Speckled Jalapeno Margarita | Patron Reposado, Citrus Juices, Grand Marnier - muddled with Jalapeno

Ever tried out the Peninsula Hotel’s rooftop cocktail hour? Well, tomorrow’s a good time as any to check it out, as from 5 – 7 PM they’ll not only be offering drinks at half-price like every week but also a buy-one-get-one-free deal for tickets to Taste of Beverly Hills. All-weekend passes will be discounted to $350 from $500. (You can take a look at the regular prices here.)

Peninsula Hotel Rooftop Garden Restaurant and Bar

Choose one of their signature cocktails (regularly $16) – like the Kumquat & Citrus Punch (Ketel One, Malibu Rum, muddled kumquats, citrus juices), the Grape Cocktail (Hendricks Gin, Grapes, St. Germain Elderflower, lemon juices, club soda) or the Speckled Jalapeno Margarita (above). Or if beer or wine are more your speed, be glad because those are half-off, too. So before you go, take a peek at the schedule and list of attendees for each session so you know which one(s) you’d like to attend this Memorial Day Weekend (Thursday, September 2 – Sunday, September 5).

And as you’re basking in the sun or shade in the early evening on a rooftop in Beverly Hills, take comfort that your savings on Taste tickets will go towards your half-off happy hour libations. Don’t forget to enjoy your view! (And also don’t forget to bring your valet ticket to the rooftop to validate for discounted parking.)

Saigon Tartine | pork belly, pate, coriander, carrot pickle, green chili

Pop-ups are all the rage, lately, especially in Los Angeles. Test Kitchen, however, brings that concept to another, oxymoronic level in that it is a “permanent” pop-up, of sorts. Yes, Test Kitchen serves exactly the purpose of how it sounds in the first place, and is indicative of a food culture and city in which it is normal for talented and even famous chefs to be homeless. Test Kitchen is the couch they squat, and Jordan Kahn’s, Noah Ellis’ and Adam Fleischman’s (Umami Burger) new Vietnamese outfit to open in the fall on Wilshire, Red Medicine, was the first to do so in a fully booked 5-day run ending last Sunday.

Cured Amberjack | lime leaf, french melon, nuoc cham, bird chili, mint

Luckily, Mattatouille let me crash his 2-top reservation that day, and as to be expected there were tons of industry and bloggy types to brush shoulders against. In my lone experience during Jordan’s run, I could see hardly any drawbacks to the system. The pacing in all 12 courses was expedient (yes, there were 12) and the prix fixe pricing was dirt cheap at $40. The dishes that were hits really went out of the park; the dishes that were misses for me were arguable and interesting conversation pieces with others in attendance. One thing’s for sure, though: Jordan’s imagination was ever apparent in every course and kept all diners sitting at the edge of their chairs.

Tomatoes | marinated in an infusion of their vines, silky tofu, crunch tofu, herbs

Favorites included the pork belly tartine – it was paired perfectly with pickled carrots and coriander, given weight by the pate and finished with the perfect kick at the end thanks to the back-burning green chili. I enjoyed it in a single bite yet savored it for minutes thereafter. Another grand slam was the Cured Amberjack, balanced atop sous vide french melon and topped with lime leaf, nuoc cham, bird chili and mint. It was an amazingly refreshing yet complex dish that really complemented the fish.

Bay Scallops | pomelo, young ginger, tamarind syrup, puffed tapioca, charred frisee

One of my other favorites was the tomatoes, which were a delicious example in sustainable cooking and farming, having been marinated in an infusion of their vines. The unmistakeable tomato flavor was paired up with silky and crunchy tofu – a refreshing departure from mozzarella and creme fraiche. The silken tofu had nuances of a creamier food thanks to the vine infusion oil but when I realized I wished there were more on the plate it was clear how light the dish was. Leafy greens and purple basil gave it good aroma, green color and foliage.

Baby Carrots | fermented black bean, star anise, coconut, tarragon

One of the dishes that I enjoyed but Mattatouille happened to disagree with was the bay scallops, dressed with young ginger, tamarind syrup, puffed tapioca and charred frisee. It was my first time experiencing frisee served that way and this provided much of the flavor – a nice twist on a green that has normally been regarded as a garnish. The puffed tapioca was a nice spin on hominy, making the intermixed bay scallops (read: small) somewhat an ingredient in a seafood salad. It challenged how I indiscriminately favored big juicy scallop steaks up until this point. Touche.

The baby carrots were a nice, firm yet sweet texture underneath the also sweet fermented black bean – my favorite sweet-savory dish on the menu in contrast to the brussels sprouts (carmelized shallots, fish sauce, prawn crackers), which I didn’t think quite worked but others had actually liked. The anise on the baby carrots as well as the coconut and tarragon really kept things aromatic and interesting.

Beef Bavette | Bacon X.O., Chinese eggplant, chinese celery, lime, palm sugar, sesame

The main course was mind-blowingly delicious as it was lean and chock-full of flavor. It was perfectly pink in the center, complementing this tender cut, and sweet – with lime opening it up, finely-chopped celery providing a crunch and sesame seeds rounding out the finishing touches. Tons of savory goodness marked this dish – and I’ll be sure to order it at Red Medicine when it opens the next block from my workplace.

Coconut Bavarois | coffee, thai basil, peanut croquant, chicory

And it wouldn’t be a true Jordan Kahn (formerly pastry chef at XIV) experience without having had the dessert – of which there were two on the menu. The Coconut Bavarois was the heavyweight (whereby the Peaches with Creme de Cassis was a nice, simple counterpart) and is another dish I hope comes to Red Medicine. The Thai basil, coconut and peanut croquant weren’t just piecemeal ingredients meant for the dessert to brandish as evidence it’s Vietnamese influenced, but instead were pertinent pieces of the puzzle that essentially turns Vietnamese (and Thai) coffee on its head. Its flavors were overall full, enjoying the perfect accents of coconut at the core and thai basil, which arrived as tiny little potent seeds. So delicious.

My first experience at Test Kitchen – and Red Medicine – was thoroughly enjoyable. At $40 a pop (future chefs, dates and price points unknown) it was a groundbreaking dining experience on the cheap. Would it be futile to note that Ricardo Zarate (Mo-Chica) will be previewing his Anticuchos on one night only, August 24, and tonight is sold out, too? If it only drives home the point that people have made reservations at Test Kitchen without the chef having been announced, yet – not really. I, for one, am looking foward to Walter Manzke’s (formerly Church & State) run next week… Oops, that’s sold out, too. Tease.

Stay tuned… Twitter is your best bet. Stop resisting it.

Michael Voltaggio at Star Chefs (March 18, 2010)

As a part of the Voltaggio brothers’ new partnership with Something’s in the works with the Voltaggio brothers and Williams-Sonoma, and we’ll get a peak into that as Top Chef Season 6 winner Michael Voltaggio will be hosting a small, private tasting demo at the Williams-Sonoma store in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, September 1st. Be sure to RSVP ASAP, as there are limited spots which will be sure to fill up fast. There will be appetizers and wine for you to enjoy. Additionally, Williams-Sonoma will be offering a rare 10% shopping discount for the event.

Clarification and update (8/23): This will be not be a sampling of Michael Voltaggio’s signature food; rather he will be performing some cooking demonstrations – such as sous vide-ing meat – that will render some tastes, but passed apps won’t be part of the event.

Overview of Beverly Hills

Looks like Beverly Hills wants officially mark themselves on the map as a culinary event destination in Los Angeles – as the first annual Taste of Beverly Hills will take place on September 2 – 5, 2010. With no event legacy, the first thing I’m drawn to is that it spans over 4 days – and over Labor Day Weekend, at that! The second? The price.

Of course, it wouldn’t be L.A., much less Beverly Hills, without all the hot names on the ticket. Names like (Top Chef Season Six winner) Michael Voltaggio, Walter Mazke (formerly of Church & State), Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites), John Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Animal) all showcasing their work for visitors to the event.

The weekend will commence on Thursday with an ever appropriately named picnic matched to its date, “9.02.10 City of Beverly Hills Celebration.” You’ll sit under the stars with guests such as Larry King and others while enjoying live musical performances. Remember: This event is separately ticketed and not included in the all-inclusive price.

Enjoy food from over 50 chefs and restauranteurs, beer, wine, cocktail tastings, and chef demos within the Grand Tasting area throughout the weekend. The schedule is curated by KCRW’s “Good Food” Host and Chef Evan Kleiman while the tunes are directed by Jason Bentley, KCRW music director and host of “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” The schedule that’s planned in the Grand Tasting area:

• “The Art of Mixing” (Friday evening)—the city’s top mixologists and DJs “mix” their talents. Ooh, la la!
• “Secrets From the Kitchen and Cellar” (Saturday afternoon)—chefs and master sommeliers showcase the tricks of their trades.
• “Taste of Something Better” Cooking Competition (Saturday afternoon)—three finalists will vie for the crown of “America’s Top Amateur Chef” and compete to represent the United States in the 2010 LG “Life Tastes Good” global cooking competition in Seoul, South Korea, this fall.
• “Date Night” (Saturday evening)—an evening of good food, wine, music, and one-on-one time with master sommeliers and vintners.
• “The Art of Brunch” (Sunday afternoon)—free-flowing brunch cocktails, live gospel and jazz performances, a 50-foot grand table featuring the city’s finest pastries and breads, along with KCRW’s annual pie contest hosted by “Good Food” Host Evan Kleiman.

Okay, Beverly Hills! Show us what you got. Tickets are available today for $125 per person for a day session pass, $150 for an evening session pass and $500 per person for an all-access weekend package. Again, the “90210 City of Beverly Hills Celebration” on Thursday is an individually ticketed event for $150.

