Pata Salada

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Pata Salada

Met my friend Bernadette for dinner at Pata Salada a few nights ago. It's always an exciting experience to eat together. Mainly because I try to force her to have a drink or two (or 5) with me.

Pata Salada prides in their seafood creations and dishes from the region Jalisco. With heavy emphasis on the region the food came from, they also have a big focus on the Tequila as well. Their tequila comes from 100% blue agave made in and around Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. They not just carry 10 different tequilas, which is considerably a lot for a restaurant, but have over 70. Over 70 Tequilas to drink from. You can't tell me you can walk into a place that carry that many let alone 20. We were very pleased to taste a few of their starred dishes, tequilas, as well as a few new items they launched this week.

Tequila Cart

Our super sweet server being extremely patient as we snapped a few.

The tequila flight comes with 3 - 1oz pours.

Pacific Snapper Crudo

Pacific Snapper Crudo

I was relieved to taste different flavors in a crudo. This one in particular had their fish in a "Leche de tigre" or tiger's milk, which is a Peruvian term for the citrus-based marinade that cures the seafood in a ceviche. The crudo is dressed with avocados, sweet cherry tomatoes, avocado and basil.

Traditional Bass Ceviche

Traditional Bass Ceviche

The ceviche was packed in a cocktail glass mix with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, chili and lime. The ceviche was served with a side of blue corn chips.

Guacamole

Guacamole

Generous portions of guacamole mixed with pepitas, cherry tomatoes and ques fresco.

New Item - Iron Skillet Roasted Mussels

New Item - Iron Skillet Roasted Mussels

There is nothing I love more than the flavors of charred shellfish. These mussels are served LuLu style with chile lime butter. Mussels are served table top on a hot skillet so be careful.

New Item - Molten Quesadilla

New Item - Molten Quesadilla

Fried quesadilla stuffed with oaxaca cheese, mushrooms and huitlacoche.

Break for cocktails

Break for cocktails

2 sizeable drinks to have while we snack on our appetizers before the entrees. The blood orange one is their El Picante de Mango. Made with El Tesoro Reposado, Mango, chipotle and lime. Extremely delicious and I would even order this virgin for a nice sunny brunch. The lighter one, I believe, is their El Relajado. El Jimador Blanco with combier, agave and lime. Both super refreshing to have.

Pork Shank Carnitas

Pork Shank Carnitas

This pork shank was brined for 2 days before they slow cooked, then fried. Served on top of a chile morita orange salsa with rice and beans, and blue corn tortilla. This $59.95 handsome hunk will feed 2 or more. Depending on how many other dishes you order, I recommend ordering this with a bigger group of 4+ so you can try other items.

Whole Sea Bass

Whole Sea Bass

Their whole seabass was cooked with huacho salt, garlic chili lime butter with more garlic on top. Grilled lemons are served for a smokier citrus flavor. Rice, beans and blue corn tortillas are served.

Kahlua and Coffee Raspado is what we needed to pick us up from a night of feasting. Frozen coffee shaved like granita then topped with some creamy parfait. No complaints there.

Must come back for more tequila.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pier Del Sol - Special Olympics 2016

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Pier Del Sol - Special Olympics 2016

The Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 26,006 athletes in 11 Southern California counties train and compete in 12 Olympic-type summer and fall sports. There is no cost for athletes to participate in Special Olympics.

I'm extremely excited to support Special Olympics Southern California at the 20th annual Pier del Sol fundraiser event on October 9th at Santa Monica. It's a fantastic event hosted once a year with family fun events featuring rides, entertainment, food, silent auctions and more.

 

Below is a little more about the mission and vision of Special Olympics Southern California:

The mission of Special Olympics Southern California is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our vision is to provide sports and training programs for any individual with intellectual disabilities who chooses to participate, thereby improving their lives and the lives of everyone they touch.
— Special Olympics Southern California

Here are all the awesome food that I got to eat. For $175 a ticket, you get spoiled with some of the best restaurants of Los Angeles, meet the athletes (even sing with them), go on rides (for free), get 12 game tickets, and knowing that all proceeds goes towards the programs.

