Love Pretty Food

Two boots Pizzeria through the IMSTEPF eyes

2009-10-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Grab a piece of the Tony Clifton yummerinos!! Thin eastcoast style ny pizza... thin is best... fresh and cornmeal crunchy.. hott and fresh off the pizza oven. Stop in and grab a slice next time you are on sunset in Echo Park.. you will be thanking me! I usually avoid pizza because it takes good but doesn't always feel so nice.. but this is the stuff if you are like me.. its light and nurturing and fresssshhhh! The peops that run the joint are so super sweet and friendly.... they would be cool neighbors to have. Check out two boots they have plenty of veg choices and meat choice... love it...

TWO BOOTS PIZZA

1818 Sunset Blvd. (Lemonyne & Sunset)
(213) 413-2668

Millies cafe wakes up IMSTEPF eyes

2009-10-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Breakfast cafe review with foodiebootys of IMSTEPF studios

Griddle Cafe

2009-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Griddle Cafe Stands out as a must SEE; DO; HAVE; and TASTE. The menu is an outstanding collections of eclectic breakfast feasts that yield high quantity and super diner quality.The Griddle is a scene indeed, but down to earth and mostly real mixing peops with hipsters, grunge writers, and fringe folk that meet at this crossroads of the mind. Angelenos come to the Griddle to dine on comfort food for the soul. Yes it is crazy busy on weekends and mornings. The pockets of peace are early and late on the weekends.. Every version of traditional and unconventional pancakes will steal your heart away.. the size of god-zilla.. no kidding:)-- the menu is extensive breakfast and lunch items to your hearts content... this is the kinda place you want to have fun... so enter the joint without constraint!

Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046

Phone: (323) 874-0377

Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bulan Thai Food

2009-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Boulan Thai is hidden gem nestled just off the main drag past Sunset Junction. Where Sunset meets Santa Monica--Family owned, this quaint kitchen serves up delightfully fresh, vegetarian Thai dishes in minutes. Hospitable smiles greeted us warmly and willing to serve and accommodate ASAP.
We had the Eggplant dish.. and we are total eggplant freaks.. it was hot, fresh, bright purple and so nurturing and tasty.. we'll go back for more! Fresh, clean, modern and price friendly.
check out our new fav Thai on sunset.

Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen
4114 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 913-1488

The Milk Shop

2009-10-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Milk is the Angel of our beloved city of Angels. You must see this Ice Cream Parlor; Bakeshop: Urban Cafe hot spot for sweet- tooth foodies. We love Milk!.. Milk is a must for those of you loving good food and good dessert in one place... Everything is fresh.,,,,yumm good. You can get cookies in this lovely sweet zone for $1.25.. .. you can't beat that people.. not in the city of angels where cookies are $3 on average. Milk is truly the mondern foodies festival of fresh sophisticated salads and our favorite.... grilled veggie sandwich with extra red pepper sauce. The help can be a bit slow on the intake... so be patient and trust that its all worth it!
MILK
7290 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.939.6455

HOURS
Sunday through Thursday:
8am to 10pm

Friday & Saturday:
8am to 11pm

The Brite Spot

2009-09-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Diner Folks this place is for you and its totally vegetarian friendly! The desserts done by Darby are the freakin bomb and they are way fresh,, super pretty, and truly yummy. If you are in the hood definitely stop in for a treat or late night snack. The waitresses are so cool to boot. This eastside hot spot attracts the creative folk that stay up late.. Open 7am till till 4am what more could you need and an almost 24/7 diner on the eastside.

Brite Spot Family Restaurant
1918 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026-3229

(213) 484-9800‎

Garage Pizza

2009-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Garage Pizza...fits all the flavors of LA in one pizza box. The menu itself is creative expression of solid and good tasting toppings. Pizza vibe is kinda East Coast ...this version of pizza includes a sampling of the eclectic nature of our beloved City of Angels citizens.

Thin crust and unique types of pizza attracts the regulars and locals alike. Order by the slice or get a large anything to go. If you are the hang type.. Garage Pizza encourages alliances with the up close and personal kitchen meets counter exchanges at the front door ~Slices are ready to heat with your choice of toppings or just go straight to cheese only. This $3 is the best investment in a pizza meal most anyone can grab till 3am every night!

Order any 18" pizza between 12-4pm daily for $16... yaasaaa... get the Elmerino .. that is the taste ticket to the future. Pesto, Pinenuts, Basil and Mozzarella!!

