Camellia Cellars 57 Front Street Healdsburg, CA 95448 (888)404-WINE
In late August, UE & friends discovered a gem hidden away in the residential streets of Healdsburg, CA. One of our last stops before we drove back to LA with our 20+ bottles, UE was determined to find a Zinfandel that was crisp, sweet and dry. The complimentary tastings lead to the purchase of a 2007 First Kiss, Proprietor's White Wine Blend from Sonoma County. With a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and the sweetness of Viognier & Muscat, the taste was crisp and the body was simple. First Kiss is a delicately balanced wine with an acidity that does not overpower the playfulness of the citrus undertones.
After experiencing a wonderful Cab at the Gundlach Bundschu Winery, UE was in search of a 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. The hunger (or thirst) for a complex red resulted in the discovery of a 2004 Sangiovese Riserva from the Merlo Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. A perfectly balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, the body is round with a complexity that is masterfully restrained. This full-bodied red has indeed changed UE's preference for the seemingly predictable dry white wines. If only I could find a 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon...
Normally, this would constitute a full review, but, if you haven't noticed already, Delicacheena likes to be "in the moment" on birthdays, not on the job.
TTO not-so-subtly hinted that she wanted to go to the intimate Josie Restaurant on Pico. Delicacheena was happy to oblige. We drank a fruity syrah and started with frog legs--INK insisted because she wanted to see if they really were just like chicken and she likes brown butter and capers--and the bacon-wrapped quail. Both were as expected; the former is like chicken, but a bit gamier and the latter a bit dry, but elevated by the bacon.
The entrees were Australian barramundi (a meaty fish with meaty maitake mushrooms), campfire trout with crisp corn and intensely-flavored tomato, and jidori chicken breast with polenta. Truffle fries are often maligned, but we enjoyed the hot frites along with a side of fried rapini, a new preparation for us.
Dessert was sublime. The almond crust of the lightly-sweetened peach cobbler was between a traditional pie crust and a flaky pastry. The chocolate bread pudding was airy like an eggy souffle.
We moved on to Vodbox, located in Nic's in Beverly Hills. And that's what it is--a box of vodka. We envisioned the glass walk-in refrigerator to be larger, like in the Icehotel in Sweden with an Icebar to "chill" at. Nevertheless, it was fun to don the fake leopard furs and be introduced to vodkas from around the world. We liked Pinky. How much did each cost? Luckily we managed to stick with the ten buck shots.
The Counter 2901 Ocean Park Boulevard Santa Monica 90405 (310)399-8383
It's good to have choices. And we always say, "Why choose? Have both!" AKA the INK special.
That's one of the reasons we like The Counter. You can go crazy and build your own burger, drowning in a multitude of toppings and a sea of sauces. Start with beef, turkey, veggie or grilled turkey in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 pound sizes. Are you one of those poor folks foregoing carbs? You can even go with the burger in a bowl sans bun.
But alas, Delicacheena gets overwhelmed by so many options so we went with the pre-designed creations. UE ordered the Unique Veggie, JM opted for the Taco Turkey and INK, ever the lover of the limited engagement requested the Burger of This Month, Peruvian Style Alaskan Halibut Burger. "Flavored with Sweet Onion Annatto Paste. Served over Chopped Watercress and Shredded Jicama. Topped with Hearts of Palm and Pickled Red Onion. Served on a Hamburger Bun with Pebre Aioli." The halibut was smoky and moist and the toppings which seemed liked they would be overwhelming added just enough crunch and acidity. Oh, and did we mention all three are quite aesthetically pleasing?
After the generous, but not gratuitous burgers (and orders of breaded and fried dill pickle chips and the fifty/fifty with half onion strings and sweet potato fries), we decided to share the shake of the month. Our server was gracious enough to give us each our own cup with a third of the s'more shake of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, graham cracker and mini marshmallows. Besides the chunks of cracker and marshmallow, the tasty shake was a bit thin, but we really couldn't handle anything more substantial.
Mozza Pizzeria 641 North Highland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 297-0101
When Nancy Silverton has a new venture. . . you hope you can get a reservation. On Mozza's menu it states, "A TAVOLA NON S'INVECCHIA MAI • AT THE TABLE, ONE NEVER GETS OLD." Delicacheena hopes so because sometimes one gets old waiting for an available table!
We arrived at Mozza (with your best Italian accent, pronounced mote-suh) to find a small space packed with foodies from wall to wall waiting for their next fix.With a 10 PM dinner reservation on a Monday night in April, we were ready to order everything on the menu, but managed to show some restraint and focus once we realized the quicker we order the sooner we would eat. Our waitress was very friendly, extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Once we were served our bottle of wine (2004 Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Valle dell'Acate), we were promptly served our starter, the salt cod "Montecato" bruschette. This savory appetizer is a can't miss if you're into lightly salted fish with a hint of black olives spread across a piece of crisp and chewy toast. It reminded UE of the Portuguese cod she has missed since last summer.
For our entrees, we each ordered a pizza. JM had the egg, guanciale (a kind of Italian bacon), asparagus, onion and parmigiano. The server informed her that her pizza was not sliced because the sunny side up yolk needed to be broken on top of the pizza before it could be sliced apart. The first bite proved the combination of the egg running over all the ingredients created a mouth watering experience.
Since the salame with wild nettles pizza was sold out (wanted to taste the buggers that were the bane of hiking trips), INK selected the squash blossoms, burrata and tomato pizza. Ever since her 2002 trip, she has associated the blossoms with summer in Italy. The oh-so creamy cheese and savory tomatoes combined well with the blossoms which taste of mild zucchini.
After a very impressive cod appetizer, UE chose the Prosciutto di Parma, rucola, tomato and mozzarella pizza. The crust was airy and the combination of ingredients created a perfectly balanced meal. The pizza was amazingly fresh and light, making it difficult to pause between bites.
Dessert did not disappoint, even though the one that kept floating by was also sold out. The cannoli was layered instead of rolled and was surprisingly light. The gelato sundae was great, but it was difficult to eat the accompanying shortbread with a fork or spoon without making it fly across the table. Butterscotch pudding (budino) is always a must-try for us anywhere. Melt on your tongue goodness with a touch of sea salt, an ever-lovin' dollop of whipped cream and lavender mini cookies on the side! We were spoon fighting over this one.
Growing old at the table? We don't care, as long as it tastes this good.
Other places that we've patronized in the past and enjoyed:
Providence--It's a seafood restaurant with mmmm bacon in every course, including dessert.
Violet--Little dishes and reeeaally little glass of milk and cookies as the coda.
Blue Velvet--After an Edward Scissorhands matinee with the mom, a very early glass of wine and well-prepared dinner. Talk about crazy, but works dessert combinations.
Tender Greens--What, no corn?! But these big, fresh salads with choices of protein are great. Cupcakes don't hurt.
Nook--Comfort food, but the communal table stools are uncomfortable.
Jar--Meat and veggies roasted and braised right. Does it really stand for Just Another Restaurant?
Angeli Cafe--Homey Italian food with great bread. It's fun to watch people try to find the door. Wish that chicken pasta was a regular menu item.
Lemon Moon--Great prepared salads like Clementine. Too bad it's only open during lunch on the weekdays. Knew it would be good before it opened when INK saw the Zumex machine in the window while running.
