gmoney w.'s Profile
Date
7994 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-5050
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-5050
Vivoli Cafe & Trattoria
Category:
Italian
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
2805 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 821-1224
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 821-1224
Johnnies NY Pizza
Category:
Pizza
Neighborhood: Venice
Contact the Vatican. I have found the Holy Grail of Pizza, not Piza. Although I did have to lean for support after consuming more than my share of the pie along with a freshly chopped salad from Johnnie's NY Pizzeria, I still managed to whisper satisfyingly, "Mamma Mia!"
Here I go, but honestly I could not resist from having one slice after another.
Now, I'm comparing my recent epiphany to probably romanticized memories of some of the most unique pizzas that I've had on a trip to Italy more than a few years ago. The combinations of fresh produce, seafood, and salumi toppings spoiled me even for the most talked about pies in this country (i.e. from old-school Lombardi and Batali's Otto in NY to Nancy Silverton's Mozza in LA).
After years of searching, I honestly gave up. Then, came Johnnie's...
When a friend suggested that we dial up a couple of pizzas for dinner after a day of watching Kobe and the Lakers, followed by tennis and a swim, I thought it was brilliant. The same friend who has been a long time fan of Johnny's New York Pizza on Abbot Kinney just west of Lincoln insisted that I try the NY White Pie.
In less than 20 minutes, dinner arrived with creamy garlic sauce, gourmet mozzarella cheese, sautéed baby spinach and an additional shrimp topping. I admit I had some suspicion but the burgundy was getting into my head so when in Rome...
Ahh, it's a miraculous conception. It's carbonara on a pie but better with lightly cooked shrimp, perfectly pink and not at all rubbery. (Btx, the secret code is to order it slightly undercooked and crisp it up in the oven for a few mins just before serving.)
I also recommend the NY Chopped Salad. The list of ingredients include Italian salami, garbanzo beans, roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, diced zucchinis and carrots, Kalamata olives, and corn, just to name a few. Tossed with a lightly dressed vinaigrette, the salad was a perfect accompaniment to a meal worthy of a saint.
Johnnie's is my latest favorite pizzeria west of the 405.
Standouts on the menu according to long time fans and neighbors: NY White Pie, NY Chopped Salad, Vegetarian Chopped Salad, Homemade Lasagna, and Johnnie's Combo.
http://bellygasm.typep...
Here I go, but honestly I could not resist from having one slice after another.
Now, I'm comparing my recent epiphany to probably romanticized memories of some of the most unique pizzas that I've had on a trip to Italy more than a few years ago. The combinations of fresh produce, seafood, and salumi toppings spoiled me even for the most talked about pies in this country (i.e. from old-school Lombardi and Batali's Otto in NY to Nancy Silverton's Mozza in LA).
After years of searching, I honestly gave up. Then, came Johnnie's...
When a friend suggested that we dial up a couple of pizzas for dinner after a day of watching Kobe and the Lakers, followed by tennis and a swim, I thought it was brilliant. The same friend who has been a long time fan of Johnny's New York Pizza on Abbot Kinney just west of Lincoln insisted that I try the NY White Pie.
In less than 20 minutes, dinner arrived with creamy garlic sauce, gourmet mozzarella cheese, sautéed baby spinach and an additional shrimp topping. I admit I had some suspicion but the burgundy was getting into my head so when in Rome...
Ahh, it's a miraculous conception. It's carbonara on a pie but better with lightly cooked shrimp, perfectly pink and not at all rubbery. (Btx, the secret code is to order it slightly undercooked and crisp it up in the oven for a few mins just before serving.)
I also recommend the NY Chopped Salad. The list of ingredients include Italian salami, garbanzo beans, roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, diced zucchinis and carrots, Kalamata olives, and corn, just to name a few. Tossed with a lightly dressed vinaigrette, the salad was a perfect accompaniment to a meal worthy of a saint.
Johnnie's is my latest favorite pizzeria west of the 405.
Standouts on the menu according to long time fans and neighbors: NY White Pie, NY Chopped Salad, Vegetarian Chopped Salad, Homemade Lasagna, and Johnnie's Combo.
http://bellygasm.typep...
