tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52208516661468286662024-03-05T01:55:06.471-08:00Reservation For ThreeWhen it was just the two of us, dining out was predictable, boring, and pleasantly calm. With the recent addition of Sloppy Joe, our precious little guy, eating at LA's restaurants is now filled with suspense, action, and intrigue. Come with us as we experience eating as a party of three.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-10397141671545224452011-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:002011-04-03T22:44:47.722-07:00The 1st LA Food Swap - A New Community<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbDVm8R1t5A2Qu9ZHV6vsKM0Z2xN8gVJjnH1Qgb5pfOF0AXZ5wKR62LrDXPrFN6Q_87d6_SwneWe_pONqU28mTmcjhea35PIgaPnogRqIK_36MEiuVD1QCqYNuBySleCQn-rPuk0DXzB2/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbDVm8R1t5A2Qu9ZHV6vsKM0Z2xN8gVJjnH1Qgb5pfOF0AXZ5wKR62LrDXPrFN6Q_87d6_SwneWe_pONqU28mTmcjhea35PIgaPnogRqIK_36MEiuVD1QCqYNuBySleCQn-rPuk0DXzB2/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591435721582444706" /></a><br />Last Sunday, a small group of Angelenos came together with our handcrafted preserves, herbs, tinctures, cookies, pastas, tomato sauces, cocktail mixers, and more with one mission: to trade our goods. Of course, after everything was said and done, something else emerged: a new community. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNckFL5cwv7KibWG-tDun7g9l2_MQkCg5wRq251VOwja5OrY1EwHUt-AbN4z65vE2ereOMsjROE9_6iMY-lrWCwe5OPBZSTHw_DenCal8G-08x7Oh7H3Jn3p4PFSMMOj_SniPaTKwgCPdM/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNckFL5cwv7KibWG-tDun7g9l2_MQkCg5wRq251VOwja5OrY1EwHUt-AbN4z65vE2ereOMsjROE9_6iMY-lrWCwe5OPBZSTHw_DenCal8G-08x7Oh7H3Jn3p4PFSMMOj_SniPaTKwgCPdM/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591441149504254018" /></a><br />We circulated for a while in a mellow frenzy, checking out what everyone else had brought, chatting along the way. And then the swap began. I swapped my brown butter shortbread and lavender, oatmeal, brown sugar scrub for a bounty of treats: <br /><br />- rosemary tincture <br />- herb salad<br />- garlic confit <br />- clementine margarita marmalade <br />- satsuma dust <br />- two lemon curds<br />- onion marmalade<br />- blueberry preserves<br />- strawberry rosemary jam <br />- rosemary bundle <br />- blood orange marmalade<br />- artichoke cheese biscuits <br />- brown butter muffins<br />- cherry pistachio cookies <br />- fig scones<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdBfFZDb0MXeFtiJJrBr-hjDjHI54uOiPQlMpGuOMuHAoBr17veOPS6gkg4TkNgHDopAVivPnmJrUbWZHP6eN0ayxWhTPGxslUzGBQVrFHFIcaKoStsMQK6HIm2GTrdhk7OMUVWcuc_-L/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdBfFZDb0MXeFtiJJrBr-hjDjHI54uOiPQlMpGuOMuHAoBr17veOPS6gkg4TkNgHDopAVivPnmJrUbWZHP6eN0ayxWhTPGxslUzGBQVrFHFIcaKoStsMQK6HIm2GTrdhk7OMUVWcuc_-L/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591441166662721490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS-5k7DsdDoeeUz1Kyyo_fft3NItqZG2FPd9T4SLhNzKDrrrBkC2NgqagNdHj2TBl1R0Y0_OaGmvXz2MlMJTBCu9OeOd06pUEtU9MwI9ZmWM2TQyFhxi0OoYKEteznZKCWzcKo8tfzBV3/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGS-5k7DsdDoeeUz1Kyyo_fft3NItqZG2FPd9T4SLhNzKDrrrBkC2NgqagNdHj2TBl1R0Y0_OaGmvXz2MlMJTBCu9OeOd06pUEtU9MwI9ZmWM2TQyFhxi0OoYKEteznZKCWzcKo8tfzBV3/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591435746697195618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yf8pzhl-Xu56408iUaOT4pASwRz78IQ5PieaxBxTvN9V5trtRU2BSixZLvsM4Da4VdxrC2JlPNAofHiExs3bS3SUfnjdE13edKUV5yCYyNIL38ADwH9OFCziD0XLlat1c5beD13cZf7O/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yf8pzhl-Xu56408iUaOT4pASwRz78IQ5PieaxBxTvN9V5trtRU2BSixZLvsM4Da4VdxrC2JlPNAofHiExs3bS3SUfnjdE13edKUV5yCYyNIL38ADwH9OFCziD0XLlat1c5beD13cZf7O/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591441157910649682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutKM410YUwoT-itjM4R3gta79D0R9gFQWpgDN92523R5P776PvSHyq6LpkoyX_T4cG32g8M-tG4cadMq3cc_-uaVLqhQe1nmsfLY4-Xl-m4VQGAxhUuyd1UnOdyFViCCuYThcoxkaVZ5r/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutKM410YUwoT-itjM4R3gta79D0R9gFQWpgDN92523R5P776PvSHyq6LpkoyX_T4cG32g8M-tG4cadMq3cc_-uaVLqhQe1nmsfLY4-Xl-m4VQGAxhUuyd1UnOdyFViCCuYThcoxkaVZ5r/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591435752799013138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM8Sh-fK3gpiG82e8ba6d5oIl5uy9gfXcDN8ZGIEXPIyMovi44nhqBMrLwdvf4Cf409V65TVSOYwkpo7BB5It8bI18ZkWvvdlgj8tsWA_ao72DR2LffvBPrvq7lHvPki_JsDX6s0CYb0V/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSM8Sh-fK3gpiG82e8ba6d5oIl5uy9gfXcDN8ZGIEXPIyMovi44nhqBMrLwdvf4Cf409V65TVSOYwkpo7BB5It8bI18ZkWvvdlgj8tsWA_ao72DR2LffvBPrvq7lHvPki_JsDX6s0CYb0V/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591435741079999954" /></a><br />We've continued the party on Twitter and will reconnect at the next LA Food Swap, happening on April 9th at the <a href="http://lafoodswap.com/2011/03/29/join-us-at-good-las-launch-party-on-april-9th/">Good LA's Launch Weekend</a>.<br /><br />Big thanks to Emily Ho, who was inspired by other food swaps around the country and decided that LA needed one too.<br /><br />Read more about the 1st LA Food Swap:<br /><br /><a href="http://lafoodswap.com/">LA Food Swap</a><br /><br /><a href="http://laist.com/2011/03/29/the_first-ever_la_food_swap.php">LAist: An Old Fashioned Good Time: The 1st Ever LA Food Swap</a><br /><a href="http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/2011/03/ill-swap-ya.html"><br />Fudge Ripple</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everythingbutthe.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/la-food-swap/">Everything But The...</a><br /><br /><a href="http://networkedblogs.com/g3RSL">Roberta Romero</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-84085350828441886282011-03-13T20:43:00.000-07:002011-03-13T21:33:58.083-07:00Street – LA’s Most Toddler-Friendly Restaurant?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/muyyum/4395467903/" title="Neon Sign at Street Restaurant by Muy Yum, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4395467903_b7b9c3d2db.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Neon Sign at Street Restaurant" /></a><br /><br />We met Valley-based Grandma for Friday night dinner at centrally located Street last night, not sure it would be kid-friendly for our almost-three year old. It quickly became obvious that Street is a restaurant that welcomes everyone, even sometimes crazy toddlers. <br /><br />Top 8 reasons we'll return to Street often:<br /><br />1. Reservationist assured me, “kids are welcome!” when making our reservation. Always a good sign. And, she gave us a perfect corner booth, comfy and easy to navigate.<br /><br />2. “Ugh, there’s a toddler” looks from co-diners quickly ameliorated by warm welcome from everyone from the busser to our server. People, we have an iPhone with toddler apps, it will be ok, promise!<br /><br />3. Our lovely server assured us there were no pecans, pistachios, or walnuts (our guy’s allergic) in anything, but would make a note for the kitchen just in case. So much better than the annoyed reaction we often get.<br /><br />4. Kajsa Alger, Street’s Executive Chef and Partner, visited our table with a bowl of strawberries for our guy. She chatted with us about kids (she has a 4 year old) and how they either love or hate Street’s food. Our guy inhaled everything, from the millet rice krispie treat amuse to the carrot & harissa salad, short ribs, Brussels sprouts, and shitake & shrimp fritter.<br /> <br />5. The one bummer, especially on a triple-poop night (sorry, overshare), was the absence of a changing table in either bathroom. Luckily, two big chairs outside the bathrooms were easily dragged into the single-occupancy men’s room for our makeshift changing table. We got an ok from our server before we started moving furniture.<br /><br />6. On our way to the bathroom for diaper change #3, our server and two others stopped us to say how much they loved having our son there and asked us to come back to Street soon. Non-parents, this is an extremely rare sentiment. Shocked, I told them how much we appreciated their warm welcome and support as we try to raise a well-mannered little diner. <br /><br />7. Sheparding our guy out the door, we were sent off into the night with sweetly enthusiastic thank-yous and “please come again!” from Kajsa and others.<br /> <br />8. Almost forget to mention, the food was fabulous. Loved it all. Favorites included:<br />- Black Kale with Refried White Beans<br />- Braised Short Ribs<br />- Tatsutage Fried Chicken<br />- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts<br />- Kaya Toast<br />- Shrimp Stuffed Shitake Mushrooms<br />- Carrot and Harissa Salad<br /><br />Street<br />742 North Highland Avenue<br />Los Angeles, CA 90038-3415<br />(323) 203-0500<br />www.eatatstreet.com<br /><br />*Image courtesy of Muy Yum: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muyyum/4395467903/Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-80612252280665430672010-08-30T20:49:00.000-07:002010-08-31T08:10:02.880-07:00Echo Park's New Greengrocer: Cookbook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-nzCW43tzLqocB_IHTJflb_T0dmFcd3ILBIRaBOA9ttvPLTVZJn6Tlj9Hv_dELtxCL2sInsVB6dWuRY3o24KDqFM0hyphenhyphen85NmYNRkebMExNGCqhedE8zQnXLf-sliohCB0GqM-hCKqTPuh/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-nzCW43tzLqocB_IHTJflb_T0dmFcd3ILBIRaBOA9ttvPLTVZJn6Tlj9Hv_dELtxCL2sInsVB6dWuRY3o24KDqFM0hyphenhyphen85NmYNRkebMExNGCqhedE8zQnXLf-sliohCB0GqM-hCKqTPuh/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511451809639845618" /></a><br /><a href="http://cookbookla.com/">Cookbook</a> is the corner store Echo Park has been waiting for and it's finally opening up tomorrow. We had a chance to take a sneak peek during tonight's friends and family night, where Echo Park locals, Marta Teegan and Robert Stelzner(below), opened up their beautiful space to share what they've created. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaMcRMpvLtrYD-V379dWP8UnfefU0rmkAEIqQOj1Tz8LwxranMU9Y9Jl77RCOOcoIa2es-KUIJ4re0wP-JON90YCndZiB1GTiQ3Q27Kufk_Jf3g4TWqCOQLxC2Ky1m6I4gptlg6k_O37B/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaMcRMpvLtrYD-V379dWP8UnfefU0rmkAEIqQOj1Tz8LwxranMU9Y9Jl77RCOOcoIa2es-KUIJ4re0wP-JON90YCndZiB1GTiQ3Q27Kufk_Jf3g4TWqCOQLxC2Ky1m6I4gptlg6k_O37B/s320/IMG_3899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511451788719363746" /></a><br />It's a small shop, and you can tell that they thoughtfully edited the store's offerings. Craving ice cream? Only one brand to choose from, but it's cult favorite Dr. Bob's in several luscious flavors. They've worked hard to bring some of the best from the Farmers' Market scene: Weiser's padron peppers, McGrath's haricot verts, Givens' carrots, Kenter Canyon herbs, plus heirlooms, avocados, late summer fruit, and more. Motivating to get to the Sunday market just got a bit harder.