January 10, 2013

The Gazebo, Maui

Continuing on my culinary adventures through Maui I landed one morning at a cozy little spot called The Gazebo. My sister, who used to live on the island, told me how delicious the breakfast was here, so I was looking forward to sitting down at this ocean front gem. Apparently we weren’t the only ones who had this spot in mind as there was a long line spiraling out of the entrance. Fortunately we were seated relatively quick and began ordering like people who were serious about their food. Pam (my sis) wouldn’t stop going on and on about the plate of fried rice she loved here and I know she was thinking I was nuts when I said “I don’t really care for fried rice.” Man alive did I have to eat my words! She ordered up a half-plate of the dish she so feverishly hyped up (shown above) and I was in awe. I thought the plate was absolutely inviting and when I dug in, I knew I’d keep coming back for more.

Most of the time I like my breakfast to be very simple, so I ordered up a classic dish of two eggs over easy which was accompanied by Portuguese sausage and two scoops of rice. The toast didn’t do anything for me, so it was banished to another plate. I placed my eggs atop the rice and thoroughly enjoyed meticulously puncturing each one so that their insides would ooze all over my white mounds. Combined with the salty sausage, I was sitting pretty with my savory breakfast. I’m starting to think more of my morning meals should be paired with white rice!

Also ordered for the table was a plate of macadamia nut pancakes, topped with fresh cream. We drizzled a little pineapple syrup on top, as if it wasn’t already sweet enough, and dug right in. If you’re into pancakes, you’d enjoy these fluffy treats. Sweets aren’t at the top of my wishlist but I’m glad I got to have a taste of these as I spied them on almost every table under The Gazebo.

The view from Gazebo Maui.

The Gazebo
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 669-5621

Posted in: Food, Maui, OTHER DESTINATIONS | Tagged: , , ,

Comments (2)

You might also dig

December 19, 2012

Da Kitchen, Maui

Spam Masubi Da Kitchen Maui

My favorite element about traveling is indulging in the culinary delights of my destination. I had made a mental note of all the delicious food I was going to grub on while in Maui and all it took was stepping off the plane to begin my journey. Loco Moco was what I had on my brain but I landed around midnight and unfortunately most everything closes on the island around 9pm. Fried chicken and macaroni salad at the local Minit Stop (home of the Maui fried chicken) it was. No complaints about that! Unfortunately I was so ravaged, I didn’t take any photos of that adventure. I was a hot mess after that flight, believe you me.

When I woke up the next morning I informed my sister exactly of my Loco Moco desires and she knew exactly where to take me: Da Kitchen, where they “strive to take the traditional ‘plate lunch’ to the next level by offering big portions of traditional Hawaiian cuisine.” Loco Moco is a savory grilled burger topped with two eggs, onions, mushrooms and gravy, typically served with two scoops of rice and mac/potato combo salad. I learned that the traditional Hawaiian way of making macaroni salad is to included potato into the mix, calling it “potato mac” – learning these types of things brings me such joy!

Before that delicious plate (see below) came out, my sister and I decided we’d start our meal with Panko crusted Spam Masubi, which is spam and rice wrapped in seaweed. It was absolutely delicious and if you don’t see it in that photo (see above), I just don’t know what to tell you. My biggest tip for those of you traveling to any island in Hawaii is this, if you’re going to be there, you need try some traditional meals. For those of you who love meat over rice, this shouldn’t be a stretch. Live a little, experience culture to its fullest!

Loco Moco Da Kitchen Maui

Da Kitchen Maui Menu

My sister ordered a classic Chicken Katsu, chicken breaded in Panko batter and served with special Japanese BBQ sauce. I am a firm believer that Panko bread crumbs makes everything better, and when combined with juicy chicken you might as well consider it paradise in your mouth. Though I was completely submerging myself in my Loco Moco, I had a chance to try the Katsu and it was one of the best I have ever had.

The only bummer about eating such great food on vacation is that when you get back to the mainland the quest to find something remotely similar is quite the challenge!

