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The owners of Desert Rose (D.R.) are Lebanese, so the menu is mostly comprised of traditional Lebanese dishes,  while Chef Fullilove (from Da Vinci in Beverly Hills)  joined the restaurant for a short time adding an Italian flare.  With grilled kebabs, tabbouleh and hummus from a family recipe, fresh pastas, steak and seafood, the food has great Mediterranean seasoning and is flavorful.  There is a separate Vegan menu, options range from salads and sandwiches, to pizza, wraps, and pasta.  The pizza is from Cruzer Pizza (next door), which is an excellent vegan pizzeria in LA.

There is a lovely libation menu, ample wine list and hand-selected beers on tap. Choices of note include: Ginger Mojito, Desert Rose Margarita, Spicy Senorita, and D.R. Champagne Cocktail.  But honestly, I have been enamored with the Elderflower White Sangria ($12) since my first visit to the Rose– Hess Sauvignon Blanc and St. Germain liqueur, made from handpicked elderflower blossoms, seasonal fruit and topped off with club soda.  Each juicy bite of the meal is complimented with the fruited touch of this cocktail, meanwhile the fruits are infusing with the elderflower, and the drunken berries left at the bottom of the glass are a tasty finale.

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Brunch on the patio is divine.  Chef Fullilove rolled out his special versions of Eggs Benedict, however if you prefer the traditional Eggs Benedict it is offered as well. With Smoked Salmon, Vegetarian, Deluxe Steak, and Blue Crab Cake, there is certainly a Benedict for everyone.  My favorite is the Blue Crab Cake Benedict ($18) with blue crab cake, asparagus, poached organic eggs and hollandaise on an English muffin, served with D.R. multi-color potatoes.  The crab cakes have large morsels of crab, no fillers, that melt with the egg yolk, and the colorful potatoes are rich in a rainbow of nutrients.

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A healthier breakfast option is Breakfast Pita ($11)– Scrambled organic eggs, spinach, feta, olives, tomatoes in fresh, fluffy pita bread served with D.R. potatoes.  I like to add turkey bacon ($4) and replace the potatoes with fresh fruit.

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The appetizers consist of mostly traditional Lebanese dishes– Hummus with pita bread, Tabbouleh and Warmed Mediterranean Olives.  The Frito Misto is a bit off the beaten path with a variety of lightly fried calamari, shrimp, artichokes and fennel served with lemon aioli and cocktail sauce.  The two most unique of the small dishes are Kebbe and Harissa-Rubbed Baked Brie.

Kebbe ($12) is beef meatballs stuffed with pine nuts and onions served on yogurt mint sauce.  They are lightly fried, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with added texture from the large slices of pine nuts and the sauce renders each bite a little minty and sour.

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The Harissa-Rubbed Baked Brie ($12) has fresh brie rubbed with Traditional Middle Eastern Spices and baked to perfection, served with sliced apples, strawberry and crostini. It is an amalgam of flavors with the spicy crust of the soft, melty brie, sweet strawberries and tart green apple slices.

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More traditional are the sandwiches.  Beef Shawarma ($13) is a Mediterranean Style Wrap with thinly sliced grilled beef, red onions, mixed herbs and tahini sauce.

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The Mint-Garlic Lamb Burger ($14) with feta cheese, fries and salad.  The fries can be substituted with sweet potatoes fries or truffle fries with gruyere ($7) . Each bite of the burger is juicy and enhanced by the lightly salted feta and hints of mint.

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Entrees include such Lebanese treats as Beef Kebab and Chicken Kebab.  These Mediterranean plates are served with grilled marinated meat, hummus & garlic sauce and choice of rice, fries or tabbouleh. Here I ordered the Chicken Kebab ($13) with tabbouleh.  The tabbouleh is a bit heavy on the parsley but still more preferable than the rice or fries.  The meats are simple, spiced and grilled to perfection.  The hummus is very creamy with a lovely distribution of olive and tahini oil and served with pita wedges that are covered in spices, chopped parsley and tomatoes.

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It’s difficult to resist finishing a meal here without a cup of coffee, tea, or affogato and a delectable dessert chosen from the display case inside.  The menu includes creme brulee with berries ($8) and warm lava cake ($8).  Some of the irresistible desserts displayed when venturing inside the restaurant are white cream cake with fruits decorated atop, chocolate mouse, various cheesecakes and tarts…

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The coffee & tea is served in poetically rhyming Pasquini cup — For Music Puccini, For Art Bernini, For Espresso Pasquini.  Affogato is served in a martini glass with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso. Shown here is an affogato ($6) with apple caramel cheesecake ($7), coffee ($3), and double chocolate cheesecake ($7).

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Desert Rose is on a pedestal in my mind — the dining experience is a relaxing escape.  The mellow ambiance sitting on the cozy, yet spacious, garden patio transforms the body into serenity.  A rarity in LA, there is always a table available outside where you can relax for hours (even after finishing the meal) — I have to be torn away from my seat each time I leave the restaurant.  It is a delicious neighborhood spot with quality food, wide selection of beverages, friendly & attractive staff, good service, dog-friendly and a great vibe.

