Deeply Madly Marché

Marché Restaurant Sunday Supper [Visit 6]

When Peter and I fall in love with a restaurant, we fall MADLY. Especially so, when it’s just a few minutes away from our home in Studio City. Although we tried to show some restraint in the past few weeks, we have NOT been able to stay away from our (now favorite) neighborhood spot.

During our New Year’s Eve dinner at Marché (link below), Chef Gary Menes told us about his upcoming “Sunday Suppers”. Instead of the regular tasting menu (which we LOVE because we share multiple plates), there would be a 4-Course Prix Fixe dinner for only $30.

When we learned (on yet another visit) that Marché server Ashton Sullivan would be the evening’s entertainment, we decided to make this first “Marché Sunday Supper” a good old fashioned party.

It’s not a real party without my nephews (big brothers to the twins), so Camron and Cody (along with their girlfriends) drove out from Glendora in the pouring rain. Friends Emrah & Silma trekked into the valley from over the hill, and although Lisa & Dave could have easily walked the few blocks to the restaurant, the streets were just too wet for a casual Sunday stroll.

The atmosphere is so cozy at Marché, especially on a cold and rainy night. Our table of ten hunkered down for a few hours of great food, drinks, soothing guitar by Ashton and of course lots of laughs. As Lisa (@DailyWine) tweeted the next morning: “You’re doing something right when place is packed on a Sun in LA in the rain”. So true.

Sunday Supper #1 [visit 6]:

1st Course: Romey Lettuce, Goat Cheese, Apples, Cider Vinaigrette.
2nd Course: Soup – Okinawa Sweet Potatoes, Leeks, Truffle Scented Creme Fraiche.
3rd Course: Beouf Bourguignon (cooked sous vide for 36 hours at 60 degrees celsius), Pomme Puree.
4th Course: Creme Caramel, Coconut Butter Cookies.

3rd course option (instead of the beouf bourguignon) was Blue Hubbard Squash, Wheat Berries, Smoked Pearl Onions, Sauce Soubise.

Cody (my nephew) & his girlfriend Jade, Camron (my nephew) & his girlfriend Jennee at the first ever Sunday Supper at Marché Restaurant

Peter having a laugh with Chef Menes

Music by Ashton Sullivan

With our good friends Emrah and Simla

Sunday Supper: $30

Quartino of Wine $5

Dining Date: 1/17/10 with Peter, Cody, Jade, Camron, Jennee, Lisa & Dave, Simla & Emrah.

Mentioned above:

New Year’s Eve at Marché

The Twins

@DailyWine

Marché [Visit 5]

Pig Candy: Applewood Smoked Bacon, Brown Sugar, Spices

Veal Tongue Pastrami, Horseradish Creme Fraiche

Jambon, Butter, Pain Grille

Local Yellow Tail, Honshimegi Mushrooms, Sugar Peas, Green Garlic

Healthy Family Farms Chicken, Purple Top Turnips, Chantrelle Mushrooms, Hearts of Romaine

Prime Beef, Pomme de Terre, Torpedo Onions, Haritcots Verts, Red Wine

Dining Date: 1/08/10 with Peter, Bob, Lisa & Dave

Note: This restaurant is now closed. Please follow Chef Menes on Twitter

Marché
13355 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-2915
Website

Update: 3/30/10 Read Jonathan Gold’s Review!

All Marché photos on Flickr

Marché [1 & 2]

Marché [3]

New Year’s Eve at Marché [4]

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A Bossa Nova New Year’s Eve

Bossa Nova music makes me feel giddy and extraordinarily happy. You know that feeling you get from listening to childhood records? A sudden spike of joy deep inside your soul?

When my sister Janet and I were growing up in Okinawa, our favorite records were the ones we weren’t allowed to play. Dutifully, we listened to Disney records that our grandparents mailed from the states, but we most enjoyed sneaking into our dad’s immaculate record collection.

He never found out about our little secret because my big sister was absolutely brilliant (even at seven years old). When we decided on an LP that we wanted to hear, Janet would pull THREE albums partially out of the record shelf. The one we wanted to hear was in the middle, the two others on each side were place holders (so she knew where to return the treasured vinyl). Big sis never allowed ME to actually TOUCH the records, which was probably a really good idea.

