I just got back from the Los Angeles Times weekend food event aptly named "Secrets From The Kitchen and Cellar." This was just one of many events being put on this weekend across town at locations in Hollywood, Downtown and Beverly Hills. My event in Beverly Hills was held in the parking lot of the now vacant, landmark Robinson's Department Store on Wilshire.
I bought these tickets not really knowing what the event would be like, but wow, was it a great surprise! I was upclose for three of Food Network's culinary stars' cooking demos and I ate food from over 20 different L.A. restaruants. There were lots of celebrity chefs there today and all were super friendly and engaged with the crowd. The three chefs that did demos (see below) have great personalities and can really cook too.
Here are some of the "secrets" I learned today:
-Claire Robinson ("Five Ingredient Fix" and "Challenge") demonstrated how to make your own butter in a KitchenAid mixer. I went home and actually did this. It was simple and the butter is great! I just used whipping cream and put the mixer on and walked away for awhile. When I came back the butter separated from milk (whey?) and I put it in a cheesecloth, squeezed out the extra liquid, and voila...butter.
Claire also said the Challenge shows take 14 hours to film and are often filmed in Denver because of the low humidity.
-Scott Conant (judge on "Chopped" and "24 hour Restaurant Battle" and owner of the just opened Scarpetta in Bev. Hills)is really, really funny and seems like a great guy. I asked if the contestents on "Chopped" know their ingredients ahead of time. He said NO. He also said he has had some ingredients that are just disgusting.
Scott also said that the water for pasta should "taste like broth" meaning it should have so much salt in it, it's like soup.
-Arti Sequeira (last year's winner of "The Next Food Network Star") demonstrated how to make Indian cheese (Paneer) by cooking milk and lemon juice. I am going to try that tomorrow. Arti is hilarious and full of wonderful stories about cooking for Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay. She does spot on celebrity imitations, and lives in L.A. with her husband. She said she shoots her show in Culver City next to Guy Fieri's studio and that he is a great guy.
The food was delicious today too. I really enjoyed the crispy brown rice with spicy tuna, creamy polenta with truffles, juicy watermelon salad with mint and basil oil, crispy prawns and carmelized walnuts, and melt in your mouth beef short ribs.
Also, Cutie's Brand of tangerines is launching tangerine juices and a variety of smoothies this Fall. They are packaged in round plastic bottles with eye-catching labels and taste delicious.
Even though I'm sure I ate way too many calories today, it was worth it.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Noodle Star Sherman Oaks
Noodle Star "asian noodles and bar" opened its doors 2 weeks ago on Van Nuys Blvd. across from Gelson's Market, replacing the neighborhood mainstay, Lanna Thai.
This very resonably priced, yummy restaurant has oodles of noodle dishes served with meat (chicken, pork or beef) or vegetarian. Actually their menu lists 110 different items with 100% of them priced under $10!!
For last night's dinner, my husband enjoyed the chicken noodles(spelled correctly)soup--a giant bowl filled with thick rice noodles, white meat chicken and a very tasty broth. I had the traditional Pad Thai that was loaded with shrimp, chicken, egg, rice noodles and I think some eggplant thrown in there too. Both dishes cost $7.95 each and we had plenty to take home.
There are rice dishes, pan fried noodles, salads and lots of types of soup including Chinese Noodle, Thai Noodle, Vietnamese Pho, and Japanese Udon. There is a fully stocked bar and Bobas to drink. Thai iced tea is sweet and refreshing and Noodle Star also serves fruit smoothies and non-dairy coolers.
The super friendly staff and great location make this a perfect lunch or dinner spot. I think with these prices and so many choices, this place is going to be one of our favorites.
Noodle Star
4457 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818.985.0808
This very resonably priced, yummy restaurant has oodles of noodle dishes served with meat (chicken, pork or beef) or vegetarian. Actually their menu lists 110 different items with 100% of them priced under $10!!
For last night's dinner, my husband enjoyed the chicken noodles(spelled correctly)soup--a giant bowl filled with thick rice noodles, white meat chicken and a very tasty broth. I had the traditional Pad Thai that was loaded with shrimp, chicken, egg, rice noodles and I think some eggplant thrown in there too. Both dishes cost $7.95 each and we had plenty to take home.
There are rice dishes, pan fried noodles, salads and lots of types of soup including Chinese Noodle, Thai Noodle, Vietnamese Pho, and Japanese Udon. There is a fully stocked bar and Bobas to drink. Thai iced tea is sweet and refreshing and Noodle Star also serves fruit smoothies and non-dairy coolers.
The super friendly staff and great location make this a perfect lunch or dinner spot. I think with these prices and so many choices, this place is going to be one of our favorites.
Noodle Star
4457 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818.985.0808
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Great food on Sunset Blvd.
Just got back from a wonderful dinner at BLT Steak on Sunset in Hollywood. This is the first restaurant in L.A. owned by famed Chefs Laurent Tourondel
and Daniel Boulud and is in the old Le Dome space.