Garage Pizza Lives in a Mini Mall occupied by Thai Massage; Donuts and Sushi neighbors.
Homeless denizens and those down on luck hang and chat by the donut door just adjacent to Garage Pizza. An unconventional crowd passes through this hot spot on Sunset near Vermont.

Garage pizza...hires really cool people to man the front counter and phone orders. Justine our recent helper,has a loyal following. She rocks Garage Pizza with her wit and charm. As a result she has lots of regulars that only order when she is working.

Thin slices...just the way my Italian grandmother would have made it...if I was Italian.

Garage Pizza
4339 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90029
323.668-1190

Pure Luck Vegan Food

2009-09-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

We sat down very hungry for a scrumptious vegan meal at Pure Luck on Heliotrope Drive, just north of Melrose.

We Started with the fried plantain tacos; followed with a simple avocado salad; then finished with carnita tacos ala Jackfruit.

JackFruit Carnita Tacos Ala Carte

More beer to drink than items to eat on this starving student menu. The tortillas were under done. The fried plantain tacos seemed like dessert. Could've been a nurturing hit if only the corn tortillas were warmed in some coconut oil, leading to a soft bite versus something that was recently pulled out of fridge. We tried it. It was ok. We'd go back for the chips and guacamole dish..and the sandwiches, but not much else. We love our vegan comrades,but dudes... work on the food styling and the love. A little love goes a long way people!

We support the small vegan shops that are popping up everywhere. Eastside needs more vegan spots to eat.

Pure Luck Restaurant
707 N Heliotrope Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 660-5993

open 11am to Midnight, Mon - Sat
closed Sundays

Cafe Fluorish

2009-08-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

WE stopped in for a bite on the way back downtown. I was really hungry and couldn't wait to eat at home. WE were hoping for healthy, light, and nurturing.

WE walked into Cafe Flourish and immediately noticed the orchids, and an earthly natural scent of flowers and fresh food. Warm faces moved around the kitchen thoughtfully. We were feeling like we wanted a restaurant, instead of what initially felt like a lunch and take out deli counter. Instead we pressed on with the intent to learn more.

The "Love Bites" section looked really yummy. First item we tried.."Amen for Almond Hummus" got an 'A' for the day. What a refreshing idea.. and for gassy reasons.. garbanzos... I prefer to avoid!

Next up "Raw Beauty" salad hit the spot. Mixed baby greens, kale, corn, dried figs, cucumber, basil, mint, hemp seeds & granny smith apple rounds were smothered with a tangy flax dressing. YUM- Refreshing, light, satisfaction and nurturing. yess!!

"Flourish Role" was last item we tried .. a family of Carrots, red bells, cucumber, cilantro, sunflower seeds, green onion, mint, peanuts & rice noodles snuggled in a leaf of red lettuce with a coconut tamarind sauce. Light, simple and fresh.

5406 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 939-3932

www.cafeflourish.com

M Café De Chaya

2009-07-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Back to M Cafe de Chaya, we find ourselves wanting to connect with this "contemporary" macrobiotic, California health conscientious world~ So here we are AGAIN:)

We ordered the house salad.. whoopla! An orgainic mocha with rice milk; and some cooked samon sushi.. cooked ya… it was delightful and unexpected.. but then isn’t sushi raw.. whatever.. no need to be rigid in the realm of health and well being… KEYWORD... chill.

The M Chopped ~ 11.45
The house salad is a party of fresh flavors topped with groupings of ….
organic hearts of romaine & mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, chickpeas, herb-baked tofu, scallions, ume-pickled radishes, carrots, beets, tamari-roasted almonds, crumbled tempeh “bacon” , tossed with tofu-peppercorn ranch. We thought it was dill dressing because the dill tops off the salad and pieces of fresh dill imbue the whole thing… kinda overpowering. The tempeh was kinda weird in texture and non-distinct flavor.

Wild Salmon Cucumber Roll ~ 2 each 2.50
The sushi-ISH style role contained chopped salmon, seven-spiced soy mayo, cucumber & avocado. 2 words – yummy and refreshing, made this delectable treat the show stopper. Tasty, flavor rolling onto the pallette satiating the inner fiish eating monger. What a reprieve from all those veggies.

Organic Coffee ~ sm 2.25 ~ lg 2.75
The mocha was weak and way off target.. it could have been really good coffee.

Strong.. robust.. with the alternative milk thing.. but it felt “token-ish”. No love baby! We recommend M Cafe de Chaya kick it up a notch..in the coffee bean department-? M Cafe could gain a really big following if the quality in the coffee dept edged up a bit. Not only that,,, get some quasi coffee dudes to grind up M Cafe espressos.. man o man!! Pastries and espresso,,, what more could an afternoon break ask for?

