MB Post @ Manhattan Beach, CA

Went to this relatively new place last night.  It was packed and ran into lots of people I knew, which is always fun.  We had the Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (good, but sweet butter was not great with them), Brussel Sprouts (a bit charred and unnecessary cheese on top, Scallops with Shrimp dumpling (very good), and Chicken Pot Pie (excellent).  we also say the Hamachi and that looked good. 

All in all, i will go back often.  Food was good, I'll just steer clear of brussel sprouts.  Great Atmosphere

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Brussel Sprouts

Scallops, sorry no pic of pot pie

The Bowery @ Sunset/Vine in Hollywood, CA

Went to this gastropub last night.  They say they are Hollywood's first gastropub.  It is small but cozy.  I had the Macaroni and Cheese (Very good, had nutmeg in it) and my husband had the Burger.  The burger comes on an english muffin and he says it was one of best he's had. 

I would go back if I was in the area.  The Bodega Wine bar is also at the corner and that looked worthy of a visit as well.

Macaroni Gratin

Burger

Atmosphere - dark and romantic

Bathroom is FINALLY finished!

Starting back on September 6th!, I can now say my bathroom remodel is finally done as of last Wednesday.  The reason for the long wait?  In addition to the remodel, the entire inside of the house was painted, we went on a trip to Yellowstone, and the vanity mirror was installed 4 times before it was right. 

It is awesome.  I now have quadrupled my storage space and now just need to put something up on the walls.

Mozzarella

Made Mozzarella yesterday so that I could make Margherita Pizza.  It was not difficult to make and turned out as it should.  But no flavor at all.  This is somewhat true of all the fresh cheeses as the flavor is very subtle.  I put it into the fridge for a few hours before pizza making time and it hardened quite a bit.  I didn't soak it in whey but was still surprised by how hard it got.  Don't think I'll be making mozzarella again.  Too much work for what is better in the stores.

But the pizzas turned out great.  Margherita was OK; Mushroom, olive oil, and gorgonzola was the favorite.

Ricotta Conquered

I took a cheese class a few weeks ago and have made ricotta a few times since.  It has turned out good -- I've made manicotti, lasagna, and I'm making manicotti again tonight.  But I was disappointed by the yield of the cheese.  The recipe uses a gallon of whole milk plus 4 cups of buttermilk, and yields about 2 cups of fresh ricotta.  On a cost basis, this is slightly more money than buying ricotta in the store, but on a taste basis, there is no comparison.  However, I have discovered a new secret to double the yield.

Start with the first recipe, that's 20 cups of liquid to make 2 cups of ricotta.  Basic recipe:  heat whole milk until it comes to frothy boil, not rolling boil.  It should be just under 200 degrees.  Turn off heat, add 2 teaspoons of salt and buttermilk and stir slowly until curd comes up.  Let sit for 5 minutes and then drain through cheese cloth and KEEP THE WHEY, the left over milk that drains out, keep it all.  I got about 16 cups of liquid after the first batch.  Now put whey back on stove and heat up to 195 degrees.  Again turn off heat and add salt, and 1/4 cup of vinegar.  Let sit and drain through cheese cloth and you should get another 2 cups of ricotta.  Now on a cost basis, its cheaper than store bought.

enjoy!

Coney Dog @ Sunset, Los Angeles, CA

Went to this Detroit style hot dog joint last night.  It is based on a Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, but not connected to it.  They bring in a lot of Detroit based products -- Faygo sodas, Vernors, Stroh's, Sanders Hot Fudge, and of course the dogs.  I thought the chili dog was just OK, but my husband felt it brought back many memories.  The hot fudge sundae was a bit of a disaster, but still tasted good.  The place should do well, they are open late and across the street from Whiskey a go-go.

Coney Dog

8873 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

www.coneydogla.com

Strand House @ Manhattan Beach, CA

Went to the Strand House on Saturday, first time since its opening.  The place was packed.  The bar downstairs turns into a dance place complete with all tables reserved for 'bottle service'.  That's where you have to buy a fifth of booze for a ridiculous price.  I felt it was a bit like Sunsets, but the bouncer said it was an older crowd not at all like Sunsets.  Yeah, that's because they sell glasses of wine for $20 bucks only an older crowd can afford that.

We had the Hamachi Crudo (very good), the Pork Confit Tortelli (just OK and cold), the Hand Torn Pasta Rags (good), and 2 pizzas - Benton & Squash Blossom.   A definite no on the Squash Blossom pizza. 

All in all, I like this place, but it is pricey and I don't like the 'player' feel to it.

Hand Torn Pasta Rags

Pork Confit Tortelli

 

Knitting

So I started a new hobby in August, Knitting.  It is actually great for someone who usually reads and watches TV at the same time.  After a month of learning from the internet and friends I have met, I tried my first sweater.  It turned out pretty good for a first timer.  Although you will never beat Retail prices as good yarn, wool or cashmere, is extremely expensive not to mention the labor.  So this will remain a hobby.

The Hungry Cat @ Hollywood, CA - Vine & Selma

Stopped in here for a quick bite last night.  I have heard good things, but I was not impressed. 

The place looks nice enough although sandwiched in between two buildings a not easy to find from the street.  Considered a seafood place, we had two specials -- lobster roll w/ garlic fries and seafood fritters.  The lobster roll was served on a hot dog bun which I thought could be good, but the bun did nothing for the roll and actually detracted from it.  The lobster salad did have plenty of lobster but not very flavorful.  Fries were salty.  The fritters were cod fish and so salty, like a salt lick! 

Given the place is supposed to excel in seafood, I was very disappointed.  I won't be going back.

Lobster Roll with Garlic Fries

Seafood Fritters

Wurstkuche @ Downtown LA

Went here for lunch over the weekend.  The best place for a bratwurst and a beer.  So far the Chipolte Aioli is my favorite dipping sauce.  Their new location in Venice opened a month ago, much closer than the downtown location by Union Station. 

I would recommend a visit.

Cheese Making Course @ Sur La Tabla at the Grove

I took this class last night and it was good.  I think a bit pricey ($69) for just 3 hours and the cheeses were simple, but delicious.  It was a nice casual environment and hands on.  They also served us dinner.  All in all, I may take another class if one piques my interest.

Ford's Filling Station @ Culver City

Went to this place yesterday for a small lunch.  I had meant to go to City Tavern, but they weren't serving when I was there (3pm-ish).  Ford's had a good Brisket Taquito and the atmosphere was nice.  Casual bar / diner vibe.  I will definitely go back for a full lunch or dinner.

Meet Tim!

Tim came to us last Friday via a Mississippi breeder.   He's quite cute and has razor sharp teeth.  It's been a while since I potty trained a puppy so he's wearing me out! 

day one

he takes lots of naps

in funny positions

Tim's submission to Puppy Playgirl

Yellowstone National Park @ Wyoming

We got back from a long weekend in Yellowstone a few weeks ago.  It was fantastic!  Stayed at the Old Faithful Inn which was really cool.  Old Faithful and several other geysers are right outside the hotel.  You could also sit on the deck of the hotel and have a cocktail while waiting for Old Faithful. 

More impressive than Old Faithful was the Beehive geyser.  It was like a full on fire hose straight up for 5 minutes vs. Old Faithful's spurts for a minute or so.  I didn't see Beehive, a friend did but I will post video when I get it. 

Went on 3 hikes; the long one was by far the best.  We did Bunsen Peak and then Osprey Falls.  The peak was a great viewpoint near Mammoth Lodge and then the Falls were hidden until the last eighth of a mile, but well worth it.  The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was also quite impressive.

one of many sulfur like pools around the geysers

Old Faithful in action

We were there at end of September and it is absolutely the best time.  It wasn't crowded and the weather was really good.

We also stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge which apparently normally has a ton of moose but we didn't see any.  We only saw one moose on a quick hike.  We did see many bison and deer /elk in Yellowstone.

Food was just OK, only dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge was note worthy.  Jackson Hole is a cute town but likely you can see it all in a day so don't make it a weekend unless you are doing something else.

cool tour bus at Old Faithful Inn

Bison on way to long hike, he was walking on the highway for a while

me and my friend at Cathedral peak on way to Bunsen peak

Osprey Falls

Moose at Moose Ponds hike near Jackson Lake

Gordon Ramsey @ The London in West Hollywood, CA

I went here for dinner last night with some foodie friends.  Wow, what a disappointment, and an expensive one.

I had the 5 course meal, friends all had the 3 course meal with wine pairing.

• My starter, Artichoke with Burrata cheese, was good, but then it went downhill.  
• The Lobster Risotto was under cooked and served in a glass.  There was one large piece of lobster and no way to cut it inside the glass to eat it.  
• The Pork Belly and Striped Bass was just OK.  The Bass was over cooked and the Pork Belly was the only redeeming thing on the plate, but I've had better cooked Pork Belly.  
• The cheese plate had ONE cheese, which I thought was odd.  
• And the dessert was called Peanut Chocolate, but all I could taste was bananas and really no salty taste of peanut.  

My wine was good, but I didn't do the wine pairing as my friends did and they regretted their decision.

One of my friends had the Chateaubriand which was very undercooked.