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Besides a brilliant brunch and Happy Hour, Desert Rose also serves up lunch and dinner every day.  Weekend brunch is from 10AM-3PM.  Happy Hour is from 3-6 PM daily with the lounge menu fit to share with friends. Thursday Happy Hour is available all night and 25% discount for Facebook fans. In the evenings a warm and romantic vibe is transmitted through the air, sitting under the twinkling lights, enhanced by the heat lamps and music. There is live music (jazz evenings) Thursday through Saturday nights, and during Sunday brunch.  Parking is available in the residential neighborhood down the street and, alternately, valet is $5.

Desert Rose Restaurant & Lounge
1700 N. Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-666-1166
www.desertroserestaurant.com

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Royal/T Cafe is a restaurant/art gallery that celebrates Japan’s tea culture and is inspired by Tokyo’s maid cafes with the waitresses dressed in maid uniforms.  A wide variety of teas are offered alongside Japanese influenced food with a California touch.  The multi-purpose space is in a large warehouse with exposed trusses, wooden beams, industrial skylights and full-length wall display cases which create a unique vibe for the cafe as well events and art exhibits.

The five-year project is concluding and the Culver City space will be closing its doors sometime in Summer 2012.  Fortunately, there will still be upcoming roaming special events, exhibits and pop-ups in the Los Angeles area. The venue’s final show, “The Art of Cooking,” will run April 27 through Aug. 1, 2012.

The menu offers an array of over 24 types of loose-leaf teas (hot and iced) as well as coffee blends in small or large pots.  The teas range from traditional to modern.  The cafe’s signature is the Royal/T Milk Tea, a unique combination of Black Tea with rose petals, and pieces of fruit and vanilla, brewed in Soymilk ($4).  Another nice tea blend is the Kyoto Sunset Tea, a mix of apricot and premium Ceylon Black Tea ($4).  Shown here is the Rooibos Lemonade (iced), a refreshing blend of Green Rooibos, lemongrass, lemon peel, lemon myrtle and calendula ($4) and a large pot of Megami Sencha (hot), a delicious Green Tea with jade intensity ($7).

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They also offer a high tea served with choice of small pot ($20).  This one features the beautiful jasmine budding tea, small sandwiches (such as cream cheese & lox, grilled veggie panini, and spicy tuna on grilled toast), brownie bites, red-velvet cake-pop, scone and assorted berries.

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The food at the cafe is a mixture of California classics and Far East fare. There are many options from soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers to spicy tuna tartar, soba, chicken katsu curry and rice bowls. Brunch options are also available

An excellent starter is Crispy Tuna Tartar ($9), crispy rice wrapped in nori topped with spicy tuna.

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The Kobe Beef Sliders ($10), also appetizers, are irresistibly cooked to a perfect medium-well on toasted mini brioche buns. There are three sliders each with a different topping: tomato chutney, blue cheese & caramelized onions, and quail egg.  The one top with quail egg is my favorite, offering a delicate savory flavor to the slider, but blue cheese & caramelized onions is a close second.

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Chicken Katsu Sandwich with mixed greens ($12) is very fresh and filling. This is a slightly different take on traditional Katsu with crispy panko breaded chicken, Napa cabbage slaw and a spicy mayo, on a ciabatta roll and includes a side salad or sweet potato fries.

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Soba Salad ($7) is listed as an appetizer, with buckwheat noodles cooked al dente, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sesame seeds, ponzu dressing is light, but can certainly be a whole meal.  These buckwheat noodles in a light ponzu are a must-try.

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Along with selling Royal/T loose-leaf teas, the retail shop offers an eclectic assortment of tea/coffee accessories, home decor, Japanese Pop Art, jewelry, toys, and other Harajuku-esque chachkies….

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Here is a glimpse into “The Art Of Cooking” – a new food and art themed exhibit that brings new meaning to “food for thought.”

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Confettisystem (2012), a site specific installation. Giant peaches, silver pineapples and a metallic disco banana made from the same materials as a pinata.  Also, join the World of Mr. Toast at the pop-up shop with Joe the Egg, Miles Ice Pop and Shaky Bacon.

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Flour LA burger, fries and ketchup flower arrangement.

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Maho Sushi Favorite Assortment (2008), acrylic on plastic food sample.

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Enjoy some tea, Asian-Fusion treats and peruse the art/retail store while you still can! Parking available at meters or around the corner (behind the restaurant) in a lot marked with a pink crown.

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Royal/T Cafe
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-6300
Café: 10am – 5pm daily
Shop & Space: 10am – 6pm daily
http://www.royal-t.org/

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AOC is an L.A. gem, commonly known for its wine selection and small plates menu.  Chef Suzanne Goin’s California French menu has some Mediterranean influences and is driven by seasonal ingredients.  It is an excellent restaurant for dinner that I would recommend anytime (must tries are the arroz negro with squid with saffron aioli; brussels sprouts with pancetta and parsnip puree; grilled pork confit with potato, apples, dijon mustard, and cabbage).  Additionally, at any given time there are 50 wines on tap and 300 bottles to choose from.

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Now AOC is open for bunch on the weekends!  The delicious culinary decadence of the AOC dinner menu is brought forth in a divine brunch menu.  To begin the meal, the cocktail menu has some unique mimosa & bellini confections.  We tried the persimmon and vanilla (15) and the cucumber and mint bellini (14).  Persimmons are in season right now and a great addition to the menu; the cucumber is very refreshing as well.