M Café De Chaya

CULVER CITY

Hours
Sunday thru Thursday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Friday & Saturday
9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Address & Contact Information
9343 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

Telephone: 310.838.4300
Fax: 310.838.4310

M Cafe De Chaya

2009-06-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

The menu uses soy, miso, tempeh products in every section liberally. There is also sushi and fish bountifully available in the wraps, sandwhiches and salads.

Vegertarian Meets Macrobiotic at this Culver City eatery. We found a tasty farm raised salmon special in miso dressing with brown rice; cauliflower; broccolini and seasoning. A side of grilled seasonal veggies rounded our meal. Green and mint tea accompanied the meal along with a nice truffle to complete our lunch tasting. The fish was good, could have been fresher.

The grilled vegies were tasty, yet cold. This cold contact was a bit surprising twist unexpected by all. A truffle --- topped off the meal with a smooth dark sweet and deep finish. Our first visit was good. Pleasant outdoor seating is available and there is virtually no wait. Many of the food items are prepared ahead so..its kinda like visiting a fancy cafeteria. The servers are super cool and nice. This is as good as it gets for a “ fast food” that is healthy food. Live a little longer try M Café de Chaya.

M Café De Chaya
9343 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

CULVER CITY
Hours Sunday thru Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Telephone:
310.838.4300
Fax: 310.838.4310

Ugo an Italian Cafe

2009-05-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Italian lunch in Culver City is what we expected when we ordered an Asparagus salad; Roasted Red Pepper soup; and and Eggplant Panini. Disappointed and disillusioned describes our time at Ugo’s Italian Cafe. At least we didn’t have to skip out early abandoning the meal for a Tender Greens rebound. In short, its not authentic Italian. Ugo’s is a poser.. though they have yummy bread. They could use a little coaching on the cooking and Italian themed concept. I just despise eateries that call themselves real Italian food just because they have pasta and pizza on the menu.

Ugo’s is an impostor in a land of wanna be’s, but I guess its OK to fake it till you make it in land of posers. Be warned… For those of you who simply want to fill your bellies with edible eats that are knock offs of the real deal. Ugo’s is OK for the innocent and unknowing. It would have been great food for the high school senior luncheon.

We were hungry so we dove in mouth first and realized.. into the eating engagement that we could have done better in our own kitchen, but that isn’t the goal when writing a food blog. “C” said it all tasted the same and gets a c-. It looked pretty, and should have tasted as good—I thought!. I mean the location as well as the food looked good. Ugo’s has an amazing dessert selection, and gelato bar! We were so fooled, and seduced by the superficial skin deep facade of Ugos Italian Café.

The asparagus summer salad contained mixed greens tossed in a creamy balsamic dressing and a bomb of white button mushrooms—too many! The pickled red onions added a nice ping to the chopped asparagus spears, and strands of boiled red peppers masquerading as “roasted red pepper”.

I think the chef…or cooks posing, as chefs need a lesson in how to roast red pepper in the oven or grille. The roasted taste is supposed to taste stronger than a canned flavor. New School Of Cooking , a neighbor down the street offers cooking classes on roasting.

As for the soup…”C” hated it because it was kind of tinny, and lemony acidic instead of robust and deep that comes with a roasted veggie essence in soup. So, we traded the ‘wanna be’ roasted red pepper soup for the minestrone… What we stumbled upon was worse. I hate to be so critical.., but this stuff was awful and so fake.. and unloved… who do they have in kitchen for Italy’s sake?!

We had to cut the losses, and be glad we had something to eat. Bread was the hit at this meal… and we may try again.. on the pasta and pizza…. NOTT!! Might be a bigger disappointment… but the desserts look pretty nice~~ maybe its just a dessert stop… will get back to you on that one later.

Check it out if you dare!

Ugo
3865 Cardiff Ave.
Culver City ca. 90232
www.cafeugo.com

Mrs. Garcias

2009-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yuck Bomb summarizes Mrs Garicia’s style of Mexican food and should be closed to avoid mis-educating those who have never had authentic Mexcian flavors. This is a great place to eat if you want to honor horrifically heartless Mexican eateries.

Grown up boy looking bachelors seem to be congregating at Mrs. Garcias for a quick dinner bite. Short on time and wanting to get some simple Mexican… we opted to try it— The best part of Mrs. Garcias was the fast service. The worst part was that the salsa tasted like acid, fake lemon, and soap mixed with chopped up leaves from the plant arrangement.