12034 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 437-0144
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 437-0144
The Curious Palate
Categories:
Cheese Shops,
Cafes
No. 2 pencils down. Time to ditch your Spidey lunchbox. Pork Cheeks are not just for fancy dinner anymore.
For starter, the complexity of the Pork Cheek Chili caught me completely off guard. Cubes of meat with bits of bacon and a hint of heat and smokiness made me wonder if there's a cowboy cooking in the kitchen. I enjoyed it so much that I found myself scrapping the bowl. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the Cubano sandwich showed up with slow-roasted Berkshire pork, Fra' Mani Ham, Gruyère Cheese and whole grain mustard pressed on a rustic roll. The thought of it just made my mouth water. It's one hell of a sandwich. I almost regretted that I was splitting the sandwich to make room for a salad. And boy, am I glad I got the White Bean Salad with English Peas. The beans was cooked perfectly, a textbook example of al dente. The equal portion of fresh peas tasted as sweet as the morning dew. And the greens.... let's just say I'll be hunting for them at the farmer's market this week.
The Curious Palate is my new favorite market/café. Now, I know what good farm-to-table cooking is all about.
P.S. I almost took home the Guincale behind the counter with fat to meat ratio of 3:1. It gives a new meaning to heart healthy, eat happy.
http://bellygasm.typep...
For starter, the complexity of the Pork Cheek Chili caught me completely off guard. Cubes of meat with bits of bacon and a hint of heat and smokiness made me wonder if there's a cowboy cooking in the kitchen. I enjoyed it so much that I found myself scrapping the bowl. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the Cubano sandwich showed up with slow-roasted Berkshire pork, Fra' Mani Ham, Gruyère Cheese and whole grain mustard pressed on a rustic roll. The thought of it just made my mouth water. It's one hell of a sandwich. I almost regretted that I was splitting the sandwich to make room for a salad. And boy, am I glad I got the White Bean Salad with English Peas. The beans was cooked perfectly, a textbook example of al dente. The equal portion of fresh peas tasted as sweet as the morning dew. And the greens.... let's just say I'll be hunting for them at the farmer's market this week.
The Curious Palate is my new favorite market/café. Now, I know what good farm-to-table cooking is all about.
P.S. I almost took home the Guincale behind the counter with fat to meat ratio of 3:1. It gives a new meaning to heart healthy, eat happy.
http://bellygasm.typep...
Umami? I say, U-Damn Good. WOW. The burger left me speechless. To quote my bf, "it makes The Counter (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) look like they don't know what they're doing." 4realz. It's that good.
I shared the signature Umami Burger as well as the Hatch Burger which comes with 4 different types of chiles "to spice up my life". I started with the Umami which completely blew me away. The patty was perfectly cooked, pink on the inside, loosely formed, far from a hockey puck, and with just enough jus on my plate after I halved the burger that I gladly mopped it up. Waste not, want not, baby!
I didn't bother taking too much time to dissect each ingredient; I just couldn't wait to taste another bite and let the fifth taste consume me. It was pure heaven. As someone who stopped eating beef for 8 yrs after the mad cow scare, if this is the way to go, then hallelujah, praise the Lord!
The Portuguese buns made me wonder if I should pick up baking or at least plan a pilgrimage to Portugal. Between burgers, I had some Malt Liquor Tempura Onion Rings. It was interesting but frankly, I came for the burger, and I was ready to conquer the Hatch. Even with the freshly diced, perfectly squared cubes of chiles, I must confess that I did take advantage of the homemade condiments for additional flavor.
If I had the burgers in reverse order, I might have given both the same grade. But since the Unami Burger required no enhancement, I give it an A+ and an A for the Hatch. Finally, I've been reading reviews after reviews and blogs after blogs about Umami Burger ad nausem that it felt like a déjà vu. It definitely lived up to my expectation, and it's namesake. It's so mmm, mmm, mmm... good. It's Umami good.
http://bellygasm.typep...
I shared the signature Umami Burger as well as the Hatch Burger which comes with 4 different types of chiles "to spice up my life". I started with the Umami which completely blew me away. The patty was perfectly cooked, pink on the inside, loosely formed, far from a hockey puck, and with just enough jus on my plate after I halved the burger that I gladly mopped it up. Waste not, want not, baby!
