leafy greens (rinsed, patted dry & coarsely chopped)

Directions: 
1. Turn stove on high and heat up the oil in a small skillet or wok (ideally one with a lid)
2. Add garlic, chili flakes and about half the scallions and stir until it becomes aromatic; if you have meat, add now.
3. Bring stove down to medium and add diced tomato, ketchup and basil; bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Crack egg into the center. If you have greens, sprinkle around the egg.
5. Cover with lid (or large plate) and allow it to continue simmering for 3-5 minutes, or until egg white turn opaque
6. Take lid/plate off, sprinkle with shredded cheese and let it heat for another 30 seconds
7. Turn stove off, top with remaining scallions and serve with bread, using it to sop up the runny yolk, cheese and stew (or if you're lazy like me and dining alone, eat it straight out of the wok/skillet.)

Five To Try (Again) in Las Vegas

Now that everyone in the office is coming back from the holidays, it finally means time for me to take a break. And a quick excursion to Vegas this weekend will hit the spot.

Planning out my itinerary (OK, foods and drinks -- mostly) for the trip, I decided to look back on photos from my last trip there a few months ago. Having such recalled such a great and delicious time there, thought I might as well shared some of my favorite eats and drinks then.

No. 5 - Short Rib Lasagna @ Fleur by Hubert Keller in Mandalay Bay

Simply, a trans-Atlantic comfort dishes melding together two favorites: pot roast and lasagna. The braised short rib is rich and melts in the mouth, the carrots are bright, fresh and sweet and the pasta a lovely al dente. And who can really say no to crunchy breadcrumb topping and gooey melted cheese? (I also loved the microgreens garnish, making this lunch entree seem somewhat healthy... heh)

Be sure to ask for extra bread to sop up all that gravy!

No. 4 - Tea @ Mandarin Oriental Tea Lounge

Come for the tea, but linger for relaxation and the view of the Strip. Despite being in the CityCenter, this 23rd floor lounge is a worlds-away oasis of tranquility from the hot hustle and bustle of The Strip. 

The menu here is fairly posh, but if you're on a budget I recommend getting one of their blooming teas. Yes, not cheap for $16, but it comes with endless refills of hot water (so you can taste the flavor changes as the tea further blooms). And while you're at it, might as well indulge yourself a little more with a sweet bite or two (as I did with their raspberry-yuzu macaron.)

No. 3 - Cocktails @ Vesper Bar in Cosmopolitan

Yes, I've already sang the praises of the Vesper Room before, but this place has yet to fail me on a delicious cocktail (and is one of the few reliably good places on the Strip.) 

On my last excursion there, my favorite discoveries included the One Night in Bangkok - a riff off the Ramos Gin Fizz using Thai ingredients such as lemongrass and kaffir lime to give this already refreshing drink an exotic twist, and 12 Year Itch, an available-by-the-ounce combination of Zaya Rum, Fernet Branca and Carpano Antica aged 16 weeks in a Templeton Rye barrel. A heavenly combo of sweet-yet-herbal aromas, rich-but-velvety mouthfeel and a warmingly smooth finish.

No. 2 - Combo Pan Roast @ Oyster Bar in Palace Station

A great recommendation passed to me by Conbon, this nondescript-looking eatery (in an even more unremarkable casino/resort) dishes out huge bowlfuls of slow-cooked, made-to-order comfort in the form of seafood stews. 

Even though they serve the Cajun delights of gumbos, jambalayas and etoufees; for your first time here, get their signature Combo Pan Roast - where a good helping of crab, shrimp and lobster and cooked in an intoxicatingly tasty sauce of tomato, cream and brandy (plus a whopping huge scoop of rice to lap up the remaining liquids.)

And without further adieu,

No. 1 - King Crab / Truffle Fried Rice @ Blue Ribbon Grill in Cosmopolitan

I came here initially curious about their signature fried chicken with wasabi-honey dip, and while that was delicious, what really haunted my tastebuds and mind was this fried rice. It is presented in beautiful layers, with the fried short-grained rice topped with assorted mushrooms, generous chunks of crabmeat, a soft scrambled egg and finally, fresh shavings of black truffle. Then it is all tossed together to make for one of the best "high-low" dishes I've ever had (and I'm generally one to frown upon gussied-up simple courses.)

And yes, it was worth the approximately $50 price tag, especially when there was more than enough rice to feed two (and possibly more if you throw in a few more small plates, like the fried chicken & tempura'd oysters+okras, also delicious.)

And lastly, a non-food/drink shoutout to Marquee...