Oysters from Providence / Connie's & Ted is always a favorite stop.

Live music to celebrate the 20th annual Pier Del Sol. 20's themed.

One of my favorite games! Watching awesome special Olympic athletes play.

Children are super competitive.

12 tickets, 12 chances!

Can you guess who won?

Can you guess who won?

Yup..

My brother wins!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pizza Stop - Abbot Kinney

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Pizza Stop - Abbot Kinney

I have a love hate relationship with Abbot Kinney. Mostly because I find myself excited to come here, but always leave slightly disappointed. There's not much to do besides watching humans, hanging out at a restaurant, or visiting one of favorite shops on the block, Tortoise. 

It was a lovely Sunday and I was just in the area so thought I stopped by to take a stroll. I decided it would be fun if I just did a quick pizza dive.

Abbot's Pizza Co

Abbot's Pizza has been around since 1995. I was 7 years old with a bomb ass bowl cut at the time so it was a legit year to start. This place is nothing but homie, and nothing more than love on a pie. You can order your crust as thin as you like. They also have this bagel crust to make your pizza experience that much more elevated. Great place to stop when you are on the run or just trying to be the life of a party. Because who doesn't love pizza?

Gjelina take away (GTA) 

I love Gjelina. In fact, Gjelina was one of the first restaurants I've tried in Abbot Kinney. I've been here multiple times since and it has never failed (Best duck confit hash). They started their take away not too long ago, but I've never stopped in to check. It's pretty grand compared the Abbot's pizza and can pretty much be a restaurant of it's own. 

I am always a huge fan of Gjelinas pizza. I was craving their wild mushroom pizza, but it was unfortunately not available by the slice. If it's not mushroom, I go with meat. It's rare I pick a veggie pizza, and today definitely wasn't the time.

Bacon, pomodoro, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions and thyme. Extremely thin with a light crispy crust. I love it when tomatoes have a nice tart to them and not overly sweet. With a rich pizza like this, a tart afterbite really helps cut down the richness.

Oh it was a good day.

 

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Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen - Santa Monica

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Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen - Santa Monica

I've been to many tastings and restaurants in LA, but Fork-In Aussie Pie Kitchen really stood out. I grew up on Marie's Calendar chicken pot pie. Ate it religiously with loads of cracked black pepper and a dash of hot sauce or two. I love savory dishes more than sweet. Aussie Pie Kitchen carries a variety of savory pies with delicious sides to go with.

2510 Main St, Ste B, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Before committing to my toppings, I was able to sample their offerings.

I know it's early for Thanksgiving, but I don't mind it coming early.  There's MINTY MUSHY PEAS that is a combination of Peas, Shallots, Butter, Fresh Mint (AMAZING). Roasted garlic mashed potatoes - Yukon Gold Potatoes, roasted garlic, butter, salt + pepper (Like silk). HAND MASHED SWEET POTATO - made with Garnett Yams, Half & Half, Butter, White Pepper Nutmeg, Spices. Their amazing Stuffing with Croissant, Sausage, Kale, Pecans, White Wine,Garlic and Pecans (Never had anything like it, BOMB). EDAMAME & SWEETCORN SUCCOTASH. Creamy thyme Gravy and mushroom gravy. 3 Cheese MAC.

Flat white

If you've never had an aussie pie before, don't expect this to be your traditional hand pie. The aussie pie served here will be on a plate. They took the traditional pie and amplified it to bring more flavors in. Flavors that they know you will love. And it's a good thing, a really good thing.

At Aussie Pie Kitchen, you will find love in a pie that took them 3 days to create. That's right, 3. And when you get your hands on one of these hot buttery bad boys you will understand why this beast took that long to create. That first bite will be the moment you taste all the love and craft that was put into each individual pie.

Bourbon infused BBQ Pulled Pork with Mac n 3 cheeses and Truffle Oil

Topped with the mashed sweet potato and gravy. If it was raining, it would be perfect. But, this was very tasty. The BBQ pulled pork had so much flavor. Their mac n cheese contains some bleu cheese that added a nice tang and sharpness without overpowering the dish whatsoever.

 Steak & Shiraz (Syrah)

Steak Cubes marinated in Red Wine, Braised in Mirepoix, Herbs & Spices. This was considered their tiger stack. Meaning 2 sides with thyme gravy to make this the ultimate goodbye summer dish. Roasted garlic mash, mushy peas, can't go wrong with any of that. The pie crust was ridiculously flaky, buttery, and every F this diet you can put your mind to. The post work out meal dream and the time of the month satisfaction. This will do it all.

A classic Nanna Mac's TWICE ROLLED LAMINGTONS. Super spongy, soft, and not too sweet. This is a must have and goes great with their flat white.

Croissant bread pudding? Why on earth has no one thought of that? Baked with pistachios & chocolate chip, drizzled with bourbon, caramel sauce & a dollop of whipped cream. Man, that bourbon drizzle did it for me. Nothing wrong with this sinful dessert at all.

If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend you come.

2510 Main St, Ste B, Santa Monica, CA 90405

 

 

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Harvest of the Season

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Harvest of the Season

I met Bernadette Low (@Eatlikeabosslady) a few months ago after seeing her at a few foodie events we were both attending. It didn't take long before we met and just fell in love with each others energy. When I found out she's doing a collaboration with a few others (Bernadette Vanek and Evi Aki) to host a pop up dinner, I had nothing but excitement and full support for her. Harvest of the Season is basically "The Last Summer Dinner" highlighting the local produce of the long California summer, sourced from Santa Monica and Hollywood farmer's markets.

The theme of Harvest of the Season was strong and very visible by the displays visioned by Bernadett Vanek. It was gorgeous and felt like an elegant wedding during Spring. The cooking and designs was arranged by Chef Bernadett Vanek (@born.under.the.sun). Bernadett Vanek is a chef, food stylist, and food photographer residing in Pasadena, California. Her farm to table cooking has a strong European influence that celebrates local, seasonal produce and supports sustainable farming and fishing practices. She develops seasonal recipes based on produce available at the farmer's markets of her neighborhood and features them on her instagram page @born.under.the.sun and on her website at www.bornunderthesun.com.

The space was located in DTLA at the Vene Ai Studio. The pop up also showcased a sneak preview of the VENE AI 2017 Capsule Bridal Collection with mannequins laid around the studio wearing the gowns and jewelry.

Hors D'oeuvres were served before the farm to table offerings. A fig, rosemary blossom, walnut, and soft bloomed goat cheese was served on a thin cracker with a generous pour of wine. I'm not a fan of goat cheese, but this was really good and the quality of the cheese used really made a difference.

I seated myself shortly after viewing the gowns and eating the awesome opener. Just relaxed and helped myself to more wine as the guests trickled in.

California Toast

I've had many avocado toasts. Many. Even the crappy ones I've made myself. But. The one that they served was definitely the best anything toast I've ever had. It's obviously avocado, tomato ceviche, charred corn, micro cilantro and goat feta shavings on top. What was beautiful about this was not just the market tomatoes and all the wonderful ingredients that were picked to perfection, but that lime. It wasn't sour, but it sure punched you in the face to let you know that it existed. It was amazing. The bread was toasted carefully that it did not cut the roof of my mouth. The tomatoes and corn added a nice sweetness balanced by the slight saltiness of the goat feta. This dish was inspiring.

Green Gazpacho

Lemon cucumber, chevre mousse, green coriander, watermelon and cilantro flowers. So refreshing. Ridiculously clean. I see myself eating this on my invisible porch on an invisible swing with my invisible acres to look out to.

Summer Moussaka

Braised lamb with heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, yukon potato mash with oregano oil. The lamb was spiced with great anise flavors. Braised till it's fork tender. Very comforting and fulfilled the yearnings of a meat course.

Peach and Almond Eaton Mess

Almond cake, peache, a lemon verbena whip creme and meringue. Also raspberries floating around saying what's up. A lot of people were wondering what this was, but everyone wanted more. The almond cake was fantastic. The lemon verbena is also a classic whip, but not utilized in cuisines as much. A great light sweet touch to end the last summer dinner.

Stay tuned for more pop ups.

 

 

 

 

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