With the end of summer comes the end of my balcony garden. Toldja I had a black thumb. All I can say is that I’ll try again next year. R.I.P. Eva Purple Ball Heirloom Tomato Plant, basil, mint and rosemary. Wish I could say you were good while you lasted…
When I booked my trip to Las Vegas, I feared the food selection. “Buffet” seemed to be the word on the strip. Personally, I am not one for the buffet experience, especially when I travel. I prefer a unique dining environment, one with a story or two. Lucky for me, I hit the jackpot at Hash House a Go Go.
My friends and I arrived for breakfast before tending to our tourist duties. Anywhere with a name like Hash House a Go Go is worth an investigation (I am either a victim of marketing or a supporter of creative ideas; I prefer to believe the latter).
Try the House Mimosa, a yummy twist on a traditional morning cocktail (tangerine and champagne anyone?). Ordering a meal was not as easy. It sounds crazy, I know. How can breakfast be a challenge? The morning staples of eggs, pancakes, waffles and bacon can’t transcend too far out of the ordinary. Well friends, they can. The chefs “a Go Go” far beyond conventional preparation.
I finally decided on the Smoked Salmon House Hash. I am also into themes (again, I believe this is an artistic choice, not an advertising injury). Whatever the reason, it was not in vain because the dish did not disappoint. In fact, I do not remember eating breakfast with such enthusiasm ever. Despite my satisfaction, there was a more exciting plate on the table.
My friend, Katie, ordered Fried Chicken and Waffles. She took the cake (not that she needed to after that) for the most impressive dish! The waffles (stuffed with bacon!) and chicken were stacked as high as the hotels on Las Vegas Blvd.! We dared Katie to clean her plate with immature intent. Once she was half way done, she decided the waffles were a little dry. Considering the bacon grease stuffed inside, I don’t really know how this was possible. Nevertheless, adding more syrup solved the problem. Katie left the building as a breakfast rock star!
Hash House a Go Gois located a few miles off Las Vegas Boulevard. and far away from the portion police. It has been a feature destination on various Food Network programs and has won numerous awards. Everything from the rustic décor to the decadent dishes is sure to impress. So next time you are in town, “a Go Go!”
Hash House a Go Go. 6800 West Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV. 702-804-4646
Now that I’ve reached 30-something, my birthdays no longer consist of pub crawls, Hollywood clubs or theme park celebrations. Apparently I was born 30-something. But, don’t think that means I let a day of honoring me go unnoticed. This year, as a present to myself, I booked a room at the The Langham Huntington Hotel, an elegant, luxurious hotel located amidst the manicured neighborhood of San Marino in Pasadena.
As I’ve come to learn, nothing cures the realization of “one year older” more than bundling up in crisp Frette linens on a bed that you don’t have to make up, finding a use for a mélange of toiletries stacked in a beautiful leather box in your Italian marble bathroom and a morning dip in the Jacuzzi pre-breakfast. And who said birthdays are bad?
It is only fitting that this hotel be located just around the corner from a place that shaped my very existence, that gave me a point of reference for all things extravagant and helped me to know that yes, in fact, I am a “daddy’s 
girl.” As we drove along those manicured streets on the way to dinner that evening, past dream home after dream home, I knew it in an instant. I would have recognized that house anywhere. As scenes from “Father of the Bride” came rushing through my head, I thought of Steve Martin sitting alone in his post-wedding stupor. “I love this house. And I never want to move.” Well, no wonder. I wouldn’t want to move either…
Still high from my great sighting, we arrived at Elements Kitchen, a restaurant I’ve been dying to try since falling in love with their cafe in Old Town. A beautiful space, we found that what’s good is very, very good, but the food, much to our dismay, was hit or miss. The artisanal cocktails like the Blueberry Southside Fizz and the Raspberry Thyme Smash were amazing. As were the Kimchi Tacos. I’ll return, but perhaps only to their gorgeous bar for drinks and apps before moving on.
And moving on we did, straight to Noir Food & Wine. A hidden gem, this is a charming little place perfect for gathering with friends on the outdoor patio. Their wine flights are plentiful, consisting of three glasses per type (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.), and though I’ve been told their dinner menu is excellent, skip the dessert…that is not their speciality.
