An Eclectic (and Divine) Menu

Last night I had the pleasure of dining at the Eclectic Café (www.eclecticwinebarandgrille.com) in NoHo with my friend Thom.  I had a Living Social coupon I needed to use, plus I do love the food there.  Thom had never been, so this was a new dining experience for him.  Our server, Jonathan, was very helpful and attentive (I have always had great service there). 

We started our meal with the Oven Baked Goat Cheese appetizer, which came with herbed goat cheese, roasted garlic, sun dried tomatoes, capers, and whole grain toasts.  The cheese is so buttery and tangy, and melds well with the roasted garlic and sun dried tomatoes.  I also ordered a glass of Tempranillo (a vintage from Spain). 

For my main course, I chose the Roasted Grilled Chicken:  half a chicken, roasted and served in a rosemary thyme sauce.  I opted for the sweet potato fries as my side.  The chicken was delicious, especially when coupled with the sauce (could have used a little more sauce though), and the skin was crispy.  I could eat a whole plate of the skin….but my doctor would definitely frown on that.  The sweet potato fries were quite delectable. 

Thom ordered the Kobe Burger with fries.  I didn’t get his full take on the burger, but when I asked if he enjoyed it, he did indicate that it was a good burger.

For dessert we shared a brownie a la mode, with caramel sauce.  The brownie was made with Ghiradelli chocolate.  It was dense and rich, and melted in your mouth.

The entire meal came to $70 (plus tip), but the tab was $30 due to the Social Living coupon.  Please remember, when you use coupons and “groupons”, tip on the amount BEFORE the discount is taken off – your server will greatly appreciate that (and it’s the right thing to do!).

You can certainly have a meal for less than what we ran up.  They have lunch and dinner specials, and if you just want a sandwich or salad, the prices are very reasonable.  Not to mention the food is filling and tasty.

Dining in the Rain City (and we're not talking Seattle)

I’ve been remiss in my duties on reporting to you, fair readers, on my dining exploits, and follow up on my promised Vancouver dining reviews.  While I haven’t had an interesting meals lately (but hope to later this week), I will proceed with my Vancouver blogging.

The Vancouver food scene is quite expansive.  Much like Los Angeles, you can find just about any type of ethnic cuisine and regional culinary delight – with a Pacific Northwest flavor.  Stating the obvious, seafood plays a major role in the cuisines of the greater Vancouver area – with BC salmon leading the charge.

Starting with the major tourist destination, Granville Island (www.grandvilleisland.com) [and it’s not really an island….but whatever], which has multiple choices.  The Public Marketing – a giant indoor farmer’s market – has many food stalls offering many options. There are a few delis, bakeries and “fast” food vendors….all with delicious choices at affordable prices.  You can put together a nice meal from one or two vendors for under $10.  There are also lots of “day vendors” hawking art, jewelry, gourmet goods, etc., similar to going to a swap meet or flea market (though a little more upscale).  There are also actual produce vendors offering up a bounty of local fruits and vegetables.  (British Columbia is actually a big agricultural province, providing fruits and vegetables for Canada).

If you’re looking for to quench your thirst, there’s the Granville Island Brewing Company (www.gib.ca), which provides great beers and ales made onsite.  The Taproom offers beer on tap by the pint, or you can have a flight to enjoy a spectrum of what they’re brewing (and get a bit toasted by their generous pours).  They also offered their craft beers bottled to take home with you.

For a very nice sit-down meal (lunch or dinner), I highly recommend the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (www.picachef.com).  They offer a prix fixe 3-course menu for lunch ($18) and dinner ($24) Monday through Thursday.  On Friday they offer a seafood buffet.  It’s a great value for a very high quality meal.  The restaurant is run and staff by students at the school, overseen by master chefs.  I always try to get one meal in there when I am in Vancouver.  They also have a nice wine list, offering local, as well as international wines.  There is also a café/bakery in the lobby that offers sandwiches and baked goods.  Who knows, you may wind up dining on the cuisine of the next Top Chef!