Seems The Garcia part of Mrs. Garcia’s abondoned ship years ago…leaving only the echos of original recipes. It was hard to believe that an imposter like this one was still in business. Everything from the salsa…to the rice was dead and heartless.

Mexican food is comfort for the soul. Exploring the downtown Culver City eateries lead us off the beaten path to Mrs.Garcia’s. We tried the rice beans, enchilada and fajitas without meat, and a vegetarian taco. We didn’t have to venture into the meat zone to gain any insight. It was obvious this wasn’t going anywhere. We got out of there quick, leaving most of the food behind and tummies rumbling. Tender Greens to the rescue!! We’ll keep searching to find some real Mexican food.

Mrs Garcia’s
9905 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 287-0850 mrsgarciasfood@gmail.com
http://www.mrsgarciasfood.com/Home.html

Tender Greens

2009-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Tender Greens is a cool flowing, and rolling efficient kitchen that you want to visit on a regular basis because its so fun, fresh, easy, practical, user friendly, cost effective, cost conscious, and a happening fun food zone.

Tender Greens is a concept in live action that hits the primordial “g” spot for most foodies. Among the unlimited veggie salad combos; are soup free range chicken, flank steak, albacore tuna, and the most heavenly mashed potatoes ever. Try it .. you might like it~~

It feels like Summer!! The eats at Tender Greens are Perfect for light and healthy without the feeling of being weighed down . Foodiebootys have ventured into Culver City to expand their Eastside booties and report back the lovely choices at price points most can comfortably afford… Not only that its healthy food that won’t harm you.

We had BIG SALADS, a side dish and soup as follows:
Salad in the Raw with eight veggies and raw walnuts made the plate at Monday night dinner this week. Lemon Vinaigrette brought the cacophony of assorted flavors together. There was even dill, tarragon and sweet grass in the mix. Very surprising how it came together harmoniously satiating the appetite for being fulfilled but not weighed down.

Grilled Veggies with crunchy romaine and shaved Parmesan topped off the scrumptiousness factor with the roasted tomato vinaigrette. The roasted red bell peppers are the essence that brought this family of flavors together.

A side of grilled veggies of the season complimented us with grilled perfect asparagus, fennel, carrots, eggplant, and zucchini. Fresh cauliflower soup accompanied the big salads and the side of grilled veggies

Our fooddiebooty's give Tender Greens a 10 for performance, presentation,taste, and fulfilling our appetite and getting the food fast!! Plus we felt great after our meal.

Tender Greens
9523 Culver Boulvevard
Culver City, California 90232
310.842.8300

http://www.tendergreensfood.com

more images here

Millies Café on Sunset

2009-02-10T17:20:00.000-08:00

DEE lish… comfort food,, great hot chocolate and kick yo booty hott fresh fluffy pancakes. Here’s the deal-- we pulled in hungry and eager to try something new.. and always wondered what all the wait was about. In short, the price was right and the quality hits the spot. The coffee drinks and hot chocolate are almost as hefty a price tag as driving thru Starbucks, or Coffee Bean Tea Leaf. We were happily satisfied with our meal and want to return for more hotcakes. WE had to include their mission statement below because its truly the kind of peops we love hanging with—straight forward with nothing to hide.

ABOUT MILLIE'S CAFE

“Since 1926 Millie’s remains committed to offering the best
Ingredients prepared by people who actually care.
We use real butter to cook our fresh eggs in. We use
Altadena dairy products because they don’t give
their cows that hormone crap. We don’t even like
yellow dye in our cheese, so we get white cheddar.
We fresh grind each pot of French roast coffee. Our
Bread is baked fresh daily. Our juices are fresh
from Odwalla. We do everything the pain in the ass,
Old-fashioned way, by hand, from scratch, because
there is a difference. Can you taste it?”

Millie's Cafe
3524 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-664-0404

Millie’s Is Open 7 days a week
7:30AM
to
4:00PM

Toast Bakery Cafe

2008-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Thank you Toast for providing FoodieBooty’s with a delightful afternoon of nourishing sustenance for our bodies and minds. We started with the Farmer’s-- Grilled zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, eggplant, peppers, goat cheese, pesto all came together on a pressed country white ciabatta. Served warm, and accompanied with the house salad. Delightful, light, warming and satiating all describe this grilled veggie sandwich. A bit more goat cheese, and pesto and a splash of balsamic could take this friendly meal to the max potential.

