Bite by Bite

Restaurant Review : A-Won $$ 6.5 out of 10 A-Won is a...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:45:00 -0500

Restaurant Review : A-Won $$ ***6.5 out of 10***

A-Won is a Korean Japanese restaurant in Ktown that is popular with the lunch crowd. This is the place to come when you’re craving “Hwe Dup Bap”. ”HDB” consists of sashimi pieces on a bed of white rice which is then topped with a huge amount of lettuce and then smothered at your own discretion with “go-chu jang” (red chili paste). A-Won serves this dish in a HUGE intimidating plastic bowel but don’t be too alarmed, it is consumable by one person. I’ve tested it.

I also like their “al-bap” which translates to fish egg rice. Their version of this dish consists of various fish roe with other goodies such as seaweed, tamago, pickled radish, sprouts and sesame oil (key ingredient being the sesame oil)…I always ask for extra.

A-Won Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Korean Japanese Sushi
913 S Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Neighborhood: Koreatown
(213) 389-6764

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori (Japanese, Yakitori) Torrance $$ ***9 out...

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:34:00 -0500

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori

Chicken Liver $1.95ea

Interior

Chicken Cartilage $1.95ea

Beef Tongue $2.35ea

Chicken Gizzard $1.95ea

Drinks!

Cabbage Salad

Kani Cream Croquette $5.25

Bacon Wrapped Tomatoes $2.75ea

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori (Japanese, Yakitori) Torrance $$ ***9 out of 10***

My favorite place for yakitori! Shinsengumi is a small place that gets jam packed every night with happy patrons stuffing their faces with small pieces of skewered chicken parts.

When you walk into the restaurant expect the entire staff to greet you loudly in Japanese. Have a drink and the entire staff will cheers you. Of course the same exclamations are extended when you leave. It’s a fun lively atmosphere that seems to get louder and livelier every year.

My absolute favorite thing to get is their chicken liver followed closely by their chicken skin and chicken cartilage. Other must-tries are the chicken hearts, chicken gizzards, bacon-wrapped cherry tomatoes and chicken meatballs.

You have the regular accompaniments to your yakitori like “Shichimi” and “sansho pepper” but their “yuzu Kosho” accompanied by a never-ending supply of roughly chopped fresh cabbage salad is what makes the Shinsengumi yakitori experience…well…better.

What I also love about Shinsengumi is the fact that not only are their skewers spectacular; their cooked food is amazing as well. From my experience, you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu but personally, I love their crab cream croquette and the grilled Atka mackerel. To end, I like to finish off the meal with some nice, warm, soupy Chazuke.

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori
18517 S Western Ave
Gardena, CA 90247
Neighborhoods: Torrance, Harbor Gateway
(310) 715-1588
http://www.shinsengumigroup.com

Himalayan Cafe , Pasadena (Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian) $$ ***7...

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:39:00 -0400

Himalayan Cafe

Poppadom

Yeti Beer $7.49

Interior

Chicken Mo-Mo $10.99

Garlic Naan $2.99

Chicken Vindaloo $12.99

Himalayan Mixed Grill $16.99

Chutney and Sauce

Basmati Bhat $2.99

Himalayan Cafe , Pasadena (Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian) $$ ***7 out of 10***

Himalayan café is definitely not a mind-blowing dining experience nor is it likely to give you an unforgettable perception-changing meal. However, it is quite capable of giving you a satisfied tummy with its decent portions, tasty food, and great service in a clean and bright environment for a fair price. Located in Old Town Pasadena, it’ an easy stop-in if you’re looking for something Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian with a lot of spices and flavor. Their chicken mo-mo seems to be their most popular dish. It’s a classic Asian-style chicken dumpling that comes with a tasty dipping sauce.

Their lunch buffet is a fair deal too. If you’re not familiar with the food, it’s a good way to try a few different things without committing to an entire dish. It’s basically standard Indian fare consisting of Naan, a couple of curries, some salad, Tandoori Chicken and a little something sweet for dessert all for $9.99/person everyday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

Himalayan Cafe
36 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Old-Town Pasadena
(626) 564-1560
http://www.himalayancafe.net

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar @ LA Live...

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:51:07 -0400

Bone-in Filet $54.95

Interior

complimentary bread

1/2 dozen oyster $16.95

Shrimp Cocktail $15.95

Fleming's @ LA Live

sauteed mushrooms $9.50

Cheesecake

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar @ LA Live (Steakhouse) $$$ ***4 out of 10***

Flemings at LA Live is the worst Flemings location that I’ve been to. The service and décor is just fine but the food has disappointed me on every occasion that I’ve been there!

The bread and the bread spread = mediocre. The shrimp cocktail = terribly disappointing in taste and presentation; 3 small, pathetic, tasteless shrimp for $15.95! The oysters = pretty decent but absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. The sautéed mushrooms = a bit too salty but it was okay.

My bone-in filet “seared black and blue” came out blackened but cooked to a hard medium-well! Of course I had to send it back. The second round came back to me raw and cold in the middle with a bit of warmth on the outside. I ate it anyway.

The cheesecake for dessert was just as disappointing as the rest of the meal.

If it weren’t for the convenient location in DTLA, walking distance from my house, I would have absolutely no reason to step foot into this place. Absolutely none!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
800 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Neighborhood: Downtown
(213) 745-9911
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com

From this to THIS! Cherry Tomato Salad!

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:38:00 -0400

From this to THIS!

Cherry Tomato Salad!

Home-Cooked Meals : Spicy Yellow Vegetable Curry served...

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:46:09 -0400

Home-Cooked Meals : Spicy Yellow Vegetable Curry served with Buckwheat Soba Noodles!

Who appreciates a perfectly poached egg? I know I sure do!...

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:59:16 -0400

Who appreciates a perfectly poached egg? I know I sure do! It’s heaven in its simplicity straight from my kitchen.

Maison Akira is having a pre-set course menu as a farewell...

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:26:57 -0400

Filet of Beef and Foie Gras 'Rossini"

Foie Gras Torchon w/ Blueberry Marmalade

Hudson River farm Duck Foie Gras Flan

Sauteed Mexican Shrimp w/Foie Gras Oil

Maison Akira is having a pre-set course menu as a farewell tribute for our beloved Foie Gras!!! As most of you know the ban on Foie Gras goes into effect starting July 1st 2012…less than 2 weeks from now! So kiss the delectable livers good-bye and have a toast to the health of the ducks. Your livers will be sorely missed.

Maison Akira

Categories: French, Japanese

713 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91101
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 796-9501

http://www.maisonakira.net

Beckham Grill (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) 6.5 out of 10...

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:44:12 -0400

Beckham Grill

Beckham Charger Plate

Interior

cheese plate

Crab Cobb Salad $$16.50

Shrimp Cocktail $13.95

Crown Cut Prime RIb half $33.95

Bread Pudding w/Whiskey Sauce

bar area

outside

Beckham Grill (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) *6.5 out of 10* $$

Old School English Dining in Pasadena with big portions and reasonable prices. Located just north of Oldtown, Beckham Grill is comfy and away from all the commotion. The décor is very charming. In the front of the restaurant sits an antique red phone booth and a restored old car nestled within the flowerbeds. Inside, you’re encompassed by heavy dark wood and dim mood lighting. And I can’t forget to mention the personalized metal charger plates with the Beckham logo engraved upon them!

My friend and I shared everything. We had the very mediocre Shrimp Cocktail to start, and then we had the Crab Cobb Salad which was a total disappointment. The crab was not fresh and the salad was so over-dressed that it was soggy. Thank goodness the cheese-bread was good.

Our main course was the Crown Cut Prime Rib that came with creamed spinach, creamed corn, and Yorkshire pudding. The prime rib was a bit dry, the creamed corn was a little too runny and sweet and the Yorkshire pudding is not something I am a fan of. But the creamed spinach was really tasty, the au jus was spot on, and the fresh and creamed horseradish was excellent! All in all, I must say that I did enjoy my dining experience comforted by the ambiance of good ‘ole English charm while sitting in a comfy armchair.

And of course we finished off the meal with some warm raisin bread pudding with a they-don’t-mess-around whiskey sauce.

Beckham Grill Restaurant
77 W Walnut St
Pasadena, CA 91103
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 796-3399
http://www.BeckhamGrill.com

Tri-Colored Tomatoes growing on my plant. :)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:23:52 -0400

Tri-Colored Tomatoes growing on my plant. :)

Home-Made Meals : Spicy Tuna and Crab Party with all the...

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:21:23 -0400

Home-Made Meals :

Spicy Tuna and Crab Party with all the trimmings. :)

The Supper Club, Hollywood (Dinner & Show, Club, Bar) *7.5...

Thu, 31 May 2012 16:25:00 -0400

The Supper Club

Interior

Salad

Shots!

the Lamb

The Tiger made an appearance

Dessert

our group

The Supper Club, Hollywood (Dinner & Show, Club, Bar) *7.5 out of 10* $$$

The Supper Club has a lot going on. What makes this place stand out is that not only is it a trendy Hollywood club, it is also a great place to have dinner while watching a freak show that they put on for your viewing pleasure.

Personally, I prefer the dinner +show while lounging on their white sofa bed option versus the club option. The 4 course meal is quite good; their lamb was amazing and I am VERY picky about my lamb. The show is edgy, definitely adult rated, but in no way does the talent even come close to Circque du Soleil caliber so keep your expectations low, and you’ll probably enjoy it. In my opinion, it’s worth checking out.

Of course the quality of the club depends on the night and the DJ. It’s usually okay, but it’s not my favorite spot.

Premiere Supper Club
1710 N Las Palmas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 978-0730
http://www.premieresupperclub.com

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery,...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:55:56 -0400

Salted Caramel

Order Here

Salted Caramel & Black/White

Cute Box

Wonderland Custom Cakes

Red Velvet

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery, Dessert, Cupcakes) $$ *9 out of 10*

Decadent, moist, delicious, jam packed with taste… Winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, Wonderland Cupcakes deserves a visit.

They’re little handfuls of sweet goodness for $3.25 each. Try the salted caramel, you won’t be disappointed.

Wonderland Custom Cakes
107 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 486-9977
http://www.wonderlandcustomcakes.com/

Home-Cooked Meals : Seafood bake! Live Crystal Crab, 2...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:50:00 -0400

Ready to go on the grill

Dinner with views!

Ready to eat!

Home-Cooked Meals : Seafood bake!

Live Crystal Crab, 2 types of clams, Mussels, Periwinkles, Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic, Onion, Potatoes, Carrots, 1/2 bottle of Chardonnay, some butter, and a touch of sea salt makes for a wonderful Seafood Bake out on the rooftop patio!

Restaurant Review : 8th St Live Fish Cuisine (Korean...

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:38:00 -0400

Korean Sashimi!

8th St Live Fish Cuisine

Must-have drinks

steamed egg, onion pancake, mussel soup

combo sashimi

Spicy fish stew

interior

"banchan"

Restaurant Review : 8th St Live Fish Cuisine (Korean Sashimi) $$ *7 out of 10*

When I want Korean sashimi, I come here. It’s small, homey, and the owner is super friendly and often greets his customers at the tables. It’s reasonably priced, the fish is fresh, and the cooked food is quite decent.

Like all Korean sashimi places, ordering is easy. Small is $69.99, Medium is $89.99, Large is $119.99, and Special Large is $149.99. You pick according to the size of your party and on your hunger level and they will take care of the rest. If you’re not sure, ask your server. They will steer you the right way. For every combo, you get a choice of halibut sashimi (Koreans love halibut) or combo sashimi (I chose combo to break the monotony) along with a spicy fish stew. Then they will give you loads of side dishes which vary depending on the day…grilled mackerel, onion pancake, steamed egg, mussel soup, and some “banchan” to name a few. You will also get some extra sashimi that is only common in Korean places…sea squirt, baby octopus, and raw sea worms! Uni (sea urchin) and live abalone are always a welcome treat.

Hungry yet?

8th Street Live Fish Cuisine
3100 W 8th St #103
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Neighborhood: Koreatown
(213) 480-8585

Restaurant Review : Din Tai Fung (Chinese, Taiwanese) $$...

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:33:00 -0400

Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings)

Din Tai Fung(the new location next door)

Sauteed Mustard Cabbage w/Ginger

Interior

Pork Chop Fried Rice

Cucumber

Sauteed Green Bean w/Garlic

Red Bean Dumplings

Seaweed & Beancurd w/Vinegar

Vegetable & Pork Wonton Soup

Restaurant Review : Din Tai Fung (Chinese, Taiwanese) $$ *7.5 out of 10*

Who would have thought that Din Tai Fung would blow up in such a fabulous way and go majorly mainstream?! Since its original inception, the service has definitely gotten better with friendly, English speaking servers. It got so packed all the time that they had to open another location just next door!…and that location is always packed too!

Admittedly Din Tai Fung’s Xiao Long Bao (juicy pork dumplings) are pretty darn good and in my opinion, the best thing on the menu. But there are lesser known places that are cheaper, less crowded, and just as good. Having said that, I do like Din Tai Fung; it’s clean with good service and a suitable place to bring guests that are not too familiar with the food.

Additional pluses are their finely shredded ginger and their side dishes (cucumber and vinegared seaweed & beancurd). I don’t really recommend their soups which are always a bit bland and boring. For dessert, try their red bean dumplings. It’s a great closer that’s sure to please.

Din Tai Fung
1088 S Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 446-8588
http://www.dintaifungusa.com

Restaurant Review : Earl of Sandwich (sandwiches) $ *8 out...

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:01:10 -0400

the BLT

the counter

beverages

baked goods

Earl of Sandwich

sandwich and salad

Restaurant Review : Earl of Sandwich (sandwiches) $ *8 out of 10*

Earl of Sandwich…mmm…so good…

We live in a time when most everything is all about the hype and thus marked up several times in Vegas, especially on the strip. What a wonderful feeling it was to discover this casual sandwich spot located inside Planet Hollywood. It is quick, easy, delicious, satisfying and cheap!!! $5.99 for any sandwich, wrap or salad! Yes, true!

I love love their BLT. The Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich and Tuna Melt are also very popular and delicious. It’s their warm, soft bread that really steps their sandwiches a notch above most others. Their salads are not so good so unless you’re seriously allergic to bread or something, try a sandwich.

Best of all, it’s open 24/7 as it should be in this town!

Earl of Sandwich
Planet Hollywood
3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, Ste 760
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Neighborhoods: The Strip, Eastside
(702) 463-0259
http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com

Restaurant Review: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream (Persian Ice...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:59:00 -0500

Saffron & Rose Ice Cream

Cucumber Rosewater Ice Cream

Interior

Selections

to-go

Saffron & Pistachio

Sizes

wafers

Restaurant Review: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream (Persian Ice Cream) $ *9 out of 10*

I love this place. The guy behind the counter is super friendly and inviting making us feel right at home. Not to mention that the ice cream is wonderful! With so many choices, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.

Saffron & Rosewater, Saffron+Rosewater+Pistachio, Lavender Rosewater, Orange-blossom Rosewater; they’re all good. But my absolute favorite has to be the Cucumber Rosewater. It’s refreshing, creamy and absolutely amazing!

This mom and pop place has got to favorite for Persian ice cream - hands down!

Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
1387 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Neighborhood: Westwood
(310) 477-5533
http://www.golobolbol.org

Restaurant Review : The Bazaar at SLS Hotel (small plates,...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:07:48 -0500

Philly Cheesesteak

Interior

Jamon Serrano Fermin

Japanese Eel Tacos

Brussels Sprouts w/Lemon Puree

Sea Scallops

Beet Salad

Sauteed Shrimp

Croquetas De Pollo

Seared Strauss Veal Loin

Restaurant Review : The Bazaar at SLS Hotel (small plates, Spanish) $$$$ *8 out of 10*

The Bazaar is creative, trendy, and expensive with small little portions. Gastro-concoctions of foam, cotton candy, and nitro help liven the presentation of the plates to make for an enjoyable dining experience.

For those who are conscious of their wallet, Dine LA would be the perfect time to partake in Bazaar’s creations. For only $44, you get an appetizer, 3 small dishes, and a dessert!

We had a party of 5 so we were able to sample a lot of items on the Dine LA menu. What we had…American Caviar Cone, Philly Cheesesteak, Jamon Serrano Fermin(dry cured ham), Market Ceviche, Sea Scallops in Romesco Sauce, Japanese Eel Tacos, Seared Strauss Veal Loin, Sauteed Shrimp, Beef Flank Steak, Croquetas De Pollo, Organized Caesar, Baby Beets Salad, Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Puree. For dessert we shared the Spanish Flan, Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta, and the Hot Chocolate Mousse.

The meal was quite satisfying but I wasn’t overly impressed. The item that really stands out and is a must-have has to be the “Philly Cheesesteak” with “air bread”, cheddar, and strips of rare Wagyu on top…o man, o man, it’s an awesome treat for your taste buds so don’t miss out on this one!

The Bazaar
SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
465 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
(310) 246-5567
http://www.thebazaar.com

Restaurant Review : School Food (Korean) $$ 7 out of 10An...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:15:00 -0500

Sea Snail Jjol Myun (noodles) $9.99

Chandelier

Spam Ramen $5.99

Braised Pike & Kimchee $9.99

School Food

Special Roll 1 $7.99

Soon Dae (Korean Blood Sausage) $6.99

Interior

side soup

Combo Tok-Su-Nee $11.99

Restaurant Review : School Food (Korean) $$ *7 out of 10*

An import from Korea, School Food invokes a certain sense of fondness and nostalgia within me. This food is not gourmet nor is it supposed to be. It’s what mom packs you for lunch in your little “do-shi-rak” to take to school with you. It’s street food that you grub on after school lets out when you’re starved and you only have a couple of bucks on you…it’s supposed to be cheap, tasty and not necessarily the best quality of food.

Although “gim-bap” that’s commonly sold goes by a certain formula, in everyday life people basically roll up what they like and conveniently have in the fridge in some rice and seaweed making it a meal. School Food offers down-home selections like kimchee rolls, little anchovy rolls and spam rolls! Other mentionables include Korean street food goodies like “Dduk Bokki (sautéed rice cake in chili paste sauce)” and ramen…or if you prefer…Ra Bokki (ramen+Dduk Booki)! The Kimchee Mackerel Jjim is one of my favs (braised mackerel and kimchee).

School Food is located on the top floor in the new complex next to CGV cinemas. The décor is bright & modern accented by sparkling chandeliers and parking is free.

School Food Blooming Roll
Neighborhood: Koreatown
621 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 380-3663

Bite by Bite

Restaurant Review : A-Won $$ ***6.5 out of 10*** A-Won is a...

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori (Japanese, Yakitori) Torrance $$ ***9 out...

Himalayan Cafe , Pasadena (Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian) $$ ***7...

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar @ LA Live...

From this to THIS! Cherry Tomato Salad!

Home-Cooked Meals : Spicy Yellow Vegetable Curry served...

Who appreciates a perfectly poached egg? I know I sure do!...

Maison Akira is having a pre-set course menu as a farewell...

Maison Akira

Beckham Grill (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) *6.5 out of 10*...

Tri-Colored Tomatoes growing on my plant. :)

Home-Made Meals : Spicy Tuna and Crab Party with all the...

The Supper Club, Hollywood (Dinner & Show, Club, Bar) *7.5...

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery,...

Home-Cooked Meals : Seafood bake! Live Crystal Crab, 2...

Restaurant Review : 8th St Live Fish Cuisine (Korean...

Restaurant Review : Din Tai Fung (Chinese, Taiwanese) $$...

Restaurant Review : Earl of Sandwich (sandwiches) $ *8 out...

Restaurant Review: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream (Persian Ice...

Restaurant Review : The Bazaar at SLS Hotel (small plates,...

Restaurant Review : School Food (Korean) $$ *7 out of 10*An...

Restaurant Review : A-Won $$ 6.5 out of 10 A-Won is a...

Beckham Grill (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) 6.5 out of 10...

Restaurant Review : School Food (Korean) $$ 7 out of 10An...