The next morning before heading home, we couldn’t resists popping into the newly opened Intelligencia Coffee for a latte and espresso. It was everything we have come to expect from a coffee bar of this caliber: baristas with handlebar mustaches circa 1900, beautifully crafted seating and lots of creative ways to drop $50 on coffee.
But after all, it is my birthday. What’s another $50?
The Langham Huntington Hotel. 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue. Pasadena, CA. 626-568-3900
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On a recent trip to Chicago, I had the pleasure of spending time with some very hip locals who filled me in on the latest food trend to sweep their fair city. Put simply…pork. I know what you’re thinking, that’s an ingredient, not a trend. Well, devotees of The Purple Pig might beg to differ. Billing itself as Chicago’s home of “Cheese, Swine and Wine,” The Purple Pig elevates “the other white meat” to an art form. Most of us have probably had bacon astride our eggs or a ham sandwich on occasion, but how about pork fried almonds followed by pigs’ tails braised in balsamic?
The Purple Pig certainly doesn’t shy away from cooking with offal (those parts of an animal that are edible, but not muscle i.e. the entrails, organs and extremities) and indeed I was informed by my new windy city friends that the current pork craze is all about the whole pig. Peruse the menu and in addition to the afore mentioned pigs’ tails, you’ll find pig ears, pork liver pate and morcilla, a type of sausage made with pork blood.
If that’s not your cup of tea, you’ll also find some tamer options such as milk braised pork shoulder and pork blade steak, along with some equally tempting non-pork options. Add in an incredible wine and cheese selection and inventive antipasti options and suddenly even the pickiest diners can find something on the menu to please. For something else that pleases try The Purple Pig’s Sicilian Iris dish, a fried brioche concoction stuffed with ricotta and chocolate chips, which was recently named one of the city’s best desserts by Chicago Magazine.
The Purple Pig. 500 North Michigan Avenue. Chicago, IL. 312-464-1744
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Where has the summer gone? I don’t know about you, but the weeks of warm weather have flown by without warning, and as I finally find a minute to laze about with a good (or mindless) book, I can’t believe we only have a few weeks left before “school starts.” Here are a few of my favorite escapes that I’ve managed to fit in during plane rides and before bedtime, as well as a few I have on my must read list. And so should you.
Holly’s Inbox: Scandal in the City (Holly Denham): The sequel to the very clever (and addicting!) tale of a London receptionist continues, as we are given access to her email inbox full of drama, laughter and intrigue. Fall in love with Holly once again, and perhaps yearn for an even deeper relationship with these favorite characters. As we all know, email can be a very limiting form of communication.
One Day (David Nicholls): The heartbreaking and brilliant story of Dexter & Emma (Dex & Em) and their journey from then ’til now. Over the span of twenty years, catch a glimpse of every July 15th, a date that neither will ever forget. A stunning illustration of how the past affects your present and the agony of never letting go. An absolute must read for all the romantics out there.
The Thieves of Manhattan (Adam Langer): This is what is currently resting on my nightstand. A literary caper set in at the world of publishing, this sordid tale is told through the eyes of an aspiring writer who can’t manage to get published. Oh, how life can go terribly wrong when ego, jealousy and revenge get in the way.
Take Ivy (Teruyoshi Hayashida): The first English version of this cult-classic releases in hard back on August 31st . Showcasing the preppy fashions of the Ivy Leaguers, there was a time when a copy of this book went for over 2K at auction. Previously only available in Japanese, it’s sure to add a dignified conversation piece to your coffee table.
In all of my restaurant adventures, there are always many dishes that I can’t wait to recreate at home. So, this week, I give you a recipe for one of my very favorite salads inspired by the one at Hungry Cat in Los Angeles. My husband and I love to share this salad before diving into their Maine Lobster Roll or a dozen oysters from the raw bar. At home, serve it as a first course with a more hearty meal, or as I did, as a simple supper paired with a lovely Voignier like the 08 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc. Makes a night in just as special as going out.
Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado, Pecorino and Egg
2 bags of Butter & Radicchio lettuce mix (or use heads of butter lettuce, though it will take a few)
2 avocados, diced
Pecorino Romano cheese (use as much or as little as you like; I like a lot) shaved
3 hard boiled eggs
2 lemons
olive oil
kosher salt
pepper
To hard boil the eggs: Put 3 eggs in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat when they start to boil and cover for 12 minutes. Transfer eggs into a bowl of ice water. Peel.