Pide with Ohanyan spicy soujuk sausage, red onion, and piquillo peppers with halloumi cheese

Momed, a new Eastern Mediterranean place on the south-of-Wilshire stretch of Beverly Drive, has all the makings to be a neighborhood hotspot. A contemporary interior is where you’ll enjoy an equally modern rendition of Mediterranean cuisine with beautiful wines to match. Specific cuisines that bring inspiration and are highlighted include those from Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Morocco.

Momed Exterior-to-Interior

The place, with its white and just-short-of-sterile decor, is equal parts eatery, wine bar, coffee and tea house. The aim was to create a neutral visual platform on which the vibrant spices and flavors of the cuisine would shine.

Enjoy tasty treats like their Pide topped with Ohanyan spicy sausage and sweet red onions. Or go for a more unusual, adventurous topping like Chicken ‘lahmajoun’ – minced chicken, pistachios and oven-roasted peaches. It may be wood-fired (the oven is the only thing from the previous tenants they kept) but don’t call it pizza. It’s Turkish flatbread, and it’s delicious with the right topping (the spicy sausage was my favorite).

Muhammara, Mediterranean Salad, Tzatziki

Want to dial it down a little? Momed offers a great selection of salads and dips with which to eat with your pita. I thought their tzatziki yogurt dip was especially flavorful and done well. The vast varieties of hummus, baba ganoush and other mezze (appetizers) were also palatable in large thanks to the warm, moist pitas served. The long display of spices like cardamom, sumac and cumin is evidence of Momed’s commitment to making everything from scratch with freshness being a priority.

And don’t forget selections that come already prepared with their fantastic pitas, like one filled with warm duck “shawarma” and fig confit - my personal hand-rolled pita favorite. If you’re looking for a warm side, no look further than the Baleela (chickpeas with toasted pine nuts, preserved lemon and perfectly flash-fried with brown butter) – absolutely divine!

Duck "Shawarma" with oven-dried tomatoes, fig confit & garlic spread on whole wheat pita

Intelligentsia coffee, traditional Turkish coffee, a rare selection of fine teas including Du Hammam, Moroccan mint, Eve’s rose petal and white pomegranate, as well as six different hot chocolate options from The Chocolate Box are offered. In the back, behind the wood-fired oven, is where you can get your coffee or Turkish Spa tea fix.

Momed is a great place to approach quality Eastern Mediterranean – whether it may have been intimidating before or always been a favorite. And while you’re there, try to pair your meal with one of their wines. You won’t find a French, Italian or Californian bottle of vino but rather a Greek, Israeli, Moroccan or even Lebanese. When I had the opportunity to visit I had the pleasure of tasting a beautiful Israeli ’09 Muscat Rose as well as an Israeli ’07 Golan Heights Chardonnay…delicious. No matter what, you’re in for a unique treat each time you dine at Momed.

All food and wine were hosted.

Bienvenido Gustavo! at The Hollywood Bowl (October 1, 2009)

Hollywood Bowl season is upon us! And what better opportunity to combine your love of food with your love of music than to do up the pre-performance picnic the right way? Grab a recommended wine from Jill at Domaine LA to pair with your food and you’re set. Just make sure your show is an official Bowl event and not leased out. If it’s leased out (most likely to include the high profile rock bands not part of the KCRW World Music Series), then you’re confined to the Patina catering sold (or served in your fancy box seats) at the venue. If not, you’re good to go!

Below, you’ll find options all over town. So wherever you hail from, you’re set to make your little haven in Hollywood home for a few hours whether they be Pool, Garden, Terrace, Super or bench seats. And by the way, yes, you can always order from Nancy Silverton’s Mozza2Go – I would just recommend ordering and picking up extra early in the day on Bowl nights given its vicinity and the likelihood everyone may be thinking the same thing as you. Here we go… (Check the map at the bottom for a visual of all mentioned locations.)

Napa Valley Grille – Westwood

When at UCLA, I always knew the Napa Valley Grille as the out-of-range option for us students – the place you got your parents to take you to when they visited from out-of-town. But they’ve recently come out with a boxed lunch program that seems pretty accessible to me, ranging from $10.75 to $13.75 with 3 seasonal options from Executive chef Joseph Gillard and packaged in recyclable materials. You can wax Napa in Hollywood (or elsewhere) as they are themed after different Napa Valley regions:

Russian River Menu: Shrimp Salad Sandwich, with Poached White Shrimp, Fine Herbs, Buttermilk Dressing, and Shaved Cabbage on a Soft Herb Roll; Sweet Pea Salad with Butter Lettuce and Green Goddess Dressing; housemade Napa Potato Chips; and Summer Fruit Trifle ($13.75)

Stag’s Leap Menu: Slow-Roasted Rare Prime Beef Sandwich with Bacon, Red Onion Jam, Creamy Horseradish, and Smoked Cheddar Cheese on Pretzel Bread; Roasted Red Fingerling Potato Salad; housemade Napa Potato Chips; and a Black and White Cookie ($12.75)

St. Helena Menu: Roasted Vegetable Foccaccia with Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Portabella Mushroom, White Bean Hummus, Tomato Fondue, and Basil Goat Cheese on Herb Ciabatta Bread; Orzo Pasta Salad with Pepperdew Peppers, Spring Onions, and Golden Balsamic Vinaigrette; housemade Napa Potato Chips; and a “Blondie” Bar ($10.75)

You’ll undoubtedly want dessert (not included) - so choose from delicious selections like Mini Eclairs with Cordillera Dark Chocolate-Brandy Cream, Bourbon Pecan Bars and White Chocolate Coconut Cookies.

