n/naka 3455 S. Overland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90034 Dining date: 4/6/11 Niki Nakayama is the chef behind n/naka, who previously was preparing omakase menus at Inaka in Arcadia. Unfortunately I never got a chance to make it out there, and Nakayama has since left Inaka to open her own place on the Westside. It’s…
Son of a Gun 8370 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048 Dining date: 4/18/11 I had wanted to try Son of a Gun for a while. Rave review after rave review, this restaurant is still one of the most popular in LA since it opened at the end of February. Finally, I had my…
Mo-Chica Mercado La Paloma 3655 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90007 Dining date: 4/23/11 Ricardo Zarate’s star has never been brighter than it is right now. Sure, he’s been a rising star chef in the Los Angeles scene for a couple of years now. However, national attention has come in the form of being…
Jean Philippe Patisserie Aria Resort and Casino 3730 Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89115 Dining date: 3/28/11 I first tried Jean Philippe many years ago when the Bellagio was brand new. I remembered the decadent chocolate desserts, made-to-order crepes and great gelato. Oh, and of course the chocolate fountain – the largest in the…
Bistronomics 2.0 Breadbar 8718 West 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 Dining date: 4/17/11 This is the second iteration of the Bistronomics pop-up (the first occurred in March) featuring Jet Tila (Wazuzu) and Alex Ageneau (The Royce) preparing seasonal, modern bistro fare. For this meal, Ageneau was the main driver behind the food, while Tila…
Gavin Kaysen & Cafe Boulud Animal 435 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90048 Dining date: 4/18/11 I had dinner at Cafe Boulud the last time I was in New York. I found the food to be quite good; the core concept is traditional French technique, but with modern American touches. Don’t pay too much…
Dining date: 4/16/11 Scarpetta’s spaghetti is one of the best pastas I’ve ever had; for $24 per serving, it probably should be. I first got an in-depth look into how this pasta is made on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, where chef Scott Conant demonstrated how he prepares it. It’s quite simple really, only involving a…
Lotus of Siam 953 E Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89104 Dining date: 3/30/11 Lotus of Siam has probably become one of the most famous Thai restaurants in the country, if not the most. Not too long ago, it was one of those hidden finds off the touristy Las Vegas Strip. Thanks to rave reviews…