I think it’s perfectly fitting that my fourth visit to the Bazaar by José Andrés, came just a few days before the L.A. Times awarded the restaurant FOUR stars. I don’t have a rating system on MyLastBite, but if I did… I would give the Bazaar a TEN (out of ten).
Since the very first night the restaurant opened (I was there), I’ve been telling everyone about this “gift” that Jose Andres has given to L.A. I know times are tough, but if you can afford to eat out once in awhile and haven’t been to the Bazaar yet, then make a reservation now. Your spirits (and taste-buds) will be quickly lifted, and you’ll feel good that you did something nice for yourself.
I love the Bazaar so much that I find myself berating friends who haven’t been there yet. These are friends who eat out once or twice a week and just haven’t “gotten around to it”. I want to shake them and scream “Do you have ANY idea what you are missing?”. Thanks to S. Irene Virbilia (L.A. Times Restaurant Critic), maybe now they’ll finally go experience the magic for themselves.
The Bazaar is not just a “special occasion” restaurant, although on this fourth visit we went to celebrate my nephew Cody’s birthday. Each time we go to the restaurant, Peter and I make sure to take family or friends, because it’s such an awesome experience to share with people you love… especially if you are celebrating something (or someone) special!
What we ate:
Of course, we started the evening with my favorite… the Foie Gras Cotton Candy! Bites of foie gras rolled in crushed corn nuts then wrapped in cotton candy. My nephew Cody and his girlfriend Jade loved them! $5
Caviar Cones with Crème Fraîche $8
Nitro Caipirinha $20
Making the Nitro Caipirinha (cachaça and lime) made with Liquid Nitrogen
“Not Your Everyday (Winter) Caprese” (Molecular Liquid Mozzarella Balls)$12
Steamed Crab Buns with Pickled Japanese Cucumber $15
”Just Shrimp Cocktail: Yea Right” $12
Alitas de pollo: Boneless chicken wings with green olive puree $9. These were so good, we ordered seconds!
Chef Marcel Vigneron brought this special dish to our table. I can’t remember what is was called, but it was filled with mushrooms and topped with freshly shaved truffles. A wonderful treat… THANKS CHEF!!
truffles, lovely truffles!
Pisto Manchego con flor de calabaza: Sauteed peppers, zuchini, onions, eggplant and tomatoes with a beautiful poached egg. $9
Beef Hanger Steak and Piquillo Pepper Confit $10
Japanese Baby Peaches with Persimmon, Yogurt and Olive Oil $12
The incredibly gracious William Douillet making our “Dragon’s Breath”! Caramel Popcorn bites “cooked” in Liquid Nitrogen!
William lifting the Caramel Popcorn out of the Liquid Nitrogen!
I love Cody’s face as he bites into the “Dragon’s Breath”!! Priceless.
Cody exhaling the “Dragon’s Breath”
Cody, Jade and Chef Marcel Vigneron
The Patisserie Menu
Nitro Island, specially delivered by the lovely Waylyn Lucas!
“Nitro Coconut Floating Island” Dessert $10
Apples Carlota $10
Jo, Felix, William, Dan, Jade and Cody. Thanks for ANOTHER fantastic evening!
My wonderful husband, Peter.
Additional dishes we had (as well as previous visits):
Olives Ferran $8
Sweet potato chips $10
Toro (Tuna) “Nigiri”, Wasabi, Watermelon, Soy and Jalapeño $16
Jicama wrapped guacamole with micro cilantro and corn nuts $10
“Philly Cheesesteak”: Air bread filled with cheese and topped with Kobe beef $8
Lomo de corder con Patatas y trufas: Lamb Loin with Mushrooms and Potato. $14.00
Jamon Platter $32
Five Quesos: Murcia, Valdeon, Idiazabal, La Serena, Manchego $25
Jamon Croquettes $9
The Bazaar by José Andrés, SLS Hotel
465 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 246-5555
http://www.TheBazaar.com
Bazaar photos on Flickr
Dining Date: 2/15/09
<– Bazaar Visit #3
–> Bazaar Visit # 5 and 6
Mentioned Above:
L.A. Times (Don’t miss the awesome video)
About Cody
My Adventures in Molecular Cooking
Congratulations to all the James Beard Award nominees… especially to my friends at the Bazaar!
The Bazaar by José Andrés L.A.
my last bite... 