BLD
7450 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-930-9744
After the healthy Eat Well dinner, Delicacheena was ready for dessert and headed back to BLD. An hour had passed and a table for three was still unavailable. Hey, stop savoring your pastries and french pressed coffee and clear out for us. . .
Finally we were seated and decided that there was room for a starter (we're always tempted by the dishes whisked by in the waiters' hands), although it was actually a transition between dinner and dessert. We ordered the tater tots with mixed charcuterie and cheese. The five croquettes were accompanied by mustard and some salad greens. INK had a feeling this would have been really good with wine, but we were here for dessert and just had a temporary lapse of focus.
Dessert started with the buttermilk bread pudding with brown sugar ice cream. The description sounded better than it was, but thankfully we ordered three desserts. With the start of summer around the corner, INK predicted that strawberry something would be on the menu. The strawberry rhubarb crumble was fresh and tart with a dollop of whipped cream. As we savored each bite, the crumble, fruit and cream combined into a mouth watering spoonful of smooth and crunchy fruit sweetness. While UE would normally not prefer such a tart dessert, her favorite spring oolong tea sweetened with honey (get a load of the honey dispenser) was a perfect counterpoint.
The yellow layer cake with chocolate icing (ala mode, of course) was the favorite. The cake was extremely moist and buttery like pound cake, the thick layers of frosting were rich and pure chocolate. Coffee and ice cream were a must. After a while the chocolate was too much and we ate the cake and ice cream sans frosting.
Since BLD does not take reservations for parties less than 6, wait times could be long. For a little wait, we'll try for dinner next time after 9:30 PM.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Side Dish: Eat Well
Eat Well
7385 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-1300
What if you're hungry and the hostess says there's 50 minutes wait for dinner at BLD? You walk a block west on Beverly and go to Eat Well on the corner of Martel.
Serving healthy fare and broccolini with every dish, this diner is good for a quick light lunch and not so much for dinner. INK went with the tofu steak served on asparagus. The menu said the accompanying starch would be quinoa, but brown rice was served on the side. There was also an unexpected serving of broccolini. The tofu was light and subtle with a egg-like texture.
The turkey meatloaf arrived with a side of mash potatoes and of course a side of broccolini. This dish was equally healthy and classic with a layer of ketchup on top....just like mom used to make (just not my mom).
UE had the veggie burger with broccolini. The patty was tasty by itself but combined with the whole grain bun, the burger was light as air. The meal was quickly devoured but left just enough room for some late night dessert.
7385 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-1300
What if you're hungry and the hostess says there's 50 minutes wait for dinner at BLD? You walk a block west on Beverly and go to Eat Well on the corner of Martel.
Serving healthy fare and broccolini with every dish, this diner is good for a quick light lunch and not so much for dinner. INK went with the tofu steak served on asparagus. The menu said the accompanying starch would be quinoa, but brown rice was served on the side. There was also an unexpected serving of broccolini. The tofu was light and subtle with a egg-like texture.
The turkey meatloaf arrived with a side of mash potatoes and of course a side of broccolini. This dish was equally healthy and classic with a layer of ketchup on top....just like mom used to make (just not my mom).
UE had the veggie burger with broccolini. The patty was tasty by itself but combined with the whole grain bun, the burger was light as air. The meal was quickly devoured but left just enough room for some late night dessert.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
3 Square Cafe + Bakery
3 Square Cafe+Bakery
1121 Abbot Kinney
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-6504
If you have a Wednesday off, one of the most pleasant things to do is to visit the Santa Monica farmers market. Sample the locally grown fruits and vegetables and be sure to stop by the Rockenwagner baked goods stand at the end of Arizona. Enjoy a cheese twist or the soft pretzels while strolling the sunny streets redolent of cilantro, raspberries and flowers. . .
But, of course, most of us are slaving away and can't make it before everyone closes up their stands. Luckily Rockenwagner's latest restaurant, 3 Square Cafe + Bakery, are now open.
3 Square is located on the corner of San Juan and Abbot Kinney. Amazingly, it was fairly easy for us to find parking across the street. The cafe is modern and airy, but inviting. The substantial tables made by Rockenwagner extended from the inside of the restaurant to the outside patio separated by the floor-to-ceiling windows. He also included a communal table, like in the owner's previous restaurant, in front of the open kitchen.
