love me...hate me...feed me...

Best Sake Ever...

2011-12-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

with gold flakes inside.

Mako Sushi

2011-12-27T22:57:00.000-08:00

Compliments of the sushi chef!

A Pleasant Surprise...

2011-11-29T23:47:00.001-08:00

Mollie Trattoria

2011-09-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

This was the best crab pasta I ever had!
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Tres by Jose Andres

2011-04-15T21:14:00.001-07:00

I LOVE everything about this place...the food...the service...and the decor. You can't go wrong with endless caviar, cheese & cured meats with creative cocktails & Cava mimosas!

The Royce

2011-04-15T21:06:00.001-07:00

I dined at The Royce for Valentine's Day this year. The best dish I had there was the caviar & oyster with crepe. It was AMAZING! I can seriously eat that everyday! I also loved the presentation of their desserts. It was too pretty to eat...but I still ate it. Thank you to my Valentine for taking me!

Maison Akira

2011-04-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Franco - Japanese Tapas

Carousel - French Sparkling Wine

Maine Lobster Bisque

Angus Beef Steak and Frites with Cauliflower Gratin

Caramel Flan with Cream Chantilly

Bistro Night @Maison Akira!

Orris

2011-04-15T20:49:00.001-07:00

I always go back for their Shrimp Mousse Ravioli and their Apple Tart dessert. They never disappoint! Trust me!

Fraiche Culver City

2011-04-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I dined at Fraiche right before my NYE party and had their prefix menu. I heard they hired a new chef so I was curious to check it out. Chef Ben Bailly did a GREAT job with all his dishes because I went back several more times after that night. I wanted to try everything on their regular menu which I practically did. I will post those photos later because they're all in my blackberry for now.

Red Medicine

2011-04-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try this place since it was known to be Vietnamese/Asian Fusion and I am a HUGE fan of Vietnamese food. Their Foie Gras "Banh Mi" and the Crispy Spring Roll were a hit for me.

5th Annual Xmas Party

2011-04-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Portos catering + drinks hosted by VeeV + fancy 1920's theme + great girlfriends = BEST PARTY EVER!

Cleo

2011-04-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

I think I was more impressed by the decor & ambiance of this restaurant rather than the food itself. The bread they give you in the beginning was actually the best thing I ate there.

Totorako

2011-04-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

I finally got reservations at Totorako and the experience was well worth the wait. The beef tongue was my favorite meat there because it was so tender and melted in my mouth. I ended up ordering 2 more plates!

Peter Luger Steakhouse

2011-04-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

I really wish there was a Peter Luger Steakhouse in LA. I can't find anything that comes close.

Per Se

2011-04-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is that Per Se is my favorite French restaurant. I loved every single dish and the desserts were amazing! I can't wait to back...I would just fly to NYC just to eat there again!

Jean Georges

2011-04-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

Last fall, I took a trip to NYC...one of my favorite places to visit. Jean Georges was one of the places I wanted to check out. The scallop dish was my favorite because the texture was very soft. I love how they make their own marshmallows too....it was a nice way to end lunch.

Best Pork Slices

2010-12-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

The pork slices at Daikokuya literally melts in your mouth. Mmm.
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Chef Meehan

2010-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Chris and I with Chef Kevin Meehan at Cafe Pinot. He makes the best cheese risotto in town!
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Favorite Vietnamese Dessert...

2010-12-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it's called though. :/
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Sweet Tooth?

2010-12-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

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Urth Caffe

2010-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

A healthy start...
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Late Night Snacks

2010-12-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

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Cold Stone

2010-12-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Sweet cream with pound cake, graham cracker crust, and oreos!
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Dinner @PaulyEsther's

2010-12-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

I have been so lucky and honored to be invited to PaulyEsther's home for their delicious cooking. Chef Paul seriously knows how to satisfy everyone's tummy especially with his creative ways of cooking. Caviar is always a must at their place and of course it is my favorite. I brought some desserts from Bottega Louie to top off the amazing dinner.

The Bazaar

2010-12-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Bazaar has some interesting dishes and their presentation always impresses me. Their sweet & savory items like the Cotton Candy Foie Gras is incredible. It is definitely a must try when you go for a visit. I love their Caviar Cones and their Uni Buns...

CUT

2010-12-03T14:36:00.001-08:00

I can never get enough of CUT. Their Japanese Kobe is the best. Some people don't like it because they say that it has too much fat. As for me, the fattier the better! A nice steak and a glass of red wine is what you call my perfect dinner.