...and this is coming from someone skeptical of clubs on The Strip, which tends to have overpriced covers, overpacked crowds and featuring overplayed music. I had my doubts when I was invited to check this spot out, but wound up having an amazing time and staying till 4 a.m. I love the multiple rooms each with their own decor and music style, and the general friendliness of the staff, as far as nightclubs go. 

Of course, it didn't hurt that Dash Berlin was the featured DJ of the night. And I hope all of that dancing did burn all some of my caloric indulgences during that trip.

I'm not sure how many of these dishes & drinks I'd be able to re-visit this weekend, but I'm definitely keeping an open schedule (and stomach) with hopes to at least squeeze one or two of these in!

Fleur by Hubert Keller @ Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-9400
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Tea Lounge @ Mandarin Oriental
3752 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 590-8888
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Vesper Bar @ Cosmopolitan
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South 
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 698-7000
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Oyster Bar @ Palace Station
2411 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 367-2411
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Blue Ribbon Grill @ Cosmopolitan
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone:(702) 736-0808
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Marquee @ Cosmopolitan 
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South 
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 333-9000
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Recipe: Red Lentils & Sausage Stew

While many folks spent their New Year's Eve in a jubilant blow out at a houseparty/club/restaurant, mine was a much more low-key and humble affair. Partly because I'm exhausted from the assorted holiday gatherings throughout the better part of December, but mostly because I'm working early hours on both the Eve and New Year's Day, so I was more than happy to toast to 2013 with Times Square in realtime, then ready & off to bed by 9:30 p.m.

 

But that didn't mean I neglected all sorts of New Year's tradition; having recently heard an NPR segment with Nigella Lawson on New Year culinary traditions, I was inspired to cobble together a comfort dish of sorts thoroughly infused with not only flavor but also good-fortune symbolism, with the coin shapes of lentils & sliced sausages and baguettes and the bright red of the spicy seasonings (cayenne, chili flakes, paprika.)

I can only hope that eating this on New Year's Eve will bring me luck professionally and personally; at the very least, I took solace that night with a bowl of soothing, edible stew (and an easy recipe that I'd revisit all Winter long whenever I need that extra warmth in a bowl!)

Red Lentils & Sausage Stew

Serves 2 as main, 4 as starter

Ingredients:

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 cups water

2 cups coarsely chopped leafy greens (I used Napa cabbage)

1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained

1/2 pound sausage, sliced (approx. 2-3 links - I used a chicken-red pepper sausage)

1 ounce Mirin

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

handful of shredded cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat up the cooking oil in a skillet or wok over high heat, add sausage slices and sauté until the slices start to char and curl; remove sausage and set aside.

2. Reduce heat to medium and deglaze the pan with the Mirin, add the garlic, chili flakes, paprika and cayenne pepper.

3. Toss in the greens and vegetable broth, heat to a simmer or until greens are wilted.

4. Add lentils and water, bring it back to a simmer and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and season as needed with salt, chili, pepper, etc. to your liking.

5. Serve, topping with shredded cheese, extra spices and/or bread as needed.

Recipe + Giveaway: Whole Wheat-Ricotta-Almond Pancakes

Ever since I got a new two-burner griddle a few months back, I've been obsessed with pancake making. So when Hodgson Mill held their Have a Grain Holiday contest, there was no doubt what my entry was going to be.

While it's not as winter festive as, say, gingerbreads or fruitcakes, these whole wheat-ricotta-almond pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make--perfect for the morning after that labor-intensive holiday feast (or honestly, any time of year!) The whole wheat flour gives it a hearty texture and a distinctly "wheaty" flavor while the ricotta cheese keeps the pancake moist, fluffy and tender, and sliced almonds in the batter gives it that pleasantly soft whisper of a crunch.

Ingredients (for approx. 10 palm-sized pancakes):
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (as part of the contest, Hodgson Mill provided me with theirs)
2 oz. sliced almonds plus an additional handful for garnish
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
8 oz. ricotta cheese (I used Angelo & Franco's)
3/4 cup full or reduced-fat milk
3 eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions:
1. Whisk/beat the 3 egg whites until soft peaks form, set aside.
2. Preheat griddle/skillet to medium heat
3. In separate bowls, combine the dry ingredients (flour, almonds, sugar, salt, baking powder) and wet ingredients (milk, cheese, egg yolks, extracts) in separate bowls before mixing them together.
4. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites.
5. If your griddle is not non-stick, lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil before each batch.
6. Using a ladle or large spoon, drop palm-sized dollops of the batter onto griddle.
7. When the edges of the batter start to bubble (approx. 2 minutes) flip them with a spatula and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish with sliced almonds and serve with your choice of syrup or compote (I'm partial to my express raspberry syrup, which is simply combining roughly equal amounts of frozen raspberries & maple syrup and heating - on stovetop or microwave - until the berries give off their juices--sometimes I blend it afterwards for a smoother texture.)