Eggscetera delivered us 3 poached Eggs ;roasted potatoes ; whole grain toast and a splash of cholula Mexican sauce filled the other hunger spot aching for a breakfast tasting. All those flavors and textures together feel and taste like breakfast--- it was yummy and fresh. Though,the poached eggs could have been softer and we could have gotten all moody asked for a remake, but we were hungry.

Kenny made our day with the red velvet cupcake which topped our experience with utter bliss. We may be seeing red velvet poppers at toast. Bite size morsels of red velvet love~~ Imagine that?
We are going back again and again.. to try everything on the menu and bakery. We’ d also like to lounge on the big couch in back--- If only our canine counterpart could hang out on the couch with us…

Toast Bakery Café
8221 West Third Street
Los Angeles, Ca .
7:30am -10pm
Kenny General Manager
3236555018

Michelangelo Ristorante

2008-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

Michelangelo Ristorante

The Stifanno Family: Giuseppe, Antonio, Maria, and Domenica opened the new location of Michelangelo’s Italian Restaurant in Silverlake on Rowena where Flor Morena used to live. They used to be on Silverlake blvd. Their pizza is major competition for Osteria Mozza . Only its close by, and prices are close and slightly less. Rent isn’t as high in the Silverlake neighborhood compared to midtown on Melrose at Highland.

We stopped in the Michelangelo Ristorante the other night to have a taste test. We were wooed and surprised at the splendid quality, the outstanding service, the freshness, and the flavor of all we ordered. We enjoyed the thin crust arugula and sun dried tomato pizza, the grilled veggie plate and the fresh tomato soup. Fresh, tasty, nurturing, and satiating sum up our dining

We had no room for dessert, so we returned a few days later to indulge out palettes. During tea time we took a break from the studio and made our way to Silverlake to treat ourselves to Tiramisu, Zuccotto, Expresso, and Hot Chocolate.

Yummy, sweet and very light describes this tasting session of desserts from Michelangelos’s restaurant. The rum was a surprise in the Italian quasi ice cream cake called Zuccotto,that Mamma Domenica delivered herself to the table.. food styled to the heavens in perfecto manner.

Giuseppe explained that this hazelnet, ice cream layered caked was drenched in rum and his mom Domenica was the queen of plating the beautiful dishes at the restaurant. He also saidthat because his nephew is Michelangelo and his brother Antonio was an artist and avid admirer of the famous artist Michelangelo, they decided to name the restaurant accordingly.

We will be back.. and if you are in the area,,, go for the pizza,, its competition to mozza restaurant, and well worth the buck.

Michelangelo Ristorante
2742 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca. 90039
323.660.4843
michelangelo-silverlake.com

M I L K Ice Cream Parlor

2008-10-19T23:06:00.001-07:00

M I L K...

Its white; comes from momma cows; and provides nutrition for baby moos.
MILK is the ice cream shop most Angelinos have come to know as the yummiest corner in LA (midtown) to satiate a sweet tooth, sugar fixx, childhood hunger pain or simply enjoy the fine collections of home-made ice cream, truffles, cookies, cupcakes, sweetbreads... . Heck Lunch is available too. We recently stopped in to check out the whoopla.. and were pleasantly surprised by the food quality. We thought we might be getting ourselves into some OK food, and FAB dessert--

Rather than worry about greasy food or a half hearted menu that tastes like cardboard. We ventured forward with hunger in belly. What a nice surprise... the real deal ... all around. We found a really surprising bowl of nurturing butternut squash soup... and a grilled veggie pannini served hot next to a generous mixed greens and simple balsamic dressing. Four variations of chocolate chip cookies, and cupcakes down to bite size portions accompanied this delightful weeknight meal.

Milk

7290 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone: (323) 939-6455

http://www.themilkshop.com/

milk is cool
milk is wet
milk is white
milk tastes good
don't spill milk......

LOCAL silverlake eatery

2008-09-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Jason Michaud Has wooed us to our knees’ making us all scream for more!! More! And more, we sought than the 6’ 5” ish tattooed body and fire red head of hair upon Chef Jason Michaud’s steal gaze intensity. Call him an urban culinary warrior; a gastronomic poet, or simply chef extraordinaire who magnificently brings quality and freedom to the East side of Los Angeles with fresh, organic, delectably delicious and AMAZING recipes at his Lovechild eating place recognized as “LOCAL silverlake”! Thrilled, ecstatic, overwhelmed with joy, minimally illustrates our mental state of mind when eatery LOCAL silverlake comes into mind.

