megan "m. berru" b.'s Profile
DateLos Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 624-1099
Laceys Fabric
Category:
Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: Downtown
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 660-1882
Blair's Restaurant
Category:
American (New)
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
If I had any complaint about the restaurant's physical space, it would be that there's not enough of it at the very front. The steps from "entrance" to "seated" can be cramped and anxious; luckily, the host was quick and accommodating! We hadn't made reservations (maybe I don't love myself enough to make reservations? Fear of rejection? Fear of success? Sloth?) but our host made room for us at the bar, which was all the better for my white tablecloth phobia.
We ordered a bottle of Tantara Pinot noir (Dear Blair's: Forgive my lower-middle-class upbringing, but please put more bottles of wine on your menu that are easy to pronounce) and then, at last, the reward for my branching out: Blair's potato gnocchi with asparagus/mushrooms and parmesan cheese. Not that my short ribs (with leeks and polenta!) weren't good, but the gnocchi changed my life. Earthy, saucy, don't even THINK about taking the last one, because it's mine. I wasn't too keen on my friend's salmon, but I'm fish-squeamish anyway, and he claimed to like it a lot; chalk it up to possible user error.
Our bartender had a little flash of Adam Scott (c. Party Down, RIP), and overall we were well attended-to and not bothered. Men might want to wear a jacket and I didn't see any women in jeans; Blair's well-dressed patrons all blend into the dark setting, with candlelit faces and a few highlighted collars and blouses. It's not quite the deep end of fine dining, but it's definitely a night you'd want to plan.
Final recommendation: Go to Blair's with a reservation and try the gnocchi, which will be so good you will forgive them for using the "Papyrus" typeface on their website!
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-1000
Zengo
Categories:
Asian Fusion,
Latin American,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Proprietors of Zengo (inexplicably pronounced "ZANG-goo," and I bet their servers hate them for it) claim their dishes are an "artful blend of Latin-Asian styles and flavors." If by "artful," they're referring to middle school art where you learn about Jackson Pollock and also try smooshing a lot of things together in somewhat random ways, and then you charge umpteen dollars for it, then I agree with their description. Unfortunately, for food that has such high aspirations, there was very little that seemed fresh and un-busy.
I will say that the chipotle-miso-glazed black cod rocked my world. Hands down. I am usually not too adventurous with fish, either, but yum! Awesometown. Unfortunately, most of our other dishes were just flops: the seafood ceviche was rubbery and flavorless, the yellowfin tuna roll was unspecial, and the grilled beef short ribs were tough. To be fair, they took our ceviche off our bill (we barely touched it), and our fabulous server was professional and knowledgeable about the food, or at least, the food in its ideal state.
Despite what another reviewer said, I thought my prickly pear caipirinha was fantastic. Not too sweet, but not too sour, and capably mixed. My friend wasn't too impressed with his mojito, but then, I've learned not to order "fancy" mojitos, which are so frequently disappointing, so I only blame him.
If I could recommend Zengo for anything, it would be for drinks on a warm, clear night, as the patio has a glamorous California feeling that you usually have to go to a douchebag-laden place to obtain. Also, if you have a little too much money in your wallet, Zengo can help with that too.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(707) 797-7269
Hotel Samy
Category:
Hostels
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
That said, I'm ready to out one of West Hollywood's best-kept secrets (and, let's face it, WeHo loves to do that anyway): Hotel Samy.
In a unique and experimental blend of bed & breakfast and hostel, Hotel Samy comfortably accommodates individuals and small groups. If the fully-stocked liquor cabinet and extremely large TV (a Google review is claiming 65 inches?) are not enough to tempt you to stay in for the night, local West Hollywood favorites Jones, Formosa Cafe, and Bar Lubitsch are all within stumbling distance.
Other amenities of this 2-story, loft-style establishment include free wireless internet, full kitchen, and a sweet deal on Foursquare--complimentary parking every three check-ins! Be forewarned that the non-traditional format of Hotel Samy and its hip location may lend itself to noisy afterparty neighbors (including other hostel guests), and the modern design of the interior offers limited sound privacy as well. But hey, if you wanted peace and quiet, you would have just stayed home, right?
Pricing is seasonal, so make sure to plan in advance to take advantage of off-peak weekends.