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Not the prototypical simple brunch menu, we had a tough time deciding between the many superb menu items, but the staff was very patient and friendly.  We decided on the toasted brioche with gruyère, prosciutto, frisée and egg (14). When the yolk of the open-faced egg is pierced, it diffuses through the prosciutto right into the fluffy brioche and guyere.  Each mouthwatering bite is rich with the saltiness of the prosciutto, and tamed by a gooey mélange of egg, gruyere and brioche. While the photo only shows a small piece of the prosciutto peeking out, there is certainly a nice portion underneath (I didn’t have the heart to deconstruct the masterpiece).

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We also had the duck confit and wild mushroom hash with poached eggs and aged balsamic (17). The meaty wild mushrooms, accompanied with potatoes blanketed by melting poached eggs, dulls the bite of the duck confit flavor, but I cannot criticize the dish as a whole. Dressed with ever-winning aged balsamic vinaigrette, the rich union of egg and potato is transformed into a medley of sweet, sour and acidic tastes.

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The dishes we tried were delectable and there are still more I am looking forward to indulging in, each more heavenly than the last: javier’s chorizo verde chiliquiles (14); hangar steak and eggs – over artichoke hash with black olive hollandaise (22); wood-oven baked frittata with hook’s cheddar, young broccoli and gremolata (14); wood-oven baked pancake with blueberries, pistachio and candied meyer lemon which is baked fresh upon ordering (14) …
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Reservations can conveniently be made on OpenTable. There is metered parking on 3^rd/nearby cross streets or valet in front for $5.50.

AOC
8022 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-6359
www.aocwinebar.com

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SteingartenLA brings a California rendition of a German-beer-hall, complete with brews and brats, to the Westside.  Steingarten opened in a wave of German-themed establishments that popped up around town in the past few years—Wurstkuche, Biergarten, Bru Haus… Just stumbling distance from me, I could not be more thrilled this establishment is in my neighborhood [at the old Kay & Dave's location on Pico].  The decor features a fully stocked dark wood bar, rustic chalkboard menu, colorful dining room with high ceilings & open-air retractable roof, some communal tables, and a beautiful outdoor patio: Califorinia-style beer garden with a custom-built fire pit and tables/benches.  The menu offers unique items such as exotic sausages with regular or pretzel bun, deer salami, chicken schnitzel sandwich and sides such as parmesan fries or red cabbage slaw; it’s divided into: small bites, salads, sandwiches, sausages and burgers. Even the dipping sauces are one of a kind—Steingarten mustard sauce (Dijon with a bit of horseradish) and curry ketchup. Also keep in mind, no meal here is complete without a BEER!

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The specialty here is beer.   Steingarten offers an incredible selection including an extensive CRAFT beer collection (both draft and bottled), 120 to choose from.  There are Pint Nights with reps available; some notables were with Deschutes, Lagunitas, Firestone Walker, Stone Brewing Co., and Ballast Point Brewing Co.  The beers are rotated every 3 to 4 weeks.  I’ve tried a wide variety of the craft beers, here are some good ones:

Firestone Walker Solace (wheat ale crisp with citrus finish)

Stone IPA (fruity, hoppy India Pale Ale featuring Magnum and Centennial hops)

Bruery Mischief (strong pale ale)

Bruery Autumn Maple (American strong with big finish)

NC Old Rasputin (imperial stout- rich with cocao & malt finish)

Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Deschutes Black Butte (extremely dark, chocolate stout)

The bar staff is helpful and very knowledgeable; take the opportunity to try something new, perhaps with a  fruity, floral, sour or chocolatey finish.  Dave Watrous, “beer evangelist,” is your go-to man to make a selection or pairing off the extensive menu.  They also offer fabulous beer cocktails—fantastic for sipping on, while sitting on the patio, basking in the sun & breeze, with a delicious sausage.

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Which brings me to the menu….

SMALL BITES
Soft Pretzel ($5) The pretzels are not in traditional form and are glazed with a salty egg wash instead of just crusted with salt; I really like this version. Served with house mustard, the bit of horseradish definitely adds a kick to it!

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Korean BBQ Nachos ($12) is a NEW 2012 item.  A colorfully creative German take on “nachos,” consisting of golden brown thinly sliced Red Bliss potatoes, short ribs, scallions, Monterey Jack, and chipotle cream, the dish is an excellent addition to the menu.  You can’t go wrong with meat & potatoes, and I love the spice from the chipotle cream as well as the scallions.

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Trio of sliders ($9) includes beef, BBQ pulled pork, and turkey burger sliders.   The three sliders are all unique in flavor and texture and have nicely toasted mini buns. The pulled pork is the most flavorful, a bit spicy and topped with pickled carrots and jalapeno. The turkey slider is the lightest of the three, extremely flavorful with herbs and topped with caramelized onions and roasted garlic. The beef slider balances the other two, juicy and savory with hormone free ground sirloin. Combined here with Cuvee de Jacobins (flander red, sweet with tart fruit finish) a tasty sour beer.

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SALADS

Roasted Beet Salad ($10)  is a great dish for beet lovers or anyone looking for lighter fare.  The salad consists of crispy lettuce, herbs, orange slices, shaved Parmesan, champagne dressing and grilled chicken can be added for that additional protein ($3.50).  All the ingredients are fresh from New Maggies Farm.

