A Guide to Attainable Luxury

 

For the Distinguished Palette

November 27, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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H20 CarbonatorIf loving food makes one a foodie, than I guess most of us would qualify. While I could list a million things I want for my kitchen, I decided to hit up the Christmas lists of those really in the know. I asked some of the hottest chefs, wine-os and foodies around what they hope to find under their trees. Here is what they had to say:

“The Penguin H20 Carbonator. You can carbonate anything! Make your own sparkling wine, sparkling juices or anything without copious amounts of sugar.”-Blair Warsham, Executive Chef and Creator, Graffeats Guerrilla Dining

“All I want for Christmas is the Vita Prep Blender, the best blender on the market. Worth every cent. Forget smoothies, go ahead and see if you can blend a shoe into something that resembles mashed potatoes.” -Greg Frye, Chef De Cuisine at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley

“My instruments could use some polish, so I’m treating myself to a new set of Forschner Knives.” -Michael Panza of Biagio Artisan Meats, Oakland, CA

“I only want the Excalibur Dehydrator.”This versatile machine preserves fruits and vegetables, dries fish and meat and eliminates preservatives and additives. -Clint Davies, Sous Chef, One Market, San Francisco, CA

“Among the thousands of things on my wish list for my new project, at the top of my list is a Fagor combination rice/pressure and slow cooker and a ginger peeling spoon by OXO.”-Matt Cordes, Chef, Washington D.C.

“The go anywhere wine glass by govino. These flexible, plastic wine tumblers are perfect for safe wine drinking at tailgates, picnics and BBQs with a cool little thumb notch for easy gripping.”-Palmer Emmitt, wine sommelier, Los Angeles

“Without a doubt, I’m spoiling myself with a new piece of equipment that is going to make pork rib consumption sky rocket…the Big Green Egg Smoker Grill.” -Steven Herman, Executive Chef of Haven Restaurant, Atlanta, GA

And the Winner Is….

September 29, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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Thanks to everyone who came to Graffeats Los Angeles debut, “The Streets.” It was a magical evening full of delicious food, inspiring art & entertainment and gracious company. So, without further ado, the winning raffle ticket to the next Graffeats Los Angeles event is: #809054.

Please contact me here if this is your ticket number.

Street Cred

September 13, 2009 | posted by Molly
 
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Umami resizedIf you’ve been following me on Twitter, you no doubt already know TYL is hosting the debut of Graffeats Guerrilla Dining in Los Angeles on September 25th—a San Francisco chef, a secret location, a journey of the arts.

Los Angeles can be pretty rough around the edges—I mean, East Siders vs. West Siders; Trojans vs. Bruins, so prepare as we take it to the “Streets.” With a five course meal inspired by street foods from around the world, wine pairings and a live performance by Street Poets, it’s sure to be another adventuresome dining experience.

Tickets went quickly, so to keep in accordance with our theme, I’m giving you a tour of Los Angeles “street foods” I’m loving lately:

Wurstküche: Purveyor of Exotic Grilled Sausages-Nestled in the art district of downtown, this is an inexpensive way to have a night on the town. My husband was brave enough to taste from their “Exotics” i.e. Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeños. Me? I was loving the Bratwurst with Caramelized Onions and Sauerkraut. This is a hot spot, so cozy up to the bar while you scout for a table.

Umami Burger-Will literally put your taste buds in overdrive (umami is our fifth primary taste). Start with their homemade pickles and work your way to the burgers—I love the Port & Stilton. Can’t decide between the Malt Liquor Tempura Onion Rings and the Tripled-Cooked Hand Cut Fries? Neither could we, so we shared one of each. Get ready for the second location opening in Silver Lake next week. From what I hear, this one is going to be much larger, will serve alcohol and have an oyster bar.

Loteria Grill at The Farmers Market-A Los Angeles staple for traditional homemade Mexican. Their newest locale on Hollywood Blvd. has poshed it up, but the Farmers Market keeps it real. You’ll find me here most Friday nights chowing down on their carnitas tacos, frijoles negros, chips and guacamole and a side of plantains. Is it Friday yet? I feel another craving coming on.