In addition to generously providing me with the flour for this recipe, Hodgson Mill is also holding a contest for 50 lucky folks to win a "Holiday Gift Pack" assortment of their flours and baking mixes.

And in an almost infomercial-esque fashion "But wait, there's more!"

U.S. readers of this blog get an additional opportunity to win a Hodgson Mill assortment (valued @ $25) by commenting here with your e-mail. I'll randomly draw a winner for this giveaway by Saturday, December 8, at noon PST.  

And even if you don't win, Hodgson Mill has a $1 off coupon towards any 5 lb. package of their flours.

Good luck!

No. 224: Towne (Downtown)

While the L.A. Live area is not devoid of decent dining options, the choices are a bit limited. There are places like Rivera, which can get rather spendy, and then there are spots like Bar & Kitchen or Corkbar, which are great but I almost always order food as an afterthought to drinking there. So I was happy to check out Towne upon receiving a media invite and scanning through its menu & profile. Alas, a casual-chic sit-down spot for dining.

Upon entering, the restaurant layout had a Bottega Louie feel to it, with distinct areas for bar/lounge, dining room and a to-go café and patisserie. But thankfully, the actual decor is a lot less gaudy and the room's acoustics are way better, so I don't have to scream to carry a conversation with the PR rep and my dining companion, One More Bite.

Between the three of us, we pretty much ran the cocktail menu gamut; there were many solid choices but my favorites are definitely the Clover Club (a classic that's prepared solidly here) and the South Park (essentially a Rum Manhattan, but I love the balance between the rich, sweet-smelling Zaya Rum against the not-quite-sweet Punt E Mes, rounded out with the Peruvian Chuncho bitters.)

I rarely comment on bread service at restaurants, but the jointed pretzel rolls here with mustard butter were a standout. I would've wolfed more of these down except I know there are likely many more courses to come!

Being a lover of greens, I'm glad we got to try the Greek watermelon salad, refreshing and vibrantly flavorful at the same time. Compressed cubes of sweet melons are complemented with equally cooling cucumber slices and crunchy mixed greens, offset by the intense briny bits of olives, crumbled feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing.

Another starter-ish dish I enjoyed was the seared dayboat scallops, eclecticly prepared with figs, pickled radish, tender bok choy -- all floating in a seasoned coconut broth. Like One More Bite's comment, the aromas evoke Thai curry, but actual flavor is so much lighter, more delicate and not spicy at all. And while this isn't bland, I do appreciate the injection of sweet, tart and bite offered by the fig & radish.

Pasta-wise, the spaghetti with crab and sea urchin was superb. It was rich but not-too-heavy and even in this savory dish, you can taste the sweetness (and 'the sea') of the seafood in every bite.

Of the meat dishes, while I enjoyed the glazed beef cheek pot roast (wonderful with the slightly charred gnocchi!) and the whole roasted branzino (crispy skin and firm & flavorful meat, need I say more?), they paled in comparison the glory that is the Crispy pork shank for two.

And it really could've easily fed 3-4 (maybe more if there are other courses,) I absolutely love the contrast between super-crispy skin and the meltingly-tender meat that practically falls off the bone!

Also appreciated is the mustard spaetzle and sweet & sour cabbage to sop up all those delicious juices (and to make the dish a slightly more balanced meal.)

Of course, despite being beyond full from all the savories (and we actually wound up doggy bagging quite a bit of the spaghetti & pork shank to go,) my second stomach opened up for their desserts. After our heavy fare, I was hoping they'd send out lighter sweets (like the macarons) but the majority of them were on the rich & dense side. Having said that, I'm glad I got to try the butterscotch pudding that's topped with blueberry gelee and mini meringues and the peanut butter crunch bar with ginger-caramel ice cream, since I love the eccentric accompaniments to these otherwise 'typical' desserts.

Overall, I'm impressed with Towen's offerings. I know the term New/Contemporary American gets tossed about a lot, but I do really enjoy their modern twists and updates to classic-sounding fare. And while the price point is slightly above an "everyday" joint, it is definitely reasonable for a casual get-together with friends -- which I'm planning to do so I can try more of their fare (while re-ordering that shank!)

