Viewing entries tagged
coffee

The Olive

Comment

The Olive

Located at the new Downey Promenade, you will find The Olive. This restaurant is not only beautiful but serves up amazing Mediterranean cuisine. I've only had a few Mediterranean experiences, but nowhere to be on the higher end (except Momed), but this place was extraordinary and I'm pretty impressed.

I would say that everything we had was as made in-house as you could imagine.

Fresh pita made to order with a side of spicy green crack sauce (it's that ridiculous).

Perfect brew with a nice froth. I'm a coffee type of gal instead of mimosa.

A little more about the restaurant:

“The Olive’s distinct and unique craft cocktails, created by Carlos Morales, feature the Downy Godfather or Chili Pepino and could easily be found in the best resorts. Comfort staples like babaghanouj, sweet African peppers and wonderful spicy Hummus ride alongside shawarmas, seafood, chicken and steak entrees and specialties including Cornish hens or a mixed grill feast for 6 at a bargain $88. Wraps, soups and a wide variation of salads along with paninis, flatbreads and vegetarian options round out the menu with desserts, Italian sodas, coffee. And, of course, cocktails, high end spirits and aperitifs from the full-service bar are also available.”

8830 Apollo Way Ste 104 Downey, CA 90242

Comment

Napa Valley Grille Brunch

Comment

Napa Valley Grille Brunch

Napa Valley Grille is one of the enjoyable spots I like to visit when I'm in Westwood. Including that day, I think I've ate here in total of 4 times. This time we've attempted to dine during brunch. They have a spacious patio to get some of that Vitamin D. 

3.jpg

Coffee Cake. They bake their own bread to serve before your meal. This changes pretty often depending on what they decide to make. Dinner also changes as well. I love freshly baked bread and pastries so this is always a treat.

1/2 salmon caesar salad. They served the salad in another 1/2 since it was shared between 2. Super thoughtful. This was also very delicious. Simple, but salmon was cooked perfectly.

Shrimp & Stone-Cut Grits served with an over-easy egg, and fennel-frisée salad. Love the touch of shaved fennel. This isn't your New Orleans style shrimp and grits. The broth was definitely lighter and not filled with a pull of grease and sausage. Very flavorful nonetheless

. Crab Cake Benedict with roasted potatoes, hollandaise, and fresh herbs. 

Charcuterie - prosciutto, duck salumi, soppressata, housemade brandied chicken liver pâté, seasonal jam, and charred rustic bread. My favorite is their brandied chicken liver pâté. 

Prosciutto loving with charred bread.

This restaurant is extremely spacious. They also have intimate rooms for private dining for groups or business meetings. I recommend Napa Valley Grille if you've never been here.

1100 Glendon Avenue, #100, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Comment

Momed - Atwater Village

Comment

Momed - Atwater Village

Momed is one of my favorite casual spots to hit up. It's tucked away the residential area within Atwater Village. You would really need to want to come here in order to find it. I've had a few items from the countless times I've been here. Here's what I tried that I haven't introduced before.

Duck Shawarma

Blistered cherry tomatoes, black mission figs, garlic aioli, arugula, onions, rolled in house-made lavash. Hearty and definitely amazing. I absolutely loved these momo chips. You get a choice of salad or these chips. I highly recommend the chips... I mean... there's already arugula in the wrap. I loved the black mission figs in this wrap. It added another level of texture and sweetness that complimented this succulent duck.

SHORT RIB FRICASSÉE

braised short rib, roasted fingerling potatoes, caramelized onions, applewood smoked cheddar, arugula, 2-sunny organic eggs, ciabatta.

Short ribs were tender. Nothing beats a runny egg yolk with a nice hearty bread to scoop it all up. A great fuel starter before hitting the gym or to recover from a hangover. My stomach is grumbling all over again.

3245 Casitas Ave Los Angeles, CA 90039

Comment

Kitchen Mouse - Highland Park

Comment

Kitchen Mouse - Highland Park

I think Kitchen Mouse is my favorite place for breakfast/brunch when I'm in Highland Park. Surprisingly, they serve incredibly delicious Vegetarian food. When I order a meal here, I don't really miss the meat. I believe it was a weekday when we came. They do get really packed on the weekends so it was nice to not have to wait in a line.

My absolutely favorite thing to order here is their chilaquiles. I loved fried food. It's my life. And what better way to have it than to have it smothered in enchilada sauce drizzled with vegan cheese sauce which don't even get me started by how delicious this vegan whiz is.

Their corn chips is like no other corn chip I've had for a chilaquiles. It's definitely thicker and most likely deep fried in house. The slaw also adds a nice to touch to break away the richness from the dish.

SO I was never the sandwich kid. If it was a sandwich, it had to have meat in it. That or something very savory and flavorful. They have this Jo's Breakfast Sandwich. I glanced by it a few times. After little thought (maybe 5 minutes) I've decided heck why the F not. "grilled millet toast layered with smashed avocado, two fried eggs, arugula, chipotle cream and chili lemon dressing" even labeled you'll need utensils for this.

SWISH. This was SO tasty. There's definitely a zip that will punch you right in the face from the chili lemon dressing. I think there was ginger in here as well, but I can't guarantee since it doesn't show in the description. But man. The millet toast, whatever millet means, was buttery, light and crunchy. This really held up to the eggs, the dressing and the smashed avocados. I would most definitely order this again with the chilaquiles.

It's imperative that you order their Chilaquiles.

5904 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042

Comment

Jane Q - Los Angeles

Comment

Jane Q - Los Angeles

Jane Q is expected to launch their opening sometime between the end of July and August. The restaurant will be located on the corner of Argyle and Yucca streets. There will be bar seats near the open kitchen. The food we had that evening was a preview of a few items that will be in store on the menu. Tons of fun flavors. I'm excited to see the full menu once the restaurant opens its doors.

Chef de Cuisine, Jason Hall

Below are some delictables I was able to try.

Amazing veggie tower with 2 dipping sauces.

Brick oven pizzas in the making.

Their all-day menu is focused on seasonal local produce, sustainably-sourced fish & meat, and pizza, all prepared in a rotating hearth oven. They will also have beers, wines, and cocktails, all on tap.

Jane Q serves modern Los Angeles cuisine with produce purchased directly from the Hollywood Farmers Market which is only a couple of blocks away. You can find locally-roasted coffee, house-baked pastries, made-to-order breakfast specialties plus fresh-pressed juices and smoothies in the morning.

Stay tuned for updates.

1800 Argyle Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Comment