Take a Bao

If cute, creative AND tasty was its concept, then Take a Bao got it right.
The newest addition to Century City Westfield Shopping Center's food court, Take a Bao puts a modern and unique twist to the classic Chinese steamed and filled bun. The bao dough is rolled flat, steamed then stuffed with asian-inspired fillings including pomegranate steak, miso beef, citrus chicken, bbq pork, panko crusted fish and chili glazed tofu with complementing vegetables. They also offer rice bowls, noodles, salads, and sides. The menu is health conscious, replacing white buns and rice with whole wheat or even lettuce for the carb watchers.But if you're feeling indulgent then try the Take a S'more, an interesting but yummy version of the classic s'more, or the asian ice cream sanwhich and mochi ice cream.http://takeabao.com/

RED HOT @Red Seven

As a preview to the American Wine and Food Festival, Wolfgang Puck hosted an event right outside his LA restaurant Red Seven in the courtyard of the Pacific Design Center on September 26, 2008. Restaurants all over Los Angeles including Cut, 8 Oz., Lawry's and La Brea Bakery showed off their best. Guests were able to taste samples from the different restaurants featured and sip on cocktails and wine while mingling and enjoying the live music under the stars.


Beef was the big star at Red Hot. Fresh off the grills set up in the courtyard, chefs were busy garnishing and putting together the patties with their buns and condiments and steak with heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese. There was the more traditional Lawry's prime rib with creamed corn and potato chips but there were also new tastes from Craft and Cut.


My favorite part of the evening was lounging with LA foodies, nibbling on mini potatoes with truffle salt and getting my much needed beef fix. Yumm I'm looking forward to next year's event already!

Korea Town Foodie Adventures #2

Recently, on another trip to Korea Town for some shopping and errands, I was hit with the craving for meat. But not the usual Korean barbecue, I wanted Brazilian churrrasco. M Grill, located on Wilshire Blvd., is a korean owned Brazilian barbecue restaurant. Their meat rotation includes an impressive 13 kinds of meat at dinner. My favorites are top sirloin cap, chicken thigh and garlic steak. The meat is rotated on spits with various seasonings then brought out to diners by waiters equipped with a knife for table-side carving. Throughout the meal, these servers bring out hot new meats to your table. To complement the meat heavy menu, M Grill offers the salad bar and hot foods section. Garlic rice, pasta, salad complete the meal. Although dinner for two will cost you over 80 dollars with tip, M Grill is a great place to introduce yourself to Brazilian churrasco!

The next stop was one of countless Korea town cafes: Heyri Cafe.
I ordered a smoothie that was nothing special except its huge size. But the monster cup came with a price. All of Heyri Cafe's drinks are very overpriced and the only thing great about this cafe was its atmosphere. What used to be a house, the two story cafe is very cozy with a cute outside patio. But if what you're looking for is smoothies or coffee without the ambiance, just try Jamba Juice or Starbucks.

Frida Mexican Cuisine

All I can say about this new restaurant is that it's mediocre. I totally agree with the 2 stars on yelp. Maybe it's because the restaurant is just starting out at the Americana and it needs time to improve? I'll just leave you with photos:

Jewel City Diner

It was the opening weekend for the Americana on Brand in Glendale and I was so excited. Developed by Caruso, the Americana was a modified version of the Grove. Complete with shopping, fine dining, eateries and movie theater, the Americana is located right next to the Glendale Galleria and Marketplace. My friend and I braved the crowds of people bustling about, but we were hungry. Not willing to spend the money for Katsuya or to wait in line for Cheesecake Factory, we chose the Jewel City Diner. Although it was also very crowded, we managed to snag two chairs at the counter.

Our tuna melt and burger took too long to arrive because of the huge amount of customers in line for take out and seated in. Cooks were frantically putting orders together, but were running out of ingredients. Luckily, we received our food before the diner had to close due to the lack of burger patties and veggies. The burger and tuna melt were average but the fries were yummy. Hopefully, the diner improves to make up for its weak start.

Pizzeria Mozza

The place for brick oven pizza! I had their popular fennel sausage with panna pizza and it was perfect. The crust was chewy, crunchy and thin like the authentic Italian style. The sausage was flavorful and meaty. YUMM! My friend ordered a panini and that was fantastic too. Although there's a wait and the food is pricey, its worth it to see what makes the man in the orange crocs so famous. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they serve you those tasty long and skinny bread sticks at the beginning of the meal.

Korea Town Foodie Adventures #1

Feeling the urge to eat something spicy, I decided to head to Korea Town. One of my favorite places to eat is the trendy and fun Caffe Village. Introduced by a friend, I go here to enjoy big portions of my favorite casual Asian foods. They serve specialty sushi rolls, udon, jjajjangmyun (black bean noodle), donkatsu and other fusion Asian dishes. But my favorite at Caffe Village is their mega ddukpokki (spicy rice cake) and sesame chicken.

Unlike the more traditional street food, Caffe Village's mega ddukpokki has udon noodles, mozzarella cheese, and sausage. You might be intimidated by this combo, but trust me, once you try it, you'll fall in love. The cheese counters the spiciness and creates a perfect and very filling dish. The sesame chicken is also very tasty. Quickly fried in a light batter, these chicken pieces are perfectly paired with a sesame dipping sauce. YUM!

But I wasn't done with Korea Town just yet. I wanted bingsoo (korean shaved ice) from Ice Kiss for dessert. This joint is where K-towners go to cool down, chat, play board games and enjoy the shaved ice treat. They offer the choice of coffee, green tea, red bean or fruit toppings and ice cream. I opted for pat bingsoo (red bean shaved ice), my favorite. The mix of fruit syrup, red bean, mochi, fruit, strawberry ice cream, and ice was perfect to cool down my taste buds. Although Ice Kiss isn't the cleanest of Korea Town, its definitely worth the try.

Gonpachi

A newcomer to L.A.'s restaurant row, Gonpachi serves Angelenos delicious izakaya in a gorgeous and traditional atmosphere, one that mimics the original Gonpachi in Tokyo. I walked through a small but beautiful garden, complete with a koi pond and bridge, to enter the restaurant, where a charming hostess greeted us warmly. Gonpachi prides itself in their handmade and handcut soba noodle dishes where the noodles are made fresh in-house. Watching the man in the display room busily kneading and stretching the buckwheat dough increased my anticipation for the delicious meal I was about to enjoy.
The booths overlooking the garden are perfect for a serene and intimate evening with family or a small party while the large dining area in front of their charcoal robata grills are the best seats in the house for those who love to see the action a la iron chef. There are also more private booths upstairs.
Unsure of what to pick on my first visit, I opted for the 6-course tasting menu, which meant I would get to try all of Gonpachi's highlights. Perfect!

The first course was a cold appetizer of fresh, soft tofu and a Lotus root and gobo salad which was a mixed with sesame oil and jazzed up with red pepper. The root salad was a harmonious blend of salty and sweet.
The second course was a plate of two dazzling fried bites. The Showa Croquette is a fried potato and squid ball toped with quivering bonito flakes. The Shrimp Shinjo-Age is a ball of creamy minced shrimp, wrapped in crunchy harusame noodle and deep-fried.The Sumiyaki course was perfectly smoky and tender. 'Negima' is a skewer of stacked chicken thighs & leeks. 'Tsukune' is ground chicken seasoned lightly with salt with a wedge of lemon for a sour kick.
The fourth course, miso marinated rock cod, was delightful. The fish was as soft as butter and the delicate flavors of the fish and marinade melted in my mouth.

After devouring four scrumptious courses, I was surprised that I had no trouble devouring the 'Inaka' soba. The home-made noodles were served cold with a dipping sauce with chopped green onion and grated radish. The noodles had a perfectly bouncy and chewy texture.When I finished eating the noodles, the server brought out a lacquer teapot filled with cooking water. He poured it into the remaining dipping sauce, which made a delicious soup.
And finally, for dessert, I had their house special dessert .The Gonpachi Pudding was a vanilla creme brulee accompanied by matcha shortbread cookies. I was pleasantly surprised to eat such a delectable european dessert at this Japanese restaruant. I loved the smooth, velvety texture, speckled with real vanilla bean.

Gonpachi
134 N. La Cienega Blvd (between Clifton and Wilshire)
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310)659-8887
Hours:
5-11 pm

Daikokuya Ramen

After a visit to the MOCA Murakami Exhibit, my sister and I decided to have lunch at Daikokuya Ramen in Little Tokyo. This is one of our favorite spots to eat Japanese-style ramen. The noodles swim in a rich and meaty stock then topped with bamboo shoots, green onion, a hard-boiled egg, bean sprouts and slices of kurobuta (black pork). The meal is complete with some garlic paste added to the broth and red pickled ginger on the side. The always busy Daikokuya also serves donburi and bento, but the ramen takes the spotlight when it comes to a simple and very satisfying meal.
Daikokuya Ramen
327 E. 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323)626-1680
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:00am to 1:00am
Sun 12:00pm to 10:00pm

Paulette Macarons

Paulette Beverly Hills, on Charleville Boulevard right near the Pinkberry and Color Me Mine on S. Beverly Drive, bakes one of my favorite treats. This shop is devoted to macarons! The Paulette Koumetz and Christophe Michalak collaboration produces amazing macarons in vibrant colors and amazing exotic and traditional flavors. Their ganache-filled almond cookies come in more than 10 different flavors including wedding almond, Sicilian pistachio, Madagascar vanilla, and chocolate coconut. Compared to Boule macarons, Paulette's have stronger flavor which I prefer. My favorite is the raspberry rose flavored macaron. I have only fallen more in love with these delicious French cookies!

Paulette Macaron
9466 Charleville Boulevard at Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
http://www.paulettemacarons.com/
Hours:
Mon- Sat 10 am to 6 pm

Vanilla Bakeshop Cupcake Babies

Miniatures of Vanilla Bakeshop's original cupcakes, the cupcake babies are cute bite-sized treats for the tastebuds. Just the right size to enjoy more than one without guilt, they are for people tempted to try all the different flavors. Vanilla Bakeshop offers a set of 6 flavors baked daily (Red Velvet, Vanilla Bean, Mom's Birthday Cake, Chocolate Vanilla Bean, Black & White, and Bittersweet Dark Chocolate) and also a set of cupcakes rotated by day. The changing menu includes flavors like Spicy Carrot, Pumpkin, Toasted Coconut, Strawberries and Cream, and Chocolate Raspberry.
The cake texture is firm yet fluffy and the frosting is not so unbearably sweet . My personal favorite is the Southern Red Velvet with its sweet cream cheese frosting.Yum! I think these cupcakes taste better than the more popular and hip Sprinkles cupcakes.Vanilla Bakeshop
512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-458-6644
www.vanillabakeshop.com
Hours
9am - 7pm Monday thru Saturday
10am - 6pm Sunday

Sno:la Yogurt

Sno:la, what I thought was another fakeberry, is a new twist to the growing frozen yogurt trend. Their catch? Five seasonally changing flavors made from organic dairy and all natural ingredients. Unlike Pinkberry which only serves original tart and green tea, Sno:la offers fig/date, pomegranate, chocolate, Italian, sour cherry and pumpkin embellished with over 40 toppings.

They have also joined a greater cause beyond frozen yogurt. Sno:la aims at being eco-friendly with their recycled material bowls and wooden spoons. They also have countertops made of re-used microchips.

I tried the original tart and the pomegranate. The tart was far from what is offered at the frozen yogurt places these days. It was not sweet and more on the watery/icy side. The sherbet like qualities matched better with the pomegranate. The tart and not too sweet flavor was a tasty mix with the strawberry and pineapple toppings.

So if your in the Beverly Hills area, go try Sno:la. I think its definitely special enough to give a try atleast once. The interesting variety of toppings, including aloe, the many flavors and the all-natural eco-friendly appeal make for a cool visit.

Sno:La
244 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, 90210
310-274-2435
http://www.snolayogurt.com/
Hours (Winter)
12pm-7pm Sun-Thurs
12pm-10pm Fri-Sat

Spitz in Eagle Rock

Not far from the Eagle Rock Shopping Center, Spitz: Doner Kebab serves kebab, veggies, and tzatziki and chili sauce wrapped in lavash or sandwiched between focccacia. Their classic is half lamb and half beef thin doner meat shaved off the spit. They also serve chicken, falafel or veggie wraps. Spitz's simple menu is complete with a variety of sides including lightly fried pita chips with hummus, sweet potato fries, regular fries or a side salad. They also offer gelato to finish off your meal with a dessert.

This little shack is a great place for a inexpensive and hearty meal. The wraps are made to order and the fillings are very fresh. I enjoyed not only the wraps themselves but the sides especially the bright orange sweet potato fries which were crisp and lightly salted. Definitely try the wrap meal, so you get to try both the wrap itself and the sides. The only con to Spitz: Doner Kebab is that the service isnt the fastest. Because they make the wraps to order, don't plan on stopping by and leaving quick like a drive through. Try it out!

Spitz

2506 Colorado Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90041

323-257-5600

http://www.eatatspitz.com/

Hours
10am-11pm 7 days a week

Boule Atelier

While looking through Eater LA yesterday, I found out about the special preview event for Boule Atelier's opening. To my luck, I had just enough to time to RSVP to the tasting. So, on a school night, my sister and I dressed up in our cutest casual dresses and drove to La Cienega Blvd. As we circled to find parking, I caught a glimpse of the new store. Candlelit high tables were surrounded by people who were talking and enjoying the treats circulating the store. I was definitely excited.
This event was not only for PR and press coverage, but also to give Boule's fans a sneak peek at the new store. The champagne was flowing and shop was bustling with photographers, magazine writers, fellow foodies excitedly discussing the tasty treats. My sister and I were taken by the many pastries in the display case and the artisan breads lining the wall. But we weren't confined to the storefront. Everyone had access to the inside of the kitchen, where the magic actually happens. We munched on flaky croissants by the ovens and work tables.

Lucky for me, I had the chance to talk to David Myers, chef of Sona Restaurant and also the husband of Boule's creator, Michelle Myers. Myers says Boule Atelier will provide us with a more interactive experience. The windows into the kitchen allow visitors to clearly see patissiers and bakers create each delicacy. With three times the space of Boule up the street, customers can enjoy a broader selection of baked goods. Along with a pâtisserie, glâcerie, confiserie, and chocolaterie, the Atelier will also introduce a viennoiserie and boulangerie. The high tables, lighting and full window storefront really achieves the 20s-inspired Parisian vibe Boule was aiming for.The Atelier is the fresher, livelier version of the original Boule. I already know that I will be a frequent visitor!




some of the treats I tasted last night:
-korova sable cookies
-olive foccacia
-mini macarons in matcha green tea, rose raspberry and meyer lemon
-pâte de fruit
-cheese breadsticks
-croissant

All the atendees also received gift bags. yum.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the samples and this great event.
I was a very lucky foodie last night! :]

Boule Atelier
430 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (310) 289-9977

more photos...

Boule Macarons

At Boule, a pâtisserie on La Cienega, they sell gourmet chocolates, candies and confections, their own gelato and coffee with sandwiches and various baked goods. I've been to this store numerous times because I can't get enough of their delicious macarons. The macaron, not to be confused with the coconut-coated macaroon, is a traditional french pastry from northeastern France. It is made of egg whites, almond flour, icing sugar and sugar. Boule bakes them in many different flavors including meyer lemon, matcha green tea, vanilla, dulce de leche, passionfruit with chocolate, venezuelan chocolate, lavendar, pistachio, rose petal raspberry and other seasonal flavors. The macarons have a delicately crunchy outer shell covering the moist and chewy insides. The two merigue-like cookies sandwich a sweet center filling. Although I have yet to try macarons from another store and compare, these treats definitely satisfy my sweet tooth.

Look forward to a Boule review once I try the other yummies!

Boule Pâtisserie
420 N. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-289-9977
http://www.boulela.com

Hours
Monday through Saturday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm - 6:00pm

Santa Monica Farmers' Market on Main St.

Every Sunday from 9:30 to 1:00 the city of Santa Monica holds a farmers' market on Main st. Since the January of 1995, this weekly event brings businesses and shoppers from all over LA. You can hear the band playing on the patio of the Victorian while browsing through the numerous stalls. They sell everything from fresh produce, homemade sweets and sauces, clothes to artisan cheeses. I've seen some rare veggies and tasted the sweetest fruits. One of my favorite stalls was Basiltops Pesto. Their pestos would make a fantastic pasta dish.

Even after munching on the samples the vendors offer, you won't be able to resist the omelettes, crepes, quesadillas and roasted corn that are cooked fresh to order. Once you have your newly bought produce in one hand and steaming tamale in the other, enjoy the people, atmosphere, music and the outdoors on the grass and the kids can get their face painted and ride the ponies.

go check it out on Sunday!
http://www.smgov.net/farmers_market/sunday.htm

Yose Sunday Brunch

Being the adventurous food city-searchers we are, my sister and I decided to try breakfast at Yose. Hidden behind a busy Pete's Coffee, Yose is located in Santa Monica. To serve its blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine, the restaurant is equipped with sushi bar, grilling station and bar and lounge. We were attracted by the variety of entrees on the buffet menu. This brunch offers a medley of sushi and rolls, eggs benedict, chicken and vegetable stir-fry, salads, korean bbq, fruit and other asian foods.

here are some pointers for those interested in trying Yose out:

-sushi and entrees are made in small portions and replaced often unlike most buffets.

-my favorites: the bite-sized scallop with spicy tuna and the Yose special roll with a california roll base topped with spicy tuna, eel, avocado and eel sauce.

-although the fish selection wasn't the best, it was decent quality.

-Yose uses saffron in the sushi rice for a unique yellow color. There is no difference in taste, only for aesthetic appeal.

-the various rolls, including spider rolls, veggie rolls, tempura rolls, and spicy tuna rolls, big compared to most those offered at sushi restaurants, are difficult to eat.

-the mix of banana pancakes, eggs benedict and Chinese stir-fry with fried rice takes getting accustomed to but when eaten separately the variety is great.

-free champagne

-clean and modern interior design

-slow to take used plates, but otherwise pleasant service

Overall, Yose's Sunday Brunch was a good experience. It was a bit too heavy for a brunch. Although I can't say I would go again, it was definitely worth the try. The quality and clean service is worth the $18 per person. I will, however, go back to try the regular dinner and lunch menus when I get the chance. Yose offers a fresh mix of asian foods with style and quality. So, if you're going to give the Yose Brunch a try, bring with you a sense of adventure and a big appetite.

Yose Nomadic Asian Cuisine

2435 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA

310-255-0680

http://www.yosedining.com

Hours

Mon-Thurs 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Fri-Sat 11:00 am-11:00 pm

Sunday Brunch 1:00 am-3:00 pm