In the West End in downtown you have sooooo many choices for great restaurants.  My all-time favorite is Bin 941 (www.bin941.com).  It’s located where else, but at 941 Davie Street.  There was a sister restaurant in Kitsilano, Bin 942, but unfortunately that restaurant has closed (though they are opening a new restaurant in the same location called “Go Fish”).  Bin 941 is a tapas parlour, focusing on small plates.  The location is also on the small side, and they do not accept reservations.  I recommend going early (they open at 5pm) if you want to get a table and not wait for an hour or more.  It’s a very quaint set-up, in a long, narrow space, with a bar taking up one wall, and tables the other.  There are two window seats that will hold two or three people max – and they are the first to go!

From the menu, choices I can highly recommend are their homous with Navajo bread, the Bruschetta, and Goat cheese with house dried tomato salsa (yummmmm).  Their heartier choices include a Lamb shank with a pomegranate date glaze, duck breast with port cranberry jus, and flank steak with a cinnamon chilli rub.  They also have an extensive wine list, from which I recommend going local with a good BC red.  By the end of the evening, you can find your tab running over $75 if you aren’t careful, but it’s a worthwhile treat if you’re sharing with someone.

My next recommendation would be Rain City Grill (www.raincitygrill.com).  It’s right at near the bottom of Davie St. on Denman.  While not the least expensive option for dining in town, the food is absolutely amazing and the service, stellar.  It’s worth treating yourself to a fine dining excursion when on vacation.  Expect to spend upwards of $75-100 for two (including a glass of wine each).  Rain City Grill focuses on regional cuisine and will give you a great overview of the culinary scene in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest.  They do offer a two course prix fixe menu for lunch for $22, with an add-on of a glass of wine for $6.  It’s a great value.

For dinner they offer a regional tasting menu for $52, which includes four courses.  For an additional $29, you can add wine pairing to each course.  It’s a wonderful deal if you are looking for a British Columbian food experience.  They also offer an early bird three course prix fixe menu for $30 (additional $20 for wine pairing).  Entrees range from $19 to $36.  I can highly recommend the salmon, chicken, and if they have it…duck!  (quack quack).

At the other end of Denman is Wild Garlic Bistro (www.wildgarlicbistro.com).  As the name implies….this place is all about garlic.  There is this delicious roasted garlic and camembert cheese fondue.  They serve it with toast points, and there are whole cloves of garlic in the fondue.  MMmmmmm.  I made sure to stop in every trip to get some.  Other dishes include duck confit in sour cherry jus, gnocchi with garlic, roasted walnuts and parmesan, grilled salmon, and a grilled lamb sirloin.  I’ve never had a bad meal there, and the staff is always warm and friendly, and will gladly recommend dishes based on your tastes.  The tapas menu averages about $10 a plate, and entrees about $20.  Prices are very reasonable and the portions generous.

In Yaletown, if you’re looking for the seafood experience, check out Blue Water Café and Raw Bar (www.bluewatercafe.net) on Hamilton.  Their focus is on shellfish and fish, and they do it all very well.  They do offer beef and other land animals, but that’s not what they are truly about.  They even have a tank where you can pick your meal.  Prices are average, but don’t expect it to be cheap.  You’ll wind up spending about $75 for two.   They also have geoduck on the menu (if you have to ask, it’s most likely not for you).

Also in Yaletown you’ll find Brix (www.brixvancouver.com) on Homer between Helmcken and Davie.  More upscale, like Rain City Grill.  They offer an early seating menu between 5pm and 6:30.  It’s a three course menu for $29.  There small plates menu can be turned into a meal as well, offering up salads, scallops, a duck pate parfait, a cheese plate, and other tasty items for an average price of $13 a plate.  Their entrée menu has a variety of Canadian sourced beef, poultry, vegetables and fish.  The presentation is amazing and service excellent.  Entrees run from $23 to $45 – definitely a treat meal.

There are definitely many more restaurants in the downtown and Greater Vancouver area.  Many I have yet to try, some it’s been so long since I’ve been to them that I’ve forgotten their names.  Pretty much – you can’t throw a stone without hitting a decent place to eat in town.  Davie and Denman both offer stretches of great sit-down and take-away dining options.  I’ll try to pull together a larger list, with different price level options.  And I welcome anyone who wants more info and recommendations, please feel free to email me at cjhelm@thefoodtripper.com.   

Chasing the Dragon

I’ve been jonesin’ for the Grilled Cheese Truck (www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com) for several months.  The last opportunity I had for it, I wound up bypassing it since the line was incredibly long I was STARVING!  Foolish me!  Every day I get a tweet from them, and they are never anywhere close to where I am at. 

Until today….

I got a tweet this morning that they were in Century City at Fox Plaza at the valet parking side for lunch today.  It was almost 11:30, so I grabbed my co-worker Madeleine and hoofed it over to Fox.  Glad we got there early, since when we left the line was at least 5 times as long as when we arrived.  Sheesh!  They are popular – and with good reason.

I opted for the day’s special, the “Brady Bunch Melt” – triple cream brie, pork roast and homemade chunky applesauce on rosemary potato bread.  Initially, my thought was “applesauce?  Really??”  But it was more a spread than a sauce and it melded well with the pork and brie.  Mmmmmmm yummmmmm!  I also picked up a side of mac & cheese to share.  One of the best grilled cheese I’ve had in a while, even topping the one I blogged on recently from Piknic!

Madeleine had their standard Brie Melt (brie, fig paste and almonds on peppercorn potato bread).  She gave me the thumbs up.  I will order that next time….with the addition of bacon…unless they have another delicious special!

If you see the Grilled Cheese Truck in your area, I highly recommend that you check it out.  It’s worth the wait in the line.  The staff is friendly and fast, and the food divine.

Oh the Place's We'll Go!

A few friends have expressed interest in my posting about trips I’ve taken.  So I will now do a series on places I have been, things to do there, restaurants, and whatever else I can think of (and remember!).  I will start it off with Vancouver, Canada.  I have been many times over the past decade, and am recognized at my favorite restaurants when I come in.  I have actually been stopped on the street and asked for directions….and been able to give them readily!  I will spread Vancouver over several posts, as there is much information to give. 

Today I will focus on the places to stay.  My tactic with traveling has generally been to go off-season to get the good rates and lesser crowds.  My first ever visit to Vancouver was in January of 2004.  While most people wouldn’t consider a vacation to Canada in the dead of winter, Vancouver has perhaps the mildest climate north of the 49^th.    While certainly chilly in comparison to L.A. (it was about 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit), it was more than tolerable and even enjoyable for this So Cal guy.  I kind of like the cooler weather! 

I’ve had the pleasure to stay at many different hotels in the downtown Vancouver area.  My first experience was at the Fairmont Waterfront (www.fairmont.com), across from Canada Place (where the cruise ships dock).  I got the Fairmont (at least back then) for around $100 a night.  That’s a steal for that class of hotel.  The Fairmont Waterfront is pretty well located to Stanley Park, Gas Town, and Chinatown.  The main shopping drag, Robson, is a short hike (literally….it’s uphill at a slight incline from the waterfront).  The accommodations were well appointed, and the staff was extremely helpful.  I’ve had friends who have stayed since and report that the quality is still maintained.  The restaurant off the lobby, Herons, has an amazing breakfast menu.  The smoked salmon bagel was amazing…they use wild caught salmon from British Columbia. 

My next stay, I met my friend Phil (another travel buddy of mine) in the springtime.  We stayed at the Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites (www.coasthotels.com) on Denman & Comox in the West End of downtown.  It was just a few blocks from Stanley Park, and a few blocks over from Davie St.   It’s a great location, as there are shops and restaurants all up and down Denman and Davie, and easy access to the park.  The rates were decent.  I think it wound up being about $200-250 a night in the spring.  The room was comfortable, though it could have used some updating.  It seemed to cater to Japanese tour groups.  Another friend who stayed there unfortunately had a negative experience, but mine was positive.  It’s a good place if you can get a deal.