We like it a whole bunch. Its situated in a discreet location clear and present on Sunset. Down-to-earth, real, original, insightful, cutting edge kitsch, progressive and connected. These words help describe LOCAL silverlake.

We bring this foodiebooty review to you with great enthusiasm recognizing that Chef Michaud’s influence at LOCAL silverlake brings the eastsider’s palette to new heights of culinary awareness. Sustenance with essence and pleasure culminate the opportunity to dine at LOCAL silverlake eatery.

More than that, the food has love, so you feel nurtured. Good clean energy vibing high and wide~ LOCAL silverlake draws attention from all corners of Los Angeles just for the French toast alone… People, this is a remarkably full body tasting pleasure. A nurturing fresh fluffy brioche thinly sliced to tender decadence laced with a coat of cinnamon essence, and served hot with maple syrup and crème fraiche. Baby you don’t know French toast till you have Chef Michuad’s incendiary creation of delight. Calling all French toast virgins! This is your chance to break in the taste buds for an elevated and most nurturing journey into warmth and texture that melts you soul to infinity.

We had the pleasure of have the chillaquilles with eggs and … please already!! Dy-no-mite.. this place is so freakin alive and stupendous hott ass amazing~~ Ok maybe that’s a bit over the top… nope… Nott – I stand corrected, but listen up … this place brings quality to the East Side that we so desperately need.. want and desire~ EastSiders know quality … and appreciate it.. we aren’t a bunch of I don’t care, whatever folk. We love good stuff, and know it when it hits the street. LOCAL gives us all a reason to climb out of seclusion to take a break from creating and work stuff.

So here is our favorite list so far: apple walnut pancake, Portobello mushroom burger, chilaquilles , FRENCH TOAST, and the roasted potatoes with queso fresco and fresh salsa. East side is getting its groove on … and ain’t nobody gonna stop us now babeaaa.—Chef Jason Michaud at LOCAL silverlake earns a special reserved parking spot in our foodiebooty hearts that lives strong. We salute LOCAL for
kicking it up a notch and for putting East Side on the map!! Let’s keep it our little secret.

LOCAL
organic and local whenever possible
2943 west sunset blvd.
los angeles ca 90026
silverlakelocal.com
323.662.4740

Madame Mattisse Cafe

2008-08-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Café California ala Silverlake best describes this grunge style corner diner owned by a patisserie chef named Deborah. Kinda moody~ This chef guy named Olivier used to own and operate the joint. By the way …It’s not French food.

A little love and fresh ingredients will indeed take M Matisse a grade higher on the scale of good wholesome comfort food, even if it’s not French.

We had a rather late lunch around 2:30 and departed about 3:20pm. So the service is fast and to the point. Our waiter most hospitable and chef Derrick earnestly and busily cooking behind the grille made positive impressions.

We ordered up the Veggie Panini and Multi Grain salad while mildly being verbally pounced on for taking pics without asking. It was a harsh introduction, but we recovered, from the initial blast. Heck, we were hoping to make new friends, and felt sorry for ourselves for a split second or two. Put your dukes up was the Matisse hospitality greeting.

First impression of the food—fresh looking, simple ingredients, imaginative recipe concepts. Flavor was above average, but lacking a bit of love. Can’t quite put my taste buds on it.

For Example-The Lemon vinaigrette used on the multigrain salad lacked the taste of natural lemon juice. It had a bitter tin-like flavor likened to that of the fake stuff. The dressing overshadowed the family of grains, beans, and veggies prepared. A brilliant recipe concept for the optimal health foodie in search of healthy fair.

The Panini pressed Veggie Sandwich was a fresh cool concept. It arrived warm, grilled and thin—as it should be. By the way Panini is Italian. The tomatoes appeared randomly picked, because they were not ripe; the goat cheese was flat and lacking flavor; the pesto was present and visible and lacking gusto. The arugula was overpowering and overly bitter for this recipe, watercress could have been a better compliment. Overall the ingredients were a bit below good wholesome quality ingredients. Almost $10 for a panini and $10 for a salad certainly calls for above average ingredients.

Stay tuned for the breakfast review ,,, we anticipate better results. Chef Derrick recommended the pancakes explaining everything is made from scratch.

In closing, Matisse is an ok food joint for hanging with eastsider pals in Silverlake fringe style. The Sidewalk café flair keeps it casual and who needs great food when you’re the whole point really is to catch up with friends.

Madame Matisse
3536 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 662-4862

Choke Motorcycle Shop/Expreso Bar

2008-07-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Choke Motorcycle Shop

I know we look and write about pretty food…. But I have to say this was “pretty” different! …a motorcycle/shooter store that serves Espresso.
I arrived in the afternoon to meet Cameron – he is looking after things
while the owner , Jeff, is at a wedding…I also met a couple customers – all very laid back dudes – one guy talked about not getting haircuts and why they overrated and other guy is a film DP working on his own scooter.

Oh yes, a couple customers came in - one guy wanting to sell them his scooter but the requirement is that it must be older than 1980…...my kind of place!
And, of course, of couple of coffee customers and then the 3’oclock hour hit with
the neighborhood kids on skateboards….yes the coffee is good. The espresso
machine is piece together from other parts - kind a Robocopish–but no different from the rest of the place ….just piece together!
And you might meet some young biker dudes!

Choke
4157 Normal Ave
LA, Ca 90029

www.chokemotorcycleshop.com

Off of Virgil in Hollywood
No valet (LOL)

Flore Vegan Cuisine

2008-03-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Holy-Happy Cow! We had the most deliciously sultry savory portabella panini yesterday for lunch. I wasn't even hungry with the new weather getting warmer! But that freakin Portabella triggered the primal hunger to nourish and partake.
The sandwich was roasted warm and seasoned with robust deep earthy essence. A light dill sauce and melted soy cheese along with a light mix of shredded kale encased the portobella in the warm organic paninni.

The Salad was fresh organic greens topped with the plethora of tasters. Included in the array are tomatoes, fresh roasted beets, daikon sprouts, shredded carronts, baked yumm tofu, seasoned edamame, avocado, egg-less egg salad,hummus and the most refreshing tahini dressing to top it.

Flore restaurant is such a delightful and most refreshing addition to our east side family of eats. I love flore. Both C and I claim it as our new favorite. I had the most refreshing lemonade --cool and mildly sweet-- most perfecto. C had the tonic a real alkalanizing sort of brew based on juicing grapefruit-apple-lemon and of course Kale. Don't knock it till you try it people! Tastes good with ice too. It's refreshing and citrus elevating.

Neighborhood: Silver Lake
3818 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 953-0611

Crumbs Bakeshop Beverly Hills

2008-02-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

Folks, don't get your panties in a wad like we did when we noticed Crumbs opening up shop just a block or two down from famed Sprinkles back in Sept '07.
Maybe the Crumbs Daddy's thought something like ..." heck--Sprinkles has more business than they can manage--". "Let's help em out, we'll pick up the slack and sell those waiting and wanting cupcake fiends quicker cups o'cakes than a blink of an eye, and with less staff to package up the order".

Thanks Crumbs for bringing your unique contribution to the baking table.

Quite frankly Daddy Crumb your recipes are kinda cute; definitely conceptual; intelligently articulated and initially seductive.

Daddy Crumb, you lost us when we got close enough to sniff out the doughnut shop demeanor of your Patisserie
chef.

WE TASTED: Caramel Apple and Boston Cream cupcakes.

REVIEW: In the big universe of cupcakes. Crumbs cupcakes were ok. Overall, they didn't feel or taste wholesome.

First impressions--Sugary, hostess-esque underpinings resonating preservatives, fake colors, hydrogenated oils, shortenings, artificial flavors and basically low budget ingredients, and low to mediocre quality.

Crumbs Bakeshop is bountiful on toppings upbove their buttercream mediocrity and cake that hold it.

We agreed to gingerly approach the cupcake hoping for more that what it appeared to be an over glorified doughnut shop imposter.Trying not to judge a book by its cover-- we opted to push through our ethnocentric tastebuds and allow the sugar fiend within to decide.

Come to think of it, Daddy Crumb does a pretty great job on the pretty part of looking at these bakeshop cupcakes. Colorful, and inventive ideas definitely get some play.

Daddy Crumb could kick it up a notch with some quality ingredients and get an upgrade on the Patisserie chef. Justify the $3.50 per cupcake for humanity's sake! For us, Crumbs Bakeshop is just a pretty rough and ragged doughnut imposter posing as cupcake in the heart of Beverly Hills. A for pretty food~

Crumbs Bakeshop
9465 S SantaMonicaBlvd.,
Beverly Hills Ca 90210
310-550-9811
www.crumbsbakeshop.com

Blossom Vietnamese Restaurant

2008-02-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome folks, to an economical downtown neighbor and eatery which was bright airy fresh and simple.

