Los Angeles: Epic Eats Endeavour

It seems LA is my fine wine, improving with time.  Since I last typed we've been fortunate enough to absolutely DESTROY IT in LA...TWICE.  These food forays have been of such quality and depth that they cannot exist in the same blog entry.  Let's begin with the most recent trip (from this weekend) and I'll tackle the other trip another time.

My wife HATES the term "food trip" but when the food scene is as vibrant as LA right now it's hard to not be left with the food as a singular impression.  Having said this, we did partake in activities other than eating.  Here are some highlights:

Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport:

SWA at Bob Hope Airport (Stock Pic)

If ever you have a choice to fly into LAX or Burbank go Burbank.  We choose to fly this trip since flight costs were exceptionally low.  We typically stay in West Hollywood so Burbank is a bit closer than LAX. But the real benefit is the Lilliputian size of Bob Hope Airport.  Shorter lines, smaller terminals, AND you walk out onto the tarmac to board..from the front and back of the plane.

Republique:

Republique

A new and welcome addition to my LA top 5.  Approachable, simple and hardy French-ish fare in an exceptional space.  We had a 8:30 res and the place was jumping.  LA is rife with places where beautiful people flock to eat mediocre food. This is not one of them.  Beautiful people: Check. Beautiful food and wine: Double Check. After a chat with the knowledgable Somm we went off wine list with a gorgeous Chablis and Gamay Combo.

Chablis and Gamay All Day!!

Dauvissat makes a wonderful and steely Chablis that was ready to go even though it was just a baby.  For anyone who believes that they don't like Beaujolais, I give you Foillard Cote de Py.  This Bojo is the standard by which every Bojo should be judged.  Food?  Super fresh Oysters and Mussels in a simple white sauce.  Lots of bread with Normandy Butter to soak up all that Mussel juice.  Mediterranean Octopus over cabbage with watermelon, lime and chilis was flawless.

Escargot en Croute

Escargot en Croute was another table fave.  Little puff pastries toping small ceramic containers full of hot, buttery, chewy goodness.  Poured out into the pastry caps; wine, garlic, snail, BAM!!! Classic Duck Leg Confit made me wonder why the hell duck would EVER be prepared any other way.


California Science Center:

Endeavour

Great museum, especially for kids.  Cool Exhibit on Pompeii.  But, this side trip was entirely about seeing the decommissioned Space Shuttle Endeavour up close and personal.  Oh the places you've been old girl.  Endeavour spent almost a commulative year in space and traveled more than 122 MILLION miles.  It's time to hang up your dancing shoes.  You did good.

Gjelina:

Gjelina

Hipster pizza joint on Abbot Kinney in Venice.  Dope spot.  Beautiful space with a great and lively bar and fantastic indoor and outdoor seating options.  Trying to "pull it back" went with a nice Rose from Sylvain Bailly and a Nebbiolo form Camerano off the "by the glass" list.  Both were broad and ready to go out of the bottle.  Food began with a delicate  Escarole Salad and a side of perfectly prepared Brussel Sprouts.

'Za!

Grilled Laguica Sausage with oyster mushrooms, shallots and white wine were destination worthy and mind numbingly good.  Rounded things out with the Duck Sausage Pizza.  Killed it!

Canals of Venice:

Venice Canals

When you eat like a Sultan you need to walk it off every now and again lest you no longer be able to fit under a regulation table.  We explored the unique and charming architecture and waterway s of the canals which have given Venice it's name.  Beautiful and romantic stroll through the alleys and bridges of Venice.  Homes range from tiny charmers to shoe horned in mega million mansions.  Great way to spend an hour or two.

The Hungry Cat:

The Hungry Cat

Casual Hollywood Raw Bar that hides exceptional food in a simple setting.  We came for the Lobster Roll and stayed for the Caviar and Oysters and Champagne and Lamb and Clams and.... Began with a beautiful Ulysse Collin Les Pierrieres Champagne.

Bubbles

Olivier Collin cut his Champagne teeth at Jacques Selosse (which was also on the list at The Cat) and it shows in his bubbles.  Restrained yeast and lingering finish make these bubbles a perfect compliment to seafood.  Began with a simple 1/2 ounce of Hackleback Caviar and Oysters.  Simple is best and these were superb.  We moved on to The Lobster Roll and Clams and Lamb.  The Lobster Roll was excellent but the Clams and Lamb was transcendent.

Malibu Wines:

Malibu Wines

Possibly the biggest find of the trip.  Way...Way...WAY out on Mulholland Drive high above Malibu is this gem.  The concept is a BYOF[ood], wine tasting room and store with lots of out door seating in a stunning and rustic setting.  Wines are between drinkable and damn tasty.  We had a large group there for a birthday party and went through quite a few corks.  Rose, Rose Sparking, Mouvedre, Merlot...all solid stuff.