Chicken Katsu Da Kitchen Maui

Da Kitchen
2439 South Kihei Road #107A
Kihei, HI
(808) 875-7782

Posted in: Food, Maui, OTHER DESTINATIONS | Tagged: , , ,

Comments (5)

You might also dig

September 11, 2012

Shields Date Garden, Indio

NJ in LA Desert

My desert journey continues with Shields Date Garden, located in Indio, just 25 miles East of Palm Springs. I hadn’t been to this desert gem in years so I thought it would be fun to introduce my girlfriends to this spot which serves up some of the best date shakes in the desert. Though I am now lactose intolerant (WTF?) it didn’t stop me from ordering a frothy shake. Unfortunately, I could only have a couple sips of that cold treat because let’s be straight, no one wants diarrhea on a road trip!

We all swooned over our delicious ice cream treat, a much-needed reprieve from our long day of exploring the high desert. My girl Joanne was really bold and ordered some coffee ice cream which she reported to be tasty. When you are looking to venture away from Palm Springs, make sure a visit to Shields Date Garden is on your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

P.S. It has been a long-time James family tradition to take photos by signs.

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Shakes

Shields Date Gardens

Shields Date Garden
80225 Hwy 111
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 347-0996

Posted in: Food, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, PALM SPRINGS + JOSHUA TREE, Travel | Tagged: , , , ,

Comments (12)

You might also dig

August 29, 2012

Short Cake, Los Angeles

Short Cake Los Angeles

I think I just found my new favorite bakery and it is Short Cake Los Angeles. When I received an invitation for a girl’s lunch from the lovely Nastassia from Let Me Eat Cake, I didn’t even have to think twice about my RSVP, I was totally down! Upon arrival at this cozy stand located in the Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax, the counter was filled with some of the cutest food bloggers I ever did see; I was in good company. Little did I know the next couple of hours would consist of a steady stream of tasty treats, each one impressing our crowd of tough critics.

Being that summer had finally decided to heat up this one afternoon, I needed a cold drink pronto. I went with an off the menu suggestion, the secret Crimson Berry Tea, and once the cold liquid hit my lips I was under its spell. Lightly sweetened with agave and given a little shake, this libation poured over ice is the perfect thirst quencher. In order to build up to the sweets everyone would soon be happily overwhelmed with, we dug into some savory Open Faced Toasts, the first being topped with zucchini, eggplant, tomato, caramelized onion, red pepper, olive and the second smothered with Walter’s Shaved North Country ham, kale, tomato, béchamel, comté, thyme. I’m sure you can imagine how delish those were just by simply reading the ingredients alone. The bread had incredible texture, being topped with savory foods made it even that much better.

The big surprise during my lunch was having tasted what I would consider the best Tuna Salad Sandwich I have eaten in L.A. House-made albacore tuna, topped with red onion, pickle and lettuce, served on a fresh croissant, makes for a light but filling lunch. I seriously stopped mid bite, swallowed, and announced this sandwich as a revelation! A close runner-up in greatness was Short Cake’s Egg Salad Sandwich, topped with watercress, chive, and radish. If you stop by for lunch, either one of these sandwiches will leave you feeling happy!

Short Cake Secret Menu

Short Cake Open Face Toast

Short Cake Egg Salad Sandwich

Short Cake Shakerato

Let’s talk desserts and coffee because they mean business at Short Cake. I was pleased to sample Aunt Nancy’s Shakerato, which comes with 4 shots of espresso & milk that have been given a light shake. A bit of coffee paired with the Breakfast Cereal Cookie and I was about to call it a day but then I was introduced to this Rustic Apple Pie. Our group was given about 7 desserts to try and I am not going to lie, I think I was beginning to slip into a sugar coma. Because I don’t have a sweet tooth, I have to give my vote to the Breakfast Cookie because it wasn’t too sweet, heavy or overwhelming – plus, I think I was getting my daily dose of fiber!

Last but certainly not least, I want to give a shout out to the beautiful and smart Hourie Sahakian who is the incredible young woman who runs the show at Short Cake. Her positive vibes and incredible work ethic absolutely inspired me. Did I mention that she was born and raised in Glendale? Swoon x 1000. This was the first time we met but I hope to find myself in her company again.

Short Cake Breakfast Cereal Cookie

Short Cake Apple Pie

Short Cake
6333 West 3rd St
Stall 316
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 761-7976

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , , ,

Comments (5)

You might also dig

August 7, 2012

Summer Cocktails at Border Grill

Summer Cocktails at Border Grill

To say the Summer Cocktails at Border Grill were an epic party in my mouth would be an understatement. At this tasting I was surrounded by new friends, drinking tequila like it was water and noshing on small plates like it was my job – oh wait, it kinda is! I cozied up to the lively bar at this vibrant downtown L.A. spot and was ready to get my drank on.

Border Grill’s summer cocktail menu consists of 6 new drinks that would please any palette. Each concoction had its very own personality but the Summer Santa (pictured above) proved to be one of my faves, made with cachaca, raspberry, orange, lemon and hoja santa. My absolute favorite was the Fire/Water/Melon which I Instgrammed during the tasting. This libation was packed with pisco, watermelon, lemon, and serrano chile. Need I say more? It was the perfect summer drink. For those who like their sip more on the herb side, I recommend the Silver Surfer (the clear one pictured below), prepped with tequila blanco, celery mint shrub and sparkling water. I prefer my alcoholic beverages to go down smooth but still have the ability to pack a punch to my cerebral cortex. No doubt these modern Mexican mixes made me feel fancy free.

Border Grill Fried Squash Blossom

Border Grill Mini Sopes

Eating like a king was an added bonus. If you’re looking for a happy hour in downtown L.A. or something a little to the left of Mexican, I vouch that making Border Grill your new hangout will make your life exponentially better. Lets talk about these Squash Blossoms Tacos, which were a revelation to this fourth generation Chicana! Made with pickled jalapeños, black beans, lime crema, crispy hoja santa, and tinkerbell peppers, this was taco a creation that I had yet to experience and it was crunchy in all the right places. Next in line were Peanut Mole Chicken Sopes made with peanut mole, pickled ancho chiles, roasted poblano, and cotija slaw. I live for sopes and miniatures, so this combination was heaven in my mouth. Just look at the photo, aren’t you drooling?

Border Grill Silver SurferSilver Surfer

Border Grill Fresh Corn Tamales

Border Grill Quinoa Fritters

I have to admit that I often give the side-eye to “modern Mexican” but I am learning that I shouldn’t judge too quickly because when it is done right, it really is spectacular. Two examples of moan worthy plates were the Green Corn Tamales made with fresh sweet corn, sour cream, and salsa fresca & the Quinoa Fritters made from crunchy aztec grain, cotija cheese, and aji amarillo aioli.  These are not the dishes my mom is making at home and that’s great, because I want someone to knock my socks off with combinations I’d never even think of. Fresh corn tamales are something that you need to introduce to your life asap! And, if you’re ready to become addicted to quinoa fritters, then you must get ready for these babies.

Summer Cocktails at Border GrillAndean Stallion: pisco, fernet blanca, lime, agave, angostura bitters

Churro bites y’all. I could almost say “enough said” but you probably want to know what those bomb dipping sauces are. Let me break these bad boys down. These here are dulce de leche infused churros tossed in cinnamon and sugar, accompanied by whipped cream, chocolate and caramel dipping sauces. I am serious about my churros and trust me when I say that I could’ve ate these sweet treats like a bag of popcorn. Piping hot with the melt in your mouth quality.

Border Grill Churro Tots
Border Grill
445 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 486-5171

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , , ,

Comments (4)

You might also dig

July 20, 2012

KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals

KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals

Brunch plans this weekend? I’ve got you covered if you are in L.A. homie. I recently hit up KTCHN DTLA at The Gorbals, which you also might know as KTCHN 105, and this is a must try brunch spot. I am thankful my boo Joanne has her ear to the ground on all things Downtown L.A. We rolled up on a Sunday around noon without reservations and told we’d probably have to wait over an hour because there was no room. Neither of us are high maintenance (when it comes to dining that is) and asked the hostess about a cozy corner we peeped. She said “people don’t usually want to sit there because it is so small” and our response was “we’ll take it.”

The menu changes often and on our visit there were so many delectable plates to choose from: White Sea Bass Crudo, Apple Fritters, Habanero Scramble, and Braised Short Ribs N Eggs. Since I had a heavy dinner the night before I was in the mood for something light and fresh so the Big Ass Salad looked perfect. With that kind of name I knew I was in for salad extravaganza and it proved to be note worthy, packed with avocado, beets, hearts of palm, orange, grapefruit, pistachios, garbanzos, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, tossed in a pumpkin seed vinaigrette. I especially loved that on the menu it read underneath “no you can’t have it any different then that, yours truly chef Felix…”

Thankfully Joanne was in the mood for something savory and ordered the Huge Salted Pork Belly N Eggs which I had also been eyeing on the menu. True friends let each other have a bite of their dish so I was tickled pink knowing I’d have a taste. Served with two organic fried eggs, home fries and brioche, this dish sounded like the winner of the menu. When I took a bite of the pork belly I literally hunched over in my seat and moaned.

KTCHN DTLA at The GorbalsRogue: apple, beet, carrot, celery, pinapple and oj

KTCHN 105 Pork Belly

KTCHNDTLA at TheGorbals Grits

This white bowl of wonderment totally caught my eye but I couldn’t eat another bite. Thankfully my new pal Tittsworth indulged in this beauty on a separate occassion and gave me permission to use his photo. Dude, do you know how bad I want those Brie Grits right now? That looks like magic in a bowl, packed with berry compote, topped with apple julienne and bourbon cherry granola. I hope they still have this on the menu the next time I swing by!

KTHCN DTLA at The Gorbals
501 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 908-2646

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , , ,

Comments (6)

You might also dig

July 12, 2012

Huarache Azteca, Highland Park

Huarache Azteca

Huarache Azteca is a gem I have been frequenting for years but have yet to give the proper shout out on the blog. This is one of my favorite Mexican spots in all of Los Angeles, located in Highland Park, just West of the San Gabriel Valley and off the 110 for those of you on the freeway. Whether my pockets are thick or I’ve only got $7 to my name, I know I can pull up a chair at Huarache Azteca and eat like a king. My order usually goes something like this – all in Spanish to boot – 1 Huarache de Asada, 1 taco usually chorizo, tripas or adobada and 1 agua frescha, preferably watermelon or cantaloupe (sandia o melon). For those of you who love a good agua fresca, they also have piña, jamaica, and horchata.

The huarache is a must here! I probably don’t even have to tell you after that first photo. A huarache is made of fried masa (corn dough) and shares a similar shape to the sandal of the same name. Huaraches are usually topped with a savory meat, onions, cilantro and queso fresco. At this location you have the added bonus of crema on your huarache and a salsa station that would please any palette. My preferred salsa is the chipotle in oil that is sometimes on view and other times has to be requested; this is the flavor that brings most joy to my mouth!

Tacos are not to be overlooked my friends. Last night I indulged in the adobada and enjoyed a good moan or two. Adobada is usually pork marinated in red chili sauce and spices, which in my world equates two thumbs up! Are you down with tripas? I recently took my mother here and she proclaimed their tripas as some of her favorite, ever. Coming from a Mexican-American matriarch who loves all things intestinal that statement was a huge deal.

Run, don’t walk, to get your huarache love on this summer.

