The Dining Diva Does Cecconi’s

What a scene at this hip WeHo spot with  drinkers swarming the elegant bar and couples, groups,  and assorted friends seated on the terrace (the place to be seen) and in side at the elegant tables.

 The chic marble, wood and chandeliered Italian eatery caters to a fashionable, loud and lively clientele.

Great food. We had wood-oven baked meatballs ($10), ahi tuna tartare,  Alaska salmon carpaccio (was soooo good and $14), eggplant parmigiana (also tasty at $19), pappardelle with homemade sausage and wild mushrooms ($20) (the guys loved it), sides of spinach ($6) and Broccolini ($6) and a chocolate cake (I passed but the men said it was rich).

We splurged on a bottle of big Bynum Chard ($56) , but then all wines and drinks– (a Negroni was $12 and a Knob Creek $14), while my starter class of Bynum was $14 and for a  very little pour– are budget busters here.  But seems like the tipplers here weren’t complaining, the wine and booze flowed.

The food is moderately high-priced but adult beverages can break the bank.  Even a glass of milk that Chris ordered cost $6!  Man that’s milking the cow. He also thought his Knob Creek up was weak and a small pour. That’s Chris (l) and Richard (my husband),

But otherwise we enjoyed the scene, food and service, save for a little delay in filling our water glasses.

Total tab was $223.89 before tip.

Cecconi’s is located in the old Morton’s on the corner of Robertson Blvd. and Melrose Avenue in WeHo, 8764 Melrose Avene, 310-432-2000, www.cecconiswesthollydwood.com.

 

 it’s open for breakfast (brunch on Sunday) , lunch and dinner.

The Dining Diva Does Parq at Montage Beverly Hills

Richard (my husband) and I had a delightful dinner at Parq at the Montage Hotel, enscounced in a romantic booth sipping a bottle of big, buttery Dutton Chard 2007, selected by Eric, our exceptionally-informed waiter.

The urban sister of the Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Beverly Hills offers two fine dining experiences. I enjoy them both, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say Parq. A comfortablly chic room with tables and booths, seamless service and truly fine food, the restaurant under the toque of executive chef John Cuevas, features a fall menu filled with delectable finds. During our more recent sampling we sat in a romantic booth and enjoyed a creative tartare of creekstone beef–which Cuevas explained was a recontruction served in a canning jar with crispy pumpernickel bread. We also tried the pepper cruster Ahi tuna with cantaloupe and cucumber in sesame soy, an order of sushi rolls that had just the right spice, and for entrees perfectly prepared John Dory in tangerine and soft basil with citrus butter and a local halibut done on charred greens and cranberry pesto that was amazing. Our waiter Eric showed enthusiastic about the wine list and menu and really knew both well. He selected a special Chard that paired well with each course. Chocolate cake and cookies provided the grande finale. Anyone who eschews hotel restaurants will definitely change opinion when sampling Parq. Especially with Cuevas at the helm. Formerly as Chef de Cuisine at the award-winning The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach, Cuevas’s brought his creative American cuisine to Par showcasing seasonal, simply prepared ingredients.. “My passion has always been to take familiar and/or unfamiliar ingredients and introduce them to my staff. With the help of my team we take our creations to our guests in a way that is imaginative but more importantly, memorable and consistent.” says Cuevas. He displays a unique, fun and adventuresome take on food and favors simple food with bold flavors. With an admitted sweet tooth, he loves to combine sweet and savory nuances in many of his dishes, such as Pan-Seared Local White Sea Bass with Roasted Peppers, Crispy Artichokes and Whipped Mustard Oil; Braised Natural Vintage Short Ribs with Charred Romaine, Cheddar and Braising Jus and his signature 28-Day Dry-Aged Coffee-Crusted New York Strip with Fourme d’Ambert Cheese, Wild Arugula and Bourbon-Caramel Sauce. Cuevas’ culinary roots are deep-seeded. A native of San Diego, he takes his passion for cooking from his grandfather. His mother, who was raised in Minnesota, was the proprietor of a San Diego bistro. To familiarize himself with front-of-the-house operations, Cuevas first worked as a waiter and then moved into the kitchen at Loews Coronado Resort in San Diego. Intent on establishing himself as a chef, he went on to receive his formal culinary training at Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona. Following culinary school, he took a position at The Phoenician’s showpiece restaurant, Mary Elaine’s, where he helped garner the restaurant Five-Stars from Mobil Travel Guide and Five Diamonds from the Automobile Association of America. Lured by California’s balmy weather and abundant fresh produce and seafood, he moved back to California in 2001 to serve as chef de cuisine at Motif at St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point before joining the culinary team at Montage Laguna Beach. Parq at Montage, 225 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, www.montagebeverlyhills.com.

Dining Diva Discovers Deals on Meals

Your Dining Diva’s been eating her way from LA to Palm Springs and has discovered some great deals on meals and wine.(Here I am at Sunday Brunch at the Belvedere Restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. Okay it’s $69 a person but it’s still a deal considering unlimited French champagne, a multi-course sit down meal and all you can eat dessert buffet in an ultra chic setting. Not to mention a menu created by super executive chef James Overbaugh.

Let’s start with the Desert. The Renaissance Esmeralda’s Sirocco restaurant offers a 5-course dinner menu with a glass of wine thrown in for $36. We tried it and loved every course (we paid for it, too, no comp).  From the prosciutto and melon to the  risotto, pasta ragout , Mahi Mahi and luscious fresh fruit in a creamy sauce –it was perfect. We did splurge on a $60 of our favorite Rombauer Chard. www.renaissanceesmeralda.com.

 Back in LA, on Monday nights Michael Mina’s XIV gives you 50% off any wine over $100, not a bad deal, and the food there is sublime, truly. We went during DineLA Restaurant Week when it was almost half priced and even went back before the special ended for a second meal, it’s that good.  8117 “Sunset Blvd., LA,  888-MY-SBE-LIFE.

Cafe Bizou in Sherman Oaks has a $2 corkage fee any night of the week. We go often and bring a great bottle of wine or champagne and save a bundle while enjoying the fabulous French bistro style fare. Love this neighborhood spot.  Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks,  818-788-3536.

More to come so stay tuned…

The Dining Diva Does Brunch at the Belvedere Restaurant

The Dining Diva Does Sunday Brunch in Style at the Belvedere Restaurant

And what a special occasion spot to be. We sat on the inviting patio, sipped French champagne and feasted on several delicous courses included in the price fixed $69 menu.

The civilized brunch is served at your table with limitless bubbly, our glass was always full, too. Our waiter was exceptional.

 Starters included the best smoked salmon with fingerling potatoes, ahi, Peking duck confit pancakes, fruit salad,  mozzarella and tomato caprese, mac and cheese with truffles,  plenty of delicous breads, followed by a choice of entrees –for me the wild Alaska salmon, cooked to perfection on a bed of tasty rice, for Richard, an outstanding flank steak  and the grand finale a dessert buffet. We had to get up, but it felt good to stand.(The chocolate cake was divine, but so were the cookies, carrot cake, cheese cake and all the other savories of which there were too many to sample).