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SAUSAGES

Sausages range from the traditional old country (bratwurst) to exotics from the new country (duck and bacon) to gamey (alligator and pork) to vegetarian (apple and sage) ($6.50-$7.50). In lieu of a traditional sausage with bun, there is also a sausage platter on which you can pick one from each category, along with two toppings ($20). Toppings include sauerkraut, spicy pepper & onions, caramelized onions, grilled bell peppers and chopped onions.  Sausages are served with Steingarten mustard sauce, curry tomato sauce, Cornish pickles and a little German potato salad.  My favorite topping is the caramelized onions, they add a pleasant sweetness to any sausage and are cooked down well.  There is also an option of regular bun or pretzel bun (always toasted).  Here are a few combinations I’ve tried and enjoyed:

Alligator and Pork Sausage topped with grilled bell peppers ($7.50).  The sausage is delicious, but I find the bell pepper to be a bit of an overpowering flavor.

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Duck & Bacon Sausage topped with sauerkraut on pretzel bun ($7).  The sausage is tasty and one I would get again, but it’s hard to taste the bacon.  The sauerkraut is very fresh and I like that it’s not too sour or overpowering.

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There is also a beer & sausage happy hour on weekdays from 5pm-7pm.  $5 House Tap Beers, $5 New or Old Country Sausage, $3 sides.  I love to take advantage of this special when I can.  One great happy hour combo I had was a Lagunitas Lucky 13 Alt (alt bier, refreshing with light sweet finish) with chicken and sun-dried tomato & basil sausage (caramelized onions topping) and a side house salad.  The sausage is extremely plump and juicy, great with the caramelized onions on top. The house salad is also fabulous with unique cucumber presentation on top.

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BURGERS

The burgers are made from 100% grass-fed, hormone-free ground sirloin.  The burger meat arrives pre-ground and is formed into 8-ounce patties each morning.  The meat is juicy and tender and cooked to a perfect medium-rare each time.  The owner did much research finding the best bun possible, many vendors were tested. The current French burger buns from Melrose Bakery Company are a winner and delivered fresh daily. They are nicely toasted and do not fall apart from the juiciness of the burger.  The burgers on the menu are masterpieces in themselves but there is also the option for patrons to build their own ($12) with toppings including feta cheese and applewood bacon ($1 each) along with five sauces.  Here are some of the burgers off the menu, each delicious in its own right.  I still can’t decide if the chef’s choice or golden prize is better, you’ll just have to try both!

Chef’s Choice burger has bacon, smoked mozzarella, Steingarten mustard sauce ($14)

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Golden Prize Burger, a half-pound of grass-fed beef on a big, soft bun, with herb roasted tomatoes, caramelized onion Brie and roasted garlic sauce ((15) with sweet potato fries.

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The fries ($5) deserve special attention: The peel-on skinny fries are cut in-house and cooked in canola oil (soy oil upon request).  They are seasoned perfectly and delicious with the aged Parmesan and served in a metal cone shaped basket along with garlic aioli sauce and curry ketchup.  They also offer delicious sweet potato fries.

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From the hostess to the servers to the bartenders, everyone tries to create a great dining experience.  However, no one does a better job than Abbey Berookhim, Director Of Operations.  He is an extremely kind man who is genuinely appreciative of your business.  I always enjoy chatting with him; it’s very nice that he tries to make a personal connection with his customers.

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Most recently when I visited he brought over their new “special green sauce” for my friend and me to try.  This is a blended combination of fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar and various herbs.  We were discussing how delicious the pretzel bun is, they created their own recipe and have the bakery make it special for them, and how Steingarten should incorporate it into a sandwich.  On the spot he came up with a new dish idea and insisted we try it.  A few minutes later he came out with a sample chicken sandwich on pretzel bun with a little bit of Steingarten sauce, tomato, onions, sauerkraut and the special green sauce.  I am not the biggest fan of chicken sandwiches but I loved this one! I am excited to see it on the menu soon!

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Overall, SteingartenLA is beautifully designed, has great service, a fabulous gourmet & craft beer selection, a delicious as well as rare food combination, is great for large groups/occasions, and has a lovely outdoor patio for a sunny LA day or in the evening sitting by the built-in fire-pit with friends or even a date. I’ve been here countless times and plan on coming back many more, especially for the Pint Nights!

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La Provence Cafes bring a quaint French village culture to Los Angeles. From French macarons to paninis, you can’t go wrong with a visit here.  The ambiance is casual and non-pretentious.  It’s order at the counter and find an available seat style.  The baked goods here are delectable (more on that later).  The food is consistent and great. I’ve been coming to the Beverly Hills location since I was in middle school, nearly 15 years now.  The portions are a good size at very affordable prices.  I can generally get lunch for less than $15 which is great for Beverly/Brentwood.

I love the sandwiches and paninis at La Provence, they are served on baguettes that are nicely toasted on the outside and a bit soft on the inside–a nice crunchy panini.  There is an option to get half a panini with soup, chili or salad so that’s what I usually go for.  They also have one of my favorite soups in town, the country vegetable.  It’s a pureed soup and tastes more like tomato soup, but that’s just how I like it.  One of my favorite paninis is the Autogrill Special [pictured here], with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, basil and black olive tapenade ($10 + $1 with soup). My other favorite panini is the prosciutto with sauteed mushrooms, goat cheese and arugula.

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They have great salad options.  All the salads are nicely chopped and quite large portions and served with slices of freshly baked baguette.  Half salads are also available with half panini or chili. Among some choices are the Nicoise, organic chicken curry, grilled wild salmon,  Greek, Cobb… Their classic salad is the Chopped Salad, with a choice of kosher salami or home cooked turkey (I like to get half & half), garbanzo beans, Swiss cheese, tomato and olives in a red wine vinaigrette ($11). I love their turkey chili as well so one of my favorite meals to get is a bowl of chili and half the chopped salad ($13).

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Another fan favorite is the Mexican Cobb, with grilled chicken, fresh jicama, roasted corn, avocado, tomato, black beans, pepitas and cahita cheese in a lime cilantro vinaigrette ($11).

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Additionally, what great French cafe doesn’t offer quiche?  I love their spinach quiche, they also offer Quiche Lorraine.  La Provence serves a large slice of their quiche which is very light, a bit cheesy and pillowy in pastry crust with their house salad ($10).

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I love that breakfast is served all day, and there are many great options from breakfast paninis, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, scrambles, waffles, french toast,  “other goodies” and more.  Here is the Eggs Benedict on toasted croissant with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce with spinach and avocado added ($10, without add-ons).  I really enjoy the seasoning on the eggs.

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A more French breakfast option is the Croque Madame (they also offer Croque Monsieur) ($9).  This is basically a Black Forest Ham and Gruyere grilled sandwich with 2 fried eggs on top.

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For a sweeter breakfast option the Belgian Waffles are the way to go, served with the most adorable syrup-filled tin in the shape of a little French country cabin.  This one has fresh strawberries and whipped cream ($10, 2 eggs scrambled or sunny side up +$2).

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Finally, no trip to La Provence would be complete without trying a dessert.  They have a space a couple doors down in the shopping center where the cakes, pastries, baguettes and famous macarons are baked daily.  The display cases in the cafe are filled with these delicious treats, most famous for their French Macarons but also their cakes.

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The Chocolate Roulade is one of my all-time favorite cakes consisting of a thin layer of chocolate cake wrapped around chocolate truffle with chocolate
mousse, fresh cream, strawberries and a chocolate dipped strawberry on top.  Whole cakes or slices can be purchased.

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The fruit tarts are another great option, such as the kiwi and blueberry.

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BUT, the La Provence absolute must try is the French Macarons.

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Some of my favorites are the rose and lavender, but they are all delicious in their own right, soft with great filling.

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French Macaron Flavors ($2 each):

Lemon: Fresh Squeezed Lemon Curd
Chocolate: Chocolate Ganache
Pistachio: Ground Pistachio Buttercream
Lavender: Lavender Infused Buttercream
Hazelnut: Noisette Buttercream
Raspberry: Puree of Raspberry Buttercream
Vanilla: Pure Vanilla Bean Buttercream
Orange: Essence of Orange Infused Buttercream
Coffee: Espresso Reduction Buttercream
Rose: Rose Water Buttercream
Pumpkin Spice: Fresh Pumpkin Butter Cream (seasonal)

After many years of being a customer at La Provence I still come here as often as I can.  The BH location has FREE parking in the garage below, a rarity in LA, and I always leave feeling very satisfied with my meal.  I haven’t tried something I didn’t like yet. One Macaron bite and you’ll be hooked….

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La Provence Patisserie & Cafe
http://www.laprovencecafe.com/index.htm

Beverly Hills Plaza
8950 W. Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 888- 8833

–Please note hours of operations–
Monday: 6:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Tue- Fri: 6:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Brentwood Gardens
11677 San Vicente Blvd. #315
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 442- 1144

–Please note hours of operations–
Monday- Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.

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Breakfast all day, like music to my ears!  Larchmont Bugalow is located in the charming Larchmont village.  The cafe is set up like a little country home with an antique coffee grinder displayed in the front window; an old school stove where you can get water and fix-ins for your coffee; a living room area with a fireplace and couch; a patio area in the back with additional seating.  At the counter you see the delicious assortment of muffins and other baked goods they offer, such as macarons, cupcakes, cakes… You order at the counter and sit wherever there is room available.

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We really enjoyed our meal here.  My friend ordered the Garden Omelet ($14 and you can substitute the toast for oatmeal for $1) and I had trouble deciding on which omelet I wanted most so I got their unique option of Mini Omelet Sliders where you can select any 2 of their signature omelets ($17).  I went with the Fajita Omelet and Cobb Omelet.  I loved them both, a good tasting size yet hearty.  The lattes were very good, but just not as good as a Spanish Latte from Urth Cafe.  I think I need to try a couple others they offer on the menu.  The breakfast specials come with a choice of potatoes, fruit salad or garden salad.  We both chose the fruit salad– there is a variety of fresh fruit with nicely presented balled melons and sliced strawberries.

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Garden Omelet: Egg white omelet with sauteed spinach, grilled zucchini, grilled asparagus and fresh goat cheese.  The toast comes with individual jars of jam, a nice touch that I haven’t seen in LA in quite some time.

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Fajita Omelet Slider: Fajita seasoned chicken, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and black beans topped with crème fraîche, salsa, and shredded tortillas.