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WrZZ2lxGGZWN9mcIUyezFCbWt-HebngYUliqUGP23dKcoam0-Ihz1CgHTjlJMNVW7ZNRxUCdP_U1opL09vUke1u8JxXgx-Z1Q7n7iwLt0TxCmjgNH8oXbTbINXz52svan2OwXaJeHnmc/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WrZZ2lxGGZWN9mcIUyezFCbWt-HebngYUliqUGP23dKcoam0-Ihz1CgHTjlJMNVW7ZNRxUCdP_U1opL09vUke1u8JxXgx-Z1Q7n7iwLt0TxCmjgNH8oXbTbINXz52svan2OwXaJeHnmc/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511451799623972114" /></a><br />Aside from the lovely selection of organic produce (at reasonable prices, by the way), Cookbook is the gourmet marketplace I honestly never thought I'd see in Echo Park. I need a few more visits to take everything in but some of the items I spotted included: Fermin Jamon Iberico, Sightglass Coffee (ex-Blue Bottle & Four Barrel guys), Cafe Fanny granola, Rustic Bakery sweets, Morning Glory Confections' artisan brittles (disclosure: my husband)and Strauss Family Creamery dairy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgwZVZDlYuutI5Hg-LJSNDS5EINF1yQXs4T9ApwOKNv60lyEV2EDgXdkff7JWOQGaU6OZ2RItppcnhxYxHZn0mBH_m6SiyPhawhoBb7QEaMn1UanzqaNy3ry9WFdhu8dvZ-PYWrFELVUt/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgwZVZDlYuutI5Hg-LJSNDS5EINF1yQXs4T9ApwOKNv60lyEV2EDgXdkff7JWOQGaU6OZ2RItppcnhxYxHZn0mBH_m6SiyPhawhoBb7QEaMn1UanzqaNy3ry9WFdhu8dvZ-PYWrFELVUt/s320/IMG_3890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511453985769347138" /></a><br />In addition to organic produce, gourmet finds and staples, Cookbook will also offer an ever-changing array of prepared foods, a blessing for the neighborhood's busy parents. Recipes will come from Heirloom L.A., Marta's archives, and the week's featured cookbook. Tonight's dishes included a fatoush salad with cauliflower and eggplant, gazpacho, roasted asparagus and potatoes, a fava bean & pea tendril salad, pesto gnocchi and grilled corn. We devoured every bite and, more importantly, my two-year-old loved it all. That's him with some corn.<br /><br />Oh, and there's a huge selection of Heirloom L.A.'s lasagna cupcakes, pasta sauces, lasagnas, and fresh pastas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8BGq3QoF1ij1cHL5TwwSIloaYwzaiTiVIvuvb5fnfrbm12czMplzQzV-Jy6LWdhtohVI7OwBy-QriLncfnsSyPzcaeLzAeux7TXNu45avoZ-3Vlol3uWXlH1gGFUBzJrDS3veqXv4CZU/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8BGq3QoF1ij1cHL5TwwSIloaYwzaiTiVIvuvb5fnfrbm12czMplzQzV-Jy6LWdhtohVI7OwBy-QriLncfnsSyPzcaeLzAeux7TXNu45avoZ-3Vlol3uWXlH1gGFUBzJrDS3veqXv4CZU/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511453240372363378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPia_lyhI7XE3nTfxlS7K53fsjmj78yYE5V2rsn85jq9X4n1nOeLFCWeBjgaezlBxLlcvHpneft44XoLKA0xaPTFV4f9vLZPZZypv8IAGX0-v10biDj5p9U_OlZHh2m74EWpGifushH1gI/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPia_lyhI7XE3nTfxlS7K53fsjmj78yYE5V2rsn85jq9X4n1nOeLFCWeBjgaezlBxLlcvHpneft44XoLKA0xaPTFV4f9vLZPZZypv8IAGX0-v10biDj5p9U_OlZHh2m74EWpGifushH1gI/s320/IMG_3918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511451773806973698" /></a><br />On our walk back up the hill, we imagined all of the times we'll head to Cookbook: When we're too tired to cook, if we just need a bottle of milk or some herbs for a recipe, if we skip the farmers' market but need some veggies for the week, when we're in need of a hostess gift, or if we just need to indulge in some Dr. Bob's. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7mDW0_bUFsn_i4guvLvVcVOhbBslbVXvyBtdSMOkNlEaR2j37bayZAq4Oq35Qi82ydBnimBYf0VaGXe8-7QLnDId-jeFqhVLAsoqlIzSuU_0ymkhjh449gHmJZ8eB67BuaSs8JldjB1w/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7mDW0_bUFsn_i4guvLvVcVOhbBslbVXvyBtdSMOkNlEaR2j37bayZAq4Oq35Qi82ydBnimBYf0VaGXe8-7QLnDId-jeFqhVLAsoqlIzSuU_0ymkhjh449gHmJZ8eB67BuaSs8JldjB1w/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511451783238193698" /></a><br /><br />Cookbook<br />1549 Echo Park Avenue<br />LA, 90026<br />213-250-1900<br />Open daily, 8am-8pmSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-53103855819565804652010-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:002010-08-14T14:26:49.467-07:00Tater & Mommy: Forage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vGXW4xmtiLcOZFsJpRH91rCAELerEN8_oZLq6mi8XODN1y-6B8fqJ0A03NjaWfAh1mDVB6B_VAIflY9_EGr693A-WrtOIEU4zNOX9wVf0M9DxW10HtOckiHRF5Z-J3o-k5MzBdHFG1Wh/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vGXW4xmtiLcOZFsJpRH91rCAELerEN8_oZLq6mi8XODN1y-6B8fqJ0A03NjaWfAh1mDVB6B_VAIflY9_EGr693A-WrtOIEU4zNOX9wVf0M9DxW10HtOckiHRF5Z-J3o-k5MzBdHFG1Wh/s320/IMG_3752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505377825737816738" /></a><br />OK, so Forage has the basics every parent needs: plenty of high chairs, booster seats, and a changing table. What sets Forage apart is the TLC the staff provides, not as some customer service schtick but because they're all just so darn nice. Can Tater have a side of avocado instead of one of their available sides? Of course! And for $1.50, it's a bargain, trust me. They have little kiddie plates they provide if your kiddo's into his own special plate. <br /><br />Other than the warm, family vibe they've cultivated, the food keeps us coming back again and again. Succulent Jidori chicken's always a hit with Tater, but so is almost everything else we've ever tried. They always seem to have a pot of Rancho Gordo beans available, another no-brainer for our guy. Today we both gobbled up the watermelon, feta, and arugula salad, the heirloom tomato & ricotta salata salad, and the Jidori. The tomatoes were summer in a bowl...so good. And the classic watermelon dish was juicy, sweet, and salty. I'm still thinking about the fava bean, mint and ricotta crostini and avocado sandwich I had months ago. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvw4ml5n3LERaI0HSv3A2XE5XAyzSRcK9nX1DonVm9a2SMfDux4J8zE6qGTtBuX6j8-ciwHYRS8mm5-7YGBIQ7Nif_-UXqN-1-G7j7EoPnzVMqIHpLP0j3_zsV2XLFryhC4LnJMP3-9j4/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvw4ml5n3LERaI0HSv3A2XE5XAyzSRcK9nX1DonVm9a2SMfDux4J8zE6qGTtBuX6j8-ciwHYRS8mm5-7YGBIQ7Nif_-UXqN-1-G7j7EoPnzVMqIHpLP0j3_zsV2XLFryhC4LnJMP3-9j4/s320/IMG_3735.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505377833312799858" /></a><br />Forage is great too if you just don't have time to cook, but you still want your kid to eat whole foods. On our way out, I picked up dinner for him tonight: those heirloom beans, roasted summer vegetables, and navy beans & couscous with cherry tomatoes.<br /><br />If Tater's losin' it, the crazy good pastries and cookies keep him planted in his seat long enough for mommy to finish chatting with her friend. Forage gets the beauty of thin, buttery cookies - today's oatmeal raisin was perfection. And the cream cheese bundt? Cushiony and creamy with a tender crumb, another winner. Would be perfect with any summer fruit. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMkccl4oCpvyPZegKK7jIrNVIw_PnlAfm541buqz19SG1videT2xhZvdTEwLrEYxKDsSRMUW9PLo4r7_D4rLzb4mo9WhER7y44MQx4FlQkBFPHbVgPes5JgvCWj0eaNe5jfU77T6mopn0/s1600/IMG_3746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMkccl4oCpvyPZegKK7jIrNVIw_PnlAfm541buqz19SG1videT2xhZvdTEwLrEYxKDsSRMUW9PLo4r7_D4rLzb4mo9WhER7y44MQx4FlQkBFPHbVgPes5JgvCWj0eaNe5jfU77T6mopn0/s320/IMG_3746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505377822139863074" /></a><br />Some complain it's expensive. I always end up spending a ton at Forage, though you don't have to. It's just impossible for me to resist the expertly-made food, prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients, much of it from the backyards of local amateur farmers. <br /><br />We're never the only family there because Forage is a godsend for parents who want the very best for their family in a comfy setting. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK3uBxOciC0k1j4-DRgZ6tgEGMzZbRPxXqJXHqdHUEBTgqk0N0Q4VRpu8gnRZFdiEoiVDrFkmJuyiWEc3ltwXh8XDPBTVnullbobUr7Jw-5hIT9LP-S0EPIDGdH4FPmfxv6uGfnF-UGgl/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK3uBxOciC0k1j4-DRgZ6tgEGMzZbRPxXqJXHqdHUEBTgqk0N0Q4VRpu8gnRZFdiEoiVDrFkmJuyiWEc3ltwXh8XDPBTVnullbobUr7Jw-5hIT9LP-S0EPIDGdH4FPmfxv6uGfnF-UGgl/s320/IMG_3738.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505377818302203938" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-66306579161261231232010-07-26T18:09:00.000-07:002010-07-26T21:09:44.963-07:00In the mood for a little aloha? $50 Roy's Gift Card Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3qj-mNWUUlojWDZ5JNcYcj34ABfWASEYFSMvuJCa8ipf1tGwswOIRNhPnc5LQ-X6CmPr9eSfchzR6LVU1zTnnNYr8Pauqzf6oYmz_S7B38uRnGUHD_cdodnw8uod4IEKR5I1dOziEbO/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3qj-mNWUUlojWDZ5JNcYcj34ABfWASEYFSMvuJCa8ipf1tGwswOIRNhPnc5LQ-X6CmPr9eSfchzR6LVU1zTnnNYr8Pauqzf6oYmz_S7B38uRnGUHD_cdodnw8uod4IEKR5I1dOziEbO/s320/IMG_0404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498406151443383650" /></a><br /><br />Has it really been almost five years since our honeymoon in Maui? After all the stress of the final weeks of wedding planning and the intensity of the wedding itself, Maui was just what we needed. I remember being there and thinking that the landscape looked a lot like parts of Southern California, but the air, the people, the light, the scents, and the food was unmistakably Hawaii. <br /><br />Is a dinner at Roy's like going to Hawaii? Well, of course not. But there are hints of the Hawaii in the flavors of the food, the decor, and, forgive me, but I completely fall for the copious use of "Aloha!"<br /><br />Want a tiny slice of aloha? I have a $50 Roy's gift card for one lucky person! Just leave your memories or idea of Hawaii in one word in the comments and make sure to add your contact info so I can find you. I'll use random.org to randomly pick the winner on August 2nd.<br /><br />Good luck!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-2561652184954846262010-07-05T12:23:00.000-07:002010-07-05T14:18:58.581-07:00Roy's Ohana Tour PreviewCan I blame parenthood for losing the ability to sit down and crank out a blog post? I sure hope so, because other than that I'm out of excuses. Tater's asleep on his Dad, so I'm going to hurry and finish this darn thing!
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<br />A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting some genuinely charming <a href="http://www.formulapr.com/">pr folks</a> and the sweetest couple, <a href="http://theroamingbelly.blogspot.com/">The Roaming Belly</a> plus one, at a tasting event at the Downtown Roy's. Strong, herby cocktails and hearty snacks were the perfect way to end my week.
