Bistro LQ by Chef Laurent Quenioux, who took over the Mimosa space on Beverly Boulevard about a year and a half ago, has just shut its doors.
Archive for the ‘Los Angeles’ Category
Bistro LQ Closes Its Doors – Los Angeles
Saturday, March 26th, 2011Lake House to Close May 31, 2011; Sushi Nozawa to Help Japan Relief Fund
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
Culinary Tidbits . . . Bangkok – Lake House to Close: Lake House will be closing permanently on March 31st, 2011 due to circumstances beyond their control.
. . . Los Angeles – (Saturday) March 26, 2011, Sushi Nozawa is opening to help support the Japan Relief Fund: In an effort to raise money for the relief effort in Japan, Sushi Nozawa will open its doors this Saturday for the first time in over a decade. Every dollar spent at this special one-day event will be donated to the Japan Relief Fund. Join us THIS SATURDAY from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m to enjoy amazing sushi while doing good.
Valentino Restaurant Group Will Open, Primi Al Mercado at Santa Monica Place, May 20, 2011 – Los Angeles
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
Piero Selvaggio of Valentino Restaurant Group plans to open Primi Al Mercato on the top of Santa Monica Place on May 20, a dual trattoria and retail space known as the Laboratory di Pasta. The trattoria will serve handmade pastas with sauces composed of seasonal ingredients from the nearby Santa Monica farmers market. It is about time that the Bay Area has a place to buy specialty pastas.
Larchmont Grill – Los Angeles
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011By Sandy Driscoll
Larchmont Grill
5750 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323.464.4277
Website: http://www.larchmontgrill.com/
Hours:
Monday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Tues.-Thurs.-11:30 am – 10 pm
Friday – 11:30 am – 11 pm
Saturday – 5:30pm – 11 pm
Sunday – 5 pm – 9 pm
Larchmont Grill is one of those places in which you immediately feel comfortable! It’s a remodeled Hollywood Craftsman Bungalow serving the Los Angeles areas of Hancock Park and Larchmont Village, as well as the Hollywood and West Hollywood areas.
Clearly, it is a neighborhood favorite. Upon entering, you feel as though you are a guest in a friend’s home.
It’s a warm space with pleasant decor, excellent service and atmosphere quiet enough to carry on a conversation with friends. The well-executed menu completes the positive picture.
Five of us sampled and shared entrees. There was nothing I tasted that I wouldn’t order again. Our friends (both
good cooks) from London and Provence declared that they had never had more delicious Short Ribs. Service was
efficient, friendly and informative. Most evenings, they have ‘specials’, i.e. on Tuesday, wine is 1/2 price, Wednesday is
Prime Rib night, and Sunday there is a bargain 3 course prix fixe menu for $35 (a $60 value).
Personally, this was my first visit, and I look forward to returning soon!
(above image: Sandy and host Phil at Larchmont Grill) all images ©2011 restaurantdiningcritiques.com and Sandy Driscoll
Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese – English White Cheddar, Mascarpone, Parmesan & Fontina Cheese, Sage Butter and breadcrumbs,
topped with generous pieces of Lobster
Larchmont Grill’s Fall Salad – Baby Greens, Asiago Cheese, Pear, Dried Local Cherries, Toasted Almonds, Lemon Poppy
Seed Vinaigrette
Braised Short Ribs – Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Red Wine Reduction
Duck Cassoulet – Duck Leg, Lamb Sausage, Country Bacon, Onion, Carrot, White Bean Ragout
Turkey Pot Pie (as presented at the table), in its own pot………
Overturned on service plate, so the crust is on the bottom! Slow Roasted Turkey, Potatoes, Onions. Carrots, Celery, Peas,
Creamy Tarragon Leek Gravy, Homemade Flaky Crust
Black Angus Burger with Gorgonzola, Grilled Onions on Brioche Seed Bun with Fries (includes Sweet Potatoes)
Chocolate-covered Bananas – Bananas rolled in Peanut Butter, then in a mix of Belgian Chocolates and then in Peanuts
Pumpkin Roll – Rolled Spiced Pumpkin Cake, Chantilly Cream, Cider Shot
Chinese New Year at Chi Dynasty Restaurant – Los Angeles
Sunday, January 30th, 2011
CHI DYNASTY CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR
Local Studio City restaurant transforms their parking lot into a Chinese New Year festival
Los Angeles, CA – (January 25, 2011) – Chi Dynasty in Studio City will celebrate the year of the Rabbit on February 3, 2011 when they transform their parking lot into a Chinese New Year festival.
Chi Dynasty will commemorate their heritage right on Ventura Blvd (12229 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604) from 6:30PM – 8:30PM; complete with a traditional lion dance, red paper lanterns, and Chinese drummers. The event will be open to the public, providing guests with complimentary tray passed appetizers and beverages by Tsingtao Beer. As a parting gift, each guest will receive customary red envelopes with $8 in Chi Bucks to be used on their next visit. The restaurant will remain open during the event, allowing guests to stop in for dinner before or after the festival.
ABOUT CHI DYNASTY:
For over twenty-seven years, Chi Dynasty has had a long-standing reputation for exemplary service, value, and delectable Chinese cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients and never compromising quality or taste, Chi Dynasty brings together authentic Chinese influences with a contemporary approach to Asian fare. Based on traditional values, Chi Dynasty provides an unforgettable dining experience to its customers, and continues to serve notable Chinese cuisine to old and newcomers alike. For menu and locations, please visit www.chidynasty.com.
ABOUT TSINGTAO
Tsingtao beer is one of the most popular beers in China and the No. 1 imported Chinese beer in the United States. Tsingtao is brewed and bottled at the Tsingtao Brewery in Qingdao, China, which was founded in 1903. Made with spring water from Laoshan, a mountain area famous throughout China for the purity of its water, Tsingtao is available in two varieties in the U.S. Tsingtao Lager is a pilsner-style beer with a crisp, slightly malty flavor and Tsingtao Pure Draft is a smooth, light-tasting, draft-style lager with a well-balanced taste and clean finish. For more information on the beers including pairing ideas, recipes and Chinese New Year celebration tips, please visit www.tsingtaobeer.com. Monarch Import Company (Crown Imports LLC) is the exclusive importer of Tsingtao Lager and Tsingtao Pure Draft in the United States.
Shade Hotel, Manhattan Beach – Los Angeles
Friday, January 21st, 2011
SHADE HOTEL
1221 N Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
USA 310.546.4995 phone
310.546.4985 fax
866.SHADE77 toll free
Shade Hotel – www.shadehotel.com
The only luxury boutique hotel in Manhattan Beach.
YOUR EVERY NEED –
Inside and out, Shade was built to provide the best of everything, with every detail considered for
your comfort and enjoyment. From Zinc to the Skydeck, from the Heat & Glo™ Cyclone Fireplaces to
the Tempur-Pedic™ bed, you will see evidence of our concern for you. Set the mood by taking
advantage of our chromatherapy lighting system as you slowly unwind in your personal Sanijet™
spa. Relax and make an espresso with your in-room Lavazza™ machine or drift away after choosing
the perfect head rest from our Pillow Library. You’ll find this attention to detail in our people too.
Our staff considers it their pleasure to ensure your pleasure. 24/7, we’re here for you.
YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT, FREE –
Enjoy Shade’s complimentary Beach Breakfast Buffet. Available every morning from 7am – 10am
featuring fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits, bagels and lox, hot oatmeal, an assorted variety of pastries
and cereals, fresh juices, and Lavazza coffee.
HOTEL FEATURES –
38 Luxury Guestrooms including 5 Distinct Suites, 3 Blocks from the Pier and Ocean, 24 Hour Room
Service, Zinc Lounge & Bar , Rooftop Skydeck with Bar and Relaxation Pool, Breakfast Terrace,
Complimentary Wi-Fi/Data Port, Internet Access, Concierge Assistance, Courtyard Event Space,
Complimentary access to Equinox Fitness Club, Complimentary Beach, Breakfast Buffet, Meeting and
Entertainment Space, Proximity to LAX (5.2 miles / 10 minutes), Complimentary Strand Cruiser
Bicycles, Valet Parking, Complimentary business center, Adjacent spa.
IN ROOM FEATURES –
Complimentary WiFi/ Data Port Internet Access, iPod Docking Station/ Alarm Clock/ Radio
Lavazza™ Espresso Machine, Oversized Sanijet™ Hydrotherapy Tub with Color Therapy, Heat & Glo™
Cyclone Fireplaces (in some rooms), Chromatherapy Lighting, California King Size Deluxe Tempur-
Pedic™ Bed, Spa Services provided by Trilogy, 32″ TV and DVD/CD player, Egyptian Cotton Towels,
Goosedown Duvet, Plush Bathrobes, Pillow Library (seven pillows in each room)
Personal Safe with Power Supply inside for Laptop, 2 Telephones with Personal Voicemail
Iron and Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Luxurious Bath Amenities, Mascioni™ Linens, Mini Bar, Spacious
Balcony (in most rooms), Martini Shaker and Blender.
Craig’s on Melrose: Does L.A. Need Another Dan Tana’s?
Monday, January 17th, 2011
8826 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA
(310) 276-1900
www.craigs.la
Does L.A. need another Dan Tana’s, I wouldn’t have thought so, but Craig Susser, Dan Tana’s maitre d’ for over twenty years, thinks it does! After all, he has actually been running Tana’s for years, and now he thought it about time to open his own version, a similar but less seedy duplicate on Melrose (not too far away), and although it looks like the 50’s-60’s, at least it is new. There very well may be a need for another industry haunt, and if so this most definitely could be it!
Culinary Tidbits . . . Los Angeles: Ourdoor Dining Smoking Ban, Las Vegas: Beso Files for Bankruptcy
Sunday, January 16th, 2011
Culinary Tidbits . . . ★ A smoking ban in and around outdoor dining areas and within 40 feet of food trucks will be enforced starting March 8th 2011 in Los Angeles City. This also includes Starbuck’s outdoor terraces for those of you who enjoy to smoke cigarettes while drinking coffee.
★ TV actress, Eva Longoria’s, ill-fated Las Vegas restaurant venture Beso, along with consulting celebrity chef Todd English, filed for bankruptcy protection, in what has become a complicated tangle of accusations from investors and principals.
Bar Toscana, Brentwood – Los Angeles
Saturday, January 15th, 2011
Bar Toscana
It is about time that Toscana, the Northern Italian restaurant frequented by a celebrity clientele in Brentwood, ventured into something new. Finally, after more than twenty years, they opened an adjunct next door called Bar Toscana its decor gleaming with a multitude of glossy surfaces combined with a stark modern sleekness.
The menu is made up of various stuzzichini (small plates priced between $7-$16) such as eggplant caviar, tomato jam and artichoke spread served with toast; baked polenta croutons with gorgonzola fondue and shaved black truffles; or prosciutto with shaved fennel and vanilla infused olive oil. Pair the aforementioned with vino off the Italian-centric list (there are a only a few California selections as befits a truly Italian restaurant), or opt for an old favorite as Negroni or Bellini or some new interpretations of certain classics ($12-$16).Bar Toscana
11633 San Vicente Blvd.
Brentwood
Tel. 310-820-2448
It is about time that Toscana, the Northern Italian restaurant frequented by a celebrity clientele in Brentwood, ventured into something new. They have been a pricey icon on San Vicente Boulevard serving very good Italian cooking; I happened to be a regular for many years when living in the neighborhood, going back to the time Agostino Sciandri first opened it with some partners, before he ventured off to open Ago in West Hollywood years later. A Warning: You had better be on friendly terms with the waiters if you want things to go smoothly! After more than twenty years, the owners have recently opened an adjunct next door in the same medical building, called Bar Toscana, its decor gleaming with a multitude of glossy surfaces combined with an overall stark, although streamlined look.
The menu is made up of various stuzzichini (small plates) $7-$16. The wine list is mainly Italian with only a few California selections as befits a truly Italian restaurant, to begin, opt for an old favorite cocktail such as the Negroni or Bellini or switch gears and try some new interpretations of the classics $12-$16.
MENU
S T U Z Z I C H I N I
Insalata di Zucca
roasted pumpkin salad with grilled Chanterelle mushrooms, frisée and goat cheese. 7
Zuppa di Carciofi
baby artichoke soup with parmigiano crisps. 7
Stuzzichino Toscana
eggplant caviar, tomato jam and artichoke spread served with crispy Italian bread toast. 8
Polentine
baked polenta croutons with Gorgonzola fondue and shaved black truffle. 10
Aragosta Carasau
lobster with tomato, ginger and basil, served with onion purée and Sardinian music paper. 14
Crudo del Giorno
thinly sliced seared ahi tuna with capers, pesto, green peppers and tomato confit. 12
Tartare di Piemontese
finely chopped prime Piedmontese beef filet with red onion, capers, topped with a quail egg, olive bread and balsamic reduction. 16
Vitello Tonnato
thinly sliced roasted veal with a caper sauce, topped with red peppers and homemade chips. 12
Prosciutto di Parma
sliced prosciutto served with a salad of shaved fennel and vanilla infused olive oil. 11
Selezione di salami
selection of Italian salami with giardiniera and Italian mustards. 11
Formaggi
a selection of Italian cheese with homemade jams and breads. 11
QUALCOSA DI DOLCE
Affogato
espresso poured over homemade vanilla gelato. 7
Gelato
a trio of homemade gelato. 7
Crostata di Pere
tart made with glazed pears served with pear sorbet. 7
Bonet Piemontese
chocolate custard cake with amaretti and a caramel sauce. 7
Stelline
a delicious assortment of home made Italian cookies. 5
Food Critic, S. Irene Virbila Refused Service at B.H. Eatery
Sunday, December 26th, 2010
Culinary Tidbits . . . managing partner, Noah Ellis, of Red Medicine Restaurant, a new Vietnamese restaurant in Beverly Hills, California took a snapshot of Los Angeles Times food critic, S. Irene Virbila and refused her party service, he then told them to leave. Ellis kept them waiting for 45 minutes before taking this decision, and as an added insult, he posted her photo on their Tumblr website (now removed, but not before the blogosphere got a hold of it) and said, “Our purpose for posting this is so that all restaurants can have a picture of her and make a decision as to whether or not they would like to serve her. We find that some of her reviews can be unnecessarily cruel and irrational…”
This website (blog) Restaurant Dining Critiques takes a dim view of this action, therefore, we have chosen not to post the snapshot of the Los Angeles Times critic.
