This past Saturday, the OC Bruins went to Oki Doki after the Angels game. I wanted to go to Honda-Ya, which was clsoer, but everyone knew where Oki Doki was, so we went there. Unfortunately, it turns out Rooster doesn't eat seafood, and so I was stuck with the task of ordering for some of us without seafood. At Oki Doki, this was surprisingly hard to do, and we ended up with a lot of vegetarian offerings, which were only so-so. There was seaweed salad, which went over very well, but was just like the stuff you can buy in a supermarket. The same with the kim chee, which was also greeted with mysterious references to a Mr. Yu, whom Rooster apparently knows. There was also fried tofu, which was pretty good, but served very hot. The chicken wings were surprisingly fishy, which was gross. They were out of pork belly, which was sad because Zond liked it a lot, and thought Rooster would too. We also got a pitcher of beer, but it turned out not to really be a full pitcher, because there was a cylinder int he middle, taking up space- what a rip off! It was cheap, but not good. Their best stuff is still fish, I think, though Zond said something ridiculous about the eel nigiri (2 pieces) costing $4- way overpriced for the probable quality of fish. Sigh. Poor clueless Zond.
Date of Visit: 6/23/07
Oki Doki
Costa Mesa, CA
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sor Tino- Brentwood
BruinLawyer, GameBoy, and I went with two of my friends from high school- N. and M. (interesting moniker forthcoming) up to LA to go to the LA Film Festival. Short Program 2 had little interesting food-wise, and was pretty, well, crappy in general. The last short, about black lesbian teenagers, was a bit, um, graphic, but there was scene at the end where they're eating ice cream, and it made me hungry for some. Luckily, GameBoy felt the same way, and at the next film, which was at the brand-spanking-new Landmark theaters at the Westside Pavillion, he went to the concession stand and returned with some Pinkberry! Ok, it wasn't even ice cream, and, by some standards, not even really frozen yogurt, but it was my first Pinkberry, and it was good. Not so delicious that I would wait in line like some people, but good for movies, definitely. After "The Paper Will Be Blue," which, by the way, was a pretty good Romanian film about the end of the Cold War, we went to Sor Tino in Brentwood.
We parked on the rooftop parking lot, and made our way down to the restaurant, which was crowded with well-dressed middle aged types on the patio celebrating something. BruinLawyer was immediately intrigued by the women in their cleavage-baring outfits, but soon lost interest once he acertained their age. GameBoy spotted the burrata and carpaccio and immediately insisted we order them. BruinLawyer is allergic to cheese (I'm so glad I didn't inherit this Asian gene!), so we also ordered calamari as a final appetizer. Even better, it turned out that N. and M. weren't so hot on the burrata, so GameBoy and I got the lion's share of that. The burrata itself was creamy and yummy as usual. However, since it's not quite tomato season yet, it was atop some rather mediocre slices of tomato, which detracted from the experience. While it was much more buratta than Fraiche, GameBoy and I agreed that we preferred Fraiche's version, since they used better tomatoes and aged balsalmic vinegar, which really made the difference. The carpaccio was good, but GameBoy complained that it was less than he expected. I'm not sure if he gets that it's supposed to be very thinly sliced and that it's supposed to be a small amount. Sigh. I was so busy eating those two dishes that I didn't get a chance to eat any calamari, but judging from the empty plate, BruinLawyer, N., and M. really enjoyed it.
GameBoy got a spinach salad with chicken for dinner, but the rest of us went for the pastas, which are all homemade. M. got the risotto, which must have been good, because he ate it all rather quickly. N. got the penne with tomato sauce, which was okay, but it's really something hard to mess up. BruinLawyer and I got the wild boar ragu, which was yummy, as usual. However, I'm not sure if BruinLawyer liked his quite as much, and he said something about how he didn't see how wild boar tasted that much different than regular pork. GameBoys salad was only so-so, with the chicken all dry. So, in total, an okay meal, but not spectacular. Still, in LA, not a bad meal for $30 each or so.
The real bummer was that I had about half of my pasta left over, which I intended to take for lunch the next day. However, when I opened the container at work, I was sad to see only a tiny scoop of N.'s penne. Somehow the boxes must have gotten mixed up. So sad.
Date of Visit: 6/24/07
Sor Tino
Brentwood, CA
We parked on the rooftop parking lot, and made our way down to the restaurant, which was crowded with well-dressed middle aged types on the patio celebrating something. BruinLawyer was immediately intrigued by the women in their cleavage-baring outfits, but soon lost interest once he acertained their age. GameBoy spotted the burrata and carpaccio and immediately insisted we order them. BruinLawyer is allergic to cheese (I'm so glad I didn't inherit this Asian gene!), so we also ordered calamari as a final appetizer. Even better, it turned out that N. and M. weren't so hot on the burrata, so GameBoy and I got the lion's share of that. The burrata itself was creamy and yummy as usual. However, since it's not quite tomato season yet, it was atop some rather mediocre slices of tomato, which detracted from the experience. While it was much more buratta than Fraiche, GameBoy and I agreed that we preferred Fraiche's version, since they used better tomatoes and aged balsalmic vinegar, which really made the difference. The carpaccio was good, but GameBoy complained that it was less than he expected. I'm not sure if he gets that it's supposed to be very thinly sliced and that it's supposed to be a small amount. Sigh. I was so busy eating those two dishes that I didn't get a chance to eat any calamari, but judging from the empty plate, BruinLawyer, N., and M. really enjoyed it.
GameBoy got a spinach salad with chicken for dinner, but the rest of us went for the pastas, which are all homemade. M. got the risotto, which must have been good, because he ate it all rather quickly. N. got the penne with tomato sauce, which was okay, but it's really something hard to mess up. BruinLawyer and I got the wild boar ragu, which was yummy, as usual. However, I'm not sure if BruinLawyer liked his quite as much, and he said something about how he didn't see how wild boar tasted that much different than regular pork. GameBoys salad was only so-so, with the chicken all dry. So, in total, an okay meal, but not spectacular. Still, in LA, not a bad meal for $30 each or so.
The real bummer was that I had about half of my pasta left over, which I intended to take for lunch the next day. However, when I opened the container at work, I was sad to see only a tiny scoop of N.'s penne. Somehow the boxes must have gotten mixed up. So sad.
Date of Visit: 6/24/07
Sor Tino
Brentwood, CA
Monday, June 11, 2007
Sap Lai!
So I was talking to my friend Zond today about our lunches, and the Laotian phrase, "Sap lai!" came up. Taking advantage of a momentary lull in our GoogleChat, I quickly Googled the phrase and came up with this quote, which a poster on the forum attributes to Thanong Khanthong, as in "The Nation":
"...Isaan people, using their fingers to eat somtam Lao, exclaim “sap lai!” There is no equivalent of the word “sap” in any other language. Sap lai refers to a state of 100-times more deliciousness. Delicious stops at your tongue. Sap taste sets your tongue ablaze before sending the aroma of the food to the depths of your soul."
Isn't that phrase awesome? Gentle readers, please keep this in mind when you next hear me spouting off some random foreign phrase. And I must admit, hearing what it means has made me very curious about this oh-so-popular Tummy Stuffer. On the other hand, however, Zond regularly eats at McD's and Taco Bell, so Tummy Stuffer may only look "Sap lai!" in comparison. Stay tuned.
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=33620
"...Isaan people, using their fingers to eat somtam Lao, exclaim “sap lai!” There is no equivalent of the word “sap” in any other language. Sap lai refers to a state of 100-times more deliciousness. Delicious stops at your tongue. Sap taste sets your tongue ablaze before sending the aroma of the food to the depths of your soul."
Isn't that phrase awesome? Gentle readers, please keep this in mind when you next hear me spouting off some random foreign phrase. And I must admit, hearing what it means has made me very curious about this oh-so-popular Tummy Stuffer. On the other hand, however, Zond regularly eats at McD's and Taco Bell, so Tummy Stuffer may only look "Sap lai!" in comparison. Stay tuned.
http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=33620
Fraiche- Culver City
Downtown Culver City isn't zoned for valet, so GameBoy dropped me off to secure our reservation, while he parked at a public parking lot down the street. Even though it was a before 7 pm on a Saturday night, the streets and sidewalks were alive with people- even more of a downtown than Downtown LA, and less shady!
I made my way to the resaurant, and was promptly seated. While our table was inside, the front is all windows that retract to open onto the large airy patio. It was a bit cold for a June night, but manageable. As I was waiting for GameBoy, the waitress brought out two half-glasses of complimentary champagne, which was a nice touch. GameBoy arrived shortly, and we examined the menu.
I have been rinking a lot at various happy hours this past week, so I suggested we forgo the drinks and focus on the food, which GameBoy happily agreed to do. We ordered two appetizers t split, the daily special of burrata with oven-roasted tomatoes and aged balsamic vinegar, and the beef tartare.
Though there was a bit of a wait for the food, we were kept happily occupied for a time with the bread and really yummy tapenade. Unfortunately, it was so good that we ate it all up right away, and it wasn't refreshed until right before our entrees come. Still, though excellednt people watching.
Our appetizers finally arrived, and I wasn't disappointed. The burrata appetizer came with two lumps of burrata- a little small- and tree tomatoes, making it easy for us to split. Since GameBoy paid for out meal, I don't know how much it was, but I'm pretty sure it was about e price of the buratta at SorTino, which gives you much more. Still, though, the tomatoes were great. The fava bean mash was okay, but really I'd like more burrata. Also, less mozzarella covering, more creamy burrata part.
The beef tartare, however, was my favorite dish all night. Two large pieces of crostini piled high with mounds of beef tartare. Instead of grinding the meat like most places, they diced it into small cubes, which showed off the flavor and quality of the meat much better. It also came with a small amount of arugula salad, which paired nicely with it. Definitely a must-get if you ever go here.
After another surprisingly long wait (especially considering how long it takes me to eat), our entrees arrived. I got the Kurobata pork chop, and GameBoy got the lamb stew. I had heard good things about the pork chop online, and wasn't disappointed. It was like taking the special pork at Santouka and eating a whole pork chop of it! Not surprising, considering that the special pork at Santouka is Kurobata, too, but, still....Tons of fat, I'm sure, which is probably why I could only eat half. But delicious. I savored every bite, and even hesitated before offering GameBoy some, becuase I know how he doesn't like fat. Trust me, this was the go type of fat. It was so good, in fact, that GameBoy's lamb stew paled in comparison. He said it was good, but I was too distrcted by my own food.
It was also a very filling meal, and after that, we skipped dessert and got doggie bags for our leftovers. Despite feeling very full, the memory of the yummy pork chop so lingered in my mind that when I woke up at 6 am the next morning, I had my leftovers with a few mimosas for brunch. In fact, I was so delighted by my experience, I half-jokingly suggested that GameBoy move to Culver City this year so we can go there more. I've heard all about the downtown gentrification, but Culver City seems to be where it's at for me...mmm..food. I'm nexly enthusistic about Culver City, and am already planning how I can check out the other places there!
Date of Visit: 6/11/07
Fraiche
Culver City, CA
I made my way to the resaurant, and was promptly seated. While our table was inside, the front is all windows that retract to open onto the large airy patio. It was a bit cold for a June night, but manageable. As I was waiting for GameBoy, the waitress brought out two half-glasses of complimentary champagne, which was a nice touch. GameBoy arrived shortly, and we examined the menu.
I have been rinking a lot at various happy hours this past week, so I suggested we forgo the drinks and focus on the food, which GameBoy happily agreed to do. We ordered two appetizers t split, the daily special of burrata with oven-roasted tomatoes and aged balsamic vinegar, and the beef tartare.
Though there was a bit of a wait for the food, we were kept happily occupied for a time with the bread and really yummy tapenade. Unfortunately, it was so good that we ate it all up right away, and it wasn't refreshed until right before our entrees come. Still, though excellednt people watching.
Our appetizers finally arrived, and I wasn't disappointed. The burrata appetizer came with two lumps of burrata- a little small- and tree tomatoes, making it easy for us to split. Since GameBoy paid for out meal, I don't know how much it was, but I'm pretty sure it was about e price of the buratta at SorTino, which gives you much more. Still, though, the tomatoes were great. The fava bean mash was okay, but really I'd like more burrata. Also, less mozzarella covering, more creamy burrata part.
The beef tartare, however, was my favorite dish all night. Two large pieces of crostini piled high with mounds of beef tartare. Instead of grinding the meat like most places, they diced it into small cubes, which showed off the flavor and quality of the meat much better. It also came with a small amount of arugula salad, which paired nicely with it. Definitely a must-get if you ever go here.
After another surprisingly long wait (especially considering how long it takes me to eat), our entrees arrived. I got the Kurobata pork chop, and GameBoy got the lamb stew. I had heard good things about the pork chop online, and wasn't disappointed. It was like taking the special pork at Santouka and eating a whole pork chop of it! Not surprising, considering that the special pork at Santouka is Kurobata, too, but, still....Tons of fat, I'm sure, which is probably why I could only eat half. But delicious. I savored every bite, and even hesitated before offering GameBoy some, becuase I know how he doesn't like fat. Trust me, this was the go type of fat. It was so good, in fact, that GameBoy's lamb stew paled in comparison. He said it was good, but I was too distrcted by my own food.
It was also a very filling meal, and after that, we skipped dessert and got doggie bags for our leftovers. Despite feeling very full, the memory of the yummy pork chop so lingered in my mind that when I woke up at 6 am the next morning, I had my leftovers with a few mimosas for brunch. In fact, I was so delighted by my experience, I half-jokingly suggested that GameBoy move to Culver City this year so we can go there more. I've heard all about the downtown gentrification, but Culver City seems to be where it's at for me...mmm..food. I'm nexly enthusistic about Culver City, and am already planning how I can check out the other places there!
Date of Visit: 6/11/07
Fraiche
Culver City, CA
Friday, June 8, 2007
Chat Noir- Costa Mesa
My boss gave me tickets last night to Hamlet, so GameBoy and I decided to hit up one of Costa Mesa's many happy hours. We saved the $7 valet fee by first parking in a nearby lot, which is free at night. The promotion at Chat Noir is half-off champagne cocktails and carafes of wine for the price of a glass. Given Chat Noir's inflated pricing, however, it's not that much of a deal, especially compared to Memphis, McCormick & Schmick's, or even Z'Tejas. However, it definitely has the most elegant atmosphere, which seemed like a good start to a night of Shakespeare.
Though the internet claimed Thursday night is house and trance night, the music was muted and mellow- appropriate for the restaurant, though a bit disappointing to me, because I wanted GameBoy to hear what house music is. In any event, we quickly seated ourselves at a high booth. One thing that drew my attention was the fat that the bar waitresses all wore fishnets. McCormick & Schmick's waitresses wear pleated schoolgirl skirts and knee-highs- I wonder what the target demographic is? Apparently, GameBoy, who was quite pleased by their attire. It seemed reasonably classy, though, and i helped that the restaurant as filled with respectable young and not-so-young professionals.
I had two champagne cocktails, the Chanel and the French 75. They were reasonably okay, but nothing memorable. The Chanel was a bit sweet, so I'd recommend the French 75 over that. GameBoy had the French Revolution and the Marie Antoinette. Unfortunately, I didn't get a taste of these, so I can't comment on them, other than the fact that we both got a slight kick out of the Disneyland-cute Francophile names.
We also got some overpriced unmemorable appetizers. Actually, the American sliders (bacon and cheese) weren't bad, and at $14 one of the best values on the menu. Unfortunately, I had the worst escagot I've had in a while. It was a bummer, especially since French 75 in Newport, a sister restaurant, does them reasonably well. But these were tiny, and drowning in way too muc sauce. They were also, surprisingly, not very juicy considering the fact that they were in a casserole! Skip these. Next time, I'll just go for drinks and stick with the free potato chips to eat.
Date of Visit: 6/7/07
Chat Noir
Costa Mesa, CA
Though the internet claimed Thursday night is house and trance night, the music was muted and mellow- appropriate for the restaurant, though a bit disappointing to me, because I wanted GameBoy to hear what house music is. In any event, we quickly seated ourselves at a high booth. One thing that drew my attention was the fat that the bar waitresses all wore fishnets. McCormick & Schmick's waitresses wear pleated schoolgirl skirts and knee-highs- I wonder what the target demographic is? Apparently, GameBoy, who was quite pleased by their attire. It seemed reasonably classy, though, and i helped that the restaurant as filled with respectable young and not-so-young professionals.
I had two champagne cocktails, the Chanel and the French 75. They were reasonably okay, but nothing memorable. The Chanel was a bit sweet, so I'd recommend the French 75 over that. GameBoy had the French Revolution and the Marie Antoinette. Unfortunately, I didn't get a taste of these, so I can't comment on them, other than the fact that we both got a slight kick out of the Disneyland-cute Francophile names.
We also got some overpriced unmemorable appetizers. Actually, the American sliders (bacon and cheese) weren't bad, and at $14 one of the best values on the menu. Unfortunately, I had the worst escagot I've had in a while. It was a bummer, especially since French 75 in Newport, a sister restaurant, does them reasonably well. But these were tiny, and drowning in way too muc sauce. They were also, surprisingly, not very juicy considering the fact that they were in a casserole! Skip these. Next time, I'll just go for drinks and stick with the free potato chips to eat.
Date of Visit: 6/7/07
Chat Noir
Costa Mesa, CA
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