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<br />The folks at Roy's were nice enough to include a gift certificate for a dinner on them to be given away or kept for us to use. Sorry, but this cash-starved little lady is saving it for a future date night with my hubby. Thanks Roy's and Kat from Formula PR for a fun night out!
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<br />For an actual account of the preview night at Roy's, please head on over to The Roaming Belly. Here's what you need to know about <a href="http://www.roysrestaurant.com/ohana_tour.asp">Roy's new Ohana Tour</a> (from <a href="http://theroamingbelly.blogspot.com/">The Roaming Belly</a> - my laziness knows no bounds):
<br /><ul><li><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" >An inaugural trip to a participating Roy's restaurant, where guests are awarded an Ohana Tour card to present at the next Roy's location.</span><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" ></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" >On the second visit, guests will receive a complimentary Chocolate Souffle (with purchase of entree).
<br /></span></li><li> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/sunshine/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>18</o:Words> <o:characters>103</o:Characters> <o:lines>1</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>126</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1287</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" >At the third location, guests will receive a $20 gift card (with purchase of entree) and entry into the Hawaii sweepstakes. </span><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" ></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Restaurants participating in the tour include Roy's Anaheim, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Pasadena and Woodland Hills locations.</span></li></ul>
<br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-40113994021723726772010-06-05T07:06:00.000-07:002010-06-05T07:12:11.349-07:00Calling Moms and Dads: America's Next Great RestaurantFinally, an invitation to an event that actually sounds interesting and one where kids are not only accepted but invited! Email your RSVP to <a href="mailto:ANGRaudience@gmail.com" target="_blank">ANGRaudience@gmail.com</a> for more details.<br /><br />AMERICA'S NEXT GREAT RESTAURANT<br /><br />Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone, Steve Ells & Lorena Garcia<br /><br />Are Inviting Families with Children Ranging in Ages from 4 - 12<br />for a very exclusive tasting and taping of a brand new show on NBC<br />from the production company that brought you “Top Chef.”<br /><br />This Family Friendly Tasting and Taping will be on<br />Wednesday, June 9th in downtown Los Angeles.<br />Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:ANGRaudience@gmail.com" target="_blank">ANGRaudience@gmail.com</a> for more information<br />regarding location and time.<br /><br />Please include your name, telephone number, number of guests in<br />your party and the ages of your children.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-63392272740784980182010-05-22T21:09:00.000-07:002010-05-22T22:59:06.918-07:00Tater and the Trash Guys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxjFHjtO11bqnL_kSeKeuXaYEFkDsONxOucBNrtIJFR4uIb_udIt74gIX-C6toWy6h-qH1A2M1CEAoFSrdSnjFzZYGOh1SYgxS-kgX_T9uiYotb3ST9k6AIup9b8fh4BcUvVV-wvtuOuD/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxjFHjtO11bqnL_kSeKeuXaYEFkDsONxOucBNrtIJFR4uIb_udIt74gIX-C6toWy6h-qH1A2M1CEAoFSrdSnjFzZYGOh1SYgxS-kgX_T9uiYotb3ST9k6AIup9b8fh4BcUvVV-wvtuOuD/s320/IMG_2112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333512775031154" border="0" /></a>We've been waiting for this day for weeks. Garbage trucks, otherwise known as Tater's favorite thing in the world, up close and personal at the Annual Bureau of Sanitation's Open House. I suppose we should have known how scary those enormous trucks would be for him, but we just thought it was a no-brainer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpHWUelOb-uaDAbHAhZL5UU0URvlqHoEGSiJGQI_zcD0cBB2c0P-67qeJ86KQGYVBYkicR5Z3sUC57Lp4THP56jz23QM74wz4sCwRvq7cr5JmEbUAkWk_Xw_Dw_Q6s-tmlJeuBDtJFGr/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRejNt95YWxPIsFR9M-z0J_M7kKDPYCIj5kdf6Sk7KAMdkoy1KKsUkTTG_BrZsiQ63SZr3aKHSD190LZi_rHMy-X4YgdOMef3QCfty7RPTdv9ZGmMj8mO3s5ETRKE_lxnTDYv0VqAJ_u9J/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRejNt95YWxPIsFR9M-z0J_M7kKDPYCIj5kdf6Sk7KAMdkoy1KKsUkTTG_BrZsiQ63SZr3aKHSD190LZi_rHMy-X4YgdOMef3QCfty7RPTdv9ZGmMj8mO3s5ETRKE_lxnTDYv0VqAJ_u9J/s320/IMG_2064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333054553242914" border="0" /></a>While Tater was thoroughly freaked out, wanting nothing to do with the trucks, we were having a great time. Now, you should know we have watched way too many <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSac3rpuiEY">garbage truck videos </a>on You Tube so we know our Heil DuraPack Pythons from the Heil DuraPack 7000's. Still, I must admit it was interesting to learn about the current fleet of local trucks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K_LVCZArAGXGvSQNWAdnS4K-V6MPBFZvRp4JjmgL0JKSCZvhylZiljLyFPnvG3ePiVBuQKOymzYdlf3pEuncd8h0Coo3ZldOHdAiWM4mY0bXIyewAc-8wHF8gvTiqpFpox6OND6Pa5Na/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K_LVCZArAGXGvSQNWAdnS4K-V6MPBFZvRp4JjmgL0JKSCZvhylZiljLyFPnvG3ePiVBuQKOymzYdlf3pEuncd8h0Coo3ZldOHdAiWM4mY0bXIyewAc-8wHF8gvTiqpFpox6OND6Pa5Na/s320/IMG_2093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333076336382546" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure what the Bureau of Sanitation is doing right, but everyone at the Open House was professional, friendly, and eager to tell us about their trucks and various programs. Really, this event was managed better than many weddings I've attended. Who knew the BOS was so on top of it? Free burgers, dogs, snacks, and drinks and the most charming group of high schoolers guiding visitors around the yard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE1QgBinYfAZ3zTCWG_ik48TrS_nEKiWgk9w75Knek1dHakETn_uXY0HQ_ux0vncqYjw63uLahrhwfQVyHW-tDlHYfz05HXEpPeGfkwKQl2YuAbL5mYmH5XEXnT4qAWQE5D99If58pzqJ/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE1QgBinYfAZ3zTCWG_ik48TrS_nEKiWgk9w75Knek1dHakETn_uXY0HQ_ux0vncqYjw63uLahrhwfQVyHW-tDlHYfz05HXEpPeGfkwKQl2YuAbL5mYmH5XEXnT4qAWQE5D99If58pzqJ/s320/IMG_2123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333519065918786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-2Pp7kZi2lPj-AcGX4mQ89GS6jSxD4vU12cg5u6czVYKi-nwI5gS3-_D5KbN0BN5ARBhjdZWiWbuFGHpKSV58F4ezMmK_VCmElo9gstyfu41qxW06RcPJYOpPekEy7AB6_gKs6jKtnXH/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-2Pp7kZi2lPj-AcGX4mQ89GS6jSxD4vU12cg5u6czVYKi-nwI5gS3-_D5KbN0BN5ARBhjdZWiWbuFGHpKSV58F4ezMmK_VCmElo9gstyfu41qxW06RcPJYOpPekEy7AB6_gKs6jKtnXH/s320/IMG_2109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333506023484098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82w8yMhQRuiD4PJcduuBqll8ZEIy50HTXFGf9-BP-HZvnrqDuwWFf0Mqwhm9L8PV2pualxEBHI8ezdsLxo_7OSntcGSvZP9ariht_VSuuT4shYidavuWpUmNIHykB4pWW94azZ8Rh9qYR/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82w8yMhQRuiD4PJcduuBqll8ZEIy50HTXFGf9-BP-HZvnrqDuwWFf0Mqwhm9L8PV2pualxEBHI8ezdsLxo_7OSntcGSvZP9ariht_VSuuT4shYidavuWpUmNIHykB4pWW94azZ8Rh9qYR/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333077751847234" border="0" /></a>Above is Herbert, another friendly BOS staffer, who gave us kitchen oil disposal basics.<br /><br />A DJ spun old R&B while we strolled around, learning about the recycling program, the best way to dispose of oil, how to compost, and other interesting tidbits. We saw their official electric Mini and learned how the fleet is transitioning to all natural gas trucks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cgarp8E34Cxh6_9CRG1BqrJTPZYabRJyhI6OldQueqzjFylTQZLMu1s81Vl5Nw6UAHDdHi22P5V7iFvUt4NlIBiC47ouU-lcQcQc1CLPq3gr4VSNPuOuOY6TyRyZ3K-H6kwxIrB6hJ83/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Cgarp8E34Cxh6_9CRG1BqrJTPZYabRJyhI6OldQueqzjFylTQZLMu1s81Vl5Nw6UAHDdHi22P5V7iFvUt4NlIBiC47ouU-lcQcQc1CLPq3gr4VSNPuOuOY6TyRyZ3K-H6kwxIrB6hJ83/s320/IMG_2089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333071793569362" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpHWUelOb-uaDAbHAhZL5UU0URvlqHoEGSiJGQI_zcD0cBB2c0P-67qeJ86KQGYVBYkicR5Z3sUC57Lp4THP56jz23QM74wz4sCwRvq7cr5JmEbUAkWk_Xw_Dw_Q6s-tmlJeuBDtJFGr/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpHWUelOb-uaDAbHAhZL5UU0URvlqHoEGSiJGQI_zcD0cBB2c0P-67qeJ86KQGYVBYkicR5Z3sUC57Lp4THP56jz23QM74wz4sCwRvq7cr5JmEbUAkWk_Xw_Dw_Q6s-tmlJeuBDtJFGr/s320/IMG_2083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474333062931233394" border="0" /></a>But the highlight of the event had to be the little recycling can they gave out to "winners" of the recycling game. It's Tater's new lovie.<br /><br />Way to go, BOS!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-48040039689626733442010-03-24T20:23:00.000-07:002010-03-24T22:19:49.502-07:00Fantasy Morning - Coffee and DoughnutsOk, here's my fantasy *: It's Sunday morning. We all wake up at 7:30am (this is already far-fetched), throw on some clothes, brush our teeth, and head down the hill towards Downtown. Still groggy, we arrive at the <a href="http://www.lazyoxcanteen.com/">Lazy Ox Canteen</a> where we're greeted as warmly as always.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMezw_8ZBWv_0OH_XDd5THa7ReudF4-E3THZyp9b2oo-cev0fdgwmdai-y-ugoa0FmLoyiwyWPIizrej3vsVm6pE4tIXVinbmQrrJCDE6Hpcsme8NmQO3YjAXYG1xQ5GYvkqiCabEKnr5I/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMezw_8ZBWv_0OH_XDd5THa7ReudF4-E3THZyp9b2oo-cev0fdgwmdai-y-ugoa0FmLoyiwyWPIizrej3vsVm6pE4tIXVinbmQrrJCDE6Hpcsme8NmQO3YjAXYG1xQ5GYvkqiCabEKnr5I/s320/IMG_0711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452430460509492258" border="0" /></a>There they are on the bar, luscious doughnuts just out of the fryer. Today's flavor is anyone's guess. Lemon, rosemary, and thyme? Orange blossom & vanilla bean? Simply perfect cinnamon sugar? We take two and they throw in a little doughnut hole for Tater.<br /><br />Lucky for us, the Lazy Ox serves SF's Four Barrel coffee (they actually do!). As a decaf drinker, I <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> appreciate roasters like Four Barrel, who are producing decaf that's as yummy as its regular counterpart.<br /><br />We get Tater settled into his highchair and give him his doughnut hole which keeps him busy for a half hour (ha!). Our doughnuts are heavenly, still warm, fluffy and perfect with our coffees. Tater is happy and content as we savor our doughnuts and coffee. <br /><br />Will this fantasy come true? God, I hope so.