It was renewing to find ourselves parking on a LA urbanscape of the downtown LA homeless Harry meets bohemian Betty exchange.

We parked on the street a short block away -- a surprise to us. Then we ventured in to Blossom Vietnamese to check out the food scene on the edge of the garmet district.

WHAT WE FOUND: semi suited peops and artist types echoing the likes of Loz Feliz Genteel crossing paths with the banker populace; 2 dining rooms with opposite ambiance.

Low Light level seekers definitely go take the darker moody dining room. Light and bright folk follow the glass windowed walls overlooking the passerby's in both the easterly and northerly direction- just next door. Two restaurant dining rooms one kitchen. These guys are efficiently smart.

WHAT WE TRIED: Vegetarian Spring Rolls in Rice Wraps; Vegetarian Fritters;; and Vegetarian Curry

THE REVIEW: Overall it was an average Vietnamese food eating experience. Taking the pics was the highlight for this dining opportunity .

The Vegetarian Spring Rolls were lacking a little love and need more zest in the filling... the way Gingergrass does in SilverLake. It was hard not comparing. The Spring Rolls definitely needed the peanut sauce.. the tofu and rice noodle filling couldn't stand alone on their own. The blandness felt like a careless filler.

The Vegetarian Fritters were a conglomeration of tofu, sweet potatoe, and mushroom -- fried in a light batter that initially sounded decadent and comforting. The fritters tasted like sweet, cold fries by the time I enjoyed my first bite.

We thought ok the Vegetarian Curry is going to send us over into land of "satiate my appetite" already~ Spicy brown sauce supported our cast of carrot-green bean-mushroom and Tofu. The side of steamy rice was indeed a nurturer, which soaked up the curry nicely. I wasn't feeling the love that my foodiebooty pal "C" was experiencing . He was happy as a curried clam.

In Sum, this dining adventure was just ok. The Pho looked grand on the way out... take a chance and venture into Blossom Vietnamese Restaurant and let us know how you like it.~

BLOSSOM Vietnamese restaurant
426 S. Main St.
Los Angeles Ca. 90013
213. 632.1973
www. blossomrestaurant.com
www. blossomteas.como

il Capriccio Woodfire Pizzeria

2008-01-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

Pizza by the slice- New York Style~ Eastside Los Angeles is getting her groove on with the Loz Feliz pizza hipsters. Our foodiebooties have had Il Capriccio Pizza a few times. This last round left us mildly excited. We popped in on a Saturday late afternoon between lunch and dinner. Immediately, we ordered a large Margherita large ($16.75) and 2 salads - a Contadina and a Napoli ($14.00). Total bill $40.00. Rated -ok.

We were disappointed that the pizza chef we had met the first time at il Capriccio hadn't instilled in his pizza makers the same love and attention he implemented in preparing an authentic Italian style wood fired pizza. This included the optimal thickness of dough from center to edge. We generally like thin pizza, with crunchy edges.

This Italian kitchen recently delivered us thicker edged pizza that resembled the over doughy thickness you find at a standard American pizza joint. The center of our pizza was thin. The Mozzarella was whimpy and rationed. The Contadina salad was drowning in balsamic vinegar, and the mushrooms outnumbered the other vegetables.

The Napoli salad was our second salad choice and a nice light idea. We expected to have that pure Italian simplicity of taste and freshness with substance when you put excellent ingredients together.

Sad to say, that the preserved stuff that comes in a fake lemon container may have been the stuff used on our Napoli salad. Why pay $7 bucks for a salad that doesn't even have real lemon juice on it.. it just ruined the olive oil, and turned me against the romaine resentfully.

We left feeling unsatisfied and bloated with dough. Earlier experiences were better and coincidentally,the pizza chef was in the house at ther wood fired pizzeria kitchen. Gianni (owners son) was directing traffic with his open hearted welcome. If Il Capriccio Woodfire Pizzeria wants to keep the masses coming back, they best get with their own motto of "authentic" and keep it Italian like the whole familia. We suggest quality control and some special $1 pizza slices.. promos... keep it real, keep it Italian, and quality! No fake lemon juice.. put some love back into your pizzeria!

Il Capriccio Woodfire Pizzeria
4518 Hollywood Blvd, Los Feliz
Los Angeles, Ca. 90027
323.644.9760

Between Virgil / Hillhurst & Vermont Authentic Wood Fired Oven Pizza! Eat In
Takeout • Delivery Open 7 Days a Week!
m-thu 11am - 12am f-sat 11am - 1am sun 11am - 11pm