Our very favorite albums back then were Herb Alpert, and the awesome Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. We knew all the words to “Mais Que Nada” (still do), and would invite friends over for after-school dancing. To this day, Bossa Nova is always on my party mix. Just try listening to “One Note Samba / Spanish Flea” without dancing or bobbing your head.

When Peter and I first met fifteen years ago, we bonded over discussions of Bossa Nova music. Two years later on our wedding day, I walked down the aisle to Astrud Gilberto’s “Summer Samba (So Nice)”. If you don’t know the song, the lyrics begin with:

“Someone to hold me tight, that would be very nice
Someone to love me right, that would be very nice

Someone to understand each little dream in me
Someone to take my hand and be a team with me

So nice… life would be so nice, if one day I’d find
Someone who would take my hand and samba through life with me”

And yes, it’s been SO NICE!

For New Year’s Eve, we like to do something low-key. Sometimes we spend it with family, sometimes we cook together at home or go out to a nearby restaurant.

We’ve fallen in love with chef Gary Menes’ cooking at Marche’ recently, and luckily the restaurant is just a few minutes from our house. When I read there would be a live JAZZ band on New Year’s Eve, I don’t know why but I just assumed it would be modern or fusion jazz. Not my favorite, but I figured at least Peter would really enjoy it. Besides Bossa, I’m a big fan of New Orleans jazz (especially Preservation Hall, the legendary band we recently saw at Disney Hall).

We had a 9pm dinner reservation, and I knew the food would be fantastic (this would be our fourth visit) so I wasn’t going to let the jazz in the background bother me. The duo wasn’t playing when we were being seated, and after we settled in and put on our party hats, there it was…. glorious BOSSA NOVA!

Yes, it was an elegantly laid-back, truffle-filled (thank you chef Menes!) food fest of a New Year’s Eve at Marche’, but with our beloved Bossa Nova warming up the crowded yet cozy dining room, it felt more like a party just for two.

My very Last Bites in 2009:

Winter Black Truffle Risotto. Raviolli: Swiss Chard, Mascarpone, Reggiano, Chestnuts.

Foie Gras Terrine, Date Compote, Brioche. Romey Lettuce, Baby Beets, Goat Cheese, Pistachios.

Hokkaido Scallops, Cauliflower, Apple, Gastrique, Vaudouvan Butter.

Fennel, Orange, Pear, Forbidden Rice.

Healthy Family Farms Chicken, Peas, Carrots, Tendrils, Grits.

A5 Grade Australian 100% Wagu eye of RibEye , Pomme Puree, Hearts of Romaine, Bunch Onions, Red Wine

Calvados Brandy Cheesecake (plus lovely Caramel Apple Millefeuill, Apple Walnut Cake and Brown Sugar Ice Cream!) 

Note: This restaurant is now closed. Please follow Chef Menes on Twitter

 

Marché
13355 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-2915
Website

Dining Date: 12/31/09 [this page is Visit 4]

Marché [1 & 2]

Marché [3]

Photos of all my dinners at Marché

Update: 3/30/10 Read Jonathan Gold’s Review!

Mentioned Above:

Bozza Nova from Wes Smith and Graham Dechter

All Marché photos on Flickr

More Okinawa Photos

Brasil ’66

Herb Alpert

Astrud Gilberto

Preservation Hall

Bossa Nova defined

Marché [3]

We can’t seem to stay away from our favorite neighborhood bistro! Another fantastic evening Marché Restaurant:

Amuse Bouche: Kumamoto Oyster w/ Minuet Sauce

Pickled Fuyu Persimmon

Perigord Truffle Risotto

Coleman lettuce, baby beets, walnuts, goa cheese, herbs

Arugula, tangerine, pecorino, pistachio, verjus vinaigrette

Sushi grade big eye tuna, baby broccoli, forbidden rice, scallions, shitake, pea tendrils

Creme Brulee & Beignet

Note: This restaurant is now closed. Please follow Chef Menes on Twitter

Marché
13355 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-2915
Website

Dining Date: 12/26/09

Update: 3/30/10 Read Jonathan Gold’s Review!

