Buen Provecho Los Angeles

Mercado

2014-03-09T15:20:00.003-07:00

I am always on the hunt for authentic mexican food joints in Los Angeles. Well I think I may have found a new favorite right in my own backyard. Mercado offers up a traditional feast with a little something for everyone. With perfectly portioned plates a few must haves are the spicy margarita, fish tacos, chips and guacamole, tamales and make sure to finish off your meal with the tres leches cake or flan for dessert. The service is top notch and the decor reminds me of several restaurants I visited on my trip to Mexico. I hope to return soon and explore more of their delicious dishes.

Quick Tip: Do yourself a favor and stop in for happy hour Monday-Friday 5 to 7 and Saturday and Sunday 4-6. There's nothing wrong with saving a little money and I don't know of many places that offer happy hour the entire week. They have several wonderful drinks and dishes at discounted prices.

Mercado

Sweet Salt

2013-03-02T16:33:00.002-08:00

If you happen to find yourself in Burbank make sure to stop in for a bite at Sweet Salt. The shabby chic space is quite inviting and the friendly staff immediately makes you feel right at home. I highly recommend the spicy quinoa salad but may skip the sun-dried tomato pesto chicken sandwich since the meat was just a bit too dense for my taste. A few other hot ticket items I will try next time are the short rib sandwich or micro greens omelet.

Quick Tip: If you have a pup and are in need of a groomer, stop by A La Mutt next door and ask for Huber. He is the best and we wouldn’t take our girl Olivia anywhere else.

Buen Provecho!

Sweet Salt Food

Kogi King

2013-03-02T11:07:00.002-08:00

After searching far and wide I think I've found my new favorite Korean BBQ restaurant. So long Moo Dae Po II hello Kogi King. With the old style hole in the wall tables it's as if you're actually dining in Korea. Great banchan, fantastic waitstaff and a fabulous selection of all you can eat meats. I recommend choosing the $15.99 option and beginning with pork cheeks, brisket and marinated beef. Sit for hours, pop a few Hites and enjoy the fun atmosphere. You'll be glad you stopped by.

Kogi King

1143 S. Western Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90006

323.373.0700

Hours

Monday - Saturday

5PM - 2AM

Sunday

4PM - 12AM

Buen Provecho!

Mondo Taco

2013-02-19T21:29:00.001-08:00

In search of the next great hole in the wall I decided to venture into Mondo Taco. Upon entry I had high hopes for this joint but my experience went from bad to worse as soon as I sat down and was served tasteless guacamole and stale chips. While I commend the global taco concept, the execution was way off. All four tacos I ordered were bland, over sauced, loaded with too much salt and most of them made it into the garbage after the first bite. The only highlight of this meal was the friendly staff and my tasty Mexican Coke. Do yourself a favor and skip this place?

Buen Provecho!

Mondo Taco

Cooks County

2013-02-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

I completely agree with Cooks County being named the #1 best new restaurant in Los Angeles for 2012. From top to bottom this spot has it it all. With fresh, simple and delicious dishes this place is likely to satisfy even the toughest critics. From the cast iron bread to the black kale salad and mushroom bruschetta, these three must tries will definitely have you craving more. While the market radishes and sticky pudding dessert were not as exciting both were tasty nonetheless. I highly recommend stopping in as soon as possible for a wonderful and memorable experience.

Buen Provecho!

www.cookscountyrestaurant.com

Chili John's

2013-01-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

Interested in a good bowl of chili? Head to Chili John’s in Burbank, CA. It’s the perfect meal for a cold day in LA which doesn’t happen very often.

This quaint eatery pays homage to old school diners and takes you back to a time when things were a bit more simple and relaxed. With limited counter seating you may experience quite a wait if heading in for lunch.

For my meal I went with a regular beef chili with beans and cheese. A little on the greasy side for my taste but still delicious. I think for my next visit I’ll give the vegetarian mix with rice a shot.

Hey! If Guy Fieri eats here, they must be doing something right!

Buen Provecho!

GJELINA

2013-01-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

Delicious on every level, Gjelina conquers the perfect pizza every time. With a wonderful rustic interior, communal and regular seating this Venice hotspot will please even the biggest pizza snob. The crowd is trendy, the staff is friendly and the chefs are true masters of their craft. If this is your first time I recommend tying the following dishes.

Pizza: Lamb Sausage, confit tomato, rapini, pecorino & asiago

Side Dishes: Tuscan kale salad with shaved fennel, radish, lemon, ricotta salata and bread crumbs and the brussel sprouts with bacon, dates and vinegar are a must.