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AYVp4SmzP_PWORuuy4Mm66sidsGm4WuOmnvsusBEqMczfG89hZJzJZCBwdaOd5sqsGbchs7_0hSnbwg-jeXJ3_E6te2O9mmg1SnrTfzkKcUD5Za7dtZtTwkiB7ppWLambmmHAHMMcSwU/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AYVp4SmzP_PWORuuy4Mm66sidsGm4WuOmnvsusBEqMczfG89hZJzJZCBwdaOd5sqsGbchs7_0hSnbwg-jeXJ3_E6te2O9mmg1SnrTfzkKcUD5Za7dtZtTwkiB7ppWLambmmHAHMMcSwU/s320/IMG_0714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452430463179412930" border="0" /></a>*Inspired by a recent morning at Oakland's <a href="http://www.pizzaiolooakland.com/">Pizzaiolo, </a>where their morning doughnuts sell out by 10am. Pizzaiolo's loud and bustling at night, but downright serene in the mornings. Coffee and doughnuts (just coffee and doughnuts - not a full breakfast) would be perfect at the Lazy Ox, but I'm sure would work at any number of places: Wurstkuche, Cole's, or....?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-77172826865838647182009-10-08T19:39:00.000-07:002009-10-08T22:27:18.221-07:00"Best Brittle" Says Martha Stewart Living!!Other than a few references here and there, I really haven't used this space to write about my husband's labor of love, <a href="http://www.morninggloryconfections.com/servlet/StoreFront">Morning Glory Confections</a>. It always felt like some sort of weird conflict of interest as I'm a food blogger (or, internet food writer, if you prefer) and he's a confectioner.<br /><br />But folks, I must say it's time to break the rules because my honey's brittle has just been featured in October's Martha Stewart Living. This is beyond huge for him and I couldn't be prouder.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT9RXRCOgCE9Iqkrxgzlbh07_VXtzumlP5ywxNmwD4K4_l4N4QXqtEstJyczdo6i_8ZCPY3AcQsqSa2RuxdNru0TiCvvDC2JkPyYy7DjJ9utCL97Ae7UQMnxd7KC-DXfAiUXzFGh7IMFC/s1600-h/MSLivingOct09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT9RXRCOgCE9Iqkrxgzlbh07_VXtzumlP5ywxNmwD4K4_l4N4QXqtEstJyczdo6i_8ZCPY3AcQsqSa2RuxdNru0TiCvvDC2JkPyYy7DjJ9utCL97Ae7UQMnxd7KC-DXfAiUXzFGh7IMFC/s320/MSLivingOct09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384495144568892290" border="0" /></a>After grad school, Max worked as a private chef for an LA family, cooking to his heart's content with few limitations. He often made nut brittles for them to snack on, eventually incorporating various herbs, spices, and other ingredients not usually associated with peanut brittle. The family loved the results of his experiments as did I.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY2Tn_ZsIC1PXVPzTIU4jnE0Q1DAuzlb7ub1PkOMpFK0Ujbz3qJx6b2gZZjQTL_9Yc1hYtEVzFuHT2uvTfWxwSCTK99lCmfqcGu41zgCs_SDAdAoF2xft7W7ipdRb9Oov4rYkoQdUUs4L/s1600-h/_MG_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY2Tn_ZsIC1PXVPzTIU4jnE0Q1DAuzlb7ub1PkOMpFK0Ujbz3qJx6b2gZZjQTL_9Yc1hYtEVzFuHT2uvTfWxwSCTK99lCmfqcGu41zgCs_SDAdAoF2xft7W7ipdRb9Oov4rYkoQdUUs4L/s320/_MG_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384511255699347234" border="0" /></a>In Fall of 2007, Max decided to make it official, creating, refining, and finalizing brittle recipes, using family and friends as focus groups, and basically jumping into this totally new terrain. Our friend Liz, of <a href="http://www.deptofgraphicsciences.com/">Department of Graphic Sciences</a>, helped Max realize his vision for the packaging, modern and minimalist.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH8uPN85Qsy02nCDhZdQNo-TXW8f-4Lm49Tu38z4-6kH-QZyDclOs5Mfplygm7iWZFqNiZ8pkZUas8KmF6s4UaakU7pBjq0huigcYdZkI5iu8lrg4LlaqfRuXd8yax2g4C20uE8K-Ghwe/s1600-h/IMG_5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH8uPN85Qsy02nCDhZdQNo-TXW8f-4Lm49Tu38z4-6kH-QZyDclOs5Mfplygm7iWZFqNiZ8pkZUas8KmF6s4UaakU7pBjq0huigcYdZkI5iu8lrg4LlaqfRuXd8yax2g4C20uE8K-Ghwe/s320/IMG_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384515460775423042" border="0" /></a>Fast forward to October 2008, Morning Glory Confections' artisan brittle landed in stores around LA, some of our favorites in fact: Susina Bakery, Lark Cake Shop, Auntie Em's, Cheese Store of Silver Lake, Clementine, and more recently Joan's on Third, Bottega Louie, Cube and others. Pat Saperstein, of <a href="http://eatingla.blogspot.com/2008/10/delicious-brittle-thats-not-political.html">Eating LA</a> was the first blogger to take notice of the brittle after tasting a few bites at an Obama bake sale.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89ObnTD7PoWSi78na3PlQ7AJdT7N8Eu_C5Vq9Lbm-wFJV8TfFzJEJgk-1Rr8qVeSRNd0-YNbEPrkh7-EBgwna5dvUdn6RcEVepq59yRpvP8mcaRMvWF8UmxefbBqqN4mSIltolhHJr6Gr/s1600-h/_MG_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89ObnTD7PoWSi78na3PlQ7AJdT7N8Eu_C5Vq9Lbm-wFJV8TfFzJEJgk-1Rr8qVeSRNd0-YNbEPrkh7-EBgwna5dvUdn6RcEVepq59yRpvP8mcaRMvWF8UmxefbBqqN4mSIltolhHJr6Gr/s320/_MG_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384511244589737234" border="0" /></a>A <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/42141/Whats+the+Story+Morning+Glory">Daily Candy</a> mention in early 2009 was a thrilling indication that Max's brittle was filling a void in the confectionary world. Next came a glowing mention on the LA Times' food blog, the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2009/04/office-obsession-artisan-brittle-from-morning-glory-confections.html">Daily Dish</a>, a <a href="http://tastingtable.com/entry_detail/la/559/The_Morning_Glory_flavor_roster_grows.htm">Tasting Table</a> post, and other posts from the food blog world.<br /><br />And now Martha Stewart Living:<br /><br />BEST BRITTLE<br />Brittle often has a Goldilocks problem: It's either too hard or too soft, too sweet or not sweet enough. Morning Glory Confections, however, has made its artisinal brittle just right. Produced in small batches in California, the candy has an excellent snap and balanced sweetness, and comes in six delectable flavors. Our favorites: Fleur de Sel & Peanut and the new Thai Curry & Peanut.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcsBHi0IMQk3jQW2icKwXCkvr0kzJEh4FhPq5GcAq1o6ftGycXdyRGFZ29nAr2WIJ_KuPO2ptY9Xv-58qT1TPSQOZ8O1jVkaP2gTET-NhnOGPnjrNVRwoSlIqzdkd2JJ0GqGgcynBZVTi/s1600-h/IMG_9732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcsBHi0IMQk3jQW2icKwXCkvr0kzJEh4FhPq5GcAq1o6ftGycXdyRGFZ29nAr2WIJ_KuPO2ptY9Xv-58qT1TPSQOZ8O1jVkaP2gTET-NhnOGPnjrNVRwoSlIqzdkd2JJ0GqGgcynBZVTi/s320/IMG_9732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385640738274334530" border="0" /></a>I'm constantly impressed with Max for all sorts of reasons, but I had to let you know that, in addition to running almost every aspect of Morning Glory Confections, he's also been a stellar new dad to our precious Tater. Where he gets the energy, I do not know!<br /><br />Check out his website for brittle descriptions, the full list of retailers, his online store, and to sign up for his mailing list. And if you're around Melrose and La Cienega on Sundays, do stop by Max's booth at the <a href="http://rawinspiration.org/dev/marketlocations.php#11">Melrose Place Farmers' Market</a> to sample his six flavors and market exclusives (recently: bacon brittle!).<br /><br />Morning Glory Confections<br /><a href="http://www.morninggloryconfections.com/servlet/StoreFront">http://www.morninggloryconfections.com</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/mgbrittle">MGC on Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Glory-Confections/48494021486">MGC on Facebook</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-72753549465970307362009-10-07T18:57:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:06:40.815-07:00Andre Guerrero's Movin' into Glassell Park!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKJsiBcJofvFdvcEYmABWkGtIKCKzEe4l4qQMGoTn5JS3wQ9exKt_3_F1YUczq4r6SK2Tll5PTN9THfjlFH3xbdn_B6agTbV64Ab6XUvH-pPQpTAxWJ4QXezausbbok5kKzTR-NP704sI/s1600-h/IMG_7276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKJsiBcJofvFdvcEYmABWkGtIKCKzEe4l4qQMGoTn5JS3wQ9exKt_3_F1YUczq4r6SK2Tll5PTN9THfjlFH3xbdn_B6agTbV64Ab6XUvH-pPQpTAxWJ4QXezausbbok5kKzTR-NP704sI/s320/IMG_7276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390050924620288626" border="0" /></a><br />I love <a href="http://www.foodgps.com/andre-guerrero-transforms-butter-tart-bakery/">this news</a> because:<br /><br />1. Echo Park's minutes away from Glassell Park<br /><br />2. While we're occasionally disappointed by <a href="http://www.oinkster.com/">The Oinkster's</a> fries, their always good veggie burgers, pulled pork and pastrami sandwiches make it <a href="http://silverlakeboulevard.blogspot.com/2007/05/oinkster.html">a reliable favorite</a>. I'm confident Andre will create a similar neighborhood favorite in GP.<br /><br />3. I know they had their fans, but <a href="http://reservationforthree.blogspot.com/2009/02/butter-tart-cafe-sticky-sweet-and.html">we found Butter Tart's butter tarts icky</a>. It takes a lot to keep me away from a cute bakery close-by, but it was easy to stay away from Butter Tart after that first visit.<br /><br />4. The eastside (or whatever you call our side of town) needs more neighborhoody breakfast/lunch joints.<br /><br />5. Intelligentsia coffee without the wait or parking nightmare of the Silver Lake branch? Yes!<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.foodgps.com/andre-guerrero-transforms-butter-tart-bakery/">Food GPS</a> for breaking the news.<br /><br />Butter Tart Bakery<br />4126 Verdugo Road<br />Los Angeles, CA 90065Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-16075414981990502772009-10-03T18:53:00.000-07:002009-10-03T19:14:11.168-07:00We've Got a Winner!Congratulations to May, who won two tickets to next weekend's Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon in Pasadena. For the rest of you, there's still time to buy tickets, which are an extremely reasonable $20 ($25 at the door) for a serious chocolate feast. Click <a href="http://www.lachocolatesalon.com/">here</a> for all of the details. And thanks for entering and sharing your favorite chocolate dessert. <br /><br />My favorite, by the way? An old-fashioned chocolate layer cake. Just had a great one at <a href="http://www.thehungryghostkid.com/2009/04/wish-i-lived-closer-jongewaards-bake-n.html">Jongewaard's Bake 'N Broil</a> in Long Beach.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-43513691874237877362009-09-26T13:58:00.000-07:002009-09-26T19:00:21.719-07:00Ticket Giveaway: LA Luxury Chocolate Salon 10/11Do you love chocolate? No, I mean to you <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> chocolate...lurve chocolate? If so, do I have a giveaway for you. If you're free on October 11th, enter below for your chance to win <span style="font-weight: bold;">two tickets</span> to this year's LA Luxury Chocolate Salon. What is a chocolate salon, you ask? From what I gather, it's non-stop chocolate: chocolate tasting, book signings, chocolate demos, chef/author talks, and more.