If you have a special anniversary or birthday coming up, or just feel like spending a relaxed Sunday afternoon sipping champagne and enjoying the awesome creations of executive chef  James Overbaugh (seen here with your dining diva)–the creative, talent behind the four star kitchen, then make a reservation at www.peninsulahotel.com, or go to www.opentable.com.

Check out my full review:   http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner~y2009m11d2-Sunday-brunch-at-the-Peninsula-Beverly-Hillsit-doesnt-get-much-better-than-that

The Dining Diva Does Wolfgang Puck’s Red Seven

Just got back from lunch at Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck at the Pacific Design Center. 

 My friend and I loved the Chinese chicken salad, a real steal at $10 especially since we shared it. We also ordered the Bento Box ($15) , which was so-so.  The sushi rolls were great, but we didn’t care for the weird fruity salad or the noodle dish. Sated from the chicken salad neither tried the Kobe beef slider that came with the Bento Box–I took it home for tomorrow. Had wines by the glass, me a Clos du Bois ($10) that was great, she had an $8 Sauvignon Blanc. Wasn’t quite enough so we ordered one more Chard and shared it. No dessert or coffee, tab came to $59 before tip. Still very enjoyable meal.

Red Seven is far superior from Wolfie’s Cafes which bombed big time. Seems like the celebrity chef might have exerted more culinary control over this one. I’m definitely going back to try some of the other offerings, especially the Asian dishes.

It’s  not open for dinner but  there is  a Happy Hour from 5 to 8 PM with a special drink and “bites” menu, details of which aren’t printed on the brochure.

Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck, Pacific Design Center, 700 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood,  310-389-1587; www.wolfgagpuck.com

The Dining Diva Does Spark Woodfire Grill

There just wasn’t any spark to the menu at Spark Woodfire Grill, but still we liked the place which we sampled during DineLA Restaurant Week–which alas ends  Friday, Oct. 23. 

It’s an inviting, cozy, neighborhood eatery with lots of charm and a see through glass enclosed kitchen  but unfortunately our measl disappointed.  Granted it was our first visit, and we only tried the price fixed DineLA $26 menu offerings. Which in my case was “crispy artichokes hearts” which were indeed crispy but so over-breaded I couldn’t find the green veggie inside. Richard had the Ribolita Soup which was edible but not very exciting. For entrees I had the “citrus glazed Pacific whitefish”, which was just okay. He had “Roasted Porchetta” which left him flat. For dessert we had chocolate cake with raspberries and chocolate mousse, which was okay, I had a mango sorbet which was way too sweet. Price $28 each for triple courses. We brought our own wine this time, a big, buttery Chardonnay from BV that was dreamy and paid the $8 corkage (reasonable these days).  I think they could lose the TV over the bar as it doesn’t fit the ambiance. Since the place has gotten some good reviews I figure we either were there on an off night or just didn’t make the right choices.  Tomorrow we’re going back to Michael Mina’s XIV, for the $44 DineLA dinner menu. We loved  the place and can’t get enough and figure we’d take advantage of the reduced prices. 

Spark Woodfire Grill, 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com.

 

You really shouldn’t miss out on the last days of DineLA Restaurant Week with prices nearly half the normal going rate. Check it out at www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek.

 

 

 

 going back to Michael Mina’s XIV while DineLA Restaurant Week is still ongoing and the 3-course meal is only $44 a person. We won’t be bringing our own wine this time since they charge a whopping $35 corkage. Spark Woodfire Grill, 11801 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com. You really shouldn’t miss out on the last days of DineLA Restaurant Week with prices nearly half the normal going rate. Check it out at www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek.

The Dining Diva Does Spago

The Dining Diva The Dining Diva at Spago Beverly Hills

My husband and I love Spago but not the prices, so when we heard they were participating for the first time  in DineLA Restaurant Week  with a $28 price fixed three course menu, we jumped at the opportunity to go back. It was all good save for a little creative accounting with our check.

 While the triple course menu is listed at $28, when the tab came there were four added $1 for this and that  confused us. And proved annoying trying to figure it out. The captain explained that is was “internal” accounting, but geez Louise, can’t you do this behind the scenes. That aside, we loved our meals: Proscuitto and Burrata Mozzarella with roasted pears, old Balsamic and Micro Arugula Salad (me), Maine Lobster and Spinach Raviolini with confit cherry tomatoes, basil and shellfish butter (Richard, my husband), Pan-Roasted Chatham Cod with cranberry bean ragout, pancetta, wild mushrooms and mascarpone emlusion (both of us and man was it delicious).We washed it all down with a feisty Ramey Chard, and ended with a platter of dreamy cookies and an apple caramel upside down cake. You have until Friday Oct. 16, 2009 to eat at Spago for less–or at any of the other 250 participating DineLA Restaurant Week restaurants–check it out at: www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek. For info on Spago go to: www.wolfgangpuckrestaurants.com.

If you’re into star-spotting by the way Spago’s the spot, this is celebrity central any day of the week especially on Fridays. Also check my examiner.com out at:  http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

The Dining Diva Does Michael Mina’s XIV

The Dining Diva loves Michael Mina’s XIV, especially since she sampled the fare during DineLA Restaurant Week and saved big bucks.  Created by super chef Michael Mina’s  this culinary castle-like restaurant normally charges royal prices, as participants  in tRestaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each.

We even lucked out going on a Monday when all wines over $100 are half price. So we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hostehttp://bit.ly/2P9nFfd journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com. ichael Mina’s XIV Proves a 10 on the Culinary Scale Michael Mina’s XIV Proves a 10 on the Culinary Scale We finally tried the much touted XIV on Sunset, super chef Michael Mina’s culinary castle-like restaurant with royal prices most of the time. But since they are participating in DineLA Restaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each. And since on Monday nights all wines over $100 are half price, we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hosted journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com. We finally tried the much touted XIV on Sunset, super chef Michael Mina’s culinary castle-like restaurant with royal prices most of the time. But since they are participating in DineLA Restaurant Week, our absolutely fantastic three course meals cost $44 each. And since on Monday nights all wines over $100 are half price, we splurged on a bottle of Lewis Chardonnay which normally goes for $112. And, if you must ask, we paid, we were not hosted journalists. The swank dining room with its cloth-less tables and deep burgundy hues was swamped with stylishly-dressed couples and groups many who were there to take advantage of the price fixed fare according to our waiter and general manager Jacob Shure. “We never see such a crowd on Monday nights,” said Shure. The price fixed menu is available through Friday of this week and then again from Sunday October 11-16. So you better hurry if you want to enjoy food for less like. I started with the most tender, tasty Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt done Moroccan-style with spiced vegetables, man that was good. Richard began with the Heirloom beets, Burrata and wild arugula salad dressed with Balsamic and New Olive oil. We both opted for the Tai Snapper. Really good choice as this was one of the best fish dishes we ever ate (and that’s saying a lot from two writers who have sampled restaurants around the world). The perfectly-spiced tapioca-crusted snapper came with broccoli rabe and a white soy vinaigrette. We sipped our big, buttery Lewis Chard throughout the meal– I love that wine. And at half price is was quite a deal. We ended with a combo dessert of dark chocolate cake,coffee cream, coconut sorbet and crunchy peanut served on a long platter. It was to die or diet for. I also ordered Michael’s classic root beer float that came with chocolate chip cookies. which I had boxed to try today. If you really want to try this place you should do it during DineLA Restaurant Week. If you can’t make it go anyway but expect to pay quite a bit more for food unless you sit outside on the patio where you can enjoy lighter, less expensive fare (Kobe burger for $17, Salmon steak burger for $19) in a casual setting. There’s even a happy hour 5-7. Also remember wines over $100 are half price on Monday nights, not just during Restaurant Week. XIV, 8117 Sunset Blvd., WeHo. www.xivla.com.