To make the dressing: Combine the juice from 1.5 lemons with 1/4 cup olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and whisk together.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuces, shaved Pecorino and two diced avocados. Slice the eggs into medium sized pieces and toss in with the salad.
Drizzle with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands, mix everything together in the bowl (your hands will get dirty!). The salad should be completely covered in dressing. *Serves 2-3
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This past week, I had the privilege of jetting up to Vegas for the World Market Center and the Ahead of the Curve panel for a first look at the current design trends from renowned designers Kishani Perera, Mary McDonald and Darryl Carter. While you should definitely check out their video here, the question looming is where to stay, where to stay?!
I had not been to Vegas in about five years. And for good reason. The last time I was in town, prices had soared, ranked as the third most expensive city in the country, and there were just so many other places I cared to “throw away money.” But, there are many redeeming qualities of Vegas, one of which has always been grandiose hotels…
My friend and I checked into Aria Resort & Casino, and though the front desk seemed a bit frazzled, we were all too pleased as we stepped one foot into our high tech room and the drapes began to part like the Red Sea and our television powered on. Talk about intuitive! Though Vegas is now full of world class restaurants, spas and shows, at Aria, you simply never have to leave. And, I’m sure they’d be happiest if you didn’t.
That afternoon, we needed a refresher, something to cool us down from the 95 degree heat. Jean Philippe Patisserie (on the lobby level) called our name with its rainbow rows of decadent gelato…try one scoop of berry and one scoop of chocolate. There is simply no better combination.
That evening, exhausted beyond belief, we moseyed down to Sage, the hotel’s contemporary American restaurant, sharing an array of smaller plates. Starting with a little amuse bouche (adding so much for so little) of dates and plum topped with foam, we moved on to the Chilled Corn Soup, Pacific Yellowtail Crudo, Heirloom Beet Salad, and Artichoke with Burrata Salad. We loved it all. And the service even more.
For a hotel known for its celebrity-driven pool parties and nightlife, I was pleasantly surprised when my early bedtime rolled around and I cozied up in their luxurious bed. I needed only hit one button to turn the room into a dark, quiet sanctuary….”Goodnight.”
Good night indeed.
Aria Resort & Casino. 3730 Las Vegas Boulevard. Las Vegas, NV. 702-590-7757
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After a particularly “fun” Saturday night (and by fun, I mean that I had imbibed a little too much vino!), I needed something substantial and hearty to ease the Irish Flu on Sunday afternoon. Enter Los Reyes de la Torta, renowned in Phoenix for their (what else?) tortas (we gringo’s call them sandwiches). After a chance viewing of their “Del Rey” on Man Vs. Food, I knew it was the only way to end my indulgent weekend.
The place was packed (there are so few secrets anymore), but we only had to wait five minutes for a table, where we were promptly offered one of their delicious, freshly made drinks. My husband’s horchata was the best I’d ever tasted and my cucumber agua fresca was just the refreshment I needed…thirst quenching and frothy!
The menu was overwhelming with choices, but there was no decision to be made. The “Torta Del Rey” is a monster of a sandwich, filled with pork, ham, thinly sliced breaded beef, chorizo, hot dog, cheese, fried egg, avocado, beans, lettuce, tomato and jalapeno piled onto a soft Mexican roll. You’d think after reading that description we would have opted to share…but no! I decided we had to sample some of the other items on the menu and hogged a Cubano torta all for myself.
The sandwiches were piping hot, oozing with cheese and other goodness and, to say the least, absolutely incredible. While it probably isn’t the most “health conscious” option out there, sometimes you’ve gotta cure what’s ailing.
One torta, an asprin and call me in the morning.
Los Reyes de la Torta. 9230 N.7th Street. Phoenix, AZ. 602-870-2967
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In my travels to mini urban artsy meccas (i.e. Portland, Seattle), I have always been impressed with the food scene…modern bistros with a neighborhood vibe and sensational cooking. Because of the vastness of LA, we sometimes lack that community feel, even in our towns within our towns. Enter Lazy Ox Canteen in Downtown L.A. Somehow, even positioned a few blocks from Skid Row, it has managed to create the exact feel that could be played out perfectly in a romantic comedy. Cue The Holiday score by Hans Zimmer.
