JIM DANDY CHICKEN/Vermont Maybe

What can I say.  If you can get past the double-pane bullet-proof windows, then you deserve to be here.  This didn't intimidate me but the pass through cash/food thing was a bit much.  It less it was a clean transaction.  I ordered the fried chicken, corn fritters and slaw, I think.  Everything was scrumptious.  The chicken was light and crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender in the inside.  It doesn't get better than this.  I just saw Jim Dandy Chicken on a movie, called, "Inappropriate Humor", even saw my local Kosher market.  Surprise!  Well, this chicken rocks others, by far.  The corn fritters are addictively good.  I just love coming here as long as there an't any homies lookin for a free ride off me.  Later alligator, this chick is pronto bimanous.  I don't work in the area anymore but I will make a special trip of returning.  You rate a 10.  Bravo!

BISTRO LAURENT

3936 Sepulveda Blvd.  Culver City  I found this restaurant by accident, working one day and getting ready to enter the 405 freeway. I parked my car in front.  Their was only a couple of other people in the restaurant.  Laurent was friendly and gracious.   I ordered an egg scramble, recommended by Laurent.  I loved the paper covering on the table, utilizing this negative space for the crust bread, that is delicious.  I ate it all!  They have a great bakery.  The almond chocolate or chocolate Danish is divine.  As I gazed at the interesting art work of Italian families adorning the wall, it created a feeling of their presence.  My scramble came and it looked and tasted great.  I will definitely go back, and actually have in between my first visit and the time it took to write this blog.  By the way, Laurent started in the farmer's market, good for him.

PITFIRE ARTISAN PIZZA

What stands out here, is the outstanding young men that work here.  One young man spoke on simple spiritual matters, making a real connection with me, making me want to return.  I left my temporary job and haven't gone back yet.  Oh yes, the pizza, it's that bubble style, where the dough puffs up.    I ordered some fancy, green vegetable, daily special pizza.  I don't remember the vegetable, maybe it was Chinese broccoli.   I wouldn't order it again but I love all of the other combinations that they do.  The décor is especially nice.  It is open yet warm and comfortable feeling.  The chairs could be more comfortable but okay.  I sat at a communal table until a single opened up, which was a pleasant feel with nice down to earth folks.

THE SLICE

915 Wilshire Blvd.  I had a gift certificate for $5.00 from my frequent flyer miles.  How do you like that?  I got a  slice of cheese, and a slice of pepperoni.  The owner, (I think) was super nice to me.  I chatted him up, of course.  They have a narrow, little tropical space on their side, and a couple of tables outdoors.  It looks like a Starbucks, a little.  The cheese slice was uneventful but the pepperoni was outstanding.  I had the meatballs the next day, they were good enough, but lacked seasoning and flavor with Italian heart. 

LAZY DAISY CAFE

The Lazy Daisy Café is consistent, so now I know what to order.  The chicken cobb salad is always good and fresh.  The salmon salad is also very good with a great mix of vegetables.  I find myself craving it's nourishing ingredients.   I also like their egg dishes, for instance, the eggs benedict, and the breakfast burrito.  At lunch they serve fresh pico de gallo.   Service does lag at times, but the staff works real hard at serving many people at a time, and works well together.   For the most part they are consistent, but careful to order the dishes that you know you like. 

Z GARDEN

2350 Pico Boulevard, in Santa Monica.  Chicken Chawarma Pita Sandwich, delicious, moist tender sautéed marinated strips, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, parsley and garlic sauce.  Yum Yum!  The French fries were the bomb, with something like Old Bay Seasoning on it.  The water was infused with cucumber and lemon, no one does that.  What a nice addition, and I haven't been back!!!  This little gem should be found.  My friend at Massage Central told me that she lives nearby Z Garden, and  frequents it often with her husband.  I know that my friend likes good, fresh food.  She also recommended Native Foods which I also liked very much, for different reasons.