Also, you get a discount on your wax the month of your birthday! So speak up! :)
San Fernando Valley, CA 91325
(818) 363-7469
Raffi Najarian, DDS
Category:
Dentists
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 858-1652
Shilo's Kosher Steakhouse
Categories:
Steakhouses,
Kosher
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
For appetizers, my table of three shared the Shiloh's scallops, ceviche, ahi tuna sashimi and tuna tartare. The non-shellfish "scallops"--which looked and tasted like they were wrapped in bacon, rather than the actual bass substitute--had a lovely mild flavor, even if the texture was a little off. (Maybe "accurate" would be a fair descriptor of the taste? It was eerily similar to its treif target.) The ceviche was yummy, nothing earth-shaking, and the sashimi was perfectly serviceable, but dudes: the tuna tartare. Otherworldly. I had fantasies about ordering six more bowls of them, to be eaten alone, on my couch, with the very best seasons of [your favorite HBO show here] and a haughty expression. We've found it, you guys. Tuna tartare fountain of youth.
The entree was good, a delectable honey lavender chicken (the lavender flavor was very subtle, but the chardonnay honey au jus? perfect) with average garlic mashed potatoes and grilled squash, and dessert was a decadent molten chocolate cake. Couldn't get the tartare off my mind, but I have a tendency to dwell.
Ambiance-wise, I'm not sure if Shiloh's is my thing. It's definitely a white-tablecloth-type of place with imposing booths that don't lend themselves to casual arm relaxation. Is that picky? Maybe a little, but they also only have one restroom to share between sexes, and I can justify griping about that. (The single restroom thing does give you a good excuse to take it easy on the wine. You wouldn't want to get in a slurry debate about evolution with your superior, or anything. I mean, I'm guessing.)
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-7768
The Sandwich Spot
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
1 Previous Review:
-
8/17/2010
Attention, single ladies! Before you get your hopes up about the cute guy that works here and post a Craigslist missed connection because you thought him forgetting to put onions on your sandwich meant something, let me just put you on notice that they ask nearly everyone their name and it's not always About You. So take a chill pill, okay? Save yourself some anxiety and eat your Still Slick or My Man Dave sans fantasy.
The Sandwich Spot is convenient and yes, their BBQ chicken/pork/tri-tip sandwiches are tops. The employees are friendly (as mentioned above) and service is fast. But frankly, it's still a new place and not all the kinks are worked out. The "bomb sauce" has potential, but can be too heavy, especially on repeat sandwiches; there are some pesky gnats bumming around the soda machine; and sometimes right at noon, the lines are crazy long. But basically, unless you're coming here to fall in love with an employee or to become Mayor on Foursquare, you'll probably have a good experience.
Listed in: Reliable Fast Food
1 Previous Review:
-
6/9/2009
Much like other reviewers here, I have a warm foodie fondness for Del Taco. I don't want to say I'm an emotional eater, or that I'd ever stuff my face later than 6pm, but sometimes there's no better cure for the SoCal ex-boyfriend blues than a midnight excursion to Santa Monica and Highland with Third Eye Blind's Motorcycle Drive By blaring in the stereo and the giant, eternal iPod ad superintending a wicked left turn into one of the worst fast food parking lots in Hollywood. Choosing to eat inside after the bars close will expose the casual diner to the worst--and most entertaining--freaks and disasters of East Hollywood. Would I go so far as to watch obsese 19 year-olds with secret flasks and Rocky Horror-inspired clothing re-enact Vanessa Hudgens' Sneaker Night in the parking lot just for a pair of chicken soft tacos and some crinkle cut fries?
No, I wouldn't, but I'll definitely drive through.
(310) 889-4187
The Dim Sum Truck
Categories:
Dim Sum,
Food Stands
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Ultimately, it's a good thing; now I can feel more comfortable branching out in Food Truck Alley.
1 Previous Review:
-
6/4/2010
I was so blown away by this fantastic food truck yesterday that I wrote a haiku in celebration:
How now, har gow? Yum
Open sesame rice ball
Lunch today, dim sum
The pork buns were also delicious, but I have to say that the har gow was a standout. Its texture is absolutely unmatched by any dim sum I've had recently. I've been looking for a new scene to get into lately ... maybe "Dim Sum Truck Groupie" would fit the bill.
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West Los Angeles, CA
Yelping SinceOctober 2008
Things I LoveRamen, Nozawa, boba, Mongolian bbq, tequila, restaurants with patios
Find Me InWest LA
My HometownSan Fernando Valley, CA
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm dealing with abandonment issues.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsIt's like dating me, only cheaper and with less emotional investment.
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadChristopher Ryan's "Sex at Dawn"
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I can jump-start a car using only my teeth.
Most Recent DiscoveryCoffee! Yes, I'm an adult now. (No, I won't drink it black.)
Current CrushHugh Laurie, Ira Glass, Marc Maron, Gabe Delahaye