CHANG Beer

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CHANG Beer

Chang Beer

I attended Chang Beer's Sensory trail not too long ago. It was an event in Los Angeles that brought everything Thai to one place.

That day was actually the first time I've really drank Chang beer. Meaning I've had a few during this event. I don't know why I don't drink this, but I was really impressed. It's delicate crisp flavors really compliments any type of food. I can see this pair extremely well with bbq foods and spicy dishes. It has a nice sweetness to it without being overbearing whatsoever. 

Live music

Our dinner tasting was curated by Chef Bao Bao of Baoburg in Brooklyn, New York. The flavors held true to tradition done in a modern aesthetic presentation.

1/2 shell oyster with ikura, uni, fried shallots, and a spicy sweet chili sauce.

Papaya salad with fried catfish served on a bai cha plu.

Khang Hung Lay - Northern style pork stew curry with pickled garlic and ginger, pork rind served with sticky rice.

Khanom sai sai - steamed un-chan sticky rice flour with salted caramel coconut filling.

Drink CHANG beer!

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CHAYA Izakaya - Venice

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CHAYA Izakaya - Venice

A concept that has been in the making is now available for you to experience. I hold Izakaya very dear to my heart as I've worked in one for 3.5 years inspiring me to travel to Japan now twice. Izakaya is a very unique experience that is rooted deep in the Japanese culture. Feel free to ask the staff on how to truly experience the Izakaya dining ways. I like to see it as a Japanese tapas bar. You order drinks and a few dishes to accompany the conversations. Repeat this and you're good.

Here are some captures of the night.

Let's talk sake. There are plenty to choose from here. Pick from your Junmais and Daiginjo, they have it all. 

I enjoy sake, but I'm always an old fashion type of gal. I love this cocktail, but I've never had it with Japanese whiskey. They were making this with Toki by Suntory. I am pretty shocked how well balanced this came out to be. There was a nice balance of sweet and smokiness from the Toki which I've never picked up when drinking it neat or on the rocks. This will be my new whiskey of choice for old fashioned.

 

Oysters are life. These are 1/2 shells with a granita on top. Extremely refreshing and a wonderful play on the palate. 

Snapper on "daikon rice". 

Tsukune.

Beef tongue with kimchi.

Wagyu Chazuke - This is luxury at its finest. A dab of brocollini puree, crispy rice and luscious mentaiko butter topped off with a fresh pour of their savory dashi tea. Ochazuke is normally comforting. This is pure guilt on how good it is.

Tequila ramen. Yes there really is tequila in this ramen. Don't worry, you don't taste tequila, but tequila naturally has citrus notes which comes through in the broth. When I was in Japan I had a lot of fresh yuzu ramen. The citrus from the tequila reminded me of that. I hated myself after thinking about how clever this was.

Amazing Chef Wako doing his thing.

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Chef Yukou Kajino putting in last touches before the hungry crowd devours.

CHAYA MODERN IZAKAYA 110 Navy Street Venice, CA 90291 310.396.1179

 

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7 Fusion

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7 Fusion

7Fusion is the creation of husband and wife team, Shera and Edu Obasi, who after 2 years of delicate and painstaking work, designing a space and menu experience that would bring to life their multi-cultural backgrounds and travels to the far corners of the globe. 7Fusion offers diners a unique, sensual, multi-sensory experience, which artfully fuses influences from the Far East with California cuisine, delivering a true collaboration of flavors from each of the 7 Continents.

You can create your own meal cooked by chefs in the dining room facing open kitchen. You're able to choose from 7 house-made marinades, such as Red or Yellow Curry, spicy Chile Garlic and Miso Ponzu, organic vegetables, noodles, and a selection of exotic proteins and seafood. Another signature menu feature is the Hot Pot series; a fantastically presented stir pot service offering diners a choice from a large assortment of fresh, raw ingredients that will be cooked right at the table, in one of three flavorful broths including Fresh Beef Bone, Citrus Lime or Vegetable. 

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Pirolo's Panini

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Pirolo's Panini

Pirolo's Panino

7461 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

There's a new spot on Melrose that's bringing East Coast Italian sandwiches with American Italian flavors. Pirolo’s Panino focuses on great signature sandwiches, and also has a selection of Chef favorites including salads, plates, sides and desserts. Signature paninos include the Italian Dip, The Godfather, Meatball Parmand Chicken Parm while signature entrées include Chicken Limone, Chicken Parm, Baked Macaroni and Cannolis for dessert.

CAESAR SALAD - romaine spears with walnut, sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled garlic bread

MEATBALL PARM - chef’s mother’s meatball with their signature parmesan, fontina and house marinara

ITALIAN DIP - house roasted Italian beef topped with salsa verde and caramelized onions, served with au jus

CANNOLI a classic Italian cannoli with chocolate

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The Olive

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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

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