Starry Kitchen

2010-09-22T14:35:00.001-07:00

EVERYTHING at Starry Kitchen is delicious! I'm sure you have heard of their famous Green Tofu Balls which is a must try! I was lucky to try their Pandan Flan at the Plate by Plate event and I thought it was the best flan I've ever had in my life. The Korean Black Pork Belly Sandwich is another one of my favorites with a side of their Pineapple Fried Rice. Starry Kitchen is located in Downtown La so if you're ever in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by.

Chanel Anyone?

2010-09-20T21:45:00.001-07:00

Cabo San Lucas

2010-09-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

I recently visited CABO for my gf's bachelorette party. It was so much fun and the beaches were amazing. I wasn't too fond of the food there but everything else made up for it. Next destination: Cancun!

Cafe Pinot

2010-09-16T14:45:00.001-07:00

Cafe Pinot has the best truffle risotto. It's too bad I don't have a photo of it only because they didn't have it on the menu when I was dining there on this night. However, I was lucky enough to try it on another night when Executive Chef Kevin Meehan was working. Thank you for introducing me to the best risotto ever!

2010-09-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is my second time at Bistro LQ and it is one of my favorite French restaurants in LA. Their uni dish is lovely and I can never get enough of their foie gras.

The Foundry on Melrose

2010-09-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Executive Chef and owner, Eric Greenspan, also known as the Next Iron Chef definitely knows how to make the best fried chicken. On Tuesdays, they have a Bluesy Tuesday menu which features dishes from the south. I love his fried chicken & waffles with grits. His regular menu is awesome too!

Green Hut Cafe

2010-09-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to be invited to a private tasting of my friend's new restaurant, Green Hut Cafe, opening later this year in Downtown LA. I ha the opportunity to try all of their test dishes which were all very good. Green Hut Cafe will feature only the finest organic ingredients in each dish. I can't wait until it opens!

Jiraffe

2010-09-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Executive Chef and owner, Raphael Lunetta, makes some of the best dishes in Santa Monica. He was also the VIP Chef for the 2010 Plate by Plate event where he prepared a nice halibut dish for our VIP guests and celebrities. I love dining at Jiraffe....their trout and beet salad is a MUST TRY!

La Cachette Bistro

2010-09-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

La Cachette Bistro's Spinach and Frisee Salad with a Poached Egg is my favorite dish there along with their famous Chocolate Souffle (the BEST I've ever had).

Mo-Chica

2010-09-16T13:35:00.001-07:00

I finally dined at Mo-Chica. It was a little tough finding the place since it is located inside a mart but I am so happy that I got to taste Chef Ricardo's tasting menu. The corn nuts they give you in the beginning is really good...I think I had 3 bowls of it! Everything was wonderful and I will definitely visit Chef Ricardo again.

Sen Nari

2010-09-16T13:22:00.001-07:00

I never heard about Sen Nari but happened to stumble upon it while looking for some place to eat in Gardena. I must say the sushi was so fresh and delicious. Their salmon roe sushi with quail egg is the BEST!

Extreme Boot Camp

2010-08-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

The past few months have been very hectic for me since I have been planning the Plate by Plate Tasting Benefit. I haven't had time to do anything. Now that the event is over, I finally got my life back to blog. A few weeks ago, I joined Extreme Boot Camp in Downtown LA because I wanted to really get fit and learn how to balance my life. I'm always working (and EATING) but I know that sleep and exercise are also very important to have in our daily lives. The classes are an hour long and I start early in the morning because I never have any time after work. Taking the classes have been amazing and the trainers really motivate you. I love the fact that I have more energy through out the day which makes me more productive. So far so good...wait for my next update!

Bizarre Food

2010-08-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow food blogger, Bill, invited me to his viewing party for the Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Food show. They had an episode on Bill's food adventures in Mexico. At the party, I finally got to try some fried grasshoppers. It was crunchy and salty...a perfect combo. Thanks Bill!

Musha in Torrance

2010-08-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Musha always has some creative dishes. It's my favorite place to go when I want something different and good. I don't remember what any of these dishes are called but they are very descriptive in their menu so you shouldn't have a problem figuring out what you want.

Mario Batali Live Cooking Show

2010-08-18T22:31:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, my friend invited me to Vegas to go watch Mario Batali live. I'm not a huge fan of the Italian Chef but I heard there was free dinner that came with the show so I decided to go plus I love Vegas. Our first stop was the gelato bar...loved it! The show was pretty entertaining and I actually learned a thing or two on how to cook pasta. Although I would probably never put it to use, it was still fun to watch. After the show, we went to Carnevino, one of his restaurants at the Palazzo and had the opportunity to try the dishes he was cooking on the show. We were both very full after the second dish, we had to take the rest of courses home.

Bistro LQ

2010-08-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

I dined at Bistro LQ with Kevin, another big foodie. Him and I were both very impressed with the dishes here. I loved all of their foie gras dishes...it was my favorite along with the uni dish. After dinner, Chef Laurent Quenioux came out to greet us too!

Wally's Champagne Grand Marquis

2010-08-08T12:26:00.001-07:00

Taste of the Nation

2010-08-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Brodard

2010-08-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

I come to Brodard almost every Sunday to eat lunch. I can't get enough of their spring rolls and their vegetable pancake dish. Their sweet rice dessert is addicting too! I have to say: I LOVE Vietnamese food.

8th Annual Plate by Plate Tasting Benefit

2010-07-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Project by Project presents to you the 2010 Plate by Plate Annual Tasting Benefit held on August 14, 2010. Going on its 8th year, Plate by Plate has consistently featured numerous premier beverage purveyors and renowned chefs every year, as well as attracted over 800 guests and celebrities to the annual celebration. All net proceeds from this year’s event will benefit our 2010 partner organization, the Health Justice Network (APALC-HJN).

A sampling of some of our participants this year are Bistro LQ, Charlie Palmer, Craft Los Angeles, The Foundry on Melrose, Gonpachi Beverly Hills, La Cachette Bistro, Starry Kitchen, The Blvd on Beverly Wilshire, Yogurtland, to name a few. Our beverage sponsors include Derby Winery, DRY Soda, Ventura Limoncello, Naja Tea, Ozeki Sake, Sapporo, Peter Franus Winery, Rock Sake, and many more! This year, the event will feature over 40 restaurants, wineries and other beverage purveyors; a VIP reception; and a distinct selection of silent auction items.

As such, PbP’s Plate by Plate tasting benefit is an anticipated marquee event in Southern California for the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) community and beyond. In fact, it is the largest tasting benefit in the nation targeting the APIA demographic. As a long-standing and respected non-profit organization in the APIA community, PbP has built a solid foundation of community partners, volunteers and supporters throughout the years. They remain our loyal supporters and attendees for the Plate by Plate benefit.

For more information please click: Plate by Plate So Cal

Ikko

2010-06-30T16:19:00.001-07:00

Although OC doesn't have too many great places to eat, I must say that Ikko was amazing. I found out about this place from a friend and I was surprised to find it in Costa Mesa. The menu is huge so I need to go back to try the rest of the items. I love their sushi...the Uni was very fresh. The Foie Gras on Rice Crackers were really tasty too. To finish off my dinner, I ordered the Sesame Ice Cream w/Hot Coffee. I'm not a big fan of coffee but the two went well together.

Vinoteque

2010-06-21T15:58:00.001-07:00

I had a great time at Vinoteque...the food was great and the wine selection was huge. The best part of the restaurant though was Erin and Chef KC. They were both very sweet and accommodating. I can't wait to go back to try out their wine tastings.

Mi Song

2010-06-21T15:32:00.001-07:00

I took my mom out for some fresh sashimi at our favorite place in Rowland Heights for Mother's Day. Rowland Heights doesn't have too many Japanese restaurants but I would have to say that Mi Song is one of the few that is really good. They always have fresh sashimi and really good staff service which is why we go there all the time. Happy Mother's Day to the hardest working person I know!

The French Laundry

2010-05-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

The French Laundry...what more can I say? I loved my little trip up north. It was definitely a fun experience and I finally got to enter the blue door.

CUTE!

2010-05-28T15:45:00.001-07:00

WP24

2010-05-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Pearfect Asian

Absolut Pear, Canton Ginger Liqueur, Lime

Amuse Bouche

Crabcake Sandwich with Sesame Seeds

“Tiny Dumplings”

Pork Belly, Black Vinegar, Chili Oil, Ginger, Cilantro Leaves

Steamed Baby Bao Buns

Sautéed Duck Liver, Sweet Bean Paste, Sour Ume Plums

Shanghai Noodles

Slow Cooked Oxtail, Fresh Chilies, Thai Basil Leaves

Singapore Style Softshell Chili Crabs

Fresh Crabs, Garlic Chili, Scallions, Pickled Ginger

Grilled Colorado Lamb Chops

Steamed Lamb’s Belly, Fermented Black Beans, Pickled Ginger, Sweet Peppers

The view at WP24 was amazing...I think I take Downtown Los Angeles for granted sometimes since I live and work here however dining here made me appreciate the beauty of this developing area. Now on to the food...I thought all the dishes were very tasty...never left my mouth feeling bland. My favorite dish was the Steamed Baby Bao Buns which were filled with foie gras. The cocktails were nicely done especially the Pearfect Asian which is a mix of Absolut Pear, Canton Ginger Liqueur, and Lime.

Johnnie Walker Event

2010-05-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

Strawberries & pepper go well together...surprisingly.

I was invited to do a tasting at the Johnnie Walker event that was held at the Jim Henson Studio. I am not a big fan of hard liquor especially whiskey but the event was very educational in the flavors of each brand of Johnnie Walker. They told us the ways to drink it and how to bring out the individual aromas of each as well. Of course my favorite one was the Blue Label. It is definitely an acquired taste but at least I know which label I will be ordering if ever in the future.

THE BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK OF PHOTOGRAPHER FULVIO BONAVIA / »A MATTER OF TASTE

2010-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

FULVIO BONAVIA began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator of film posters. As a photographer, he brings his artistic and design sensibilities to each and every one of his pictures, doing all of the post production himself so that his photographs are infused with his vision from start to finish.

FULVIO BONAVIA Website

Cotton Candy Tacos

2010-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

I came across this post from a friend's website. I love creative food concepts so it totally caught my attention. I really want to go to Thailand just to try it!

Yi Mei

2010-05-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

sweet soy milk

salted rice rolls

egg omelet

deep fried donut

I am a BIG FAN of Taiwanese breakfast. I use to eat it every weekend when I use to live in Rowland Heights. Now that I live in Downtown LA, I don't get to indulge in it as much. Yi Mei is located inside the Hong Kong Plaza in Rowland Heights and it is always packed. I can't get enough of the sweet soy milk so I always order the hot one to eat there and order the cold one to take home.

Birthday Part 3 @Sushi Zo

2010-05-11T11:58:00.001-07:00

Sushi Zo was AMAZING! I love the size of their sushi pieces...it was so small with less rice that I was able to eat everything on the sushi menu. Every piece was delicious and fresh. I can't wait to go back!

Birthday Part 2 @La Botte

2010-05-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

PROSCIUTTO D’ANATRA

House cured duck breast, thinly sliced, drizzled with a mild gorgonzola dressing.

RAVIOLI DI BRASATO SU SALSA DI PORCINI

Homemade ravioli filled with braised beef filet mignon served in a bed of porcini mushrooms and topped with butter and sage sauce and parmesan.

PAPPARDELLE AL PISTACCHIO CON BRASATO DI AGNELLO

Homemade pistachio pappardelle with braised lamb ragout.

PUMPKIN SWORDFISH

Artichokes and sauteed spinach

PANNA COTTA

BIRTHDAY CAKE

La Botte is now one of my top favorite Italian places along with Angelini Osteria and Trattoria Mollie. I love the cozy ambiance which is perfect for date night. The homemade ravioli was very flavorful and cooked to perfection. Besides the food, the best part of the restaurant was the owner...he was hilarious!

Birthday Part 1 @First & Hope

2010-05-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

(Mad Men inspired costume)

BACK YARD GARDEN SALAD

The Rolls Royce of vegetables - Fiddlehead Ferns, Ramps, English Peas, Candied Cane Beets, Pea Tendrils, Upland Cress, Morels, Carrots, Fava Beans & Green Goddess Dressing

BBQ FRIED OYSTERS

Bacon BBQ Sauce & Celery Bleu Cheese Tapenade

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Sweet Peas, Corn, Carrots & Spring Onions, fragrant Lemon-Thyme Broth & Homemade Saltines

ALL-ABOUT-THE-CHEESE MAC & CHEESE FLIGHT

Marin Triple Cream Brie, Baby Lasagna & California Almond

Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Mini Shells & Popped Corn

Porter Beer Cheese, Corkscrew Pasta & Rye Croutons

DUCK-DUCK-GOOSE

Sugar & Spice Seared Duck Breast, Duck Leg Confit, Roasted Foie Gras, Spring Onion Hoe Cake & Wilted Baby Mustard Greens

PRIME FLAT IRON STEAK

Twice-Baked Potatoes, Creamed Spinach & our own Steak Sauce

PECAN-PLANK STUFFED WHOLE TROUT

Baby Spinach and Lump Crab, Heirloom Tomato & Cornbread Panzanella Salad

MOONSHINE MEATLOAF

Ground Chuck, Foie Gras & Gin Meatloaf wrapped in Black Bacon, Bistered Potato & Pearl Onion Hash, Brown Butter Green Bean Bundles & Caramelized Tomato Marmalade

HAMBURGER & ITS HELPERS

Ground Chuck & Chorizo Hamburger, "helped" by Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese, Watercress, Worcestershire Ketchup & Handmade Tater Tots

Braised Beef & Bone Marrow Tea Sandwiches

Green Bean Bundles & Buttermilk

COWBOY STEAK DINNER FOR TWO

28 oz. Prime Dry-Aged Bone-In Rib Eye, Braised Beef & Bone Marrow Tea Sandwiches, Green Bean Bundles & Buttermilk

Bleu Cheese Steak Butter

I decided to celebrate my birthday at First & Hope this year. The food and it's presentation were both very nice. The decor and ambiance was quite impressive. We went on a soft opening night which might explain their slow service but I still had a great time.

