A Guide to Attainable Luxury

 

This is 30

January 15, 2013 | posted by Molly
 
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Last week, I was honored to be included in a fancy schmancy dinner party for my friend Rachel’s 30th birthday at Osteria Mozza. Twenty six of her closest friends and colleagues were joined in a private room at one of LA’s finest, where the wine flowed and the courses were a continual parade of comforting bites. So very grown up. And so my kind of party…

But, the fine attention to detail did not take away from the real reason we were all there. To mark a milestone. Turning 30. And, by the way, when did 30 start to seem so young? For me, perhaps it was the moment I realized at 35, my 23 year old assistant thinks I”m ancient, proclaiming how much she loves “Girls,” the HBO sensation, which apparently perfectly captures the zeitgeist of today’s youth, something I couldn’t possibly understand since I’m still glued to the tube reveling in reruns of “Sex and the City” (way more MY generation).  Or maybe it was when my celebrity dermatologist schooled me on the fact that I would need $400 worth of botox to fix the wrinkle in my ever aging forehead (ah, Hollywood).  All I know is that 40 is breathing down my neck like a disgusting blind date I can’t escape and truly I never thought I’d be that girl who cares about getting older. But, so it seems…here I sit at 30something, wondering where the years have gone, afraid that I can’t possibly fit in everything I want to do before I’m a decrepit old woman.

As we all gorged our faces that night, Rachel’s husband delighted us with a birthday video filled with messages from friends and family, offering best wishes and things they loved about our guest of honor. The common theme was that Rachel preaches that anything is possible and no dream is too big, an attitude I happen to share. I just needed a reminder that no matter your age, or where you are now,  it’s never too late to follow your passion. Cheers to 30 and beyond…may we always be inspired and young at heart.

Rachel, the birthday girl

Me and the birthday girl

Table
The decor was impossibly stunning and so very chic.

Apple
A beautiful apple marked our places. Clever, but, I’m no fool… I’ve read the fairytale. And, I’m still vying to be the fairest of them all.

Party People

Dave

Mr. Schoneveld

Molly & jenn

My biz partner Jenn

Dave and Rachel

Rachel and her husband Dave

Environment

pasta

Orecchiette with sausage & Swiss chard

Ravioli

Ricotta & Egg Raviolo

Fish

Grilled Whole Orata

Budino

Butterscotch Budino

 Osteria Mozza. 6602 Melrose Avenue  Hollywood, CA 90038. 323-297-0100

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Cocktails & Culture…Well, Not So Much Culture

December 13, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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As my friend Pearl said it best, there was very little culture in our holiday girls’ night out on Tuesday at LACMA’s Ray’s & Stark Bar. Being in the trenches together forms a life long bond and the five of us survived the top celebrity PR firm as assistants back in the day, so we make a point to get together every couple months and dish. Cause nobody can dish like a publicist. And nobody understands how a seemingly glamorous job can be very unglamorous (except for you Mel and Pearl, who separately got back from Tokyo and Bahrain earlier in the week, where I’m sure it was nothing but parties and glitz all the way, right girls?).

Ray’s & Stark Bar is known for their handcrafted cocktails, which celebrate Mr. Stark’s (the late film producer and former LACMA Trustee) films including “Smokey and the Bandit” and “Steel Magnolias” (my favorite for so many reasons). The restaurant is owned by the Patina Group, so expect an exquisite dining experience as well, especially since it’s located smack dab in the middle of one of LA’s best museums. Location, location, location.

After a catch up session reminiscent of a scene straight from “Sex and the City,” we did what every Angeleno must do at least once…stage a photo session at the Urban Light installation. And it was pure comedy. Five publicists taking photos of themselves is something nobody should have to endure. Unless it’s on E!…now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a show to write.

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Ray’s and Stark Bar. LACMA. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 323-857-6180

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What to Have for Breakfast on Thanksgiving Morning

November 9, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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Breakfast on Thanksgiving morning is always a conundrum for me. You need something that will tie you over, yet not kill your appetite for the mid day feast. This Frittata has become a weekend staple in our house. It’s a spin on Jamie Oliver’s Potato and Chorizo Omelet. Though I really like the original Jamie Oliver version, I have since played around with a lot of sausage flavors, herbs, cheese etc. and it’s hard to go wrong. What I never change is the simple lemon and olive oil dressing on top. That really makes the dish pop. The best part is that it’s just as good the next day, so make it the night before and reheat it in the morning while you’re busy basting the turkey.

Sausage, Rosemary & Parmesan Frittata

*Feeds 4-6
8-12 eggs-note: depending on how big your cast iron skillet is, you can adjust the number of eggs. My pan is large and I usually only use 8 eggs, which just means my frittata is thinner.
Freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 lb of sausage-use any flavor you like such as chorizo, hot Italian, sage, regular pork sausage
2-3 springs fresh rosemary
1 shallot
Juice from one lemon
5 tbsp olive oil
Salt & Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove top. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the sausage in the cast iron skillet, breaking it up in to small bite sized pieces. While the sausage cooks, lightly beat 8-10 eggs in a small bowl and set aside. When the sausage is cooked through, remove from the pan onto a paper towel. While the skillet is still hot, sprinkle the leaves from 2-3 sprigs of rosemary into the pan. It will start to sizzle right away. After about a minute, add the beaten eggs to the skillet. Turn off the heat. Add the sausage back in, spreading it out evenly. Grate as much fresh Parmesan cheese on top as you like. Using a spatula, give it a light stir so some of the cheese gets mixed in. Put the cast iron skillet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it is puffed up and lightly golden around the edges.

While the frittata cooks, make the dressing, whisking together 4 tbsp olive oil with the juice from one small lemon. Dice a small shallot and add to the lemon/olive oil mixture. Finish with salt & pepper.

When the frittata is done, remove from oven, cut  and serve with the dressing drizzled on top.

I recommend serving this dish alone, so you save room for turkey! It’s the perfect amount.

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La Provence Landing at LAX in January

November 2, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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Imagine my delight when I was greeted with this sign the other morning at La Provence, one of my favorite little spots for breakfast and lunch. And, let’s not forget the macaroons. We Angelenos know all too well that LAX is lacking in decent restaurants, but as the 1.5 billion renovation project continues, let’s hope this is just the beginning of a much needed upgrade. I just hope they are smart enough to put my favorite chopped salad on the menu!

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Smokey Sunday

October 29, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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If you follow the LA food blogs, you no doubt read about Lindy & Grundy when they opened in LA over a year ago. This sustainable butcher shop supports local farmers, and over the past several months, they have become my neighborhood butcher.

This is exactly what Amelia Posada and Erika Nakamura had in mind, and they are no doubt passionate about what they do. Most days you will find them both behind the counter—Amelia chatting with and educating customers and Erika custom cutting steaks or chops. Every time I walk in, I feel like I’m back home in NC, where everybody knows my name.  This is not place you visit once. It will become part of your weekly routine, your very on butcher shop.

In addition to meat, they sell a small selection of local, seasonal produce—like pomegranates, garlic, and fingerling potatoes.



They also have cookbooks, sauces and their special spice mix, which I use on their pork tenderloin—so delicious!



Recently, they have started Smokey Sunday, where they smoke ribs and chops for afternoon pickup. And that is why I was here on this particular day. We decided to invite a few friends over for a Sunday supper of bbq pork ribs, southern green beans, baked beans and cocktails. But, I can never just buy what I came for.

I truly never ate a pork chop until I ate one from here. The flavor, the texture, even the color is different from what you would get at even the most expensive grocery stores. I have no doubt this is because the farms they use feed their pigs fruits, veggies, black eyed peas, cotton seed, local barley and almonds that fall from the trees at the ranch. If I were a pig…

Their house-made sausages are one of my favorite things. The flavors change often, so if you are lucky enough to get the chicken cordon bleu, grab em all!  I also love the chorizo, which I put in Jamie Oliver’s potato and chorizo frittata and the Kielbasa with a little mustard and sauerkraut. You will never buy sausage in the little packs again!