Marché [1 & 2]

New Year’s Eve at Marché [4]

Marché [5 & 6]

Photos from previous dinners at Marché

Petrossian [3 & 4]

Visits #3 and #4 to Petrossian Restaurant, West Hollywood 

12/12/09 Dinner with Peter, Kevin and Sarah:

Wild mushroom cappuccino, with braised chestnuts and truffles

Caviar OF COURSE!

Crispy Shrimp “Papillotte”: Passion fruit, chili ginger sauce

Beef Short Ribs Raviolo: Wild mushroom, roasted tomatoes, olives

Braised Pork Belly, Soft Polenta and Caramelized Onion

2006 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir. One of the lovely bottles of wine that Kevin brought to share at dinner! Petrossian Restaurant 12/12/09

We also shared Napoléon Tartare: Hand sliced steak tartare with layer of caviar

11/30/09 Petrossian Industry Night 2.0

Chef Ben Bailly was kind enough to invite L.A. food bloggers to Petrossian’s “Industry Night”, a special evening just for folks in the food industry (including chefs, servers and bartenders). Low cost drinks included $3 beer, $5 wine, and my favorite, the $7 hibiscus champagne. It was simply a fun evening chatting with friends old and new, and the best part was the selection of FREE delicious appetizers! 

Borscht and Gazpacho soup

Manager Chris, Chef Ben Bailly. Borscht and Gazpacho soup, Salmon Rillette

Bacon-wrapped apricots and dates

Butternut Squash Soup with Pecans

Sliders were awesome! (Pork Belly Slider with Carmelized Onions not shown)

Hibiscus Champagne Cocktail

Lisa, myself and Hanh having fun at Industry night!

Petrossian
321 North Robertson Boulevard
(one block north of Beverly Boulevard)
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 271-0576

Website

Coming soon to Petrossian: Caviar Tastings For Two offers a tasting of Petrossian’s finest caviar, hosted by one of Petrossian’s caviar experts. Learn the story behind Petrossian Caviar, then enjoy a prix fixe dinner.” more info

Petrossian visits #1 and #2

All Petrossian photos on Flickr

Lisa’s website

Hanh’s website

Marché [1 & 2]

CONGRATULATIONS to chef Gary Menes for the terrific L.A. Times review of Marché Restaurant (link below).

Peter and I have been eating at the Sherman Oaks location for years, and have happily returned to each new incarnation of the restaurant, formerly known as Max.

A few years ago, there was a daily show I watched regularly on cable called “Recipe TV”. It featured chefs from L.A. (as well as other cities) sharing recipes and cooking in their restaurant kitchens. Some of the chefs I enjoyed most were Dave Myers of Sona, Eric Greenspan (before he opened the Foundry) and Andre Guerrero (chef/owner) of Max restaurant in Sherman Oaks.

Since Max was just up the street, Peter and I got a kick out of ordering dishes that we had seen prepared on the show. The restaurant became our nearby “special occasion” place and we even celebrated New Year’s Eve in the elegant dining room one year.

Then in late 2008, Max restaurant was stripped down into a more casual bistro. At first, we were leery of trying out the new menu, but then fell absolutely in love with the Max Black Angus Burger and chicken liver pate’. That became our favorite comfort meal in the valley, and I would shamelessly dip my crispy fries into the creamy potted chicken liver like it was ketchup! French fries and chicken liver… a match made in heaven.

When I read that Max was being retooled, I figured it was the end of our favorite “old new” spot. Until I learned that the new chef had most recently worked at Palate Food + Wine in Glendale, under the helm of the awesome Octavio Becerra.

I’m happy to say, our first visit to the NEW Marché restaurant did not disappoint. Peter and I are looking forward to seeing (and of course TASTING) what’s next on the menu!

What we shared on our first visit:

Coddled Eggs, Summer Truffles

Scallops

Pork Rillette

Salad with Speck, Piedmontese Beef

Pork Belly with Figs

Apple Charlotte

Above Dining Date: 10/2/09

Below Dining Date: 11/28/09

Foie Gras Terrine, brioche au maison

Castelvetrano Olives with orange and pistou. Potted smoked prawns at Marché Restaurant

Local Calamari, Haricots Verts, Shitake, Meyer Lemon

Natural Beef, Potato, Red Wine

Photos from all my visits to Marché

Note: This restaurant is now closed. Please follow Chef Menes on Twitter

Marché L.A.

13355 Ventura Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

(818) 784-2915
Website

Marché [3]
New Year’s Eve at Marché [4]

Marché [5 & 6]

Update: 3/30/10 Read Jonathan Gold’s Review!

Mentioned Above:

L.A. Times Marché Review

L.A. Times Article about Max

Dining at Palate Food and Wine

Dining at the former MAX (Angus Burger)

Domenico Ristorante

Finally, Domenico Ristorante in Silver Lake is open!

I first met the restaurant’s executive chef last December, when I attended a molecular gastronomy class he taught at Sur la Table (at the Grove). Chef Michael Young spoke about his passion for Italian cooking, but the various classes I took from him were mostly about making groovy foams and far-out spherifications. I was really looking forward to trying his authentic, Italian FOOD, not just the modern recipes we made together in class. And finally, five months later, I got my first taste.

After making the reservation for Saturday night, I suddenly felt a little nervous. What if, by chance, I didn’t like Chef Young’s cooking? Just because I thought he was a great instructor and could make perfect fruit “caviar”, didn’t automatically mean that he’d be a great chef too.

The motto for my blog is: “If I like it, I share it… If I don’t, I don’t!”. Which means, if I don’t like something I’ve tasted on a restaurant’s menu, then I simply don’t write about that particular dish. Someone once told me that I’m “doing a disservice to the public” if I only write about positive experiences, but that’s just who I am, and I want my site to reflect that. I feel so grateful that I get to eat at all these wonderful places, and my favorite part (besides the actual eating) is sharing all the tasty photos. Plus, I figure with so many bloggers writing about the same restaurants in Los Angeles, it’s easy to figure out what dishes NOT to order.

We had a 7pm reservation on Saturday night, but Peter and I arrived early so I could take a few photos of the restaurant exterior. Our friends Julian and Wendy joined us a few minutes later, and soon we were nibbling on fried olives and sipping glasses of luscious primitivo wine. The restaurant doesn’t have a liquor licence yet, but you can bring in your own wine with no cover charge (for the time being).

A Mano primitivo wine is our favorite Italian red, and we first learned about it from the great Mario Batali himself. He recommended it during a seminar we went to in New York, and it’s been a staple in our home ever since. Not only is it deliciously robust (think zinfandel), but at $10 a bottle we can afford to drink it all the time.

Looking over the menu, I wasn’t sure what to order at first. Domenico Ristorante is so new that I found barely a “yelp” online. One thing I did read about was the “wild boar ragu” so I definitely wanted to try that, but overall I felt lost without my regular “must order” list for the evening. Peter was in worse shape than me, since he never even looks at a menu when we go out. I’ve usually selected what we’re sharing ahead of time, and he actually likes not having the pressure of deciding.

The restaurant’s owner, Domenico Frasca, must have noticed we were a bit perplexed, and asked, “would you like the chef to select dishes for you”? The four of us giggled with anticipation as we handed over the menus. We spent the next three hours happily working our way through Prosciutto Riserva, Fried Parmesan with Balsamic, Crudo of Scottish Halibut, Risotto with Winter Truffle, Rootbeer-braised Kobe Beef, the Wild Boar Ragu and more!

Dinner wasn’t just “great”, the entire evening was exceptional: From the sexy decor (white, leather banquets), to the gorgeous waiters (I only remember Paolo’s name because he wrote it down along with the name of a pasta), to the friendly and cordial Domenico himself. Of course, it’s Chef Michael Young’s cooking that will have me coming back for more, and you can bet I’ll be trying each and every positively delicious bite on the menu!