The next several trips that I took with my friend Fuzzy (my other travel buddy), we stayed at the Empire Landmark Hotel (www.empirelandmarkhotel.com).  This hotel is situated right on Robson Street, in the commercial core, and just up the hill from Denman, and Stanley Park.  It’s a business class hotel, and tends to cater to Japanese businessmen, but not exclusively.  The rooms are clean and the views can be stunning.  The rates are very reasonable too, even during peak season.  We paid about $85 a night in the wintertime, it goes up into the $120-150 range in peak season.  I like it because it is close to just about everything, very central.  The beds are pretty comfortable too!  At the top of the hotel, there is a restaurant, Cloud 9, that revolves.  It’s fun to go up in the evening and sit in the bar and have cocktails while you watch the city go by.

On another trip with my friend Fuzzy, I found a deal at the Westin Bayshore (www.westin.com).  It’s just steps from Stanley Park and the waterfront.  The downside is that it is out of the way from most of the activity.  However, if you are looking for comfortable rooms and “heavenly beds”, it’s a good choice, especially in off-season.  In January we paid about $100 a night. 

A few years back in the summer, I flew up to visit friends in Seattle, and then we drove to Vancouver for the weekend for the Gay Pride parade and festival.  It was the first time I had been there in the summer and it was gorgeous!  The temp was probably about 80°F, with a nice cooling breeze off the bay.  Since we hadn’t planned the trip until just a few weeks prior, finding a reasonable hotel downtown was no easy task.  We wound up staying at the Sheraton Wall Centre (www.sheratonvancouver.com) for $350 a night (yeowch!).  At least we were splitting the bill, which made it more palatable.  But the room was very comfortable and well appointed.  It was also very centrally located and made it easy to walk everywhere.

In 2006, I made a trek to Vancouver from Seattle when I visited those same friends for Thanksgiving.  After the holiday, they drove me up to BC in a snowstorm!  It was a five hour drive (and they still had to drive back).  That kind of weather is quite unusual in the Pacific Northwest.  They dropped me at my hotel on Davie St. – Sandman Suites on Davie (www.sandman.ca).  I had a suite overlooking Davie St. and towards downtown.  I woke up the next morning (after a very chilly night….the heater was straining to warm my room) to the coldest day since 1897.  It was in the negatives, probably 15 below.  BRRRRRRRRR.  The hotel was nice, and the suite was roomy.  However, the bed was very uncomfortable.  While I paid a low rate of just under $100 a night, I can’t offer a recommendation if a comfortable bed is what you like (I know I do).  The location though is great.  It’s right in the heart of Davie Village.

On my most recent stay, I found a new little hotel that I will definitely stay at again, given its great location and reasonable rates.  The Sunset Inn and Suites (www.sunsetinn.com) is a tourist hotel, but the rooms are set up like apartments; they have a living room, kitchen and bedroom (and of course a bath!).  They are meant for longer term stays, but a week or less seems to be the norm.  It’s located in the West End on Burnaby Street, near Thurlow, and a couple blocks south of Davie.  I paid about $135 a night for a one bedroom executive suite in the early springtime.  I had the corner unit on the top floor.  The bed was extremely comfortable, moreso than some higher-end places I’ve stayed at.  While you don’t get a full view of English Bay, it still allowed for some great sunset views.  The staff was very friendly and offered recommendations for local restaurants, and it’s convenient to the shops and restaurants on Davie and in Yaletown.  I can definitely recommend this place.

In my next installment, I will cover restaurants!

La Vie Boheme

We all have a restaurant which is our go-to favorite, that we find comforting and welcoming like an old friend.  In San Diego, that place for me is Bleu Boheme (www.bleuboheme.com) in the Kensington neighborhood.  I discovered this little gem several years ago when my friend Fuzzy and I were looking for a new dining experience with a French flavor.  It has now become our favorite restaurant in San Diego.  Fuzzy, luckily, just lives one neighborhood over, so she can enjoy their fine cuisine any time.  But for me, it’s a real treat as I don’t get down too frequently.

Last night we took my niece, Catherine, to expose her to fine dining and Country French cuisine.  She was awed by the ambience of the place.  The restaurant sits on the corner of Adams Avenue and Kensington Drive in a quaint neighborhood of craftsman homes  They offer some al fresco dining, which is great in the summertime.  When you enter the reception area, you are greeted with a warm smile by the hostess (and often the Manager).  Directly in front of you is the bar with a large candelabra  sitting on the corner, wax dripping onto the counter forming stalagmites.  French music is playing in the background (I know I heard some Edith Piaf last night).  To the right are some tables along the wall and beyond is a small, intimate dining room.  To the left of the bar is the main dining room, which feels spacious, yet cozy.

We were seated at a table near the bar, which gives you a good vantage point to see the action.  Our server, Jaime, was delightful.  She explained the night’s specials, but we more or less knew what we wanted but mulled it over while she got our drinks.  The Manager, Matt, came over to greet us.  He recognized Fuzzy from the numerous times she has dined there. 

When Jaime returned with our drinks, we gave her our order.  We chose as an appetizer, the restaurant’s “La Planche”….a wood cutting board that offers up an assortment of cured meats and delicious cheeses.  We wanted Catherine to have “our” dining experience.  (Fuzzy and I travel frequently together and enjoy many great dining adventures.)  We each decided to also order off the Bohemian menu.  Every day from opening at 5pm to 6pm, Bleu Boheme offers a prix fixe menu of a three course meal for $24.95 – an amazing value!

When our Planche arrived, Matt surprised us by having the chef send over a sampling of additional appetizers.  We were presented with mussels two ways (in a white wine sauce, and in blue cheese), Escargot, and a lobster crepe (Crepe de Homard).  Needless to say, we were overwhelmed (in a very good way).

The crepe was absolutely incredible.  I could have eaten several.  I even tried the escargot….I will have to say honestly, I am not a fan – but let me qualify that by stating I am a texture oriented eater.  I don’t like calamari either due to its texture.  But my philosophy is you only live once…..so I tried it.  Fuzzy finished them off as she loves them, and I couldn’t get Catherine to try them – no way, no how!  Fuzzy and Catherine had the mussels and reported that they were deeeelish.

The Chef de Cuisine, John, stopped by to check on us.  We expressed how much we appreciated the appetizers, as well as the many meals we’ve had in the past.  He was very gracious and chatted with us for a while.

After that feast, Jaime brought our first course.  I had the Soupe a la Oignon Gratinee (French Onion soup), and the girls had the Salade Maison (butterleaf salad) – all well received.  For the entrée course, Catherine and I each ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon.  The meat was sooooo succulent and flavorful in that luscious red wine sauce.  The portion size was just right, though after the first round we were already getting full, so we were able to finish about half and brought the rest home (it’s delish to have as a snack the next day).  Fuzzy had the Coq au Vin (which I have had before too), also tender and falling off the bone.  I shared some of my Boeuf with her, and she gave Catherine and I each a taste of Coq au Vin.  (Civilized people share!)

We all had the same dessert:  Mousse au Chocolat.  Mmmmmm. Sooooo delicious.  It had just a hint of mint.  The chef surprised us with an additional dessert, Crepe au “Nutella”.  O-M-G!  It was sooooo delicious, we all had to avert each other’s eyes from the sounds of pleasure we were making.  Absolutely amazing.

At the end of the meal as we were winding down (and slipping into a food coma), the Owner, Ken Irvine, stopped by to say hello.  We made sure we let him know how wonderful everything had been and how great the service was. 

Fuzzy and I have always had great experiences at Bleu Boheme.  We even have made our reservations for their special Christmas Eve dinner.  (For certain holidays, they serve a set, prix fixe menu of delectable delights.)  I can give you a solid thumb’s up and highly recommend it if you are in the Kensington neighborhood in San Diego.  Their hospitality is unparalleled, and the food sublime.

Pride

My niece asked me again this year to take her to Pride, this time in San Diego.  Being the dutiful uncle, how could I not?  After picking her up at 8am, we drove to San Diego for the parade and festival.  San Diego holds their parade on a Saturday, so we had to get down there before the start time at 11am.  We suffered through a snarl in traffic trying to get to Balboa Park where the parade ends and the festival is held.  With time to space, we found a place near the end of the route to have a front row seat.  As is tradition, Dykes on Bikes began the parade:

Following the Dykes on Bikes, this year the parade feature a very large contingent of our armed services, each with a t-shirt denoting which branch they serve(d) in:

I would personally like to thank, and salute, your men and women in uniform for their service to our country and the American public.  A HUGE thanks and special salute for the gay and lesbian members who have served in silence for their country - you are not forgotten!

This year San Diego selected Meredith Baxter to serve as Grand Marshall.  I am happy she was finally comfortable enough to come out.  Thank you Meredith, you will make it easier for those who follow.

No parade would be complete without some pink flamingoes!

I also was quite surprised by the sizable contingent of peace officers.  I can remember a few decades back when you would have been surprised to see even one or two march in the parade, and never in uniform.  Times, they are a' changin'.  There were SDPD, CHP, Sheriffs, other municipal peace officers....it actually made me tear up to realize how far we have progressed as a society.  I salute the peace offices for their bravery.

I could go on and on, as there were so many great entries in the parade, but I will end this portion with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  I have admiration for the Sisters as they have tirelessly worked to support the community through their philanthropy, outspokenness, and humor.  Bless them!

My niece, Catherine, and I stood watching the parade for close to two hours and it wasn't quite over, so we decided to head to the festival and get the blood flowing (my legs were aching from standing).  The last time I attended SD's festival, it was large, but not HUGE.  Well, it has grown over the years.  Once we got it, we made a beeline for food as I was starting to get low blood sugar.  We stopped at the first area where there were food stands and ordered some nachos at one of the carts.  They were....edible, and tided us over. 

Once we started walking around, we came back up the hill to another area, lo and behold, there was a long stretch of much more enticing cuisine:

Dang it!  Oh well, now I know.  It is actually amazing how commercial this event has become.  The admission ($20.00) is a bit steep, but I do understand they are paying for the entertainment.  Had I the energy, I would have gone back this evening as Margaret Cho was headlining.  Are you a Cho Ho? (I know I am!)

We spent a few hours roaming around, checking out the vendors hawking their wares and talking with some of the services.  I signed up for the Human Rights Campaign.  I also spoke with Angus from gayvan.com and representing Tourism Vancouver. 

Next year, I think I will take Catherine to Long Beach Pride, as she hasn't been to that yet.  I'll leave you with a picture of us at the festival:

Mmmmmmmm......Cheeeeeese....

Lunchtime today I left the office to get some fresh air and get something to eat.  It was late for me and I was hungry and grumpy.  I work in Century City, so I have access to a mall with lots of options, but also the building complex I work in has some good choices to eat at as well.  I was drawn to one of my favorites for salads, Piknic – but what drew me today wasn’t my usual craving:  they had a special on offer for a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.

Grilled cheese always reminds me of my childhood.  Whenever it rained, Mom, or sometimes Dad, would make us grilled cheese and tomato soup.  It’s a great comfort food.  But Piknic’s (www.piknic.us) version was much more high-brow.  The bread was a sourdough olive rustic bread, and they used three cheeses.  I remember two of the cheeses:  blue and cheddar, the third was a white cheese, maybe pr0volone.  It was deeeeelish!  The bread was firm and toasted just right and the cheese was melted perfectly.  It was well complemented by a tomato soup that still had some chunks of tomato in it (just the way I like it). 

I am very glad I took the chance today and went with the special.  It’s always good to get of your comfort zone and try the specials – they often turn out to be a lovely taste treat.

To Groupon...or not to Groupon....

Groupon, the daily deal website that has exploded and generated many clones, has become shorthand for inexpensive deals.  Their brand is ubiquitous.  I have found myself referring to my “groupon” for a deal, when in reality it was a LivingSocial deal.  But I admit, I do love my groupons.  Daily deals, whoever is offering them, are a great way to try new things, explore different cuisines, and even take a vacation with. 

Since I love to eat, the opportunity to try out restaurants is very appealing.  Through these daily deals, I have had the pleasure of fine dining on my beer bottle budget.  I also get to explore new neighborhoods since deals are offered all over town.  Living in a large city, the possibilities can be endless, but these deal sites have now branched out into smaller communities as well.  They truly are worth checking out.

When I travel, if I have enough lead time, I keep tabs on the deal sites for the location I am visiting.  It’s a great way to experience a city like the locals (daily deals are targeted at the local population primarily).  On a recent trip to Chicago, I had a groupon for a river architecture tour and speed boat ride on the lake….it was worth every penny (and I made sure to tip the staff).   

The key to doing daily deals when traveling this is to make sure that the deals you are looking at are in proximity to where you are staying or easily commutable for you.  It’s easy to see a great deal for the greater Chicago area and buy it, only to find out later it’s out in a suburb far from where you are staying.

Groupon and Living Social are also now offering travel deals:  Groupon with its partnership with Expedia; and LivingSocial with its Escapes.  While I have yet to avail myself of these offerings, they do offer substantial savings to resort and tourist destinations.

One BIG caveat to these daily deals:  they DO have an expiration date on them.  Unlike gift cards, which generally do not expire, daily deal coupons have set redemption dates.  Use it or lose it.  I’ve learned this the hard way and wound up throwing money down the drain (arrrgggg).

Just Another Manic Monday (A glass of Sangria please...)

Monday is not my favorite day.  But I managed to muddle through and survive.  At the end of the day, I like to come home, kick off the shoes, uncork a bottle and relax with a glass of vino.  Since it's summer, my preferred beverage to relax with is Sangria!  So when I got home this evening I made my first batch of the summer, and now I am going to share my secret of great homemade Sangria with you.

If you don't know what Sangria is, it is a alcoholic punch originating from Spain and Portugal made of red wine, fruit juices, some brandy and a sweetner.  Some finish it off by serving with a carbonated water to mix it down. It's very tasty and VERY addicting.

First, FYI - BevMo is still having it's 5 cent sale.  I highly recommend you take advantage of this sale while it is still on.  But if you miss this one, they are bound to have another sale later this year.  (Trader Joes also offers a great selection of inexpensive red wines.)  I picked up four bottles of Tempra Tantrum (tempranilla/shiraz blend from Spain) for about $20.  And four bottles is what I recommend for your first batch of Sangria.

Here's what else you will need:  berries in season (I used strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), an apple or pear (I used green apple), some pineapple, an orange, dried cherries, brandy and sugar.  You will also need a one gallon container to mix your concoction in (a milk bottle works great, but a water jug or whatever else you have on hand is great - just clean it out well).

Chop the apple, pineapple, orange and strawberries into a slice or size that will fit in the bottle's opening.  Just feed it in and let it drop to the bottom.  You can use as much fruit as you want - I use enough to make a nice layer about an inch or so deep on the bottom of the bottle.  After you have your fruit in, use a funnel for the remaining ingredients.  (If you don't have a funnel, you can make one out of paper or parchment.)  Next put in a couple of tablespoons of sugar.  You can also use honey if you prefer.  I do NOT recommend using an artificial sweetner as it will make the wine taste funny and ruin your Sangria. 

Add your first bottle of wine to cover the fruit, then add a shotglass or two of brandy.  You can also add a shot of Cointreau or Gran Marnier if you like for extra zing.  Add two more bottles of wine.  By now the bottle should be mostly full, so the fourth bottle is meant to hold in reserve (you can add it after you've drank a couple of glasses when the Sangria is ready).  Put the cap on and shake it all up to mix everything together.

Now, the most important step.....stick it in the back of your refrigerator and leave it there for several days, taking it out once or twice a day and shaking it up to mix everything up.  I usually give my Sangria about five days to age.  You can drink it right away, but trust me, it will be much, MUCH better if you can be patient and let it steep.

Once you can't stand it anymore, and you sooooo desperately want a glass.....pull out your best wine goblet, fill it up halfway or so with some ice (cubed or crushed - your choice really), and pour that luscious Sangria.  Sit back, take a sip...and I guarantee you're gonna smile (maybe even sigh!). 

After a day or two, you can pour in that 4th bottle into your steeping Sangria, maybe another spoonful of sugar and dash of brandy - and let it steep for a day or two to meld with the fruit.

One warning.....don't eat the fruit.  It is NOT a taste treat.

Bottom's up!

Sunday at The Counter

Today I decided to have lunch at The Counter (www.thecounterburger.com) in Studio City.  I've now been de-virginized.  I've seen them around town, but this was my first time to dine.  They are a So Cal chain of made-to-order burger joints.  The interior is somewhere between chic diner and industrial, but it doesn't feel sterile or uninviting at all. 

I ordered their market selection protein, the Bison burger, and topped it with crispy onions, goat cheese spread and buttermilk ranch on a multigrain bun (I don't much care for rabbit food on my burgers or sandwiches).  I also ordered a side of parmesan french fries....yummmmmm.  Those fries alone are worth a trip.  I could eat just those.  I topped it off with a pale ale, Raging Bitch (hearty and tasty!).

I have to say, I am rather impressed and will visit again and try some other combos.  Adding to that, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.  Cudos to them!

Did I mention the music playing in the background?  Classic 80s.  What up with that?  Everywhere I go in So Cal these days (malls, stores, restaurants, bars), I hear 80s music going.  Perhaps they are targeting the 40-somethings like me?  Encourage flasbacks??  Hmmmmmmm

Tune in later:  I will be sharing my recipe for making homemade Sangria.

Food Trucks (or the new roach coaches)

Hurray!  It’s my first food blog!  (And travel too – if you count my mile drive to North Hollywood).  Today I made a trip into the NoHo Arts District for a food truck roundup.  The food truck scene in L.A. is booming, and you can find just about any type of cuisine and ethnic foods.  In my neck of the wood, every Saturday at lunchtime a group of food trucks park in the lot behind The Federal Bar at the corner of Lankershim Blvd. & Weddington Ave.  My friend Thom joined me today to try some out.  They were late getting started, and by 12:30pm a couple of trucks (out of eight) were still not open.

 I opted for Frysmith’s – french fries topped with an array of savory toppings.  I went for the Poutine (cheese curds, gravy and bacon added) since I haven’t had a visit to Canada in a while.  Though it was quite tasty, my one disappointment was that the curds did not melt into the gravy and hot fries like I am used to, so they were just large lumps of cheese on top of the fries.  I’ll try Frysmith again sometime, but probably opt for another topping.

My friend Thom decided to try the Cuban food truck, No Jodas!  He had the Papas Rellenas (mashed potato balls filled with ground beef) and the Croquetas (ham filled croquettes).  He seemed to enjoy the Rellenas, but noted that the Croquetas were lacking much flavor. 

Next time I think I’ll give Komodofood’s truck.  I’m hoping the Grilled Cheese Truck comes again (saw them there once).  I’ve always wanted to try them.  Come dine with me some Saturday and compare notes!  I will next try to be there Saturday, July 23, but will keep you informed.

Happy Eating Adventures!

Let the Blog Begin

So….you found my blog (or perhaps I guilted you into clicking the link I sent you).  My goal is to convey to people my experiences with traveling and dining.  When I visit new spots or take a trip, my intention is to give updates with info, reviews/ratings, things I found to do, things you might avoid, etc.  It is my hope that some will find this blog useful, helpful, and entertaining.  Pictures will be included where and when appropriate, as will be links to relevant websites of providers and services.  While I certainly do have my favorites and biases, my intent is to give my unvarnished (albeit perhaps slightly tempered) opinions and observations of those places I visit without being beholden to the service provider.  I encourage people to offer suggestions, their own experiences, feedback (constructive please), etc.  I will try to post in advance when I am traveling so locals can offer up ideas for me.

A big thanks goes out to my friends Wendy, Phil and Mercedes for encouraging me to do this and offering advice and feedback.