Check my column out at: http://bit.ly/2P9nFf

Cafe des Artistes proves perfect entree to DineLA Restaurant Week

 

DineLA Restaurant Week started yesterday and we joined in the culinary fun with dinner at Cafe des Artistes, one of our favorite spots. The Cannes-like  French Bistro with its leafy patio and warm and cozy dining room is offering $22 three-course menus for the event that runs though Oct. 9 and again Oct. 11-16 at over 200 participating eateries.

It was a little too chilly for our blood to eat al fresco so we asked to be seated inside and were led to a romantic tiled table for two by the fireplace.   We started with a bottle of Chardonnay and moved along to a tangy, delicious Ahi Tuna Tartar and a perfectly mixed goat cheese salad that had just the righ combo of greens and red beets and cheese. For entrees I chose the grilled salmon on lentils that was ooh la la divine. Richard had the Beef Provencale Daube–a delightful French stew. For dessert I did the Floating Island Meringue–perfect, light, just sweet enough, and Richard went with the Chocolate Mousse, joie de vivre.

We began the evening with a drink at the bat of Essex Public House (www.essexhollywood.com). We had considered eating there since it was part of  DineLA but didn’t feel like the gastropub style menu, we wanted something a little more special.  So Richard had a Stone Arrogand Bastard  draftbeer and I hada glass of Hess Chard. Dozens of TV screens and lots of revelers provided the background noise and the barkeep provided a bit of an attitude and actually overcharged us by a buck, but we let it pass. And passed on the place too and drove the few blocks to Cafe des Artistes, where the food is consistent, you can hear each other talk and the mood is tres French.  1534 N. McCadden Place, 323-469-7300.  www.cafedesartistes.info.

 Tonight we’re trying XIV on Sunset, pricier at $44 for three courses, but a lot cheaper than at normal times.  Friday it’s back to Spago to do their DineLA lunch menu, then Spark, Marakesh and any more we can fit in before the party’s over on the 16th. For participating establishments, menus and reservations go to:  www.dineLA.com/restaurantweek.

The Diningdiva Digs Her Chopstix Into Kabuki

The Diningdiva at the door of Kabuki, Hollywood, didn’t know she was in for such a treat…

When friends recommended a Japanese chain restaurant, your Dining Diva was skeptical, but once  I got over my diverish attitude I said why not. My husband Richard and I were going to see a play just down the street from the place so it made perfect sense. We could park once and walk between the two places.

Well weren’t we delightfully surprised.  First of all I loved the setting, a large, attractive room (I took this shot but had to crop people out of it for legal reasons)There’s a lively bar, cozy booths, tables and an efficient wait staff (our waitress was wonderful).  Kabuki Hollywood, part of a group of Japanese restaurants sprinkled throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, is located on Vine Street smack in the heart of Hollywood.

The food surprises and delights.  Exquitely presented and as good as  we’ve tasted at higher priced spreads–maybe even a little better. (My beef and chicken hibachi)

The menu is head-sprinning extensive with lots of different sake, imported beers, a small, affordable wine list and the headliners:  sushi, sashimi, rolls, salads, entrees and really outstanding desserts.  We shared appetizers like a lovely spicy tuna on crispy rice  that was tangy and tasty. I love this dish and have often had it at a restaurant in Hawaii where I knew the chef so well he had it on our table the minute we arrived. Well Kabuki’s version was nearly as good with just the right spice and perfect rice, a little crunchy not hard and not mushy. I also order seaweed salads often and we had it here and man was it good. So was my  beef and chicken Habachi and Richard’s  tender, juicy cod—both couldn’t be better.    We gave into the tempting dessert menu and had thee New York Cheesecake, okay pretty incongruous, but it was delicious and so was Richard’s Hazelnut Craquant cake.   Our waitress was right on her game,  the experience was comfortable, more than satisfying and very reasonably priced with entrees no higher than $17.95, desserts $4.95 to $6.95 and fair prices for appetizers  etc.

When I get my next yen for Japanese cuisine, I’m heading straight to Kabuki. I guess you can tell I really liked this place and the Dining Diva does love it when  the restaurant she tries is this good.

There’s a Happy Hour Monday -Friday from  3 PM to 6 PM (except holidays) which I’m going to sample. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Kabuki Hollywood,  1545  N Vine St, 323-464-6003, www.kabukirestaurants.com

 

Check out my other  reviews at http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner

The Golden Door Glows With Specials

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

When the Dining Diva needs to get away from it all, she hops a train from LA to Oceanside, California where a limo whisks her to the Golden Door–the best and one of the oldest health resorts in the country. It’s my special getaway. A week of bliss and beauty,  where I take care of my mind, body and spirit in a serene Japanese-influenced enviornment created by Deborah Szekely, doyenne of health spas.  Alas Ms. Szekely sold the property, but her legacy lives on in this unparalleled, abeit high-priced paradise. But wait, the company just announced specials for families and friends. Read on…. Forget about packing a suitcase; just toss your undies, comfy hiking shoes, and a toothbrush in a duffle! We supply a complete spa wardrobe, a week’s worth of Golden Door skin care products, and cozy robes and slippers to snuggle into each evening.Everything you need to prepare for a relaxed and truly enjoyable holiday season is right here – a full program of fitness, fun, plenty of personal pampering each day – even a trip to the Boutique to start crossing names off your gift list. THANKSGIVING COED WEEK Begin each morning of this bountiful week with a hike in the crisp, cool air to the top of our mountain. After breakfast in bed, there’s a cornucopia of classes & activities with a generous serving of personal services. Special guest presenters, Linda and Larry Cammarata, offer a tasty menu of workshops including “Awaken Your Senses” and “Life’s Pleasures and Treasures”. Chef Dean Rucker and his staff will dazzle you with a mouth-watering Thanksgiving repast –all your favorites plus equally tempting vegetarian entrees. This is the perfect way to gather together for a relaxed and fulfilling holiday. November 23 – 30, 2008 SPECIAL RATE OF $7495 DECEMBER 3- AND 4-DAY SPA INTERLUDES Wrap up the holidays in a whole new way. If you can’t take time for a full week away from holiday plans, these 3- and 4-day sessions are packed so full of great classes and soul-satisfying treatments, you’ll return home thoroughly revived, refreshed, and revved up for the festivities. Bring a friend, family member or spouse. These sessions are co-ed. December 7 – 10, 2008 $3625 December 10 – 14, 2008 $4725 NEW YEAR’S WEEK Resolve to start your year with well-deserved time for yourself. Recharge and refocus body, mind, and spirit during a week designed to make you feel bright and shiny. We’ll give you the tools and the inspiration you need to go after your 2009 health and fitness goals, replace old life-diminishing habits with new life-enhancing ones, and make the best use of all your inner resources. We resolve to send you home happier, healthier, and prepared to live the new year to the fullest. December 28 – January 4 SPECIAL RATE OF $7495 For more information or to request reservations call 800-424-0777, visit our website at TheGoldenDoor.com, e-mail reservations@goldendoor.com, or call Debby at 800-424-0777 or 760-744-5777.