The Dining Room

2010-05-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

Foie Gras Terrine

Strawberry-Yuzu, Arugula Cake, Minus 8 Vinegar

Halibut Cheeks

Red Curry, Coconut Rice, Baby Leeks

Octopus

Buttered Popcorn, Piquillo Confetti, Cilantro

Foie Gras Frito

Black Sesame, Pickled Blueberries, Basil

Truffle Brioche

Kurobuta Pork Belly

Bok Choy “Kim Chi”, Sweet Potato Preserves, Peanut Butter Powder

Veal Sweetbreads Tempura

Kale, Buttermilk, Mustard, Potato Puree

Four Story Hills Farm Suckling Pig

Banana Polenta, Morels, Ramps, Red Onion

Wagyu Short Rib

Potato Confit, Nantes Carrot, Bone Marrow, Coconut Soubise

Arctic Char

Green Garlic Tapioca, Black Olive, Puffed Mushroom Cracker

Chocolate Caramel Ganache

Chocolate Sorbet, Salty Hazelnut Praline, Cocoa Tuille

Frozen Chocolate Mousse

Pistachio tres leches, Mandarin oranges

Lavender Flower Macaroon

Crème Fraiche Panna Cotta, Vanilla-Passion Sorbet, Floral Cotton Candy

Baba Au Rhum

Textures of Coconut and Pineapple

The Dining Room experience was 3 hours long. Each dish was paired with either a glass of wine, sake, or beer. Out of all the dishes I consumed, my favorite was the Wagyu Short Rib. I love how you can taste the burst of fat when you bite into the meat. I also had the honor of meeting Chef Voltaggio at the end of the dinner.

Ludobites 4.0 @Gram and Papas

2010-05-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

bought this wine at jason's wine & spirit down the street since they didn't have alcohol at the restaurant. if you live in the downtown area, jason's wine & spirit delivers!

brie chantilly napoleon, honey comb, frisee salad, balsamic. the brie was so creamy but not too heavy.

white asparagus veloute, mozzarella mousse, fennel, candied olive, salmon roe. this was my favorite dish. i never knew how good asparagus soup can taste.

foie gras croque-monsieur - lemon turnip chutney. i personally did't think much of this dish. there was too much breading.

ham soup, bread, Swiss cheese, radish, cornichon, guinness. somehow it works!

rack of lamb, fresh goat cheese, smoked eel, artichokes, mint. the lamb was so tender and have a good amount of fat on it. my motto: the more fat, the better.

potato mousseline

steak au poivre, shallots, polenta bone marrow, roasted eggplant puree

strawberry chantilly, with strawberry macaroons

Honolulu

2010-05-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

infinity pool

hanauma bay

snorkeling area at hanauma bay

rumfire bar inside sheraton waikiki

fried food junkie

loco moco is a must have in hawaii

deluxe breakfast: rice, eggs, spam, and portuguese sausages

party bus to the luau

This was my second time visiting Hawaii. I have been to Maui before which was nice and relaxing. Waikiki is a bit more lively with more of a tourist crowd. I loved weather...the humidity and the nice breeze. The best part of my hotel was being steps away from the shopping area and water!

Boracay Island

2010-05-05T16:19:00.001-07:00

the landing of this plane was quite scary

the boat that took us to the resort

swim up balcony

the employees at the resort greeted us with fresh juice

waiting for the sunrise

island hopping

this man was selling nestle ice cream out of that box

the hobbit house

all the workers were "little people"

mojito bar right on the beach

Boracay Island was amazing! The water was really clean and clear...the people that live there were very friendly too. For the amount of money you spend, it is really worth it. I was able to get hour massages anytime I wanted for 400 pesos which is approximately 8 US dollars. The best one was when I got a massage right on the beach during sunset. Breakfast came with our room so every morning I ate a different dish during sunrise on the sands of the beach. There were so many activities you can do too...jet skiing...snorkeling....island hopping...I definitely need to go back!