What Do Others Say?
- ShopEatSleep said it's the place to go for diners who desire "an upscale dining experience but also want comfort food."
- Gourmet Pigs noted that some creative touches "may seem gimmicky to you, but when they're done well, why not go along and have fun with it?"
- e*starLA said "There really is something for everyone whose mission is to taste and drink beautiful, delicious things."

Additional photos on flickr set here

Towne
709 9th Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.623.2366
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No. 223: Observations & Tips for The Taste LA

It's been three weeks out and I still can't get over the sheer gluttony & indulgence at The Taste LA, the three-day, five-event L.A.Times-organized extravaganza highlighting the amazing bites & sips this city has to offer.

Taking place over Labor Day weekend, The Taste was a series of events structured around different themes, from the family-friendly Labor Day Picnic on Monday to the more spirited Cocktail Confidential to profiling SoCal's signature eats with Flavors of L.A.

Overall, I had a fun time, from . . .

 

. . . tasting dishes from some of my favorites around town, from Huckleberry's baked goods to the mini lamb burgers at Haven Gastropub to the Autumn Maple beer from The Bruery.

 

. . . to trying new fare, like FigOly's crab-topped gazpacho, lobster rolls from the Terranea resort and beer cocktails made with Hangar 24's Orange Wheat by the Golden Gopher.

 

. . . to attending the demonstrations & presentations, such as this one on beer cocktails with LA Times' Betty Hallock and The Beer Chicks.

   

. . . to, of course, meeting the chefs, bartenders, proprietors and fellow bloggers & writers in-person and upfront (which, frankly, is too many to list unless I want to turn this blogpost into a NaNoWriMo production!)

 

That being said, like most other food events in town, there are always room for improvement--while The Taste was held on the lovely Paramount Studios set, it had a dearth of devices to deal with the crazy heatwave that weekend; fans, misters, or an A/Ced room would've been much appreciated. (I was, however, plenty thankful that Icelandic Glacial provided plenty of cold bottled water to the hot & parched masses.)

Then there are mishaps typical at most food fests, oppressively long lines at some stalls, vendors running out of foods/drinks way early into the event, not enough seating for demos/discussions and some tables turning into a precarious garbage Jenga (the trash cans aren't that far away, people!) 

And in anticipation of The Taste's comeback next year, here's some handy tips to keep in mind to maximize your fun at this event:

1. Buy tickets early. A no-brainer, but especially worth mentioning here - the price from it's initial pre-sale to day-of purchase went from $50 to $75 a person, a 50% hike! Also, Flavors of L.A. completely sold out ahead of time.

2. Strategize & prioritize. Study the map and note which restaurant/bar/vendor are must-trys and hit those up first to minimize the chance of them running out by the time you get there.

3. Buddy up. While one of you wait in that uber-popular (and ultra-long) line, the other(s) can go hit up the shorter lines in adjacent stalls, making that wait a lot less grueling (and a lot more tasty.) 

4. Share your plates (at least for the first run.) The small sampler portions are deceptive, but they add up and before you know it, you're beyond full and not even halfway through the venue. Divvy up that first plate with your line buddy, and if you really like it, go back for your own seconds. It also helps cut down on the food waste.

5. Swaps and subs are a no-no. Generally, what you see is what you get, so don't break the cadence of the production line (who are already swamped enough as is churning out hundreds, if not thousands, of dishes & drinks) with special requests.

6. Get to demos/discussions early. Like, by 10 to 15 minutes -- even if they are running behind schedule. Those seats fill up fast!

7. And, if they are not in a rush cranking out orders, chat up the vendors. These people are definitely passionate about the places they work or the products they represent, and you might even get the scoop on an insider tip and be the cool cat who knows about the off-menu dish or upcoming changes. Or even a gift card/coupon for a future visit.

 

Just a few things to keep in mind for next year's Taste, which I look forward to checking out again!

Disclaimer: My admission to the Taste events was hosted.

Additional photos on flickr set here

No. 222: Passporting My Way Through Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail . . .

I'm no stranger to Santa Barbara, but in past years, it's really a pitstop city where I go to grab a quick bite, admire the coastal views, and then move on for my final destination (whether visiting friends in UCSB, actually a little further north on the 101 in Goleta, touring & tasting my way through the Santa Maria & Santa Ynez wine countries or steadily making my way towards Monterey, Santa Cruz and the Bay Area.)

But last month, my friend had a summer wedding in nearby Carpinteria, so I took the occasion to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara and really check it out.