As we waited to be seated, we were mesmerized by the dishes leaving the kitchen. The avocado fries, so green and fresh, begged to be ordered and so we obliged. The appetizer of battered avocado wedges was a great mix of crunchy and smooth. Funny how good things get even better when fried (and accompanied by a fire roasted salsa)!
INK was eager to get anything with a pretzel and settled on the pretzel bun burger. The large patty was smothered in caramelized onions and cheese and nothing else. No shred of lettuce, no pickle or soggy tomato. Spicy mustard was offered by the waitress and was a good foil to all the meat and cheese. INK could have gone for some arugula, ala a Father's Office burger, but the chewy pretzel roll, which soaked up the juices, could not be beat. The burger was accompanied by crisp shoestring fries that were enjoyed by all.
JM opted for breakfast and ordered the tasty chicken hash with mushrooms, red peppers, onions and basil topped with two poached eggs. This was a mild dish, but each fresh ingredient could be identified in every bite.
UE decided on a customized dish of three mini sandwiches. She chose the Bavarian meatloaf on a pretzel roll, shrimp grilled cheese and homemade salmon pastrami with horseradish. The sandwiches arrived on what looked like three pastel pedestals, but turned out to be mini bowls with various side dishes underneath each cover. The dish was perfect for the undecided.
From the long list of dessert options listed on the blackboard, we chose the Big-Haired Texan Lemon Tart. The miniature tart with meringue curliques looked like Dolly Parton's head. The dried fruit and macademia nut brittle sprinkled on the plate were so good, we would've been happy just with this one dessert but of course we had a second.
The Mexican chocolate cake had a touch of cinnamon and was served with a scoop of refreshing sorbet. The richness of the cake went well with the tartness of the lemon tart.
Before leaving the restaurant, a visit to the restroom introduced us to the mirror that exhorted us to visit the bakery next door; unfortunately we were too full to take its advice. But we'll be back to try the french toast.
1121 Abbot Kinney
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-6504
If you have a Wednesday off, one of the most pleasant things to do is to visit the Santa Monica farmers market. Sample the locally grown fruits and vegetables and be sure to stop by the Rockenwagner baked goods stand at the end of Arizona. Enjoy a cheese twist or the soft pretzels while strolling the sunny streets redolent of cilantro, raspberries and flowers. . .
But, of course, most of us are slaving away and can't make it before everyone closes up their stands. Luckily Rockenwagner's latest restaurant, 3 Square Cafe + Bakery, are now open.
3 Square is located on the corner of San Juan and Abbot Kinney. Amazingly, it was fairly easy for us to find parking across the street. The cafe is modern and airy, but inviting. The substantial tables made by Rockenwagner extended from the inside of the restaurant to the outside patio separated by the floor-to-ceiling windows. He also included a communal table, like in the owner's previous restaurant, in front of the open kitchen.
As we waited to be seated, we were mesmerized by the dishes leaving the kitchen. The avocado fries, so green and fresh, begged to be ordered and so we obliged. The appetizer of battered avocado wedges was a great mix of crunchy and smooth. Funny how good things get even better when fried (and accompanied by a fire roasted salsa)!
INK was eager to get anything with a pretzel and settled on the pretzel bun burger. The large patty was smothered in caramelized onions and cheese and nothing else. No shred of lettuce, no pickle or soggy tomato. Spicy mustard was offered by the waitress and was a good foil to all the meat and cheese. INK could have gone for some arugula, ala a Father's Office burger, but the chewy pretzel roll, which soaked up the juices, could not be beat. The burger was accompanied by crisp shoestring fries that were enjoyed by all.
JM opted for breakfast and ordered the tasty chicken hash with mushrooms, red peppers, onions and basil topped with two poached eggs. This was a mild dish, but each fresh ingredient could be identified in every bite.
UE decided on a customized dish of three mini sandwiches. She chose the Bavarian meatloaf on a pretzel roll, shrimp grilled cheese and homemade salmon pastrami with horseradish. The sandwiches arrived on what looked like three pastel pedestals, but turned out to be mini bowls with various side dishes underneath each cover. The dish was perfect for the undecided.
