March 29, 2013
↑ Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa at The Standard High Line ↑
↑ Wall of Peace at D.C. Airport ↑
↑ Shake Shack! ↑
↑ Me, Drake, + Jasiri ↑
↑ Pizza Eating + View of the Empire State Building ↑
↑ Eating Icees in Queens, in the snow ↑
↑ Nasty Nigel from COTN, giving me a culinary tour of Queens ↑
↑ Room Key ↑
↑ Cereal Milk Soft Serve with Corn Flake Crust, Momofuku Milk Bar ↑
↑ Sporting Classic Nike Cortez + Nike Fancy Sweat Pants ↑
↑ His + Her’s Lighters ↑
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March 22, 2013
It was snowing, Jasiri and I were toasty, and we took to the streets, making our way to find the perfect meal for that moment in time. I had Baohaus on my list, so off we went skipping into the cold white night. We pulled up some chairs at the communal table and I took to ordering, with his encouragement of course. I almost wanted to say “one of everything” but realized that would be a bit too nuts – but these munchies were real! #thestruggle
First thing that jumped off the menu was the Coffin Bao, made with fried chicken, cilantro and chili condensed milk. The bao actually tasted a much like a donut and I swear it wasn’t my imagination. I will never forget Jasiri’s face as he took his first bite, it has to be one of the greatest moments of my life; there’s a noise he makes when something is new + delicious that I swear is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. The combination of salty and sweet hit the spot, surpassed it I dare say. After we finished those babies we moved onto the Chaiman Bao, compromising of braised Berkshire pork belly, crushed peanut, cilantro, Haus Relish, and Taiwanese red sugar. Hallelujah, these were a revelation! The pork belly was melt in our mouths delicious and I swear we moaned with each bite. Did I mention that Baohaus was also playing Chief Keef and other modern rap classics?
If you think I am going to continue to gush about this late night meal, you are absolutely correct, as there were no misses whatsoever. OK, maybe that they offered Pepsi instead of Coke – which we only ordered because they ran out of lemonade! The last bao up to bat was the Wagyu Haus Bao made with Snake River Farms Steak and served with Haus relish, crushed peanut, Taiwanese red sugar, and cilantro. As expected from wagyu beef, the meat was tender and soft to the chew. The flavor was vibrant and savory without feeling heavy. To round out our order, we shared a basket of hand cut taro fries with an accompanying special sauce. We left our late night destination with full hearts and full stomachs.
Baohaus
238 E 14th St
New York, NY 10003
(646) 669-8889
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March 19, 2013
On my agenda for NYC → “eat a bowl of ramen at Momofuku Noodle Bar.” Upon sharing these plans with the lovely shop people + fellow gourmands at MM6 Maison Martin Margiela in the West Village, I was advised to venture to Ippudo instead. I was really feeling the food vibe Song and Amy of MM6 brought, so I took their advice and set up a dinner date at this East Village ramen noodle brasserie. I never made it to the other noodle bar, but that’s what return visits are for.
The stars aligned which allowed my pal Ibra and I to meet up for a lovely stroll to Ippudo. We arrived 20 minutues before the restaurant opened and found ourselves ten deep in line – we were fortunate to arrive when we did because by the time the doors opened there were at least fifty more people behind us. What’s crucial when eating with NJ is that you must be open to trying anything off the menu. True success is found only in your desire to be adventurous and bonus points if you can hold a conversation. Ibra went above and beyond – he even ordered what turned out to be the best thing we ate, Kamo Sukiyaki (above photo) and for the first time, I found someone who could talk just as much as me.
So what did we order? We started off with drinks, Ibra kept it classic with some Sake and I went with a Samurai, made with sake, gin, lime, + apple juice. I was on vacation, so any chance I had, I ordered a cocktail. Much to my delight (I love the pressure), my dinner companion gave me the reigns for our meal and said he was down for anything, but made sure to suggest we order the aforementioned Kamo Suikiyaki first, made with thin slices of duck breast simmered in a shallow clay pot with yaki tofu, shiitake & enoki mushrooms, tokyo leeks, poached egg, and ramen noodles in traditional sukiyaki sauce. HOLY SHIT, right? It was an incredible dish, one that I have not stopped thinking about. A definite highlight for me.
I spy Ibra
To rev up our palettes we began with the Tori-Dango with Sweet Chili Sauce, which was lightly fried chicken tsukune with glazed Ippudo sweet chili sauce. Those chicken balls were gone in the blink of an eye but we weren’t worried because a plate of Ika Tatsuta-Age, delicately coated and fried Mongo squid was on its way out. We noshed on these small plates, talked Kewpie mayonaise and enjoyed the company of our hilarious server who I kept riffing with.
