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

Trip Report: LA...again...shocker.

The City of Angels will be a recurring theme.  We go a lot.  A manigagble 5-6 hour drive (depending on how law abiding I'm feeling). This trip was a little business and, as always, a lot of pleasure. Here are some highlights on this LA quick hitter:

The Andaz:

Andaz

We like WeHo. It's central location affords you access to Beverly Hills, downtown LA and it's not crazy far from the beaches.  Plus, most of our favorite shopping and dinning are close by. It's where we typically base ourselves.  Andaz was a different look for us. Our first stay at the property was driven largely by plummeting prices days before we were to arrive in LA.  The reviews were solid, the location was familiar, figured, "what the hell!?"  

Pool

The property is 4 star to 4 star plus overall. Rooms are a good size with smallish bathrooms. Common areas are modern but inviting.  Roof pool is not huge but with great views. We'd stay here again if we were discount hunting but prefer The Mondrian ( literally just across the street) and The London.  

Nobu Malibu:

Nobu

Here on official business (long story) I didn't truly have a meal (or a drink) this trip. But, Nobu is becoming the Chipotle of high end sushi places with multiple locations.  I'd have to imagine the food and drink are as solid as ever (and anywhere). What I can tell you is the view and physical space are destination worthy (day and night...I was there from 4pm-2am).  I can also tell you Leonardo Dicaprio, Silvester Stalone, and Gwen Stefani are super chill and down to earth.  It was a good night.  

Fourth of July Fireworks at Longbeach:

58' Sea Ray Sedan Bridge

Enjoyed epic views of the fireworks from a friends boat and gleaned some killer intel for return trips.  One of the best places to enjoy these fireworks ( and multiple others in the area) is from the deck of the decommissioned cruise ship The Queen Mary. 

Independence Day at The Queen Mary

By the time we ancored a few hundred yards from the QM the party on board it was already TURNT UP! Now a hotel, one gets the feeling that it is easy to find a party aboard The Queen Mary.  

Le Pain Quotidien WeHo:

Le Pain

Le Pain is a chain of French Breakfast/ Lunch joints known for fantastic breads, pastries and coffee.  Several years back, this particular location was the first one I'd ever been to.  

Raspberry Tart

We started with an excellent raspberry tart and coffees then moved into ham and gruyere sandwiches of one type or another.  The mustard trio and breads at this place really are top notch. This location enjoys a killer patio and it's almost never crazy crowded here since is is about 200 feet down Melrose from another one of our West Hollywood faves, Urth Caffe (almost always a zoo)

Urth Caffé

LA never disappoints.  We'll be back in a couple weeks checking out some new (and a couple old) restaurants which should provide even more to report on. 

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay 

Trip Report: LA Live!! June 2014

The City of Angels is a welcome respite from the desert heat...it's 109 in Phoenix and 78 in LA....that is ridiculous...why did we come back again?   I'm trying to convince myself that LA is as fun as it is because we don't live there full time...this is a lie...LA is fun ALL THE TIME. Here are some hits from the weekend.  WARNING!!  We ate...ALOT!!

The London West Hollywood:

We have almost always stayed at The Mondrian but you gotta switch it up from time to time or you'll miss something.  The London was much, MUCH quieter than The Mondrian..not in a bad way though.  Mondrian is a revolving door of activity, you are in the middle of a non stop party day and night.  London was more elegant, more Bel Air than WeHo.  Slightly nicer than the Mondrian with a solid restaurant and pool.  Breakfast was included...nice touch and a good solid european style continental breakfast.   We would stay there again but probably slightly prefer The Mondrian...the people watching there can't be beat. 8/10 Stars

The Ivy:

Is the food just ok? Yes.  Is the food ridiculously over priced? Yes again.  Is there a better patio on the planet to watch "the show" that is Los Angeles?  Abso-friggin-loutley NOT!!!  This place is in regular rotation for us. The patio at the ivy is epic good and the food is not as bad as some would have you believe.  Did we feel slightly assaulted but the $175 charge for the seafood platter?  Uh...HELL YES...but when in Rome... Met up with a few friends while there and a good time (and a small fortune) was had (and lost) by all. 8/10 Stars

***pro tip. go just after lunch for an easier time to get a coveted patio seat...also make a res at least a couple days out and WAIT no matter how long for a patio seat...it's always quicker than they say.

The Roof Garden at The Peninsula:

Beautiful, elegant space in a beautiful and elegant hotel in Beverly Hills.  It was a warm day so time for Rosé!  Excellent Ahi and Crab Salad.  8/10 Stars

The Getty Center:

Enormous hillside museum and event space high above the 405.  Views alone were worth the trip.  Museum is separated into bite sized spaces organized largely by period.  

In addition there are gardens and vista's and fountains everywhere.  Worth a visit and at least a few more revisits. Aside from a parking fee it is FREE!!  9/10 Stars

Urasawa:

No Website. No Menu. No Problem.  Tucked in a tiny space on the second floor of a building on Via Rodeo, Urasawa is THE sushi Mecca.  This was my second visit.  G didn't go the first time so this was the only restaurant on her hit list.  Dinned with people we'd met via Instagram (not kidding) who go there monthly (spoiled much!?).  Hiro-San gave us the full blown show and then some.  Everything we ate was somewhere between excellent and transcendent.  This has become the standard for Sushi for me 10/10 Stars

Spago:

Recently under went a face lift (and a menu lift).  Still a solid option in BH with excellent people watching.  Only been twice and each time Wolfgang Puck was in The Hizzy for Shizzy.  Gracious and warm for a food mogul...for anyone really.  7/10 Stars

No Vacancy:

Speakeasy's are growing in number in LA. No Vacancy is in a seedy side alley off Hollywood Blvd complete with a dismissive guy on the door who decides if you are cool enough to enter.  Once inside you need to figure out how to get to and through the secret entrance...no spoilers...great place...great drinks and a show or two or three.  9/10 Stars



Afternoon Tea at the Montage:

Well executed tea service with a "Gentlemen's" Option:  Sliders, Pie and Scotch (or Cognac)  instead of champagne.  Had to do it and glad I did.  G had more traditional offerings.  We pretty much split it all up and had a minnie feast.  9/10 Stars



Animal:

Meat...It's what's for dinner.  No tweezers. No squeeze bottles.  Aside from  a few flawlessly prepared veggie items this was all about Turkey Legs and Pig Ears and Brisket and a side of Lipitor!  One of the most satisfying (and crazy good) meals I've ever had! 9/10 Stars

Hatfield's:

This has been on the list for a while and it did not disappoint.  Beautiful space with the kitchen perfectly framed at the rear.  Food was taught and effortless.  Perfectly prepared, timed and executed 8 course tasting menu. 9/10 Stars

Roof Top Bar at The Ace Hotel:

Downtown LA is thriving and I know almost nothing about it besides the Ritz Carlton and The Staple Center.  The Ace has a great vibe and has the feel of a place where everyone worked really hard to look like they didn't work really hard to look so good.  Loved it!! 8/10 Stars



This was probably our best trip to LA , food wise, ever.  We pretty much destroyed it!!  One of these times we need to FOCUS on downtown LA.  Tons of quality stuff popping up there all the time!

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay