oakley "oakmonster" b.'s Profile
DateLos Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-8998
Drago Centro
Category:
Italian
Neighborhood: Downtown
1 Previous Review:
-
1/2/2009
Sure, the worker bees like me don't get out to "fancy" restaurant much, especially in Downtown LA. But we figured it was New Year's weekend, we'd better rush the place before all the suits get back in town.
First of all, even with half of the town gone for the holidays and how new Drago Centro is, we were surprised how full it was at lunch on Jan. 29.
This white table cloth fancy restaurant doesn't give me the snooty/stuffy heebie-jeebies. A lot of that has to do with their friendly and very professional staff. Like everyone said so far, the service is absolutely impeccable.
Our party of four did not order any alcohol (boo!), but we did like both of the green iced tea and the fruity black tea (with currant?). We especially loved the little jar of simple syrup--no more crunchy sugar at the bottom of iced tea glass!
My boss and the girl colleague started off with essentially a green salad. (le lattughe miste - mixed baby lettuces, red onions, brioche crisp, lemon vinaigrette). The brioche crisp hides in the bottom of the plate to soak up in the lovely vinaigrette.
For the main event, my boss had the venison carpaccio, walnuts, sherry vinaigrette (il carpaccio di capriolo) which melts in your mouth. The guy colleague ordered the salmon salad (insalata di salmone) with scottish salmon, asparagus, tomatoes, arugula, sherry vinaigrette. A salad is a salad for that one. Nothing mind blowing.
As a fan of pappardelle, I can't help ordering the lovely noodles, roasted pheasant, morel mushrooms (le pappardelle al fagiano). I thought it would be more of chunks of pheasant, but actually it was more like shredded super tender pheasant with this lovely gravy-like sauce. It was extremely difficult to do my usual "eat only half the portion served" to leave room for dessert.
The girl colleague, however, ordered my favorite dish that day: pumpkin cannelloni, hazelnut butter, parmesan, sage (i cannelloni di zucca). Three of my favorite components--hazelnut , butter, and parmesan--blended well with the pumpkin and sage, inducing an instant addiction! And the cannelloni was crisp up top (looks like they've been broiled a bit) which add the loveliness to the overall texture and taste.
For dessert, I have read fabulous thing about the doughnut. I just wasn't in the mood for fried dough, so I went with la coppa d'agrumi--layered citrus segments, zabagalione (custard), mascarpone gelato. It didn't say on the menu but there's also a layer of thin cake, toasted up top, and hidden basil sauce/puree in there.
Basil? In dessert? I know! It was one of those that sounds like an odd combination but it actually works with the citrus. The mascarpone gelato? I was tempted to ask if I could please order a gallon of that to go.
We had a fabulous time. Yes, it was a bit pricey for the worker bee's lunch, but the food, the ambiance, and the service was worth every penny.
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 630-2229
Cuban Pete's Caribbean Grill and Night Club
Categories:
Caribbean,
Dance Clubs,
Bars
ETA 2: We wouldn't be here giving you an earful if your marketing tactic was legit. But it's not. So, please, just stop.
Oh, and shilling to boost your rating and try to salvage your name is also not a good way to go. Your best PR move at this juncture is to issue a statement and clear the air.
ETA: I just filed a complaint with the FCC as well. Takes no time, you guys. Go do it. http://esupport.fcc.go...
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 358-0650
The Capital Grille
Category:
Steakhouses
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
The place is gorgeous. Ditto the staff. All very professional and attentive, albeit some were a bit Stepford Wife-ish. But we blamed that on being their soft opening.
The food, however, did not disappoint one bit. We started with their pineapple infused vodka which tasted innocently just like pineapple juice but packed the Russian-boxer punch of the Stoli they were made out of, then oysters on the half shell that tasted like the ocean, and Wagyu carpaccio which melted in our mouths.
For the main course, the winner was the Delmonico Steak with porcini mushroom rub and 12-year aged balsamic. Just shy of a porterhouse, a highly marbled aged steak was recommended to us to be cooked to medium to maximize the fat content, and we trusted our server. It was beef-flavored BUTTER with fantastic flavors. Unicorns and Double Rainbow Oh My God good, people.
The other entree was the double cut lamb rib chops. The Aussie server, a recent transplant, had tears in her eyes just talking about how it reminded her of home. Sold! Served with cherry mustard compote sort of thing, the chops were perfection. Tender and not too lamb-y. Being double cut made it hearty to dig into instead of the wimpy little frenched chops.
Our side was Vidalia onion rings. Just the right batter on a thick, juicy and perfectly cooked onion. It paired well with both dishes.
We were grateful our dessert was fresh berries and cream. Sure, we expected something spectacular but after what we just ate, a rich dessert would've been the end of us.
Expensive for an average diner like myself, yes. But the food was so great that I would totally save my money to go back for special occasion. And to go try the wine picked by master sommelier. You know, those little flutes of pineapple vodka I mentioned earlier? Those suckers didn't let me have any wine after that!
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 617-3474
Starry Kitchen
Category:
Asian Fusion
Neighborhood: Downtown
I've read a few comments about "there's nothing Thai about the Thai Cobb". I'm Thai and a bit snobby when people put peanuts on something and call it "Thai". But with a salad tasting that good, you can call it whatever you want, Kitchen Ninja, and I'll eat it!
We are now looking forward to "Nom nom" pork (nem nuong)!
1 Previous Review:
-
3/7/2010
Lisa N., another friend, and I went on our little DTLA lunch adventure. Lisa had heard about STK before but haven't been there. So we did.
I said hi to Nguyen as we tweeted each other earlier. Unlike any other restaurateurs or chefs I've talked to, he actually hoped that my expectations weren't too high. LOL. It's home cooked food, he said. This is what *we* like to eat and we want to share with you. Dude, I TOTALLY respect that.
And in true foodie style, three of us ordered completely different things and passed the plate around. (Yep. Only best friends and fearless foodies would do that.)
I spotted the pork belly on the board. Do you even doubt the power of the pork belly had over me? Of course, I ordered the coconut braised pork belly, banhmi style. Lisa had the meatballs in Japanese curry atop kimchi fried rice. Nadiya ordered the lemongrass chicken with a side of Indonesian stir-fry macaroni. (All of us actually had the mac.) I also ordered the seared tuna salad for my boss.
The mac, we're all so-so on. The kimchi fried rice, we loved. The curry+meatball was good as well. The ladies also liked the lemongrass chicken but I wasn't hot with that. I stole a few bites out of my boss' salad--with her approval, of course--and the dressing was really, really tasty.
The coconut pork belly, however, was the end game. Melt in your mouth good with all the right flavors. And putting it on a bahn mi was a totally win because you have the crunchy veggies to provide the texture and chewy bread to sop up all the goodness. My Vietnamese boss totally approved! I understand that they usually do this with just pork, not the belly, but I'd eat that too.
Best of all, being a DTLA lunch joint, your food comes at you fast after you ordered it. Once you get through the line that is. We were there 5 till noon and we had no problem with line at all.
And the amount of food was proportionate to the price. Actually, quite generous for Downtown LA price points.
Looking forward to crispy fried Taiwanese style pork chops next week! :)
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 656-1234
Andaz West Hollywood
Category:
Hotels
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
10 years ago, almost to the day, I asked my now-husband to stop being my friend and start dating me right here at the Riot Hyatt. So we came back to celebrate. I made a reservation for the "Love goes around" package which includes "special gift" when you check in, $100 Hotel Credit to use toward anything (we use that on dinner and part of valet parking), AND breakfast for 2 at the RH the following day.
One star taken away here because they "forgot" we booked the special package. There was no gift at check-in. There was no gift in my room. Our host Walter ran us through all the services and amenities but never once mentioned the package. So, I finally asked him before he left our room and showed him my confirmation, listing the package.
He went back downstairs and 10 minutes later confirmed our special deal. 30 minutes after that, the gift arrived: a warm chocolate cake with bourbon vanilla ice cream arrived with a bottle of wine.
Aside from that, the staff is super friendly, and yes it is hard to figure out who works there. I love the decor that is modern without being snooty. The RH especially feels comfortable and homey despite all the trendy decor, making you feel at home either in jeans and t-shirt or all dressed up for the night out.
The King View room was spacious and the view was gorgeous. I *love* the sun room that separate us from the busy street. (Not to mention a great place to go hang out in the morning when your hubby sleeps late. Hehe.) Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are just right. However, we can still hear our neighbors' doors slammed through the night. I started to wish there was another wall between the door and the bed to filter that out.
Other than that, our one-night getaway was fantastic.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 785-6090
RH
Category:
French
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
However, on Friday, the hubby and I, celebrating our 10 years together, started our culinary adventure at the RH at 6:30 p.m. with a warm chocolate cake and bourbon vanilla ice cream in our room as a part of the "Love Goes Around" romantic getaway package.
Umm.... Dinner's at 7:30? Matter not, we marched on anyway.
I started with the egg, of course. The hubby was full of surprises that night. The Usually Green Salad with Ranch Man started with endive salad with pear, blue cheese, and walnuts. He discovered the wonderful pairing of blue cheese and pear for the first time. I think I have a foodie in training on my hands!
Then he ordered duck confit after having heard me raved so much about it. The man never orders duck before! (Who is this? What did you you to my husband?!?!) And, albeit being a wee bit on the salty side this Friday, he LOVED it. Well, you know, a duck of crispy skin and tender meat is *the* game changer.
As for me, already mostly full from the egg, I marched on with Chef's special of veal chop for the main course. Juicy, tender, perfectly cooked chop with, seriously, awesome sauce and roasted veggies.
We wrapped up the meal with green apple sorbet. Nice, clean and crisp way to end a meal.
The next morning, also a part of the package, we had breakfast at the RH. The hubby surprised me again with his ordering of the egg white omelet as a part of the LA Marathon special which came with a smoothie (Liquid breakfast...actually fruity without being too sweet), and a fruit plate. I ordered the Diver Scallop Florentine. The hollandaise was surprisingly tangy but it goes really well with the perfectly cooked scallops.
Oh, the RH. You've turned a meat-and-potato man into a budding foodie. That's just how good you are. We look forward to our next encounter!
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 396-6461
Starry Kitchen - CLOSED
Category:
Asian Fusion
Neighborhood: North Hollywood
I said hi to Nguyen as we tweeted each other earlier. Unlike any other restaurateurs or chefs I've talked to, he actually hoped that my expectations weren't too high. LOL. It's home cooked food, he said. This is what *we* like to eat and we want to share with you. Dude, I TOTALLY respect that.
And in true foodie style, three of us ordered completely different things and passed the plate around. (Yep. Only best friends and fearless foodies would do that.)
I spotted the pork belly on the board. Do you even doubt the power of the pork belly had over me? Of course, I ordered the coconut braised pork belly, banhmi style. Lisa had the meatballs in Japanese curry atop kimchi fried rice. Nadiya ordered the lemongrass chicken with a side of Indonesian stir-fry macaroni. (All of us actually had the mac.) I also ordered the seared tuna salad for my boss.
The mac, we're all so-so on. The kimchi fried rice, we loved. The curry+meatball was good as well. The ladies also liked the lemongrass chicken but I wasn't hot with that. I stole a few bites out of my boss' salad--with her approval, of course--and the dressing was really, really tasty.
The coconut pork belly, however, was the end game. Melt in your mouth good with all the right flavors. And putting it on a bahn mi was a totally win because you have the crunchy veggies to provide the texture and chewy bread to sop up all the goodness. My Vietnamese boss totally approved! I understand that they usually do this with just pork, not the belly, but I'd eat that too.
Best of all, being a DTLA lunch joint, your food comes at you fast after you ordered it. Once you get through the line that is. We were there 5 till noon and we had no problem with line at all.
And the amount of food was proportionate to the price. Actually, quite generous for Downtown LA price points.
Looking forward to crispy fried Taiwanese style pork chops next week! :)
But it's the food and the local beers on tap that keep them coming back.
So, we finally got ourselves out there tonight. And the service was not an issue.
We were greeted when we walked in, handed a couple of menus, and told to sit anywhere. We picked the seats at the very far end of the bar. Where we sat was perfect to observe the open kitchen. We kept eyeing the food that were coming out of that kitchen for our next trip. The burger is HUGE and looks delicious. But we just ate. Damn it...next time then.
Not a moment after our butts hit the seats, Terry appeared over the counter to take our order. Thus began the talk about the local beers and what he'd recommend. He went to pour our pints and was back in no time.
I couldn't help myself. I had to try the truffled mac and cheese even if I was full. (Hey, that's why you have to-go boxes!) Echoing other review about the lack of salt here, this too wasn't properly salted. However, that lack of seasoning actually was a good thing. The licorice-y Bootlegger's Blackstrap Stout I was drinking paired well with the truffle. I think if the mac was salted any more, that might've clashed with the licorice. I will definitely salt the leftover tomorrow though. Just sayin'.
