The Six Restaurant

One fish... two fish... red fish... blue fish! 

Remember the simple days when our parents read Dr. Seuss to us? If only my textbooks now were put as simply as one fish two fish! To my delight, The Six Restaurant (located on 10668 W. Pico Blvd.) keeps it unpretentious and straight forward: each category on the menu gives you six options.  While that may sound limiting, the fact that use locally sourced products to whip up the best selection in town is reason enough to go!  Let's review my dinner:

Caprese Salad ($10): Instead of using mozzarella, The Six uses burrata.  Absolutely sensational!

Margherita Pizza ($12): Simple pizza on fresh baked dough...so yummy!

Italian Pizza ($13): For the meat lovers out there, this pizza has rosa grande pepperoni, house made fennel, sausage and caramelized onions.  Equally yummy as the Margherita pizza!

Smores Tort Guittard ($6): My favorite dessert in the west side.  HANDS DOWN!!! If you order only one item on the menu, order this heavenly toasted marshmallow chocolate delight!

Key Lime Pie ($6): My boyfriend's favorite dessert on the west side.  The toasted meringue on top was the tipper!

My first experience at this restaurant was no where near as good as my second.  The meal turned out to be quite expensive, which was a huge turn off for me.  But, after some consideration, I decided to give this restaurant another go...and boy...was I loving it!  I can only speak for the dishes I have posted here...AND ALL OF THEM WERE GREAT! If your interested in checking out The Six, visit http://www.thesixrestaurant.com/ for more information! (They have a great happy hour menu too! Good selection of hand crafted beer and robust wine :-)

Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom

In addition to my passion for eating, I love to spend my time cooking!  As a novice, I'm always looking to improve my culinary skills in the kitchen.  Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom, located on 2366 Pelham Ave. in West Los Angeles, is the premier spot to learn the tricks of the trade.  What might you learn you ask?  Choose from a variety of classes including: French Cooking With Julia Child, Designer Appetizers, Spectacular Sauces, Chicken Connoisseur, Home Made Pasta and Sauce, Candy Making For Sweets Lover and so much more! (For  a complete list of courses, please visit his website at http://www.culinaryclassroom.com/index.html) 

In my first class with Chef Eric, appropriately titled Decadent Desserts, my colleagues and I whipped up:

Ancho Chile Devil’s Food Cake - for those looking for a little naughty mixed with all nice

Chocolate Torte Caprese - simple, sweet and delicious

Milk Chocolate and Cherry Soufflé - sinful yet delicate

Banana and Rum Crepes - an island inspired take on this classic French dessert

Traditional Tiramisu - enjoy the whole bowl of this Italian delight!

If my pictures are not enough evidence, let me reiterate how scrumptious these desserts were!  I also took a Romantic Couples Cooking class with my boyfriend, which truly was a wonderful experience.  Since taking the class, we've recreated our dishes at home!  And they were just as yummy! For a fun and fabulous day out, consider taking a class with Chef Eric at Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom :-)  Classes typically run for 3 hours, and cost on average $85.

POP Champagne and Dessert Bar

All around the Mulberry Bush,

The monkey chased the weasel.

The monkey stopped to pull up his sock, 

POP! goes the...Champagne?

POP Champagne and Dessert Bar, located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena on 33 East Union Street, is one of the only restaurants in Southern California where you can choose from over 100 champagnes and sparkling wines.  It truly is a lovely place to rendezvous for a date with that someone special or a close group of friends.  I highly recommend one of their decadent wine flights and indulgent desserts.  

Sweeter Bubbles ($16)

Three sweet sparkling wines to dazzle your fancy

Soufflé du Jour ($12)

Light, Airy and o-so Delicious!

Chocolate Decadence ($12)

chocolate mousse dome atop chocolate cake, chocolate sorbet

Cookies and Cream ($10)

browned butter chocolate chip cookie, sprinkle of fleur de sal, choc, caramel, vanilla... yummy!

I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at POP!; however, I highly recommend you eat dinner elsewhere beforehand.  I didn't include pictures from my dining experience because I really (really) did not enjoy my dinner. (Since the restaurant is located in downtown Pasadena, I'm sure you won't have trouble eating dinner elsewhere!) But...the dessert component was so amazing!  Keep in mind that the space tends to fill up quickly, so come early!  In addition, please note that the food tends to run quite pricey :-/

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

If I could describe The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills (located on 419 N. Beverly Drive) in one word, it would be gluttony. Consistently, I find myself walking into the store to buy one item, and leave knowing I have over-indulged and over-consumed! Given that it hosts over 500 cheese varieties from all over the world, you could spend hours perusing this mystical shop. In an effort to embark on a journey through eating my way via the display case, I signed up for one of their weekly cheese and wine tastings by the name of "White Burgundies & The French Cheeses That Love ‘Em". At first, I thought spending $60.00 for wine and cheese was a bit too much, but that was before I spent the evening dining in heaven!

Starter:  Bourgogne Blanc (Deux Montille)   '07   $23
Flight 1: Bourgogne Blanc (Ch. De Puligny Montrachet)   '07   $32 
             Chablis (Herve Azo)   '08   $28
Flight 2: Pouilly-Fuisse (Domaine Manciat-Poncet)   '08   $32
             Puligny-Montrachet (Paul Chapelle)   '08   $48
Flight 3: Pernard-Vergelesses (Deux Montille)   '07   $30
             St. Aubin l'er Cru (Ch. De Puligny Montrachet)   '08   $48

Plate 1: Melodie by Laura Chenel (Goat - Loire Valley)
            * This is similar to brie with a layer of ash
            Bucheron (Goat - Loire Valley)
            * Very creamy and rich
            Colombier (Goat - Rhone-Alpes)
            * Rare; Aged 60+ days
            Camebert "Ferme de Jouvence" (Cow - Ille de France)
            * Slightly stronger and stinkier than brie...yum!
            Vieux Cru de Cremiers (Cow - Jura)
            * A fabulous addition to onion soup

Plate 2: Abbaye de Taime (Cow - Savoie)

            * This is similar to Epoisse; Made by monks

            St. Maure (Goat - Loire Valley)

            * Very creamy; Similar to Colombier

            Comte 39 Mos. (Cow - Comte)

            * Rare; Aged 39 Months --> Amazing!

            Chevre Bleu (Goat - Loire Valley)

            * I didn't particularly like this one

            Napoleon (Sheep - Pyrenees)

As you can see, I managed to taste seven White Burgundies and ten delicious French cheeses. In reality, given the price of the cheese and wine individually, the package was a great deal! For those interested in more information, each item was explained by the host with details of its origin and taste. I highly recommend one of these tastings for a special night out! As a side note, please eat a light dinner before hand to avoid debauchery... :-)

The Counter

Scenario:  You want a burger.

Dilemma:  How does one choose from the thousands of burger counters?

Answer:  The Counter (http://www.thecounterburger.com/)

In a previous blog, I boasted about the burgers at Steingarten stating that they were one of the best locations to buy a gourmet burger.  Well, I have some disappointing news Steingarten...you have competition!  The Counter, located throughout California, is the premier burger joint for customized burgers.  Today, I managed to have a 1/3 lb. beef burger topped with brie cheese, caramelized onions and garlic aioli sauce.  In addition to this mouth-watering beast, I shared a side of sweet potato french fries that melted in my mouth.  If this doesn't tickle your fancy, you can choose from a variety of:

1) Meat (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Veggie) and Size of Meat (1/3lb, 2/3lb or 1lb)

2) Cheese (10+ options)

3) Toppings (20+ options)

4) Sauce (20+ options)

5) Bun (5 options)

Now, if you do the math, you can manage to have a different burger every day of the year.  Seriously?  Unbelievable!  In addition, the prices are extremely affordable for a fancy burger.  $10.00?  Yes, please!

If you don't believe me, try it for yourself!

Rustic Canyon

Alas, I have stumbled across a restaurant where my review will be a bit harsh.  Rustic Canyon located on 1119 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica is not worth your time or money.  In one aspect, Rustic Canyon promotes the use of seasonal food and sustainable agriculture.  Although the dishes represent ideas that I believe in, I cannot justify a portion of gnochhi that is comparable to a can of cat food for $16.00.  In addition, the below-par burger was $18.00!!!  (Highly suggest Steingarten or The Counter instead).  For dessert, I ordered a caramel sundae for $10.00 that consisted of caramel ice cream, nuts and chocolate syrup.  Last time I checked, I could get the same melange of sweets at Yogurtland for $4.00.  I completely understand that sustainable food is more expensive; however, these dishes do not reflect the charged prices.  Many restaurants in the neighborhood, such as Fraiche and Primi Al Mercato, charge reasonable prices for market fresh food and one of a kind dishes. As a connoisseur of good food at affordable prices, Rustic Canyon is at the bottom of my list.

Riccota Gnocchi ($16.00)
pesto genovese, parmaggiano-reggiano

Rustic Canyon Burger ($18.00)
sharp cheddar, onion fondue, housemade pickles, herb remoulade, hand-cut french fries

Bar Pinxto

As the heat intensifies and the days grow longer, I'm starting to believe we need to adopt the Spanish system of siestas.  The idea of sleeping in during the hottest part of the day and eating tapas under the moonlight sounds much better than falling asleep at work and sitting in traffic on the 405.  Although my fantasies cannot take me to Spain, the food at Bar Pinxto on 109 Santa Monica Blvd. brings back memories of long summer nights in Madrid.  As I sat sipping a sparkling Muscato from Valencia,  I tasted:

manchego y membrillo con almendras marconas ($4)                                                       manchego cheese, quince rolled in marcona almonds, arugula

*The best tapa I had!

empanadillas del dia ($6)                                                                                                            

House Pastry Filled with Chef’s Inspiration of Ingredients 

*Unfortunately, these were not as delicious.  Coupa Cafe has the best empanadas!

plato de quesos ($3/oz)                                                                                                

manchego, idiazabal, valdeon, capri cherve al pimienton, chef’s selection

*Again, not so delicious.  I am quite the cheese purveyor, and found these cheese to be quite bland.  Save your money for seconds of the other dishes!

tortilla española ($6)                                                                                                  egg, potatoes, caramelized onions

*The traditional dish calls for a longer bake in olive oil; however; this is quite good.

patatas bravas ($5)                                                                                                                       

crispy potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli, chives 

*I would prefer them a bit spicier, but they are nonetheless yummy!  

   

croquetas de pollo y jamón ($6)

fried béchamel, caramelized onions, chicken,  jamón  serrano

* Personally, I wouldn't bother with this dish.  I like the small plate at Cheesecake Factory much more.

brocheta de ternera, salsa piemento rojo ($9)                                                                                

filet mignon skewer, farmers’ market vegetables, roasted red pepper-sherry sauce 

*Very juicy and tender.  Well worth the extra few bucks.

churros con chocolate ($5)                                                                              

sweet fried dough, chocolate dip 

*AMAZING!!!!! Very fresh and authentic.

 

pot de creme ($6)                                                                                                                              

pot of chocolate cream 

*I'm a bit of a chocolate freak, so I must say this is a must have!

I found Bar Pinxto to be relaxed, authentic and relatively affordable. Some dishes highlight Spanish culture, whereas others dance around American classics.  The extensive wine list provides an opportunity for you to delve deeper into the heart of Espana, and truly appreciate the savory bites of food.If I've convinced you to visit this solace of tapas, please visit http://www.barpintxo.com/ for more information!  

The Apple Pan

For once, this blog is going to be simple and short... just like the menu at The Apple Pan located on 10801 W. Pico Blvd. in West LA.  Although most people go there for classic burgers, I have to note that I'm a huge fan of their old fashion apple pie.  Simple.  Sweet.  Awesome.  

For more info on their menu, check them out at http://www.applepan.com/


Fresh Apple Pie ($3.50) with Vanilla Ice Cream ($1.50)

Brazilian Bossa Nova Cuisine

I have driven past Bossa Nova on 10982 W. Pico Blvd. a million times, and have never considered walking in.  Funny enough, I hang out at Westside Pavillion quite often and eat at the restaurant next door (Hop Woo) all the time!  Alas, I finally stumbled across this restaurant online and had the courage to dine there.  Here was my first thought after the meal...Why haven't I eaten here before?!!  It was sooo good!  Immediately when you sit down, you should order a dozen of the Pao de Queijo (Cheese Bread). This literally melts in your mouth!  If your out not counting calories, I would definitely recommend the Chicken Brochette appetizer made with fried chicken wrapped in bacon on a bed of gorgonzola cream sauce. I know it sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen, but its so f*ing delicious!  For dinner, the Picahna Steak served with white rice, black beans and plantain is a must.  Oddly enough, some people go there for pizza and pasta...please stick to the Brazilian menu!  Its so much better!  Two things to note: First, I suggest dining there during their happy hour (M-F, 3pm to 7pm) for discounted drinks and appetizers.  Second, keep in mind the parking is difficult :-( For more information about additional locations and the menu, check out their website at http://www.bossanovafood.com/

Pao de Queijo ($5.99)

Chicken Brochette ($8.49)

Picanha Steak ($15.99)

Steingarten LA

Let me start off by saying that Steingarten LA (10543 W. Pico Blvd.) is an AMAZING restaurant that deserves a lot more customers.  Since opening in early 2011, Steingarten hasn't seen much business despite their mouthwatering food.  Immediately when you sit down, you get a laid back vibe from their deep mahogany colors and stunning garden patio.  Similar to Wurstküche, Steingarten has a large selection of exotic sausages such as: Alligator and  Pork, Rabbit with Spirit and Duck and Bacon. Now, I'm not much of a fan of sausage, but it goes pretty well with their massive selection of beer and whiskey!  What makes this place ten times better than Wurstküche?  Their kick-ass burgers!  Let me give you the down low on my favorite burger, The Gold Prize.  This burger is rockin' with herb roasted tomatoes, caramelized onion, brie, and roasted garlic sauce.  My boyfriend's fav is the Chef's Choice with bacon, smoked mozzarella, and Steingarten mustard sauce.  If these do not sound appetizing to you, you're also welcome to design your own!  To top it all off, the 8 oz. burgers are all natural grass fed, no hormones, no antibiotics ground sirloin steak.  Plus, you get a side of parmaesan fries which you can sub with any of their side dishes.   (I recommend one person gets the fries because you get a TON!) I admit, its a calorie fest...but its so worth it!  Check them out at http://www.steingartenla.com/ for more info!

The Gold Prize ($15.00)

Chef's Choice ($14.00)

Chocolate Mousse

Natalee Thai Restaurant

When it comes to Thai food, I'm quite picky.  Given that I was raised by a Thai nanny, I rarely venture outside my kitchen when I'm craving yellow curry chicken or tom yum gai soup.  That being said, Natalee Thai Restaurant is a great spot when your in the mood for "American" Thai food.  The food is never too spicy, and the dishes are well balanced between sweet and sour flavors.  Natalee Thai offers a wide range of American favorites with a Thai theme; for example, beef salad  or avocado egg rolls.  Whenever I'm eating there, I tend to order:

1.  Tom Kha Gai Soup ($8.50) - Chicken with mushrooms, in hot and sour soup, laced with a smidgen of lemon grass and coconut milk. 

2.  Chicken Satay ($7.95) - Chicken sauteed in Thai spices and coconut juice. Served with cucumber salad and peanut sauce. 

3.  Korean BBQ Beef ($12.50) - Two thinly sliced beef marinate in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame and a touch of sake. 

4.  California Curry ($9.75) - Chicken, yellow curry, potato, carrot and coconut milk.

Let me reiterate that if your looking for authentic Thai food, this is not the restaurant for you!  Once in a while, I enjoy eating here for California infused Thai food.  Personally, I prefer the Culver City location (10101 Venice Blvd.) over the Beverly Hills location (998 S. Robertson Blvd.) because there is more space and parking.  In addition, please keep in mind this is Thai food with American prices...but I promise the food is well worth the money!  

Pomodoro Trattoria

Recently, I've become quite the fan of potato dumplings, also known in Italian as gnocchi.  While all of us like to dibble and dabble in pasta, rarely do we have the pleasure of choosing from a variety of homemade gnocchi topped in mouth-watering sauces.  Pomodoro Trattoria on 1393 Westwood Blvd is the one Italian restaurant I have visited in the Westside that provides me with the opportunity to do just that.  Although the establishment is small, the great attention to detail towards the food and the service separates this Italian restaurant from the millions of others throughout the city.  In addition, they have priced the menu fairly!  What more could you ask for?  Great food at even better prices!

Although I cannot speak on behalf of the entire menu, here are some of the items I would like to rave about:

GNOCCHI AL POMODORO (10.75)Fresh tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and olive oil.

GNOCCHI ALL’ARRABBIATA (10.75)
Spicy tomato sauce, garlic and fresh parsley

POLLO FIORENTINA (13.50)Breast of chicken sautéed with shallots, marsala wine and a touch of cream topped with fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese.

In addition to the entrées, the bread was amazing!  Its so fresh, you can manage to demolish through the basket yourself.  I also recommend the tiramisu if you have room for dessert :-) Visit their website for the complete list of meals at: http://www.pomodorowestwood.com/index.html

My only concerns about this restaurant is the size and parking.  Due to its small nature, the wait time can be exceedingly long if you come in during peak hours.  Furthermore, this restaurant does not have a parking lot.  We all know parking in Westwood sucks.

Despite that, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND POMODORO TRATTORIA for a good Italian meal! 

Coupa Cafe

Although most of us are familiar with Mexican food, how many of us have tried Venezuelan comida?  Well, Coupa Cafe located on 419 North Canon Drive in Beverly Hills is the perfect spot to do so! Known as one of the only Venezuelan restaurants in town, Coupa Cafe is an ideal get-together spot.  The restaurant is quite spacious and welcoming, providing indoor and outdoor seating.  Although I went for brunch, Coupa Cafe also doubles as a wine bar, making it a great place for dinner!  Here's the splurge on all of the wonderful things I tasted:

Beverages
Orange Juice ($4): fresh squeezed and sweet (so rare!)
Coffee($2): strong (pretty good)
Abuela Hot Chocolate ($3.75): liquid milk chocolate (a must have, seriously)

Appetizer

Beef and Cheese Empanaditas ($9): very delicious...the sauces make an excellent compliment

Entrées

Perico ($11): scrambled eggs, sauteed tomatoes, onions, peppers, arepa and a side of 

fruit.  It was good, but I thought the other food tasted much better!

Pabellon ($19): shredded beef, black beans, rice, sweet fried plantains, arepitas, nata, queso blanco.  It tasted great!  Its comparable to ropa vieja at Versailles Cuban Restaurant

Overall, I found the hot chocolate to be outstanding as well as the empanadas.  The entrées were good, but given the price of the food I prefer Versailles.  The food is also prepared fresh, so the wait time can be long if their busy.  However, everything is high quality and the ambiance is very mellow making it worth your while.  I'll definitely write a more comprehensive review once I try more of their food! Check out their menu at : http://www.coupacafe.com/index.html

(FYI - An arepa is a dish made of ground corn dough or cooked corn flour, popular in Colombia and Venezuela.)