M C.'s Profile

10/24/09

Meeting with friends for dinner.

$115 for 2 people:

Appetizers:
Chilled Spanish Sherry
Carpaccio

Dinner:
Ribeye
Frutti di Mare Pasta

Wine by the glass:
Wyndham Shiraz - Australian
Hess Sauvignon Blanc - Californian

The appetizer was not interesting for $14. However, my brother's rib-eye medium rare just melted in mouth, served with mushroom sauce. It was worth the $24. I substituted the tomato based sauce of my seafood pasta to garlic and olive oil. There were squid, mussel, clams, and a piece of scallop. All dishes were very 'orthodox' of Italian cuisine and the extensive wine menu showed some thoughts to it. The villa-style courtyard had a great atmosphere in early evening for guests want to enjoy the outdoor.

Do not be intimidated by our check, the menu offers a range of prices. It was that we purposely picked steak and seafood to try. Again, the rib-eye!! Fantastic by itself or with a glass of Shiraz.

10/23/09

A $60 (tips included) dinner with V at Culver City:

Appetizers:
Shishito Peppers
Finger Roll
Salmon Skin Salad

Entrees:
Soft Shell Crab Roll
Hiko Roll
A 300 ml bottle of nigori sake

We decided to have an izakaya style of dinner instead of set dinners. The shishito peppers were ideal to start along with the sake, while we exchange some gossip. The 'finger roll'-- 4 mini egg rolls looked like 'firecracker roll' from Thai restaurant, have shrimp, chicken, chestnut, and Japanese basil. Very mild and crispy.

The salmon skin salad is a meal in itself. A confetti of vegetables were piled up with many crispy ribbons of salmon skin for every bite. The dressing was very light and we could have ordered a second one. Highly recommend: A+. The rolls were average and the fried onion (shallot) on the Hiko roll was a first time for me. A bit overwhelming for my taste of sushi.

10/19/09

Lunch inside Farmer's Market. Pampas--a cafeteria style Brazilian BBQ @ 8.95 / lb, with selections of favorite side dishes.

Sides:
Sweet Beet Salad.
Palm Heart Salad, with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes in olive oil.
Eggplant Salad.
Fried Yuca.
Green Collard (with Garlic?)

Main:
Sausages.
Sirloin Cap.
Garlic Beef.
Lamb.

Price: $25.12 + $3 tips for two.

We weren't sure the quality of the BBQ, hence we only had a little of everything listed. After the first bite, the reaction was 'WOW', and we went back for a second plate. The chefs carved generous portion in general (when I asked for a little more of sirloin cap, he basically sliced me the whole chunk), and if you like variety, just ask them to slice few of each.

The sides were freshly prepared in smaller portion, and they keep bringing them out from the kitchen. My favorite were the fried yuca and green collard. Both were not everyday dishes in my own kitchen. Nonetheless, they went perfectly with the smokey BBQ. The green collard (played the bitter palate) paired very well with the juicy lamb (light pink in the center). And the fried yuca, like steak fries but more crispy and fibrous, was great with the garlic beef.

For Brazilian BBQ, the price is unbeatable for 2. Instead of burning a hole in my wallet, Pampas Grill provided an alternative option for my friend and me to casually enjoy a sunny day in mid-October with great lunch. We also grabbed 2 beer from the other end of the Farmer's Market to complete our lunch.

Suggestions to Yelpers:
1. I recommend the $8.95 / lb selection (half side dishes and half BBQ) to enjoy vast variety of food. Please keep in mind that to balance the salad and meat in 1:1 portion to be fair and courteous. It's also good for a healthier diet.

2. Use a to-go box instead of plate. This is more ideal to carry the meal with you when you decide to finish it later. The BBQ is just as good when it's cold along with the salads.

3. Although this is a food court setting, please tip. The 'gauchos' did serve and especially when they carved the best parts (personally referring to the charred ends).

10/19/20

Turkish Coffee $5
Napoleon $5

I decided to get my mid-day snack at 5 pm. The Turkish coffee was just what I needed it paired with the Napoleon perfectly. Sitting on the sidewalk allow the sunset to shine on me while I enjoy my coffee and creamy pastry.
I would have to come back and try their dishes and hookah next time.