I didn't bother taking too much time to dissect each ingredient; I just couldn't wait to taste another bite and let the fifth taste consume me. It was pure heaven. As someone who stopped eating beef for 8 yrs after the mad cow scare, if this is the way to go, then hallelujah, praise the Lord!
The Portuguese buns made me wonder if I should pick up baking or at least plan a pilgrimage to Portugal. Between burgers, I had some Malt Liquor Tempura Onion Rings. It was interesting but frankly, I came for the burger, and I was ready to conquer the Hatch. Even with the freshly diced, perfectly squared cubes of chiles, I must confess that I did take advantage of the homemade condiments for additional flavor.
If I had the burgers in reverse order, I might have given both the same grade. But since the Unami Burger required no enhancement, I give it an A+ and an A for the Hatch. Finally, I've been reading reviews after reviews and blogs after blogs about Umami Burger ad nausem that it felt like a déjà vu. It definitely lived up to my expectation, and it's namesake. It's so mmm, mmm, mmm... good. It's Umami good.
http://bellygasm.typep...
4722 1/4 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 306-6300
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 306-6300
Sugarfish By Sushi Nozawa
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: Marina Del Rey
Admittedly, I've never been to Sushi Nozawa in Studio City but have heard enough hype so I probably had heightened expectation. Everything was just a bit overdone...The fish was sliced too wide. The yellowtail sushi was swimming in a kiddy pool of ponzu. I swear the next table over had sashimi just drowning in either ponzu or soy. What a pity. To add more insult to injury, the sushi rice in the crab handroll at the end of my meal was more than slightly warm and overly vinegary.
Although the quality of the fish is above par (but far from great), some of the heavy handedness or perhaps just the general lack of appreciation for a delicate balance between key ingredients (fish, rice, vinegar and sometime ponzu) detracted from the entire experience. I know I shouldn't stereotype or racial profile but heck, I had a clear view into the kitchen and only saw a bald headed white dude and a sumo-sized Latino male making sushi... There is a lot to be said for execution that comes from not only years of experience but also a studied appreciation for the culture behind the cuisine. LA has some of the best authentic, ethnic restaurants in the country. With that said, would you eat at a dim sum restaurant with non-Chinese kitchen staff? I don't think so.
The Pinkberry decor is, well, too tart for my taste. It maybe as good as it gets in Marina Del Rey, but it's way too pricey for what it is. Believe me, I've ponied up for sushi over the years that I could have made a nice down payment on a house before fog-a-mirror-anyone-gets-a-mortgage days.
If you want really good, and I mean seriously knock-your-socks-off sushi, drop everything and head to Sushi Zo. If you think you know good sushi but have never been to Sushi Zo, do yourself a favor and bring a friend to help sober you up after you start crying like a baby and wonder how you've been deprived for so long. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Although the quality of the fish is above par (but far from great), some of the heavy handedness or perhaps just the general lack of appreciation for a delicate balance between key ingredients (fish, rice, vinegar and sometime ponzu) detracted from the entire experience. I know I shouldn't stereotype or racial profile but heck, I had a clear view into the kitchen and only saw a bald headed white dude and a sumo-sized Latino male making sushi... There is a lot to be said for execution that comes from not only years of experience but also a studied appreciation for the culture behind the cuisine. LA has some of the best authentic, ethnic restaurants in the country. With that said, would you eat at a dim sum restaurant with non-Chinese kitchen staff? I don't think so.
The Pinkberry decor is, well, too tart for my taste. It maybe as good as it gets in Marina Del Rey, but it's way too pricey for what it is. Believe me, I've ponied up for sushi over the years that I could have made a nice down payment on a house before fog-a-mirror-anyone-gets-a-mortgage days.