Libations: Bootlegger’s Rustic Rye IPA

Quick tip: If you’re not able to score a dinner reservation (which should be placed appoximately 3 weeks in advance), head in after 3 for their afternoon menu. While some items on the regular menu might not be available I suggest you stick with the pizza. You won’t be sorry.

Buen Provecho!

http://www.gjelina.com/

FRANCO

2012-09-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Recently Ann and I had the pleasure of dining at a wonderful new trattoria called Franco. Upon entry you immediately encounter Chef Franco and his brigade hard at work preparing their succulent dishes. Hoping to one day become a chef it's always exciting to get a front row view of what truly goes on in the kitchen.

For our starters we choose 2 different salads. The first was grilled octopus, cannellini beans topped with a lemon vinaigrette. The second was a chopped salad with grilled vegetables and shrimp. Both were enjoyable but the octopus was slightly overcooked which made it chewy. For our next courses we sampled the chicken ravioli, lasagna Bolognese and pizza. While the ravioli and lasagna were heavenly I found the pizza a bit dull. I wasn't able to put my finger on exactly what was missing but felt it needed that one standout ingredient to really make it pop. I think one of the biggest problems was the thick crust.

As the beer and wine continued to flow we took the plunge and ordered our desserts. While I'm not a huge fan of sweets I highly recommend giving the panna cotta and apple tartin a try. Both were light and perfect for sharing with the table. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Overall the meal was delicious, the service was fantastic and I hope we can able to return soon for another meal.

Good to know: Currently Franco allows its customers to bring their own beer and wine without having to pay a corkage fee but phone ahead to make sure this is still the case. Also, don't forget to check in on Yelp for a free dessert.

Buen Provecho!

Ann Eating Octopus....History in the making!!!

Ann, Chef Franco and Eden

Apple Tartin

grilled Chopped Salad

Octopus salad

Chicken Ravioli

Panna Cotta

Hypersmash.com

2012-08-31T08:46:00.001-07:00

A-FRAME

As soon we entered A-Frame I knew it was going to be a great night. Only 6PM and the place was packed to the gills. Here at this refurbished IHOP, Chef Roy Choi is doing it right. From the baby back ribs with the hoison chili glaze to the double cheeseburger topped with tomoto confeit, I believe this gem offers you a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and break bread with complete strangers. The communal table may seem strange in the beginning but after a few minutes you're likely to begin chatting as if old friends. The crowd is youthful, the cusine is excellent and the postive energy can be felt throughout the venue. I highly recommend giving this place a shot but if you don't believe me just pick up the Septemeber issue of LA Magazine and check out who's on the Chefs of the Year list.

Insider tip: Stop in on Saturday or Sunday from 12 - 3PM and indulge in the all you can eat fried chicken picnic for $18. Add in an order of bottomless hite beer for an extra $10.

Buen Provecho!

Chef Roy and Solano

Great Quote

Chef Roy

Baby Back Ribs

Swordfish Tacos

2012-08-29T20:06:00.003-07:00

TORTILLA REPUBLIC

As the search continues for the Holy Grail of Mexican food in Los Angeles, Ann and I decided to stop at Tortilla Republic West Hollywood . Previously Fat Fish, this one time sushi bar has upgraded itself into rather delightful cantina.

After a long week of work I needed to unwind with a cocktail and decided to start with their signature jalapeno margarita. Not the best one I've had the pleasure of tasting but decent. Here the staff is extremely friendly and constantly checking to make sure you have everything you need.

We started with chips and guacamole. The portion was a little on the small side and think it needed a bit more lime juice and a few serrano peppers added to the mix. Not sure if it's just me but I think chips and salsa should be complimentary at all Mexican restaurants.

For an appetizer we had carnitas taquitos and the main course was enchiladas suizas. This part of the meal was much better. Both dishes were well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The rice and beans seemed a little cookie cutter but still did the trick.

Normally most restaurants require all parties to partake in a prefixed meal but at Tortilla Republic they are extremely accommodating. If you're interested in trying the set menu but don't want that much food, don't hesitate to ask about sharing it. We did and it was a just the right amount.

Insider Tip: You'll get the most bang for your buck by stopping in for Happy Hour which runs Tuesday-Sunday 4-7PM and nothing on the HH menu is over $6.

Buen Provecho!

2012-08-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

LAUREL HARDWARE

With so many new restaurants opening in LA, it's often difficult to choose where we should visit next. Well I think we made the right decision in venturing into Laurel Hardware. Once the local favorite fix it store has now become a hip, vibrant and trendy hot spot.

