El Cabrito
In Little Saigon
, 1604 W. First Street, Santa Ana, Tel.
714-543-8461
Patronize by a mainly Latina crowd, this former Taco Bell restaurant, with only one table inside and a few tables scattered in front, specializes in serving baby goat accompanied by salsa, chili oil paste, corn tortillas, and a large cup of consommé. You can buy a half goat for $250 or a whole goat for $425, individual portion at $18.50 per pound.
By Sandy Driscoll
Dining Area (all photographs ©2010-2011 restaurantdiningcritiques.com and Sandy Driscoll)
Chi Dynasty
12229 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
Website: http://www.chidynasty.com/
Tel: 818-753-5300
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am – 11pm
Friday-Saturday – 11:30 am – 12 am
Credit Cards: Yes
Parking: On premises
Opening in August, 2010, Chi Dynasty, Studio City, is the second restaurant for owner Jonathan Chi.
His first Chi Dynasty location has been successfully serving Chinese cuisine to Los Feliz area patrons since 1983.
Both restaurants are attractive and quiet enough for conversation, a nice change from many of the noisy
dining spots one usually encounters these days.
My server, Charlene, was extremely pleasant and efficient. Chinese Chicken Salad, their signature dish and tossed
tableside, was delicious and a refreshing departure from the usual sweet dressing one usually finds on this salad.
The Hot and Sour Soup arrived ‘spicy’ as ordered, and was thick and flavorful. It was served with small
vessels of hot oil, vinegar and soy sauce, to be added for personalized taste. I thought this was a nice touch.
Szechwan Beef, also spicy as ordered, contained lots of beef, and like the other 2 dishes, included more than
enough for two large portions.
The restaurant is a good choice for a reasonably priced business meeting, or personal lunch or dinner.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Hot & Sour Soup
Szechwan Beef
Bar Area
Jonathon Chi, owner of Chi Dynasty
Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel, 61 Wireless Road, Bangkok, Tel. 02-650 8800
Ideally situated on a most beautiful tree-lined avenue, flanked by foreign embassies in the heart of Asia’s favorite destination for culture and entertainment, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel is positioned in the city’s shopping and commercial hub. Designed by Dr. Jumsai Sumet, one of Thailand’s most famed architects, the hotel was the original site of Kandhamas, the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Valaya Alongkorn, a daughter of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and the Aunt of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej, Thailand’s present King. True to its royal heritage, this storied hotel seamlessly blends sumptuous surroundings with unparalleled service.
The hotel’s myriad amenities include over 10,000 square metres of versatile meeting space with 28 venues and 2 grand ballrooms. Other features include a full-service spa, a breathtaking outdoor pool surrounded by exotic Thai-style gardens, and a fitness centre. All 374 spacious guest rooms and luxurious suites boast views over the ever-changing Bangkok skyline.
Plaza Athénée Bangkok has emerged as one of the most creative dining destinations in the city, and offers 8 restaurants and bars serving a dynamic blend of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and French cuisines. In 2008 the hotel was named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 10 places to stay in Asia. Additionally, Reflexions Restaurant was awarded Bangkok’s Best Restaurant Award (French Category) by the readers of Bangkok Best Dining & Entertainment magazine.
Just steps from the grand lobby, the Ploenchit sky train station on the BTS Sukhumvit line connects you to popular attractions like Chao Phraya River, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon and more. Also within easy walking distance is Suan Lum Night Bazaar, the Muay Thai Boxing Stadium at Lumpini Park and numerous shopping malls including Chidlom and Central World.
The Champagne Sunday Brunch reveals a limitless selection of inspired regional and international cuisine. Indulge in the pleasures of Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster, Waygu beef, Foie gras, over a dozen French cheese, Swiss raclette station, grand selection of Asian and International dishes, finest Valhrona Chocolate, Movenpick ice cream, Free flow of sparkling champagne: Jeanne D ARC Blanc De Blancs Brut, cocktails, wine + Illy coffee. “Le Vodka Oyster Bar” est arrive + Molecular cocktails to discover at our exclusive Champagne Sunday Brunch. THB 3,040 net per person with a complimentary bottle of Champagne “Laurent Perrier Brut L.P. Champagne N.V.” for every two persons with full prices. Starwood Privilege benefits apply with terms + conditions for champagne promotion. The Rain Tree Cafe is located at the Lobby level.
