good luck deluxe

I was looking for the ideal way to express my deepest heartfelt affections for my blessed Porto’s Bakery (because, let’s face it — it IS blessed!), and came upon just the thing on YouTube!

Let me say, in all sincerity… If you haven’t had a dessert from Porto’s, you’re merely existing, not living.

SOOOOO PHENOMENAL!!!

A gentleman friend and I were all geared up to have lunch at Madre’s in Pasadena tomorrow and we just discovered (upon calling for reservations) that it is officially CLOSED FOR BUSINESS until further notice.

Why? Whyyyyyyy?!

I was all geared up for some ceviche, plantains and arroz con pollo. All geared up for it…and now look.

In all my years in L.A., Madre’s was the ONE place I was all geeked up to visit. I was even doing an inner happy dance today when I found out that’s where we’re going.

JLo, come on now. Don’t do this to me. You can at least open it back up for one more meal and invite us.

It’s the right thing to do.

Update, as of August 3rd: Jen’s former executive chef, Don Rolando, has his own eatery in the North Hills, Casa Don Rolando. So all is not lost. You can always visit Don to get your vaca frita on.

Casa Don Rolando
8755 Parthenia Place
North Hills, CA 91343
Tel. (818) 920-2272

I’m sure you remember my griping about what seemed to be a lack of enough ethnic eateries here in L.A. outside of Mexican food and sushi in comparison to Washington, D.C.

Well, I’ve been keeping more of an eye out for these treasures everywhere I go in
Los Angeles. I’m learning that if I want great Cuban food, I need to go to the Valley, and Venice Boulevard is peppered with Brazilian, Cuban, Peruvian and Salvadoran spots.
I even recently saw two pupuserias on Venice. There IS a God!

On Venice in the Culver City area, you can’t miss the huge sign that screams,
“WHOLE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN - ONLY $5.95!” that comes complete with a huge photo of a gargantuan, glistening rotisserie chicken on the sign.

You can only drive past that sign a few times without wondering what all the fuss is about. What takeout place would dare call THAT much attention to itself?

Enter Larco Mar, a Peruvian polleria and multi-Latin grill, and its connected
Coppelia’s Latin bakery - the latest targets of my affection.

But here’s the irony - the chicken was just so-so…even a little on the dry side.
I caution - if you are planning to dine at Larco Mar, ask for dark meat - even if you don’t normally eat that portion of the bird. Either that, or request a side of rotisserie drippings to soak your parched white meat in. Seriously, although Larco Mar’s bird is nicely seasoned with a hint of tarragon, it’s dying of thirst.

I wasn’t crazy about that spicy sauce they give you on the side, which was surprising to me, because you know I like my spice! I’ve had much better side sauces in other Peruvian chicken eateries.

If you enjoy a nice variety of Latin food, then Larco Mar is your place. They call their establishment primarily a Peruvian rotisserie, but in small print on their business card it says, “And Mexican Grill.” Then there was Cuban music playing overhead when I was there, and Coppelia’s features some Caribbean desserts. I think it would be less confusing if they would just simply call the entire shebang, “Latin Food Mecca.”

Anyhoo…

I say with emphasis, it was THE BEANS that warrant a return visit to Larco Mar!

Oh, those glorious beans - prepared Puerto Rican-style in a heavenly gravy.
I was pleasantly surprised that the beans were so tender, well-seasoned with a hint of smokiness and were totally saucy.

Next time, I will take it a step further and I’ll ask them for extra gravy on my beans. They tasted like someone’s Latina mother made them from scratch in a big pot. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.

Note: I should clarify that we’re not talking about refried beans here, people.
These were stewed beans…m’kay?

Carrying on…

The rice was eh. Seriously, I’m all about the beans at Larco Mar.

As if the ginormous chicken sign out front weren’t enough, they have a sidewalk sign boasting the Tres Leches cakes (my favorite!) in Coppelia’s adjacent Latin bakery.
It’s one-stop shopping at this place!

Here, take a look…

The cake in front looks mocha-ish…all creamy and dreamy.

I wasn’t of a mind to cause a big scene with my snapping pics of Coppelia’s sugary
Latin delicacies, so I just whipped out my trusty camera phone and my mission was accomplished in two snaps under the radar.

The dessert cases shown above were almost empty because customers were coming in from every direction buying Coppelia’s cakes. I’ve never seen a bakery move that many confections in all my life! Coppelia’s obviously has a good thing going on with their cakes.

After eating a heaping plate of chicken, rice and beans (for only $4.95, by the way),
I was so stuffed I looked like a big grape. That meal was enough dense protein for a week!

