THE FOUNDRY ON MELROSE

For New Year's Eve Ann and I decided to keep it low key.  Chef Eric Greenspan wowed us with a delicious 5 course meal full of tastings from both the salty and sweet.  Not to mention he was extremely personable and approachable the entire night.  At $75.00 per person I think it was well worth the money and a fantastic way to bring in the new year.  I highly recommend giving this place a try in the near future.


Buen Provecho!

THE LITTLE NEXT DOOR

Due to lack of planning and combined with a bit of laziness, Ann and I found ourselves scrambling to find a place to eat on Christmas morning.  I was certain most restaurants would be open and Ann was confident we would not eat until the next day.  Fortunately we came across the Little Next Door.  This place seems to have it all.  The waitstaff was attentive, the decor was authentic and the food was absolutely lovely.  While I dove into the Serrano Ham & Wild Arugula dish Ann chose the Spinach Omelette.  Both were great selections and I will certainly be stopping in again soon for another delightful meal.


Quick Tip:  Try the special.  1/2 sandwich, soup, salad and macaroon for $15.

Buen Provecho!

TOMATO PIE PIZZA JOINT

Looking for a lunch spot close to the Disney offices in Glendale?  Head to Silver Lake to try Tomato Pie.  This is a great place to take a few friends and get away from it all.  


Quick Tip:  Order two slices and get a fountain soda for $.50.


Buen Provecho!

NOBU-WEST HOLLYWOOD

It's hard to believe I hadn't been to Nobu-West Hollywood yet!  I always envisioned overpriced dishes with a pretentious staff.  However, I guess it's true and you should never judge a book by it's cover.  While the place may seem unapproachable at first, grab a seat in the bar area and the bartenders will make you feel right at home.  I have tried many sushi restaurants in Los Angeles but I think this one of my top 5.


Quick Tip: Come in for happy hour, drinks specials are from 5:30-8 and food specials are from 5:30-Close.  Whatever you do make sure to give the Cauliflower with Jalapeno Dressing dish a try.  It will have you coming back for more.


Buen Provecho!

NIC'S MARTINI LOUNGE

I really enjoy spending the holidays with family and friends so why not celebrate with a few martinis?  Always a favorite, Nic's Martini Lounge usually delivers on every level.   While the drinks, pizza and ambiance were superb I have to give the fresh oysters a thumbs down.  I don't normally send dishes back but this was a must.  The great thing about it was the waiter had no problem with getting us something we liked better.  They really have great customer service and I hope to take my brother here when he visits this July.


Buen Provecho! 

ASIA DE CUBA



Once again being a member of BlackboardEats has paid off.  This time Ann and I were able to enjoy a wonderful prefix tasting menu for $39 per person.  This truly was an unbelievable deal!  

Calamari salad, butterfish, short ribs and plantain fried rice were out of this world.  I can't wait until the next coupon comes out because there's no shame in saving a little money.


Buen Provecho!

ink


Hands down this was my favorite restaurant of 2011.  It's truly amazing to taste the cuisine from such a talented chef.  Michael Voltaggio is at the height of his game and we can expect great things from him for quite some time.  While I wish I could put the meal into words you'll need to experience it yourself in order to understand.

Do yourself a favor and make reservations today!

Quick Tip:  The new menu is a 4 course tasting meal so make sure to call ahead and get pricing.

Buen Provecho!

COFFEE COMMISSARY

Interested in an alternative to Starbucks or Coffee Bean?  Step into this great little coffee shop on Fairfax.  I really enjoyed their unique hand pouring method and Ann said it's the best non-fat chai she's ever had.


Quick Tip:  Make sure to bring your laptop.  This place offers free Wi-Fi. 


Buen Provecho!

TINGA 


You really can't go wrong with this great little taqueria on La Brea.  The dishes can be a little expensive so sharing the Tinga burrito and elote special is the way to go.  This is plenty of food for two.  

Quick Tip:  Make sure to create a blackboardeats.com account.   This site offers 30% coupons from time to time at local LA restaurants.


Buen Provecho!

MERCATO DI VETRO

I'm normally not a fan of SBE restaurants but I have to admit they've hit a home run with Mercarto di Vetro.  Good service, reasonable pricing and great decor makes this place an ideal hangout for appetizers and drinks or a special dinner.  I recommend sharing a few crostinis, tomato & ricotta pizza and the burrata and grape salad. 

Quick Tip:  If downstairs is too crowded give the upstairs bar a try.  


Buen Provecho!

ANGELINI OSTERIA

When making our reservation 2 weeks ago we had high hopes for Angelini Osteria.  However, upon entry it was evident this restaurant was definitely in need of a makeover.  Frosted fixtures and an overall generic look made me think I'd traveled back in time to the 80’s.  While Ann and Tamra enjoyed their dishes (special house chopped salad & spaghetti with eggplant, tomatoes, basil and dried ricotta).  I was less than impressed with my blood sausage and mashed potatoes.  Perhaps I should have selected another dish but I was feeling adventurous.  My meal lacked seasoning, the potatoes tasted like they were from a box and the sausage would have benefitted from a touch of heat.    There are many other Italian spots nearby that I'd dine at before going back to this one.

Quick Tip:  Watch out for the $4 split charge if you plan on sharing.

Buen Provecho!

FIG & OLIVE

Ann and I like visiting this restaurant especially when family or friends are in town.  While a few of the dishes can be pricey, I highly recommend sticking with the crostinis (see my favorites below) and Fig & Olive salad.  This amount of food should be plenty for 2.  Keep the cocktails to a minimum and you’ll get out of here spending less than $60. 

·         Manchego, Fig, Marcona Almond

·         Prosciutto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, Walnut

·         Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato

Quick Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before your Saturday dinner reservation and enjoy a drink at the bar while the DJ spins the latest tunes.  Ground level can get a bit loud so request to be seated upstairs if you’re interested in conversation.


Buen Provecho!

PINCHES TACOS

With three locations in the Los Angeles Area, Pinches Taco offers a variety of Mexican food at a reasonable price.  I like sharing the carne asada burrito along with an order of chips and guacamole. The use of fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas adds a tremendous amount of flavor.  I loved hearing hear "buen provecho" as I grabbed my lunch from the counter. 

Quick Tip:  Be sure to request the spicy salsa and order a Mexican Coke. 

FROMA

A quaint bistro perfect for grabbing a quick bite when shopping in the Melrose district. Here the waitstaff is attentive and welcoming. This place is known for their paninis so ordering was very easy. I went with the Tonno (spanish white tuna, capers, tomatoes and mesclun salad) and Ann had the Pesto (turkey, pesto, brie, tomatoes and mixed greens). Both sandwiches were tasty but I have to say the Pesto was definitely the better of the two. This dish had a mouthful of flavor with each bite. Thank goodness we decided to share. I think I'll give the pizza a shot the next time we visit.


Quick Tip: This place also has a great selection of wines and specialty foods.


Buen Provecho!

SODA POPS

Come out to Soda Pops and try the new menu.  Fresh ingredients, specialty sodas and homemade chips keep me coming back for more.  If you counting carbs this place is more than happy to turn a sandwich into a salad. Ann and I go with the chickenbomb.  


Quick Tip:  Take advantage of free parking in the back.


Buen Provecho!

KINGS ROAD CAFE

After a long and busy week of work I try to spend my Saturdays catching up with Ann.   Approximately a 10 minute walk from our home is Kings Road Cafe.  With a menu that can cure almost any craving they are not above making their customers happy should you need to modify your selection.   I usually get the chicken cilantro sausage & fontina omelet but also recommend the breakfast quesadilla which can feed two.  Don't forget to grab yourself a delicious cup of  of coffee.  A few sips will have you up and ready to take on the world.


Stop and and share a meal with family or friends.  


Quick Tip:  Ask to sit in John's section.  He provides impeccable service.


Buen Provecho!