 

 

 

 

Dining Diva, Rick Dees & Movin 93.9 FM

Hey your dining diva wants to thank all the Movin 93.9 FM listeners who visited my blog from the link on  Movin 93.9 FM’s web page– www.movin939.com

– — LA’s fastest growing radio station spearheaded by LA’s favorite on air personality,  Rick Dees who amuses, entertains, sometimes shock and jump starts Angelenos from 5 AM to 10 AM. You really have to listen to his Dees Sleaze, Twisted Tivo, trivia contests, celebrity buzz (by Patti Long legs Lopez, who really does have legs up to there by the way), and Mark Wong who puts a unique twist on the news. Listen live on the web or at 93.9 FM on your HD radio. Anyhow here’s Dees in his studio doing what comes naturally to him for decades…

 Dees with his wit (and buns) of steel if he can’t get you smiling in the morning nobody can.

A little trivia from  your Dining Diva, Dees loves to cook and he’s good at it, here’s one of his Deesliscious pies, yum.

FYI: Your Dining Diva is also on hiatus from the Rick Dees in the Morning Show where I do restaurant/food prattling.  I miss it.  So write to your Congressperson, I mean the radio station and ask them to bring back the Dining Diva….thank you.

Check out Dees at www.rick.com, he’s got lots of good stuff on his site including recipes.

New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Bel-Air–dine,dance enjoy

Dine, Dance, Party In the New Year

At the Hotel Bel-Air

Not only is the Hotel Bel-Air–  my favorite hotel/restaurant –dishing out an awesome New Year’s Eve menu they’re serving my favorite bubbly, Dom Ruinart, which your Dining Diva finds  superior to Dom Perignon. If you haven’t made plans you might want to consider celebrating in style at this chic, celebrity magnet. Who knows you just might spot a star or two. R.J. Wagner and his gorgeous wife Jill St. John are regulars, but so are some of the younger crowd. The Terrace and the Dining Room look so festive dressed up with Holiday decor. Blazing fireplaces enhance the mood (In winter I always book the table by the outdoor fireplace, so warm and cozy).The  attentive wait staff –many of whom have been with hotel for years) combined with  diva-liscious food, a serene, secluded, sanctuary-like environment  and you have all the fixing  for an especially romantic evening to ring in the New Year and toss out the old–which most of us can’t do soon enough. The evening begins with a hampagne reception and live entertainment and moves along to dinner at 9 and dancing from 10 PM to 1 AM. And if you want to really keep the festivities going, head back over for New Year’s Day brunch, accompanied by the music of harpist Julia Cunningham,  served from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, bound to be your best and first morning meal of 2009.
Anyhow here’s a sneak preview of  the scrumptiou menu:

Hotel Bel-Air 702 Stone Canyon Road, LA 90077, www.hotelbelair.com

The Dining Diva’s Tasting Room

Happy New Year.

Your Dining Diva started 2009 by sampling some wonderful adult beverages. First we ushered in the year with our favorite Laurent Perrier bubbly. Really heady stuff. Then after dinner we sipped Agavero Licor de Tequila—an usual after dinner drink or recipe enhancement, that’s smooth, zingy and packs a nice wallop. $29.99.-an usual after dinner drink or recipe enhancement, that’s smooth, zingy and packs a nice wallop. $29.99.

For New Year’s Day we tested a new recipe from Finlandia called the Finlandia Kiss: 
1 oz. Finlandia Cranberry Fusion
3 oz. Laurent Perrier Champagne
Combine all ingredients, stir and strain into a chilled champagne glass.

Dining in LA Just Got Cheaper from January 25-Feb. Anyway

The Dining Diva can’t wait for dineLA Restaurant Week when top LA restaurants slash prices so everybody can afford to go out and sample the food of the best chefs in the country.

January 25 to 30, 2009 and February 1 to 6, 2009

  LunchDinner
($)Deluxe Dining:$16$26
($$)Premier Dining:$22$34
($$$)Fine Dining:$28$44

Check back soon…new restaurants added daily

EXCLUSIVELY FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS® CARDMEMBERS
Get a jump on dineLA Restaurant Week. Book your table between January 1–10 at participating restaurants. Reservations open to the general public January 11.

Participating Restaurants

Name	Menu	Dining Area	Reserve
3 ON FOURTH	$$$	santa monica	book now
ADORO MEXICAN GRILLE	$$	los angeles	book now
AKASHA	$$	culver city	book now
ANGELI CAFFE	$	los angeles	reserve by phone
ASIA DE CUBA	$$	west hollywood	book now
BALEEN LOS ANGELES	$$	redondo beach	book now
BASHAN	$$$	glendale	reserve by phone
BEACHCOMBER CAFE	$$	malibu	book now
BEACON AN ASIAN CAFE	$	los angeles	book now
BLT STEAK	$$$	west hollywood	book now
BLUE ON BLUE	$$	beverly hills	book now
BLVD 16 RESTAURANT. LOUNGE.	$$	los angeles	book now
BORDER GRILL SANTA MONICA	$	santa monica	book now
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. – LONG BEACH	$	long beach	reserve by phone
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. RESTAURANT & MARKET – HOLLYWOOD	$	universal city	reserve by phone
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. RESTAURANT & MARKET – SANTA MONICA	$	santa monica	reserve by phone
CAFE PACIFIC AT TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB	$$$	rancho palos verdes	book now
CAFE PINOT	$$	los angeles	book now
CAFE SANTORINI	$$	pasadena	book now
CAMPANILE RESTAURANT	$$	los angeles	book now
CAROUSEL RESTAURANT	$	glendale	book now
CATCH RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR	$$	santa monica	book now
CEZANNE	$$$	santa monica	reserve by phone
CHART HOUSE – MALIBU	$$	malibu	book now
CHART HOUSE – MARINA DEL REY	$$	marina del rey	book now
CHART HOUSE – REDONDO BEACH	$$	redondo beach	book now
CHAYA BRASSERIE RESTAURANT	$$	los angeles	book now
CHAYA VENICE	$$	venice	book now
CHINOIS ON MAIN	$$$	santa monica	book now
CIAO TRATTORIA	$$	los angeles	book now
CIRCA 55 RESTAURANT	$$	beverly hills	book now
CITRUS AT SOCIAL	$$	los angeles	book now
CIUDAD	$$	los angeles	book now
COMME CA	$$$	west hollywood	book now
CUBE MARKETPLACE & CAFE	$$	los angeles	book now
DAILY GRILL – BRENTWOOD	$	los angeles	book now
DAILY GRILL – DOWNTOWN	$	los angeles	book now
DAILY GRILL – LONG BEACH	$	long beach	book now
DAILY GRILL – SANTA MONICA	$	santa monica	book now
DAILY GRILL – SOUTH BAY	$	el segundo	book now
DAILY GRILL – STUDIO CITY	$	studio city	book now
DAKOTA	$$$	hollywood	book now
DAL RAE	$$	pico rivera	book now
DOLCE ENOTECA E RISTORANTE	$	los angeles	book now
DUKE’S MALIBU	$	malibu	reserve by phone
E3RD STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE	$	los angeles	book now
EL POLLO INKA PERUVIAN RESTAURANT – GARDENA	$	gardena	reserve by phone
ENCOUNTER RESTAURANT	$$	los angeles	book now
ESPN ZONE AT L.A. LIVE	$	los angeles	reserve by phone
FORD’S FILLING STATION	$$	culver city	book now
GLADSTONE’S OF MALIBU	$	pacific palisades	reserve by phone
GORDON RAMSAY AT THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD	$$$	west hollywood	book now
GRACE RESTAURANT	$$$	los angeles	book now
GREEN STREET RESTAURANT	$	pasadena	reserve by phone
GUELAGUETZA – 8TH STREET	$	los angeles	reserve by phone
GUS’S BBQ	$	south pasadena	book now
I CUGINI	$$	santa monica	book now
IL MORO	$$	los angeles	book now
ITA-CHO	$	los angeles	book now
IVAN KANE’S CAFE WA S	$$	los angeles	book now
J RESTAURANT & LOUNGE	$$	los angeles	book now
JOHNNY REBS’ SOUTHERN ROADHOUSE – LONG BEACH	$	long beach	reserve by phone
KATSUYA – BRENTWOOD	$$	brentwood	book now
KATSUYA – GLENDALE	$$	glendale	book now
KATSUYA – HOLLYWOOD	$$	hollywood	book now
KENDALL’S BRASSERIE	$$	los angeles	book now
LA CACHETTE	$$$	los angeles	book now
LA PRIME A NEW YORK STYLE STEAKHOUSE	$$$	los angeles	book now
LA VECCHIA CUCINA	$$	santa monica	book now
LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB	$$	beverly hills	book now
LIBERTY GRILL	$	los angeles	book now
LOCANDA DEL LAGO	$$$	santa monica	book now
LUNA PARK	$	los angeles	book now
MADELEINE’S RESTAURANT & WINE BISTRO	$$	pasadena	reserve by phone
MALIBU BEACH INN CARBON BEACH CLUB	$$	malibu	book now
MCKENNA’S ON THE BAY	$$	long beach	book now
MICHAEL’S ON NAPLES RISTORANTE	$$	long beach	book now
MINX RESTAURANT & LOUNGE	$$	glendale	book now
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE – BEVERLY HILLS	$$$	los angeles	book now
NICK & STEF’S STEAKHOUSE	$$	los angeles	book now
NINETHIRTY AT THE W HOTEL	$$$	los angeles	book now
NOE RESTAURANT & BAR	$$$	los angeles	book now
O BAR & KITCHEN	$$	los angeles	book now
O-BAR RESTAURANT	$$	west hollywood	book now
OCEAN AND VINE	$$	santa monica	book now
OCEAN AVENUE SEAFOOD	$$	santa monica	book now
ON SUNSET	$$	los angeles	book now
ONE PICO	$$	santa monica	book now
ONE SUNSET	$$	west hollywood	book now
PARK GRILL	$$$	los angeles	book now
PATINA	$$$	los angeles	book now
PENTIMENTO	$$	los angeles	book now
PINOT BISTRO	$$	studio city	book now
PORTS O’ CALL RESTAURANT	$$	san pedro	book now
PREGO RISTORANTE ITALIANO	$$	beverly hills	book now
RED SEVEN	$$	west hollywood	reserve by phone
RISTORANTE DAVINCI	$$$	long beach	book now
ROCK’N FISH AT L.A. LIVE	$$	los angeles	reserve by phone
ROY’S HAWAIIAN FUSION CUISINE – DOWNTOWN	$$	los angeles	book now
ROY’S HAWAIIAN FUSION CUISINE – WOODLAND HILLS	$$	woodland hills	book now
ROYAL/T CAFE	$	culver city	reserve by phone
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE – BEVERLY HILLS	$$	beverly hills	book now
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE – PASADENA	$$$	pasadena	book now
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE – WOODLAND HILLS	$$	woodland hills	book now
SAI SAI MODERN ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI BAR	$$$	los angeles	book now
SASHI SUSHI & SAKE LOUNGE	$$$	manhattan beach	book now
SIMON LA	$$	los angeles	book now
SMERALDI’S RESTAURANT	$$	los angeles	book now
STK	$$$	west hollywood	reserve by phone
SUGARFISH BY SUSHINAZAWA	$	marina del rey	reserve by phone
SUSHI ROKU PASADENA	$$	pasadena	book now
TAKAMI SUSHI & ROBATA RESTAURANT	$$$	los angeles	book now
TAM O’SHANTER	$$	los angeles	book now
TANZORE	$$	beverly hills	book now
TASTE ON MELROSE	$$	west hollywood	book now
TENGU – WESTWOOD VILLAGE	$$	los angeles	book now
THE BAZAAR BY JOSE ANDRES	$$$	los angeles	book now
THE BUNGALOW CLUB	$	los angeles	book now
THE CALIFORNIA’S AT THE SHERATON UNIVERSAL HOTEL	$$	universal city	reserve by phone
THE DINING ROOM AT THE LANGHAM HOTEL	$$$	pasadena	book now
THE FOUNDRY ON MELROSE	$$$	los angeles	book now
THE HAPPY ENDING BAR AND RESTAURANT	$	hollywood	book now
THE LOBSTER	$$$	santa monica	book now
THE RESTAURANT AT THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN LA	$$	los angeles	book now
THE ROOF GARDEN AT THE PENINSULA HOTEL	$$$	beverly hills	book now
THE SKY ROOM	$$$	long beach	book now
THE TERRACE RESTAURANT AT THE LANGHAM HOTEL	$$$	pasadena	reserve by phone
THE WHALE & ALE	$	san pedro	reserve by phone
THOUSAND CRANES	$$$	los angeles	book now
TRACHT’S	$$	long beach	book now
TWIST	$$	hollywood	book now
UGO – AN ITALIAN CAFE	$	culver city	reserve by phone
UPSTAIRS 2	$$	west los angeles	book now
VALENTINO RESTAURANT	$$$	santa monica	book now
VERTICAL WINE BISTRO	$$	pasadena	book now
WARUNG CAFE	$	los angeles	book now
WATER GRILL	$$$	los angeles	book now
WEST RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE	$$	los angeles	book now
WHIST	$$$	santa monica	book now
WOKCANO – DOWNTOWN	$$	los angeles	book now
WOKCANO – SANTA MONICA	$$	santa monica	book now
WOLFGANG PUCK LA BISTRO	$	los angeles	reserve by phone
WOLFGANG PUCK LA BISTRO – WESTLAKE	$	westlake village	reserve by phone
WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE BY WOLFGANG ZWIENER	$$	beverly hills	book now
WOO LAE OAK	$$	beverly hills	reserve by phone
XI’AN	$$	beverly hills	reserve by phone
XIOMARA ON MELROSE	$$	los angeles	book now
YAMASHIRO	$$$	hollywood	book now
YARD HOUSE AT L.A. LIVE	$$	los angeles	reserve by phone
ZUCCA RISTORANTE	$$	los angeles	book now