Menu

Charcuterie: Salame Felino, Parmigiano Stravecchio, Prosciutto Riserva,Parma Butter, Horseradish Pesto and Mostarda Mantovana

Fluke: Crudo of Scottish Halibut, Tuscan Chickpea Salad

Fried Parmigiano with 30 yr old Balsamic Vinegar

Pastificio Gragnano Fusilloni with Wild Boar Ragu

Risotto with Asparagus, Black Winter Truffle and Quail egg

Rootbeer -braised Kobe Short Rib, Sweet Corn Polenta, Horseradish Foam

Torta della nonna (Ricotta Pinenut Tart)

Rasberry chocolate tart, Chantilly cream, Rasberry Sugar

a peek at the interior

Chef Michael Young speaking to my husband Peter

Chef Eliaza

In the kitchen with Chef Eliazar and Domenico Executive Chef Michael Young

Domenico Ristorante
1637 Silver Lake Blvd. Los Angeles, CA  90026

Website

(323) 661-6166

Dining Date: 5/9/09

More about Chef Michael Young

Molecular Gastronomy Class

Sur la Table Classes (locations & calendar)

A Mano Primitivo Wine 

Mario Batali

On L.A. Times

The Grove

About Silver Lake

Gjelina

I was in no rush to dine at Gjelina (pronounced “jelina”) when it opened last summer, adding it to my lengthy list of “places to eat”.

To be honest, I just didn’t care about ANOTHER pizzeria opening, so I pretty much just forgot about it. Then I read Patrick Kuh’s review in Los Angeles Magazine (Feb 2009 issue).

Kuh wrote:
The cooking of Travis Lett is the main draw… only 30 years old, he has developed a remarkably sustained culinary style…

That sparked my interest a little because I love supporting our local up-and-coming chefs.

Then I read: 
Back when he was starting out, Lett had an epiphany while eating a meal at Mario Batali’s breakout restaurant, Babbo, shortly after it opened in Greenwich Village. “It wasn’t one thing they did. It was how they did everything,” he recalls of the food’s exacting forthrightness.

One of my best dining experiences ever was at BABBO restaurant in New York. Peter and I had dinner there in October 2005, and we still talk about the amazing Bucatini all’Amatriciana. To this day, we’ve never tasted a better pasta dish and Mario Batali is a culinary king in our home. I’ve learned so much about Italian cooking AND culture from his old series, “Molto Mario” and it’s a shame he doesn’t “teach” on television anymore. If Gjelina’s chef was pulling inspiration from BABBO and Batali, then it could only mean good things for the restaurant.

Patrick Kuh ended his review with the following:
Certain restaurant openings are cautious, some careless, and some overproduced. Then there are those that sing. Gjelina is one of them. It has the snap of originality, a little strut. It knows it’s good. It captures a neighborhood.

At this point I opened my “places to eat” list and moved Gjelina up near the top. When our friends Kevin and Tamara (both oenophiles) wanted to meet for brunch in Venice recently, of course it had to be at Gjelina. They brought along a gorgeous bottle of Williams Selyem 2005 Chardonnay, which was a refreshing and crisp companion to our delicious brunch of pizzas, salads and sides.

Niman Ranch Bacon $5. Is there any better way to start off a brunch?

Heirloom Spinach Salad with Tomato, Olive, Feta, Pinenuts and Croutons $9. This was devoured within minutes of hitting our table. The large crouton pieces were a terrific crunch mixed with the super fresh vegetables. 

Guanciale Pizza with Crushed Olive, Fresno Chili, Buffalo Mozzarella & Rosemary, $15
I LOVE guanciale, it’s my favorite type of bacon (the pig’s jowel) which is extra fatty. Notice how THIN the pizza crust is in the upper left of the photo. All the flavors were baked into (and almost through) the crust. I love thin-crust pizza so this wafer-thin heater was my kind of pie (or maybe I should say “cracker bread”!).

Two more sides we enjoyed:
Chickpea Stew with Greens, Cous Cous, Spiced Yogurt and Harissa, $12. It was more like a belly-warming soup than a stew and I found myself craving it when I had a cold last week.
Crispy Fingerling Potatoes with Truffle Oil, Herbs and Parmesan, $5. Perfectly crispy on the outside with just a hint of truffle oil.

Gruyere, Arugula Pizza topped with Caramelized Onion, Fromage Blanc Pizza and Sunny Eggs, $18. This pizza came after the Guanicale, and we all decided that this one was our favorite. Again, the toppings were almost baked through the thin crust and the runny eggs on top added a creamy-like richness.

In the relaxing, sunny back patio area, the view from my seat.

Butterscotch pot de creme. Very similar to Mozza’s Butterscotch Budino, (except you don’t get the rosemary cookie here). Gjelina’s version was rich enough that we were happy sharing one together.

Blackberry and Cornmeal Crisp. I only had one bite (too full!) but my husband said he loved the tartness and crunch.

I loved the decor, especially the chocolate brown wall, with what looked like “tooled leather” engravings. The light fixtures were also fun and funky throughout.

From top left: Lighting above bar, Back patio, Vintage glass, Wine bottle chandelier.

I can’t wait to go back!

The L.A. Times writes: Though they’re only a small part of the menu, the pizzas at Gjelina in Venice keep getting better. Six months in, chef-owner Travis Lett has his pizza mojo down. His pies have a graceful aesthetic, beautiful to look at, even better to eat, and farmers market all the way. Like the seductive vegetable dishes here from the wood-burning oven, the eight pizzas on offer shift with the seasons. A pie blanketed in Fontina cheese and bitter greens accented with bacon lardons or one that melds Taleggio cheese with dusky wild mushrooms and pea shoots may give way to a pizza topped with sweet porky guanciale, crushed olives and bufala mozzarella. The crust is very thin, very crisp. Pizza is such a popular item, though, you may have to wait for yours: The oven is only big enough to cook four pies at a time.  Full Article Here

Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-1429
(no website as of this writing) 
Dining Date: 3/7/09 

Mentioned Above:

LA Magazine Gjelina Review by Patrick Kuh

BABBO

Mario Batali

Molto Mario

Williams Selyem Chardonnay

Niman Ranch

My Valentine Wiener

Peter and I celebrated a different kind of Valentine’s Day this year. Instead of our usual fancy “schmancy” dinner out, we opted for an afternoon trek downtown to Wurstküche, the “Purveyor of Exotic Grilled Sausages”.

Thinking there would be no traffic, we hopped on the 101 freeway a little before noon. What should have been a fifteen minute drive to Alameda street, took over an hour in the heavy traffic. I really hoped these exotic meats would be worth the trouble, especially since we skipped breakfast and were by then, really hungry. I wanted my wiener and I wanted it now!

After we parked (conveniently right out front of Wurstküche Restaurant), we walked in and quickly went over the menu. The sausages are broken down into three categories: “Classics”, “Gourmet” and “Exotics”. I ordered the Duck & Bacon with Jalapeno Pepper Sausage and Peter went for the Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeno Peppers (both from the “Exotics” list).

Along with sausages we also ordered Belgian Fries with Truffle Oil, which came with a dipping sauce. Choices were: Sweet and Sassy BBQ, Blue Cheese Walnut Bacon, Buttermilk Ranch, Thai Peanut, Tzatziki, Chipolte Ketchup, Sundried Tomato Mayo, Chipolte Mayo and Pesto Mayo. We selected the Blue Cheese Walnut Bacon.

As we continued ordering, I looked around and was shocked at how small the restaurant was. There was bar seating in front of the order counter and kitchen, and two small bistro tables outside. I’d heard great things about Wurstküche and wondered “where are all the eaters?”. Was I at the wrong place?

Like most folks, Peter and I rarely drink alcohol during the day (unless we’re on vacation of course), but this being a Valentine’s lunch and all, we decided it was a must. The list of beers (draft and bottled) were a little intimidating because, honestly, we’re not really into beer, so basically we blindly chose one each. Both draft beers, I selected the Chimay White and Peter ordered the Houblan Chouffe which was an Indian Pale.

While sipping our beers and waiting for our food, Peter noticed there were people coming from up the hallway. He asked one of the waiters where it led to and he motioned me to follow him. There we found a dining hall filled with smiling, happy people feasting on glistening sausages. The room was really large… probably 2,000 square feet, with communal tables and another bar along the back. A very relaxing “bier garten” indeed.