Call to place order

Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.824.3322
@nvgwestwood

Petrossian Boutique & Restaurant – Robertson/West Hollywood

Ordering your take-away items from Petrossian means you demand taste, style and class. More power to you. In fact, I just ate there last night and was delightfully reminded how absolutely talented Chef Ben Bailly is. So tote his offerings to The Bowl – your tastebuds will be titillated while your ears are enchanted. Below are some picnicking suggestions straight off their menu:

Caviar Surprise, served in a caviar tin and comprised of layers of Caviar, King Crab, Crème Fraîche and Apple Cider Jelly ($32)

Caviar Dip and Sweet Potato Chips ($14)

Blinis with Caviar, Trout, and Salmon Roe; the Green Bean Salad with Burrata, Marcona almonds and Transmontanus Caviar ($18)

Smoked Salmon Tartine with Goat Cheese, Capers, and Caviar ($16)

Eggxiting Caviar—two 12 gram “eggs” of Transmontanus caviar and spoons in an isothermic case ($49)

Petrossian CaviarCubes ($45)

Foie Gras and Pâté (from $20)

The Petrossian staff will kindly package the items to go in one of their stylish cooler bags or pack your picnic basket for you. Provide your credit card number ahead of time and they’ll deliver your items to you in your car.

Call to order

Petrossian Boutique & Restaurant
321 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
310.271.0576
@petrossianweho

DaVinci – Beverly Hills

Chef Jason Fullilove, who just left Ilan Hall’s The Gorbals, decided to move west into Beverly Hills to take over the kitchen serving up Mediterranean at DaVinci. He has something special for picnickers on-the-go – appropriately coined Al Fresco. For $30 per person, you get an appetizer, main course and dessert. Also, if you purchase Al Fresco for two, DaVinci will offer 15% off a bottle of wine.

Choice of:
Cheese charcuterie plate
Pita plate
Seasonal fruit plate

Choice of:
Chilled seafood salad with lemon chive emulsion
Kobe steak sandwich with poached pear salad
Roast chicken with peperonata & feta salad

Choice of:
Assorted cookies
Pistachio brownies
Meyer lemon panna cotta

Call to order – order at least one day in advance

DaVinci
9737 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.888.0090

M Cafe de Chaya – Melrose/Hollywood, Culver City, Beverly Hills

The Macrobiotic mavens in town will actually be offering the most affordable options in this round-up, thanks to their 5-year anniversary and recent push to spread the gospel to all health-seeking diners around the city. This month, they offer two rotating $5 specials per week - and this week’s just so happens to be their Falafel Wrap and M Chopped Salad.

Week of June 7 — Falafel Wrap & M Chopped Salad (Grab & Go only)
Week of June 14 — 2 Salad Combo & Tofu Bento (Grab & Go only)
Week of June 21 — Breakfast Enchilada (breakfast hours only) and Double Chocolate Fudge Cake

Dessert ($5 for month of June)

Green Tea Roll Cake (Green Tea Sponge Cake made with Green Tea Soy Cream). All desserts from the Patisserie are made without the use of dairy, eggs, or refined sugar.

Remember, the $5 specials are only available for take-away, so allow enough time for the ordering and preparation.

@ilovemcafe

BLD – Hancock Park/Beverly Blvd

Chef Diana Stavardis has some things cooked up to get you dining at The Hollywood Bowl in high style and great flavor. Choose from a Cheese & Charcuterie plate, Bell Pepper Hummus, a Tuna Nicoise Salad, the Buttermilk Battered Fried Chicken Sandwich – the possibilities are endless. Be sure to peep the menu before you order since there are so many choices - BLD will package your food just so you can enjoy it while you enjoy your music.

Call to order at least 6 hrs in advance; pick-up between 9 AM – 6 PM daily.

Menu

BLD Restaurant
7450 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2701
323.930.9744
@bldchefd

Elements Kitchen – Pasadena

The innovative Pasadena eatery is offering Bento Boxes at $37 per person with a minimum of 2 persons per order. In it, you’ll be treated to a cheese plate with accompaniments, salad, choice of a well-furnished main course and even dessert. You’ll even get a bottle of Pellegrino included with your take-away box.

Hors d’oeuvres
Imported & domestic cheese plate
Seasonal fruit & crackers

Salad
Mixed Greens with Golden Raisins & Toasted Almonds, White balsamic vinaigrette

Main Course (choice of one of the following)
Beef Kebab with Roasted vegetables
Cumin & Coriander Scented Chicken Breast Fillet
Curried Vegetables
Cauliflower, Eggplant, Bell peppers, Chick peas

Each main course is served with:
Farrow Birriani
Apricots, Dried figs, Chili de arbol, Mint & Coriander Chutney

Dessert
Coconut Pound Cake
Seasonal fruit coulis

Just a side note: A great option to get to the Hollywood Bowl from Pasadena would be the Metro. Wa-lah! No stacked parking headaches (or parking at Hollywood & Highland just to walk back up the hill again).