There was no way I was packing in dessert after all of that. I couldn’t even consider taking a cake home because all I could think about was rolling home so I could be in my bed to let my food digest.

Overall, the food was divey, inexpensive and good. But next time, I’ll be back
for the cake!

Larco Mar Peruvian Rotisserie and Coppelia’s Bakery
10825 Venice Boulevard
West Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 838-0375

While searching for fantastic florists that sell white flowers (my favorite!),
and I somehow happened upon Anaheim White House Restaurant, by proprietor
Bruno Serato. Zagat rated this gem “Outstanding!” And I can see why!

It’s confirmed: I’m lucky to live in Southern California.

As you can imagine, everything about the establishment’s 12 dining rooms’ interior is gilded and white…even with white candles and flowers!

I must also mention how remarkably pretty the food looks.

There’s no other way to describe it. It’s just…pretty!

Rainbow Ravioli

Seared Ahi Tuna

Fontina and Prosciutto-stuffed Chicken with Artichokes

Dessert Tray with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

I know I mentioned Mallorca Restaurant in Pittsburgh catering my wedding, but Anaheim White House Restaurant is the first restaurant that can actually give my beloved Mallorca a run for its money. Yes, they even have a catering division.
Decisions, decisions!

In the meantime, I might have to hire some contributing writers to help me cover the universe of posh. There’s so much luxury in the world and so little time!

Anaheim White House Restaurant
887 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 772-1381

My mind really took a winding journey today.

Blogging about Ralph Fiennes and mentioning his penchant for naughty, impulsive trysts got me to pondering the allure of forbidden fruit in general. All of this led to my thinking of the Original Sin with Adam and Eve in the garden…and, well, that left me feeling utterly compelled to blog about figs.

So from Sir Ralph to figs, let’s commence!

Is there anyone alive who doesn’t love figs? They’re terribly good. This ancient fruit is pregnant with history, fable, folklore, and seduction.

Virtually every culture on earth has a passion for figs, and a plethora of fabulous recipes for showcasing and relishing them. Whether you cook with figs, smash them into a jam, or tote them along in your picnic basket with a crusty loaf of bread, some cheese and wine, you’re about to tap the heavenly dimension.

About Fig Fest 2007 in California
This Fig Fest will be held on Saturday, August 11th from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Vineyard Farmers Market, located at the N.W. corner of Shaw and Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. There will be sampling of fig-related food items from a number of restaurants, fresh and dried fig sales, and jazz music. Admission is $5 per person with the proceeds going to local charities. Visit the web site regularly (click above) for detail updates.

Fig Fest Menu
The Chef’s Table, Fig Garden Village
Palm & Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 227-3200
$125 per person

Chef: Malachi Harland

Wine Spectator Magazine - Best of Award of Excellence 2005 & 2006

1st Course
Grilled pancetta-wrapped Black Mission figs with arugula/balsamic

2005 Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer

2nd Course
California swordfish medallions
Melted onions/port wine fig sauce

2005 Kale Hart Chardonnay

3rd Course
Chicken Cooked Under a Brick
Dried figs, green beans and toasted almonds with an olive vinaigrette
Potato gnocchi

2005 Boeger Barbera

4th Course
Fig Cloufouti
Vanilla citrus anglaise

2005 Lilly Pilly Noble Blend

5th Course
Gorgonzola Dolce
Figs with honey and candied pecans

NV Broadbent Madeira

Everyone digs figs!

Years ago, in my culinary heyday, I came up with the most amazing chicken marinade that I made by mixing citrus juices with garlic and EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil).

I didn’t know then that it had a name, but now I realize that it was similar to a Cuban-style marinade, mojo criollo. My family LOVED this chicken!

Now that summer is fast-approaching, I realize some of you are itchin’ to try some new, fabulous grilling recipes. Never one to deprive my readers, I decided to do a feature on the best marinade in the world. Don’t you just love me?

Here in L.A., Versailles Cuban Restaurant makes a nice, tangy, very garlicky mojo chicken. It’s served with a side of Cuban black beans and rice and fried plantains
(that are a little on the overcooked side, but hey).

Versailles’ garlic chicken is a bit extra-tangy, but believe me when I say you’ll get used to it and will even have a craving for it later. How they get that chicken skin so perfectly crispy is beyond me!

For your grilling pleasure, I found this kickin’ recipe on RecipeZaar:

Mojo Criollo

1/4 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 garlic cloves, pressed
salt, to taste
black pepper, fresh ground, to taste

1. Add all ingredients to a small jar, cover and shake for 2 minutes.
2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
3. Use as a marinade for meats and poultry.