 The only downside to buying ribs at Smokey Sunday is that you have to wait until you get home (or in my case, until my friends arrived) to dig in. I knew that if these tasted as good as they smelled, we were in business. And, they were quite possibly better. Finger lickin’ good indeed.

What better to wash them down than with Gramercy Tavern’s Fall Classic cocktail, which I found in a recent issue of Bon Appetit magazine. Made with fresh apple cider, bourbon, apple brandy and thyme, it is sure to warm up any autumn night and pairs perfectly with a slab of bbq ribs. Just make sure they are from Lindy & Grundy!

On another note, they are now taking orders for Thanksgiving Turkeys and will even deliver. They are offering three different birds at different price points.  Yes, they are way pricier than what you would get a regular grocery store, but I believe you get what you pay for.

Lindy & Grundy. 801 N. Fairfax Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90046. 323-951-0804

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The New Spago

October 19, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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Tuesday was our eighth wedding anniversary. Spago recently reopened after a two month revamp, so we decided to celebrate with Wolfgang Puck. I’ve always said that Spago is the most underrated restaurant in LA. Why? Because I think for service, ambiance  and consistency, it’s hard to beat. Some of my best meals have been at Spago. Which brings me to the cheesy mashed potatoes they used to serve in a cast iron dish. The waiter would take two spoons and fold it all together tableside as you watched the cheese oooh and gooo pulling from spoon to dish, while your mouth watered in wicked anticipation of it all. And Chef Puck was always there, dropping by your table to say hello. But that was then.

If you asked anyone their favorite restaurant in LA last year, it was sure not to be Spago. Everyone wants new and to score a reservation where it’s impossible to get a reservation. In LA, that makes you cool—oh, and winning Top Chef.  So, I’m guessing Spago felt they needed a coming out party to put themselves back on the map— to compete with the new and cool.

Now, they have a new look. It is still very civilized—like the gorgeous dark wood bar…

And the open air patio, which I highly recommend

Upon sitting, you are presented with the massive wine book. Apparently, if they don’t have it, you shouldn’t drink it.

It’s only fair to state that we came here with expectations of doing their tasting menu. That used to be an option on the menu. I’ll even be so bold as to say that doing the tasting menu at Spago was on our bucket list. Unfortunately, their new menu does not give a tasting menu option. And though the chef can sometimes accommodate, because of a dairy restriction on Dave’s part, they needed 24 hours notice. Boo hoo. But, the waiter tried to console us by showing us that the new menu is smaller plates, so essentially we could mix and match to make our on tasting menu. Small plates huh? What a concept.

Rather than throw a tantrum, I decided to make the best of it. And so we started with the Chino Farms Vegetable salad prepared table side.

 Our favorite dish of the night was the Jidori Chicken with a Celery Mustard Puree.

In the background are the Snake River Farm’s Wagyu Shortribs with grain mustard and horseradish, as well as the Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Shiro Miso-Maple Mustard. Everything was cooked perfectly and had great flavor, but the flavor tended to be the same flavor on every other menu in town. Brussel Sprouts again? It seems the new changes have sort of turned a Los Angeles institution into the same ole, same ole. Which is a shame, because I know Executive Chef Lee Hefter is talented. I met him a few years ago when he did a television segment with a client of mine. Afterwards, he brought out plate after plate of his off the menu creations and I was completely wowed and blown away. The experience was unlike any other. And that is the Spago that I will remember.

Though the modern art was a very cool touch, I hope they can find a balance where new meets classic, instead of just trying to do what everyone else is doing.

Expectations are everything. And I came hoping for one thing and got something else. But, Spago can still pride itself on excellence. Despite my preference to the old menu, the execution of the new one was pretty near flawless. Just because I’m sick of brussel sprouts doesn’t mean you are. Would love to know what you think of the new Spago.

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Does Michelin Make it Better?