Speaking of which, both of our beers were delicious. My Chimay White was crisp and a tiny bit bitter (in a good way). Peter’s beer (the Indian pale, Houblan Chouffe) was amazing. I kept sipping it trying to figure out the flavor I was tasting, and I swear there was a hint of passion fruit.

Between the two sausages we shared, we both really loved the Duck, Bacon with Jalapeno and will definitely order that again and again. Next time we’ll have to try the Alligator & Pork or Green Chillies & Cilantro as well.

Note: The Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeno Peppers was good, but the Duck, Bacon with Jalapeno was “make your eyes roll back in your head” good.

Hooray, the food is here!

Duck and Bacon with Jalapeno Pepper Sausage $7.75

Rattlesnake and Rabbit with Jalapeno Peppers $7.75

Belgian Fries $3.50 with Blue Cheese Walnut Bacon Dressing (AWESOME). Truffle Oil +$1.50

Chimay White $8, Houblan Chouffe $8 (note the communal tables in background)

Two groovy chairs in the back bier hall/dining room. Comfy but too low to eat at, so we moved to one of the communal tables.

The almighty sausage case.

Order counter and beers on tap (upper left photo)

mmm… nothing beats the smell of wieners on a grill.

Wurstküche
800 E 3rd St,
Downtown Los Angeles
213.687.4444

Dining Date: 2/14/09

Website

On our way home the freeway was clogged (again) and pretty much a parking lot, so instead of trying to fight it we took the side streets. Driving along, every time we spotted a McDonalds, Peter and I started laughing because of the most recent episode of “30 Rock”. If you haven’t seen the “Valentines” episode then this won’t make sense to you, but we just had to stop and get a McFlurry! I hadn’t had a McFlurry in years… actually I’m not sure if I’ve ever had one. I definitely remember Dairy Queen Blizzards when I was younger, but this may have been my first McFlurry. I had the Oreo flavor and Peter had Snickers. It was definitely a sweet ending to our kooky, fun Valentine’s Day. Thanks Tina Fey!

Mentioned Above:

30 Rock

McDonalds

DQ

Patina

Each year around the Christmas holidays, my husband Peter and I spend an evening at the L.A. Philharmonic. Instead of giving each other Christmas gifts (since we have everything we need), we share a nice dinner at Patina (which is next to the Disney Hall) and it makes for a special yearly event. This season we had tickets to hear the Count Basie Orchestra, and it was a lively evening filled with jazzy holiday fun.

The show started at 8pm, so we had an early 5:45 reservation at Patina. This was on December 22, which coincidently fell in the middle of their famous truffle dinners. The Black and White Truffle dinner was held a few days before our reservation (on 12/19), and I knew there were upcoming truffle dinners scheduled. I was hoping there were truffles leftover from the event because I’d never tasted a WHITE truffle.

No such luck! We did get to feast on some beautiful black truffles though and I made sure the rolling cheese cart never left our table for too long. It was another wonderful holiday celebration that included our two favorite things in life … food and music.

Black Truffle Risotto

The LOVELY Cheese Cart

Cheeses 

Soumaintrain (on the left) is a really stinky French cheese with a taste that is both sweet and salty. It tasted similar to Epoisses but was actually creamier. It was my favorite cheese of the night. more info

Whisky Cheese tasted like whisky and cheese! I liked it. more info

Toma Bleue was a sharp blue cheese.

Ski Queen (the brown cheese) is soft and sweet. more info

Monte Enebro (far right) is made from goat’s milk and very pungent. Rolled in ash, it was really soft and spreadable. more info


Saint Pierre for Two. Saint Pierre (aka John Dory) baked with a grilled sage, sunchoke-sesame puree, wild arugula, toscane extra virgin olive oil jus.

Patina
141 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-3331

http://www.patinagroup.com/patina/

http://www.countbasie.com/

My Truffle Shaver

One of my favorite kitchen tools is my Italian Truffle Shaver. I use mine year-round to cut paper thin slices of  shallots and garlic (to make crispy garlic chips!). It’s also great for chocolate and hard cheeses.

You can buy them online here:

I own two:
The one seen above is sold on Amazon (around $20).
I also have this one with a beautiful wood handle. ($40) It’s only for actual truffles!