As you enter, the first thing you notice is the open kitchen. Generally I love this type of layout but thought it made the restaurant a bit detached from the back area and outdoor patio. Perhaps this is what they were going for but feel a completely open space would be a bit more inviting.

To kick things off Ann and I headed straight to the bar for a delicious cocktail. Since we are fans of the Moscow Mule we decided to try the Mule's Apprentice (kaffir lime & mandarin blossom vodka, fresh lemon and ginger beer). Good flavor but didn't seem too different from the original.

After approximately a 30 minute wait and 1 drink in the system we were seated. Since we were able to take a peek at the menu ahead of time we had a good idea of the exact dishes we wanted.

I highly recommend starting with the blistered baby tomatoes (burrata, plum honey and shiso olive puree). This dish will definitely leave you wanting more and excited about the rest of the meal.

For our main courses Ann picked the burger and I went with the pork cheeks. Since I had some beef the day before I decided not to partake but from the look of Ann's face I can say she was pleased with the flavor. The pork cheeks were quite tasty and topped with a 63.5 degree poached egg. 63.5 because at this temperature the perfect poached egg is served. You can't argue with science when your meal is cooked perfectly. And if you’re interested in finding out more on the science of food, take a peek at The Modernist Cuisine. You’ll be truly amazed.

Overall we had a great time and super meal. We will definitely return soon to sample the rest of the menu.

Insider Tip: Although reservations are suggested you can definitely walk in during the week and land a table. Don't be deterred by the hostess giving you a wait time of one hour because it normally translates into 30 minutes max.

Buen Provecho!

2012-08-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

Pink's

Everyone should try this place once. I've lived in Los Angeles for 11 years, pass Pink's on a daily basis but never thought to stop in for a meal. I guess I equated it with the bacon wrapped hotdogs you might find at 2am being sizzled on a propane cookie sheet as you exit a bar or club on Hollywood Blvd. I've had the pleasure of eating these Frankenstein weenies before and never felt quite right the day after.

However, I can now say I misjudged this fine establishment. They haven't been around since 1939 for nothing. While I don't recommend eating this every day, I do suggest you put the diet on the backburner and allow yourself to indulge in a delicious over the top hot dog once in a blue moon. My choice was the Emeril (a 9" stretch with mustard, onions, cheese, jalapenos, bacon and coleslaw) with a side of bacon ranch fries. As I took the first bite, I was overcome with a feeling of euphoria. The combination of flavors was a work of art. So simple yet pure genius. This guy definitely knows his stuff. I can't wait to return and try something new. I just hope it lives up to my first experience.

Quick Tips

Do yourself a favor and skip the sides. They will most likely go to waste. The dog is plenty and will definitely satisfy your hunger.

Arrive before 1PM and the wait should be minimal.

Buen Provecho!

2012-07-26T15:54:00.003-07:00

PITFIRE PIZZA

Ann and I have been wanting to try Pitfire Pizza for quite some time. So with my family visiting from Dallas I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to sit down for a meal and catch up with the gang.

The hand chopped salad (lettuce, garbanzo, cannellini

red onion, cherry tomatoes, provolone, roasted corn, pepperoncinis, olives) started things off. This dish was decent and since the the portion is large I recommend sharing it as an appetizer with several people. However, don't eat too much or you won't have enough room for the pie.

For our main courses most of the table ordered pizzas. All three were tasty but I think the burrata pie (burrata cheese, tomato sauce, wild arugula, caramelized onion, hazelnut, pesto drizzle) was the best. What's not to love about eating something layered with an Italian cheese, made from

mozzarella

and cream. The pepperoni and sausage pizzas were nice as well but I think both needed something unique in order to really stand out..

Overall, we had a great dining experience and spending time with my family was wonderful. I hope they return soon so we can give it another try.

Buen Provecho!

My Family (This is the only time I have to stand in the back for a photo)

JoJo's Hungry

Chloe, Landon, Gabe Mark playing foosball with JoJo watching from a distance.

2012-07-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

LEMONADE LOS ANGELES

Nestled on the corner of Beverly and Almont in West Hollywood this eatery is super yummy and delivers every time. If you're looking for fresh, healthy and unique ingredients I highly recommend you give Lemonade a shot.