If you want really good, and I mean seriously knock-your-socks-off sushi, drop everything and head to Sushi Zo. If you think you know good sushi but have never been to Sushi Zo, do yourself a favor and bring a friend to help sober you up after you start crying like a baby and wonder how you've been deprived for so long. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
11188 Washington Pl
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-6821
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-6821
Metro Cafe
Categories:
American (New),
Diners
Neighborhood: Culver City
When a friend told me to meet her for dinner at Metro Cafe, she said, "You'll like this Serbian/Euro diner. They know how to make a real cappuccino with froth stiff enough to give you a mustache." Being an ex-Eurotrash with occasional relapses, I was secretly excited. Before my friend hung up the phone, she added, "It's located in a No-tel Motel. Just kidding. Look for the Travelodge." Naturally, an image of the shower stabbing scene in Psycho flashed across my mind.
For starter, I had Seared Tuna on a bed of Hummus made from English Peas. I was charmed at first bite. The tuna was perfectly seared and thinly sliced with just the right amount of pink on the inside. Unsuspectingly, the tuna played the supporting role on the plate. The star was the hummus, a perfect juxtaposition in terms of taste and composition. It was as delicate as the tuna but earthy with a natural sweetness of straight from the farmer's market kind of produce. Under dim lighting, it was the technicolor green of a world class golf course on HDTV. Without a doubt, the appetizer was the winner of the evening. The Lamb Osso Bucco with Pappardelle was fork tender and dee-li-cious. Dolly certainly did not die in vain. To cap a satisfying meal, the cappuccino was just as promised: full body and a stiffy. Just the way I like it. Shhh, don't tell that to my Mother... Norman?
Quality ingredients. Imaginative menu. Well-priced wine list. Atmosphere that almost makes you want to smoke a pack of Gitanes. No, I don't work for Metro Cafe. I'm just a girl in da hood with a hearty appetite.
http://bellygasm.typep...
For starter, I had Seared Tuna on a bed of Hummus made from English Peas. I was charmed at first bite. The tuna was perfectly seared and thinly sliced with just the right amount of pink on the inside. Unsuspectingly, the tuna played the supporting role on the plate. The star was the hummus, a perfect juxtaposition in terms of taste and composition. It was as delicate as the tuna but earthy with a natural sweetness of straight from the farmer's market kind of produce. Under dim lighting, it was the technicolor green of a world class golf course on HDTV. Without a doubt, the appetizer was the winner of the evening. The Lamb Osso Bucco with Pappardelle was fork tender and dee-li-cious. Dolly certainly did not die in vain. To cap a satisfying meal, the cappuccino was just as promised: full body and a stiffy. Just the way I like it. Shhh, don't tell that to my Mother... Norman?
Quality ingredients. Imaginative menu. Well-priced wine list. Atmosphere that almost makes you want to smoke a pack of Gitanes. No, I don't work for Metro Cafe. I'm just a girl in da hood with a hearty appetite.
http://bellygasm.typep...
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 577-9775
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 577-9775
French Market Café
Categories:
French,
Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Venice
Bonjour! Ca va? Très bien. Merci. Je voudrais une quiche lorraine, une croissant, et une café chaud. Donc, répétez avec moi.
That's about all I remember after 2 years of college French. But as one shameless Francophile who would drop everything for a trip to Pahree, it ain't faux; it's fo' realz.
If you order as I just demo, you will go no wrong. Never mind that I've yet to work up the chutzpah to actually order them en Français. Between not wanting to waste anytime correcting myself after butchering the accent and embarrassing myself, I just want to order and quietly enjoy the buttery, flaky croissant with a nugget of chocolate surprise in the middle. The light, airy quiche makes you want to propose marriage to the next girl you meet named Lorraine. Bien sûr, a taste of the heavenly balanced, aromatic hot coffee with a hint of nuttiness and the smoothness of velvet makes you want to shout, "Viva La France!"
They also have a great selection of wine. Go for breakfast or brunch. Grab a bottle or 2. 3 if you're thirsty. Trust me. You'll be seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Sing it ,s'il vous plaît: http://www.youtube.com...
http://bellygasm.typep...
That's about all I remember after 2 years of college French. But as one shameless Francophile who would drop everything for a trip to Pahree, it ain't faux; it's fo' realz.