This was the first time we've eaten here, but definitely not the last! Where to begin?? I'll start from the top--we felt comfortable and cared for the minute we walked into the place. When was the last time a hostess asked how my day was and actually had a conversation with me? Probably never.
After we were seated, we were given some crusty bread and chicken liver pate as a "free" starter from the chef. I honestly didn't try any because I'm not a huge fan of pate however it was good I held out because right afterwards we were served the biggest, most delicious popovers I've ever had! These airy, crunchy popovers are served with sweet butter and sea salt and are about as big as a baby's head. They are outstanding!! A copy of the recipe comes with the popovers so maybe I'll make them at home. Yummmm.
My initial plan before arriving at BLT Steak was in fact to order some steak, but I changed my mind after seeing the $50 Prix Fixe dinner. What a great deal--tons of outstanding food with plenty to take home. The waitress said this menu changes every few days and it's always available.
We had steak tartare as the appetizer. This very generous portion comes with more pieces of crunchy bread.I haven't had steak tartare since eating at Windows on The World in NYC years ago. I don't remember it being so good, but that was a long time ago.I actually bagged up about half of it to bring home to our doggie.
The main course I chose was fennel dusted Ahi tuna. Four rare slabs of tuna were served with diced veggies and a delicious, light sauce. There was a choice of a rabbit dish as well. We got two side dishes--roasted carrots and parsnips and Guyere mac and cheese with bacon. Both side dishes were just great; full of flavor and the perfect size.
This prix fixe menu also includes dessert--there was warm carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and ginger ice cream or a butterscotch pudding and homemade sugar cookies. Plus,the chef sends out espresso cookies too. Do I need to say more??
We couldn't even come close to eating all this delicious food. What a wonderful treat. They're going to have an even better deal in a few weeks during Dine L.A. week.
Dinner $44**Price excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity.
Choice of AppetizersBaby Artichoke Salad / Truffle Vinaigrette / Arborio Crouton
Cast Iron Mussels / Chorizo / Slow Cooked Tomato / Saffron Toast
Niman Ranch Crispy Pork Belly / Sherried Lentils / Green Apple /Juniper
Choice of EntreesHorseradish Crusted 8 oz Petit Filet / Grilled Asparagus / Crabmeat Béarnaise
Tournedos of Scottish Salmon / Potato Fondant / Grain Mustard Cream
Tarragon Roasted Chicken / Fingerling Potatoes / Maitaake Mushroom / Preserved Lemon Jus
Choice of DessertsWarm Carrot Cake / Ginger Ice Cream
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts / Espresso Ice Cream
Chocolate Bread Pudding / Caramelized Bananas / Whipped NutellaBLT Steak:
8720 W Sunset Blvd · West Hollywood
bltsteak.com
and Daniel Boulud and is in the old Le Dome space.
This was the first time we've eaten here, but definitely not the last! Where to begin?? I'll start from the top--we felt comfortable and cared for the minute we walked into the place. When was the last time a hostess asked how my day was and actually had a conversation with me? Probably never.
After we were seated, we were given some crusty bread and chicken liver pate as a "free" starter from the chef. I honestly didn't try any because I'm not a huge fan of pate however it was good I held out because right afterwards we were served the biggest, most delicious popovers I've ever had! These airy, crunchy popovers are served with sweet butter and sea salt and are about as big as a baby's head. They are outstanding!! A copy of the recipe comes with the popovers so maybe I'll make them at home. Yummmm.
My initial plan before arriving at BLT Steak was in fact to order some steak, but I changed my mind after seeing the $50 Prix Fixe dinner. What a great deal--tons of outstanding food with plenty to take home. The waitress said this menu changes every few days and it's always available.
We had steak tartare as the appetizer. This very generous portion comes with more pieces of crunchy bread.I haven't had steak tartare since eating at Windows on The World in NYC years ago. I don't remember it being so good, but that was a long time ago.I actually bagged up about half of it to bring home to our doggie.
The main course I chose was fennel dusted Ahi tuna. Four rare slabs of tuna were served with diced veggies and a delicious, light sauce. There was a choice of a rabbit dish as well. We got two side dishes--roasted carrots and parsnips and Guyere mac and cheese with bacon. Both side dishes were just great; full of flavor and the perfect size.
This prix fixe menu also includes dessert--there was warm carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and ginger ice cream or a butterscotch pudding and homemade sugar cookies. Plus,the chef sends out espresso cookies too. Do I need to say more??
We couldn't even come close to eating all this delicious food. What a wonderful treat. They're going to have an even better deal in a few weeks during Dine L.A. week.
Dinner $44**Price excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity.
Choice of AppetizersBaby Artichoke Salad / Truffle Vinaigrette / Arborio Crouton
Cast Iron Mussels / Chorizo / Slow Cooked Tomato / Saffron Toast
Niman Ranch Crispy Pork Belly / Sherried Lentils / Green Apple /Juniper
Choice of EntreesHorseradish Crusted 8 oz Petit Filet / Grilled Asparagus / Crabmeat Béarnaise
Tournedos of Scottish Salmon / Potato Fondant / Grain Mustard Cream
Tarragon Roasted Chicken / Fingerling Potatoes / Maitaake Mushroom / Preserved Lemon Jus
Choice of DessertsWarm Carrot Cake / Ginger Ice Cream
Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts / Espresso Ice Cream
Chocolate Bread Pudding / Caramelized Bananas / Whipped NutellaBLT Steak:
8720 W Sunset Blvd · West Hollywood
bltsteak.com
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Another good book from last year
Today on NPR's All Things Considered, there was an interview with author Lisa Grunweld. She wrote a book I read last year called The Irresistible Henry House. This book is about Henry House, a "practice baby" being raised on the campus of a mid-west college.
Although this story is fictionalized, practice babies were a real part of college life in the U.S. for some 50 years. Practice babies were orphaned babies placed at "houses" in colleges across the country to help teach female students "domestic skills."
My bookclub read this book last year and we had a lively discussion about parenting, attachment theory and adoption.
It's worth a read.
Check out the interview here: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/06/132708047/practice-babies-an-outdated-practice-discovered-west
Although this story is fictionalized, practice babies were a real part of college life in the U.S. for some 50 years. Practice babies were orphaned babies placed at "houses" in colleges across the country to help teach female students "domestic skills."
My bookclub read this book last year and we had a lively discussion about parenting, attachment theory and adoption.
It's worth a read.
Check out the interview here: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/06/132708047/practice-babies-an-outdated-practice-discovered-west
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I know, it's been like, forever...
Happy 2011! After many, many non-productive months, I'm back to my blog. Last year was a tough year for me and I was easily distracted from taking time to write about the good stuff--there was just so much bad stuff. But it's a new year, and I am optimistic this year will be better than the last one.
I did read some good books in 2010 as well as eat at some great restaurants, see some wonderful sights and watch some pretty good movies.
Here is my list of my favorite books that I read last year:
1) Little Bee by Chris Cleave--not a happy book but beautifully written.
2) One Day by David Nicholls--enjoyable love story with a London setting.
3) The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman--intertwining stories that take place at an English language newspaper office in Rome.
4) Hungry Planet-What The World Eats by Peter Menzel--a look at a week of food consumption in various parts of the world, family by family.
5) A Secret Gift-How One Man's Kindness and a Treasure Trove of Letters-Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression by Ted Gup--a glimpse of life in Ohio in 1932
I am currently reading (and almost done with) Steve Martin's new novel, An Object of Beauty, about the art world in NYC. I have read his other novels and have always liked them; this one is no exception.
My friend Susan told me a funny story about Steve Martin and his book. He was in NYC at the 92nd Street Y doing a reading and the audience was not too happy because Steve wasn't funny--he was too serious! The audience wanted their money back because they thought his talk would be more of a standup act vs. a serious book reading. Ugh to the audience.
Next on my nightstand is God's Mountain by Erri de Luca and The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall.
Besides books, some other good things that I ran across in 2010 are: The Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica (great community pool, beach access and history), dinner at Hatfields Restaurant on Melrose Ave., LACMA's Resnick Pavillion exhibit called "Fashioning Fashion-European Dress in Detail" and the movie "The King's Speech".
I look forward to much more good stuff this year.
I did read some good books in 2010 as well as eat at some great restaurants, see some wonderful sights and watch some pretty good movies.
Here is my list of my favorite books that I read last year:
1) Little Bee by Chris Cleave--not a happy book but beautifully written.
2) One Day by David Nicholls--enjoyable love story with a London setting.
3) The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman--intertwining stories that take place at an English language newspaper office in Rome.
4) Hungry Planet-What The World Eats by Peter Menzel--a look at a week of food consumption in various parts of the world, family by family.
5) A Secret Gift-How One Man's Kindness and a Treasure Trove of Letters-Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression by Ted Gup--a glimpse of life in Ohio in 1932
I am currently reading (and almost done with) Steve Martin's new novel, An Object of Beauty, about the art world in NYC. I have read his other novels and have always liked them; this one is no exception.
My friend Susan told me a funny story about Steve Martin and his book. He was in NYC at the 92nd Street Y doing a reading and the audience was not too happy because Steve wasn't funny--he was too serious! The audience wanted their money back because they thought his talk would be more of a standup act vs. a serious book reading. Ugh to the audience.
Next on my nightstand is God's Mountain by Erri de Luca and The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall.
Besides books, some other good things that I ran across in 2010 are: The Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica (great community pool, beach access and history), dinner at Hatfields Restaurant on Melrose Ave., LACMA's Resnick Pavillion exhibit called "Fashioning Fashion-European Dress in Detail" and the movie "The King's Speech".
I look forward to much more good stuff this year.
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