<br /><br />I have NO idea how I got so lucky, but I'll be at the Salon as a panelist, tasting and judging more chocolate than I've ever consumed at one time. It's quite a challenge, but I think I'm up for it. Won't you join me?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIjwtZ8dVCG3hCBjeCJkq6vcWlMh8gupgl74S_3pmfeHoZKeD8tZp-UIroaMxypLvOy-zCngElUrLctSeUGXYeRGRN1LYmjZtNoBuMnXboJFvWS3s9N_8CGSQleqZ-MOZ0ld8TWpOtcI_/s1600-h/lachocsalon09-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIjwtZ8dVCG3hCBjeCJkq6vcWlMh8gupgl74S_3pmfeHoZKeD8tZp-UIroaMxypLvOy-zCngElUrLctSeUGXYeRGRN1LYmjZtNoBuMnXboJFvWS3s9N_8CGSQleqZ-MOZ0ld8TWpOtcI_/s320/lachocsalon09-web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385936554247998882" border="0" /></a>For a chance to win, just answer this question in the comments below: <strong>What's your favorite chocolate dessert?</strong> I'll be utilizing the number in a paper bag method to randomly choose a winner on Wednesday, September 30th.<br /><br />Make sure to either log in using your Blogger ID or provide some sort of contact info. Good luck!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-58396283963361238682009-07-31T10:05:00.000-07:002009-07-31T10:12:36.773-07:00If You Leave, Don't Look Back - Blogger Prom 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUXzL741TH5V0aQwxS2qeG8e8fk1nbvKb-KjSJO-vIwHSF5jpM9wqeupIVxyiQG4LGxulprR4u8AKeHN9F3cy0QMdpRRvh6Je5k7462SpIFdK_woQvwp9Vh7RZt_Jz6YlY7_bt50vYws7/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUXzL741TH5V0aQwxS2qeG8e8fk1nbvKb-KjSJO-vIwHSF5jpM9wqeupIVxyiQG4LGxulprR4u8AKeHN9F3cy0QMdpRRvh6Je5k7462SpIFdK_woQvwp9Vh7RZt_Jz6YlY7_bt50vYws7/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364444352744706818" border="0" /></a>When was the last time we had a fabulous night out, just the two of us? Now I'm not talking about the quickie coffee shop dinner with us scarfing down a tuna melt while Grandma patiently waits for us to get back home. I'm talking about heels and sequins and fishnets and an up-do. Yes, my friends, I'm talking about <a href="http://blogger-prom.blogspot.com/">Blogger Prom</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAGMKwNwF6m8kXLsvRlTdKApqNhhxchIw84vtK37hP3e537-ggWvMcdWEMkzi3baIXz0gtX8J0nn2u_jmTC0LWTtoWnp3GkSuOgpgUt8EHbEqfiw5Kulfdj5Rle_U67ln5rMoaJ62_uk-/s1600-h/IMG_9883.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAGMKwNwF6m8kXLsvRlTdKApqNhhxchIw84vtK37hP3e537-ggWvMcdWEMkzi3baIXz0gtX8J0nn2u_jmTC0LWTtoWnp3GkSuOgpgUt8EHbEqfiw5Kulfdj5Rle_U67ln5rMoaJ62_uk-/s320/IMG_9883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364673127759568946" border="0" /></a>Don't ask me why, but for some reason my mom had saved my prom dress from the 11th grade, and by some crazy miracle, it still fit. My better half initially wanted to go as his alter ego, a mulletted, bandana-wearing, trash-talkin', sleeveless denim shirt clad drunk dude last seen at Cal Arts grad night a few years back. I won the battle this time and he instead went for "Country Club Preppy."<br /><br />Blogger Prom was held at the Andaz Hotel, more famously known as "Riot House" where bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who rode motorcycles down the halls, threw TVs out of the windows, and performed other forms of sexy mayhem.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCCx4zQhfTzVnWNkjyRqM16fGmaEF6jLgzoPv2nvdpxvXYpOCAFd7BXZs1xL7fuVVKcRF0ylM9axsVQQXCaWyGoCvDQUJZe5k7kL-hq719X2w6PmfpxGLgHuE7doiQvM-aWirZgKZh578/s1600-h/IMG_9898.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCCx4zQhfTzVnWNkjyRqM16fGmaEF6jLgzoPv2nvdpxvXYpOCAFd7BXZs1xL7fuVVKcRF0ylM9axsVQQXCaWyGoCvDQUJZe5k7kL-hq719X2w6PmfpxGLgHuE7doiQvM-aWirZgKZh578/s320/IMG_9898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364444356481415762" border="0" /></a>Sometimes LA is just so beautiful. As we sipped our tequila cocktails from the rooftop at dusk, we gazed over LA transfixed by the endless sea of twinkling lights. The BP Committee arranged for some pretty substantial snacks, including caprese kabobs, charcuterie, beef & lemongrass skewers. We had rushed around town getting ready for BP, so we were starving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jwRZS9GIUqfArHPVMcxzaPKt5oOLB-LrMMzJBzcVm9LJvYExNkdJ5B6UtktrmDaw7cuquboL5MKaojzSx5BQxqg6idUfkvcp8CYV3fow6ZJhH-n7v4YGmKhTWqJRXe5J3wv4z-1REKBu/s1600-h/IMG_9886.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jwRZS9GIUqfArHPVMcxzaPKt5oOLB-LrMMzJBzcVm9LJvYExNkdJ5B6UtktrmDaw7cuquboL5MKaojzSx5BQxqg6idUfkvcp8CYV3fow6ZJhH-n7v4YGmKhTWqJRXe5J3wv4z-1REKBu/s320/IMG_9886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364673133619383602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5UMkCVKDBkrsJATmEQz3LOEAlVxp0zpvHF8KHM7ROQ5aILEtbi41g7K-Mx2hy2rNh6ZC5V5WHcxN24A5DixLfU1jYtOT3XxyeAKrBZXOsxXIcq6KD8ANKMVVEOEBt7EJZK0STo4c9BAZ/s1600-h/IMG_9895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5UMkCVKDBkrsJATmEQz3LOEAlVxp0zpvHF8KHM7ROQ5aILEtbi41g7K-Mx2hy2rNh6ZC5V5WHcxN24A5DixLfU1jYtOT3XxyeAKrBZXOsxXIcq6KD8ANKMVVEOEBt7EJZK0STo4c9BAZ/s320/IMG_9895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364444366070593378" border="0" /></a>Barrie Lynn, otherwise known as <a href="http://cheeseimpresario.com/">The Cheese Impresario</a>, treated us to an incredible cheese plate. For dessert, we inhaled cheesecake pops and mini-cupcakes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-ioub5LZPsklQ0ARAYTlu5-VbPqnl7ZgaJypdyi2OSgwrry-yFVw6Q7xorHIRKk-3RaNj3Ww34zkAvj0nBjfUIgamateBJWUVhahIpIOUukQpLs00F5P6XHxT_7hXBXoCB-xDD9ve7Qu/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-ioub5LZPsklQ0ARAYTlu5-VbPqnl7ZgaJypdyi2OSgwrry-yFVw6Q7xorHIRKk-3RaNj3Ww34zkAvj0nBjfUIgamateBJWUVhahIpIOUukQpLs00F5P6XHxT_7hXBXoCB-xDD9ve7Qu/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364444330020366754" border="0" /></a>All in all, Blogger Prom was awesome. Not only did it give us a much-needed date night, but it was great to meet in person so many of my twitter and food blog buddies I've gotten to know over the past few years.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-83506144400283539632009-07-19T20:40:00.000-07:002009-07-19T22:43:22.083-07:00Sunday Dinner: WurstkucheNot sure what we were thinking, but after my <a href="http://www.morninggloryconfections.com/servlet/StoreFront">brittle</a> man's day at the Melrose Place Farmers' Market and Tater and my day in Santa Monica, we just wanted a no-cook night. So off we went to Wurstkuche. Tater's current bedtime is usually around 6:30pm, so if we have dinner out, we're with the early birders at 5pm or even earlier. Not tonight! We were living like gypsies, as my Mom says, leaving the house at 6:30pm. <br /><br />Man, Wurstkuche gets crazy busy at night. The room was completely full when we got there, but luckily I spotted a lone table in a corner. The Wurstkuche guy kindly moved it over to a little space against the wall and thankfully the portable high chair fit on the table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XcW3BSb9aR861_Ic3fz2DImXlyFQT43K3iG8-F_Wh_fi7bzOw19NJ1WILrDP7atULxA4xwQW-JK89nTX4sRATRazx0yV8TcKwZykX1Gz6lK_DmErCjBQKGpySX2B_cnfAPoadF-pKYEv/s1600-h/IMG_9851.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XcW3BSb9aR861_Ic3fz2DImXlyFQT43K3iG8-F_Wh_fi7bzOw19NJ1WILrDP7atULxA4xwQW-JK89nTX4sRATRazx0yV8TcKwZykX1Gz6lK_DmErCjBQKGpySX2B_cnfAPoadF-pKYEv/s320/IMG_9851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360406109960763650" border="0" /></a>Ok, so by the time we got our food it was around 7:15, now way past Tater's bedtime and the poor little guy was on the edge. As always, we quickly ate our sausages while supplying him with cheerios, barley biscuits, napkins (he likes to rip them up into tiny pieces - yes, bussers hate us), his sippy cup, and little pieces of bun. Wurstkuche was quite loud, so Tater's brief outbursts were completely drowned out by the noise.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7uGuGJQZIXvcs_fRI5zKPWtHNgcP5KEyxzRRYH4fAFILMtTL1bXr-2g2PL7Bhm6pstiaG6mnO16UlAnZgpwmxhUrK3L3My9qt4UNCa1MqevCCVX4z9Mk_yj77B2YCxLBgABeOw1sG_lb/s1600-h/IMG_9845.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7uGuGJQZIXvcs_fRI5zKPWtHNgcP5KEyxzRRYH4fAFILMtTL1bXr-2g2PL7Bhm6pstiaG6mnO16UlAnZgpwmxhUrK3L3My9qt4UNCa1MqevCCVX4z9Mk_yj77B2YCxLBgABeOw1sG_lb/s320/IMG_9845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360406104277806434" border="0" /></a>The sausages were awesome. We split the duck/bacon, sundried tomato/mozzarella and a small fries. After a string of so-so sausages (why did I even bother with the vegan dog??), I turned a corner and started ordering the right sausages, thanks to Twitter buds, Joshua Lurie (Food GPS) and Sam Kim (LAist). Thanks again, guys! We're huge fans of the near-perfect fries, which have to be some of the best in LA.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1Ss9p2WY_uiZKVVW8LN_VOxdbLqfkc4dS1L6Wx-GunpVM5Yr2kYu9NUK9FSHBxepypU2xjdW1Da71Yz3mi_tXF1Jgy0du4JCrumFGiFOXiBYqwJ6jsMTbks2KXSCHqNlC3F04h02LOy-/s1600-h/IMG_9857.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1Ss9p2WY_uiZKVVW8LN_VOxdbLqfkc4dS1L6Wx-GunpVM5Yr2kYu9NUK9FSHBxepypU2xjdW1Da71Yz3mi_tXF1Jgy0du4JCrumFGiFOXiBYqwJ6jsMTbks2KXSCHqNlC3F04h02LOy-/s320/IMG_9857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360406115685914546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ALvy3BI74Ui8Ot58H9YsAIM0fJ2cVALh6-syjvD5ILBqrVU8yyhYZrzR5_dmBXlxnwe-_iGqHmMG8VRz4uibeIydwaFwkNxqYgk2wsGjgEhN5Tc2ub8qvTjRurkTp-pjsmJ6-ZvWusXT/s1600-h/IMG_9855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ALvy3BI74Ui8Ot58H9YsAIM0fJ2cVALh6-syjvD5ILBqrVU8yyhYZrzR5_dmBXlxnwe-_iGqHmMG8VRz4uibeIydwaFwkNxqYgk2wsGjgEhN5Tc2ub8qvTjRurkTp-pjsmJ6-ZvWusXT/s320/IMG_9855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360406114577105618" border="0" /></a>Tater was near delirious by the time we got home, falling asleep as soon as we finished Goodnight Moon.<br /><br />Wurstkuche<br />800 E 3rd St<br />Los Angeles, CA 90013Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-23257438726197353832009-07-11T15:33:00.000-07:002009-07-11T16:50:19.532-07:00A Quickie Lunch for Me and Tater: Porta Via Italian FoodsTater & I were on our own today, so we decided that a lovely, yet quick lunch at Porta Via was in order. A little shrimp & calamari salad and arugula & beet salad for me, Tater got a jar of yucky organic chicken with pasta stars (Dad's been busy).