10/19/09

Papaya Juice $4.50
Pineapple & Pear Juice $4.50

We were curious about this elegantly displayed juice bar. Each of us tried a selection of fresh juice that's rare to find in other places.

Both were like nectar (Ceres) and less sweet. I did sense a texture of papaya pulp which was a sign of real juice. The pineapple/pear was refreshing as well, a very new experience to my juice history. We took the juice as drinkable desserts after a hearty lunch of Brazilian BBQ. Perfect ending.

Éple also offers other exotic and exquisite products of fresh fruit and juice products. They are so prettily packed, I could just use them for my Christmas tree ornaments this year.

Lunch time with Aunt Jamie!

Amuse-bouche:
- Marinated celery salad (cold)

Dishes:
- Sauteed loofah with crab roe.
- Shredded pork with bamboo shoots in brown sauce.
- Fish fillet with pickled mustard green*.

Yelping:
The celery salad was very appetizing. We ordered sautéed loofah and pork with bamboo shoots, then the waitress suggested a dish from dinner menu for us when I asked about fish.

I loved the loofah, and the pork dish was a perfect mate for steamed rice. But Aunt Jamie told me there were no "crab-roe" in the loofah dish but grated carrots to imitate. I will leave that mystery to the restaurant and other Yelpers. I enjoyed it anyway. Then the fish with mustard green was served last. Thanks to the waitress' suggestion, it was delightful and fresh, the texture was firm and velvety. I highly recommend this dish for fish loving Yelpers, however you might want to ask the waitress first.

10/10/09

Weekend-Get-A-Way @ $189

Sarah and I decided to try this hotel, due to the great reviews on yelp. The service was excellent from start to finish. Once I valeted my car,  the front desk, Oliza, quickly welcomed me and helped me to check in. It took less than 3 minutes with professionalism.

The room I got was spacious and cozy--a lounging area with an armchair, long sofa, coffee table, end table, and desk. The bed was firm and comfortable, which faced a fireplace. A large LG flat-screen TV and a Playstation to entertain. The marble-floor bathroom was clean and it's worth to mention two things: 1. the shower and faucet were very quit. 2. the personal products they offered were in great quality. There were moisturizing soap for face, and a scrub soap for body. These might not be big deals but were details that indicated careful thoughts.

Roof-top Pool:
I had read a book up there in the afternoon, the view and atmosphere were amazing and relaxing. If it's not too cold or windy, the night view was fantastic as well.

Mid-night snacks:
We got back around 12:30 am and there was a cute plate of cookies and chocolate dipped strawberry await. A service we did not order but what a surprise. Sweet, both the cookie and thought.

Check-out:
We decided to have another day here, and the front desk arranged it quickly without a problem. When we decided to check out later that evening instead of staying for another day, the front desk graciously only charge us for half-day.

Overall, they were very attentive and willing to make a wonderful experience to the guests. The staffs were friends, the setting was chic but not up-tight. The location was convenient to bars and clubs with short walking distance--that made last-call more fun! The only issue was parking for visitors: They should have a parking arrangement for visitors instead of a flat rate--something more reasonable. I hope the parking issue will be solved next time when I visit.

Suggestions for Yelpers: Be specific of what you would like in your reservation, and when you are at the front desk, just ask. They are more than happy to accommodate.

Went to lunch with Heather at this place. Yummy!

I had the 'Chicken Sandwich' with sweet potato fries. It was the simplicity of its ingredients that made it so good. The setting reminded me one of those great eateries in East Village and the vegan food was Nor-Cal quality (like ones I had in Berkeley and Oakland). Service was very friendly. Thanks Heather for the quick lunch, I am coming back!

The fried 'chicken' fillet sandwich was served with a whole wheat bun, shredded lettuce, red onion, carrots, and the secret sauce--something between tzatziki and hummus but non-dairy. The fried sweet potato was crispy until the last bite. And I loved when they served a little edamame as side.

Early lunch at 20 past 11 am with Mom and sister.