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Cobb Omelet Slider: Chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and Pt. Reyes bleu cheese topped with avocado.

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As a brunch dessert we split a half order of their famous Red & Blue Velvet pancakes with creme cheese filling (Half Order $9 Regular $14).

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Larchmont Bungalow is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.  There are so many things I still want to try.  Some other great breakfast options are the huevos rancheros, breakfast burrito, challah french toast or the Seafood Lover’s Omelet (with lobster, shrimp, fresh blue crab, and spinach topped with a truffle hollandaise).  Other highlights on the lunch/dinner menu include includes burgers (Bison Burger), burger sliders (Mexican Burger and Greco Burger), salads (Lobster cobb), crepes, wraps, sandwiches, fish (pistachio crusted fish & chips), steak and lobster.  They offer a bunch of different Southern specials like the Southern Fried Chicken Wrap, Louisiana Cajun Wrap, Pulled Pork and Southern BBQ Baby Back Ribs.

Parking is a little difficult, there are 2 hour paid spaces along Larchmont Boulevard and some free residential parking as well.  It’s self-serve seating and can get very busy in the morning.  We arrived a little before 11AM on a Saturday and were able to find a table without a problem.  By the time we left, around 12:30, there was a line out the door.  The food is a bit overpriced, though on par with Urth Cafe, but there are Living Social and Groupon deals available. The service is a bit scattered, we had to find someone to clean our table when we sat down, but everyone is extremely friendly and I think the food is worth it.

The receipt has this memo, “Bungalow coffee is committed to promoting environmental, social and economical sustainability.  We are continually evolving with our lines of organic, sustainable and earth-friendly products by working with coffee farmers, donating to the Humana Foundation and educating the coffee lover to make the world a better place… starting with a cup of coffee!”

Larchmont Bungalow
107 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 461-1528
http://www.larchmontbungalow.com/

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Meet, a French Bistro, located where L’Hermitage Bistro used to be, is a lovely addition to the Culver City area.  This is not a typical pretentious French restaurant with exorbitant prices.  The all French wait staff is very attentive while still maintaining a very unhurried atmosphere.  Dinner is served at a French pace, no one is rushing to turn over your table, so you can have a nice leisurely meal.  The service is excellent, new plates and silverware are brought between courses, the waiters aim to be unobtrusive and always try to serve to the left and clear to the right.  We had mussels during our meal and when our bowls were full of shells they were replaced before we even realized it was necessary.  Our table had a slight wobble that we didn’t even notice, but when one of the waitresses was setting something down she noticed it and had it fixed immediately.  I was quite impressed with this unassuming establishment.  It’s located in a less congested area of Culver City so sitting out on the patio is like sitting in a little cafe in Paris and the food is just as good too.

Our meal started with an amuse-bouche care of the Chef.  It was the soup special of the day, a carrot and ginger soup, served in a charming cappuccino cup.  The soup was delicious and a very pleasant way to start the meal.

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We tried a few different hors d’oeuvres, one better than the next.

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The Crab Cakes ($10) were very flavorful and served with a red bell pepper coulis.

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Tomato Tarte Tartin ($10) is tomato confit with bosc pears, bleu cheese, frisee and served on a puff pastry.

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Escargots a l’ail ($10) is served on a delicate puff pastry with garlic and parsley butter.  The escargots was cooked well and the sauce was delectable.

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The menu features a Meet for….Mussels and Frites! section with mussels prepared 10 different ways!  This is a little slice of French heaven, we tried 3 different versions [pictured from left to right]:

Provencale ($19) ~ Steamed in white wine with shallots, garlic, tomato, thyme,
fennel & fresh tarragon

Dijonaisse ($19) ~ Garlic, shallots, tomato confit, house mustard, tarragon and cream

Thai ($20) ~ Indian curry, garlic, cumin, lemongrass, coconut milk , cream

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The mussels were perfectly cooked and the sauces very flavorful.  The frites are yummy but before you know it you’ll be ordering more bread to dip into the delicious sauces.  The Thai preparation was the most unique, but the other two preparations are classic and all worth trying.

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All the dessert options looked scrumptious but with such a heavy meal there wasn’t much room left for dessert.  We tried the Creme Brulee (Tahitian vanilla bean, turbinado sugar) ($9) and apple tarte tartin (Red delicious apples, caramel, puff pastry) ($10)

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Overall, we had a delicious meal, the sauces are to-die-for, and we shared two carafes of reignac, bordeaux.  Definitely coming back to try the Roquefort mussels, steak, scallops, and again for brunch

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Tip: Wednesday night is all you can eat mussels night.

Meet French Bistro
9727 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-8222
http://www.meetrestaurantla.com/

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Miru 8691 is currently my favorite Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant in LA, a gem hidden away in a nondescript strip mall.  This restaurant has an extensive menu ranging from sushi rolls to noodles to bibimbop to tacos & burritos to burgers and more.  While many restaurants that have such large menus generally have mediocre food, this place beats the odds and delivers something unique and delicious each time at affordable prices– there are happy hour specials all the time as well as great lunch specials.  Chef Miru Jung and his brother Calvin put their hearts in each dish and pay great attention to presentation and detail. The decor is clean and chiq, definitely a bit kitschy with LV patterned booths, plastic white tables and colorful lighting, reflecting the hip fusion food.  The music is great too, they play dance, techno and house.  It’s one of my go-to places when I am looking for fusion sushi, comfort food or to try something new as there is always something more to discover on the menu.  It’s all about the food here, the restaurant has a very laid back vibe.  The service can be a bit slow at times, but I can tell the owners care about their customers so just come with a bit of patience because the food doesn’t disappoint.  I’ve been here many times and want to share the variety of items I’ve tried in my visits.