For our recent visit Ann and I shared the turkey avocado artichoke sandwich which was topped with chipotle bacon mayo and served with a very bright and refreshing side salad. This dish was probably not the healthiest but was well worth the calories. We also selected red quinoa and the orecchiette pasta seasonal special to give our meal a little kick. Since the portion sizes were small and we shared our sandwich I'm hoping by rowing 1000 meters incorporated with a bunch of burpees will burn it off.

Everything was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to return soon to see what new eats they create.

Quick Tip: Make sure to get half portions so you're able to try more dishes.

Buen Provecho!

Turkey Avocado

Red Quinoa & Orecchiette Pasta

2012-07-16T13:56:00.005-07:00

THE FAT DOG LA

This Fairfax gastropub seems to be developing quite a following. Although I think it's a great place to grab a few drinks and watch a game, the food fell a little flat on this visit. Of all the dishes we ordered the sausage board, chop salad and braised short rib French dip were well received by the table. The cheese plate was definitely not worth $14, the burger was so so and the mac and cheese should remove jalapeno from the name. There was absolutely no spice to this dish. The only heat I received was when I removed the one jalapeno from the top and accidentally rubbed my eye (ouch)!

I will definitely return but may wait until football season is underway. Go Cowboys!

Quick Tip: Stick with visiting the Fat Dog during Happy Hour for small bites and and beer to save yourself a few bucks. Feel free to bring your four legged friend and relax on the patio.

Buen Provecho!

Jalapeno Mac & Cheese

Chop Salad

The Burger

Cheese Board

Sausage Board

Mussels and French Dip

2012-06-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs has so many wonderful hotels but if you're able to find a deal at The Parker, I highly suggest doing yourself a favor and giving it a try. As you drive into the complex it immediately begins to feel as if civilization is 100 miles away. Upon entry into the lobby, the cooky, unique and colorful Jonathan Adler decor really grabs your attention. I wish I could have taken so many pieces home.

Once settled in you quickly realize the resort offers so many wonderful things. There is almost no reason to leave the campus. However, if this is your first trip to PS, I suggest getting out from time to time and hanging with the locals. Whether your relaxing in the pool, exploring the lush gardens or grabbing a spa treatment at Psyc I'm certain you'll fall in love immediately.

For the last stop on our trip we headed into Norma's for a bite. While it's a little on the pricey side I think this was the perfect way to end the vacation. I'm a big fan of the lox plate so it was any easy choice for me. Ann seemed to be on a quesadilla kick so her order was status quo. Both were delicious, plated elegantly and prepared to perfection. Not sure what it is about PS but everything seems to taste a tiny bit better here.

I hope you have an opportunity to some day experience the same enjoyment we did.

Buen Provecho!

Indoor Bar

2012-06-29T14:51:00.003-07:00

CHEEKY'S

I think this could be my favorite brunch spot in Palm Springs. The food is simple and perfect to get the day started . Also any place that offers a flight of bacon is aces in my book!

Deciding to share, Ann and I split a breakfast quesadilla con ranchero salsa, mucho tocino (applewood, apple cinnamon, brown sugar, coffee vanilla and jalepeno) and a side of fresh fruit. All were so fresh and absolutely heavenly. Not to mention a tiny French press that packs a punch and gave me a much needed Monday morning jolt.

I love Palm Springs and hope to return very soon.

Quick tip: If interested in trying this place make sure to arrive at 8am to avoid a long wait. Also, they are closed on Tuesday.

Buen Provecho!

What are they doing to each other?

2012-06-29T14:32:00.006-07:00

EL JEFE

Not a whole lot to say about this place. We gave El Jefe at the Saguaro hotel another try and it's stock continues to drop.

The only thing I really enjoyed about this cantina was the rustic decor. It made me feel like I was in an updated version of the Deperado bar scene. While we didn't stay long due to the annoying party next to us, we decided to at least have an appetizer. Most of the items looked good but The Encarnacion nachos (steak, beans, queso mixto, chile de arbol, crema and cilantro) stood out the most. Nice portion sizewith decent flavor but I am confident this will be our last visit.

Buen Provecho!

2012-06-29T14:20:00.004-07:00

JAKE'S PALM SPRINGS

95 degrees and climbing. This vacay was a HOT one! Great weather, good food and a pool is a combo for a wonderful time.

I love stopping at Jakes to get things started. Named after the owners pup, this place has a great waitstaff and pleasant atmosphere. Sit outside on the patio and keep cool with the mist sprays.

You can't go wrong with the jakes egg sandwich (egg, avocado,tomato, BACON, goat cheese, brioche bun)and a horseradish bloody Mary. Super Delicious!