We were left alone enough for our date night but not neglected completely. Terry checked in on us every once in a while. As our glasses were getting dry, the bartender popped by to check on us as well.
Oh yes. There will be a part 2 to this review once I get to eat the foods. Yes, indeed.
Bacon lovers and other connoisseurs of all things sweet/savory, thou art be rejoicing for The Sticky Pig has delivered us to the Kingdom of Yumminess. Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, the Sticky Pig treats are each a joy in a nugget.
The Elvis is, so far, the King. Bacon, banana, and peanut butter butter cream in perfect harmony. I bought a box of 4 of all Elvis and savored every morsel. And I can honestly say that I would eat that everyday.
I also got an omakase 4-pack and a Raspberry Jelly Donut sampler. Oh, the pleasure of tasting these little piggies! I like them all from least to most in this order: Orange Ginger, Jelly Donut, Maple Cinnamon, S'mores (VERY good), and Apple Pecan Dulce de Leche.
The Sticky Pig not only makes a perfect snack or dessert, but awesome breakfast...especially the apple pecan cinnamon dolce.
And, yes, these guys are a little pricey, but as a gift for your bacon loving loved ones or for yourself, HELL YES they are worth every penny!
I still like the place but I would just say USE CASH.
UPDATED - Since the original LONG and detailed post, I've been contacted by the store. They have informed me that they have canceled their services with the problematic credit card processor. They also offer to make it up to me for my trouble. Finally. (ETA - However, I don't think I'd walk into the store again after all this.)
I did pare down the original post. You will STILL hear my story as a fair warning. CC assured me this will never happen again.
USE CASH OR CHECKS at Charmed Cupcakes. Definitely hold your plastics, especially your debit card. Outside of that, I like the place just fine.
They have been having major issues with the credit card processor. If you don't want to get in trouble like James L. and I did, use cash.
I walked out with $7 of cupcakes to find $1700 charged on my credit card in addition to that a week later. They claimed that their processing company was charging, not the store. CC said they'd take care of it. A week later, I was credited back. However, a few days after that, I was charged again for $2,200 which put me over my limit. Again, CC blamed the processing company, claimed that the company did it on their own and again CC has no knowledge.
Subsequently they informed me that they have canceled their services with this processing company. Hopefully, this will never happen again. And for their sake, I hope so too.
No Lists
oakley hasn't made any lists yet.
|
"Monsterous appetite with extra room for dessert"
- 117 Friends
- 30 Reviews
- 4 Review Updates
- 3 Firsts
- 10 Quick Tips
- 7 Fans
- 8 Local Photos
- 2 Events Submitted
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
133 Useful, 48 Funny, and 80 Cool
Los Alamitos, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2008
Things I Love My HometownLos Alamitos, CA
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I blog. I eat. I cook. I play music. I play video games.
My Second Favorite Website
Downtowners, Drago Centro has become an affordable lunch spot. Surprised? So were we!
With small plates ranges from $3-$10, you order one or two and you're completely full. While you can pay just as much for some crappy fares elsewhere around Downtown financial district, you can get quality deliciousness right here at Drago.
The first time Annette and I went for lunch, we totally over-ordered:
$5 smoked salmon, crème, crostini; $5 4 blue point oysters, blood orange mignonett; $6 2 mini kobe beef burgers, mushrooms, fontina; and $4 pizza margherita. And then we ordered dessert from the regular lunch menu. We left with our wallets a little thinner and our asses a little fatter. But now we know how much to order next time.
So, we went back for a SENSIBLE lunch--which has now become the Usual: the kobe sliders which were juicy enough to be tad bit messy and addictive as hell, and the smoked salmon on grilled crostini which Annette could not have enough of. That was it. $11 for two people and a perfect amount of lunch.
At lunch time you probably would get Mark the Bartender as your server. And he's all kinds of fantastic!
Oh, and they also have selected beer and craft cocktails for $5. Not that I encourage you to drink at lunch or anything... *ahem*
P.S. From my other visits, I have discovered Blood and Sand. I'm not a scotch fan but yet I had to ask the bartender if they'd make in a pitcher this concoction of famous grouse scotch, cherry heering, sweet vermouth, and fresh OJ.