Dishes:
- Rice stick (vermicelli) with squid in pottage.
- Ay-Chung flour-rice noodle (original).
- Meatball in Taiwanese style.
- Chitterlings stuffed with scallion.
- Deep fried fermented tofu (yes, stinky ones).

I got the flour-rice noodle while Mom tried the rice vermicelli and sister the meatball. We shared the rest of two dishes.

The flour-rice noodle was actually very authentic and... garlicky. Not an early lunch choice if you have to go back to the office! HA! And the soup base became more salty at the end.

Mom liked the rick stick but the squid fish cakes in the soup were a little undercooked; they were still cold in the center. No worries, it's editable.

Sister liked the meatball Taiwanese style as well. I tried a bite, it was not as flavorful as it appeared to be. I think my taste buds were numbed due to the salty soup base of flour-rice noodle.

Chitterlings were crispy and tasteful. I enjoyed even I usually do not order it by myself. Mom ordered fried stinky tofu for a try. I thought it was actually very good: the aroma is not overwhelming and the pickled cabbage was perfect. The tofu cubes had crispy skin and moist body--bursting with dipping sauce in mouth.

I personally enjoyed the cafeteria style and self-service design. It was relaxing. The Taiwanese style dishes, traditionally prepared as street vendor food in this case, have pungent qualities in nose and taste. It was stimulating for the buds and good for the price, except that I had to deal with a garlicky breath for the rest of day. Satisfying.

The house steak special looked good, too. I would try that next time.

08/19/09

I was invited by Laurence to check out this place for its happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm. We arrived around 6:40 pm. Laurence started to order drinks right away and some small dishes, since he was a regular here.

Dishes:
1. Sautée spanich with Inoki mushroom.
2. Chicken koraage / served with Chinese mustard.
3. Tuna sashimi.
4. Albacore tataki.
5. Sweet yam fritters / with curry aioli.
6. Sushi (California Roll)

Beverages:
1. Asahi beer (Laurence)
2. Sake (for moi; did not know what kind, since Laurence ordered it.)

Server: A really cute girl (ops, I forgot her name)
Price: A treat from Laurence.

The shashimi and tataki were first served, these were great with my cold sake. The sweet yam fritters (fries), and chicken karaage were pairing well with the beer.

In general, all the dishes were very good and great with drinks (2 for 1 deals). I loved the izakaya ambiance. Note that we had two kids with us and they enjoyed the food as well. The Open Door used sheets of paper for covering the table; the kids and I had much fun doodling on the paper. It was an unexpected izakaya experience, which was kids friendly. There were kids from other tables as well, a very family-friendly environment.

Thanks to Laurence for introducing a great place!

08/26/09
Eric was visiting from Boston and I took him to Monterey Park for some good food. After the prior experience from last week, I decided to try The Open Door again for its happy hours. We arrived a little past 5 pm and we seemed to be the first customers of the day.

Dishes:
1. Eggplants in miso dressing.
2. Shishamo
3. Salmon skin salad
4. Fried Padrón peppers
5. Chicken karaage

Beverage:
1. Sake (Chiyogiku?)

Server: Another really cute girl I forgot the name.
Price: A treat from Eric.

First, the server recommended the sake of the day. It was very silky and smooth with a sweet finish. The eggplants with miso dressing was so appetizing that we ordered a second one. It was flash-fried and lightly drizzled with the dressing. Very good.

The shishamo was dabbed with honey mustard dressing--a very new experience to me. The salmon skin salad had chopped Japanese pickles, which gave a crunch texture; the dressing coated salad lightly, classic!

Eric was lucky to get that devilish hot Padrón--one out of ten, when he took a bite into the first pepper. The rest were all mine while he was sweating out and raising mouth with the sake (chuckle).  A funny instance to watch and be careful when ordering fried peppers.

Overall, the place is ideal for few friends to gather and chat after work over 2-for-1 happy hours. The food style is fusion, with French flare. The price is very reasonable. Twice I was there, the staffs were knowledgeable with both sake and menu. I suggest just let them decide the drinks and few dishes, and just relax and enjoy.

Thanks to both friends, I had two great meals and wonderful time at no costs!