Quick tip: If sharing your meal be aware of the $2 split charge.

Buen Peovecho!!

JAKE

2012-06-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

TAR AND ROSES

What better place to go on a double date than the new hot eatery Tar and Roses. New spots are usually fun and judging from their website this place had a lot to offer. As we entered the restaurant I found the decor to be extremely warm and inviting. The small home made product offerings near the waiting area caught my attention and I found the rebar wine rack to be quite unique. The hostesses were less than impressive but they seemed a bit green so I was willing to overlook their lack of knowledge on several of our questions.

After waiting about an hour we were finally seated and put our waiter straight to work by ordering the bacon popcorn and a cheese plate. Bacon popcorn should be served at every movie theater across America. It was absolutely delicious yet so simple. I think I will try to recreate this appetizer but add a tiny splash of heat. The cheese plate was a bit sad and didn't really offer much. We should have definitely skipped this dish.

Next up were several items at a once. Bone marrow, soft shell crab, ribs, corn & mascarpone ravioli and eggplant with burrata. Of these 5 I would recommend giving the crab, ravioli and eggplant a go. I was disappointed in the marrow and ribs were as dry as the desert. The gnocchi finished things up but this too was not what I expected.

Overall, I think a few dishes were well executed while the others seemed like the kitchen was in a hurry to push out the food so they could head home for the night. We all had high hopes for this spot but I don't imagine we'll be back anytime soon.

Quick Tip: If you're in the area for dinner make sure to stop in at the Misfit for a drink. This great NY type bar is something you definitely want to experience.

Buen Provecho!

2012-06-27T16:28:00.004-07:00

GAUCHOS VILLAGE

Looking for a protein overload? Make your way to Gauchos Village in Glendale. I don't recommend it all the time but it's worth the calories if celebrating a special occasion. For 17.99 at lunch you can enjoy meat until you burst.
Just look at Keema's face, if you zoom in close enough I swear you can see her beginning to drool.

The service is pretty good, the decor is authentic and you will leave full of happiness.

If interested in a fun evening, stop by for a live samba show on Friday or Saturday at 7:45, 8:45 and 9:45. Just a heads up the prices are more expensive for dinner so take a peek at their site to get the exact cost.

Buen Provecho!

You have no idea what's about to happen to you Mr.Meat

NO MAS...NO MAS!

2012-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

BOUCHON LAS VEGAS

Not off to good start. This town is extremely servicely challenged. If I am buying a 25 dollar cocktail I expect something extraordinary.

As my first course I picked the bone marrow. The look of it was delicious but the flavor wasn't there. I also had a chance to try the octopus salad and it was on the money.

For my meal I had the trout. Nice portion size but a little too fishy for my taste.

While the hotel and decor were absolutely beautiful the rest my experience just didn't meet my expectations.

Onward and upward!

Buen provecho!

2012-06-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

BOARDER GRILL LAS VEGAS

The next stop on my quest is Boarder Grill. I've tried the LA location and thought it was just ok. Hopefully Vegas has a better showing.

First up is the guacamole. Meh! I still think my recipe is the best. It could definitely benefit from a little heat

Next was our taco sampler platter. Booo!...Once again my rule holds true. Authentic Mexican food should not cost $20 per plate. If you're going to charge these prices make sure the dishes are delicious. Dry meat and clumpy rice does not the way to win over your customers. The only think I did enjoy was the cute and whimsy decor.

This will be the last time I visit this restaurant.

2012-06-27T16:01:00.001-07:00

Burger Bar Las Vegas

Let's see what this place is all about...so many unique burgers picking just one is a tough choice. Think, ponder, think.....

Their signature Hubert Keller it is! This has to be delicious, it's named after the owner. Buffalo served with carmalized onions,asparagus and blue cheese on a ciabatta bun with a side of served red wine and shallots sauce. I could have built my own but I just let the staff do the work for me.

Well I was hoping for flavor ecstasy but this combo fell flat. However the staff was great and the overall vibe was enjoyable. I'd definitely come back for a beer and catch a game.

My hunt continues for the ultimate meal in Vegas...

2012-06-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

The Lodge

Small little sports bar right above RM's seafood. Nothing to write home about but definitely has friendly servers, however being called sir by the 23 year old waitress took them down a notch.

I do like the fact that they give you something to nosh on as you drink.

Stock continues to go down. I don't care if I have a sip or half a glass.... you don't take my beer without asking first!

I'd definitely skip this one next time. There has to be better sports bars in the Vegas!