Call to order – order at least one day in advance.
Cancellations require one day notice.

Elements Kitchen
37 S. El Molino Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626.440.0001
@elementskitchen

Oh, so many glorious ways to enjoy your night at The Hollywood Bowl!! Have a great season!!

Filetto D’Agnello Farcito (Filet of lamb rolled with spinach, baked tomatoes & olives, pan roasted - served with alfalfa sprouts, potato cake and rapini) - Il Moro

This week, I had the privilege of joining other food writers at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills for a very special lunch presentation, courtesy of the Italian Trade Commission in Los Angeles and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West. That very day was National Italian Day, when the ambassadors of Italian culture presented to us the fruits of their research and labor, hoping to spread love for Italian culture by a critical element: The food, of course. They have taken the task of representing Italian cuisine in major American cities, hand-picking the best Italian restaurants in the area based on authenticity and quality of ingredients.

Pannacotta alle Fave con Insalata di Granchio, Fave, Piselli ed Asparagi (Fava pannacotta, Dungeness Crab, English peas, favas and Sacramento Delta asparagus) - Il Grano

At the lunch, we were honored with the chefs’ presence who were all hard at work in the kitchen while we sampled the dishes – but who also prefaced each dish with an explanation of the heart of what we were about to eat. One dish each from the six chosen premier restaurants were presented and washed down with wine pairings, and the results were simply stunning. Sal Marino from Il Grano served a Fava Panna Cotta topped with Dungeness Crab and English peas. It was refreshing and delicious, had a fun consistency and effectively opened up our palate for the plates to come. The Cecaluccoli (rolled with three fingers, not just two) from Celestino Drago had a tomato sauce that absolutely popped, complimented by dried strips of eggplant and a triangular sliver of delicious, tacky Pecorino.

Risotto al Gorgonzola “Dolce Latte” con Barbabietole Rosse e Gialle (Gorgonzola “Dolce Latte” Risotto with Market Red and Gold Beets) - Locanda Del Lago

A standout was a bright red, and extremely rich, risotto from Locanda Del Lago’s Roberto Maggioni. The flavors in the risotto also had a great vibrancy from the beets which shone through the Gorgonzola’s weight, while the risotto itself had great bite. But the Secondi from Il Moro – the perfectly prepared filet of lamb which had spinach, tomatoes and olives rolled into it – was probably the best lamb I have had in recent memory. It kept its characteristic taste while uncharacteristically avoiding the gamey aftertaste thanks to its freshness. It was tender to the fork, juicy and all the more made perfect by being plated with potatoes and rapini, topped with alfalfa.

Cecaluccoli con Pomodorini di Salina, Melanzane e Pecorino (Homemade pasta, cherry tomatoes, eggplant and Pecorino cheese) - Drago

Valentino’s dessert was also a standout, putting a spin on the archetypical Italian gelato. The Cassata (sponge cake) deliciously lay inside and at the bottom of a ricotta cream with the prickly pear gelato framing the dome. It was plated with pistachio crumbs, chopped strawberries and an additional scoop of raspberry gelato as a counter. Delicious!!

If you have a chance, go to one of these hand-picked restaurants for one of their prix fixe menus, each of which features a dish that was presented at this lunch. Caffé Roma will be serving their Polipo e potato (Grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes) in their prix fixe. But they are all extremely delicious dishes made with top-notch ingredients and are available starting tomorrow (June 5) through June 20. If you’d like to indulge, get the wine pairings. Note all the restaurants’ locations, as well. It looks like the Westside wins this one.

All food and wine were hosted.

Saturday, June 5 – Sunday, June 20, 2010

Lunch and Dinner (see menus)

Caffé Roma – Menu
350 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.274.7834

Drago – Menu
2628 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.828.1585

Il Grano – Menu
11359 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.477.7886

Il Moro – Menu
11400 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.575.3530

Locanda del Lago – Menu
231 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.3525
@lagosantamonica

Valentino – Menu
3115 Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90405
310.829.4313

The stars of Italian food in Los Angeles

Mojave Desert: Dawn Drive to Mammoth

Tomorrow, for Earth Day, you may want to change things up a bit. Maybe ride your bike or walk to a neighborhood watering ground when you’d normally drive. Eat lunch at a restaurant that prides itself on sourcing from local farmers. Or pack a trashless lunch.

Fortunately, some local restaurants and businesses are getting involved by hosting events or specials in an effort to celebrate conservation. Here are just a few:

(Added) Veggie Grill – West Hollywood or El Segundo

Are you a Veggie Grill virgin and have always wanted to try (or have a friend who is)? All such virgins need to do is accompany a veteran to their nearest location and cash in on a free entree with purchase of a first.