Huarache Azteca Salsa Bar

Huarache Azteca Agua Frescas

Huarache Azteca Tacos

Huarache Azteca
5225 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 478-9572
Neighborhood: Highland Park

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , , , , ,

Comments (7)

You might also dig

June 28, 2012

Dean Sin World, Monterey Park

Dean Sin World Monterey Park

I meet lots of people who rant and rave about Din Tai Fung, which is no doubt delicious, but sometimes I want something a bit more chill and less assembly line. One of the spots I hit up when I am totally casual is Dean Sin World, Monterey Park. Located in a strip mall off a main drag in MP, this tiny space packs some serious flavor in their variety of dumplings. One of my favorite things about intimate settings like DSW is you really have a chance to experience the vibes of a family owned establishment. What can I say? I like making friends.

On to the food. I am a sucker for a Green Onion Pancake and for $2.75 how could anyone say no? The first crunch is always my favorite and if there is a bit of grease on my fingers, I am definitely sitting pretty. On this visit, my party of two (including myself) ordered the classic Xiao Long Bao aka Soup Dumplings and a plate of Slightly Fried Dumplings. Loaded my hot bites with the necessary chile accoutrements and lunch was complete, not to mention only $10 for the both of us.

I look forward to my next pit stop at Dean Sin World, me thinks I’ll be ordering up the Beef Noodle Soup which is only listed in Chinese that Gastronomy Blog wrote about here. Moments like these I am so proud to be from the SGV! I mean, just take a look at that last photo – it says everything about where I am from.

Dean Sin World Menu

Dean Sin World Green Onion Pancakes

Dean Sin World Soup Dumplings

Dean Sin World Signs

Dean Sin World
306 N Garfield Ave #2
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 571-0636

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , ,

Comments (11)

You might also dig

June 12, 2012

Favorite Ceviche in L.A.

Dorados Ceviche Sampler

Yesterday I met some cool people who just moved to beautiful Los Angeles, one of them being a major gourmand. As we sat around the table at Honda-Ya, munching on scallop tartare, chicken hearts, and bacon wrapped okra I weighed in on all my favorite spots in this glorious town. One thing I had to mention, which I supplied with an iPhone visual, was the Ceviche Sampler at Dorados Ceviche Bar in Monterey Park.

Dorados is a frequent spot of mine and they just might have the best ceviche in L.A. The Ceviche Sampler serves up 5 different flavors, all of them being delicious. As I mentioned in my full coverage last year, the Pulpo Escabeche was my favorite, no big surprise as octopus is usually my preference. A close second was the Agua Chile (spicy shrimp) because this girl always needs some spice in her life. Summer has almost arrived which means it will be the perfect time to get your mariscos grub on!

See more of my Dorados Ceviche Bar photos & food here. Tell me, where do you love ceviche?

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , ,

Comments (10)

You might also dig

June 6, 2012

Tacos Baja Ensenada, East Los Angeles

Tacos Baja Ensenada

This is a no frills blog post on one of my favorite no frills joint, Tacos Baja Ensenada. Dudes, I LIVE FOR TACOS. I have been eating at this L.A. fish taco haven for years, and next to Ricky’s, it is my absolute favorite in this town. If you love fish or shrimp tacos and have yet to eat here, I must question your whole existence because this is the spot! I usually order the Un Taco da Camarón y un Taco de Pescado Combinacion, which is one fish/one shrimp taco with rice and beans, with a side of jamaica please.

I was especially inspired to write this after watching the Baja episode of No Reservations last night. Having family both in Tijuana y La Paz, I have developed a love for baja gastronomy, fish especially. On a summer day, nothing quite tastes as good (aside from ceviche) as biting down on a crunchy fish taco topped with cabbage, fresh salsa, and crema. At Tacos Baja Ensenada they get the tacos right. Promise me you’ll stop by this summer!

Lastly, one of my favorite things about this spot is the all-you-can-eat peppers! I load up on a few of these delicious seasoned roasted guero yellow peppers and I’m sitting pretty. Did you know that Latinas live the longest in the USA? Me thinks it is all the peppers we eat!

Tacos Baja Ensenada

Tacos Baja Ensenada
5385 Whittier Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 887-1980

Posted in: Food, LA | Tagged: , , , ,

Comments (21)

You might also dig