If you order as I just demo, you will go no wrong. Never mind that I've yet to work up the chutzpah to actually order them en Français. Between not wanting to waste anytime correcting myself after butchering the accent and embarrassing myself, I just want to order and quietly enjoy the buttery, flaky croissant with a nugget of chocolate surprise in the middle. The light, airy quiche makes you want to propose marriage to the next girl you meet named Lorraine. Bien sûr, a taste of the heavenly balanced, aromatic hot coffee with a hint of nuttiness and the smoothness of velvet makes you want to shout, "Viva La France!"
They also have a great selection of wine. Go for breakfast or brunch. Grab a bottle or 2. 3 if you're thirsty. Trust me. You'll be seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Sing it ,s'il vous plaît: http://www.youtube.com...
http://bellygasm.typep...
I swear i just spent 5 minutes debating btx clicking 2 star for "Meh, I've experienced better." or 4 star = "Yay! I'm a fan", cuz my inside voice, which coincidentally sounds a lot like Elmer Fudd was tellin me, "keep very vehree quiet." Alas, I decided I must be true to myself. Shrink's order.
I have a love, love, love, (pause) hate, (pause) love-love relationship with Kogi tacos. I dream of Kogi tacos. I wish I could nod my head, and a plate of Kogi tacos miraculously appear before me. 1 short ribs, 1 bbq chicken, 1 tofu. I wake up; I check the Kogi twitter feed to see what I missed last night. I go to the loo; I check to see if there's a new special.
I may sound a lil' obsessed. So, I stalk it on cyberspace. I only know what I like. No rabbit stew. I just want my tacos, and I want it now.
I will now serenade Kogi, my beloved taco:
oh, Kogi
your so fine
your so fine
you blow my mind
hey Kogi
hey, hey
hey Kogi
hey, hey 3x
I have a love, love, love, (pause) hate, (pause) love-love relationship with Kogi tacos. I dream of Kogi tacos. I wish I could nod my head, and a plate of Kogi tacos miraculously appear before me. 1 short ribs, 1 bbq chicken, 1 tofu. I wake up; I check the Kogi twitter feed to see what I missed last night. I go to the loo; I check to see if there's a new special.
I may sound a lil' obsessed. So, I stalk it on cyberspace. I only know what I like. No rabbit stew. I just want my tacos, and I want it now.
I will now serenade Kogi, my beloved taco:
oh, Kogi
your so fine
your so fine
you blow my mind
hey Kogi
hey, hey
hey Kogi
hey, hey 3x
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Review votes:
6 Useful, 10 Funny, and 7 Cool
Compliments
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2009
Things I LoveJulia Child, The Colbert Report, Pat Benatar
Find Me Ina bowl of ramen, facedown, lickin my chopsticks
My HometownNomad
My Blog Or Website My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I Read"When You Are Engulfed in Flames" by David Sedaris
My Last Meal On EarthPork Belly, Pork Belly, feed me PORK BeLLy!
It's not everyday that I get to meet new friends, listen to some of the best live music west of the Mississippi, and learn an important life lesson. When Radoslav Lorkovic, a Croatian-born musician, said "Vivoli makes the best gnocchi like my grandmother used to make," I knew we're in for a treat.
Scanning Vivoli's menu transported me to a trattoria in Rome. The Insalata di Caesar (caesar salad) was worthy of a king, with strategic shavings of fresh parmigiano reggiano and a dressing that brings out the flavor of crisp romaine rather than dominate. When the Gnocchetti come a Sorrento (potato gnocchi with mozzarella, tomato, and basil), arrived with the sweet scent of tomato and basil, it drew me in like a siren song. The small gnocchi was so delicate that it almost brought me to my knees. Oh mercy, mercy me.
On the other hand, the Spaghetti al Ragu' di Carne con Porcini (spaghetti pasta with a rich beef veal ragout and porcini mushroom sauce) was robust and earthy, a perfect marriage developed from slow cooked meat and high quality porcini. Every morsel was an operatic experience. I was at once thrilled and humbled, reaching highs and lows, with each disappearing strand of spaghetti from my plate.
By the end of the meal, I learned that Rad and the great Jimmy LaFave have toured throughout Europe, and one of their favorite country to perform in is Italy. And, they certainly are living the dream. To quote Julius Caesar, "experience is the teacher of all things." And if I've learned anything from this spectacular dinner, it is that musicians know where to eat.
http://bellygasm.typep...