Little did I know that it was also Passport Weekend in the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, where for $50 I can taste my way around the city's 15-20 wineries and tasting rooms from Friday to Sunday (and getting my passport stamped along the way,) along with a glass to keep & 10% discount off bottle purchases. Considering a flight at each of these venues run $10-20, it sounded like a great deal, so I snapped up a ticket  and took myself on an urban hike & sip.

And while I only wound up checking out a dozen wineries over the three-day period, I did discover some new favorite spots, including:

Kunin Wines

 

I loved the clean, sleek look of its tasting room and that it's one of few to offer an all-white/rosé tasting flight (much welcomed after walking around in 90-degree heat.) The pourer was also remarkably friendly, offering me locals' pointers about other places to try (and avoid!)

 

My favorite of the five was its 2010 Alisos Vineyard Gewurztraminer, which has a sweet, floral, peachy aroma but is rather dry on the palate and just a hint of richness from a few months in oak (but far from being the crazy-buttered-toasty mess associated with California Chardonnays.) It was also one of two bottles I actually snapped up.

Municipal Winemakers

 

In short -- the hipster paradise of wineries in Santa Barbara. And I don't mean that in a bad way, it's simply impossible to not walk into this space without the H-word screaming in your face. (In my best Stefan voice) the hottest place in town is MUNICIPAL - walk on in and you'll see tank-topped, tattooed pourers dishing about Instagram photos, wines-on-tap dispensed from a trophy, tasting glasses stored in filing cabinets, and look over there, is that a yeti? No, it's a guy coming in for his bottle order with his unshusky. What is an unshusky, you ask? Unshaven husky, and boy is it panting hard after coming in from the heatwave. *Ahem*

That being said, the space is wickedly fun change of pace from the typically stoic tasting rooms. And if you got a group of friends (hipster or not,) it's a great place to mellow out and drink away--they let you bring food in and their tasty wines-on-tap are reasonably priced by the glass or liter-sized carafes. Their red-on-tap of the moment, MSG (a blend of Mouvedre-Syrah-Grenache) is my fave, easily drinkable on its own but also great with a burger or nicely-charred grilled foods.

Deep Sea Wines

 

I've checked out their wines before @ their events down in L.A. and do like some of their offerings, so I already planned on visiting them. But what really made me ecstatic is that their tasting room is right out on Stearn's Wharf. Coupled with their late-ish closing time, it gave me the pleasure of wine-tasting to a coastal sunset.

Of the flight, my favorite were the Flower Rosé and Central Coast Viognier, both delicate, crisp wines that exhibit lovely sweet fruit aromas, but with a remarkably dry and almost-minerally palate--perfect for summer sipping!

Whitcraft Winery

 

Ok, while I wasn't WOW'd by any of their wines, the flight here does offer a fun & educational experience. Specializing in Pinot Noirs from various regions, I love the flight highlights the terroir's influence on the grape -- since we tasted the same varietal from Mendocino, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Alas, my favorite of the set turned out to be the Grenache, which has soft tannins and an acidity that's bright without being puckery.

Cottonwood Canyon Winery

 

This is likely my favorite find since it's so hole-in-the-wall compared to the other wineries & tasting rooms. And they also offer a myriad of bites to go with their wine flights (which changes regularly, depending on what estate bottle(s) the pourer feels like opening that day.) It could be a bite of cracker and cheese to go with an older-vintage Chardonnay, some of their spicy housemade pickles alongside their peppery Pinot Noir, or a chocolate truffle with their Syrah & dessert wine.

But despite all the specialty, estate offerings being poured, my favorite (and the other bottle that I actually bought) is their standard line Bistro Classic Chardonnay, which upon immediate tasting I've deemed an 'oyster wine' because of its slight effervescence and a fantastic combo of lemon-citrus and stoney-mineral notes, plus a medium body that I'd imagine to be perfect  with the oyster's creamy-rich flesh.

And while tasting the wines was a big part of the fun, I also loved that it gave me the chance to hike through Santa Barbara and really explore its city, from the main drag of State Street . . .

 

. . . to its vibrant farmer's market, where I snapped up some incredibly-sweet and beautifully garnet-hued pluots . . .

 

. . . and up and down its picturesque coastline . . .

 

. . . finishing off at Stearns Wharf, where I treated myself to a view and some great seafood from Santa Barbara Shellfish Co.

Of course, I also tasted some incredible bites throughout the city too, but that'll be for another post in the near future.

 

And I hope Passport Weekend (this was its inaugural year) makes a comeback in the future too.