 

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Listen to Rick Dees in the Morning on  Movin 93.9 FM, the mix that makes you move and the personality that jump starts your day. www.rick.com; www.movin939.com.

The Dining Diva Does Luna Park’s $16 Price Fixed Lunch and It’s all good

Hurry up you have 10 days left to take advantage of the extension of DineLA Restaurant Week with top chefs offering price fixed meals for nearly half the going rate. Check out www.dinla.com.

Anyhow yesterday we had a fabulous $16 lunch at Luna Park, that included a marvelous goat cheese foundue, salmon on perfectly cooked pasta and a lemon tarte with fudge sauce to die for.  I love this place. The wait staff’s the best and it’s  laid back, friendly and has secluded booths when you want privacy and talking space. 672 S. La Brea, Los Angeles. Check out their menu on http://www.dinela.com/restaurantweek/ 

While not a participant in DineLa Restaurant week,  we also had a great price fixed menu at  Porterhouse Bistro on Wilshire Blvd. Our Rib Eye steaks and came with soup or salad, choice of sides (had mushrooms) and two drinks or two glasses of wine per person.  The restaurant is owned and operated by a delightful husband and wife team who are very much present.  The room is big, friendly and flush with locals and regulars who know a good deal when they taste it.  www.porterhousebistro.com.

Off to do more DineLA Restaurant week specials at Dakota in the Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, and Wolgang’s Steakhouse  by Wolfgang Zwiener, in Beverly Hills. Been to Dakota before and like the food and the scene. The menu is $44 and includes Hamachi or braised veal agnolotti pancetta, or frisee lardon pomegranate glazed pork belly frisse, quail eggs; prime beef duo or branzino or pork osso bucco and either dark cheery tiramisu or cocolate panna cotta or warm elegant lady pineapple upside down cake (which is better than it sounds, had it before).

Haven’t tried Wolgang’s but heard good things about it and hey it’s a relative bargain ($22 lunch and $34 dinner). We’re doing dinner with choice of Caesar Salad, Wofgang’s Salad or lobster bisque; grilled wild king salmon or filet mignon or lamb chops and apple strudel or hot fudge sundae or cheesecake. (My choices are boldfaced). Will let you know how it goes.

New Restaurant Alert! RH @ Andaz In WeHo

The Dining Diva just had

 a fantastic dinner at a new place in WeHo called RH at Andaz (Andaz is the spiffy, remodeled Hyatt on Sunset) and RH is  Chef Sebastien Archambault’s innovative, neighborhood eatery. The handsome, modula style , high design room provides the perfect stage for this master chef, with its open kitchen and tables situated for seeing and being seen.

Bound to be the hottest ”it”  restaurant in LA

We sampled lots of tasty dishes beginning with a tangy tuna tartare, roasted forest mushroom tart with hazelnuts,  and  shrimp ceviche, moving along seared diver scallops, delicately seared yellow fin tuna, a  perfectly prepared filet mignon, and pork chops. We shared lots of healthy veggies like  field and enoki mushrooms, baby carrots, organic wild ricem mashed potatoes–and more. Hey a dining diva does what she has to.  It was all good, great, really.

Hip vibes, young attitude

 and a friendly, welcoming  wait staff combined with  recession-friendly prices– starters from $12-$18 and entrees $15 to $30 (for the filet mignon)–makes this the perfect date night spot or a place to go with a bunch of riends.   You can actually eat cheap or splurge. Wine prices by glass are alittle high,but the quality’s great.

They could add more choices. Brunch lovers should check out weekend offering served 10:30 to 3 PM and ranging from $10 to $18.  Creative choices include breafkfast salads, chile poblano and cheddar egg wite frittata; diver scallops Florentine with bacon and more.

 

RH at Andaz, 8401 West Sunset Blvd., WeHo, Califoria, 323-785-6090. www.westhollywood.andaz.com.

Rick Dees Dives Into Digital

Rick Dees departed Movin 93.9 FM on April 14 for new digital horizons at www.allnumber1hits.com.  The station recently converted to an all Spanish all the time format so alas since your Dining Diva only speaks un poco Espanol, she too has left those airwaves. In the meantime check out Dees on the new web site and at www.rick.com.

Adios radio listeners, but hello viewers, I’m still blogging along here and at www.thesavvyseafarer.blogspot.com; www.pattipietchmanntraveldiva.blogspot.com; www.thedivaonthego.wordpress.com   and of course www.pattisprattles.wordpress.com

The Dining Diva Dives Into the Golden Door Cookbook

Well, your Dining Diva can’t eat out all the time. When we cook at home I prefer light and simple fare. I’m pretty creative but always looking for inspiration and voila I found it in Chef Dean Rucker’s Golden Door Cooks at Home (Clarkson Potter/Publishers)–a gorgeous, coffee-table like tome featuring “favorite recipes” from the illustrious , just turned 50-year-old, health and fitness resort in Escondido, California–where Dean, a graduate of California Culinary Academy,   has been turning out delicious, low-calorie, gourmet-style cuisine since 2000.

A Golden Door regular I’ve  been enjoying Dean’s cuisine for the past 9 years (he  began as sous chef in 2000 and was named executive chef in 2005), and I must say my last sampling during the week of April 12-19 of this year proved sensational. He’s never been more on his culinary game, everything I ate was perfectly prepared. And as you know, if you’ve been following my blogs, I only tell it like it is.