October 4, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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This week, the Michelin Guide released their New York rankings and apparently a few LA chefs feel shunned that we were taken off the map in 2009. LA Weekly asks, “Do We Really Want the Michelin Guide Back in Los Angeles?,” referencing a genius article in Vanity Fair by A.A. Gill. It definitely gave me something to ponder. Does being Michelin rated really make you the best? So, I did some very scientific research and decided to see how many Michelin stars I have racked up as a diner (way less than I thought, humpf) and if I think they deserve to be in the very exclusive club. Make no mistake, Michelin stars aren’t just clumsily tossed about. Any restaurant given the honor is obviously doing something right. But, as someone who has no other credentials than dining out a lot, I find it interesting to see if my experience and expectations match up with the only one that apparently matters. What do you think? Is the Michelin rating the end all be all or just a bunch of bologna?

Coi-Two Stars (San Francisco)

This is still hands down the best dining experience I have ever had. The food was playful, but delicious, the atmosphere sophisticated, but not stuffy and I’m still dreaming about this inverted cherry tomato tart. One of the very few places where the artistry of the plate is only second to the flavor of the dish. Having never dined in a three star rated restaurant, I have to ask, what the heck does it take to get that final star?

The NoMad-One Star (New York)

I loved everything about the NoMad. Except for the portions. Though the dinner and cocktails divine, the portions were laughable. I left feeling a tad hungry despite the very high tab. But, maybe that doesn’t matter in a town where coffee and a cigarette is considered a meal?

Auberge du Soleil One Star (Napa)

I’m not saying this isn’t worthy—it’s romantic (views are to DIE), the plates meticulous. It has all the check marks for a gold star. So, why did I enjoy my dinner at Bottega so much more? One of life’s mysteries I suppose.

Tamarind-One Star (London)

I was a little underwhelmed here. The food was totally fine. The service was attentive. It is situated in uber posh Mayfair. I just happened to fall in love with Star of India in South Kensington, so I’m not sure why one gets a star and the other does not.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges -One Star in 2008 (London)

It has since lost it’s rating, but I felt that I had to include it because when we ate there in 2008, it was exceptional and totally worthy. We went for lunch and I have never had a lunch so fancy or so perfect in every single way . We were treated like royalty and the entire experience was completely flawless. Currently, his restaurant in Chelsea boasts three for 2012. I’m excited to try his newly opened The Fat Cow at the Grove. Has anyone been?

Providence -Two Stars 2009 (Los Angeles)

I was exhausted when I left this meal.  The nine courses was a LOT of very complicated food. But, it definitely deserves to be on the list. It’s one of the poshest restaurants in LA and the cheese cart is in a league of it’s own.

Osteria Mozza-One Star 2009 (Los Angeles)

I’m not afraid to admit I prefer the more casual Pizzeria Mozza for many reasons (and by prefer, let it be said that Pizzeria Mozza is one of my favorite places in LA). The two times I’ve eaten at the Osteria, I leave feeling like I wish I could have my $200 back. But, I do have friends who disagree, so perhaps I’m just not ordering the right thing. Which makes me give a little eyebrow raise to the star rating.

 

Gordon Ramsay-One Star 2009 (Los Angeles)

I’ll admit, I haven’t been here for dinner in a while, but it was never a place that ever wowed me when it came to the food or service. It’s a really fun place to grab a cocktail and the ambiance is lovely, but it just falls short of Chef Ramsay’s usual standard of excellence.

Patina-One Star 2009 (Los Angeles)

The photo of above is of truffles being presented for their Black Truffle Dinner, which I’ve never done, but think that alone is at least worthy of one star. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a great experience when I dined here a few years ago, but I blame our waiter.  It’s a beautiful space located in the Disney Concert Hall, and I’m just going to leave it at that.

If Michelin decides to put LA back on the map, what should make the cut? Let me know what you think in the comments.

*I decided to leave off Spago because it just reopened and I’m going in two weeks. I’ll be sure to give the full report.

 

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Parc it Right Here

August 30, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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I’m sure there are many more acclaimed, trendy, newer places to dine right now in Philly—after all, my brother-in-law’s very significant other just spotted Anthony Bourdain filming his show The Layover with Marc Vetri. (If you must know, they were filming at Amis, but Alla Spina is newer and has received rave reviews) But, I digress.  With the spectacular weather we had on our visit a few weeks ago, there was no better choice than Parc. And honestly, thanks to the pounds of butter, I can definitively say that these were the best moule frites I have ever eaten. So there!

Parc is one of several restaurants lining the Rittenhouse Square Park, a very upscale neighboorhood with the city’s best shopping. They are all set up in that very Parisian style, where diners all face the sidewalk for enjoyable views and people watching.

Park view across the street.



One big ole bowl of mussles drowning in a broth so insanely buttery, it should be bottled and sold as a drug.

Is that a Bloody Mary you spy in the background? Yes it is. Stop judging.

Parc.  227 S.  18th Street.  Philadelphia, PA.  19103.  212-545-2262

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Sons of Essex

August 24, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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Oh YOU know I love a speakeasy type restaurant located through a “deli” that feels like a secret club. Oh yes, I do! Last Saturday night after a day at the museum, oysters and cocktails with my sister-in-law, her hubby and baby (in a bar!—Quick, what movie?), it was time for a grown up night out on the town. I chose Sons of Essex, because well, the lower east side is where it’s at these days. Or, so I hear.

Peak thru the window and you’ll see what looks like a sandwich shop, where you order at the counter type place. That’s what it is until you give your name to the “bouncer” and he opens the magical door.

Then, you find this. A booming restaurant, where all the cool kids hang out. Named after the Sons of Liberty, the group of American Patriots who protected the colonists (and the lower east side) from those dirty Brits (oh, you know I love ya).

I’m not very much of a late night owl, so our 8pm dinner was a tad on the early side for said cool kids, but by the time we ordered, the place was packed.

What to order…what to order.

Being Southern, it’s hard for me to resist BBQ ribs. And they were DELICIOUS! It’s not all about the atmosphere here, it’s also about the food.  They were damn good.

But for all you veggie lovers, never fear. They had these roasted brussel sprouts filled to the brim. They made me feel less guilty.

Grand Sachem Cockatil

Or maybe that was the cocktail.

Regardless, my hubby and I had a great night out and even made friends with the couple next to us, who were having a rare night away from their seven month old. They were from New York. He was in finance. She, in fashion. So, between the four of us, we made one  big ole New York/Los Angeles cliché.  Thankfully, they let us stay. Even though we played down our Gangs of New York vibe.

Wanna make the cocktail I had? You should, it was awesome! Click the photo above for a video on how to do it.

Sons of Essex. 133 Essex Street. New York, NY. 212.674-7100

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Foodie Friday: Bäco Mercat

August 9, 2012 | posted by Molly
 
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You may remember a few months ago, I went to the Art Walk. And while downtown, we tried Bäco Mercat for dinner. I’m not sure if it was my mood, my headache or my juvenile refusal to be wowed, but I left thinking “meh”…I’ve had better. And then I stomped my feet and had a tantrum ;) .  Well, I went back for their signature bäco and I owe them an apology for those thoughts I had (even if I kept them to myself). And now, I give you the Bäco in 3 Acts.

Act One: “The Original”

The waiter insists (as a first timer) you try the original bäco, which is then placed delicately in front of you. Your eyebrow raises and you think…Phff, how expected, vapid, obvious. A flatbread sandwich. 

Act Two: A Better Look

You rotate your plate and get a glimpse inside. Interesting (you think). A piece of Succulent pork tumbles out as their homemade  salbitxada oozes slowly down the vibrant greenery and puddles just under a bright red tomato. You try to ignore it. Then you spy the beef carnitas. The other eyebrow raises. You’re curious. 

Act Three: A Love Story

You take a bite. Ohhh! Mmmm! Mmmmmmmmmm! Your hands are disgustingly messy. You don’t care. You take another bite. What IS that salbitxada?? (if you must know it’s a Catalan sauce traditionally served with calçots known to us as spring onions). You wipe your hands on your napkin. You take bite after bite without stopping for a breath. Or a conversation. You ask for more napkins. You are dizzy with euphoria. Drunk on flavor. Gobsmacked with the realization that you are in love…

With a flatbread sandwich.

The End.

Bäco Mercat.  408 S. Main Street. Los Angeles,  CA 90013.  213-687-8808

 

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