Ippudo NY is known for their ramen and considering that it is one of my favorite dishes, I was super psyched to indulge in a large bowl of fragrant broth with noodles. We both had the Shiromaru Hakata Classic, noodles topped with pork loin chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, memma, red pickled ginger, + scallion. I added a poached egg to my bowl while Ibra threw some pork belly to his mix. The piping hot bowl of soup was quite the treat after coming in from the NY cold and really hit the spot. Having a poached egg unlike the typical hard-boiled egg was a nice change of pace and though I enjoyed every bite of my ramen, I couldn’t help but to compare it to better bowls I’ve had here in L.A. That’s what happens when you become a rameniac.
A great meal was had. Come for the ramen but stay for their specials and appetizers. If you don’t want to wait in a line that seems to be endless, show up before they open!
Ippudo New York City
65 4th Ave
New York, 10003
(212) 388-0088
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March 18, 2013
Russ and Daughters, located in the Lower East Side, was at the top of my must eat list while in NYC. My love for smoked fish has grown exponentially over the years and I was ready to experience the spot which is considered one of the best in the city. Maybe it was my Jewish ancestry talking to me?
Upon some research I discovered why “appetizers” is in the name of the shop. “Appetizing,” as a noun, is a Jewish food tradition that is most typical among American Jews, and it is particularly local to New York and New Yorkers. Stores selling cured and pickled meats became known as delicatessens, while shops that sold fish and dairy products became appetizing stores. I love the history of food! Russ and Daughters opened in 1914 and it still going strong with a regular clientele of locals and tourists alike. While inside waiting to order, some out-of-towners turned to me and said “you seem like an expert, what should we get?” This happens every time I’m in NYC, I ain’t mad at it.
So what did I get? I showed up for breakfast and knew a bagel sandwich was in order. I chose a toasted sesame bagel with caviar creme cheese, organic smoked Irish salmon, capers and tomato. There aren’t seats inside so I took my tasty treat to the corner cafe and ate it with a cup of tea. It was everything I hoped for, the salmon being some of the tastiest to have graced my mouth. My meal was worth the wait and left me feeling bittersweet because now I had wanted to throw a party with all the incredible offerings of this delish institution. Peep the photos to know exactly what I mean. Barrels of pickles? ENOUGH SAID!
Russ and Daughters
179 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 475-4880
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February 14, 2013
“…it’s L.A.’s most romantic restaurant … and you may become engaged, even married here and celebrate your 50th.” These were the words my friend Robert so elegantly read, found on the back of the menu, and I knew Inn of the Seventh Ray was about to bring it. How could they not with a promise like that? We were about to jump into plate after plate of total deliciousness with no cares in the world, sitting on the edge of a patio over looking a creek, nestled away in the mountains of Topanga Canyon.
We started our culinary adventure with two champagne flutes of JUN elixirs, which were majorly channeling kombacha, and we weren’t complaining. Brunch was on our mind and after talking with our friendly waiter, it was obvious which direction we were going in. It was time to order and I was honestly tickled with the selection.
Despite the fact that I’m always tweeting about red meat, I have an affinity for all things healthy, so we went ahead and ordered the Warm Brown Rice, made with avocado, dried sea vegetables, dried garlic chips, sesame seeds, and Braggs amino acid. There was a lot of flavor packed onto this plate of beautiful colors; it had Robert reminiscing about a dish he’d eaten at Cafe Gratitude, but I’m pretty sure Inn’s version predates their’s. This is the kind of thing I could eat every day for lunch. Good for the body, tasty and leaving you feeling light.
For those not of the sea vegetable persuasion, no worries, this creek-side hideaway has you covered with Belgian Waffles, paired with fresh yogurt berry sauce and maple syrup. That’s not enough for you? A scoop of fresh fruit and a bowl of homemade lavender ice cream will elevate your entire experience. The ice cream was so magical, I was almost certain a forest nymph had worked on it all day and dropped it off as a special delivery just for us.
I am about to make a huge claim so listen closely! The above Pan Seared Salmon with truffle atop asparagus was one of the most incredibly fresh pieces of fish I have ever eaten. At the end of our meal, we were both in agreement that this was the dish that blew us away. I’m sure we could’ve had two more servings it was that delish. I am really still thinking about it. Now if only other spots could get their salmon to this level. A must.
At times it is difficult to follow a dish that is practically perfection, but the Lamb Sliders with Chipotle Mayo were up for the task. I am about that lamb life and these tiny juicy burgers truly hit my savory spot. The feta and roasted peppers in between the buns were complimentary and I’m pretty sure I was caught closing my eyes and moaning while eating the sliders, I was in heaven.
The meal wasn’t finished but goodness knows if it had been, we’d be sitting pretty. Our taste buds had been re-energized, our vibes were at an all time high in the forest, and time seemed to stand still. DESSERT! We’ll take one of each … just kidding. The lead photo which truly looked like a work of art is known in the woods as Almond Milk Crème Brûlée. This was the only dish I wasn’t truly feeling and it was probably because the whole time I was eating it I kept wish it was the o.g. brulee. Ya feel me? Some things just shouldn’t be vegan, at least not in my reality. I’m sure it is loved by many but this here girl was just ok on it.
In super positive dessert news, the Blueberry Financier Cake made with ginger ice cream, caramel and cinnamon blueberry creme fraiche deserved a blue ribbon in taste. Robert tried it first and created what he thought was the perfect bite, which consisted of the cake dipped in the syrup found in the jar, with a sprinkle of ginger, one blueberry and a glimmer of ice cream. I attempted this recipe and it turns out he was correct, but I’m a ginger fanatic so I upped the ante. We were both shocked with how tasty this sweet treat was, as it didn’t necessarily bring the beauty of the Crème brûlée, but then again, looks can be deceiving. Do your table a favor and order this flavor packed creation.
Whether you’re trying to seduce a lover, impress a date or just get your grub on, Inn of the Seventh Ray has got you covered. Our time there was truly one of the most tranquil Saturdays I have had in a long time, so much, I didn’t want to leave. Added bonus was that the food was farm fresh, made with love and served with a smile.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-1311
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February 11, 2013
Post and Beam, located in beautiful Baldwin Hills, recently came on to my radar when my friend Joanne suggest we check it out. We hopped in my car and drove down Crenshaw Boulevard one brisk Saturday evening and upon our arrival were greeted with a friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Tucked away behind Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, this hidden gem proved to be such a culinary delight that I am already plotting a return for brunch.
Since traveling to Atlanta not that long ago, I developed a love for many things Southern, one of them being the cuisine, which I realized I had many misconceptions about. Much to my joy the menu boasted two of my favorite dishes: shrimp & grits (with bacon) and deviled eggs (with house-cured catfish). Both of these plates really set it off and when all were eaten and done, remained my two favorite dishes for the evening, though there were many hits at our table.
One of the reasons I love Joanne as a dining partner is that she is comfortable trying as many dishes as possible, so we decided to go all out. Believe it or not, we could still function after eating plate after plate of savory treats and were even privy to a tour (post-meal) of the restaurant’s garden, which is essential to their farm-to-table menu.
Did I mention how much I loved deviled eggs? I must admit I’d never tried smoked catfish but let me tell you, it was a dream in my mouth. This intro plate is not to be overlooked under any circumstances! Jo, being a corn bread fan ordered up a plate of this piping hot yellow creation, which was paired with whipped honey butter. I’m probably one of the least enthusiastic people about corn bread so I couldn’t tell you either way if you should order it. I don’t even eat my mother’s corn bread and I’ve heard it’s delicious.
Brussel sprouts and bacon, now you’re talking! Ordered as a side to one of our entrees but also offered as a small plate, this cast iron pot served up some incredibly flavorful greens that truly stole the show as the must order vegetable.
For my main course, I chose the Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Spicy White Sauce. The sauce wasn’t spicy but the ribs were moist and tasty. I love when ribs are so flavorful that I feel inspired to suck the bone dry and boy, did I. Paired with two sides: Mac & Cheese and Long Cooked Greens with Smoked Ham Hock, I was sitting pretty with what felt like a platter of food, all individually bursting with flavor.
Dessert, not usually in my game plan, was all too intriguing this time around. I spotted a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with guava and kumquat glaze and didn’t even have to look at the other options because I just knew. Never have I said no to panna cotta of any sort as it is my favorite sweet treat. Much to my excitement, this perfectly chilled bowl brought the flavor and smooth texture I so fantasize about and ended what was already an enjoyable meal. Since Jo was oohing over her Nutella Bundino, made with hazelnut, caramel and crème fraîche. I had a tiny bite out of of her beautiful glass and though it was incredibly tasty, it was far too rich for my blood. Serious sweet tooths need apply.
Looking forward to spending some time on this patio once the weather warms up! Nothing beats good food, great conversation and I love supporting an African-American owned business that also boasts an African-American head chef. Major props go out to Brad Johnson for holding it down and chef Govind Armstrong for getting the menu right. The restaurant recently celebrated its year anniversary and I wish them nothing but success.
Post and Beam
3767 Santa Rosalia Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 299-5599
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February 5, 2013
My meal ended with desert but this blog post begins with it, because when churros shine bright like a diamond, they obviously have to be the jump off on this culinary excursion. Last weekend I was invited to enjoy brunch at Tortilla Republic, located on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood. My previous self would have given major side-eye when I read “modern Mexican” but I’ve been given a few reasons to change my ways and I’m definitely open to giving things a chance. You don’t know if you like something until you try it, right?
Now back to those bomb churros! I am putting these hot crispy pieces of dough of my list of favorites in L.A., added bonus was the cajeta (caramel) and chocolate dipping sauces served along side it. If you venture to WeHo for any reason, please put these sweet treats on your list of things to eat.
The older I get, the more I seem to be eating brunch. Do you find this is happening to you as well? Does this mean that any day now, I’ll be shopping at J.Crew? (#help) Aging aside, one of the elements I seek in a successful brunch is my proximity to fresh air and the sun; this girl needs some vitamin D if you know what I mean. An added bonus to brunch, which these days seems crucial, is access to a strong cocktail. Tortilla Republic most definitely met my above requirements in spades. My brunch friend Robert and I took a seat outside, with a view of everything that was popping on Robertson and let me tell you, there were many sites to see.
I took one look at the Margarita Bar Cocktail Menu and without hesitation chose a Mezcal creation made with Passion Fruit Purée, Triple Sec, and Agave Fresh Lime Sweet. To say I got crunk off this one drink would be an understatement. Just ask Robert, he’ll tell you I couldn’t stop laughing and going on about whatever came to mind.
The perfect accompaniment to any stiff drink is a basket full of warm tortilla chips and salsa. It’s almost a match made in heaven, am I right? We were both feeling the chips and 2 out of the 3 salsas. The green (tomatillo) was lacking in proper salsa flavor, but the habnero (orange) made up for the other’s flaw. Now queue a bowl of guacamole with two giant chips, which you might think were totally unnecessary, but sometimes goofy food decorations can go a long way in the conversation.
Did someone say Eggs Benedict? If you’ve been following me for sometime, it should come as no surprise that I ordered the Hollandaise lathered dish. But this time, this brunch favorite was made with poached eggs atop a manchego scone with chopped bacon, arugula, and classic hollandaise, served with a side of cheddar breakfast potatoes. The scone was stellar and my eggs tasty, but there was something missing in the sauce that I’m still trying to put my finger on. I wasn’t totally in love but I enjoyed myself enough that I wasn’t mad – the added bacon definitely made things better, but that’s a no brainer.
If you find yourself near Robertson and need some delish churros and to get a little tipsy, I say this West Hollywood establishment has you covered.
Tortilla Republic
616 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9888
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January 31, 2013
“Your macaroni and cheese is amazing, but I have to tell you, this is the best I’ve ever had” were the first words that came out of my father’s mouth the moment he took a bite of his bowl of cheesy goodness. Never had truer words been spoken. Homeroom had long been on my list of places to eat, ever since peeping it over on one of my favorite food blogs, Gastronomy. I was near the Bay area over the holidays and made it very clear to my family that we weren’t going home without a drive up to Oakland to eat at this cozy spot. Spoiler alert, I was high fived by every James family member at the end of this meal.
The holidays were taking a toll on my mental well-being (jk, not really) so the first thing I ordered was a mason jar of hard apple cider. Never could alcohol hit my tongue fast enough! As a family who have experienced countless culinary adventures together, no one had to be told that there could not be any repeat orders at our table; thankfully the four us all have very different tastes as well.
My Dad is that man who always wants a bowl of soup, if he could have it with every meal, I’m sure he’d say “sign me up!” He ordered up a pipping hot bowl of butternut squash soup and we were all quick to say yes to his offering. I wouldn’t mind having some of that soup right now, it was that hearty and delicious. I rarely opt for starters or appetizers because I want to devote all of my focus on the entree but that soup had me briefly re-thinking my dining approach.
Here are the macs the James Gang ordered at Homeroom: 1. Top Photo (me) Spring Mac, aged asiago, fresh herbs, peas and lemon zest. 2. Below (Dad) Mexican Mac, Niman Ranch chorizo, chipotle peppers, jack cheese, and cilantro, served with a wedge of lime. 3. (Mom) Vermont White Cheddar with sauteed mushrooms, velvety white cheddar from Grafton Village cheese in Vermont. 4. (sis) Ivy Leaguer: Truffle Mac, creamy black truffle gouda melted over sauteed mushrooms and fresh thyme.
I tried every single bowl of mac here, as did the rest of the gang, and we all decided that the one we had in front of us was the best. It was hilarious! What can I say? Hit up Homeroom with your friends and family, order a variety of plates off the menu and be confident in knowing that you’ll be eating some of the best macaroni and cheese in America.
Last but certainly not least was this mason jar filled with a glorious Banana Crème Pie, made with layers of bananas, pudding, caramel and vanilla wafers. My dad, the ultimate sweet tooth, had to order one of homemade sweet treats and none of us were mad that he did. I limit my sugar intake because it makes me feel nuts so one spoonful of this did me just right. It was a perfect last bite to an already stellar meal.
Homeroom
400 40th Street
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 597-0400
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January 28, 2013
Awhile back I was invited to the soft-opening of Slater’s 50/50 Pasadena, which is now in full effect in Old Town Pasadena. I brought along a date (omg, right?) who I knew would be pumped to get his grub on, and we went H.A.M. on the menu. I had done some previous research on this small chain beforehand so I already knew I’d be ordering their “50/50 burger” which is equal parts Angus ground beef and bacon. Need I say more? I was feeling the upbeat vibe – part sports bar, part family restaurant, zero pretension. Various basketball games were on the televisions, which made me think this is the optimal spot for happy hour. Sometimes I just want to eat a burger, drink a beer and watch the Clippers win.
I had prepped for this meal, and by that I mean I hadn’t eaten lunch that day. My burger bud, all 6’2 of him, was also eagerly awaiting the variety of plates we were about to order. Our server slipped us the menus and we both lit up when we saw the “build your own burger” portion. He went nutso on his patty options but I opted for what I usually do, a classic burger: tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mayo, mustard and bacon. Added bonus? You get to name your own creation. What was mine you ask? “Natalie RULES.”
If your specialty is a burger, then you better make sure it’s good. Much to my enjoyment, Slater’s 50/50 got me right with their delicious offering. I managed to only eat half of my personal creation, but each bite of the hot meat brought moans to my meal.
Appetizers were a must on this excursion and the two of us made a consensus on the following: fried pickles, onion rings, and jalapeno poppers. Cannot say that I’d order these items again, not simply because they’re not my style, but they didn’t make the biggest impression on me. If you’re interested in checking them out though, I’d push the fried pickles, because I’m about that pickle life and they were the best of the three.
What I’d like to put on your radar is the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese, made with a three-cheese Alfredo sauce, buffalo chicken bites and chopped celery topped with blue cheese crumbles and a toasted Cheez-Its® crust. My love for Buffalo-flavored anything is real and I appreciate how it was translated into this dish. You might think this is a novelty but in actuality, it was really quite tasty. Slater’s could afford to make it a bit more cheesier but they held it down in the flavor category.
Next time I’m looking for a juicy burger and a bit of delicious junk food in Pasadena, I’ll most definitely think of Slater’s 50/50.
Slater’s 50/50
61 N Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 765-9700
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January 17, 2013
Huli Huli Chicken
Located: Hana/Upcountry
Chicken being sold on the side of the road, need I say more? Huli Huli chicken came highly recommended by my sister and after one amazing morning of surfing, I had built up quite the appetite. On our way back to the hotel we spotted this beautiful set up off the highway and quickly turned off road. It was only 10:30 a.m. but the chicken was ready to be eaten! We paid a woman $8 and she kindly handed us our plates of chicken, corn and white rice. The chicken was incredibly juicy and the skin tasted like absolute perfection.
I’ve been told the chicken usually sells out by the early afternoon, so keep that in mind on your visit to Upcountry. Maui street food at it’s finest.
Olowalu Juice Stand
Location: Lahaina
My first morning on the island began with a trip to the Olowalu Juice Stand, so brightly painted and covered by incredibly shady trees off the highway. Though I was thinking I could simply get a cold pressed juice (how L.A. of me), this was actually a smoothie spot, but I wasn’t complaining. I ordered up a guava mango smoothie, sweetened with freshly squeezed sugar cane and despite my allergies to tropical fruit, I couldn’t get my straw inside quick enough. The freshness was real and the chunks of fruit made it hearty. I wish I had one right now.
Big Beah BBQ
Location: Makena
On our way to Big Beach we couldn’t help but stop at the Big Beach BBQ food truck which was serving up pulled-pork tacos and sandwiches. I ordered up the tacos ($9, hey it’s Maui) and drenched them in the various salsas. They could have had a bit more salt for my taste, but they hit the spot on that Saturday afternoon.
Now try some off roading and go get some delicious food!
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