The place was nice and we had a good table, but the price tag was about $300 per couple.

All in all, an expensive lesson.  I'll never go back.

Artichoke with Burrata Cheese

Lobster Risotto

Striped Bass with Pork Belly underneath

Pathetic Cheese plate

Peanut Chocolate dessert

Goodbye, Bob Jan 17, 1997 - Sept 16, 2011

We put our beloved dachshund, Bob, down yesterday.  He's been slowing down for a year and these last few months the deterioration has been worse.  I'm so glad I was able to spend a lot of time in the last 6 weeks with him.  He went downhill fast the last week.  This was undoubtedly the hardest thing I've done.  I miss him so much.

New Bathroom

YEAH,  in the midst of a new bathroom.  Been stuck with workmen for last 2 weeks but it will be worth it in the end.

original circa 1950

current state

current state - new tile in shower & a light above so i can see!

Madeo's @ Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles, CA

Went here Friday night for my birthday.  This is the place my husband & I went years ago and loved, yet we couldn't remember the name of it.  So for years we were searching for this place and finally re-stumbled onto it.

It was good.  Our table wasn't in best place, but still OK.  Bottle of wine was very tasty.  We saw some Paparazzi so this must be a 'star' hangout although I didn't see anyone.  I had Carpaccio which was excellent and a Seafood Risotto, also great.  Desserts weren't great which was disappointing.

All in all, I'll go back but it is a drive for us.

Seafood Risotto -- I have to remember to photo BEFORE eating!

Typomania?

Apparently this is a true condition.  People who MUST identify the font on any particular sign they see.  This was the subject of a Wall Street Journal article on Saturday.  Sometimes they can quickly identify the font, other times, they spend hours researching just to know what the font is.

There are people who have actually harassed retailers who have changed their selected type face in catalogs or other signage -- re:  IKEA. 

How arcane of a hobby not to mention 'condition' can this get?

Rockefeller Gastropub @ Hermosa Beach, CA

Went for drinks and dinner at this new place on Pier Avenue.  A good portion of Pier Avenue is under construction so I suspect there will be more good places to try soon.  This place was great, great atmosphere, sliding glass doors really opened up the wall onto the street for a great breeze, and just a nice size place.  They only serve beer and wine and have somewhat of a small menu.  We had the cheese plate to start and then the gourmet grilled cheese.  Both were good, although the cheese plate was a bit small.  My friend had the Ahi Tuna tacos which weren't as good.  Good selection of Belgium brews if you are into that.

All in all, I'll be going back again and again.

cheese plate - 4 kinds of cheese

Gourmet Grilled Ham & Cheese

Tim Burton exhibit @ LA County Museum of Art

Went to LACMA today and checked out the Tim Burton exhibit.  It was quite impressive and quite large.  I'm shocked at how much stuff from his early years they were able to compile.  It really shows how he started off doing a lot of things kids do that may not be considered by some adults as great, but that's what it turns out to be. 

You have to reserve tickets in advance unless you go on a slow day like Monday.  $20 + $10 for parking.

American Farmhouse Tavern @ Manhattan Beach, CA

Went to this place for a second time, but this time for dinner.  It is a much better dinner place, although I'm not sure how long this place will make it. 

For a Saturday night, it wasn't busy.  The place is huge so just getting the profit per square foot to a reasonable level will be hard.  They had a band that started just after 8pm which I nicknamed the mumblers.  You couldn't understand anything they were singing. 

They do give you a lot of food.  Their 'appetizer' is a combo of hearty vegetable soup, beans, and salsa, that they instruct you to mix together.  It wasn't bad, but more reminiscent of something I throw together in the winter that you just eat -- whether or not it's any good.  The dinners come with a good salad, a side dish, and either dessert or an after dinner drink.  I had the lamb chops which were OK; my husband had the burger which he liked.  Food is good, not fantastic, but the prices are reasonable. 

All in all, I'll go back.

Obika Mozzarella Bar @ Beverly Center

Went to the Beverly Center today and had lunch at a Mozzarella Bar.  I was intrigued as it sounded really good, but unfortunately that was not the case.

I had the Stracciatella di Burrata mozzarella with Prosciutto Cotto al Forno and the Panini Sampler.  Bland is all I can say.  There was little flavor.  It needed salt and some sort of pesto or basil oil.  Something.  Yes mozzarella isn't suppose to have a punch of flavor but there should be some.  Further, the panini sampler; I expected them all to be heated at least, yet only one had the bread at all warm.  Very disappointing.

All in all, pass it up.  The place is in the middle of the mall so you don't even feel like you are having a quiet meal, next to the Foot Locker that is.