romance

Hey,

Becky and I recently celebrated our 3 year anniversary at Cliff's Edge. This Silverlake location has a great patio/courtyard that just screams "sexy anniversary dinner".

We started with drinks and Steamed Mussels. Next course, Becky had the Filet Mignon while I enjoyed the Barramundi. It ended with a Pear and Apple Cobbler. And you better believe that Cobbler had Ice Cream on it. Cause that's how we do.

Everything was sublime. Honestly, a top 5 eating experience since moving west. You don't have to be celebrating to enjoy this place, but it sure does help.

Ala mode

never again

Hey,

It's been a long time coming, but fuck the Brite Spot. It used to be a decent neighborhood joint that was open late and had quality food. But since I arrived 3 years ago, this place has steadily gone down hill.

1. The menu has been cut in half.

2. Most items are $2-$4 over priced.

3. The service is inconsistent.

4. Hours keep changing.

5. And most importantly, I just ate there and it sucked.

If you need Diner head to Millie's. And for late night, try Fred 62 or Swingers.

Don't turn around

real quick

Hey,

I know this is a food blog, so I'll try to relate it.

Avatar is sweet and haters can go EAT shit.

Pace

well do ya?

Hey,

Pure Luck for lunch yesterday. God Damn, it was tasty. We ordered nearly everything and it was all great. The only problem with going to a place like Pure Luck is that it makes other Veggie spots look like lazy assholes. Folks spend so much effort trying to make Soy taste like Meat that they forget about other options.

Let me introduce Jack Fruit. This super Wizard food has an amazing texture and flavor that is unlike anything on the Veg market.

I'll be back soon

trashed

Hey,

Went to my work's Holiday Party at Bar Lubitsch. Open bar. Appetizers.

Jack and Coke. Pizza. Jack and Coke. Grilled Shrimp. Shot of Vodka. Jack and Coke. Amstel Light. More Pizza. Shot of Patron Silver. Portabella Mushroom Cap. Shot of Patron Silver. Amstel Light. Shot of Patron Silver. More Pizza. Shot of Patron Silver. another Mushroom Cap. Ice Water. Jack and Coke. Shot of Patron Silver. Amstel Light.

Then I took a cab home without saying good bye to anyone.

Toasted

new hotness

Hey,

Stop in to Echo Park's Fix and get yourself a Honey Bear. A perfect twist on the Latte that incorporates Honey and Cinnamon. The sweet harvest flavors will keep you warm on these gray Los Angeles mornings.

With a friendly staff that definitely knows their beans, Fix is among the area's best. But don't get too friendly with ladies behind the counter, because I'm dating some of them.

No touching

sittin on dubs

Hey,

Hit up the new mobil eatery. The Grilled Cheese Truck. Becky and I caught vehicle downtown by the Disney Music Hall. They post the locations on Twitter, so you need to be cool to find it.

We split the Caprese Melt, the Harvest Melt and a Tomato Soup. Lots of positive to report here, but unfortunately the Sandwiches were not completely melted. Hopefully these guys get their act together because everybody wants Cheese on the go.

I need another serving before I can make an official ruling.

Faith

helpings

Hey,

Tons of leftovers. Both a blessing and a curse. Everything was so good, but I still feel like I'm digesting from two days ago.

But alas, my belly grumbles.

Back to the appetizers. The Veggie and Fruit Platters remain decent. It's a start. The Spinach Dip taste fine, but not in the mood. Any of the other dishes will need to be warmed up and I'm not ready to operate any kitchen equipment just yet.

Wait, what's this? Behind the Cauliflower... Oh my god! We still have Pumpkin Pie.

Mission Accomplished

pig skin

Hey,

All things Mid-West are upon us. Here is a sampling of tomorrow's menu:

Spinach Dip, Bloody Mary's, Veggie Platter, Raw Shrimp, Macaroni Salad, Fruit Platter, Football, Beer, Turkey (not for me), Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans, Disappointment in Football, Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Biscuits, Hard Cider, Cauliflower, Cranberry, Pie, Drinks, Other Pie, Something Else, Champagne, Too Much, Nap.

Round Two.