Dimly lit, and chatter in full swing, my husband and I scored a lovely table for two tucked away in the front corner, with a view of the entire restaurant on one end and the patio on the other. Giddy with high expectations, our waiter arrived and blew our high hopes out of the water, recommending a “gorgeous” Viognier (not on the menu). I love a waiter who is as excited about my dining experience as I am about my dining experience. Rare. Awesome.
But, Lazy Ox is not just smoke and mirrors. The food! The food! Perfect for sharing (for two), the menu changes depending on available ingredients. We started with the Abalone (divine) and then moved on to the Dashi Marinated Yellowtail (zesty) before our main course of Roasted Sea Bream (good, but could have skipped even with the table side fillet service). But, the Brick Roasted Mussels with grilled bread…if I could bathe in a big ole tub of that basil, white wine and house made sriracha, I would. And I’d stay there for eternity. It was THAT good.
The great thing about sharing is that it most always leaves room for something sweeter. Having done my research, I knew to order the Rice Pudding with Carmel Sauce the minute I arrived (apparently, this can go fast), so my mouth was ready and watering when it arrived. Now I know what I would have missed. And it would not have been pretty.
Thankfully, we’re not living in a tragedy here.
Lazy Ox Canteen. 241 S. San Pedro Street. Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles. 213-626-5299
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You know how some things just come along at the exact moment that you need them. This very thing just happened to me when my nephew came armed with an article from Psychology Today. His very clever attempt to shake me out of a very ugly funk I’ve been in lately a.k.a. my very own pity party. Party theme: Not Good Enough.
First, an excerpt:
From “I Coulda Been a Contender” by Abby Ellin [Psychology Today July/August 2010]
‘I have never written a best-selling book. I have never won a Pulitzer. I have never reported for 60 minutes, won a gold medal in gymnastics, or thanked my parents and God as Barbara Streisand handed me my Oscar for Best Actress/Writer/Director. I do not have a Ph.D. or J.D. Nor, for that matter did I spend my undergraduate years frolicking amid the ivied walls of Harvard or Yale. I have only one home, a one-bedroom in New York City, No Tuscan villa. No French chateau. No yurt in Sonoma. In sum, I am not living the life I expected–the life of say, Diane Sawyer, Julia Roberts, or better yet, Barack Obama. And this bothers me. A lot.’ Continue reading article online (full article available in print)>
Me too, Abby, Me too. With so many proclaimed experts on the loose, it’s easy to feel less than extraordinary if you don’t have a book, show, or top visited blog to prove your worth. Certainly Abby and I can’t be the only ones that feel this way from time to time. So, today I wanted to take Abby’s advice, change my mind-set and say, dadgumit (I love that saying), you ARE good enough. And thanks to all you readers for your comments, encouragement, shout outs and ‘likes.’ I thought it only suitable that I give a shout out to some of my fellow bloggers who serve as a constant inspiration and are more than good enough. Check em out!
M-Dashing-based in Brooklyn, NY, Amy shares her fabulous finds and insight with her quick-witted humor and exceptional taste. From home decor to art and travel, Amy will show you how to find oomph in the every day. [photo from New Yorkers and Nudity]
Mrs. Lilien Styling House Blog-Blogs just don’t get any more well designed or more adorable than THIS. From her whimsical poetry to her sparkly drink recipes and fabulous style, I leave dazzled and less frazzled every time I visit. Applause! Applause! [photo from Flamingo-A-Go-Go]
CM Illustration-Caitlin paints her way through New York City, and all I can say is WOW. And I complain that I don’t have time to take photos of what inspires me! She takes things to a whole new level. Art imitating life indeed. [painting entitled "Strawberry Picking"]
Little Brown Pen-A picture is worth a thousand words. And this is no exception. Nichole’s play with color is unlike anything I have ever seen. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that she does it all from Paris. [photo from Red and Green]
Orangette-It’s no secret that Molly (of course I would love another Molly’s blog!) is a very brilliant food blogger, but it was a recent post that really spoke to me. If she, who is constantly commended as one of the top food bloggers in the world, can feel worry and pressure, then I can rest assured that I am not alone. Thanks for always keeping it real! [photo from For a Popsicle]
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