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpF0LpXF_7Mu8t_9WO1I8niz9iQiD_f2Kc9_Puz28KNMd7WUMfNBnuuhpTfQ73qjrsAJKLnNZPtgCoxg935gczxu4nIyKgZYpuWKg6U3JS9BsBt5rzE8h6N0f_OHCKo-CZm6tN5pWJmdd/s1600-h/IMG_9701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpF0LpXF_7Mu8t_9WO1I8niz9iQiD_f2Kc9_Puz28KNMd7WUMfNBnuuhpTfQ73qjrsAJKLnNZPtgCoxg935gczxu4nIyKgZYpuWKg6U3JS9BsBt5rzE8h6N0f_OHCKo-CZm6tN5pWJmdd/s320/IMG_9701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357353284876252194" border="0" /></a>We sat outside on their shaded patio and had about as relaxing a lunch as it gets these days. For a dude who eats almost all daddy-prepared food, Tater didn't seem to mind the processed junk, happily devouring the whole jar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAWFgg7mSm55Nk0SfdipXx-ehw9TNpUFbzfX8IIB7kDG8CHJBC8fv3-671C-trEhWZY8qLirZer3VIoEaINxb6ZwFdmEjverWFC6WnMl8VjL2t0X0SN3FOf-m-BHuO-II90cnN8EHM2OB/s1600-h/IMG_9703.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAWFgg7mSm55Nk0SfdipXx-ehw9TNpUFbzfX8IIB7kDG8CHJBC8fv3-671C-trEhWZY8qLirZer3VIoEaINxb6ZwFdmEjverWFC6WnMl8VjL2t0X0SN3FOf-m-BHuO-II90cnN8EHM2OB/s320/IMG_9703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357353285337630130" border="0" /></a>My salads were just right for this scorcher of a day. The seafood salad was crisp and light, with just a hint of heat. The arugula salad was good, though a bit too sweet for my taste and maybe a little overdressed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIx-u61q71Bssc4sUyjhBqslmL1Ldqbx7LjM5d0HozZPK7OZ2LNSenS3E60Zj5_Rg9sd4Vf7Y4pS0aHfVUmnZdup1WuQ0ePJ0TpMrGJIeNNIYemqnuzdKbJpZ5zhA5hZ8QrQgiAW_JIrN/s1600-h/IMG_9700.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIx-u61q71Bssc4sUyjhBqslmL1Ldqbx7LjM5d0HozZPK7OZ2LNSenS3E60Zj5_Rg9sd4Vf7Y4pS0aHfVUmnZdup1WuQ0ePJ0TpMrGJIeNNIYemqnuzdKbJpZ5zhA5hZ8QrQgiAW_JIrN/s320/IMG_9700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357353274296191186" border="0" /></a>After a few minutes, Tater decided our leisurely lunch was over so I quickly devoured the rest of my salads, gulped down my Pellegrino and off we went to do errands in Old Town.<br /><br />Porta Via Italian Foods<br /> 1 W California Blvd.<br /> Pasadena, CA 91105<br /> 626-793-9000Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-71295288213559362722009-07-08T06:52:00.000-07:002009-07-08T06:49:04.725-07:00Sunday Picnic: Mozza2Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbUYlpdDv0pAIDpkwbI3I79af1DpAKwiMQRHCM0EMV8VvUz8tFfekD-jcNFjXrU7_DoONo-IyJ34kEhVeKdRmdbvMe2gMU4X6EQO_2ufrZQfaxNBNB_qt9GFVj_5_cQ0kRNM4BjoNxFXX/s1600-h/IMG_9611.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbUYlpdDv0pAIDpkwbI3I79af1DpAKwiMQRHCM0EMV8VvUz8tFfekD-jcNFjXrU7_DoONo-IyJ34kEhVeKdRmdbvMe2gMU4X6EQO_2ufrZQfaxNBNB_qt9GFVj_5_cQ0kRNM4BjoNxFXX/s320/IMG_9611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355932584177361250" border="0" /></a>Since Tater was feeling better after last week's tummy bug, we decided a picnic in Elysian Park would be a perfect way to celebrate his recovery. Plus, it was a stunning summer day and we were finished with the Hollywood Farmer's Market in the AM. After my <a href="http://reservationforthree.blogspot.com/2009/07/mozza-2-go-menu.html">first taste</a> of Mozza2Go on Friday with a tuna panini my husband picked up, I was itching to check it out for myself.<br /><br />Really, is there anything the Mozza team can't do? The Pizzeria is my official happy place, the Osteria is sublime, and the take-out operation rounds out this holy Los Angeles trinity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1GUXxWKTYpSjXl8GdJWBdKpKGGADnuC0at6tyCWqKldQt7TrEI7Kpqng8zfgN3a6Bw55VEXYK3MCEfU41UfC_bJZ6gF6XTPcpbS4MbMPSCAsjKWTVY-nU6pfa-Wev8kk8B55FwcwCwPB/s1600-h/IMG_9609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1GUXxWKTYpSjXl8GdJWBdKpKGGADnuC0at6tyCWqKldQt7TrEI7Kpqng8zfgN3a6Bw55VEXYK3MCEfU41UfC_bJZ6gF6XTPcpbS4MbMPSCAsjKWTVY-nU6pfa-Wev8kk8B55FwcwCwPB/s320/IMG_9609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355586867207828066" border="0" /></a>Arriving just after noon, we opted for the simple tomato, evoo, and oregano pizza and the Italian Cobb. While we waited for our order, sweet Lucy cooed at Tater and didn't mind us feeding him his lunch. After a short wait, we left with our lunch and headed back to Echo Park.<br /><br />Why in the world do we not picnic more often? We live a stone's throw from Elysian Park, surely an underappreciated LA treasure, so really we have no excuse.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAZvqK5xsAqX-Meeb5dHcSX8pcORLKVY-de-LVfVST0jXgzNiGWAhniZHcfg-Wqxq96eAY5gEM5AhJI5uxzwmVTOU_mqgdI94gZVF4uDdfOi37Vh7onUtSWguiEaIs8EuzKvn-wkEWa8J/s1600-h/IMG_9617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAZvqK5xsAqX-Meeb5dHcSX8pcORLKVY-de-LVfVST0jXgzNiGWAhniZHcfg-Wqxq96eAY5gEM5AhJI5uxzwmVTOU_mqgdI94gZVF4uDdfOi37Vh7onUtSWguiEaIs8EuzKvn-wkEWa8J/s320/IMG_9617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355586883941867826" border="0" /></a>Tater loved sitting outside and was pretty content with the Pellegrino bottles and my wallet. We were about as relaxed as we get, of course always keeping an eye on Tater who constantly puts everything in his mouth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOJ211ng7C81IxJQE8BCU9i_-6Q_YeT_rFCfoyhLxDv-OmQFmwuBfOLTFxrsN8ek1b5nY-Lw4lw-WiPWHnSBT9-c6yhOMGKk8gcx7yC81gFcObeGi2XGKHs3OjmB98Ej2RQf0oKeyW3Mo/s1600-h/IMG_9612.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOJ211ng7C81IxJQE8BCU9i_-6Q_YeT_rFCfoyhLxDv-OmQFmwuBfOLTFxrsN8ek1b5nY-Lw4lw-WiPWHnSBT9-c6yhOMGKk8gcx7yC81gFcObeGi2XGKHs3OjmB98Ej2RQf0oKeyW3Mo/s320/IMG_9612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355586872829103938" border="0" /></a>Will you please look at this salad? Everything from the gooey gorgonzola dolce, the sweet tiny tomatoes, woodsy grilled chicken and smoky pancetta, buttery avocado, egg and little gem lettuce came together beautifully. We had never had Mozza's simple tomato pizza, but it hit the spot with a tangy and subtly spicy sauce and a sprinkling of oregano.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yCWlwWNRH3MKu-MV73ZC7pmjbhQ6p8Z4JjxYy7pkLJ5qaZf1A3-UrCFO82xhkvZn4iUBQtRX-6-nFvGYfMlDp7klYpK6tYRzh22bjHEWU4O104dXbhK_ajKZB2j0te_xWbaSXlGQ5hxx/s1600-h/IMG_9615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yCWlwWNRH3MKu-MV73ZC7pmjbhQ6p8Z4JjxYy7pkLJ5qaZf1A3-UrCFO82xhkvZn4iUBQtRX-6-nFvGYfMlDp7klYpK6tYRzh22bjHEWU4O104dXbhK_ajKZB2j0te_xWbaSXlGQ5hxx/s320/IMG_9615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355927605624936546" border="0" /></a>Even though we've been able to score last-minute tables at P. Mozza in the past, it's usually for that really late lunch or really early dinner. And let's face it, eating out with Tater is often not the most relaxing exercise anymore as he's all over the place and needs snacks/books/toys, etc.<br /><br />With Mozza2Go, we can get our Mozza fix without having to think about an open table or Tater's mood. Thank you, Mozza team for bringing this perfect solution for hungry parents on the go.<br /><br />Mozza2Go<br />6610 Melrose Ave.<br />323-297-1130Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-87113363388871248412009-07-03T21:23:00.000-07:002009-07-03T21:31:14.758-07:00Mozza 2 Go - MenuHad the tuna panini today. Amazing, of course. Hubby chatted with Nancy and my big chef crush, Matt Molina, executive chef of the two (or three?) Mozzas. So glad it's not closer as we'd be there every day.<br /><br />Here's the menu (uploading blue for some reason) for your viewing pleasure. Very similar to the Pizzeria.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4YYwoATVxWbn6b5liTdYKbn4VrZ3GuEpKfHcax2oQ0ZtRANOgl3ZM5iFVkwCHxCCN1PURsSjhe01N72Wu3c7JOSaxeqPAPRLKc6UM4iXC7ERy839KnG7Mf3rAG9adpjgpTusCd1-9SFZ/s1600-h/mozza2gomenu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 103px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4YYwoATVxWbn6b5liTdYKbn4VrZ3GuEpKfHcax2oQ0ZtRANOgl3ZM5iFVkwCHxCCN1PURsSjhe01N72Wu3c7JOSaxeqPAPRLKc6UM4iXC7ERy839KnG7Mf3rAG9adpjgpTusCd1-9SFZ/s320/mozza2gomenu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354457066430754594" border="0" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-46831629369998895022009-05-14T18:58:00.000-07:002009-05-14T23:36:33.240-07:00The Bonnie Brae Fresh OJ Cart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffhjXlc9k_fT8e9SvipcGoGM8xxGrTg4NBAUl_YoOFvzYs20ppSuvNq1ywqPdnl49Yyc89PtLv7WuNEiws2XpHhHA66zzlg0LiD0-otVKH6IxYTLVaYaof6gW6elFr0McLv6vBD51OeWq/s1600-h/IMG_8742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffhjXlc9k_fT8e9SvipcGoGM8xxGrTg4NBAUl_YoOFvzYs20ppSuvNq1ywqPdnl49Yyc89PtLv7WuNEiws2XpHhHA66zzlg0LiD0-otVKH6IxYTLVaYaof6gW6elFr0McLv6vBD51OeWq/s200/IMG_8742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335871146762724210" border="0" /></a>I work 4 miles from home, a trip usually taking around 15 minutes and I know that makes me one lucky Angeleno. Road work on Alvarado has made my route increasingly congested though, so I've started taking Bonnie Brae.<br /><br />Oh, my love for Bonnie Brae has no bounds. Running parallel to Alvarado, it's a traffic-free secret route to Wilshire from Sunset. I usually pass moms strolling with babies, kids on their way to school, and folks waiting for the bus.<br /><br />But this morning, just before I turned onto Wilshire, I spotted this shopping cart, loaded up with a portable fresh orange juice operation. It was quite lovely, each cup filled to the brim with bright orange oj, a sharp contrast to the grittiness of the neighborhood. I'm no juicing expert, but her juicer looked pretty impressive as well. <br /><br />With no one behind me, I jumped out, and asked the older woman running the cart if I could take a picture. I think she thought I was going to bust her for her illegal juice bar, but I assured her that I just liked her cart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cEU1UZVxfFS6BVdwt03OJ9-ssnwW-tkdUNwzscLYG6s8_f-pZOw2HBVTt4NTcb7rpTwqoMa37l91goxubE9EI0JGNkN1Mo_Ig7SgR6Y8t7mwFQo4XDJzjWm1EDwxFEfZmRnkX3whCGX9/s1600-h/IMG_8741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cEU1UZVxfFS6BVdwt03OJ9-ssnwW-tkdUNwzscLYG6s8_f-pZOw2HBVTt4NTcb7rpTwqoMa37l91goxubE9EI0JGNkN1Mo_Ig7SgR6Y8t7mwFQo4XDJzjWm1EDwxFEfZmRnkX3whCGX9/s200/IMG_8741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335871147685007330" border="0" /></a>I forgot to ask how much the juice was, but I can't imagine it was more than a buck or two. Next time, I'm buying some for the office.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-34590471106490439452009-04-23T17:24:00.000-07:002009-04-25T08:04:29.022-07:00Reservation for Two: Osteria Mozza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN44bhGWeExET2lLbQ0tBMlhyphenhyphenYVOx3adTPRaOmybFRWqrNAAZUs5TYvXy5X6LnWYpjNc9AU4cKRWPO0QyMElEM6o2CayybmIDjyBZ0Ts9Vqe4d8ysS_x5upeOv0RXwFu7PZncVLaILYVM0/s1600-h/IMG_8307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN44bhGWeExET2lLbQ0tBMlhyphenhyphenYVOx3adTPRaOmybFRWqrNAAZUs5TYvXy5X6LnWYpjNc9AU4cKRWPO0QyMElEM6o2CayybmIDjyBZ0Ts9Vqe4d8ysS_x5upeOv0RXwFu7PZncVLaILYVM0/s200/IMG_8307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480601232669362" border="0" /></a>Really, what more is there to say about Osteria Mozza? This was our first time at the Osteria (I'm so ashamed!) and we fell madly in love. I'm not sure why, but we just didn't think we were going to like it as much as the Pizzeria. Oh were we wrong. There were times I thought my husband was going to fly away in ecstasy. Really!<br /><br />Lucky us, my father and his girlfriend treated the two of us to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversry. Grandma babysat! It was less formal than I had imagined and the food was incredible. The one and only so-so dish was the burrata from Puglia. Surprising, but Gioia's was creamier and richer than what we had at OM, though the bread it came with, soaked in EVO was perfection.<br /><br />Our waiter was predictably everything Batali's servers always are: real, knew the menu inside and out, really wanted us to LOVE our meal, and a perfect guide to figuring out the dishes we would love (no calf's brain raviolis for me!).<br /><br />We split the Ribollita "Da Delfina" - amazing. Like a savory french toast/bread pudding. Bread soaked in minestrone that's been reduced, then pan-fried. Ok, that description so does not capture how good it was. After the aforementioned burrata, we moved onto pastas. The orrecchiette with sausage and swiss chard was wonderful but the fresh ricotta and egg raviolo with browned butter was a showstopper.<br /><br />For our mains, I had the Grilled Beef Tagliata, rucola, and Parmigiano with aceto balsamico and M had the Grilled Quail wrapped in pancetta with sage and honey. Again, perfection.<br /><br />The bombolini with mountain huckleberry compote and vanilla gelato put the whole meal over the top and we agreed that this was one of our best meals ever.<br /><br />The icing on the cake was meeting Ms. Silverton herself. What an honor and yes, I did feel like such a dorky groupie. But it was a thrill nonetheless. I just wanted to take a picture of her from a distance, but a server mentioned that she'd be happy to take one with me so now I have a pic of the two of us! That poor woman must get approached constantly by food-obsessed groupies.<br /><br />Anyhow, here are some highlights from our meal. Entrees and desserts were dark so I'm not including.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavVTV2A6cAXldND4iuBHtv8vxzPxf3IJsfC04hEF_dgRaHV9iWt3wYFqED6E8zvsFExHBwBvnJuiersVG9-QpqQU-Oxxh_OSDIgVMqPuMn8f6kMX7knKulbEMtC5wZ0K-rfo7QmgMHkct/s1600-h/IMG_8308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavVTV2A6cAXldND4iuBHtv8vxzPxf3IJsfC04hEF_dgRaHV9iWt3wYFqED6E8zvsFExHBwBvnJuiersVG9-QpqQU-Oxxh_OSDIgVMqPuMn8f6kMX7knKulbEMtC5wZ0K-rfo7QmgMHkct/s200/IMG_8308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480605225930274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO4FoL5dRod1q687iINwyiPNKfQuA6fzhczF5RDQ8xh6V6X84UTkiLn19lTlliUi6SaRcijHKy90wIp5hexXEXygrDW8-v8-4Ae_EYtG9z2dW4fOfk8kY0QTvAVnGOiY51GE_gPpD0yHl/s1600-h/IMG_8309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO4FoL5dRod1q687iINwyiPNKfQuA6fzhczF5RDQ8xh6V6X84UTkiLn19lTlliUi6SaRcijHKy90wIp5hexXEXygrDW8-v8-4Ae_EYtG9z2dW4fOfk8kY0QTvAVnGOiY51GE_gPpD0yHl/s200/IMG_8309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480609098005922" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rb6t8Zrnmf5RGvPMZBa9XhkL0kVKJ3srcKFfaGkxek4Up5rzxNY64q4CIXlsBFhU0y-NzO8XaTBMpgJ3VxZtnRfJ57iYHc8e2W3IyHDHVlQf3boKfvtcegCUou4OjkVrDBRtO7nAtiHx/s1600-h/IMG_8316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rb6t8Zrnmf5RGvPMZBa9XhkL0kVKJ3srcKFfaGkxek4Up5rzxNY64q4CIXlsBFhU0y-NzO8XaTBMpgJ3VxZtnRfJ57iYHc8e2W3IyHDHVlQf3boKfvtcegCUou4OjkVrDBRtO7nAtiHx/s200/IMG_8316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480890719336962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X6orACsbxxaDcFWJBdeUT8jTiO0u62lq4ORJY8ylH9UDMTGYEvaajw2VQXlRCMxqFY_6GtwMYTpShbQCNjs-cMipB8zOHollipx2mzCC5TJay1EsBo4J2Zh4FsnZddSyyhA9fTqc7U9x/s1600-h/IMG_8314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X6orACsbxxaDcFWJBdeUT8jTiO0u62lq4ORJY8ylH9UDMTGYEvaajw2VQXlRCMxqFY_6GtwMYTpShbQCNjs-cMipB8zOHollipx2mzCC5TJay1EsBo4J2Zh4FsnZddSyyhA9fTqc7U9x/s200/IMG_8314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480610568290610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhUCmLdlYbjUeO3gUyrqV6F1Zt8WnMpBgY285b7r2hbX43XWHVhkk9LzvpgpGaYX8E0wuSoN5a7V-x8UEHd-KxZjMIGXWZdDdM5WJTS4Y5vOu1DuKT4oqA9sVkH-0eyZi58FLKTRHD3aZ/s1600-h/IMG_8313.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhUCmLdlYbjUeO3gUyrqV6F1Zt8WnMpBgY285b7r2hbX43XWHVhkk9LzvpgpGaYX8E0wuSoN5a7V-x8UEHd-KxZjMIGXWZdDdM5WJTS4Y5vOu1DuKT4oqA9sVkH-0eyZi58FLKTRHD3aZ/s200/IMG_8313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480610964441826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGrrfrED5HrvsLRMWg9eDXh7M9QJJJKTbJ9DGadZ_rWyRd-2SfL4AvCsN7gzoOtNYgHh1XM1CDhfLO_W4qT-ss2kCud6IuGwRMVuvPUk8ZZeW4fqDfjo56YHCoq5S732LyUAAzZGuvJLy/s1600-h/IMG_8317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGrrfrED5HrvsLRMWg9eDXh7M9QJJJKTbJ9DGadZ_rWyRd-2SfL4AvCsN7gzoOtNYgHh1XM1CDhfLO_W4qT-ss2kCud6IuGwRMVuvPUk8ZZeW4fqDfjo56YHCoq5S732LyUAAzZGuvJLy/s200/IMG_8317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480888781097074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb9Jm6AYcMPCHuRZsPMRnBWHNltGvKdes9r-I_8o-_R8Iv_R7hdw3hnt-6tSTgJKWwxWroiVqwygSv0LLvP0uLfscLAODz7GCvHo6PfEOsrIyipDGAUB0FBAJfkIcuIXfA05pKzBsCZF-/s1600-h/IMG_8322.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb9Jm6AYcMPCHuRZsPMRnBWHNltGvKdes9r-I_8o-_R8Iv_R7hdw3hnt-6tSTgJKWwxWroiVqwygSv0LLvP0uLfscLAODz7GCvHo6PfEOsrIyipDGAUB0FBAJfkIcuIXfA05pKzBsCZF-/s200/IMG_8322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328480895633582994" border="0" /></a>Osteria Mozza<br /><address> </address>6602 Melrose Ave<br />Los Angeles, CA 90038<br /> (323) 297-0100 <br />www.mozza-la.com<div id="bizUrl"><a href="http://www.yelp.com/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mozza-la.com&src_bizid=YoQn8MtOimQbqi839TmeZw" target="_blank"></a> </div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-87640619073544350712009-04-17T13:33:00.000-07:002009-04-17T14:34:31.244-07:00From an Empty Fridge to an Especially Good Lunch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fCnhP7xQmbY0QBeQ_AdC8kUth-Q_oDbsmWQsWtPwLuHg3MJeaTQyznkCOEKiMYek_ZzY0O7ipPZ5DzeiduHFyo9C0wXOspbKwbcUoI91ytLYaLsk885pX1lyW9zE0nIdeyxu6zsLOA3K/s1600-h/IMG_8219.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fCnhP7xQmbY0QBeQ_AdC8kUth-Q_oDbsmWQsWtPwLuHg3MJeaTQyznkCOEKiMYek_ZzY0O7ipPZ5DzeiduHFyo9C0wXOspbKwbcUoI91ytLYaLsk885pX1lyW9zE0nIdeyxu6zsLOA3K/s200/IMG_8219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325769239221016834" border="0" /></a>Empty fridge...nothing for lunch. Someone's at the kitchen making <a href="http://www.morninggloryconfections.com/servlet/StoreFront">brittle</a> all day so he got dibs on the leftover Thai. Then suddenly I noticed a bounty:<br /><br />~ avocado<br />~ greens<br />~ pepperoncinis<br />~ feta<br />~ red onion<br />~ yellow bell pepper<br />~ radish<br />~ cabbage<br />~ rosemary<br />~ whole wheat bread<br />~ the last drops of dressing Daddy recently made<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROi_Q_JxBImHs61UWgV3GDh0QrsmzdheycKhPvTYXLJYl5HxYTUZ-z8wWFdMFArHLdIBpi0v16GM3IMbrRrEUKPzoEjESrBhrL5xDqs_H8hFurjJHB3C6V6wvDXmjq6qxu8wblMCxvM_M/s1600-h/IMG_8221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROi_Q_JxBImHs61UWgV3GDh0QrsmzdheycKhPvTYXLJYl5HxYTUZ-z8wWFdMFArHLdIBpi0v16GM3IMbrRrEUKPzoEjESrBhrL5xDqs_H8hFurjJHB3C6V6wvDXmjq6qxu8wblMCxvM_M/s200/IMG_8221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325769252820671378" border="0" /></a>Bless his heart, Tater sat patiently in his high chair watching me prepare lunch all the while dictating and singing every step to him. He even nibbled on a tiny piece of avocado. This ended up being an exceptional lunch, with the rosemary unexpectedly elevating the salad to greatness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vlH4sd2MGZpJPhHbOQUKzOHS2QFPJV3So_S0UB5tkPWBZclOxr2BnbzvDjZ4W8U2qvptGRbQB5Ilsi53QpI6Q_Xff9L-80kaKJamnuJerbPdfpUTjyT7tDw_csUDgPpGxj3IUZhAEUM/s1600-h/IMG_8220.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vlH4sd2MGZpJPhHbOQUKzOHS2QFPJV3So_S0UB5tkPWBZclOxr2BnbzvDjZ4W8U2qvptGRbQB5Ilsi53QpI6Q_Xff9L-80kaKJamnuJerbPdfpUTjyT7tDw_csUDgPpGxj3IUZhAEUM/s200/IMG_8220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325769246200991474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr_QfSYYkOVX4piO_JJTFFHKLbE_-JuBrzS3m0fnxx-CQtIWVSNelAqr0HbOntM_L10C1gTuyKR6owdsrK1bCbWoNwoU78CbIc588aWtNKqFTkFN2ywKlMwtn_dU7cq4_uHBSsm1Ai0kG/s1600-h/IMG_8223.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr_QfSYYkOVX4piO_JJTFFHKLbE_-JuBrzS3m0fnxx-CQtIWVSNelAqr0HbOntM_L10C1gTuyKR6owdsrK1bCbWoNwoU78CbIc588aWtNKqFTkFN2ywKlMwtn_dU7cq4_uHBSsm1Ai0kG/s200/IMG_8223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325769788710547266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdqcrkArI1ocFqayhBQ0phP6g7naIbK9Qf0MML12oJ7-XnL_YIeY-Habju6Iovj0pAas-9kHB5XusYVBQzEvO9BDhshugxO7vR-NOs4dLYN-Dw2HkgFXakfkSwanrJTMBi7qE4XVNTzNS/s1600-h/IMG_8222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdqcrkArI1ocFqayhBQ0phP6g7naIbK9Qf0MML12oJ7-XnL_YIeY-Habju6Iovj0pAas-9kHB5XusYVBQzEvO9BDhshugxO7vR-NOs4dLYN-Dw2HkgFXakfkSwanrJTMBi7qE4XVNTzNS/s200/IMG_8222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325769258762181954" border="0" /></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-77956729122514509442009-04-17T10:51:00.000-07:002009-04-23T17:22:45.601-07:00Woo-hoo, BabyCakes NYC Headed for Downtown LA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXn2Tq5izXGdyVkBPTkKBoIb8aAC_Vu1TTWwbgj6W_7iaqWmhY_B8djzytCMuAum-NpKs1yvk5HCRtAkSLp9akBWVbJgw5326_tn34KVgCnEKZ-Bi_gWVR7hP2izKYJtxTPMMzohRPy7P/s1600-h/images-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXn2Tq5izXGdyVkBPTkKBoIb8aAC_Vu1TTWwbgj6W_7iaqWmhY_B8djzytCMuAum-NpKs1yvk5HCRtAkSLp9akBWVbJgw5326_tn34KVgCnEKZ-Bi_gWVR7hP2izKYJtxTPMMzohRPy7P/s200/images-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325740174551450370" border="0" /></a><br />In a sudden turn of events, <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/">BabyCakes NYC</a>, originally headed for Beverly in West Hollywood, is now landing closer to our neck of the woods in the Old Bank district in Downtown. Thanks for the good news tweet, <a href="http://www.angelenic.com/">Angelenic</a>!