Sadly i didn’t think any of the flavors really worked together and unfortunately many of the individual elements did not taste good to me.
The veloutte was kind of stiff and set and didnt have a rich creamy texture or flavor meaty savory or otherwise, so it tasted like a flavorless dry gravy.
The “crisped” chicken tasted like chicken they had boiled or cooked porridge in that had all it’s fat removed and then they pulled the meat out and crisped it on a flat top it was stringy and sadly cold. Sometimes I do the same thing with my leftover boiled chicken I use to make stock or chicken porridge
The kabocha on top was not soft and actually quite chewy. I don’t know if it was purposeful but it was hard to eat as long cut ribbons.
The dill and pomegranate didn’t add anything to the dish because there were really no strong flavors to counterbalance.
The Japanese yam dumpling was probably the best part they were colorful soft and tender but didn’t really get any yam flavor. Carrots were also tasty.
So it just didn’t really make sense and kind of baffled me as dish. It was sold to be their take on chicken and dumplings, which is something that I love and don’t see offered often in LA, maybe a dish that sounds better on paper .
But with that being said super excited to go back and try more of their porridges and pickled/salad items.
Had the mango marinero ceviche, Camarones langostino, and the Pescado Zarandeado with soy carmelized onions.
All amazing and hits! Even the rice was super flavorful. Only thing was the langoustine sauce was a bit salty great for sucking on shrimp heads but a little salty on its own.
One thing to note was they weren’t making fresh tortillas today which I had read that they do. And sadly they ran out of michelada mix.
This is the best eggplant I’ve had in ages. The Taproom has had awful food for the longest time, but we stopped in for a beer last night and I guess they got a new chef. The menu and pricing have been adjusted and everything we ordered was really good (chicken thigh, mushrooms, ribs, California roll, something, something). No more chicken liver or hearts. I’ll have to gently push for those to be brought back
Not really “drive-worthy”, but a great upgrade to a neighborhood izakaya. As always, the beer was excellent, and I very rarely drink beer.
Friday - Pasjoli
Even better than visit 1. None of like the endive salad (salade d’endives
black walnut, grapefruit, comté) - had a very funky flavor. But everything else was amazing particularly a brandade appetizer that was hard to stop dipping in on, the onion tart,
Sunday Dinner - Meizho Dongpo
So crowded with the windy, cold night keeping the patio closed.
Food is just so good there. 10 years ago I would never have believed a great Chinese restaurant would do well in Westfield but there it is.
Dan Dan Mein was delicious, (non-)Peking duck is not smoky but still quite good.
FYI: Tried to go to Qi Steam Table for lunch but they are closed Sundays.
Last weekend, I had some Thai coconut cakes from Mae Ting outside of LAX-C supermarket in Chinatown. They were really, really good. They were hot and fresh from the pan so I had to wait a minute for them to cool down a little. Nice semi liquidy coconut cream inside and crisp shell.
Food court goodness in a plaza that also has Mian, Newport Seafood, and Happy Family. Also there is a stinky tofu stall right next to the restroom, which is almost always out of soap. If it smells funky it’s likely the tofu. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
It’s a Shanghainese joint, so your selections should lean towards that. Unlike the bigger Shanghainese places in other parts of the SGV, this place is mostly noodles, baos, and dumplings. There are dishes that go well with rice, but most of the menu leans towards the above.
Rice Cakes are essential Shanghainese! Generally there are 2 versions: one with soy sauce/napa cabbage/mushrooms or this version with Shepherds Purse which is listed as “Chinese spanish” on the menu. Shepherds Purse is also used in Shanghainese style wontons and baozi’s. (which they also sell by bag FYI)
A plate of greens and a side of Lionshead Meatball. I really enjoyed this meatball! I’ll have to look thru the menu again or ask the owner/owners daughter if this can be ordered as a main. Lionshead Meatball need some rice!
Pork Liver Noodles (Dry)
The iron is balanced by the savory and slight sweet sauce. I would probably enjoy this more over some steamed rice. They also have Yellow Fish Noodles, yes that same yellow fish that is fried at a typical Shanghainese place.
Shen Jien Bao’s, got a shot of the insides and the underboob. These were quite good, not overly doughy with very juicy meatball. There were 2 pieces stuck to each so they broke a little. Other than that disapppintment I would happily eat these over Shau May/Kang Kang. Give them 10-15 minutes to cook.
Next time I’ll grab the yellow fish noodles and wonton.
Remembered to take pictures this time. Got huitlacoche, flor de calabaza, pollo, chorizo, milanesa, and papa con chorizo. My favorites were the chorizo and pollo. Also got quesadilla de maiz which was very good but I forgot to take a pic.
Pizza Wagon in Sherman Oaks
Love this place. Friend got a white slice, really liked it, then got a regular cheese slice and thought that was way better. Can’t get enough of their meatball and finally got to try the Sicilian which was pretty darn good.
Kareems in Anaheim well known for their falafel. I ordered their veggie plate called the Plantbasedfatkid that came with 4 grape leaves, 5 falafel, hummus, baba, tabouli and 2 warm pitas.
The falafel were very good. Some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The hummus was not silky smooth and a touch on the salty side. I’m still not sure if I like it or not. Baba was excellent with a great kiss of smoke but ice cold. It was clearly coming straight from the fridge so I brought it home. Tabouli was sharp and bright.
.
