Had this dish at Otus Thai for breakfast.
Interesting dish, and good, but didn’t quite hit the spot for me. Was essentially a couple sunny side up eggs, ground chicken, and sweet sausage. The bread, which was from bread lounge, was probably the best part. I was looking for a bit more spice, but still, this was pretty good.
When Mo-Chica first burst onto the scene, I remember the buzz on our old board about this new place that was delivering a modern take on Peruvian cuisine by a chef named Ricardo Zarate. I liked the early days of Mo-Chica, and there were a few dishes that we had back then that really were interesting and tasty.
Towards the end of Mo-Chica, it didn’t feel as inspired when we went again. Our one visit to Picca, the 2nd restaurant opened up by Chef Ricardo Zarate, felt like an OK experience, but nothing amazing. Later on we would find out through various news reports that Chef Zarate wasn’t present at any of his restaurants, and that he hadn’t been there for a while. He was ousted and all of his restaurants at the time were eventually shuttered.
It seems Chef Zarate is back (after a few years hiatus) with a new restaurant, Rosaline. Reading the reports about Rosaline, he’s been saying he’s inspired / reinvigorated, and the restaurant is even named after his mother. We were excited and curious to see if this would be like the more inspired cooking in Mo-Chica’s early days, or something like Picca, or something else entirely.
Opened along the trendy stretch of Melrose formerly occupied by Comme Ca (across from Luques), there was a sizable crowd (especially around the bar area) as we arrived. This looked like the expected Melrose crowd, and we could hear the shouting and laughter from the street before we entered.
The interior has been completely redone: Nothing inside reminded us of Comme Ca at all, with the main dining room’s ceiling removed and a skylight added.
While it may look beautiful, it also means there’s no sound dampening as the roof is all glass. And sure enough, we had to scream at each other to even have a conversation throughout dinner. This is one of the loudest dining rooms we’ve been in around L.A. 
Jab to the Jaw (Cactus Pear & Strawberry Brandy, Lemon, Orgeat, Chinese Five Spice, Fermented Fruit):
This was OK. It tasted like an alcoholic Fruit Punch. 
I couldn’t taste any Chinese Five Spice. At $15 (+ tax & tip) for this Cocktail, it’s definitely one of the pricier ones around town.
Chilcano (Acholado Pisco, Ginger Kombucha, Peruvian Aperitif, Lime, Bitters):
This was better. I enjoyed the Ginger Kombucha, but this really tasted like an alcoholic Kombucha drink more than anything, the Pisco was there, but Kombucha’s flavors are so distinct (that funky fermented carbonation) that it’s what dominated the flavors.
Tiradito de Concha con Erizo (Live Scallops, Sea Urchin, Uni Leche de Tigre, Crispy Garlic):
The description sounded fantastic. The execution and taste? Not so much. The Live “Scallops” (plural) from the menu description was more generous than what we got, which was 2 tiny slivers of Scallop (which felt more like 1 Scallop cut in half), topped with mediocre Uni. Inconsistent Uni strikes again! @J_L @PorkyBelly and all.
And at $22 for this tiny little dish (it was seriously like 2 small bites for both of us), it felt even more disappointing.
35 minutes later, our 2nd dish appears. 
Aceitunas (Marinated Spicy Peruvian Olives, Eggplant Puree, Cancha Corn, Turmeric Flat Bread):
This was delicious! 
Marinated Olives, some Eggplant Puree were all nicely seasoned, and there was the crunch of the Fried Corn Kernels. When added to some of the Turmeric Flat Bread, and it made for a great starter.
However, we asked ourselves, “Is this really Peruvian?” It tasted more like a Middle Eastern Meze, something inbetween a Hummus and Babaghanoush, but either way, this was the highlight of the evening.
Solterito (Lima Beans Salad, Avocado, Blistered Cabernet Tomatoes, Pickled Onions, Feta, Botija Olive, Choclo Corn):
This Salad was merely OK: The Lima Beans tasted mustier than usual, a dank earthiness, which the Avocado (just creaminess) didn’t really help. The Tomatoes did add a little bit of acidic pop, but they don’t taste like the best Tomatoes of the season yet (still overly tart), and then you have heavy, funky Feta Cheese and more piquant flavors with the Pickled Onions.
45 minutes later, our next course finally shows up (and this after we asked our server to check on the entrees). 
Arroz Con Mariscos (Sea Urchin, Diver Scallops, Tiger Prawns, Manila Clams, Seafood Rice):
This tasted like a really wet, soggy “Seafood Rice Stew / Gumbo” more than anything. The Scallops and Clams tasted fresh, but the Sea Urchin had some of that bad ocean funk (not fresh), and the whole dish didn’t really taste like anything more than a failed Paella (they also had Paella on the menu, but @J_L and others who like socarrat - that crispy rice bottom that sticks to the pan - should skip that. We saw close up from all our neighboring tables that it had no socarrat (it looked really wet / soupy) and they scraped to the bottom of the pan with nothing to see (no socarrat).
One hour later… (and after a few polite inquiries to our server), we canceled the rest of our meal and asked for the check, it was almost 3 HOURS total and we got tired of waiting. 
We’ve seen so many restaurants open up in L.A., and it’s understandable. Things get backed up; the kitchen or entire operation just isn’t prepared, and stuff like this happens. But it was a total mess. Our partial dinner was nearly 3 hours long, filled with long waiting periods, and it was worse by the blaring music and zero sound dampening / reflective surfaces, so every table was yelling, making everything even louder.
Not only did we not get our dishes, but 2 other tables near us were waiting on forgotten dishes as well (we could overhear them complaining and looking bored / upset waiting).
It’s too early to tell how Rosaline will do, but based on the initial dishes we tried, there wasn’t a single dish that was as interesting as what we had at Mo-Chica during its early days. The dishes ranged from OK to mediocre, and we would’ve tried more dishes if the kitchen didn’t forget about the rest of our order (and many others’ as well).
As we left, we saw Chef Zarate just standing there, not really busy, and seemingly oblivious to how backed up the tables were. There was also zero turnover in our almost 3 hours, with the food being so slow, none of the tables turned over to a new seating because things were taking so long. It’s not the utter disaster that is Verlaine, but @CiaoBob and others might want to wait a few weeks in the hopes he figures things out and smooths out the operations, as well as improve the flavors on the menu.
Rosaline
8479 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel: (323) 297-9500
After the mess that was Rosaline, we had to make things right, so we headed a few blocks over to something we knew could deliver: Aburiya Raku.
Pork Intestine Skewer:
Is it sad that the very first, simple Kushiyaki Skewer from Raku blew away everything we had at Rosaline earlier? This was delicious! the crisped exterior, wonderful tender interior, nicely balanced Tare Sauce.
Kirinzan - Junmai Daiginjo Sake - Niigata, Japan:
After the fantastic first taste at Mori Sushi, we jumped at the offering of Kirinzan at Raku. As floral, but dry as before. Such a fantastic Sake!
Beef Tendon Skewer:
Fantastic.
(New) Corn Potato Skewer:
This was new item that the kitchen makes from time-to-time. It’s not on the menu, but our waitress mentioned they would introduce it like a “daily special” until it sells out for the day.
They core out the inside of a Corn on the Cob and stuff it with Potato, and then grill it over their Binchotan Charcoal! And it is delicious! The natural sweetness in the Corn kernels really goes well with the grilled Potato, which is seasoned by the kitchen already.
Grilled Hamachi (Yellowtail) Belly:
Immediate entry for Best Bite of 2017! 
Raku normally offers some type of “Fish Belly” each evening, and thanks to @PorkyBelly for the recommendation, we finally got their Yellowtail Belly (their Salmon Belly is nothing to sneeze at either though ;)).
Imagine this Crisped Fish Skin, grilled over Binchotan Charcoal, which gives way to this supremely luscious, buttery Hamachi Belly! It is SO GOOD! It was indescribable how amazing this tasted!
This was a truncated visit, since we had already had part of a meal at Rosaline, but Raku continues to deliver, and thankfully salvaged the rest of the evening, delivering fantastic bites and some great Sake to end the night.
Aburiya Raku
521 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Tel: (213) 308-9393
Nice, so glad you finally got to try the hamachi belly. Which did you like better the salmon or hamachi? I’ll have to look for that corn skewer next time. Were they offering the wagyu rib cap?
That’s unfortunate about rosaline. I had a better experience when i went, everything was fine but I’m not anxious to go back.
Hi @PorkyBelly,
Oh, I didn’t notice the Wagyu Rib Cap, darn. 
They had the Wagyu Stone Steak, which I’ve tried before (not that good). Glad your visit to Rosaline was better.
Ugh and then Yum @Chowseeker1999.
[quote=“Chowseeker1999, post:122, topic:5824”]
Mo-Chica - a modern take on Peruvian cuisine.
[/quote]That’s a good description. I wrote refined too. I think it rested somewhere in the middle. The food wasn’t too modern to overshadow its origins and was refined in presentation and quality of ingredients. But Rosaline. 
I don’t mean to seem like a broken record, but if the only thing wrong with Mo-Chica was Chef Zarate getting pushed out, then why not repeat the successful concept and menu at Rosaline. This menu seems overly tweaked. A live scallop cut in half? Double . I grew up on an island. A live scallop should be eaten while it’s still wiggling!
It makes you wonder if the problems we’ve read about the last couple of years are possibly self-inflicted? No need to answer 
. I’m still going to check out Rosaline. I’m just sayin’.
Looking forward to Aburiya Raku!
Thanks
Highland Park Art Walk - York Blvd.
(2nd Saturday of the month)
Chicken Rice Bowl (small)
Shoyu Ramen (chicken)
There’s a reason people were buying it and sitting on the curb to slurp it down. Both were super tasty, but I must have that Ramen again. Love the noodles.
Plus 2 Green Iced Teas = $23.33 + tip
Sticky Rice is also there, serving out of a little vintage camper.
Leader of the Pack Vintage
Wolf on Melrose… again.
Had a pleasant Father’s Day with the family.
Herb Omelet w/Shrooms & Goat Cheese / Steak & Eggs (side avocado) / Fruit Salad
Crispy Potatoes w/Aji Amarillo Alioli, Lime, Cilantro, Serrano (2 orders)
. A dab of sauce is delish, but these are just as perfect alone.
Tortilla Española - Egg, Potato, Onion, Pimentón, Aioli
Steak and Eggs - Flatiron Steak, Kale w/Chipotle Vinaigrette, Crispy Egg (yep, that’s an egg inside the potato nest)
Poached Egg w/Fruit, Avocado, Brioche Toast
Consumed but not pictured: Waffles and Chai Brioche French Toast. By 2pm they were out of their brunch specialty, Fried Chicken & Waffles! What?! Sorry, nothing for the Fried Chicken Rundown .
My Lemon Drop was lemon & vodka - not tasty, frosty and orange (aperol?) like the other night, but no biggie. 2 Old Fashioneds, Pinot Grigio, Coffees
It wasn’t a zoo. The service was understandably tired, but happy.
Total $298.00 - Including a “23% Kitchen Appreciation” charge and a gratuity tax (?). Not bad for 7 people.
Still haven’t been there. Is one of those chicken?
yep.
chickn shack with some extra herb mayo on the side + hot sauce = amazing
Twohey’s Veggie Deluxe Ciabatta: grilled eggplant, zucchini, red onions, Portobello mushrooms, onion sprouts and tomato with roasted red pepper sauce (added Swiss cheese).
Very tasty, messy, and definitely what I wanted. Fries were okay to good (had forgotten I was going to order onion rings). Started with a house salad with decent blue cheese dressing and finished with a strawberry ice cream/bittersweet chocolate fudge sundae.
Lots of veggies/some fruit, so it was healthy, of that I’m certain.
Also, it’s not totally reflected in the current online menu, but Twohey’s seems to be in the middle of a revamp (prices going up, less selection, more higher-end things - several dishes with truffle, lobster, and the in-the-restaurant menu mentions the chef by name; also they’re no longer advertising, that I could see, serving Fosselman’s ice cream). That being said, am still happy to go back.
Dining companions had sand dabs (not listed on online menu) and some sort of veggie-laden omelette.
We were able to go up to SF and San Mateo for a quick follow-up trip from our last visit.
Quick Ramen Lunch at Santa Ramen:
A charming, tasty, neighborhood Izakaya with some of the best-tasting, affordable Sake I’ve seen anywhere at Izakaya Ginji:
The best meal we had on this trip, and the best Modern Mexican cuisine I’ve ever had at Californios:
And we finished off the trip with a visit to 3 of the most recommended FTC Bakeries in the area for some excellent Breakfast Pastries at Arsicault Bakery (Revisit), Tartine Bakery (Revisit) and B. Patisserie:
Like before, another wonderful trip overall and a huge thanks again to @beefnoguy @PorkyBelly @BradFord @ipsedixit @SFDiner @sfchris @Emglow101 @chinchi @paranoidgarliclover and so many others for their recommendations. 
We will be back to try more of the list!
Thank you again!
on her way home from broken horn, principessa kindly and generously stopped off at corner beef noodle house.
man, that beef noodle soup is outtasite. sausage tastes real but a little sweet pour moi.
xo noodles tasty.
im thinking that soup is as good an asian soup as ive had here in the los angeles – hard g, long e, please – area.
Spent the weekend in Napa.
Upon our arrival in town, we immediately started a walking snack tour of some of our favorite haunts downtown since we had skipped lunch.
Morimoto Napa
I wanted nigiri and he wanted rolls. Some of the best fish I’ve ever had…the rice was fantastic and the fish was exceptionally handled. They also make the best fried soft shell crab roll we both have ever had…this one is our new favorite and we’ll compare every fried soft shell crab roll to this from now on. Drinks were good, too.
Thanks for giving me the first day of our Napa trip 
. Great!
Haha… @TheCookie that was our first meal in Napa…part two will come as I find time later today and tomorrow. On this adventure will be TORC (downtown Napa) and Bottega (Yountville). We only hit our wine clubs this trip Delgadillo Cellars (St. Helena/downtown Napa), Sojourn Cellars and Adastra (downtown Sonoma). Schramsberg was completely booked, so I had to settle for Domaine Carneros by Taittinger as the lone champagne house to introduce our friends to.
wait, they have champagne houses in Napa?
O_O