Tsujita Artisian Noodle

I don't know ramen that well, but I do know good tasting food.  I finally got to visit Tsujita Artisian Noodle.   I found a parking space off Sawtelle Blvd. As I walked from my car I vaguely remembered that they only took cash.  Of course when I got there I was right.  I began to leave when I went inside asking if there was a bank nearby.  Only by chance did I have a twenty dollar bill to take out.  Across the street was the Tomato bank.  What a cute name for a bank.   I used to spell tomato, tomatoe, until my Dad told me of the correct spelling. 
I was warmly greeted again by the gracious reassuring young woman that directed me to the bank.  I loved this experience.  First of all, my chair was pulled out for me, but not just remote, caringly done, and then gently pushed me back in towards the bar.  Bam Brothers'.  I settled in as I photographed the chiefs.  I identified the spices in front of me: pepper, Japanese pepper, pepper leaf skin, and chili flakes, in a beautiful, female, small wooden bottle.  I was served a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen, called negi ramen,  which I immediately ravished.  It's a good thing that I wore contact lens because I would have steamed up my glasses, for my head was stuck in the bowl after the first bite.  I kept eating the deliciously hard cooked noodles. They have 3 levels of doneness that you can order your noodles.  I left them to make them how they do.  They were hard enough to bite, chewy, yet done enough, letting the flavor come up. 
I ate my dish as it came and then later after I picked my face up from the bowl,  I added chili pepper, which I liked the best,  The pork was jelled like in a broth of it's own to the upper right.  Scallions abundantly surrounded the bowl.  I finally got to the broth and found it rich and with a good consistency.  I thought of what I heard about the broth being strained through cheesecloth to achieve the perfect clear broth. Perhaps that is the Tsukemen, I look forward to that because this broth did not stand up to the ramen noodles. 

NORDSTROM ROOM IN WESTSIDE PAVILLION

This blog is from several months ago.  Coming here for lunch is one of my favorite LA experiences.  I have been coming here for years and remember one year not too long ago (before the recession) enjoying the live piano playing while drinking a glass of celebratory champagne.  Divine and pure decadence.  I loved the moment.  Well, this day, they were  hosting Dine LA, perfect for my favorite LA experience, right?  This week's featured chief was Jason Longfield.  For fifteen dollars, I think it was, you got 2 courses.  I ordered the Ahi Tuna Salad and the crab mac n 'cheese.  Crab mac n' cheese, where have I been?     
I had a double experience with both culinary and social.  Tony, the restaurant manager was very friendly, discussing juicing and his recommended Montel Williams brand. Javier was my server.  He enjoys food and the cooking show on tv also.  He said that he likes chief Anthony Boudain. 
Okay, here we go,  at first bite, creamy, and served in a soufflé dish with a spoon, nice looking. The consistency was good.  I felt let down with this dish, expecting bits of crab in the dish.   It was hard to tell where the crab was, looking for the taste each and every bite.  It was probably pureed.  Overall, I enjoyed it for what it was, it was good, but I was tantalized and teased but the title, wanting to taste a morsel of crab.
On to the Ahi Tuna Salad, "The Towering Delight", I named it.  At first bite it was fresh, with a sweet flavor, crispy wontons, a light citrus dressing,  with yellow and red peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, jicama, and spinach.  This dish came stacked high with these delicious, surprisingly well balanced flavors.  I would order this on any menu. 

FORD'S FILLING STATION

It was a very pleasant day and I was eager to sit outside and have a tasting of a burger that was recommended from a very nice person/server from The Woods, in Culver City, on Washington.  Since I have some time on my hands now I have the privilege of playing restaurant reviewer. 
After moving to another table, the smell of urine permeated through the cement walkway.  I couldn't get past this until the burger arrived.  The Ford's Pub Burger came with butter leaf lettuce, roasted tomato, pickle.  Oh that's what that tomato was.  I thought that the tomato was lame, not much substance or taste.  The bun was brioche, again.  I know it's a craze but I love a good plain bun like from Fresh & Meaty or Three Bears BQ, or Bernard's Burgers.  I'm goin there next week, when I get some mo money.  I rate this burger a 7+.  I have to go back, a big mention is theirshowcases of small-batch American distilleries and an awesome full bar. 

UMAMI BURGER

By accident, I ended up trying my first Unami Burger when I was visiting Fred Segal's.  I ordered inside at the bar and ate outside at a communal table.  The man at the bar just got over a rush of people and he was so kind and considerate to me, helping me to chose the amber ale.  It was Strands Beach House Amber, I would buy it I liked it so much.  I didn't order the fancy truffle burger.  I ordered the chickpea patty, No, I didn't.  Really, I could have ordered the Manly Burger with beer-cheddar cheese, smoked-salt onion strings, bacon lardons, yum!  But, no I got the hatch Burger, which is a burger with roasted green chilies, American cheese, roasted garlic aioli.  I thought that this would be a good combination but they could have kicked it up a notch, with the heat.  It was good, but a tease.  You know, I think I'll go to Umini today for the manly burger.
 The second time I was also at Fred Segal's.  This time I sat outside the crowd where you take your burger to go.  The third time that I came across Umini Burger I was walking around in Westwood.  I just finished lunch so I didn't eat.   The staff was kinda snooty, but I did recommend another burger joint to compare.  I wasn't complainin but I guess they got the just of it.  This burger rates an 8.

TANDOOR-INDIA

I stumbled in for a lunch buffet through a couple's recommendation that I had met at Milo and Olive's, a high end, small plates restaurant.  It was quiet with only another table or two in the low-lit restaurant.  I liked the large comfortable booths. 
The selection was vast, and well tended to.  The vegetable korma was my favorite, it was rich, creamy and comforting.  The chicken tikka was also good.  The rice was fresh and fluffy. I love an abundance of nan with the chutneys.  The buffet is the way to go to thouroughly enjoy the fine Indian cuisine.   I especially liked the fresh orange slices at the end of my meal.  My service was kind and attentive.  I left feeling very good from the food and the energy that I felt.  I give you a 9 on your buffet. 

My Sweet Meatballs

Sweet aromatic smells of fresh tomato and basil at first look, it is delicate and light in it's color of red   The meatballs simmer to a nice heat as I watch the Miami Heat beat the Indiana Pacers, in the NBA playoff series, game 5 of the Eastern conference. 
Meatballs, good meat, pork and ground beef. I prefer more seasoning, salt and pepper, garlic, oregano, chili, cumin, a good consistency , but a little heavy for some.  A cutting of fresh herb and it is delicious.

Burger Lounge

Burger Lounge opening on San Vicente in Brentwood was a much needed place, with only Barney's on San Vicente Blvd. with a decent burger.  This one is better, consistent, and grass-fed beef.  I have gone to Burger Lounge twice and the first time I liked it more.  The second time didn't seem consistent, I'm not sure what it was.  I ordered The "Classic" both times, with organic American cheese, Organic Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, chopped onion.  I did like these traditional toppings and do enjoy this burger.  Their customer service stands out!  This restaurant gets a 7+.

TWENTY SIX BEACH

Hum! I have finally landed here with my best friend, Herb.  We are enjoying getting used to the French patio like atmosphere as we view the menu.  We both ordered burgers to my delight.  They came too fast though.  I wanted to linger more in my friend's company.  We had a wonderful experience with good food and a warm couple sitting next to us.  The place is small, but with two rooms, and a couple nice booths.  I was going to order the Maytag, with a pear chutney, but I tried the Classic.  I should have ordered differently, like my friend did.  He ordered the UFO which had sour cream, avocado, bacon.  My Classic was huge but I bit into it.  Juicy meat, but again, flavorless.  The bun was way to big and because soggy on the bottom, falling apart.  The tomato slice and shredded lettuce was yuck.  I was expecting more with the show of the size of the burger.  Also the red onion went limp on top of wet lettuce.  I took a bite of my friend's burger and it was surprisingly surprised, liking the sour cream.  These ingredients on the UFO really compliments this burger.  The side of chili accented the experience.  The chili didn't look good but it tasted awesome.  At first bite, a nice size of beef, and a great heat and flavor.  It tasted like Texas.  I will go back again.  The service was excellent, with two nice hostesses at the front.  I give this restaurant an 8+.

BELWOOD BAKERY

I met a young man in Brentwood, eating a wrap sandwich outside of Whole Foods when he recommended Belwood Bakery/Café.  I drove up to Barrington Court, entering on the West side parking lot.  I found a quaint little café with a waterfall outside where I sat.  I really enjoyed the friendliness of the staff and the commitment of providing their  patrons with good, fresh food.  I ordered the Rosemary Chicken Sandwich with lettuce, tomato, swiss, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard.  I enjoyed the sandwich very much but nothing special stood out.  Although, I will go back for a breakfast sandwich of ham, egg, and cheese because it is so close to home and their ingredients are fresh and good so I would give them another shot.

MY OMELET, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

I wanted to use up my bacon and tomato, with tomato used in my pico de gallo that I made last night.  I had Meunster white cheese which sounded okay.  I had the pico and tortillas, so that was it.  My omelet came together fairly well with all of the ingredients cooking evenly and with the cheese, providing a wonderful smokey flavor with the added bacon.  I really liked it and noticed that I had a good plating going on, pleasing to the eye.  I photographed it and will add these photos to the blog.  Please enjoy and know that you can make a delicious omelet as well!

PAMPAS GRILL

My friend Michael recommended this restaurant with several choices of Brazilian BQ meats that you can order along with their selections on the self-service buffet table.  I traveled to Overland and Venice, in the mall area, unable to find it at first.  It is on the South,  East side.  I enjoyed my selections on my first visit, but not as much as my second.  You know how I am about consistency, you go back expecting the same and get something different.  I have to admit I chose a better cut of meat the second time, a  top sirloin. Originally I had the sirloin cap and leg of lamb.  I tried the balsamic tomatoes & onions.   I thought that their tomatoes were fresh and flavorful, probably in season in the month of June.  The collard greens were also good, flavorful and fresh.   The cheese rolls were good, as well as the eef stew.

Plan Check

I will make this blog short because I am sure I already reviewed it last year.  I will look later, so forgive me.  The Chef's Favorite Burger is my choice.  Cheese two ways, bacon two ways, ketchup leather, sunny fried egg, hot sauce.  Yum and beautifully presented in a cast iron grill, along with their French fries as well.  The PCB is also a winner with schmaltz onions, and dashi cheese.  I want to try their smokey fired chicken and cured meats, cheeses and pickles, especially the spicy cucumber, siracha, sesame.

PHORAGE

Nicole was kind to talk to the owner and allow me to have a quick lunch after they had a closed sign on the door.  With Nicole's sweet personality she turned out adding to this experience, creating relaxation. 
The small clear silver metal chairs with wood tables were nice.  I ordered the Banh Mi pork sandwich.  At first bite, it was beyond, so delicious.  The first bite says it all.   The freshness of the cilantro pops out.  It reminds me of Vietnamese roll yet on a bun, with pork.  OMG.  There was a nice sweetness, with the right amount of ingredients of shredded carrots, cucumber, mayo and  jalapeno on the side.  The small baguette was fresh and very good.  The dressing was tangy and sweet and made the Banh Mi sandwich.  I didn't know how good it was until I went somewhere else, and yes I did!  I can't wait to go back.  This restaurant gets a 9 rating.  Oh, they are at 3300  Overland Blvd. in Culver City.

Palace Chinese Restaurant

I tried to go to Enzo & Angela's but they just closed at 2:30.  I always like the quality of food at the Palace Restaurant.  Today, the dining room was full, it was pleasant.  It took forever to get a menu and a glass of water, which I enjoy once I am seated and relaxed to have gotten there.  I ordered the Singamore noodles with pork and shrimp.  It was a huge portion but I began using my chopsticks and adding some serachi to this dish.  It was fresh, hot and delicious, with a nice flavor.  I met people sitting next to me that gave me other restaurant recommendations, my list continues on.  I left sated and with a good fortune in my cookie, "people enjoy my expressionism".  A good experience and meal.

BREAD & PORRIDGE

This restaurant can not be under estimated.   I now refer to their omelets as" the pregnant omelet". 
I have been going to Mark, the owner of this fine restaurant since they opened, maybe 10 years ago.  I can't find an omelet made like Benjamin's anywhere.  He has a knack for adding many ingredients held within a fluffy lite outer casing of egg, cooking everything perfectly, which is hard to do without over cooking the outside. I met Luis, whom has worked in the kitchen for the past 8 yrs.   Today I ordered the swiss chard, mushrooms, onion and goat cheese with the help of my server.  I also like the spinach omelet.  This flavor of the goat cheese was the perfect choice of omelets today.  The side of roasted potatoes is always cooked thoroughly, but not over done.  I absolutely love the additional tray of black beans and pico de gallo.  I just noticed that they now use  smaller dishes to contain these delectable delights.  The service is impeccable, professional and friendly. The guys are so damn efficient here!   Bread & Porridge comes with a loud bustling Saturday crowd. 

Babies Bad Ass Burgers Food Truck

Well, per neighbor Tim's recommendation, I traveled to Beverly Hills, Civic Center Drive to Babies Bad Ass Burger Truck.  I waited in line as I chatted to a young, handsome man about the truffle burger that he was contemplating ordering.  I of course needed to try "The All American Girl", classic burger.  The young woman greeting and taking orders was pretty with red lipstick, like their truck, and lively about taking your order.  At first bite, it tasted good, but then I began to critic it.  I didn't like the brioce bun, it was too large for the burger, but grilled nicely.  I still like, the regular bun, don't change what works, huh?  I did enjoy their burger but do not crave it. 

Pono's Hawaiian Burger

I just left Brick & Mortar when I happened to see Pono's, with just the word written, "burgers" on the aluminum sided building called a "quinsett", (hut), as my server, Brian told me.  I just saw Pono's review on the news last week and then Sasha, from Bristol Farms recommended it.  The Kuawa Crunch was recommended by a nearby patron.  It has 1 yr. Hook Cheddar, housemade organic russet potato chips, housemade cole slaw, housemade spicy guava rum sauce. The cheese is from Andrew's Cheese.   My classic was great and I only wish that I could have eaten more than a third of it because it is best served hot and fresh. When it was served the look of the burger was peeking out and I liked that, seeing the meat filling out under the bun.  The bun was very good, with a good size.   I loved the first bite of a dill pickle slice and the heirloom tomato, which made a big difference.  When I finished I went to back where the kitchen is.  I met Marlin, he comes with 8 years of experience with burgers and takes much pride in what he does.  I very much look forward to returning to Pono's to try the Kuawa.