This goes on all day, so check below for their South Bay and Sunset Blvd. locations (there are also 2 locations in Irvine):

11 AM - 11 PM

Veggie Grill
8000 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.822.7575

11 AM – 10 Pm

Veggie Grill
Plaza El Segundo
720 Allied Way
El Segundo, CA 90245
310.535.0025

Church & State: Downtown LA

Church & State will be kicking off their on-site Production Garden on Earth Day with a short afternoon of planned events with the community:

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM – Church & State, Pedal Patch Community and the Heart of Los Angeles Youth will sow seeds in the Production Garden.

4:45 PM – 5:30 PM – Church & State will host a Q & A Reception with the Pedal Patch Community for HOLA Kids.

And if you can’t make the afternoon ceremonies, you can always stop by Church & State anytime during the week (Monday, April 19th – Sunday, April 25th) to try out their hand-crafted cocktails ($12 each) that are all made with fresh herbs from the brand new Production Garden.

• Sorrel-Gin Fizz – Plymouth gin, Garden Sorrel leaves, fresh Lime, Sugar & Soda
• Parsley Mojito – Garden Parsley, Garden fresh Mint, Rum, Lime, Sugar
• The Spice Trade – Dark Rum, St. Germain, Garden Cilantro, Anaheim Chili & Saffron

Come in all week for Earth Week cocktails

Church & State Bistro
1850 Industrial Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
213.405.1434

@churchstatela

Akasha: Culver City

Akasha in Culver City will be celebrating Earth Day in full force – even after what looks to be a crazy night hosting Ludo Lefebvre’s Top Chef Masters viewing party (tonight). They get props from me just for that. All day tomorrow, they’ll be offering the following specials:

Cocktails

• Basil Lemon Drop with TRU Lemon $6
  TRU Vodka will donate one tree per cocktail sold
• Strawberry & Guava Margarita $7
  Casa Noble Organic Tequila, Local Strawberries and Guava, Fresh Lime and Agave

Wine (organic and biodynamic)

• Quivira Sauvignon Blanc $6
• Quivira Grenache $7

Beer

• Samuel Smith Organic $4

11:30 AM – 2:30 AM
5:30 – 9:30 PM

Akasha
9543 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232-2618
310.845.1700

@akashacc

Nic’s Martini Lounge: Beverly Hills

It’s never been a better time to revisit the martini lounge on Canon. They’ll be serving up organic fare for their special Earth Day Happy Hour from 5 – 7 PM. Because sometimes, you just feel like taking a visit to the Vodbox.

Organic Happy Hour Libations: $7 each (bar & lounge only)

• Organic Basil and Organic Persian Cucumber Martini
  Featuring Tru Organic Vodka
• Organic Kumquat and Jasmine Cocktail Served on the rocks
  Featuring Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum and Theia Organic Jasmine Liquor

Happy Hour Vegan Appetizer Menu: $7 (bar & lounge only)

• Steamed Artichoke with Miso Butter
• Grilled Pizza with Zucchini + Cured Olives
• Belgian Pomme Frites with Smoked Tomato Aioli

Nic’s will also be offering a $30 All Organic – 3 Course Prix-fixe Menu, which is available in the bar, lounge & dining room all night (not just during happy hour). Also, if you want to visit the Vodbox, with their awesome faux fur hats and coats, one box will be filled with organic and environmentally friendly vodkas for tasting on Earth Day. Kenneth Gray will be on-hand for Tru Organic demonstrations. DJ Armani will cover the tunes during Happy Hour; Jacob Luttrell takes over on piano for the remainder of the evening.

Happy Hour: 5 – 7 PM

Nic’s Beverly Hills
453 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.550-.707

Happy Earth Day! Hope it’s a good reminder for how we should strive to live the other 364 days of the year…

Photo credit to algo on Flickr

Where are you eating on Sunday? Hopefully you’re looking for a spot to brunch or dine at, because this particular round-up is one I can’t take advantage of myself since I’ll be in Mammoth. Whether you’re looking for bottomless bubbly, a buffet, a prix fixe menu or simply special dishes offered for the holiday, there are plenty of options all around town. Though I tried finding spots to represent the LA neighborhoods equally, apparently the Christians live on the westside as most of the specials I’ve found skew toward that side of town. It’s a curious thing, especially to an adoptive eastsider like myself.

Take a look below for your Sunday feast of choice on April 4, 2010:

Santa Monica: Whist at The Viceroy

Spend Easter by the beach. Whist at The Viceroy’s Executive Chef Tony DiSalvo (formerly of NYC’s Jean Georges) will be procuring an Easter feast to extend throughout the day but offered as two separate buffet menus: Brunch and dinner. Expect a shellfish station as well as a leg of lamb/prime rib station whether you do afternoon or night, but omelettes and grits in the first half and a risotto station in the second. The best part? The price includes access to the bellini station and house wine. Not bad for a such a snazzy place like Whist…

Whist Brunch & Dinner Menu

Brunch Buffet: 11 AM – 3 PM – $55

Dinner Buffet: 3 PM – 7 PM – $55

Children’s Buffet: $18

11 AM – 7 PM

$55 buffet incl. Bellini station, house wine

Whist at Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.260.7511

Venice, Beverly Hills & Downtown: Chaya

From 11 AM – 3 PM, Chaya’s all over Los Angeles will be offering a 3-course prix-fixe Easter Brunch menu. It will cost $35 for adults and $15 for young adults (12 and under), who have their own menu. For the adults, though, bottomless mimosas are included – so I’d highly recommend making a reservation right away to secure your slot. You can do this through Open Table.

At Chaya Venice (full menu), who will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in April 2010, guests can enjoy unique selections such as:

• Spring Jumbo Crispy Asparagus with Romesco Salsa
• Roasted Beet Wedge Salad with Bacon, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Blue Cheese Dressing
• Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Asparagus and Roasted Potatoes

11 AM – 3 PM

$35 prix fixe incl. bottomless mimosas

Chaya Venice
110 Navy Street
Venice, CA 90291
310.396.1179

Chaya Brasserie Beverly Hills (full menu), pick from an assortment of fresh brasserie-style fare including:

• The CHAYA Classic Tuna Tartare
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast with Farmer’s Market Berry Compote
• Grilled Free-Range Chicken Breast with Apple & Fourme d’Ambert.

11 AM – 3 PM

$35 prix fixe incl. bottomless mimosas

Chaya Brasserie Beverly Hills
8741 Alden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.859.8833

At Chaya Downtown (full menu), local dwellers can soak up the sun on the outdoor patio as they enjoy:

• Avocado, Grapefruit, and Shaved Fennel Salad
• Flash-Seared Albacore Carpaccio with Yuzu Pepper Sauce.
• Sliced New York Steak with Wild Arugula, Poached Egg, and Truffle Vinaigrette

11 AM – 3 PM

$35 prix fixe incl. bottomless mimosas

Chaya Downtown
525 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.236.9577

Westwood: Napa Valley Grille

At this Westwood mainstay, you have a couple options at your disposal so you can tailor your Easter brunch to precisely the celebration you’re looking for. Executive Chef Gillard creates a personalized brunch experience with market-driven, à la carte small plates that diners can mix and match including:

• Lemon Curd Griddle Toast with Blood Orange Syrup and Strawberries ($5.50)
• Frittata with Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, Roasted Peppers, Fromage Blanc ($5.50)
• Silver Dollar Buttermilk Pancakes, Meiwa Kumquat Marmalade ($5.25)
• Corned Beef Hash Benedict, Roasted Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, Poached Eggs, Hollandaise ($5.75)
• Pasta Scramble, Cultivated Mushrooms, House Made Pasta, Pico de Gallo ($5.25)
• Variety of seasonal salads, hearty sandwiches, and entrées

There will also be an Easter Brunch buffet option, which will run you $49 per adult and $19 per child (12 and under). You’ll select from a wide variety of seasonal brunch dishes (kept warm over hot bricks), all complemented by freshly-made breads, desserts, and sweets from Pastry Chef Manuel Ortega. Take a look at the menu to see what’s on the spread:

Napa Valley Grille Easter Brunch Buffet Menu

10:30 AM – 3 PM

Small plates or $49 for buffet

Tableside Bloody Marys and Mojitos from $12 each

Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310.824.3322

West Hollywood: RH Restaurant

RH will host an Easter brunch buffet from 10 AM to 4 PM. With its beautiful transparent kitchen, diners will enjoy the camaraderie of chef Sebastien Archambault cooking in plain view. It costs $52 per person for adults; $20 for children under 12. The regular dinner menu will also be available until 11 PM on Easter.

Reserve a table

10 AM – 4 PM

$52 buffet

RH Restaurant at The Andaz
8401 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.785.6090

West Hollywood: Gordon Ramsay at The London

The Gordon Ramsay Restaurant will offer Easter brunch al fresco in the Hampton Courtyard at the London. Enjoy the view while feasting on the buffet, starting at 11 AM and ending at 3 PM. You’ll find items in the buffet like steak benedict, french toast, sushi bar, hot stations, carving stations and a pastry table including mini chocolate creme brulee, strawberry shortbread and freshly baked scones.

11 AM – 3 PM

$85 incl. champagne, mimosas & bloody marys

Gordon Ramsay at The London
(on hotel’s 3rd floor)
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.358.7788

Culver City: Akasha

You can always count on Chef Akasha Richmond to come up with original recipes relevant to the occasion and season. Each dish is resoundingly comforting, yet refreshing and made only with the finest, local ingredients. The only problem I see is choosing just one entree, or one dessert. Then again, who says you have to?

Easter specials:

• leg of lamb / matzo polenta / balsamic & honey carrots / asparagus
• goat cheese gnocchi / fava beans / fava tendrils / parmesan
• sea bass / pea & green garlic puree / artichokes / roasted tomato
• scallops / shelling peas / pea tendrils / house cured bacon
• ricotta cheesecake / almond biscotti crust / preserved kumquats
• flourless lemon pistachio cake / meyer lemon curd /strawberries
• easter cupcakes / jelly beans / marshmallow fluff

Are you on Foursquare? Now you have incentive to “give back” to the businesses that also love understand your addiction to Foursquare such as Akasha. Not a shoddy mayoral payday, either!! (I also realize that by posting about this I’m increasing my own competition.)

Foursquare Check-in Perks Alert:
1st check-in = Get a free latte
3rd = Complimentary secret cocktail
Mayor = 2 cocktails & an appetizer!

4 PM – 9 PM

Easter specials

Akasha
9543 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA‎ 90232
310.845.1700‎
@akashacc

Culver City: Beacon

Beacon, the imaginative Asian cafe in Culver City, will be serving up a 3-course prix fixe dinner for only $26 per adult or $12 per child. Choose from the following (amazingly delicious-sounding) entrees:

Reserve a table

5:30 – 9 PM

$26 prix fixe

Beacon
3280 Helms Ave.
Culver City, CA 90034
310.838.7500

Downtown: Cafe Pinot

Have Easter Brunch in the most coveted of Los Angeles wedding locations – on a tree-adorned patio shared with the Los Angeles public library. The prix fixe menu for 3 courses is $35 for adults, $15 for children. Savor Kevin Meehan’s delicious Mushroom Risotto or do up brunch with Ricotta Pancakes or Brioche French Toast. Peep below for the full selection:

Prix Fixe Easter Brunch Menu

Reserve a table

10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

$35 prix fixe

Cafe Pinot
700 West Fifth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.239.6500

Los Feliz: The Vermont and Rockwell

In Vermont they’ll be serving an all-you-can-eat buffet for only $19.99. Add bottomless mimosas for $15.99. Or, if you’re feeling it more for Rockwell – their clubby, industrial island in the back alley – you can get an a la carte brunch. Their back patio is open and this rare, eastsider Easter celebration will run from 11 AM to 3 PM. Pick your poison.

Reserve a table

11 AM – 3 PM

$19.99 all-you-can-eat + $15.99 bottomless mimosas (The Vermont)
A la carte (Rockwell)

The Vermont and Rockwell
1714 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles CA, 90027
323.661.6163

Pasadena: Dish Bistro & Bar

Dish Bistro & Bar in Old Town Pasadena is celebrating Easter with a special brunch and bubbly menu. Bottles of Prosecco are on special for $15 each, and come with carafes of fresh-squeezed juice for your mimosan delight. Brunch specials are priced a la carte; you can expect dishes from Chef Job Carder such as:

• Wild Mushroom Omelets with House-made Bacon
• House-cured Lox and Bagels
• Pain Perdu with house-made brioche

Pastry chef Kristin Ferguson will be baking up oven-fresh Banana Walnut Muffins and Cherry Cheesecake Danish

10 AM – 3 PM

A la carte dishes, $15 bottles of Prosecco

Dish Bistro & Bar
53 E. Union St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626.795.5546

Long Beach: The Queen Mary

Whether you’re in it for the spooky, romantic or just plain creepy reasons (or a little of everything), every blog post can use a Jesse James-”Bombshell” McGee punchline. Check out what the individual stations at the champagne brunch have to offer. This seems a prime destination for families as there will be face painting and a visit by the Easter Bunny. I may be assuming things, but champagne must be included since it is labeled “Champagne Brunch.”

9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

$49.95 per adult, $12 per child

Queen Mary Easter Champagne Brunch
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
562.499.1606

Happy Easter, everyone!!

Cart For A Cause

There’s no denying that the food truck movement has essentially exploded as of late. Want fusion tacos (bad and good)? Want grilled cheese? Or a banh mi sandwich? What about dim sum or even red velvet pancakes? The menus are vast – but as of now, the food truck explosion has expanded to include benefitting a good cause.

St. Vincent Meals On Wheels, the Los Angeles-based chapter of Meals On Wheels, is launching an initiative tomorrow in the form of yet another food truck. This time, the truck rolls out once a week and the menu will be rotating as will the chef. Gourmet meals featuring a preeminent Los Angeles-area chef will be rolling out on the Cart For A Cause (@cartforacause) every Tuesday through fall. Tomorrow, Executive Chef Alex Becker of Nobu West Hollywood will be on showcase as 100% of the proceeds of the $10 lunches – which include drink - benefit St. Vincent Meals On Wheels.

On Tuesdays to come, you can look forward to specially made menu items by confirmed chefs including Susan Feniger (STREET), David Myers and Dong Choi (Comme Ça), Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook (Animal), Josef Centeno (Lazy Ox Canteen), Eric Greenspan (The Foundry), Nicholas Peter (Little Door) and Sal Marino (Il Grano).

Satisfying your penchant for food truck chasing while helping to deliver nutritious food and love to Los Angeles’ home-bound seniors? Seems like a win-win charitable cause to me.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

12:30 – 2:30 PM

United Talent Agency
9650 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
(Truck located in rear of building in valet turn–off of S. Camden St.)

@cartforacause