Bestia:

Bestia

Arrive at 9 to one of the hardest covers to get in LA and be told you are couple number 10 waiting for bar seating...OUCH.  What does one do?  Bribe the hostess of course.  Fifty Bucks and Five minutes later we had a prime table (pro tip...you're welcome) Hey, in for a penny, in for a pound.  My fifty was amortized nicely over the breadth of the meal.  I was craving red burg but when in Rome... Nebbiolo was the call.  Somm picked a nice example from Rainoldi to get it popping. Began with Grilled Octopus and Calamari.  Simply, the best Octo prep we'd ever had anywhere.  Slightly charred and perfect texture over a bed of greens.  Finger licking good.  Bone Marrow over Spinach Gnocchetti was divine.

'Za!

From there we had the "I can't believe it's Uni" Uni Pasta and the Alla'nduja Pizza.  Both were stunners. Bestia is probably the most exciting place we've been in the LA food scene in a while.  The physical space, energy and food are all electric.  While I think I'd rather eat at Republique (slightly) I'd rather BE at Bestia.  Put it on your list

Mrs. Fish:

Mrs. Fish

DTLA is "On The Come Up".  Mrs. Fish is a little different.  Think super club but where they play rock and roll instead of Calvin Harris.  Bottle Service is a must.  I loath crowds and need my own space.  Typical pricing on Champagne and Vodka.  Killer cool space and a good way to spend a birthday with friends.

If you twisted my arm and made me pic a favorite it would be Republique.  If you made me pick a place most likely to impress your food friend from NYC, it would be Bestia.  Either way, ANY of the food or fun choices we made this trip were on point.  LA, you never disappoint.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

About Last Night: Petite Maison

Petite Maison

Full disclosure, James Porter is a friend and one of the Valleys most important contributors to the local culinary scene.  I have been a fan since his tapas spot Tapino.  He has done many private parties for my group and we can be seen holding down a bar stool at Petite Maison many a night.  James is old school.  When he is not putting it down in the kitchen he greets his guests like old friends...because so many are.  Petite Maison is the kind of place one lingers.  Some nights it's over a bottle of champagne and a pot off mussels and frites and some nights it's more playful, like his pumpkin tasting menu with wine pairings.  Last night was last minute and pre Gone Girl (cool movie...my wife says I should have read the book first...she's right...she's always right).

We planted ourselves at the bar and ordered a couple apps and split a main.  We love the make over of the space.  The woody darkish interior has been abandoned for a more light and airy feel.  It was a beautify night last night as the oppressive Scottsdale summer heat is FINALLY giving way to climactic perfection (yeah...I said climactic).  Most would prefer sitting outside when this exceptional weather arrives but the casual elegance of the bar draws me in most every time.

Macon White Burgundy

We cracked a bottle of "Peasant" Burgundy from Macon, Talmard Macon Chardonnay.  Wines from The Maconnais district of South Burgundy are often killer value choices for people who love French Chardonnay that are lightly oaked and value priced.  This one shows a hint of oak and balances it with a touch of acidity and minerality making it pair broadly with French Fare

Duck Pastrami

We began with The Duck Pastrami - Crispy Matzo Ball - Garlic Confit - Pickled Brussels.  This was a huge hit with generous tender slices of duck and crispy matzo rounded out nicely with the garlic and pickled veg.

Octopus

We also ordered The Grilled Octopus - Roasted Corn - Arugula -Red Pepper Roullie - Stone Mustard.  If there is octopus on the menu we will order it.  This was a super fun prep anchored by the corn and mustard.

Pumpkin Risotto

James knew I wanted to do the Pumpkin menu but we were short on time.  He surprised us with his Organic Pumpkin Risotto - Duck Confit - Pumpkin Chips.  Delicate flavors with a generous portion of perfectly prepared duck made this rich dish delish (see what I did there!?)

Duck Breast

We split The Duck Breast - Ginger Rice Cake - Saba Mushroom - Bok Choy - Pear Kimchi.  This was the Bell of the Ball.  I am more of a peasant duck guy in general.  I prefer thigh/leg and I prefer it confit. THIS was excellent though.  Juicy, savory, and gently flavored duck balanced with beautifully prepared mushrooms and kimchi.  An excellent and playful preparation.  Well done James.

James is my homie and he is not at all big headed about being named one of the 50 best chefs in Arizona. I've been fortunate enough to enjoy many a late night whiskey with James and that has certainly informed my love of Petite but, oh by the way, the food is fantastic too.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

New Wine App Alert!!: Delectable

Delectable Wine App

I was using Vivino until I discovered the Wine Scanner App Mecca Shizz!!!!  A few things make Delectable my wine go to app now.  First off, the scanner REALLY works well and quickly AND they manually check everything to make certain it is what it is.  Secondly, it's Instagram for wine geeks.

Dustin Wilson Wine Director at Elven Madison Park

You can search for sommeliers you trust to follow.  Thirdly, many wines have a regular people AND  pro ratings...super helpful.  Follow friends, strangers, pros or strange friends who are pros!  One of my favorite things to do is to follow people who love stuff I love to learn what else I might love.  Check it out, download it and FOLLOW ME: Doc Jay

Yours Truly!

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

Roka Akor: Happy Hour Flo

Roka Akor

Roka Akor is the offspring of a series of Japanese restaurants dotted around the globe, called simply Roka.  The name and the restaurant Roka akoR were meant to be a literal and figurative reflection of Roka.  Now there are a bunch of those "reflections" in big food cities (San Fran, Chicago).  I've been going to Roka since it arrived in the valley 5 plus years ago.  The happy hour here is off the damn chains!! For the month of September they are doing their happy hour menu from OPEN TO CLOSE EVERY DAMN NIGHT!  Ok so it's only available at the bar but I'd almost always rather sit at the bar,  Win. Win.

Bar at Roka Akor

Standard happy hour discount's apply.  Figure 10-15% off regular pricing.  Three bucks off wine by the glass.  Usually, discount, by the glass wine sucks.  It's usually stuff you wouldn't drink at any price.  Not the case here.  Roka understands that few things pair with Sushi like White Burgundy.  Enter Domaine Costals fantastic value Chablis, Les Truffiers.  A lightly oaked Chardonnay with a perfect mineral tinge.   For red they have another personally reviewed favorite by the glass, Robert Sinskey POV.  Bottom line: your wine needs WILL be met.

Kermit Lynch Imported Chablis

Food wise you are, again, spoiled for choice.  Our favorites are the Butterfish Tataki, Roast Duck and Kimchi Udon, and Lobster Tacos.  There are a number of rolls and other food options which are solid as well.  The atmosphere at the bar is upscale and lively.  This place is a hit.

Butterfish Tataki

Roka Akor is a worthy desert destination.  The lively bar,  excellent wines and great food make it a frequent hit for us.  The all night happy hour just assured that our visits this month will be more frequent.  Check it out.

Thanks for reading!

Doc  Jay

Trip Report: Las Vegas...All Work...Not!

A friend of mine adores using the hashtag #allwork.  Usually, this hashtag accompanies pics of him on a yacht, a private jet, or in his F12 Ferrari.   All work...RIGHT!!!  Whether I am in Vegas for a few hours or a few days it is tough to have any trip JUST be all work.  Last weeks Board Review Course  and more meetings two days later on how to make my hospital awesome[r] had me in Vegas twice in the last 10 days.  Here are some hits from my "work" trips:


Mon Ami Gabi:

Mon Ami Gabi

The conference I attended was in The Hotel Paris...you will note it DOES NOT get mentioned as a highlight.  It was super cheap and I was focused on the conference so I figured "what the hey".  I will not be staying there again.  It's a dump.  Having said that, Mon Ami Gabi was suggested by a local friend as a place with decent Steak Frites and a solid wine list full of Bordeaux and Burgundy.  We had dinner there Sunday and I had lunch there twice more during my stay.  

Right Bank Easy Drinker

The steak frites were indeed tasty and I found a great Bordeaux at a reasonable price to wash it down with: 2010 Chateau Louvie Saint Emillion Grand Cru. Cool, Right Bank, ready to go Bordeaux that was perfect with our Steak Frites.  Went back to Mon Ami later in the week and had the Salmon Salad with a nice, by the glass, Pouilley Fussie.  This place was alarmingly solid for the volume of humanity they push through.


Le Cirque:

Le Cirque

In the theme of Joel Robuchon, a decadently adorned small space which is run tight.  Some of the best service we've had to date in Las Vegas.   We went with the Degustation, 7 courses from Amuse Bouche through dessert.

Caviar Trio

The highlights were the Caviar Trio and The Kobe with Bone Marrow.  This was the perfect tasting menu for when you are hungry but not famished.  Also, nothing was overly heavy and if it was heavy there was very little of it.

White Burgundy and Bordeaux of the Night

We started our wine adventure out with Domaine du Chateau de Pulignay-Montrachet Merasault Premier Cru. Moved on to a 2006 Chateaux Giscours Margaux.  Big, dirty, earthy, chewy...Cab forward Bomb! Just my style.


Cirque Du Soleil "O":

"O"

I am fortunate enough to have a good friend who is a lead in the show.  As such, I've seen it over 10 times.  This time we scored comped Light Box ( the control room from whence the show is directed)  tickets.  Thanks Anja, you the shizz! One might think I would get tired of seeing something again and again.  Not so.  Still one of the most entertaining and spectacular ways to spend an hour and a half.  The clowns, the music.  The dudes in the red coats and thigh highs( don't judge) who fly out over the show.  I am lost in this show every damn time.  LOVE IT!


Prime Steakhouse:

Prime

If you live in Phoenix the "fine dining" options are essentially the high end steak houses.  So, when I'm in Vegas I tend to avoid them for more subtle fair.  But sometimes you just need a damn steak. Mastros is always an excellent choice but if you want to have a steak in an exceptional setting Prime is really the only choice.  Located along "Lake Bellagio", this elegant room adorned in heavy drapes, plush seating and carpet, this is a BOSS steakhouse.  Great Steaks, sides and wine list.  I went with a Peppercorn New York Strip with Broccioli and Truffled Mashed Potatoes on the side.  Washed down with a young but ample 2011Cliff Lede Cab.  Chased with a splash (or more) of Hine Triomphe Cognac, this was a great meal.


American Express Centurion Lounge:

American Express Centurion Lounge

I've had an Amex Platinum Card for years.  The convience and access this card has provided has been a game changer.  Simple things like being able to pay an Ubër bill with my Amex points or perks like having Amex Concierge score me a two top at a Michelin 3 Star restaurant make the $400 annual fee more than worth it.  The Centurion Lounge at select airports (in this case Vegas) is a nice touch.  Tasty Buffet Lunch, Gourmet Coffee's and Solid Complimentary wine are some of the benefits.  My last two trips to Vegas we used the lounge to grab a bite and relax in comfort while waiting for our flights.  The lounge may be reason enough to break me of my habit of arriving to the airport with minutes to spare.  Well done again Amex!


These last two trips to Vegas were more filled with work than I would prefer.  However, I am a proponent of squeezing in play time whenever possible.  My philosophy is to MAKE opportunity happen.  Work it important but MUST be balanced with a healthy dose of self indulgent play time.  This, I have on lock!

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

About Last Weekend: The Nash, Welcome Diner and More

There is a common misconception amongst my "friends" that I may be gainfully UNemployed.  They reason that all of the travel and dining I am known to do would not be possible for one who actually had a job.  This notion is both deeply hurtful and patently untrue (well...it's at least untrue).  I like to think of my self as a Travel and Luxury and Food and Wine opportunist.  Having said this, the last few weeks I have been "on my hop", more than normal, so my normal pattern of eat, drink play suffered...a little.  Fear not, "I been gettin' it in" of late! Here here are some absolute pearls from last week.

Old Blowhard at AZ88

Happened into AZ after a swing shift last Thursday and made the excellent decision to cede my drink choice to Steen, one of my favorite bark keeps in all the lands.  He good.  He REAL GOOD! I was feeling like a bourbon and he chose Old Blowhard 26.  This small batch bourbon has the perfect balance of up front heat and smooth, caramel finish.  At about $150 a bottle, if you like Hirsch and Four Roses and Pappy this will add to your bourbon collection wonderfully. 

Dicks Hideaway:

Tap at Dicks Hideaway

Phoenix cool will likely NEVER be LA, San Fran, NYC cool...at least not it my life time.  Phoenix cool, is more quirky, eccentric, charming cool.  Cool happens more in strip malls here than I ever thought possible.   Enter, Dicks Hideaway.  This place stays out of it's own way and in it's lane better than any 5 places I know.  They have perfected hardy, belly filling New Mexican Fare like Nun Utha My Brutha!   On Friday, I met Claude (one my best homies and a great golfer) there for lunch.  Claude had the same reaction to Dick's EVERYONE I'd ever taken there has, "This is the coolest place I've ever been."  I feel you buddy!  Green Chili Meatloaf and Eggs and a perfectly poured Lagunitas IPA made for a stellar lunch.


OHSO:

Canal Spin to OHSO

The sheer caloric load of lunch made me yearn for a little spin to "work it off"  Fear not, this was not exercise for sheer exercise sake. This was exercise with a carrot at the end! OHSO.  While the food can sometimes be...meh, the beer at OHSO is destination worthy.  

Back Patio at OHSO

This place single handedly made me appreciate the brilliance of the Session IPA (High in Hops Low in ABV...beer nirvana).  Met a buddy there who, after a pint or two really wanted pizza.  I know a place....


Bianco:

Bianco at Town and Country

Fact:  If I wrote about the pizza at Bianco as often as we went there it would be 90% of what I write about.  I will spare you MOST of the details of this trip to pizza Mecca. Yes, a Sonny Boy and a Wise Guy were had.  Yes, we had perfectly al dente pasta with finger licking good red sauce and fall of the bone braised pork. BUT, the stand out this time was a lowly bottle of Pinot Noir...not typically my varietal of choice. 

Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir at Bianco T&C

But, a friend who works there highly recommended it and I am glad she did. After 20 minutes of aeration this thing popped!  Bright, light fruit with a killer nose.  Medium to long finish, it was perfect with the pizza and pasta.  It went down with the quickness.


The Welcome Diner:

Welcome Diner

Keeping with my eccentric theme of the weekend Saturday night was dinner with Bishop Steve at Welcome Diner.  9 Seats at a Counter (outside seating if you don't mind the summer heat), single wide trailer that began it's life in Kansas, was moved to Williams AZ in the 50's and to 9th and Roosevelt in the 2000's.  Anyplace that has been around that long has to be good.  

Pork Fries

The theme is modern plays on Louisiana Classics.  We started with pork and gravy fries and I moved on to Buffalo Fried Chicken with Bacon on a Biscuit.  Bishop went with the Catfish Po Boy.  Great beer on tap and and they make a solid Hurricane.  Open from 5pm-2a most nights, we will be back...often.

The Nash:

JMS and the Bad Cactus Brass Band at The Nash

We kept that "downtown flo" goin' by enjoying a performance by a friends Brass Band at The Nash.  Fantastic BYOB venue at the corner of Roosevelt and 1st Street.  Saturdays are "straight ahead" jazz night...not sure how a NOLA themed brass band snuck in with that caveat...but they absolutely DESTROYED it.  Immensely talented, local, white boys who brought the damn house down!  Thanks for the invite John Michael Sherman...you are THE man.

I'm learning of more gems in this town (that are weather independent) all the time.  Nash and Welcome Diner will now both be in regular rotation.  These are the kind of places that make an adopted town a home.  Check them out soon and often!

Thanks for Reading!

Doc Jay

About Last Night: Nobuo at the Teeter House and Bitter and Twisted

Nobuo at the Teeter House:

Nobuo Fukuda Hard at Work

Technically, we ate there Friday but since it's my blog I can take some artistic licensee.  James Bard award winning chef Nobuo Fukuda shares Heritage square with another James Beard award winning chef...I think he makes pizza's or something.  Fukuda made a splash with the always inventive and fun Sea Saw (a space which later became FnB and later nothing).  You get the sense with Nobuo that much of what he does in not about you, it's about his expression, his choices, his vision.  This is especially so if you give him time to put together a tasting menu and even more so if you give him a couple weeks and let him go full blown Omakase on yo' azz!!  On this night, the tasting menu would have to do...and do it did.  We started off with Hassun, a seasonal local vegetable antipasti.  

Hassun

The eggplant and shashito peppers were legit!! Down the road we moved into Yuan Yaki, lettuce, onion and possibly the most flawlessly prepared tuna the world has ever known.  As is our custom, we made an addition: tender belly pork.  It came out piping hot and melt in your mouth tender.  We could have easily done with two or three more courses of just that.  Food?  Solid!  Wine? Solid Plus!!  Burgundy and more Burgundy. We went with two different White Burgs from the same producer.  Maison Roche de Bellene is a newer producer who uses old vine Chardonnay from a variety of locations to make great wines at palatable prices.  

Burgundy Porn

We began with 2010 Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes . An elegant lightly fruited white with a clean finish.  Great wine.  We wanted to go back to this well but sadly, that was the last bottle so we kicked it up a notch to the 2002 Meursault Collection Bellenum, another excellent Chardonnay that chef aptly described as having more "power!"  Fully agree.

Bitter and Twisted:

Bitter and Twisted

We made an 11pm reservation to pop into B&T post Teeter House.  Glad we did.  While it was not packed to the gills, it was busy enough and we watched the party  of four who arrived just before us be turned away.  You get the feeling that want to keep the exclusivity...for now.  How was it?  Definitely worth a visit.  Dark enough with a simple, modern, industrial vibe.  I essentially had a Gin Old Fashion which was very good.  The crowd is kind of hipster, downtown crew.  Think a slightly less cool version of Hanny's.

All in all, a good night.  We Ubered there and back making the evening seamless and arrest free.  Nobou and Bitter and Twisted, two more reasons to venture to CenPho.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay