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
Monday, June 11, 2007
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
Friday, April 27, 2007
Z'Tejas- Costa Mesa
GameBoy and I went to Z’Tejas last night before seeing Rent at the Orange County Performing Arts Center for two reasons: its location within walking distance of the OCPAC, and its happy hour. We sat ourselves down at the last empty table in the bar area, then promptly ordered drinks- a margarita for me, and a Budweiser for him. After GameBoy walked up to the hostess stand to check, we verified that their happy hour meant half-off appetizers. I had been here several times before, mostly with my family, and GameBoy had been here once before with me. I really like the catfish beignets, so we ordered some catfish beignets and perused the menu. I normally hate fried fish, but these are coated with cornmeal and the dipping sauce has a bit of a spicy kick, which really makes a difference. That, and they don’t overcook it.
The drinks and the beignets came out, and while the waitress was there, we ordered shrimp Tostitos, a chicken quesadilla, and guacamole. The guacamole came out and it was yummy- nicely spicy unlike many versions, with tons of chips. We had some leftover, and it we hadn’t been on the way to the musical, I would have taken the leftovers home. The chicken quesadilla was fairly good, and filling to boot. I had eaten a huge lunch from Maggiano’s at work that day, so I was completely filled, and couldn’t even touch their usually yummy cornbread. GameBoy felt full too, so we sent back the shrimp tostitos, though those looked yummy too. We ended up taking the cornbread back with us, and hopefully my mom will not have tossed it by the time I get back from work today.
The best part about it was that GameBoy and I ended up having all that, plus another $1 off happy hour drink each, all for about $35 including tip. We stumbled away pleasantly buzzed and full. Happy hour, indeed.
Z’Tejas
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 979-7469
The drinks and the beignets came out, and while the waitress was there, we ordered shrimp Tostitos, a chicken quesadilla, and guacamole. The guacamole came out and it was yummy- nicely spicy unlike many versions, with tons of chips. We had some leftover, and it we hadn’t been on the way to the musical, I would have taken the leftovers home. The chicken quesadilla was fairly good, and filling to boot. I had eaten a huge lunch from Maggiano’s at work that day, so I was completely filled, and couldn’t even touch their usually yummy cornbread. GameBoy felt full too, so we sent back the shrimp tostitos, though those looked yummy too. We ended up taking the cornbread back with us, and hopefully my mom will not have tossed it by the time I get back from work today.
The best part about it was that GameBoy and I ended up having all that, plus another $1 off happy hour drink each, all for about $35 including tip. We stumbled away pleasantly buzzed and full. Happy hour, indeed.
Z’Tejas
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 979-7469
Monday, April 23, 2007
Baker's Square- Davis
By the time we made it to Davis and checked into our hotel room, it was pretty late, so we were pleased to find Baker's Square was still open. My tooth was aching, so I ordered spinach and artichoke dip. GameBoy was starving, so he ordered a BLT. He was pretty please with his, but mine was not too good. The service was really nice, though. If I go back here, I wouldn't order the artichoke dip. Stick with the basics like GameBoy did. They did have promising looking pies here, which I might try when I come back.
Date of Visit: 4/20/07
Baker's Square
225 2nd Street
Davis, CA
Date of Visit: 4/20/07
Baker's Square
225 2nd Street
Davis, CA
Cattlemen's- Roseville
My second cousin and his wife recently had a baby, so GameBoy and I drove across Sacramento to visit them in Rocklin. On the way, we stopped for dinner at Cattlemen's. I had been to the one in Rancho Cordova about six years ago, and had a good experience, so we figured this location couldn't be too bad. It was located right off of the 80, which was convenient in the pouring rain. As advertised, they had plenty of parking in their lot. At 6 pm on a Saturday night, the place was packed with lots of families, young couples, and even old couples. We grabbed a pager and studied a menu so that we would know what to order by the time we were seated. As promised, we were seated twenty minutes later in a booth deep within the noisy resaturant. Since I was on painkillers, I ordered a Coke, but GameBoy went for a mug of Budweiser, which turned out to be a huge 25 ounce mug. Given his low tolerance, I thought that was pretty funny, and took a series of photos as he slowly made his way through the mug that night.
GameBoy loves filet mignon, so he ordered the "petitie" 7 oz. cut of that. I had heard that the sizzling prime rib was pretty good, but with my tooth aching, I decided to go for the filet mignon as well. We both ordered it medium rare, as is our custom. The dinners included bread, salad, beans, and a baked potato as well. The sourdough bread, despite the fact that we had ignored it for about 5 minutes, was still warm, soft, and deliciously chewy. Much better bread than had been expected for this restaurant, which, with its hokey Western theme, evoked memories of Claim Jumper and Lone Star Steakhouse. The all-you-can-eat salad arrived next, served family-style in a large metal bowl. Again, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that they used good ingredients in their salad. Our dressing, Thousand Island for GameBoy and bleu cheese for me, was served in metal gravy boats. I was pleased to discover that mine had chunks of real bleu cheese.
After a few small plates of salad, our steaks and potatoes came. GameBoy's was perfectly medium rare and yummy. Unfortunately, mine, while surprisingly good, was medium well, separated into two pieces, and a bit small for 7 ounces. I don't usually send food back, but this one got sent back, and GameBoy gallantly shared his with me. The baked potatoes were fairly standard, and served with the usual sour cream and chives for toppings. We added the butter served with the bread as well, but some bacon bits would have been nice. That's just nit-picking though- I love baked potatoes.
The bean girl arrived next, bearing baked beans in a big metal bucket, which she spooned into a cute metal bowl for us. The beans were only mediocre, but I don't really like beans that much anyway. The novelty was cute, though, and she seemed nice enough. This steak was noticeably larger than the first (and GameBoy's) and cooked rare. I normally prefer medium rare, but I felt bad about complaining again, especially when the servers had been very nice about taking it back the first time (I got free button mushrooms while I waited). Despite this, the steak was very good cooked rare, and I enjoyed every bit. I was going to shared some with GameBoy, but he likes his steak more done than that, so he only had a few end slices, and I ended up eating most of it- yummy! The button mushrooms, by the way, were not good, but I was so happy with my filet mignon that I ignored them completely.
All in all, a good experience for a good price (about $20 each for the petitie filet dinner). I'll keep this one in mind too.
Date of Visit: 4/21/07
Cattlemen's
2000 Taylor Road
Roseville, CA 95678
My new steak arrived fairly quickly, and
GameBoy loves filet mignon, so he ordered the "petitie" 7 oz. cut of that. I had heard that the sizzling prime rib was pretty good, but with my tooth aching, I decided to go for the filet mignon as well. We both ordered it medium rare, as is our custom. The dinners included bread, salad, beans, and a baked potato as well. The sourdough bread, despite the fact that we had ignored it for about 5 minutes, was still warm, soft, and deliciously chewy. Much better bread than had been expected for this restaurant, which, with its hokey Western theme, evoked memories of Claim Jumper and Lone Star Steakhouse. The all-you-can-eat salad arrived next, served family-style in a large metal bowl. Again, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that they used good ingredients in their salad. Our dressing, Thousand Island for GameBoy and bleu cheese for me, was served in metal gravy boats. I was pleased to discover that mine had chunks of real bleu cheese.
After a few small plates of salad, our steaks and potatoes came. GameBoy's was perfectly medium rare and yummy. Unfortunately, mine, while surprisingly good, was medium well, separated into two pieces, and a bit small for 7 ounces. I don't usually send food back, but this one got sent back, and GameBoy gallantly shared his with me. The baked potatoes were fairly standard, and served with the usual sour cream and chives for toppings. We added the butter served with the bread as well, but some bacon bits would have been nice. That's just nit-picking though- I love baked potatoes.
The bean girl arrived next, bearing baked beans in a big metal bucket, which she spooned into a cute metal bowl for us. The beans were only mediocre, but I don't really like beans that much anyway. The novelty was cute, though, and she seemed nice enough. This steak was noticeably larger than the first (and GameBoy's) and cooked rare. I normally prefer medium rare, but I felt bad about complaining again, especially when the servers had been very nice about taking it back the first time (I got free button mushrooms while I waited). Despite this, the steak was very good cooked rare, and I enjoyed every bit. I was going to shared some with GameBoy, but he likes his steak more done than that, so he only had a few end slices, and I ended up eating most of it- yummy! The button mushrooms, by the way, were not good, but I was so happy with my filet mignon that I ignored them completely.
All in all, a good experience for a good price (about $20 each for the petitie filet dinner). I'll keep this one in mind too.
Date of Visit: 4/21/07
Cattlemen's
2000 Taylor Road
Roseville, CA 95678
My new steak arrived fairly quickly, and
Cafe Bernardo- Davis
As we checked out of out hotel, I stopped at the computer in the lobby to consult Chowhound.com for a place to go for brunch. I was quickly pointed to Cafe Bernardo, a popular cafe in downtown Davis. We parked easily a few blocks away, then walked into the restaurant, which was bustling at around 11 am on a Sunday morning. We waited in a short line to get to the counter, then ordered and sat down at a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the patio and the sunny tree-lined streets.
GameBoy ordered his usual two eggs over medium, toast, and rosemary breakfast potatoes. Acting on the Chowhound revier's tip, I got the Eggs Bernardo, which was a version of Eggs Benedict. It turned out to be two poached eggs over thinly-sliced rosemary ham and toast, and topped with a delicious hollandaise sauce. I like Eggs Benedict normally, but my main experience with it is at buffet brunches. This version was yummier. The eggs were poached a little more than I would have liked, but it still tasted good. My only regret is that I didn't get extra sauce, which only cost 50 cents more. I also got a small glass of orange juice which was very fresh and high in quality.
The restaurant also offered great people-watching, clean bathrooms, and fast service, all at levels higher than typical LA brunch hot-spots. Since I'm pretty sure I want to go to UC Davis Law School next fall, I'll keep this place in mind.
Date of Visit: 4/22/07
Cafe Bernardo
234 D St.
Davis, CA
GameBoy ordered his usual two eggs over medium, toast, and rosemary breakfast potatoes. Acting on the Chowhound revier's tip, I got the Eggs Bernardo, which was a version of Eggs Benedict. It turned out to be two poached eggs over thinly-sliced rosemary ham and toast, and topped with a delicious hollandaise sauce. I like Eggs Benedict normally, but my main experience with it is at buffet brunches. This version was yummier. The eggs were poached a little more than I would have liked, but it still tasted good. My only regret is that I didn't get extra sauce, which only cost 50 cents more. I also got a small glass of orange juice which was very fresh and high in quality.
The restaurant also offered great people-watching, clean bathrooms, and fast service, all at levels higher than typical LA brunch hot-spots. Since I'm pretty sure I want to go to UC Davis Law School next fall, I'll keep this place in mind.
Date of Visit: 4/22/07
Cafe Bernardo
234 D St.
Davis, CA
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