Or if you’re lazy like me and prefer an already-made mojo, click this pic to order yours:

You’ll want to kiss me after you taste this marinade. Hey, don’t kiss me…just invite me over for dinner.

I’ll bring the Cristal brewskis!

The other day, I had lunch with a friend at Ummba Grill, a uniquely delicious Brazilian churrascaria.

I asked for a bottle of still water, and was expecting the usual brands. When the server brought two neatly-designed bottles of Llanllyr SOURCE water to our table, my curiosity was certainly piqued.

One sip and I was jumping for joy. FINALLY, bottled water that tastes clean. Most bottled water has some sort of aftertaste to me…whether from inorganic minerals, chemicals, or plain old invisible gunk floating around in it.

Llanllyr SOURCE is now my absolute favorite water, though it’s a bit hard to find. The world isn’t yet hip to its glory, but give it time.

So what makes this water so special? Here, I’ll let the Llanllyr site speak for itself:

“Llanllyr SOURCE is one of the world’s premium quality bottled waters. It comes from our sources beneath certified organic fields in West Wales in the United Kingdom.

We bottled our first water only a few years ago in 1999, but behind our highly contemporary product there’s a truly fascinating story that begins literally centuries ago!

We know the same sources have been providing drinking water for over 800 years because a Cistercian nunnery was established on the site in 1180 and it survived for over 400 years, The history of the site goes back much further than that though.

It may have been the stunning design of the original SOURCE bottle that first caught the market’s eye, but it soon became clear that it was the distinctively appealing and ‘clean’ taste of the water that was persuading sector leading restaurants, hotels and venues around the world to make it their water of choice. And it’s not just our opinion - SOURCE consistently leads blind taste tests and is endorsed by chefs in many top U.K. and overseas restaurants.”

Llanllyr SOURCE is a good water for non-water drinkers. If you hate drinking water, try Llanllyr’s pure water first before you make that claim. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

As for how in the world one should pronounce the name, the general consensus seems to go with, “Thlawnthleer.”

Call it what you want, but just don’t call me late for dinner!

My LoveBug and I had a cozy, relishable dinner at Ford’s Filling Station last night, which is owned by Harrison Ford’s son, Benjamin Ford.

Thank God LoveBug didn’t tell me the name of the establishment in advance, or I would’ve dug in my spiked heels and flat-out refused. Ford’s Filling Station?!

As an Executive Chef from Italy, my LoveBug takes pride in being beyond the foodie realm. He doesn’t just know or love food, he becomes one with it. Unified.

I have met my match in a man who is even more passionate about gourmet food than I!

The gods must be listening…or reading my blog!

Since LoveBug is so wildly ardent about his food, I let him do the ordering…anything but meat. The difference between dating a barbaric Alpha Male type of guy and a more sweet, sensory-keen, sensual man is like night and day. Every lady needs one in her life.

I realized last night that I can never go back to dating men whose idea of a great dinner is whatever American restaurant chain happens to have their lights on during the drive home from the office.

Ford’s Filling Station is casual elegance. It reminds me very much of the trattorias I used to frequent when I lived in Italy. Ford’s is bustling with chatty, communal patrons.

Last night, I was so exhausted after work that I didn’t have the mental wherewithal to fuss about and be a Diva over a restaurant menu. As long as it was quality food, I was putting fork to mouth. So truth be told, I can only detail what I ate in laywoman’s terms, having only glanced at the menu.

My primary focus was the wine and spirits list!

The wine list at Ford’s was extensive and definitely made an impact. Good wine is not optional there…it’s all they serve! I was grinning from ear to ear when I saw my beloved Veuve Clicquot sharing paper space with all the other beverage starlets.

But since it was only Thursday, and not yet cause for an all-out celebration, I had a glass of uncomplicated Pinot Grigio. Truthfully, I was more impressed with the aesthetics of my wine glass than the contents of it. That’s not to say the Pinot wasn’t remarkable, because it certainly was.

Note to self: Call Ford’s and get the name of their wine glass supplier.

On to the sustenance…

For starters, we shared a gorgeous wild greens salad that was tossed in a basic vinaigrette and served with a side of gooey burrata. The consistency of burrata grosses me out (wet Play-Doh, anyone?), so I offered up no resistance when LoveBug snagged it off my plate.

Then we shared this long, thin-crusted pizza-ish thing that was topped with a
white bean paste of some sort, huge shrimp, fresh herbs, lemons, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Slurp!

LoveBug had some sort of sea bass that he was so into, he fell silent for 20 minutes.
I had the brook trout with chopped hazelnuts and cream and a side of broccoli rabe.
It was such an odd combo, but a happy marriage nonetheless. Super sexy food!

I was surprised to see so many fish and seafood preparations on the menu at Ford’s.
Our humble French server was a joy. The managers made their rounds throughout the restaurant to check on the tables, and even refilled our water glasses. The glass is never half-empty at Ford’s!

Other restaurants and waitstaff — TAKE NOTES!

Ford’s Filling Station
9531 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 202-1470

As I write this, I should mention that I don’t think I have ever been so pleasantly stuffed in my life.

Folks, this is even more of a euphoric fullness than the likes of post-Thanksgiving gorging.

Whoever still believes that all Ethiopians are starving has never left their neighborhood block and ventured into a good Ethiopian restaurant. You owe it to yourself to try Ethiopian food, if you still have yet to do so.

A dear friend and I had dinner at Awash on Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles tonight. Man, am I glad I went! I’ve done Messob and the others on Fairfax Ave., but tonight was my first experience at Awash.

I am part-Ethiopian, and have sampled Ethiopian food across the nation, so I know of that which I speak. Awash has my vote!

I left the restaurant smelling like spices, and I can even smell it in my hair. But the food was so daggone good that I’d do it all over again. It’s worth it!

So there I was at Awash this evening, sitting across from my skinny vegetarian friend. She ordered the healthy vegetarian platter.

I, on the other hand, ordered Awaze Tibbs; an unbelievable beef stew with red peppers, jalapeños, and spices that is meant to be savored, not merely described. Awaze Tibbs is traditionally cooked with a touch of seasoned, clarified butter. Yes, butter. Sinfully rich.

My meal was served with a side of sautéed spinach and garlic and, of course, a generous portion of injera.

Wow.

All size 4 of me was happy.

I had no shame in chowing down on this succulence to my heart’s delight. None. It was actually a cheap thrill to stuff my pie-hole with buttered meat in front of a die-hard vegetarian. Oh, the ecstasy!

I had plenty to take home, too. I could only eat 1/4th of my meal. You get a lot of food at Awash. Service was a bit slow (good food takes time!), but overall pleasant. The patrons were jovial, and it was obvious that they were quite pleased, as well.

No one has to twist my arm to dine at Awash Restaurant again. I’m their new regular!

Awash Restaurant
5990 1/2 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(323) 939-3233

I have various rituals for each day of the weekend, starting on Friday.

Having fish on Friday is nothing new. Many religious people have been doing this since forever. I don’t have fish on Fridays for any reason other than:

1. I love fish
2. Fish has serious health benefits
3. I digest fish better than meat
4. Designating a day to eating fish is an easy way to remember to eat it

One of my preferred restaurants for fish is Houston’s Restaurant. They have nationwide locations, and certainly a few here in L.A., with my favorite being the one at
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard. Love it!

Every time I go to Houston’s, I always order their savory hot spinach dip appetizer, and one of two entree combinations:

1. Grilled rainbow trout, a loaded baked potato & a house salad with buttermilk garlic dressing

2. Crabcakes, rice and beans & a house salad

I don’t even need to see their menu anymore. No matter which Houston’s location I’m at, I can always order the same thing and get consistent food and service.

So let me talk about this grilled trout that Houston’s serves. It is sublime. It’s perfect,
I tell you. Couldn’t be better if they tried!

Houston’s rainbow trout is fresh, marinated in what tastes to me like some sort of
mojo criollo (citrus and garlic) type marinade, grilled, and served with a tart, creamy Remoulade sauce on the side. Out of this world good. That’s some seriously slammin’ fish!

Their grilled trout is always blissfully flavorful, flaky, and awe-inspiring. Houston’s also features this other fish that’s quite tasty, though I can’t remember the name of the actual fish. It’s a cross between salmon and trout. It’s the texture of trout, but the color of salmon. I must sound like a really professional blogger, huh?

Note: Several weeks later, I am updating this entry because I finally figured it out! The fish is Arctic Char. Ha - I’m a genius after all! I would provide you with a link to more info on Arctic Char, but it’s an ugly little bugger, and I don’t want it to detract from the beauty of this post.

As for my choice of beverage at Houston’s…

Keep in mind that I’m not a wine drinker (too much red wine in Italy!). I am more of a special occasion champagne and pretty rum drinks chick.

But for some reason, whenever I’m dining at Houston’s, I always order a glass or two of festive vino. There’s something so classic and stately about the restaurant’s atmosphere that makes me want to swig grown-up grape juice.

When I crave grilled fish, my first thought is Houston’s. Not even the high-profile, swanky L.A. seafood restaurants can compare.

An excellent choice for fish on Friday!