The Bar at Las Perlas

There may or may not be enough places to eat or drink in the block on 6th Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The problem: Where is the bar in all of Los Angeles specializing in tequila at which the drink menu isn’t automatically reduced to a range of flavored margaritas? Las Perlas – which only last Tuesday has joined the neighborhood of Must Bar, Nickel Diner, The Association Bar, The Varnish and Cole’s – is the answer to all your tequila and mezcal needs. The gag-inducing reputation tequila ill-earned with you during college thanks to all those discounted bottles of Jose Cuervo is light years away.

400 Rabbits (I have no idea)

In this latest Cedd Moses (Seven Grand) venture, the space is comfortable and the atmosphere is casual yet festive. But the most important part – the elaborate drinks are made with utmost precision and the drink menu, written in marker on construction paper, is small but has something for everyone. The green backlit bar is impressive while the colorful plastic covering the tables retains that cantina feel. Pop in a few quarters in the personally-approved, brand new jukebox for the perfect, smoky mezcal-sipping soundtrack. Or play a round of pool on a table as brand new as the bar itself (I’m 2 for 2).

Jalisco

Though I’m unsure how often the drink menu changes (I’m inclined to think hand-written infers somewhat regularly?) – the first installment seems to show Julian T. Cox (Rivera) and Raul Yrastorza (El Carmen) have in mind all the corners of your palate. My Jalisco was made of El Jimador Anejo Tequila, Carpano Antica Vermouth, orange bitters, Liquor 43 – complete with a brandy cherry at the bottom of my coupé glass. It brought me back to my most favorite cocktail I consumed my last trip to New York at Mayahuel. It was delicious and complex – appropriately complimenting the anejo-aged tequila – and contrasted the sweet 400 Rabbits (Antiguo Reposado tequila, blackberries and port wine floated with pinot) that Fiona ordered. Certainly, the cocktail I will order on my second visit will be the Pablano Escobar (Sombra Mescal, muddled poblano chiles, pineapple) – a drink I witnessed being made for my neighbor at the bar and which seemed the most complicated recipe including the most garnishes. A spicy cocktail? I’m in – again and again.

Further reading:

Las Perlas Flickr Set

Las Perlas, Cedd Moses’ Mezcal & Tequila Bar Opens in Downtown LA – LA Weekly Food

Q&A With Bartender Raul Yrastorza – Food GPS

Las Perlas
107 E. Sixth Street
Los Angeles, CA
213.988.8355

Irish Lamb Stew Sandwich

Do you work downtown or will be in the area for lunchtime this week? Looking for a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week without so much as touching a green beer? Now there’s another reason to stop by the notoriously delicious Mendocino Farms for your mid-day refueling. Chef and partner Betty Han has put together the Irish Stew Lamb Sandwich in honor of the luck ‘o the Irish. For a limited time – just this week, in fact – you’ll be able to order this St. Patrick’s Day celebratory special and satisfy your braised lamb craving all in one fell swoop.

In the sandwich is Braised Lamb Shoulder, Cider-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips, Roasted Potatoes and Sautéed Collard Greens – complete with a Horseradish Crema and Lamb Au Jus. The price is consistent with all of Mendocino Farms’ other divine sammiches: $9.25. So head on over during the day; the Irish in you – and your tastebuds – demand it!

Further reading:

Mendocino Farms Review - Food GPS

Monday – Friday, March 15 – 19, 2010

11 AM – 3 PM

Mendocino Farms – Flower
444 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.627.3262

Mendocino Farms – Grand
300 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.620.1114

To the Garden Market

Do you have a regular 9-5 that makes you unable to make it to the daytime weekday farmer’s market in the neighborhood? Looking for an outdoor rendezvous with a view that makes it possible to simultaneously support local growers and vendors? Never considered farmer’s markets especially romantic (well – why would you)?

Spring Hill Cheese Company: Generous with samples

The Thursday night Yamashiro Garden Market may be your answer – especially as our “Spring Forward” daylight savings comes up this weekend, thereby making our days longer as the temps get warmer. Last night my girlfriend accompanied me as we visited the second-ever Garden Market on the Yamashiro (“mountain palace” in Japanese) grounds above Franklin Avenue and met up with Lindsay and Julie of LAist. While the Hollywood and Highland traffic may affect your journey there, once you’re on the hill, all traffic will seem miles (ok, at least a mile) away. It’s a quaint space with hands-down the best view you will ever see at a market and the budding weekly gathering seemed to be well on its way to being a go-to Thursday event.