Thanks

tour of duty

Day 3

We drove to the Redhook Brewery for a tour of the facility. $1 grants access into the inner workings of the fermentation and bottling plant. Our guide Spencer, poured samples of their famous craft beer while dishing out knowledge and one-liners.

The tour was both very educational and tasty. I have a new found appreciation for Redhook products. If you are ever in the Seattle area and you like beer then you must indulge. At the very least, the trip is an economical buzz. Because you get 6 or 7 half pints of high grade beer (most variety around 5%-7% alcohol by volume) and they let you keep your glass.

Just look how happy I am.

Hops

breaking news

Hey,

While cleaning some dishes I managed to severely hurt myself. Some dried pasta had crusted to the bottom of a pot and when I tried to scrap it off, a large piece got wedged under the fingernail on my right thumb.

It hurt. Bad.

Tweezers and a few bloody pulls removed the intruder but the damage was done. Fuck you pasta. You just started something you'll never be able to finish.

Relentless

vay cay

Day 1

The Wallingford Pizza House. A large 'Famous Spinach' pie flanked by pitchers of Scuttlebutt Nitro. Cheap risque conversation, jokes and memories. We tipped well and stormed off into the brisk night air.

I didn't know it then, but I was about to get Ice Cream and it was going to delicious.

Enter Molly Moon's. Homemade Waffle Cones, gourmet flavors surrounded by a sea of bundled patrons. A kid's scoop of Salted Caramel. Maybe the best I've ever had.

I looked to my friends and asked "Is this heaven?" and they replied "No, it's just the Wallingford section of South Central Seattle."

That night I dreamt of what amazing treats have yet still to come.

Stay Tuned

to the moon and back again

Hey,

Just got back from Seattle. 4 days. 10 meals. Lots to talk about.

Also, I may or may not have puked on the airplane on the way home.

Welcome back

needle

Hey,

Hit up Cactus Mexican Food #2 yesterday for dinner. I went with the Veggie Tacos.  They were small but loaded.  Plenty of Avocado and with some Lime and Salsa they made a solid meal.  No way better than the Taco Zone but you can't go to the well every time.

This off Beverly location has its own parking, takes credit cards and offers outdoor seating. Mix in a large menu with many vegetarian options and you're left with a decent Mexican joint that can provide a quick bite for those with better places to visit.  But like most sequels they use too much CG and don't focus enough on the story.

I've had better, but I'll also probably go back... 

parallel

Hey,

Earlier this week, Becky and I went to The Park for their $5 Burger Wednesdays.  The deal offers either the Sirloin or Veggie Burger with your choice of side (Fries, Salad, or Potato Salad). Premium toppings up the price of the meal but are definitely worth it.   

I enjoyed Mushrooms, Garlic, Guryere and homemade Aoili on my Burger, which was made perfectly.  For sure one of the better bites I've had in awhile.  We did have to wait around 30 minutes to be seated because the place was packed.  But for good food, I'd wait indefinitely. 

Maybe they should get those beeper things they use at Outback Steakhouse. 

The Park also has a $5 Sandwich lunch special Tues-Fri from 11:00-2:30.  And with a pending liquor license this local joint is quickly becoming the top destination for cheap, quality gourmet eats.  

Eat a Dick Subway

under the bridge

Hey,

We signed our lease for another year in Echo Park.  I'm pumped.  This area has blessed me with tons of great eats.

Today I went to Ostioneria Colima No 2.  A Mexican Seafood stand located directly next to the Alvarado freeway ramp.  I know what you're thinking.  And no, I did not need to call ahead for a reservation.  

I ordered at the window.  The wall boasts menus in both Spanish and English.  My Shrimp and Octopus Cocktail was fantastic.  So fresh and flavorful.  The perfect hot day treat.  I rounded out the meal with a Ceviche Tostada and a Sprite.  Nothing like eating tentacle while listening to the soothing hum of speeding traffic.  It's almost like being at a Mexican version of NASCAR or the Kentucky Derby.  

Next time I'll have to try their Seven Seas Soup that looked just like a bowl of deep water happiness.    

Scuba

cleanin' out my closet

Hey,

At home, broke and starving.

The kitchen is a total mess.  First things first, throw away everything gross and recycle all the empty beer cans.  Next, wash at least one sink full of dishes.  Finally, take a breather and figure out something decent for lunch.  

Looking at the new situation; my options seem to be:

1. Finish my roommate's 3 day old Two Boots.

2. Cook Rice, steam Veggies and bake some Tofu.

3. Go somewhere that will let me use my credit card.

4. Eat my cat, ALF style. 

Tough call.  Each possess their own merit.

Hell.  Let's go 'all the above'

Perfect

deep end

Hey,

Went to the Echo Park Pool today for a relaxing dip in the community watering hole.  I know this isn't directly food related but I did manage to swallow a few gulps of the pool water so I felt obligated to comment on my afternoon 'drink'. 

First off, the water had a refreshing temperature without being too cold but was totally lacking in flavor.  Instead of chlorine and urine they should season the pool with Cinnamon and other spices to give it that Horchata taste.

I think people would love it. 

Genius

down on the corner

Hey,

Lately I've been hitting up the Fruit vendor guys who are scattered throughout Echo Park.  For a few bucks you can get a delicious mix of freshly cut fruit.  I get Watermelon, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe/or Mango.  They offer to add Salt and Chili Sauce but I always turn them down in favor of a straight bag.

The cart at the corner of Sunset and Echo Park Blvd is my recent go-to.  Here small bags are $3 and large are $5.  The guy is friendly and works fast.  And if you tell him the secret phrase "the moon landing was faked" then he'll sell you weed for $10 a bag.

I love this neighborhood

reloading clips

Hey,

Tons of food eaten since last post.  First and foremost, had a pie from Lucifer's Pizza.  Went with the Veggie Supremo (Feta, Sun-dried Tomato, Pesto, Olives, Red Onion, Green Pepper, Mushrooms, and Arugula) at the 'Firey' level, which is the second hottest setting and does provide a nice slow burn without being overwhelming (Unlike certain STD's).

The Pizza was good.  Robust toppings, well cooked crust, balanced sauce.  I will for sure try this place again if only to get a pie at the 'Blazing' level. 

Also, Becky and I tracked down the Coolhaus Ice Cream truck on Tweeter.  We found the truck downtown by the Art Walk.  $3.50 buys you a custom sandwich with your choice of Cream and Cookie.  I went with Mint between Chocolate Cookies while Becky had Vanilla on Chocolate Chip.

Ok the sandwich was pretty decent and I might eat it again if the vehicle appeared in front of my house on a hot day, but it is definitely not worth looking up the location and hunting it down. The hook to this mobile eatery is that the signature bites are inspired by famous Architects and Designers but this is more of a gimmick for cute names than it is a legit attempt to fuse the worlds of Architecture and Ice Cream.    

Someday a University will create a major (or double major) and will finally incorporate the beauty of well thought out construction with the delicious purity of Ice Cream.  Someday.

I'm Back.

seating

Hey,

Tucked off Virgil just south of 1st Street is an oasis called the Sanjang Coffee Garden.  This place specializes in all drinks Coffee and Tea but the real draw is the awesome out-door area that is more wilderness getaway then it is patio. 

Sanjang is kick ass because it is open till 2am and they serve a small lunch menu offering Noodles, Curries and Rice dishes.  

Service can be slow but you can't get everything you want in this life (Re: 8-year-old Bruno asks his parents for a robot for Christmas).

Explore.

fire

Hey,

Put whole ears of Corn directly onto a hot grill.  Cover.  Cook 15 minutes with a flip halfway through.  

Remove from heat, pull back husk.  Add Butter and Salt.

Super tasty.

Iowa

flash

Hey,

Sorry for the lack of posting but I got a new part-time job.  Hooray. At least now I can afford to keeping eating out. 

I was going to review Cafe 101 and Swingers, but I am saving this info for a feature on Diners where I will rank L.A.'s best.

In other news, I had a bonfire cooked Smore on Friday and I must say that it was pretty damn good.  Everyone should make it a goal for summer to eat at least 2 of them.

Scouts Honor  

recap

Hey,

Despite the lack of cash, I have made it out to three new spots this last week.

1. Cafe 101

2. City Sip

3. Swingers

They were all sweet in their own special way.  Everyone can also note that I did not spend more than $10 at these places combined.

Thank god for other people picking up the bill.  

Full restaurant reviews, updates on my home projects, potential good news and pictures of me naked all later this week.   

It is going to be a crazy May

broke

Hey,

I just found out that all my stocks are worthless and that I am steps away from selling parts of my body for rent money.  Needless to say, I will not be eating out as much as normal.  Do not despair, because I plan to step up my efforts at home.  

Stay tuned for reviews of the sandwich I make for lunch and posts about thrifty shopping at Trader Joe's.  

Tough times

ambition

Hey,

Eating is fun and easy, but making good food is a whole other story. Over the last few months I have talked a big game about several tasty projects:

- Making my own flavored Vodka (I want to try pepper)

- Pickling (Pickles, Carrots, whatever)

- Planting my Hot Pepper seeds

As of today, I have yet to start any of these experiments.  That is going to change this week!

I may start with the Vodka so I can make my 'Super Bloody Mary Sunday' dream come true. Check back for photos and status reports.

Progress

melt

Hey,

Saturday the 25th is the 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational.  It is being held at the Los Angeles State Historic Park: 1245 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Hours are 12 - 6 pm and the grill-off contest starts at 1.  This event offers free Grilled Cheese from top sponsor KRAFT Singles as well as free Izze Soda.  Admission is $5 and cost to enter the grill-off is $10. The Beer and Wine Garden offers adult beverages for sale which will pair perfectly to your festival snack.

See you there        

valley of death

Hey,

While working with a friend in the Valley, we got lunch from Vinh Loi Tofu in Reseda.  This Vegan Vietnamese joint offers some of the best fake-meat I have ever had.  The head chef uses some sort of method acting technique to get all the soy products to taste just like their flesh counterparts.

Their menu is large and everything seems to be boss hog.  My friend and I split the House Special Soup, the Ham Rolls, and the Udon Stir-Fry with BBQ Duck.  Everything was perfect and super delicious.  I highly recommend this place to meat-eaters and veggies alike.

I need to stop finding awesome places in the Valley.  

Not Fair

lord of the deep

Hey,

The 14th marked the 24th anniversary of my birth and to celebrate Becky and I went to Fat Fish and filled our bellies.

I dined on a fine sampling of underwater monsters including: Salmon, Eel, Yellowtail, Fried Shrimp Heads, a few Rolls and fresh Chef's Creek Oysters on the half shell.  Seafood is just so good.  Now I understand how whales stay so thin.  Maybe I could create a Whale Diet fad where you do lots of aerobic exercise like swimming and then you eat hundreds of pounds of Shrimp.  

There has been lots of food activity recently so check back in this week for more updates.

Atkins 

hip hop

Hey,

In honor of Jesus Christ, the roommates and I went out to eat Friday at Hop Louie in Chinatown. The five of us did the family style dinner that ran $13 a person and provided us with Tea, Soup, three different Appetizers, Fried Rice and five Entrees.  Needless to say we had 10,000 lbs of food and I left with my belt undone.

Many of the dishes were loaded with meat, but the few I got to enjoy were all very good. Overall, it was a very positive dining experience. Louie's is a great spot because it is super old and cheesy looking, but in that perfect Big Trouble Little China kind of way.  For you drinkers out there, the downstairs bar mixes strong drinks at $6 a pop. 

The trip to Chinatown reminds me that there are still so many places in this city to try.  I can't wait to eat them all.

Cannibal  

previews

Hey,

Before seeing "Adventureland", the lady and I grabbed a quick bite next door at Mako.  This Japanese 'fast food' spot is no frills but it's cheap and tasty.  For around $15 we had the Yakisoba Shrimp, Tempura, Salmon Teriyaki, California Roll, Miso Soup, and two Salads.  The food came out hot, fast and furious.

Everything we had was simple, but well done.  The Noodles had just the right amount of grease and the Tempura was crispy.   All in all, this joint is perfect for quick meals on the go but don't take your boss, mother or political hero here.  

Credits

quickie

Hey,

Lady and I rolled through Quickie Thai for dinner this week.  We had the Pad Thai, Curry and Spring Rolls.  It was good.

I'd go back.

Out

gotcha

Hey,

April fools. 

I didn't eat any meat.  Man, I must have totally tricked all 6 of my readers.

Sorry guys.

Trust.

omg

Hey,

Today I fell from grace and had beef for the first time in 8 years.

I feel like crap.

Don't judge me.

drinks

Hey,

Last night, a few of us met at Cuba Libre for a drink.  Mojito's and Tapas were the name of the game.  The solids and liquids were all good but nothing special.

I'm not quite sure what to make of this restaurant.  On the one hand, the space is nice and they have a huge bar but the service was terrible and no one was in the place.  It was like hanging out in a ghost town.  

Overall, the food I sampled was okay but not worth the price.  In the future, I think I'm more likely to go to Cuba before I return to Cuba Libre.    

Revolt

d.i.y

Hey,

Last night, Becky and Chiyo threw a 'Do It Yourself' Sushi party.  They set up an amazing spread of rice, fish, veggies and extras.  Each person grabbed a mat and rolled their own.  My efforts did not look the best but they tasted awesome.

I attempted to make a Salmon, Cucumber, Avocado Roll but that ended up being more like a Burrito.  My next roll of Yellow Tail, Spicy Mayo and Krab worked much better.  This was my third time rolling Sushi and I'm still no good at it.

The food was accompanied by Sake, Beer and Van Halen.

Adult parties are like their teenage counterparts, but they feature much better food and a wider selection of booze.  

Long Live Grown Ups 

mercs

Hey,

Yesterday I traded my services as a handyman for a homemade dinner.  In these tough times, it is important to get meals where ever you can find them. Having someone cook for you is like eating out but better cause you get all the best parts without having to do any of the work.

I've got another friend who needs my help.  More free grub.

I wish I could do this everyday.

Broke

carbs

Hey,

Recently, I discovered the Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and I'm happy to report that they are the best bagels in Los Angeles.  We have lived a few blocks from the bakery for months and I just finally bought some.  

These perfect bread circles remind me of the bagels from back home. They offer the standard assortment, but the stand outs must be the Pizza or the Cheese varieties (Jalapeno Cheese is the bees knees). 

Shortly after first contact, Becky started a new job at a coffee house that features Brooklyn's baked goods.  Now, three times a week my apartment is filled to the brim with left over breads. I got stacks on stacks.  Baker's dozens. 

What I'm trying to say is that I eat a lot of bagels.

Cream Cheese 

honor

Hey,

Apparently, it is Girl Scout Cookie season.  Which is my favorite after Fall and Pilot season. One stand just appeared while I was inside a building and when I came out the cookies were all set up. I walked away with a box of Samoas (aka Carmel deLites).  I need more but I don't know where any other stands are.  If anyone sees those girls then call me.

Maybe I should just start hanging around supermarkets looking for little girls.

That sounded really bad.

I just want some Tagalongs and maybe some Thin Mints.

Monster 

if it ain't broke

Hey,

Two weeks ago I had one of the best dinners of my life.  It was on par with the grub I would expect for my pre-electric chair meal.  This was the post ceremony feast at Fix (located in the Bellagio Hotel) in honor of Doug and Georgia's wedding.  

We were offered a choice of Fillet Minion, Roast Chicken or Truffle Butter Penne.  Being the fake vegetarian that I am, went with the pasta.  Each table also was given a delicious collection of family style sides that included  Whipped Potatoes, Garlic Spinach, and Gourmet French Fries. 

There was so much to eat I wished I had the anatomy of a cow so I could have ingested more. The Penne was so rich, each bite felt like $10,000.  By that scale, I consumed around $3.2 million worth.   

I have a bunch more weddings to go to this year and I can't wait to eat them all.

Matrimony 

da bears

Hey,

Food on a road trip is always a crap-shoot but Becky and I were lucky enough to find The Black Bear Diner on our way out of Vegas.  Becky spotted the joint and it looked like a decent place to grab breakfast. We knew we had the right decision by the beautiful art they had outside.

Giant portions at a solid price seems to be the moto of the diner.  I did California Scramble which was massive.  I don't remember what Becky had because I was too busy eating.  If I ever go back to Vegas I'm sure I'll forget to come back.  

The Lesson: Chain-saw sculptures are a great way to advertise.

Growl

5 alarm

Hey,

The worthless area north of Los Angeles known as 'the valley' is a cultural wasteland featuring chain stores and other large franchises. Among this rubble is a culinary oasis called Chili My Soul.   

This Encino based eatery makes over 30 kinds of chili using various meats and peppers. The heat is measured on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the hottest).  On any given day, the restaurant makes 12-15 different kinds of their famous chili.  Check the website for today's up-to-date choices.

Of the 30 varieties, at least 5 are vegetarian and if none are spicy enough for you then you can ask to "bump-up" the heat to any number.  The 'Demon' chili is the only  level 10 on the menu and the chefs insist that you try it before they sell it to you.  

Good chili is one thing but driving to Encino for just a bowl seems retarded.  A look at the menu shows the many ways 'Chili My Soul' serves up their homemade magic.  I opted for the House Style Veggie Soul Burger with Spicy Garden Chili (bumped-up to a level 7).   This sloppy slice of heaven was so good that for a split second I contemplated moving to the valley. 

With so many types of chili and so many ways to have it (on Nachos, Hot Dogs, Fries, and Baked Potatoes) there is a seemingly endless string of possibilities.  This is definitely  a new favorite.  All I need now are some wet-naps and a ride north.

Who's coming

masa of puppets

Hey,

Did another meal at Masa and sweet christ is that place good.  I did the Veggie-Sausage Panini with the House Salad and it was one of the better lunches I've had since moving here.  Perfect portions, good price and tasty.

If you have not yet been, do it or kill yourself.

Obey 

if you like pina colada

Hey,

The Buffet at the MGM is pretty much the best.  Becky and I went for Brunch which was a perfect time because I got to enjoy both breakfast and regular food items.

Over the years I have developed a system to maximize the 'all you can eat' experience. 

Step 1 - Take a lap and observe everything they have.  You don't want to fill up on the first things you see.

Step 2 - Start with a sample plate and see what you like.

Step 3 - Return for seconds and load up on your favorites.

Nothing like eating 3 lbs of shrimp in the middle of the afternoon.  It is so luxurious I feel like a whale.

I'm no good at gambling but I win every time I hit the buffet.

Good odds 

goodness

Hey,

So much to talk about.  First off, Vegas was great and provided 3 amazing eating experiences. 

1. MGM Grand Buffet

2. Upscale dining at Fix in the Bellagio

3. Pre-departure breakfast at Black Bear Diner   

Also, I found a new favorite restaurant: Chili My Soul

All this and more on the next episode of "Renegade".

Lamas

travel

Hey,

I'm off to Vegas for the weekend for a friend's wedding.  

Buffet, here I come.

Money

retraction

Hey,

I lied. That is to say that I am a liar. 

In a recent post I claimed that Two Boots delivered pizza.  That is not true.  They do not start their delivery service for another two weeks. For all my readers who called up to place orders and had their hearts break, well, I am sorry.

Please forgive me.

subliminal message

Hey,

On a recent episode of 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin's character discusses the merits of McDonald's McFlurry.  This caused my roommate to venture out and buy one which made me jealous.  The next day, I got my own frozen treat which made Becky jealous.

Needless to say, McFlurry consumption has gone up 1200%.

I like the Oreo ones while my roommate enjoys the M&M.  Both are great just stay away from the Snickers mix in.  Those are not good. 

Snack time

silver dollar

Hey,

As mentioned before, Pupusas are delicious.  I hit up Nuvia's Restaurant & Pupuseria this week for a quick dinner with friends.  

I did some bean and cheese and mixed veggie pupusas.  They were great.  Not that greasy with a good flavor and texture. Definitely some of the best I've had.  The only major draw back is that these discs cost around $2.25 per while most competitive places in the area only charge $1.80 - $2.00.  

I will journey back soon because Pupusas remind me of Pogs.  And I love Pogs.  

Slammer

slice me baby one more time

Hey,

For a late lunch my squad and I stepped into Two Boots for a few slices.  They sell each section of their specialty pies for around $3.50.  

I got 1 piece of 'Tony Clifton' (Wild Mushrooms, Sweet Red Pepper Pesto, Vidalla Onions and Mozzarella) and 1 "Earth Mother' (Five Veggies from the garden on the whole Wheat Sicilian Crust). 

The pizza was good. I mean real good.  So good in fact that when I was done eating I still had the desire to eat more.  High quality toppings and a well made crust sets this place apart from the other options in the neighborhood.  

Two Boots has free delivery ($15 minimum), is open late on the weekends and sells happiness by the triangle.  All in all it is the best thing to happen to me since that month where I got free HBO. 

We gotta go back       

after party

Hey,

As prophesied, the Oscar party was off the chain.

I had my fill of top shelf booze that really complimented my slurring speech and my increasingly worse jokes.  

The grub was solid.  I mainly focused my eating attention on the Sushi bar and the grilled Salmon. All in all, it was another sweet party and I can't wait to do it all over again next year.

Glamour

red carpet

Hey,

Sunday is Oscar Bowl LXXXI and me, the lady, and friends are headed to a big fancy soiree at the Hilton for a viewing party.  Our $30 tickets cover a complete open bar and full dinner buffet.

I AM SO PUMPED!

I'm gonna eat till I die (like in Se7en).

The only award I care about is the 'who can get cut off by all four bartenders the fastest' .

So look for a new post on Monday where I'll probably warn against eating your weight in Sushi and Vodka.

 

Glitz 

the devil makes pizza

Hey,

Two new Pizza places have opened in my food jurisdiction: Los Feliz's Lucifer's Pizza and Echo Park's Two Boots.  As of right now I get my slices from Pizza Buona or Deep Dish from Masa. 

Lucifer's interests me for two reasons.

1. They add Chili flakes to the dough for four levels of hot (Zero, Medium, Firey, and Blazing).

2. They are somehow associated with the Devil.

Their menu offers some great sounding pies.  I'm excited to try "The Growler" (Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Capers and Arugula).

Two Boots on the other hand has pizzas named after weird film characters like The Big Lebowski's 'The Dude' or Reservoir Dog's 'Mr. Pink'.  

I hope to try both places within the next few weeks so look forward to more pizza based humor.

Say Cheese

envy

Hey,

The other day, Becky and I went out to eat at the Mustard Seed Cafe in Los Feliz. We sat down and ordered.  I went with the grilled Salmon and Pasta while Becky opted for the Crab Cakes. Normally, I am totally confident in my selection, but as soon as our food came out I knew I made a mistake.

Don't get me wrong, the Salmon was good but Becky's plate looked incredible.  The Crab Cakes were huge and super delicious.  I had just one taste and instantly became upset.  

Her dinner was so fantastic that it nearly ruined my meal.  Every bite of my dish just reminded me that I was not eating those amazing Cakes.  A warning to other couples: don't let this happen to you. Those Crab Cakes almost destroyed our relationship.

Next time I go to the Mustard Seed, I'm going alone.

Don't wait up  

boxed lunch

Hey,

Before Fat Fish, Becky and I used to frequent Niko Niko in Los Feliz for all our raw fish needs. We returned to our old haunt for a quick meal before a movie.  We both had the Bento Box specials, which include miso soup, rice, salad, your choice of roll and sushi.  

The food was good and filled me up proper, but this place lacks the wow factor.  I don't eat flesh that often and when I do I want it to be memorable.  Like the first time a girl touches your bathing suit area.

No food boner. No dice.

That area has too many great restaurants for me to waste my time and money on 'good' sushi. 

Never again   

paper plates

Hey,

My buddy took me a small joint hidden on Glendale Blvd called Bernie's Teriyaki.  This lunch counter is famous for its super inexpensive combos.  I went with Shrimp plate that included fried shrimp atop a mountain of fried rice with a small salad on the side. My total was $5.60 (including tax) and was almost too good to be true.  

Be careful because Bernie's has some strict rules.

1. It is cash only.

2. They are only open 10:30-6:00 pm.

3. You pay once you get your food.

4. If you make eye contact with the Chef then he takes your sneakers.

I exited the Teriyaki stand happy, full and shoeless.  Needless to say this is my new favorite cheap lunch.  

Sweet

fee fi fo fum

Hey,

My roommate turned me onto this shitty Chinese place Phnom Penh. This spot offers up a huge menu of classics at fairly cheap prices.  I went today for lunch and had some Egg Rolls and the Shrimp in Lobster Sauce.  The food was good but I'm still searching for the menu's stand outs.

I ate alone.  Not just alone at the table, but the entire restaurant was empty.  Surprisingly, the service was still pretty slow.  Also the dining room has a weird vibe to it and the fortune cookies always have odd things to say.  Today mine read "you have nice legs". Thanks I guess, but that's not much of a fortune.    

Despite all this, I'm sure I'll be back cause you can't eat Thai everyday.  

Gong

yes masa

Hey,

Had dinner at Masa this weekend.  Hot damn it was tasty.  I had the Moules et frites.  That's mussels and fries to you idiots.  The shellfish kick continues.  There is just something awesome about ripping flesh from the protective cover of another creature.  Maybe my extended no meat policy has given me a taste for blood.  Either way, I'm digging it.

Masa might be Echo Park's best restaurant.  The more of their menu I explore, the more I like it. Everything from Pizza to Pasta is solid gold.  If you have not tried it yet then you are a sucker.

Don't be a sucker 

shooters

Hey,

My new expensive habit is eating Oysters.  They are so luxurious.  I feel like the King of France's Boss when I eat them.

Recently, the lady and I have been getting them on the half shell when we visit Fat Fish.  Now I'm on a new quest to find a dope Oyster Bar here in L.A.  

Give me a dozen shucked blue points and a vodka drink and I'm set.

Turtle power

pit of despair

Hey,

There is a wicked snow storm up here at Mammoth and it is impossible to go anywhere. Thank god for delivery.

We found a local Pita Pit that would brave the storm.  I placed the order online and was spared the embarrassment of slurring my words to some lady on the phone. The driver arrived in 55 minutes and brought a bounty of custom  sandwiches.   See the menu is just a list of ingredients that you pick to create your own pita.

I got a Falafel with feta cheese, romaine, tomato, cucumber, green pepper, onion, black olives, and mushrooms.  Topped with tzataiki and hot sauce.  The wrap was tasty and bursting with fresh ingredients. 

Some people judge nations by the way they deal with prisoners of war. I judge places by what kind of food I can get brought to me at any-given time of the day.     

God Bless Mammoth Lakes, CA

I wonder if this Thai place delivers?

mt. food

Hey,

My friends and I headed up to Mammoth Mountain this weekend to drink, relax and live it up in the snow.  On Friday night we went out to dinner to The Lakefront Restaurant in honor of Rita's birthday. 

This place had all the tell tale signs that it was gonna be good: it was french and fancy. Additionally, the menu was a mere 2 pages that spoke "yeah we only make like 8 things, but they are all so fucking good that you would slap someone for it".  

The waitress took our orders:

"the Elk please"

"I think I'll try the Lobster"

"the mixed Game"

.... I had the sauteed Shrimp and Scallops.  Which were so god damn juicy I thought I was eating a gushers brand fruit snack.  

It was a great meal.  The food was excellent and all the details were taken care of.  Not to mention someone picked up the bill, so you know I was happy. 

Snow fo sho

sweet

Hey,

One of my New York meals was at a place called Max Brenner.  This cafe specializes in everything chocolate.  They have a full menu but folks come here for the desserts. Becky and I shared a big plate of sugar that had everything from toast your own marshmallows to chocolate fondu and coco infused pop rocks.

        

Now I don't have much of a sweet tooth (give me salted fish and vodka any-day) but hot damn that was good stuff.  I'm not saying I'm a convert or anything but I do kinda wish I was a girl just so I could go to this place on my period.  

Wonka

see food

Hey,

My older brother took me and the lady to this sushi spot in Brooklyn called Taro.  The place was small and very Japanese.  But in the good kind of way.  We ordered a few rolls, a big sushi combination and some sake.  The food was great and pretty well priced for what we had but the real stand out was the nigiri. 

During the meal, the waiter came over and gave us the deep fried head of one of the shrimps from our order.  I grabbed that thing by the eyes ball and sucked its delicious guts out.  Now I know why some people are zombies.  Cause brains is good. 

It tasted kind of like fried chicken in a greasy/crispy way.  I wish this practice was more common.  Every restaurant should deep fry the left over parts for you as an extra treat.

More please.