From the long list of dessert options listed on the blackboard, we chose the Big-Haired Texan Lemon Tart. The miniature tart with meringue curliques looked like Dolly Parton's head. The dried fruit and macademia nut brittle sprinkled on the plate were so good, we would've been happy just with this one dessert but of course we had a second.
The Mexican chocolate cake had a touch of cinnamon and was served with a scoop of refreshing sorbet. The richness of the cake went well with the tartness of the lemon tart.
Before leaving the restaurant, a visit to the restroom introduced us to the mirror that exhorted us to visit the bakery next door; unfortunately we were too full to take its advice. But we'll be back to try the french toast.
Side dish: 25˚
25˚
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-785-7244
Delicacheena wanted a fancy burger without the Father's Office wait and/or fight for a table. Fortunately, there is no shortage of folks competing for best burger in L.A. We decided to see how 25˚, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, rated.
We deviated from our (or rather INK's) original intentions of a cold beer and tried the "fancy" Dry Sodas. JM had the just-like-Provence lavender and INK had the subtle lemon grass. Both were refreshing and not too sweet. We started with the 1/2 and 1/2, a mix of delicately battered onion rings and skinny fries with salt and parsley.
You can choose toppings and create your own burger or let them do the thinking and opt for #'s 1 to 3. INK ordered the # 1 to compare it to Father's Office. It was a messy meld of caramelized onion, big woods blue cheese, crescenza cheese, bacon, arugula, and thousand island. The large patty was flavorful, the brioche bun buttery, the bacon smoky and the arugula peppery, but the mix of melted cheeses and dressing made the burger hard to handle. The cloth napkin was worse for the wear. It was no Office burger, but still recommended.
JM chose #3, the turkey burger with straus family jack, a slice of a mild green chili pepper, avocado and chipotle sauce. Projecting the Office burger onto the #3, JM almost thought she was biting into a beef patty, but was happy with the flavorful ground turkey. Reading the ingredients, you would expect the burger to offer more of a kick but it was pretty tame.
Despite groaning stomachs, we ordered the 4 layer chocolate cake and were warned of it's size. Hey, we can handle it. . . or at least we thought we could. The slice was the equivalent of two very big wedges. The cake was dense and moist, the frosting had an intense chocolate flavor with a touch of liqueur. Well, at least UE can enjoy the abundant leftovers.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-785-7244
Delicacheena wanted a fancy burger without the Father's Office wait and/or fight for a table. Fortunately, there is no shortage of folks competing for best burger in L.A. We decided to see how 25˚, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, rated.
We deviated from our (or rather INK's) original intentions of a cold beer and tried the "fancy" Dry Sodas. JM had the just-like-Provence lavender and INK had the subtle lemon grass. Both were refreshing and not too sweet. We started with the 1/2 and 1/2, a mix of delicately battered onion rings and skinny fries with salt and parsley.
You can choose toppings and create your own burger or let them do the thinking and opt for #'s 1 to 3. INK ordered the # 1 to compare it to Father's Office. It was a messy meld of caramelized onion, big woods blue cheese, crescenza cheese, bacon, arugula, and thousand island. The large patty was flavorful, the brioche bun buttery, the bacon smoky and the arugula peppery, but the mix of melted cheeses and dressing made the burger hard to handle. The cloth napkin was worse for the wear. It was no Office burger, but still recommended.
JM chose #3, the turkey burger with straus family jack, a slice of a mild green chili pepper, avocado and chipotle sauce. Projecting the Office burger onto the #3, JM almost thought she was biting into a beef patty, but was happy with the flavorful ground turkey. Reading the ingredients, you would expect the burger to offer more of a kick but it was pretty tame.
Despite groaning stomachs, we ordered the 4 layer chocolate cake and were warned of it's size. Hey, we can handle it. . . or at least we thought we could. The slice was the equivalent of two very big wedges. The cake was dense and moist, the frosting had an intense chocolate flavor with a touch of liqueur. Well, at least UE can enjoy the abundant leftovers.
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