Worried about parking? Valet with Garden Market validation will run you only $2 – plus tip, of course. Not bad – especially by Hollywood standards.

You even have the option to come hungry without expecting to have to shell out major Yamashiro-level dough. The restaurant provides hot food, with your choice of two black cod, korean shortrib or duck tacos which come with chips and salsa (even wasabi guacamole) for $6. Or get 3 tacos for $9. Executive Chef Brock Kleweno served them up himself last night. The black cod tacos were the hands-down favorite in my group – even though I had forgone them since I coincidentally had black cod for lunch. What are the chances? The wasabi guac was another favorite – not exactly sinus-clearing but I always love guac with a little punch.

Korean Shortrib Taco, Duck Taco

Eight words: Bulgarini Goat Cheese Gelato with embedded cocoa nibs. Do also try the Blood Orange for that tart craving. Unfortunately, I had been looking forward to olive oil gelato thanks to a Twitter convo that had been happening over the past few days, but it wasn’t available last night so now I have another reason to return.

I spent the most time at the stand featuring Spring Hill Cheese, whose creamery is located in Petaluma, and walked away with garlic cheese curds ($5). Also in attendance was J&P West Coast Seafood from San Pedro,  the Breadman, Ace Ranch Certified Organic Producer, Klauses Bees’ Raw Honey, Gourmet Blends’ Barrel-Aged Organic Balsamics & Oils and Cobbler Mania amongst other local producers and vendors.

A live jazz band successfully provided a festive atmosphere in spite of the still-growing attendance. I can see only more people venturing uphill for the unique experience and view that is the Garden Market as the days get longer and the temps get warmer. What’s key: Their outdoor event liquor license is on the way.

Thursdays

5 – 9 PM

Valet $2 with validation

Garden Market at Yamashiro
1999 N. Sycamore Avenue
Los Angeles, CA‎ 90068
323.466.5125‎

Garden Market with a view

Photo credit to FoodGPS

This weekend, Hudson House in Redondo Beach turns one. To toast the occasion, the also-owners of Beechwood in Venice will be welcoming all who wish to help celebrate with a complimentary Hudson Ale or a Blood Orange Chinaco Tequila Cocktail on Sunday. You can also expect complimentary bar bites to accompany your free drink. Win logoed Hudson House apparel while you’re there. And live music from a local DJ will entertain guests all evening – so groove along in your seat or start up your own dance floor – no one will mind.

A party with a free drink and free food? If you’re in the South Bay, you’d be remiss to snooze on this one.

Sunday, March 14th

4 PM – Close

Hudson House
514 North Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.798.9183

@HudsonHouseBar

Getting my nails did in OPI's Mad As A Hatter (Photo ©Disney)

Cherry chocolate macaroon

It may have been another Friday night in Hollywood, but instead of cozying up home with an episode of Law & Order stored on my DVR I was actually out on the town, relieved that there weren’t any insane crowds to brave. So far. It was my first in-person peek at The W Hollywood – open for a couple months now – and the occasion was Disney Living’s Alice in Wonderland party in The Lobby.

Red Queen

For the occasion, a pop-up display featuring Alice in Wonderland-inspired dresses designed by Sue Wong and jewelry by Tom Binn was erected to last the weekend. Characters dressed as The Rabbit, Red Queen, White Queen, Alice herself and others I probably didn’t even recognize were either super festive and dressed to theme accordingly, or were paid to act the part. I wasn’t quite clear on that, but they definitely helped with the Alice atmosphere – what with them traipsing and scampering around the posh, art deco lobby space.

No matter – there were signature cocktails to be sampled (aply named “Down the Rabbit Hole” and more) and consumed at the bar. Initially, I was dismayed the main liquors used were vodka – twice - and acai-distilled spirit in the cocktails but thankfully one of the vodka cocktails wasn’t too sweet. Yes, Alice in Wonderland is very girly, and accordingly – vodka is apparently feminine.

Tara the Cat, The Rabbit & Alice

We soaked up our libations with passed appetizers; true to form, Lindsay, Maya and I stood by the hallway to pounce on the kitchen-exiting servers with their passed trays. Subtle.

Also on theme was the Bliss station, where the resident 3rd floor spa promoted their services with mini-but-awesome neck & shoulder massages and mini manicures furnished with OPI Alice in Wonderland nail polishes (I chose a multi-colored, glittery color). My only complaint: My free massage wasn’t long enough.

Tom Binn Tea Necklace

Fearing an impending sugar crash a few drinks into the party and a few trays after the h’ors doeurves had transitioned into dessert, we spied the fully-occupied bar at the beautiful new Delphine restaurant and 40 minute wait for a table before making the walk to Umami Burger.

What a fun party with a great pop-up display. My favorite was definitely Sue Wong’s White Queen-inspired dress. To many more one-off events and legit reasons to visit The W Hollywood. As for Delphine, my first taste will have to wait until another day…

Further reading:

Disney Alice in Wonderland Flickr set

Cool stuff I would actually wear: Alice in Wonderland – ShopEatSleep

The W Hollywood
6250 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.798.1300

@DisneyLiving

The W Hollywood Lobby

Photo credit to Atwater Village Newbie on Flickr

The bad news is, I rarely blog on the weekends. The good news is, the second of two days of The Hungry Cat’s 5-year Anniversary Celebration is today, all day - therefore, there’s still time to take advantage.

The celebratory special isn’t shabby, either. How is 50% off specialty cocktails, draft beer and all bottles of wine?! Though I can’t say I’m a regular, I’ve rarely had a bad cocktail at The Hungry Cat. Perhaps the only thing that would make tonight better is if they had simultaneously made this one of their Steamed Blue Crab Nights!

And, according to their latest tweet, after 5:30 PM they will be featuring 50% off oysters (grilled ones typically run $15 for a half-dozen) ”and more”. And what exactly does that mean? Don’t look at me. Pop in to their Vine Street location to find out.

Hungry Cat’s 5-Year Anniversary

Today’s hours (special runs all day): 12 Noon – 11 PM

The Hungry Cat
1535 N. Vine Street
Hollywood, CA
323.462.2155

@thehungrycat

Roosevelt Hotel

Didn’t manage to fanagle your way into the Oscars? For all us commoners – or those who didn’t pass the background check – the next best thing is to corral friends together for a viewing party across the street. The Roosevelt Hotel will be setting up screens in the lobby, Dakota and 25 Degrees for your viewing pleasure. And before I send you into the flustercluck that is Hollywood on Oscars night, just be aware of the street closures in the area and be sure to carpool or Metro it on in.

The best part is most definitely getting to try special Oscars-themed cocktails dreamt up by the famous Matt Biancaniello - all for $12 each. Typically drinks at The Library Bar run $16; call it an incentive. (Edit: Unfortunately, Matt will not be there personally as he’ll be on the other coast for a national mixology competition – but the recipes he leaves behind will tide us over until he comes back. )

“Up in the Air” Aviation – Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, fresh lemon juice and Creme de Violette

“The Hurt Locker” Breeder’s Cup – Hendricks Gin, cucumber, lime, agave, beet horseradish and salt

“Precious” Strawberries on Fire - Patron Silver, lime, lemon, strawberries, agave and jalapeno

“Inglorious Basterds” 10 Cane Old Fashioned – 10 Cane Rum, sugar, bitters, lemon and orange peel

“Avatar” Saving Grace - Basil Hayden’s bourbon, lemon, mint, Grand Marnier and ginger

They all sound so delicious, I’m going to have an extremely hard time not trying the whole menu. Metro, indeed!!

And to soak up all of Matt’s mixology magic, take a peep at the menu that will be served in the lobby – after the jump. (Or, head to 25 Degrees for a burger or Dakota for an entree – if that’s more your steez.)

Oscar Lobby Menu

SMALL BITES
Truffle Popcorn $10
Herb Popcorn $7
Caesar Salad $12/ $17 Chicken/ $20 Shrimp
Roasted Beet Salad $14
Crispy Confit Chicken Wings $12
Buffalo Style
Hummus $9
Marinated Olives and Warm Pita
Artisanal Cheese Board $18
Charcuterie $18
Crudite $9
Curry Mayo, Ranch

SANDWICHES/PIZZA
25 Degree Burger #1, #2, or #3 (Beef, Turkey, or Veggie) $14
Cuban Sandwich $14
Pulled Pork Sliders $14
Grilled Chicken Club $14
Truffle Quail Egg Pizza $20
Salume Pizza $18
Margarita Pizza $16

DESSERT
Cupcakes $9
(Red Velvet, Chocolate, Vanilla)
Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Lollipops (6pc.) $9
Apple Crustade a la Mode $9

Sunday, March 7, 2010

5 pm

Dakota Chop House, 25 Degrees and The Lobby at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.466.7000

Lounge at Nobu West Hollywood

Perhaps you’re in the neighborhood but not in the mood to commit for the night. You want bites, not entrees – and were thinking something more elegant than bar food: The Nobu bar or lounge might be the perfect place to stop. They’ve recently made some additions to their already-popular menu – like Uni Dry Miso, Wagyu Dango Wasabi Saffron Aioli and Spanish Baby Octopus with Ginger Soy. Not to mention a brand new dessert menu. I will have to try that Suntory Whiskey Iced Cappuccino at least once!

And if you just want the best of what Chef Alex Becker has to offer you, you can always choose the 6-course omakase for $40. The first 3 courses are direct from the sushi bar followed by 2 dishes from the hot kitchen – and then dessert. Choices, choices…some of us are just more decisive than others.

Peep the new tapas menu below for the full range:

NOBU COLD TAPAS
Nobu Style Sashimi Tacos with Yellowfin Tuna, Lobster, or Crab 8
Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno 9
Whitefish Sashimi with Dried Miso 9
Yellowfin Tuna Tataki with Tosazu or Cilantro Dressing 9
Oysters with Nobu Sauces (Ponzu, Nobu, Maui) 10
Lobster Ceviche Butter Lettuce 12
Nobu New Style Sashimi – Salmon, Whitefish or Scallop 8
Uni Dry Miso 12
Tiradito – Whitefish, Scallop, or Octopus 8
Kanpachi Agua de Chile 12

SALADS
Baby Artichoke Salad with Crispy Leeks 7
Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing 10
Hearts of Palm Salad 7

NOBU HOT TAPAS
Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyozas 10
Scallop with Jalapeno Salsa 8

Miso Black Cod with Butter Lettuce 8
Uni Tempura 10
Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy or Butter Ponzu Sauce 7
Wagyu Tacos 10
“Fish n’ Chips” Nobu Style 8
Lamb Anticucho 9
Wagyu Dango Wasabi Saffron Aioli 10
Spanish Baby Octopus with Ginger Soy 12
Miso Marinated Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp 8
Foie Gras and Crispy Soba 9
Ginger Panko Encrusted Scallops 10

DESSERTS
Suntory Whiskey Iced Cappucino 9
PB & J Satandagi 6
Mochi Ice Cream 6
Harumakis 8

And don’t forget Nobu’s nightly drink specials, which run from 6 – 9 PM:

$6 wines
$7 mixed well drinks
$10 signature cocktails

The best part is that they’ve also kept the favorites – no matter how indulgent. Come on now…Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyozas?! I’ll see you in the lounge…

Further Reading:

Nobu’s Cocktail Lounge Offers Omakase On a Budget – LAist

Nobu West Hollywood
903 N La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.657.5711

Ludo Chicken (paired w/spicy-sweet sauce), Greenspan Chicken (paired w/honey), Goat Cheese & Tarragon Waffle

It was a special night at The Foundry on Melrose, and the occasion would be my long-delayed first visit to the restaurant. After all, this is where a lot of the LA comfort food scene originated – Chef Eric Greenspan (2008 Grilled Cheese Invitational winner and once-Iron Chef contestant) plans to open a grilled cheese-only restaurant. Of course.

Whiskey Trollope

Apparently, Ludo Lefebvre and wife Krissy were in the neighborhood only last Friday and decided to drop by The Foundry to say Hi to their friend. Chef Eric wasn’t there – to which Ludo said (tweeted), “I should take over the kitchen!” One thing led to another and lo and behold, Ludo didn’t exactly “take over” the kitchen so much as he agreed to drop in on The Foundry’s regularly-scheduled Bluesy Tuesday and showcase his chicken next to Chef Greenspan’s. Akasha Richmond was gracious enough to supply fryers for the special event – because we are all family here.

The news was announced (albeit with an incorrect date on the flyer) and a flurry reservations were made for the special Tuesday night. For $6 per plate, diners could enjoy a piece of Ludo’s rosemary chicken and a piece of Greenspan’s bone-in buttermilk chicken. Maya of ShopEatSleep and I were happy to fill a 6 PM 2-top reservation – the very beginning of the night – because we could only imagine how crazy and possibly backed-up the rest of the night would be. Case in point: LA Street Food Fest and the cluster around the Ludo truck.

Grilled Cheese With Talaggio Cheese, Raisin Bread, Apricot-caper Puree and Short Rib

Maya and I started out with an absolutely delicious Whiskey Trollope each - with ginger and pineapple – at a very reasonable $8. On top of that, the pineapple was a subtle finish and the drink overall wasn’t too sweet. Solid. The chorizo veloute with cornichon gelato on Jonathan Gold’s 99 Things to Eat in L.A. Before You Die brought me back to the bliss of Ludobites 2.0 (can’t let the leftovers from The Gold Standard – an event I missed – go to waste, now can we?).

Since we were on Greenspan’s turf, we couldn’t pass up the grilled cheese ($9) as a lead-in to the chicken. So we did exactly that – with telaggio cheese comprising the center of a raisin-breaded sammich, encased between layers of apricot-caper puree and short rib (extra $3). While the grilled sandwiches were delicious, we were so relieved we weren’t full – yet. A fried green tomato would accompany our fried bird and alleviate our consciences a tad in the area of poor nutritional indulgences while keeping with the Southern theme. Vegetable or fruit? I say it’s still up for debate – but the dish itself is a good punch in the mouth, complete with fresh tomato and arugula.

Fried Green Tomato

Now, the chicken. If it really came down to it – which would be the better chicken? I resisted Krissy’s question because I really loved both pieces of chicken. And I mean this sincerely. They aim for different things – and they score. The sauce the Ludo chicken came with was spicy and sweet and an absolutely perfect compliment to the rosemary seasoning in his still-super-juicy, boneless chicken. The honey that accompanied Greenspan’s chicken went perfect with the buttermilk treatment as did the delicious wedge of goat cheese-tarragon waffle. Ludo’s chicken is beyond innovative; Greenspan executes a classic perfectly. And that is my final answer. I am a fried chicken lovah!!

Where will Ludo go next? I’ve been spying some Twitter convos going on in the foodie cosmos lately. Dare we suggest another show-down with Greenspan’s grilled cheese and Ludo’s foie gras croque monsier? Or Ludo following the way of the fryer and dropping into Akasha Richmond’s kitchen? The real-time Twitter food collaborations is just one of the phenomenons that makes eating in LA so exciting; stay tuned to find out…

Further reading:

Will Tweet for Food: Chicken Night at The Foundry – Jonathan Gold for LA Weekly Food

The Foundry on Melrose
7463 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7525
323.651.0915

Ludobites Website

Follow on Twitter:
@chefludo
@chefgreeny
@frenchchefwife
@akashaCC

Fanny Bay Oyster

It may have been another night out in the neighborhood for Chris when I met her and Ken at Joe’s on Abbot Kinney last friday. But it had been awhile since I had a drink from their bartender, S. Hector Bury – and he didn’t disappoint with a delicious cocktail made with bacon-infused bourbon.

Christophe Happillon

But we were there to learn about Christophe Happillon’s oyster program, which is at Joe’s on Friday nights and The Edison on Tuesday and Thursdays. So, whether you’re feeling The Downtown LA vibe early in the week or more in the mood for Venice towards the end, you know where to go for your oyster fix.

Truth be told, I was also at The Edison for their latest Radio Room just three days prior (which prompted Nico to accuse me of “cheating”) and had gotten a preview of Christophe’s awesome oyster display of Fanny Bay oysters. The real lesson would come at Joe’s, however, where he featured three different types of oysters. I have always loved oysters but knew very little – and was really appreciative to get a lesson in the West Coast ones Christophe was carrying that night.

Christophe shucking an oyster

When Christophe set to shucking oysters for us (“Oysters are like women -,” he mused, “you cannot force them”) he started out with San Quintin Bay oysters from Baja, California. This was the strongest, saltiest oyster of the bunch, with this particular bay not receiving much rain and therefore putting the oysters in an environment with more sediment.

The next two oysters proved milder – as they were from areas also on the West Coast but which had more rain and bigger waves: British Columbia. The Fanny Bay oysters, which were also at The Edison, had a tougher consistency than the San Quintins. Because there are more waves, the muscles in these particular had developed more than the previous variety. They were also not as salty as they grew in less sediment.

The final variety, from Metcalf Bay, was also from British Columbia but was the sweetest of the bunch. Christophe pointed out the Metcalfs’ shells in particular – which were especially brittle – as the environment Metcalf has less waves than the San Quintin and therefore had less elasticity. In general, the more muscle an oyster has, the sweeter its taste.

Now Christophe may be a French shellfish specialist, but he stresses that oysters on the half-shell are a primarily American dish. Think turkeys at Thanksgiving being stuffed with oysters, and the search for an aphrodisiac when primarily male emigrants relocated to the continent. Our time at Joe’s was a great lesson in the history and origins of oysters’ chemistry, salinity and temperature, and I came away that much more knowledgeable about the bivalves. Now to eat more…

Half-dozen oysters: $17
One dozen oysters: $30
(Prices subject to change according to availability and market price.)

Oysters in this review were hosted.

Joe’s
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA‎ 90291-3386
310.399.5811‎

Dozen Oysters