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They have a nice drink menu with soju cocktails, beer, beer floats and sake.   The image at the top of this post features the Yuso Mojito with yuza citrus, shiso, mint, lime and rhumbero.  Here also is the Lychee Sangria ($8, HH $5) with lychee fruit floating at the bottom…

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And the beer float ($9) with mango ice cream…it’s like an adult root beer float…more delicious than you can imagine…

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It’s hard not to get too much food but here are some of the appetizers to choose from, like the popcorn lobster & scallop [half order] ($9).

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One of the must-get dishes here is the Calvin Fries ($12) with spicy tuna, tomato and melted cheese.  These fusion fries have me coming back often when I am in search of comfort food.

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The happy hour menu is great for appetizers.  Two of my favorite appetizers to get are the Mini Shrimp Udon ($5) and Bom Crispy Rice ($5/two pieces or $9 full portion).  The Bom is Miru’s version of spicy tuna on crispy rice with jalapeno on top.  The Udon is comes with tempura shrimp, soy broth, tofu and scallion.

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The soups are all very satisfying and can be a meal on their own depending on how hungry you are.  Options vary from udon, ramen and pho… When the soup is brought out they pour the broth into the bowl at your table, another touch of presentation I enjoy. The Pork Belly Ramen ($12) before the miso broth is poured looks like a beautiful reef at the bottom of the ocean and has fried kimchi, tofu, enoki mushrooms, scallions, slices of pork belly and poached egg.  The tender slides of pork belly mix with the flowing egg creating a harmoniously bowl of ramen.

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The sushi rolls, baked rolls and fusion rolls are always a surprise.  They are unique works of art you ALMOST feel bad digging into, but are irresistible when they taste just as good as they look. Two specialties rolls here are FIRE (spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu topped with seared albacore and crispy onions) and Shrimp & Lobster (shrimp tempura, crab, masago, mustard-soy in soy paper topped with lobster salad and avocado).

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The Rainbow Roll ($15) is a different masterpiece each time, it’s made at Chef Miru’s discretion.

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My favorite fusion roll is the Surf & Turf ($15).  Just as the name describes it’s a spicy tuna roll topped with Korean bbq short rib, lobster and is garnished with crunch flakes, masago and sweet chili.  While it may sound unusual to have meat on a sushi roll, the short rib is braised and melts right into all the warm flavors of this decadent dish.

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The sashimi is always fresh and an order of the yellowtail comes in salsa, ponzu and with jalapeno on top.

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Most notable are the BURGERS here at Miru 8691.  One of my favorites is the Spicy Tuna Miru Burger ($12), another delicious fusion creation.  The burger has a Korean BBQ beef patty topped with raw spicy tuna, roasted tomato, cheese, garlic aioli, Miru glaze and crispy onions.  This burger is worth every last messy bite!  The curly fries and spicy ketchup are a perfect side combo as well.

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When I was here last week they got the news that their OG burger [chili burger] was rated #1 on www.theburgerreview.com.  Miru also sent out a sample of a new burger they may be putting on the menu for my friend and me to try, Kuro Burger.  This is a play on a Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich, the burger consists of fresh cut “kurobuta” pork belly seasoned with “hamcho” salt, glazed with honey balsamic and miso mustard on bahn mi pickles on top of a Korean BBQ patty (served with sweet potato chips and curly fries).  I definitely recommend trying one of the Miru Fusion Burgers.

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Finally, dessert… Here is the Choco Lava ($7) with vanilla ice cream but also great with green tea ice cream.

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Other dessert options include, but are not limited to, tempura ice cream and mochi trio.  Even the mochi presentation is unique…

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The menu is pretty extensive but you really can’t go wrong with anything you order. Mouth watering yet…?

Miru 8691
9162 West Olympic Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212-3540
(310) 777-8378
http://www.miru8691.com

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With the closing of two of my favorite zen tea places in LA– Zen Zoo & T-Salon– I’ve been on the lookout for a new tea destination.  I recently tried Bird Pick, and I have Tea Exchange (in Manhattan Beach) still on the list.  The tea at Bird Pick definitely fits the bill, though it does not have the organic food options like the other two places once did and is not quite as close to West LA as I would like.  I visited the location at the Westfield Culver City Mall (the old Fox Hills Mall).

The name Bird Pick originates from a legend told about an ancient practice of cultivating the finest tea leaves. “Extraordinary birds with acute senses would pick out the best leaves for their own nourishment.”  The stores also strive toward this standard in making their special blends of teas.  Bird Pick imports their fine tea leaves directly from their own estates around the world, one of which is an organic tea garden, in Guangzhou, Zhejiang and Fujian Province in China.

I love the decor of the stores, I was literally drawn into this one.  The shop has a very zen~peaceful setting, everything is beautifully displayed and the ambiance has the feel of a shop you’d visit in China.  There is a wide assortment of loose teas, packaged teas, tea bags, blooming teas, honey, etc…, as well as tea sets and teaware.  The tea sets are all beautiful, ranging from traditional to modern, and very tempting to purchase.  The staff is very eager to help and educate, they are generous with samples and can describe the difference and health benefits of all the teas– white, green, oolong, black, herbal… I could get lost here for hours….

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At the tea bar they can whip up your pick of fresh brewed hot teas and iced tea fusions.  I tried one of the tea fusions, the Lychee Oolong Iced Tea.  I asked for it to be unsweetened, so the sweetness only came from the lychee fruit in the drink.  It’s high quality and very refreshing.  The prices are comparable to other tea shops in LA, my iced tea was $3.75 for a large.

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Next time I want to try the Gogj Longan White Iced Tea.  Anyone looking to channel their inner Zen Tea Soul should check out Bird Pick.

Bird Pick Tea & Herb
http://www.birdpick.com

6000 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230 [Suite #1319]
(310) 313-4372

395 Santa Monica Pl
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-4372

10 South De Lacey
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 773-4372

RIP Zen Zoo & T-Salon, your memories will live on….

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It took me quite some time to finally dine at Osteria Mozza, and I can’t believe it did!!  With locations in Los Angeles and Singapore, Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Nancy Silverton offer high-end Italian fair, complimented by an elegant dining roomwith a Mozzarella Bar as the main centerpiece.  There is a full liquor bar backed by spectacular millwork and white marble bar tops.  The mozzarella, burrata, bocconcini and stracciatella are prepared fresh daily.  Other menu items include artisanal salumi and handmade pasta along with seafood and meat dishes.

I will mainly focus here on my first dining experience and overall recommendations.  I was surprised to learn that even after being open for years it is still difficult to get a reservation.  I tried to make a reservation a week in advance and there were already no mid-evening reservations available—only 6:30pm or after 9pm.  But after dining here I completely understand why they are still bustling with business—the quality is fabulous—the restaurant was packed all night.  When my friend and I arrived we were promptly seated and experienced great service.   There is an extensive wine list, great for pairing, and the sommelier is very helpful and not pretentious.  The meal is meant to be several courses so dishes are smaller than one would expect from an Italian restaurant.  The plates are also great for sharing.   The menu is split into 4 Italian sections: antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci.

The meal starts with a complimentary amouse bouche; there are several different ones served throughout the restaurant.  We happened to get the crostini with goat’s milk cheese, olive tapenade & basil which is one of my favorites.  The quality and freshness is evident immediately and the cheese melts in your mouth.

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I enjoyed this starter with a refreshing grapefruit cocktail.

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ANTIPASTI

To get a feel for the restaurant, a good appetizer to start with is any of the fresh mozzarella dishes. Featured here is the burricotta with braised artichokes, pine nuts, currants & mint pesto ($16).  The presentation of the artichoke along with the flavors and textures of the garnishes made this dish truly impressive!

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PRIMI

The mid-courses consist of various pasta dishes.  A standout dish that is a must try is the Ricotta & Egg Raviolo with browned butter ($20).  It is one raviolo and is meant to be cut down the center so the yoke can flow and blend with the ricotta, browned butter and sage.

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This dish literally melts in your mouth, with the buttery sauce, soft ricotta and egg.  It is not too rich and should be enjoyed till the very last bite.

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There are many other handmade pastas to choose from but these simple dishes are a must try as well: Orechiette with sausage and swiss chard, a nice smoky flavor ($20).  Tagliatelle with oxtail or lamb ragu, a nice homey dish with great texture of the pasta and flavor of the ragu ($21).

SECONDI

The main course dishes feature meat and fish.  The dishes are also larger portions than the previous courses.  We had the Grilled Beef Tagliata, rucola & parmigiano with aceto balsamico ($33).  The beef was grilled to perfection.  The balsamic gave the dish a very unique flavor, melding deliciously with the meat and offsetting the spice of the arugala and, of course, the parmigiano.

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DOLCI

Definitely finish off the delectable meal with some cappuccino and a dessert.  One of the most popular desserts is the Bombolini ($12).

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These Italian doughnuts are quite addictive especially with the huckleberry marmellata & vanilla gelato. This is paired nicely with a cappuccino (I am a sucker for the cappuccino art as well).

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Overall, the food is high quality with nice presentation. The staff is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable and the meal is timed nicely with good spacing between courses.    The service is  great, the servers rarely leave the tableside yet it never feels like anyone is hovering.  Should someone excuse themself from the table a server is right there to re-fold their napkin, as well as pull out their chair upon their return.

The restaurant is pricey, but the quality and experience are worth it.  I do not usually jump at restaurants by celebrity chefs, which is why it took me so long to try this one, but the food really does not disappoint.  Reservations are strongly recommended for a table and can conveniently be made on OpenTable.  There is also the option of eating at the Mozarella bar, the full menu is offered, which is first come first serve.  For early birds there is a $35 tasting menu at the Mozerella bar on weekdays. Parking is tough in the area, but there is valet parking for $10 in the evening.   I recommend this place for special occasions, date nights or when you just feel like treating yourself to a great meal.

Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 297-0100
http://www.mozza-la.com