Anyhow I digress. I just sunk my teeth into his new cookbok and will be reporting back on my finds. Can’t give away any recipes though, unless they give me permission. Anyhow it looks great. There’s not only recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, but tips on exercise, nutrition, meditation and more. It’s a must  have for any health-conscious cook. 

 

So I’m reading through Chef Dean Rucker’s “Golden Door Cooks at Home” culinary guide and getting very hungry for tastes of my favorite health resort where I have spent many salubrious weeks during the last two decades or so.

 

I;ve been going to the Door for so long I practically grew up with much of the staff, who still work there leading exercise classes, guiding guests on mountain hikes, playing water volley ball, personaltraining and all the many activities that make the Door so special. There’s Marta who heads the kitchen staff and ensures guests meals are in order of caloric content (you can eat small, medium or large portions and I usually opt for the middle). She’s also the one you tell if you want to dine in your room, by the pool, in the TV lounge, dining room or by the Koi pond–guests of the Door have many choices. And there’s Judy, Diane, Suzy Q, Julie, Ellen, Brett, Lacey et al, along with ace massage therapists and facialists, wait persons, room attendants and of course Rachel  Caldwell who adeptly ensures  it all runs to the Golden Door perfection bar set by spa doyenne,  Deborah Szekely, who founded the resort 50 years ago.

 

                               You Won’t Believe Its All Good for You

Anyhow back to the cookbook. Dean seamlessly takes readers through preparations for spiny lobster and mango gazpacho shooters, soft rosemary-lemon polenta with sweet corn, porcini-crusted bison New York strip steaks,  walnut-crusted turkey scallopini and yummy desserts like  angel food cake with fresh peach coulis,  orange almond tuiles, almond pear dots and even guilt-free chocolate chip cookies.
 Deans also teaches reductions–in food not body weight–how to caramelize onions, preparing semolina dough for pizzetas or burger buns, concocting dressings like cranberry vinaigrette or lemon-tahini or whole-grain mustard and honey vinaigarette.

 

 

 

The beautifully illustrated 288-page,  The Golden Door Cooks at Home is a must for discerning cooks who care enough to serve the very best health-conscious cuisine. It only costs $40 plus shipping and tax from the go to www.goldendoor.com for more information.

The Dining Diva Does Il Tiramisu in Sherman Oaks

Il Tiramisu Ristorante & Bar 

The Dining Diva Discoveries– first bites…..

 

 

The Dining Diva discovered a delightful Northern Italian restaurant,  Il Tiramisu in Sherman Oaks. It’s been there for at least 10 years but we tried it for the first time last night. What a find.  A friendly neighborhood Italian eatery oozing with ambiance and rich aromas of old world cuisine.  The host greeted us with a big smile like we were regulars he’d known for ever. Our adorable waiter bore a welcoming smile and happily handled our food and wine–both of which matched the mood.

I had the veal rib special. Tender, fall off the bone meat on pasta with an exceptional red sauce.

 My Caesar salad was one of the best I’ve had in ages, it was actually perfectly dressed with crispy romaine and top quality parmesan cheese. Richard had the heirloom tomato salad, while the tomatoes were touted organic, they weren’t ripe enough (our only complaint) but his sword fish was divine.  We had a bottle of Monterrey Chard, but skipped coffee and dessert, too full from the fare and the exceptional breads and olive oil served with the meal.

 

A little New York, a little Italy, the room is attractive and welcoming with a tiny bar and an open kitchen viewable when you walk by on the way to the restrooms. The place was filled with young and old all obviously enjoying themselves.

It’s a must go. And we plan to return often, maybe even weekly.

Il Tiramisu, $$$.  Open  for lunch Tuesday through Saturday 11:30-2:30; dinner Tuesday through Sunday 5 to 10 with late suppers on Friday and Saturday until 11 PM. Located at
13705 Ventura Blvd., (at Woodman), Sherman Oaks, California. 818-986-2640, www.il-tiramisu.com.

 

 

 

Foodie Alert, LA Restaurant Week Returns in October

 

dineLA Restaurant Week Returns this Fall! October 4-9 / October 11-16                                              Foodie Alert: LA Restaurant Week returns–   Considered one of the most anticipated dining programs of the year, dineLA Restaurant Week resumes October 4-9 and  11-16, 2009. The January 2009 dineLA Restaurant Week served over 150,000 diners at 175 participating restaurants making the program a smashing success with both restaurants and diners in neighborhoods throughout LA County.  We have  once again planned an extensive marketing and public relations campaign to promote the program and its participating restaurants to consumers throughout Southern California and beyond. Restaurants will offer specially priced three-course menus for Lunch, Dinner or both Lunch & Dinner in the following dining tiers: $   = $16 Lunch / $26 Dinner $$  = $22 Lunch / $34 Dinner $$$ = $28 Lunch / $44 Dinner

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The Dining Diva Checks out Henry’s Hat in Studio City

It’s a Bar, It’s a Pub, It’s a Blast….It’s Henry’s Hat in Studio City, California,

a new American restaurant and pub created by restaurateur AJ Gilbert and his wife Martha Madison.  The Dining Diva checked it out last night and her ears are still ringing from all the noise of  mostly young patrons having fun.  We’re talking amped up atmosphere. A much-needed entry in LA’s night life where bars are mostly adjuncts to restaurants. This place is mostly bar/pub with food as an aside albeit good with a menu created by Luna Park San Francisco’s executive chef Nick Cobarruvias. We tasted sliders, chili, cheese dips and other snack food and it was all tasty.

Only a few weeks old and the place is going gangbusters. Part of its allure is the youthful, atmosphere driven by lots of diversions such as 15 flat screen TVs, a projection screen, vintage board games and of course lots of beer.                                               The Diva does Henry’s Hat——————–

 The Diva’s darling shows off his new boot at Henry’s Hat.   

 

 

The bar scene at Henry’s Hat,  3413 Cahuenga Blvd. West, 323-512-2500, www.henrys-hat.com,  www.twitter.com/henryhatla. 

The Dining Diva:  www.twitter.com/pattipietsch  (I am also on Facebook.com as Patti Pietschmann)

The Dining Diva Does Tavern in Brentwood

The Dining Diva joined friends for dinner at Tavern, a new kid on the Brentwood block San Vicente exquisitely carved from  the age old  Hamburger Hamlet.  The scene was eclectic and electric, lots of locals and out of area types noticeably enjoying the California/American pseudo fusion  fare created by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne  who also run the popular Lucques and A.O.C.  Goin co-owns the Hungry Cat with her husband, David Lentz. Anyhow they did wonders with the place which features an atrium-like indoor patio with comfy booths and tables…but…

I had only an entree–opting to share starters),  halibut so overcrowded with risotto, figs and vegetables that is was hard to find the fish (which was good once I was able to locate it).  Others had crab cakes, heirloom tomato salad,  snapper lost in a sea of  Kefir Cheese Labne and  a pool of sauce, again once the fish was found it was good.  I think the chef should re-think her menu. However hard to cojmplain when the place is booming with business on a warm, summer’s Friday night.

There are three rooms, one  is an upscale deli counter, the other inside and an adjacent ind00r patio, it’s all beautifully decorated and very festive.

 

The Menu

starters summer fruit salad with arugula and marcona almonds 14
BLT salad- little gems, avocado and point reyes blue 14
haricots verts with jamon, hazelnuts and seal bay triple cream 15
heirloom tomatoes with eggplant, pesto and fried mozzarella 16 **
dungeness crab cake with corn salad and green harissa 18  ***
lamb merguez with cous cous, almonds and roasted apricots 16main courses summer squash gratin with corn, poblanos and queso fresco 24
white seabass with yellow tomato, labne, cucumber and sumac 26
halibut grilled in fig leaves – wild mushrooms, pancetta and figs 27 *
the devil’s chicken with leeks and mustard breadcrumbs 26
duck confit with black rice, pistachios and Bing cherries 27
pork chop with cornbread, chorizo and spiced maple syrup 27
beef daube with ricotta gnocchi and cherry tomato-brown butter 29
grilled lamb with white beans and feta salsa verde 27
niman ranch rib-eye steak frites with sofrito and arugula 39

 

 

 

dessert

strawberry coupe with mascarpone ice creamand crushed amaretti

chocolate coupe with espresso granita and praline ice cream

elderflower panna cotta with citrus and prosecco sorbet

local walnut galette with crème legère and saba

peach and blackberry crumble with buttermilk ice cream

beignets with chicory-chocolate and peanut caramel sherbet

breanne’s cookies and milk 10 *** (these were tasty)

cheese plate
three cheeses 15 / five cheeses 25

breakfast pastries to take home from the larder

3 dollars each

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Tavern, 11648 San V icente, Brentwood, CA, 310-806-6466, www.tavernla.com.

The Dining Diva Does Bo-Ho in Hollywood and Likes It

We dined at BoHo–a Bohemian Hollywood gastropub created by Chef Andre Guerrero with a creative, perfectly executed menu, great location smack at the ArcLight Theater on Hollywood Blvd. If you like pizza and innovative plates, you’ll love the food–served in two handsome, quirkly decorated rooms oozing with ambiance.

It’s young but comfortable for all ages, fun and moderately–priced.Chef Guerreo is also responsible for Max, Oinkster, and Senor Fred in the San Fernando Valley.

 

Guerrero and restaurateur Adolfo  Suaya created  BoHo adding interesting touches like unique lamps, baskets, books, and paintings surround the cushy booths  and tables. 

There’s two dining sections, one with windows that look out unto  Hollywood Blvd., and the other in back by the bustling bar occupied by young regulars who chat, twitter, text and watch sports on the  flat screen TV  sets. There’s a lot of draft beers and a few good wines by the glass (more by the bottle). 

The menu is compact with starters such as French Onion soup, Caesar salad (which we shared and rate right in our top 10), almond  crusted crab cakes, Belgian fries, fried oyster “Po Boy’ Sliders and Ahi Tartare.  You might note it’s not your usual fare, more of Andre’s answer to upscale fast food. And the prices go from $6 to $12.

 

Pizzas take center stge with toppings like  Pepperoni, Kalbi (Korean bbq shortribs), Potato, Deluxe and Smoked Salmon (which we shared and enjoyed. The crust couldn’t be more perfect, the salmon just right, and this from a person who rarely eats pizza).

 

Also check out my review at http://www.examiner.com/x-23074-LA-Insider-Travel-Examiner

Wild About Wally’s Wine Selections

She’s Just Wild About Wally’s Wine Selections As any of you who read my blogs well know, the Dining Diva loves her wineespecially good ones–I’m not talking expensive, just big nosed, bursting bouquet, rich, ripe varieties that make my taste buds sing.   That’s why I’m wild about Wally’s– the best wine and spirits shop in Los Angeles  to learn about, taste and fine fine wines.  

I am also a happy acquaintance and FOW (Friends of Wallys) of  owner/founder/wine expert Steve Wallace, who personally picks the selection found in his popular West Los Angeles shop.  Steve is also general partner in the Food Company, which owns the popular Broadway Deli, Capo and Coras Coffee Shoppe in Santa Monica, Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge, and   Brass. -Cap. American Brasserie in Los Angeles. 

 He drives a  Mini Cooper—a company car proudly pronouncing “Wally’s Wine & Spirits No.1 Wine Store in Los Angeles—Zagat Survey”–and lives in an area filled with Hollywood FOW celebs such as  Nick Cage, Dianne Keaton, and Herb Alpert.  His home is a designer’s dream with a stylized chefs kitchen, highly honed wood floors and walls adorned with tasteful art, posters and etchings of famous chefs such as Michel Richard, and Alice Waters, who prepares his birthday dinner annually.  An exact replica of the indoor kitchen sits on the patio where Wallace says he does most of his cooking on the grill. Of course there’s an impressive wine collection along with bottles of high-end tequila, his favorite liquor, which “must be 100 percent agave or it isn’t any good,” he instructs.

 Affectionately known as “Wine Boy” many of his friends rely on Wallace’s expertise when throwing dinner parties or dining out. “People call my cell phone from restaurants and ask me what to order with a certain dish,” he muses. I’ve even gotten calls from Paris and other foreign countries from friends who are having dinner in a restaurant and need help ordering the wine.”

 

It’s not necessary to be an F.O.W. to get Wallace’s opinion when buying wine or spirits, all you have to do is dial 310-475-0606 ext. 208 and he’ll be happy to help you out.  He’s just that kind of guy.

Get Wally’s mailing list to learn about good deals such as this recent announcement:

This year, for the first time, ONCE has produced a wine – 2007 The Table Cabernet Sauvignon – in collaboration with America’s top sommeliers to share with a handful of selected restaurants and wine stores, including Wally’s, of course! And, sure enough, soon after The Table made its debut, the press began singing its praises. 2007 Once Wines The Table Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley #109281   E-Club $24.99   Regular Price: $28 The Table Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon recently captured the honor of being recognized as the LA Times Wine of the Week: “Young, but accessible, it’s velvety and bright, the fruit tightly woven into the structure. Barely kissed with oak, it is a blend of Cabernet with 18% Cabernet Franc and a wee bit (4%) of Petit Verdot. All this, and it is just $28. I’d say it’s a gift,” enthused critic S. Irene Virbila. A gift, indeed. We suggest you purchase a few right away, and begin unwrapping them for dinner! Wally’s Wine & Spirits– 2107 Westwood Blvd / Los Angeles, CA. 90025; 888.9.WALLYS (992-5597) or 310.475.0606; email:  customerservice@wallywine.com ;  Open Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM