Cadet

Cadet is the new Santa Monica locale that is about to be your new home for food and drink. I sat at the bar last night with the amazing Nyugen Tran of Starry Kitchen and we ate until we couldn’t eat anymore.  I ordered the Classic Effervescent that included a sugar cube - it was bitter at the front and sweet in the end.  Delicious.  I could have had those all night but I had to mix it up.  Next was the French Negroni - completely solid.  I loved the huge ice cubes and the bartenders were incredibly lovely.  

Can you tell I loved the place?  The food was mesmerizing.  Kris Tominaga’s food kept the evening going.  From Rabbit Meatballs to Oxtail & Onion Soup…..amazing.  Every entree comes with these crepe-like pancakes with about 10 different flavors to put inside including one of my faves - creme fraiche.  Heaven!  Ember roasted black bass along with bone marrow was our main and then we topped it off with an Apple Crumble.  There is so much more I want to try on that menu.

Oh and I forgot to mention - there’s a glass enclosed fire where you can watch Kris and his staff cook away.  It’s beautiful and you will go home feeling incredibly warm and cozy inside.

Cadet: 2518 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica (310)828-3300

Online Reservations

The 2014 Eat+Drink Supper Club 

A Curated Dining Experience

I can’t believe it’s been an entire year already and here we are with our second Eat+Drink Supper Club season - yes, that’s what I’m calling summer now, the supper club season.  We had so much fun last year with our chefs that we’re bringing a few of them back.  We’ve also paired many of them with amazing winemakers and other local culinary entrepreneurs to completely blow your minds.  I can’t wait to spend the summer eating and drinking with you!  

Our first dinner is April 26th with Chef Clark Staub of Full of Life Flatbread and J.Brix Wines (the full summer list is below). Chef Staub’s menu is to die for and the husband+wife team of Emily & Jody Brix Towe will regale you with why their wines are about to become your new best friends.

1st Course: Morro Bay Oysters with Mignonette & Spring Pea Soup 
Wine: 2012 j. brix “The Augur” Riesling, Kick On Ranch Vineyard

2nd Course: Burrata-stuffed Artichoke wrapped in Prosciutto & Spring-Greens Salad
Wine: 2012 j. brix “Audire” Pinot Noir, Kick On Ranch Vineyard

3rd Course: House-made Chorizo-stuffed Santa Barbara Squid w/Beans and Aioli & Shaman’s Flatbread 
Wine: 2011 j. brix “La Belle Rêveuse” Syrah, Alamo Creek Vineyard

4th Course: Smoked Goat-Milk Ice Cream, Cajeta, Pistachio Cake

Saturday, April 26th
7:00p Cocktails & 8:00p Dinner: $100

40 seats are available and $100 per person includes EVERYTHING (all beverages are complimentary), all you have to do is bring your hungry, thirsty self.  GET IN!

Headed to Bestia tonight in Downtown LA - can’t wait!!!

If this isn’t the best/handiest list for schmucks like me, I don’t know what is!!!  :)

A Handy Guide to Private Dining Rooms in Los Angeles

The holidays are always a time when big groups like to get together and enjoy a festive meal, which is why private dining isn’t just popular, it’s essential. Many restaurants take special care to have a part of the restaurant reserved for office parties and communal gatherings, often with special menus to streamline service, and customized beverage pairings. Here below, just in time for Christmas and New Year’s, a compilation of some of the best private dining rooms in Los Angeles.

READ MORE

Lovin’ this….oysters on the westside!

Classic Tables: Water Grill  

A downtown institution for seafood comes to Santa Monica  

Long before a fascination with retro seafood dishes rolled over the city like a salty wave, Downtown’s Water Grill was the hands-down favorite for elegant surf-and-turf: chilled shrimp Louie salad ($26), bowls of garlicky cioppino ($32) brimming with shellfish and an impeccably fried plate of fish and chips ($26).

It’s no coincidence that L.A.’s two most prominent seafood chefs, Michael Cimarusti and David LeFevre, both spent time running Water Grill’s kitchen over the years before opening their own projects (Damon Gordon is currently at the helm).

Twenty-four years after its original debut, Water Grill has added a ritzy second location along Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue, complete with panoramic seaside views, a burnished copper raw bar, puffy leather booths and schooner-inspired wall hangings.

READ MORE

http://www.bravotv.com/video/embed/?/_vid2667677

Hmmmmmm……

Here Are the Rules of Dating a Chef From Eat Drink Love

Last night Bravo premiered Eat Drink Love, a new reality series that tracks five ladies “connected to the restaurant and food industry in Los Angeles.” The cast: Eater’s very own Kat Odell (editor of Eater LA); Brenda Urban (of the PR firm Urban + Allen; Jessica Miller (Senior Director of Sales & Events at the LA restaurant group Cardiff Giant); Nina Clemente (“one of Los Angeles’ most sought after private chefs”); and Waylynn Lucas (the pastry chef behind fōnuts). Today, Glamour called it “one of the most exciting reality offerings in years.”  READ MORE

(Source: http://www.bravotv.com/)

I LOVE UrbanDaddy!!!  

I think they have some of the funniest email blasts ever.  Here is the one the sent for the just-about-to-open Bucato in Culver City. I have to go now JUST because of this email.

From Urban Daddy Los Angeles: You probably didn’t dream about pasta last night.

Probably.

But if you did, it might’ve looked a little something like Bucato, a towering shrine to the magical possibilities of flour meeting water. It’s from Rustic Canyon chef Evan Funke—and it’s finally, finally opening Wednesday.

And when Wednesday happens, here’s what you’ll do. 1) Dramatically cancel all Wednesday meetings. 2) Program 310-876-0286 into your phone. 3a) Do some light phone stretches starting around 9:15am—repeatedly curl your dialing finger, that sort of thing. 3b) 9:30am. The phone lines open. And Bucato will only accept same-day reservations. So… procure same-day reservations. 4) Take a moment to silently congratulate yourself on correctly living life.

And then… 5) You’ll walk into the bright light of what could only be called pasta heaven. Two patios. A bunch of knives plunged deep into a towering white wall, their handles making the shape of California. A chandelier made out of rolling pins. And a glass-encased pasta lab upstairs, where things that aren’t noodles become noodles. This lab is doing important work.

So yeah, business lunch. Alfresco wine date. Quick dinner. Special-occasion dinner. It’s all happening here, over squash blossoms, nectarines and fresh strascinati… or tagliatelle with pigeon ragù.

Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. 

Bucato

3280 Helms Ave

Culver City, CA 90034

310-876-0286

The folks that run Freddy Smalls are about to do two amazing things that you must know about right away!

• Freddy Smalls is having a BARBECUE!  Yes you heard right. On Sunday, August 18th starting at 2:00p you can eat all the Tri-Tip and Maryland Blue Crab you want while whiling away the day with friends and jamming to music. Best to buy these tickets far in advance either at Freddy’s (11520 W Pico - just east of Barrington) or over the phone at (310)479-3000. Don’t miss out or otherwise you’re gonna kick yourself when you see pictures the next day of all of us who gorged ourselves on all that food! And drinks! And music!   

• New Santa Monica Lunch locale. The Shack on Wilshire & 26th has been taken over by the same people who own Freddy Smalls and started The Counter hamburger joints. While the final concept is in the works, they’re creating a limited engagement “lunchtime pop-up” Tuesday thru Friday next week.Starting Tuesday (July 30th) you can swing by between 11:00a and 2:30p for what will arguably be the best cheesesteaks (and caesar salads, hand cut chips, and bottled coke, water and beer) you will find this far from Philly. I’ll be there. Will you?  

Run.  Don’t walk.

Best,
Heather

The Eat+Drink Supper Club

with Chef Eric Brown

Eric Brown may not be a household name in Los Angeles…yet.  After May 4th, you’ll tell everyone you know about his amazing sushi.

Saturday, May 4th
7:00p Cocktails & 8:00p Dinner: $100

Chef Eric Brown recently relocated to Austin, Texas from coastal Mexico where he was the founding chef/owner of a Latin-inspired, fresh-from-the-dock sushi restaurant.  Eric served a fresh sense of possibility and innovation in his menu and was recently a featured chef at TEDxAustin.  

I have 24 seats available for this May 4th dinner.  $100 per person includes EVERYTHING (all beverages are complimentary), all you have to do is bring your hungry, thirsty self.  Eric’s menu for our first official Saturday evening of the Eat+Drink Supper Club is to die for.  

Menu
(Salad) Edamame Mousse, Kiri, Brussels, Pear, Monchego
(Maki) Tempura Shrimp, Asparagus, Tuna Tartar, Lemon, Eel Sauce

(Nigiri) Albacore Tataki, Cilantro Gremolata, Crispy Garlic Chips

(Sashimi) Salmon, Avocado, Szechuan crème fresh &
Hamachi, Cara Cara Orange, Chili &
Hirame, Grape, Thai Basil

(Tempura) Shiso Shiso, Lump Crab, Tobiko, Yuzu

(Land n Sea) Oysters with Nahm Jim, Red Curry Braised Short Ribs

(Dessert) Lavender Cream, Banana Brulee, Basil Seeds

 

Sake

Gekkeikan Black & Gold Sake

Tozai Sake “Well Of Wisdom”

Dreamy clouds nigori

Ozeki Ginjo Premier Sake

Orion Lager 

Rihaku (Wandering Poet) Junmai Ginjo

Hand crafted sake cocktail

eatplusdrink:

Simply Divine

This looks to be a great event here in Los Angeles in a few weeks.  Eat, drink and mingle with chefs and fellow foodies on famed Melrose Place.  What could be better?  Not much.  The participating restaurants, wineries, breweries, and spirit makers include:

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

  

Zagat’s 30 Under 30: LA’s Hottest Up-and-Comers of 2013

One of my favorite chefs, Charlie Parker of Freddy Smalls, was recognized by Zagat’s as one of Los Angeles’ top chefs to keep an eye on in 2013.  You know we’re on to something when I highlighted Charlie and Freddy Smalls months ago.  Keep an eye on Charlie and Eat+Drink!! 

Teen Chef Makes Debut at Beverly Hills Restaurant

I’m so at this on Wednesday and will ABSOLUTELY blog about the experience!!

He has cooked for more than 120 people at a time, worked in top restaurants across the country, and entertains 12 people at his home monthly for an 18-course meal. These accomplishments may seem like the work of a veteran chef, but this cook is only 14 years old.

Flynn McGarry will be taking his talents to BierBeisl, an Austrian restaurant in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 30 where he will cook a 12-course meal for 40 people - an event that is already completely sold out and costs $160 a person.

“The chef at BierBeisl is super nice and said, ‘Whatever you need, I’ll help you cook,’” McGarry said. “It was a natural thing, and it works with the restaurant’s schedule and is a lot easier to do it in a restaurant. I am going into this a lot more confident than other dinners. I started working on this [Thursday], running around town getting supplies. It is a week process, which people don’t really realize.”  Read More

Red O

Although Cheebo is our go-to for any weekend breakfast or lunch, Red O is our Sunday brunch must-have.  Rick Bayless’ West Hollywood haunt has “the best guacamole EVER” according to our son.  That’s a pretty serious endorsement since up until that moment in time, he was conviced Tere’s guacamole was the best.  It put him in quite the predicament on the day he switched teams.  If only Rick Bayless knew!  

If we have nothing to do on a Sunday around 10a, Red O is the first words out of the kids’ mouths.  Again, I happily drive across town to experience that “world renowned” guacamole along with the Huevos a la Mexicana and the Huevos Rancheros Verdes.  It’s all scrumptious.

Tere likes the Steak & Heirloom Tomato Salad (I do too) and we’ve had the Dungeness Crab Cakes multiple times.  We all love the Churros with chocolate-Kahlua dipping sauce.    

There really isn’t a bad dish on the menu but the one thing I jones for is the margarita.  I go for the Market Margarita otherwise known as the “Spa” margarita.  It has cucumbers and feels very refreshing which is another way of saying I can drink MANY of them!  Tere likes a little spice so she prefers the Alacran Cabo Wabo which has a red color and looks incredibly fire-y to me.

Red O also has a $100 margarita available on Fridays and Saturdays called The Benjamin, and rightfully so.  If you’re uber-knowledgable about tequila, here is the recipe…amazing. 

Extra anejo tequilas; Patron Burdelos, Herradura Selection Suprema, & Partida Elegante, Gran Marnier Cuvee du Cent Cinquentanaire. with fresh Mexican lime & 100% Organic Agave syrup, shaken & poured over homemade lime sorbet ice cubes & Louix XIII cognac float. Finished with Blood Orange caviar & edible gold & kosher salt rim, served on a silver platter with a stainless steel straw.

I’ve always wondered if Red O was going to make it because the crowd for Sunday Brunch always seemed to be a little on the light side but I hear the evening dinner scene is a madhouse.  Tons of people enjoying the amazing food and out of this world margaritas.  I really need to get over there one evening to check it out but for now, I’m pretty happy with my lazy Sundays and a Market Margarita.

Heather’s Rating: Worth Going Back Over and Over

Red O

8155 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90046

(323)655-5009

Open: Sat & Sun Brunch 10:30a-3:00p, Daily Dinner starting at 6:00p

Reservations

Cheebo

We used to live right up the hill from Cheebo in Hollywood a number of years ago.  It was my absolute go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I love it so much that if I’m not cycling on a weekend morning, I will drive the kids all the way across town for their fried bread, cheeburrito, chopped salad and pizza.

The LA Times reviewed Cheebo back in 2003 and I decided I had to check it out. The pizza sold by the foot is the big draw and you should definitely have it but it’s everything else that makes Cheebo worth coming back over and over.

For breakfast, the kids (and I) love the Chee-Begniers N Honey - and yes, that’s how they spell it on their menu so don’t give me any grief over it.  For the rest of us, it’s otherwise known as fried bread and honey.  These little pillows of fried dough come out steaming hot and make every bad thing that happened to you melt away.  After you satiate your sweet tooth, move on to the Cheeborito.  I go for the Original but add in Avocado.  One Cheeborito is more than a normal person can handle without feeling like you’ll lose a full day to the “sleepies” after you’ve consumed this massive beast.  I also love the Huevos Rancheros, classic SoCal breakfast.

If you’re headed to Cheebo for lunch, order the pizza and a Cheebo Chop.  This is by far my favorite chop salad.  They have a vegetarian version but I don’t understand the point of that.  Get it with all the cheese and meat they will put in. It’s delish.  

To make Cheebo even more interesting than the food is that once in awhile a relaxed, chilled out celebrity will be eating right next to you.  It’s Hollywood so everyone’s cool like that.

Heather’s Rating: Worth Going Back Over and Over

Cheebo

7533 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90046

(323)850-7070

Hours: 8:00a-11:00p Every Day

Reservations: Call

Apple Pan

My paternal grandmother is not a good cook.  A wonderful woman, yes, but a horror in the kitchen.  When I was young, my family would drive up from Orange County to visit her and my grandfather in West Los Angeles but always with a caveat – we’d stop at the Apple Pan.  This tiny shack on Pico Boulevard is an LA institution with its original menu and décor which date back to the 1940’s.   In my formidable years, I wanted to be a grown-up just so I could work in the movies and eat at the Apple Pan every day.  I suppose this dream isn’t so far-fetched but if only my waistline would co-sign with these ambitions…

The options are limited but oh so satisfying.  I always order the fries well done as they arrive with the perfect amount of crispiness on the outside that crunch into a soft, slightly salty potato center.  You can’t go wrong with either the hickory or steak burger – it’s just a matter of personal preference.  The hickory features their special house-made barbecue sauce while the steak burger is their take on an all-American classic.  Both come adorned with pickles, lettuce and mayo with the opportunity to add a slice of Tillamook Cheese (which is an obvious yes).  At this point in the meal I’m almost always full…but that doesn’t mean the party’s over.  It is the Apple Pan for goodness sake’s!  Now here’s where things get controversial. Yes, they are known for their apple pie.  Yes, it is great.  However, the banana cream pie is the real show stopper.  The cream mixes with sliced bananas proudly perched on top of flaky pie crust into a delectable presentation with an entrancing fragrance.  It’s pretty close to pure perfection. 

After such a satisfying meal, I’m either ready to curl up on the couch with a good movie or immediately schedule my next appointment at the gym.  Even though I am now firmly cemented in my adulthood, it doesn’t seem like all that much has changed as far as my priorities go. Maybe instead I should call up my grandmother and see if she’d be up for a visit?  

Lauren’s Rating: Worth Going Back Over and Over

Apple Pan

10801 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles 90064

(310)475-3585

Hours: 11:00a-12:00a Every Day

BOA

Although our Christmas holiday involved more food than anyone could ever consume, we found ourselves watching the Food Network non-stop this past Saturday.  If you recall, the morning started out cold but dry and quickly devolved into a rainy, soggy mess.  I was out on my bike and got caught in the rain - fun.  So once I got home, all I wanted to do was sink into our bed and watch tv.  And watch tv we did.  In the early afternoon we were starting to get very hungry as we watched a series of restaurant shows on The Travel Channel.  One in particular, Food Paradise, was all about steakhouses.  We learned about dry-aging beef, wet-aging beef and how to get the best cuts of meat from a cow.

We were all dying for a steak and started calling around town to secure an early reservation with the kids.  Mastro’s was booked, Lawry’s was going to be too touristy but BOA was reasonably close and could seat us at 5:30p.  Perfect!  

We threw on slightly nicer clothes, slicked down the kids’ hair and took off for Santa Monica.  As we walked in, our son asked where the pictures were on the walls - unfortunately, he thought we were going to The Palm which he saw on that show.  Now I’m forced to take him there one day soon.  Only WE would have kids that think going to The Palm is normal.

I’ve eaten at BOA many times and this trip didn’t disappoint.  We started off with a special bruschetta appetizer with ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes and truffle oil that was heavenly and a picture perfect chop salad.  The steaks were wonderful although my gigantic Porterhouse (to share with the kids - hello!) was much more rare than the “medium to medium well” I asked for.  I also really loved the wine menu with a number of unique, hard to find wines but mostly the half-bottles that allowed the two of us to try two different wines without spending a small fortune.

The coup de grace of the evening though was the perfectly square mound of blue cotton candy they made for the kids.  They went nuts.  Everyone around us was in awe of it and it was awe worthy.  For a last minute trip out for “cow” as my daughter said, it was a pretty great night.

Heather’s Rating: Worth Going Back Again 

BOA

101 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90401

(310)899-4466

Reservations