<br /><br />From their Twitter and <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/2009/04/babycakes-downtown.html">blog post</a>, it sounds like there are some folks who are disappointed by this decision. But c'mon Beverly Blvders, you have so many baked goods options to choose from: Joan's on Third, Susina, Milk, La Brea Bakery, Toast, and more. And you can get your vegan cookies at Whole Foods and Real Food Daily. We do have our share with Delilah's, Lark, and Auntie Em's close by, but BabyCakes NYC sounds like a completely different animal, so to speak!<br /><br />BabyCakes NYC caters to those with sensitive systems with baked goods that are vegan, gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, soy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, and kosher. Honestly, I have no idea what casein is or why one would need to abstain from it, but I'm glad BabyCakes NYC is there for these intolerant folks.<br /><br />And let me just say that it took me awhile to come around to the idea of vegan baked goods. I mean, the thought of using anything other than butter and eggs seemed sacrilegious, unnecessary, and downright wrong. But as someone who loves to bake and share the wealth with her coworkers, I started feeling guilty for contributing to an unhealthy work environment with my fat-laden creations. So I started looking into low-fat baking and found <span class="smallblack">Isa Moskowitz's recipe for <a href="http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/index.php?RecipeID=187">vegan pumpkin oatmeal cookies </a>on the Post Punk Kitchen website. After some modifications (I couldn't resist throwing in some vegan chocolate chips and used whole wheat pastry flour), I made what turned out to be some of the most deliciously tender and all-around scrumptious cookies. Seriously, my co-workers and skeptical husband raved. But I digress - long story short: I'm no longer opposed to vegan baked goods.<br /><br />If a cupcake tastes as good, if not better, than the real thing but is a little less unhealthy I'm totally into it. Ok, I do have to say that baking w/o butter and eggs, not to mention refined sugars is a very tricky operation often resulting in cakes that taste like bricks, cookies reminiscent of hockey pucks, and frostings that are gummy. But I say hoorah to those magicians who are able to master the craft.<br /><br />I've never tried anything from BabyCakes NYC (feel free to send samples or sign me up for a preview tasting, BabyCakes NYC! I have no shame.), but if their positive press (Gourmet, W, In Style and more) is any indication, these folks know what they're doing. They do it all: cookies, cakes, cupcakes, scones, muffins, cookie sandwiches, cinnamon rolls and more. I, for one, welcome the BabyCakes family with open arms!<br /><br />A few comments to BabyCakes:<br /><br />~ Yes to the dessert truck in Silver Lake or Echo Park. Park outside the Echo after a show and you'll sell out in no time.<br /><br />~ Yes to the free parking in Downtown. Parking is such a pain during the week.<br /><br />~ Please consider accepting cards for any amount. I rarely carry cash but sometimes just want a little something.<br /><br />~ Look into collaborating with another NY transplant, Two Boots in Echo Park. I seem to recall they have some sort of dessert, but your cupcakes would fit right in.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-75193564873277563632009-04-12T08:39:00.000-07:002009-04-14T22:35:48.549-07:00And The Scary Chinese Restaurant in Silver Lake is now.....David - The Restaurant on Sunset!<br /><br />A little background: I lived a stone's throw away from the Sunset/Silver Lake intersection for years and for the whole time, <a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/545724">LA Chinese Restaurant</a> was technically a functioning restaurant, though I'm certain I never saw anyone inside. In fact, it was so scary that Eating LA included it in <a href="http://eatingla.blogspot.com/2009/02/find-las-scariest-restaurant-now.html">her "Scariest Restaurant" contest </a>a few months back. (<a href="http://www.losanjealous.com/2006/05/05/live-and-let-dine-big-trouble-in-little-china/">This Losanjealous review</a> (and photo below) is a hilarious must-read, seriously lol funny)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1msPG4aEXSr7yBQOaJlTInC1VpVxshca1aCILTiMDm36wobcXwE7E2sh-KfTE_zQkJc0IsdVAf2C8gdqFJWxooVa5LYnpIjuSYDZv9kLCTggGdp-VssKVVG9dtTrB5bPhBn9GTiE8dCo/s1600-h/silverbland_4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1msPG4aEXSr7yBQOaJlTInC1VpVxshca1aCILTiMDm36wobcXwE7E2sh-KfTE_zQkJc0IsdVAf2C8gdqFJWxooVa5LYnpIjuSYDZv9kLCTggGdp-VssKVVG9dtTrB5bPhBn9GTiE8dCo/s200/silverbland_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324783002760385506" border="0" /></a>For some time now, LA Chinese Restaurant has been shuttered and appeared to be going through some sort of renovation. I seem to recall a few chowhound posts wondering just what was going in but it seemed like one big mystery. Noticing an open door on a drive-by last week, I stopped by and chatted with two of the guys working inside. They kindly gave me the owner's phone number and after a quick phone call with owner David Sutton, the mystery is solved!<br /><br />Sutton, who's had his own <a href="http://www.davidcateringla.com/">catering company</a> for 5 years and has been in the restaurant business for 40, is planning a fusion/comfort food hybrid for David - The Restaurant on Sunset. Opening for breakfast and lunch at first, the menu will most likely include homemade breads and muffins, oatmeal brulee, salads & sandwiches, Vietnamese garlic noodles, Korean BBQ (is Korean BBQ going to be the next "ahi tower" that every restaurant puts on the menu?).<br /><br />Other ideas he's considering include Hawaiian shaved ice with homemade syrups and a stuffed hamburger. He plans to change the menu every two weeks and is hoping to open somewhere around June/July.<br /><br />Sutton imagines David to be a dog- and baby-friendly restaurant that will have reasonable price points (unlike some <a href="http://silverlakereservoir.com/index.htm">recent Silver Lake openings</a>) and a welcoming, neighborhood vibe. Still many unknowns, but it will most certainly be less scary than its previous occupant.<br /><br />David - The Restaurant on Sunset<br /><span class="street-address">2852 1/2 W Sunset Blvd</span>, <span class="locality"></span><span class="region"></span> <span class="postal-code">90026</span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-46733298438479312882009-04-04T22:51:00.000-07:002009-04-04T23:29:26.677-07:00Winner of Cupcake Challenge - Polkatots in Pasadena<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhWgUJSTYVzhhol4BjII0SV8r09dabwwEMT6wzjq9Ue3CinqcT0Yg_41T9I9jE7M8ZmG9yNB_UtYX90cjVULeOhVYT7fx1Pz-dZoHaL3Sw0LcBgjL-S7G-pVaNR96i9y3_hmLRZzylYx/s1600-h/IMG_7862.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhWgUJSTYVzhhol4BjII0SV8r09dabwwEMT6wzjq9Ue3CinqcT0Yg_41T9I9jE7M8ZmG9yNB_UtYX90cjVULeOhVYT7fx1Pz-dZoHaL3Sw0LcBgjL-S7G-pVaNR96i9y3_hmLRZzylYx/s200/IMG_7862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321088887832371618" border="0" /></a>While I agreed that $40 was just too much to spend for an afternoon devoted to mini-cupcakes, that doesn't mean I wasn't sad to miss last Sunday's cupcake challenge at the Roosevelt Hotel. Thankfully, the LA Times' Elina Shatkin was <a href="http://twitter.com/elinashatkin">twittering</a> from the event and then posted a zillion pictures on the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2009/03/cupcake-challen.html">Daily Dish</a>, but I was still bitter. So when the winners were announced, I had to hurry over to try <a href="http://www.polkatotscupcakes.com/">Polkatots</a> shop to try their Dulce de Leche cupcake which won best original and best overall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHvmgvno6OjKSdfh-4djXFfpvfAqdbnxIKM1bjn0vqCyG2WCBuifsGAIWyeLQmh5e2JZYqQt5qg8oH1NxkQ3OMvnRZwucNrfnRiumcAQ655UBP5zKQhyphenhyphenkNoPqj3dX7-H9yuTGmkwPEdjL/s1600-h/IMG_7863.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHvmgvno6OjKSdfh-4djXFfpvfAqdbnxIKM1bjn0vqCyG2WCBuifsGAIWyeLQmh5e2JZYqQt5qg8oH1NxkQ3OMvnRZwucNrfnRiumcAQ655UBP5zKQhyphenhyphenkNoPqj3dX7-H9yuTGmkwPEdjL/s200/IMG_7863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321088891339353970" border="0" /></a>The two owners had just found out that morning and were understandably thrilled. Cute, little shop tucked away in a mini-mall on Lake north of the 210. I picked out a bunch of minis and a large Dulce de Leche and had to devour one as soon as we got to the car. While the flavor and texture of each cupcake was spot on, I made a discovery: I hate coarse sugar on cupcakes and all of theirs had a generous amount sprinked on top. But aren't they just the prettiest little guys?<br /><br />For any upcoming cupcake cravings, I'll stick with Delilah's chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes with orange Jack Daniels frosting which I can get on a five minute walk from home. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTF6CWP1Y-am61fohJ559Zf8E-yJPcDSjmzwLuFHMFIG-j3rWSExFFUp_EssOhrGJbSWNOT1Y5XP23FTOC1r71O35-vHpE2aijAFbGQCJM3hU5TgYRR_6YlZyrAnSS68z-H0ToDuDo1ua/s1600-h/IMG_7876.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTF6CWP1Y-am61fohJ559Zf8E-yJPcDSjmzwLuFHMFIG-j3rWSExFFUp_EssOhrGJbSWNOT1Y5XP23FTOC1r71O35-vHpE2aijAFbGQCJM3hU5TgYRR_6YlZyrAnSS68z-H0ToDuDo1ua/s200/IMG_7876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321087671948574978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP54ysIEkcQqkKRcyuEm3Y8_Vuj645WR87Wu7zPEn1UjV1h8J30fkQPneCudG4XLx4CwoDsrUB0YFGrCsp8zxRGcGqCK5nQmdNG3-tK6nthcVkA1DQ5k8BgQAjzydylKq0JK6wwrKGNC6/s1600-h/IMG_7878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP54ysIEkcQqkKRcyuEm3Y8_Vuj645WR87Wu7zPEn1UjV1h8J30fkQPneCudG4XLx4CwoDsrUB0YFGrCsp8zxRGcGqCK5nQmdNG3-tK6nthcVkA1DQ5k8BgQAjzydylKq0JK6wwrKGNC6/s200/IMG_7878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321087669770640290" border="0" /></a><br />Polkatots<br />720 North Lake Avenue<br />Pasadena, 91104<br />626-798-3932<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220851666146828666.post-43891841201026717292009-04-04T12:07:00.000-07:002009-04-04T12:18:14.682-07:00Canele in Bon AppetitAtwater Village Newbie, one of my favorite local blogs, just noted that Canele, one of our favorite local spots, is mentioned in the new Bon Appetit. Somehow I missed it in my quick flip-through this morning. <br /><br />Canele totally deserves the attention. Thanks for twittering it, AVN! Now when are we ever going to make it out for brunch?<br /><br /> <a style="color: blue;" href="http://tiny.cc/XOT1B" target="_blank"> </a><a style="color: blue;" href="http://tiny.cc/McYq3" target="_blank"><strong>http://tiny.cc/McYq3</strong></a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312207660681678040noreply@blogger.com2