PRESSED JUICERY

After a Super Bowl Sunday weekend, I can definitely use a bit of a cleanse.  If you’re feeling the same way, I suggest you stop by Pressed Juicery.  Here they offer a variety of cleanses, kits and supplements that can be purchased in store or online.  A few drinks you must try are Greens 2, Roots 3, Pineapple Pear Ginger Mint and the Alkalizer (if you are starting to feel under the weather). 

Quick Tip:  If no street parking is available @ the West Hollywood location, use the parking lot right next to Fresh Corn Grill. 

MENDOCINO FARMS


While I was a bit under the weather, Ann filled in for me by hitting up a great sandwich shop in the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center.  I must say this is one of the best sandwiches I have had in quite some time.  Lunch selections consisted of a pork belly banh mi and 'the study of heat' (turkey, smoked gouda, avocado, chili aioli, jalapeno relish, tomato, romaine lettuce) paninis.  Both were absolutely delicious, full of flavor and definitely worth every penny.  I can’t wait to go back to enjoy my first in store dining experience at this great eatery.  I only wish they had opened up shop in our neck of the woods much sooner.  There is truly something wonderful going on at this place.


Quick Tip:  If you enjoy a little heat, make sure to order a bag of Mama Zuma's Revenge chips. 


Buen Provecho!

Santa Monica Beach 

There are many reasons to dislike Los Angeles, but weather is not one of them.  With clear skies and temperatures in the 70’s Ann and I headed to Santa Monica for a day of fun.  Our first stop was supposed to be The Blue Plate Oysterette but due to the wait time (45 minutes) we decided to head to Sushi Roku.  Just a bit of advice, when the hostess quotes 45 they really mean 20.

Most of the items on the menu are simple and tasty but I do feel the prices are a bit inflated for the food you receive.  Had we waited an hour we would have saved ourselves 40 bucks by dining inside for happy hour (4-6pm Sat-Sun)

After we finished lunch we decided our 2^nd stop would be Shutters on the Beach.  What’s not to love about this place?  Just steps away from the ocean, this hotel is perfect for sharing a drink & appetizers while you watch the sunset.  Of the three restaurants located inside the hotel, I recommend beginning in The Living Room (which seating is first come first serve) for drinks and then heading downstairs to The Coast  to grab a little dinner.  Both have spectacular views and a friendly wait staff.

The final destination was the ever so lovely Viceroy.  Still a hot spot in LA, we arrived a bit too early to see it’s nightlife transformation but I still indulged in a few drinks at the bar.  With a beautiful interior and exterior I think this is a  
wonderful place for a future staycation. 


Buen Provecho!

GOLDEN ROAD BREWING

Looking for a happy hour spot close to the Disney Glendale offices?  Well, skip Golden Road Brewing.  From the outside it seems like a great location to grab a bite or share a few cocktails to unwind.  However, after tasting the atrocious pre-made duck confit sandwich I immediately sent it back after the first bite.  My second choice of the Sloppy Joseph was not any better.  This sandwich was as bland as they come.  No seasoning, nothing special, and absolutely no flavor!  

After reading about the new pub I had high hopes for a new watering hole right in our backyard. 

THE 3RD STOP



Are you planning to watch the Super Bowl but don’t want to go to the Barney’s Beanery crowd or have a bunch of people come over to your place to make a mess?  Why not take the party to The 3^rd Stop?  This is one of my favorite gastropubs in the area and is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to sports bars.  While most bars will be charging a cover to watch the big game, this haunt is having happy hour all day which means drafts and selected appetizers will be $4.  I am pretty confident that there will not be a better deal in town.  Do yourself a favor and stop by on February 5^th!  You will not be disappointed.


Quick Tip:  This pub offers a late night happy hour M-Sat from 11PM-1AM


Buen Provecho!

ESCUELA TAQUERIA 


Bona-fide Mexican food restaurants near the Grove are extremely rare.  Thank goodness the Cobras and Matadors team decided to open Escuela Taqueria.   The look of this place inside and out reminds me of a little taco joint I discovered many years ago while on vacation in Mexico.  While it’s not near the ocean, stepping in this local hideaway made me feel like I was hanging out on the cobbled streets of Playa Del Carmen again.  The service was good, the décor was vintage and each dish we tried was vibrant and fresh.  My only suggestion is to bump up the guacamole flavor a bit.  I am sure I will return very soon to try the rest of the menu. 


Quick Tip:  This place doesn’t serve alcohol but don’t let that stop you from bringing your own.  It is highly recommended.  Make sure to bring cash.  No credit cards are accepted.


Buen Provecho!

PANINI CAFE

This place is not the most glamorous but does offer some tasty food at reasonable prices.   Ann and I went for dinner and must have hit the early bird special because as we walked inside it was a sea of grey.  Here there are no real bells or whistles just a spot with good food, basic decor and a friendly wait staff.  For our meal, we choose to go with their signature sandwiches.  I picked the turkey club and Ann had the highly recommended chicken Panini (#8 on the menu).  Both are served with a generous side salad so one dish is actually plenty for two people.  Overall, I’d say we had an enjoyable time and will probably be back.

If you decide to visit I recommend stopping in for lunch on the weekend to do a little Rodeo Drive people watching. 

Buen Provecho!

HENRY'S HAT


Lately I have been trying to find the perfect happy hour spot near the Disney offices that serves decent food, is within a 5 mile travel radius and is light on the wallet.  I think my mission is complete in rediscovering Henry’s Hat.  Right off the 101 and Cahuenga Pass, this pub is perfect for watching a game, catching up with friends or relaxing after  a long work week.  The 2 for 1 happy hour menu is available daily from 4-7 pm so make sure to get there by 6 PM to get a good table.    Stick with the happy hour prices and you should be able to get out of here paying no more than $30.


Quick Tip:  If interested in making the party a little more fun, grab one of the many board games from your server or ask to play the Wii on the projection screen.


Buen Provecho!

PHO CAFE

Even though winter never really shows up in Los Angeles, I still enjoy a warm bowl of soup from time to time.  My favorite place to go in Silver Lake is Pho Café.   Unassuming from the outside and with no signage, this hole in the wall serves up some of the most authentic and delicious Vietnamese noodle dishes.    You can never go wrong with ordering Pho but if you decide to venture out, I recommend trying a Vermicelli bowl (cold noodles).  You won’t be disappointed with either one.  Another must try is the Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe with shrimp, charbroiled lemongrass steak, mushrooms, bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and rice paper wrap).  Just thinking about my last visit makes me want to go back for more.


Quick Tip:  Make sure to get there by 11:45 am to beat the lunch crowd and bring cash since credit cards are not accepted.


Buen Provecho!