For further information or reservations, please call 02 650 8800 ext. 4346
Nana Liquid
If you are looking for a place that stays open until early in the morning Nana Liquid is a good bet. This club has had many names over the years: Angels Disco, Nana Disco being just two of them. Nana Liquid is located in the back of the lobby of the Nana Hotel, just follow the sound of loud music. It is frequented by many freelancers who gather there after the clubs in the area close. This is a late, late spot!
Nana Entertainment Plaza, located directly across the street from Nana Hotel
Vignes et Vins: Un Monde a Decouvrir (Vines and Wines: A World to Discover) by Sandrine Duclos and Cécile Gallineau was written to tell 7 to 12-year-olds how fortunate they are to live in a country where the culture of the vine plays such an important role. It was published in part because of concerns that anti-alcohol laws were preventing younger French children from learning about their cultural heritage.
With the help of illustrations it explains the cycle of vine-growing and the cultural role that wine plays in France, and tells the story of wine from the Romans to the present day. The book was launched this week at Chateau Fonroque in Saint Emilion.
Beijing’s high-tech solution for the demand to have pesticide free vegetables. A futuristic warehouse in China is growing vegetables without any actual sunlight or soil. The Jingpeng Plant Factory grows lettuce, cabbage and other vegetables in a liquid solution, fueled by LED lighting. Although the start-up costs are significant, the factory uses less energy and is able to grow the vegetables without pesticides. There is much distrust within, and outside of China, regarding their current farming methods. Fruit and vegetables are liberally sprayed with dangerous chemical solutions to ward off insects. This type of farming also may be the first step to growing produce in high rise buildings in the center of the city, which is most likely the next step in cities worldwide.
By Sandy Driscoll
All images in this post are © 2010 by restaurant.kitmarshal.site and Sandy Driscoll
Phil Selway watches as our waiter concocts the spectacular and delicious LN2 Caipirinha Cocktail (Brazilian cachaca, fresh lime and sugar frozen by using Liquid Nitrogen.) Tableside service.
The potent LN2 Caipirinha Cocktail is the world’s best ‘slushy’ with a sublime texture that lasts and lasts until the final drop!
Consulting with the Sommelier
Sweet Potato Chips with Yogurt, Tamarind and Star Anise
Catalan style Toasted Bread, Tomato (served with the Jamon platter)
Three Cheeses …. Manchego, Valdeon and Idiazabal with Picos, Quince Jam, Almond
Fermin Platter…..Jamon Serrano (dry cured ham), Jamon Iberico (dry cured, free-range Iberico ham) and Jamon Iberico de bellota(Acorn-fed, free-range Iberico ham)
A lovely Spanish Red wine
American Caviar Cone
Jicama Wrapped Guacamole with Micro Cilantro, Corn Chips
Modern and Traditional Olives (in the rear are the ‘Modern’ liquid olives of El Bulli fame)
King Crab, Raspberries, Raspberry Vinegar
Green Asparagus, Labneh, Macadamia Nuts
Tuna Ceviche and Avocado Roll (Jicama, Micro Cilantro, Coconut Dressing)
Japanese Tacos (Grilled Eel, Shiso, Cucumber, Wasabi, Chicharron)
Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Puree, Apricots, Grapes, Lemon Air
Beef Hangar Steak with Piquillo Pepper Confit, Natural Jus
“Philly Cheesesteak” Sandwich ….. Air Bread, Cheddar, Wagyu Beef
The Ladies Restroom!
Cotton Candy Foie Gras
Earl Grey Bon Bon
Dessert Service in La Patisserie
Hot Chocolate Mousse, Pear Sorbet, Hazelnut Praline
Chocolate Cake
Creamy Chocolate Heart, Coffee and Cardamom
Nitro Coconut Floating Island, Passion Fruit and Vanilla
One of the dining areas
Outdoors in the balmy night air………Sign viewed in the distance while waiting for the valet to retrieve our car!
