Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

This new restaurant has a brilliant new concept, making Mexican food, fresh, delicious, and friendly. Its namesake “Dos Amantes” is a Spanish phrase that translates to “two lovers”. And if you are a lover of Latin inspired cuisine then you will love this high-end establishment. It is stark and elegant, with mostly white interiors. In the very popular 3^rd Street district with many amazing restaurants. Dos Amantes fits right in, it is a great seafood and Latin inspired cuisine – at its best.

Here’s What I tried:

Drinks:

They are all nonalcoholic – with very creative flavors and juices.

I tried 3 different ones, each had its own characteristics, with some terrific lively nuances. Raspberry, Mango, and Watermelon.

Appetizers:

Guacamole and Chips, the chips are super light with the very fresh guacamole, it’s a marriage of flavors – made in heaven.

Tacos:

Rib Eye Taco, grilled rib-eye taco served with guacamole, Pico de Gallo and pickled red onion. The rib-eye is so tender its truly the best thing about this taco.

Baja Fish Taco, served with Morita chili sauce, cabbage and Pico de Gallo. It’s a very simple breaded fish but the Morita chili sauce puts it above all other fish tacos I have tried.

Tostada:

Shrimp Tostada, with tomato, red onion, cilantro marinated with lemon juice topped with avocado. There are lots of huge pieces of shrimp, coupled with the fixings, it is a great tostada.

Oysters:

Oysters, they are small and delicate with a lovely citrus sauce, so perfect.

Ceviche:

Yellowtail Ceviche, with fresh tomato, red onions, cilantro marinated with lemon juice, topped with avocado. They give you lots of yellowtail and the fish is fresh caught, it’s a healthy way to start your meal.

Entrees:
Pescado A La Leña, grilled branzino served with a side of rice, beans, Pico de Gallo, pickled red onions, avocado and tortillas. This is a fresh fish, with a very simple lovely fresh cut tomato sauce.

Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo, grilled shrimp served with a side of rice, beans and 2 sides of garlic bread. This is almost Italian, or French, with the garlic bread as a dipper to this perfect garlic infused sauce.

Quesadilla:

Chicken Quesadilla, with sour cream and guacamole, lots of chicken pieces and the chicken is grilled, so you can really taste the grilled charcoal flavor.

Sides:

Rice, I love their rice, it has some nice vegetables with a unique Mexican flavors, a real winner.

Black beans, truly a family recipe, so fantastic.

Dessert:

Tres Leche Cake, the creamiest combination of ingredients, just spectacular.

Manager Alex Rodriguez guided me through me culinary journey, he prepared some great menu items, with the help of chef Angel Farfan. Alex is from Oaxaca and Chef Angel is from the Yucatan. Chef Angel says his many recipes started with his beloved family. It’s really a family affair, owner Evelyn is married to one of Alex’s buddies, so working for them was a no brainer. Alex did 8 years prior at the recently closed home away from home restaurant in the Fairfax district, Maggiano’s. Evelyn also has another restaurant in West Hollywood, Red Fish, as well as a catering company Red Fish in the Pico Robertson area, which specializes in Kosher cuisine. There lots of expertise here, because every staff member at Dos Amantes is no stranger to the hospitality business in the greater Los Angeles area.

Next time you’re looking for super fresh Mexican inspired seafood look no further, Dos Amantes promises to become a neighborhood staple.

Open Daily from 11:00 am – 9:00pm.

Dos Amantes

8412 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

 

I love good sushi and great Japanese food, Shin – Sushi & Ramen always delivers. It is fresh ingredients and fantastic presentation that makes Shin – Sushi & Ramen one of my perfect dining options in Hollywood.

Shin was originally called Ikemen Ramen and in 2013 and 2014 was featured in the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, as testament of the quality and authenticity of their food. It is the only restaurant in the US to ever be featured in the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum and they are proud to continue the tradition of serving authentic Ramen to their guests. Again, in May of 2023 Shin was featured at the prestigious Yokohama Ramen Museum, cementing Shin’s status as a top ramen restaurant in Los Angeles.

My server Ena Kinjou, was just delightful, bringing her knowledge of Japanese culture and food, and she was very personable. The restaurant has a fun welcoming atmosphere, with a nice outdoor area and easy parking.

The restaurant also has a cube at every table that you can tap for service or the check, which adds to the unique dining experience. Shin is a local gem that should not be missed if you’re a fan of Japanese food.

Here’s What I Tried:

House Hot Sake, this comes in a very elegant ceramic type of tea pot, but instead of tea there is a cylinder type vessel that holds the sake inside of a warming ceramic tea pot, it is very unique.

Cucumber Salad, Persian cucumber, drizzled with rice vinegar. This salad is super refreshing, with each thinly sliced cucumber, a perfect way to start my meal.

Shrimp and Mixed Veggie Tempura, with tempura sauce. This is a large portion, each vegetable individually layered with lovely, breaded coating, just to die for,

Baked Scallop Roll, California Roll with imitation crab, cucumber and avocado inside, with scallops and dynamite sauce outside. I love scallops and this roll was very decadent.

Eel Roll, with eel and cucumber, it’s all about the eel sauce, and the tender eel, inside of this roll, is a real winner.

Shrimp Tempura Roll, with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber topped with eel sauce, masago – roe. I loved the roe on top, it was so scrumptious.

Salmon Skin hand roll, Salmon skin, cucumber, yamagobo and radish sprouts, if you’re a fan of this type of sushi then this one is for you.

Bluefin Tuna Nigiri, the freshest fish, so simple and delicious.

Hamachi Nigri, this is yellowtail at its finest.

Eel Nigiri, I can’t get enough of this eel sauce.

Shin Ramen, their ramen namesake! 55% pork broth, 45% chicken broth, flavored with their house made sweet sauce, sea salt and just a touch of bonito flakes. I had the chicken, and they also give two topping, mushroom and corn, and green onion garnish, with thin noodles. I could eat this every night, it’s just that fantastic.

This is a great place to enjoy before a concert in Hollywood at The Hollywood Bowl, or any other venues. Whether you’re looking for a pre-show dining choice for groups of friends and family or a romantic dinner for two, Shin is the perfect spot. It is fast and efficient dining. They have these adorable robot servers that bring your food with a video screen and music, it is so amazing. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this special restaurant and indulge in its delicious Japanese cuisine.

Their menu has so many options, from traditional Japanese Foods to sushi and in between. Whatever you desire you can get in at Shin Shin – Sushi & Ramen, and it is really delicious!

Shin – Sushi & Ramen Hollywood, CA 1655 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 815-7446 www.HollywoodShin.com Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @ShinHollywood

This is the best kept secret in the Fairfax, West Hollywood area in Los Angeles. Amazing homemade pasta and a great array of sauces that you can actually afford, who knew. I don’t usually talk about price, but restaurant prices have gone up sky high, so it is still very refreshing that you can get supper authentic Italian food for a song in this very high-priced area.

Sometimes I do my laundry at this laundry mat that is on Sweetzer and 3rd Street. On this fine day I started talking to a charming gentleman named Franklin, after a few words he proceeded to tell me that he was taking a break at this new local restaurant to do some laundry. I told him that I do restaurant reviews, and the rest is history.

Carasau Pasta Bar has so much to offer, a beautiful atmosphere with very friendly staff and authentic Italian cuisine that is out of this world. They do not take short cuts; everything is made fresh by its chef and owner Michael Belberio’s family recipes. Michael comes from a long line of restaurateurs that hale from Florence Italy. His recipes are the real deal. Where in Los Angeles can you order pasta dishes that are made from scratch. It is just astounding to me. Carasau Pasta Bar will catch on very soon, and when it does there will be lines around the corner. There are so many Italian restaurants now that charge pretty much double of what Carasau Pasta Bar does for a simple plate of pasta, and most of them they are serving dried store-bought pastas. Not to throw any of them under the bus, but really if given the opportunity to spend half on homemade pasta – why would you choose anything else.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cauliflower Soup, creamy vegan soup. This is a very simple soup with great cauliflower flavor.

Focaccia Basket, served warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. All I can say is wow, this is a very authentic focaccia.

Gamberi Fritti, with shrimp and zucchini served with fresh lemon and marinara sauce. The shrimp is crispy and tender, with great flavor.

Fettuccine – Allo Scoglio, white cheese sauce with black truffles. This dish is so decadent, it just really will make you want to bathe in it. It is luxurious and delicious, a must try.

Eggplant Parmigiana, eggplant topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. This is a delicious dish; the sauce is pungent and inviting.

Malloredus Pasta – vegan with Bolognese sauce. Their Bolognese sauce is what you would get in Italy, with delicious, sweet tomatoes and carrot flavor.

Ravioli, spinach and ricotta with mushroom cream sauce. One of my favorites, the sauce is heavenly, and the mushrooms seal the deal, just delicious.

Culurgiones Alla Sarda – Potato Ravioli with Pomodoro sauce. These are very plump raviolis with great flavor, another delectable menu item.

Dessert:

Panna Cotta, sweet and silky, a great desert!

Wines:

I had a few nice wines to pair all Italian, ask Michael what to pair, he will get you to the right place. My favorites were, Vermentino Di Sardegna, and Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, red. Each lending itself to pairing greatly with all of the food, the white wine with the cream dishes and the red wine with the red sauce dishes. Even the wine prices are way below what other restaurants charge per glass.

Vermentino Di Sardegna, white, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, white, Canonau di Sardegna, red, Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, red

They play pop star Italian music, Pino D’ Angio Questo e un motore, great voice, very well known in Italy, and other notable Italian recording artists.

About Carasau Pasta Bar:

A Taste of Italy In The Heart of LA, Carasau Pasta Bar started with one goal—bring real Italian pasta to the heart of Los Angeles. Inspired by old family recipes and the tradition of handmade pasta, this spot was built to serve food that’s honest and simple. Located at 8312 W 3rd St, it was created for people who enjoy quality meals without the fuss of fine dining.

Rooted In Italian Heritage, every dish reflects the flavors of Italy, especially from Sardinia, where Carasau bread comes from. Our pasta is made fresh each day by hand, just like it’s done back home. The cooking follows tradition, using just a few good ingredients. It’s all about staying true to the way Italian meals have always been prepared—slow, careful, and full of heart.

What Makes Us Different, Carasau Pasta Bar is casual, but serious about good food. There’s no rush, no shortcuts. Guests can sit indoors or enjoy the fresh air outside. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and food lovers can dine in, take out, or order delivery. With our quick service and a welcoming team, every visit promises comfort, flavor, and a memorable experience.

My server Jessica Bohannon was very sweet and does a no-nonsense job. You can tell that she really loves her job. Franklin also was so charming, coming out to check up on my experience a few times during my meal.

“Carasau” is a Sardinian word meaning “toasted”, deriving from the verb carasare and referring to the final toasting stage of pane carasau. Pane carasau is an ancient, thin, and crispy Sardinian flatbread, also known as “carta da musica” or “sheet music bread,” due to its texture and the crackling sound it makes when broken.

It is a very happening part of 3^rd Street, near the Farmers Market. There are some other great eating spots down the street, but Carasau Pasta bar really is the best food for incredible low prices.

The interior boasts white ceiling fans with green ivy, for sure an indoor-outdoor feel, patio separation with tile and couches. There is a Rolling garage door the main way to get in and out of the restaurant. I just loved every aspect of this very special establishment, make it a destination experience. Go now because in a very short time there will be lines and very difficult to get reservations.

“Fun food, because life is supposed to be fun.”

 

Carasau Pasta Bar

8312 West 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA. 90048

(323) 433-4150

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https://carasaupastabar.com

Located near the Mission District in a quaint neighborhood, it’s just the perfect corner spot to get all of your super delicious Mediterranean foods. Mezza and Moore is charming, but with just the right amount of elegance, it is beautiful eye candy. The restaurant sits on the corner, with large open windows, you can feel the outside inside. It seems like it is a great local neighborhood spot, when I was there, people were having casual lunch meetings, as well as nice lunch dates. There are handmade adornments on the walls, and the serving trays, platters, plates are just chic and stylish. Even the place mats were lovely. A real way to brighten up your day.

Here’s What I Tried:

Mezze Platter:

Tabouli, with nutritious bulgur wheat, mint, parsley, tomatoes, green onions, lemon juice, and olive oil. This is super healthy with just the right amount of tang, a nice way to start my extraordinary lunch.

Warak Enab Dolma, grape leaves stuffed with rice, cooked with olive oil and lemon juice. They roll their own grape leaves, and it is really an enjoyable dish.

Baba Ganoush, roasted eggplants mixed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil. This is one of those dips that I just love, is it subtle, but flavorful.

Hummus, with chickpeas mixed with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. This hummus is mellow and inviting, with a small amount of garlic, made it very user friendly.

Falafel, deep-fried chickpeas served with tahini sauce. Another great menu item.

Arnabeet, fried cauliflower topped with garlic-lemon juice. This cauliflower is really impressive, you can eat lots of this dish and know that you are getting great fiber and its low in calories.

Halloumi Cheese, with Lebanese grilled sheep white cheese. This is a great appetizer for the cheese lover.

Batata Harra, with fried potatoes mixed with chili peppers, cilantro, garlic, and lemon juice. Great flavored potatoes, it is also very filling.

Moussaka, with eggplant topped with homemade garlic-tomato sauce. My favorite part of the platter, it is sweet with a nice garlic intensity.

Wraps:

Lamb and Beef Shawarma, with thin-sliced lamb and beef cooked well with roasted tomatoes, onions, and tahini sauce. This is a huge wrap, you could share it with 3 people, a real crowd pleaser.

Entrees:

Chicken Kabab, chicken skewers served with rice and salad and grilled onions and tomato. I just tried the skewer, and it was very tender and flavorful.

Lamb Kabab, lamb skewers served with rice and salad and grilled onions and tomato, same here, just the skewer, which was really good.

Beverages:

Tea Service, they do a lovely job, with a gorgeous presentation, a real winner. Nabil Fathalli told me all about the gorgeous tea pot and trays and made sure my culinary journey was just perfect. He described all of my menu items recipes and little nuances. I learned a lot about Lebanese and Tunisian culture and traditions from him, he is more of a historian then server here.

Coffee Service, this too is served on a silver tray, and the coffee is strong and rich.

Fresh Lemonade with mint. This is the beverage you would want to order, its sweet with nice, chopped mint, it will cool you down.

There are two locations, and plans for a third, it promises to be a restaurant that will stand the test of time in beautiful San Francisco. Everyone loves fresh healthy Mediterranean cuisine and Mezze and Moore provides that as well as a gentle kind atmosphere and wait staff that will make you feel special and at home. Once you try their amazing, delicious food you too will be a fan and want to spread the word.

Mezze and Moore

198 Guerrero St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 654-5089

https://www.mezzeandmooore.com/

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I met Catherine An when I was doing publicity for Blue Birdy on Sunset, she and Susan Hirasuna came in for a tasting. Catherine told me when I go to San Francisco talk to her about doing a tasting at Crustacean in the Bay Area. Her sister Monque greeted me and made me feel right at home! What I didn’t know was how lovely the interior design was, just simple and elegant. My whole experience was fantastic from start to finish.

Here’s What I Tried:

Vodka Martini, the perfect amount of everything, a great cocktail.

Garlic Noodles An’s famous garlic noodles, roasted garlic, and An’s secret sauce. Just the best noodles ever, you will love them.

Una Cigars, with instant smoke, feuille de brick, avocado silk, Vidalia onion, and tobiko caviar. The presentation alone will get you super excited, the server brought out av real cigar box and when he opens the box it is smoking, what’s inside though will really make your taste buds smile, you just have to try them and see for yourself.

Caviar and Crispy Langoustine Roll, with,1/3 oz. Royal Kaluga Caviar, and winter citrus sweet chili. What can I say, its really lovely, especially the caviar.

Steamed Shrimp, and Lobster Dumplings, with spicy tamarind ginger emulsion. Another super delicious menu item, just wonderful.

The story of An:

Diana An purchased a 24-seat Italian deli in San Francisco in 1971 on a whim. Little did she know that deli would be the foundation of her family’s livelihood and legacy for four generations.

Back in Vietnam:

When Saigon fell in 1975, the An family fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a few cherished recipes.

Helene, born and raised in Saigon, was just 31 when she escaped with her three young daughters as the Communist regime took power. Though her family descended from Mandarin aristocracy, overnight she became a refugee.

Separated from her husband, Danny, amid the chaos, Helene boarded a C-41 cargo plane to Clark Air Base in Manila, then to Guam, before arriving at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. After weeks in transition, they finally reached San Francisco—where Helene was reunited with Danny and her mother-in-law, Diana An.

It was a new world, uncertain and unfamiliar. But what began in those early days would grow into a culinary dynasty.

An American dream:

Years earlier, during a visit to San Francisco, matriarch Diana An had purchased a small Italian deli in the Sunset District. That 24-seat neighborhood shop—later renamed Thanh Long—would become both the family’s livelihood and their safe haven after the war.

Helene found herself starting over in a one-bedroom apartment with her husband, three children, and in-laws. She worked as an accountant by day and in the restaurant by night—doing whatever was needed to survive.

But Helene carried with her something extraordinary. She had grown up in a household with three private chefs—French, Chinese, and Vietnamese—absorbing their mastery from a young age. Long before “fusion cuisine” was a concept, Helene was already blending flavors across cultures.

At first, critics didn’t know what to make of it. One review dismissed her food as “not Vietnamese.” And it wasn’t. It was something new. Helene realized the American palate wasn’t ready for the bold intensity of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, so she created her own style—a bridge between Asia and the West.

She noticed how much Americans loved pasta, so she reimagined chow mein noodles with garlic, butter, and herbs. That dish—now world-famous as AN’s Famous Garlic Noodles®—became the family’s signature. Soon, guests were lining up outside Thanh Long. The 24 seats grew to 40, then 80, and eventually 240.

By 1991, the family opened Crustacean San Francisco in the prestigious Nob Hill district. Four years later, in 1995, they expanded to Crustacean Beverly Hills, cementing what is now known as the House of AN.

History of Helene:

Master Chef Helene An is celebrated as the Mother of Fusion Cuisine. She was honored by the Smithsonian Institution with a Pioneer Award in Culinary Arts for introducing Vietnamese flavors to the American mainstream, and she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame for her influence on food and culture.

But Helene’s impact is greater than awards. She sparked a culinary movement that forever changed the way America dines.

An it goes:

The legacy continues with Helene’s five daughters:

Elizabeth at the helm as CEO; Catherine, founder of Tiato Santa Monica and An Catering; Monique spearheading our San Francisco and Northern California locations with husband, Ken Lew; Hannah overseeing events; and Jacqueline who co-wrote An: To Eat, Chef Helene’s first cookbook.

It’s a family affair.

Crustacean

195 Pine St.

San Francisco, CA. 94111

• Note Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website.

https://www.crustaceansfpine.com/

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The last time I did a review was in May of 2022. Then the food was better then great, well I have to say it is still one of the top restaurants on my list when visiting San Francisco.

Here’s What I Tried:

Oysters on the Half Shell, West Coast Oysters – East Coast Oysters. Both were succulent and amazing, I highly recommend doing this as a starter. 

Boston Clam Chowder, delicate, with the just the right amount of goodness, a real winner.

Fettuccine Alfredo, rich with the perfect cream sauce, always one of my favorite pasta’s.

Mike’s Wok Crab, whole cracked crab with scallions, ginger, soy, and crushed red chiles. This is a wonderful way to enjoy Dungeness crab, one of San Francisco’s specialities, I just loved it.

Seafood Pasta Linguine with seafood, clams, mussels, prawns, sea scallops, bay shrimp, calamari. with tomato cream sauce. This is just the best pasta, all of the seafood pops in your mouth, fresh and savory.

San Dabs, done the old fashion way, with an egg batter and lots of butter. Served with carrots, broccolini, and potato casserole. The fish is moist and perfect, this is a special, so call ahead to see if they have it on the menu, but it is so worth the trip.

Wine:

Chardonnay, Ferrari-Carano, Healdsburg, CA. Of course this wine paired great with all of the fish dishes. 

Every time I come here; I am overjoyed with deliciously prepared seafood. The cuisine is always inspired and fresh. It hits all the right notes, and gets me super excited to see what I can try next time.

Betty Lou’s Seafood and Grill

318 Columbus Ave.

San Francisco, CA. 

bettylousf.com

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What a glorious Sunday, Emmy Sunday! Full of gorgeous dresses, and very handsome tuxedos. My first Emmy’s, I became a Television Academy member this past July and was offered tickets, so I jumped at the opportunity. You can watch the whole show on any YouTube portal, or any CBS portal.  I am just going to say that I will be going every year and share some of my wonderful Emmy moments from my iPhone 16 photos.

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The perfect afternoon, coupled with a wonderful movie. The gardens are lush and gorgeous, the whole property was so fitting for a premiere of Downton Abbey. They had lovely British tray passed appetizers and wonderful drinks. Everything was simply elegant, done at the perfect time, leading up to magic hour. By dusk it was time to retreat to the tennis court to watch the newest edition of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

The film was so perfectly executed, with the under toning of the matriarch Maggie Smith being played homage to throughout. All of the characters lead up to a sorrowful goodbye, with the last scene having flashbacks of all who came before. The Q & A had both actors Joanne Froggatt, and Allen Leech, who gave a great perspective on their characters and the making of this finale film.

It was all bittersweet and tied everything into a nice little bow, I just loved the film and this event.

About The Virginia Robinson Gardens:

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson of the J.W. Robinson Co. Department Store. It occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment. The beautiful six-acre property is located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and has a breathtaking display garden, mansion, and pool pavilion. A favorite destination for both local and international visitors, the property attracts a varied audience, from those interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to people who appreciate beautiful gardens and traditional design. In addition, it is a dynamic location for photo shoots with dramatic settings such as the awe-inspiring Australian King Palm Forest, the bucolic Rose Garden, and the tranquil Italian Terrace Garden.

The immediate beauty of the property is just one of the estate’s many fascinating attributes. The Robinson Gardens was once the site of lavish Hollywood parties. Mrs. Robinson was known as the first lady of Beverly Hills, and her triumphs as a hostess are legendary: her diverse guests included royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Hollywood stars like Marlene Dietrich and Fred Astaire; her neighbors were Glenn Ford, Lillian Disney, and Elvis Presley. She sipped champagne cocktails with Sophia Loren and challenged Charlie Chaplin to a spirited game of tennis – all with her signature elegance and class.

She was equally renowned for her philanthropy. The Hollywood Bowl Patronesses Benefit was a favorite among the many benefits she hosted. Each year, after the opening of the Hollywood Bowl season, the orchestra would repeat their performance on the estate’s Great Lawn to the delight of her guests. Shortly before her death in 1977, Mrs. Robinson bequeathed her estate to Los Angeles County. The County and the not-for-profit organization The Friends of Robinson Gardens preserve the estate for future generations to enjoy.

The mission of The Virginia Robinson Gardens is to preserve and interpret the historically significant first estate of Beverly Hills, for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations. 

Virginia Robinson Gardens

1008 Elden Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Friends of Robinson Gardens: (310) 550-2087

HOME

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downton_Abbey:_The_Grand_Finale

• Some info was taken off of their website.

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Always the best gift suite in Hollywood. So many dear friends show up and the Harris B Brothers are always there to greet everyone with a big smile. What a glorious way to start my Emmy’s weekend.

Here are the vendors:

www.takakotakako – Japanese Delegation of Artists- Five Brands, www.drinkpathwater.com www.manlabs.com, www.artlewinbespoke.com, www.tobinjames.com, www.faceforwardintl.org – Our charity this year, www.westcoastpretzels.com, www.championebymileva.com, www.thefigaro.co, marcedwardskincare.com, www.scalpsanctuary.com, www.centralcalicaregivers.com, www.ungunninstitute.com, www.helenficalora.com, www.everydaywoman.me, www.itpbeauty.com, www.luxurygala.com, www.drinksurfside.com, www.travelingtarts.com, www.eliotbeauty.com, www.randysdonuts.com, www.drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com, www.chromahairbeauty.com, and Best Version You.

A beautiful event, filled with lots of joy and laughter, once again a great Hollywood touchstone for me!

http://www.wowcreationsmedia.com/

About WOW Creations: WOW! Creations is a Los Angeles based marketing company. Since 2004 the team at WOW! Creations has been providing its clients with custom designed communications plans and strategies with one unique
objective: to enhance and broaden their brand or company’s appeal.

We offer a strategic partnership with the ability to align your product with celebrities to increase and create a brand equity with your product line.

Our company provides a comprehensive marketing initiative which allows us the ability to expose and introduce our client to countless press and media opportunities in a fresh and new organic approach.

We believe in the power of celebrity product placement which will enable your company to focus on its marketing and advertising budget which will pose the biggest impact for your return on your investment.

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California, 91608-1001

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When I went to their grand opening I met owner Vicente Del Rio, and he was so warm and welcoming. He told me to come back to do a real tasting. Vicente is also the original founder of all the Cantina Frida restaurants around Southern California, which was a tasting in Beverly Hills I did back in July. Once again, he welcomed me at my tasting, he is just sweet, generous and kind, such a gentle man. He turned me over to general manager Adelmo Rivas, who also made me feel right at home. I marked the menu off of what I was interested in trying and he made my culinary experience just simply delightful. My server Natalie Conejo was the perfect addition as well, always making sure I had exactly what I needed to make my tasting a success.

The interior is very elegant and inviting. With its gorgeous monochromatic colors and beautiful art piece, it will make any diner feel comfortable. They have a nice well-rounded play list of organic music. The bar area is also super lively and can be a great spot to meet for happy hour with friends.

Here’s What I Tried:

Entradas:

Guacamole, with avocado, onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, prepared tableside. This guacamole is just perfection, I opted not to put in the jalapenos, so it was very mellow and smooth.

Elotes / esquites, with Mexican street corn, mayo, cotija, chili powder, and fresh lime. I love the way they do their corn; it is tangy, smoky, just delicious.

Quesadilla, with shrimp, very straight forward, a real crowd pleaser.

Sopas and Ensaladas:

Pozole, soup with hominy, shredded chicken, corn tostada, radishes, cabbage, onion, oregano, and crushed chile de arbol. Ok this soup is just the bomb, it’s a version of Jewish penicillin but Mexican, I would order this every time.

Tostada Salad, with spring mix, tomato, queso fresco, sour cream, avocado, white rice, black beans, and orange dressing. This would be my go-to salad. It has got everything you would want in this type of salad, and its huge, enough for 2-3 people. The dressing is wonderful, with the rice and beans its very filling.

Ceviches:

Ceviche tasting, three of their signature ceviches: pescado, camaron, Acapulco, and aguachile. Each one is unique and super fresh, a great start to my meal.

Los Tacos – Handmade corn tortilla, flour tortilla:

Pollo mole, Chicken simmered in a chili-chocolate sauce. This one is by far my favorite, I just loved all the chocolate smoky goodness in the mole sauce.

Chile relleno, battered Santa Fe pepper, layer of melted cheese, morita sauce. This is a very unique taco, it’s a chili relleno wrapped with a tortilla, and super yummy.

Quesabirria, marinated shredded beef, layer of cheese. This is a crispy taco, which I just love, such rich crunchy goodness.

Baja, battered fish, cabbage, chipotle-mayo, pico de gallo. The fish is fresh and moist, another delectable menu item.

Sautéed shrimp, with Pico de Gallo, guacamole, chipotle-mayo. I am a shrimp lover, so this taco is in my culinary wheelhouse.

Zarandeado, grilled white fish, guajillo adobo, avocado, crispy onion, and chipotle-mayo. Another fantastic choice for an amazing taco.

Fajitas:

Fajitas Mixtas, with two of the following: beef tenderloin or grilled chicken, bell pepper, onion, tomato, Spanish rice, and pinto beans. This is a hot sizzling iron platter, and the meats are succulent and flavorful.

Mariscos:

Shrimp, Al mojo de ajo: butter-garlic sauce. They give you 4 plump large shrimp, with the garlic better, a true winner.

Enchiladas:

Three enchiladas, chicken or cheese. Rice and beans. trio: suiza, tapatia, mole. If you are an enchiladas lover, then this is your dish. The variety is astounding, each one has a completely different flavor profile.

Acompañamientos:

Grilled vegetables, carrots and zucchini, grilled to perfection.

Grilled asparagus, nice large asparagus strips, very tasty.

Pico de Gallo, one of my favorite salsa type side dishes.

Specialty Cocktails:

Cadillac margarita, Tequila, orange juice reduction, lime juice, and grand marnier. This is just the best margarita, it has no acidity so it goes down very smoothly.

Adelita, 1800 tequila, pineapple, cucumber, and fresh lime. You can really taste the cucumber, its is very soothing.

El Sol Margarita, Don Ramon Punta Diamante tequila, oj reduction, and lime juice. Another great cocktail.

House Wines:

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio

Each one of their house wines has great body and prefect characteristics. A good way to enjoy wine at affordable prices.

This place is so elevated, it is charming and hits all of the right notes. They have another location in Malibu. But next time you’re in Hollywood La Nena is a must try!

“Located in the heart of Hollywood, Columbia Square is a historic and vibrant area, home to creative businesses, cutting-edge media companies, and entertainment hubs. Their upscale Mexican restaurant in Columbia Square offers a sophisticated dining experience, blending modern Mexican cuisine with the glamour and energy of Hollywood. Guests can enjoy a refined atmosphere with a menu that celebrates bold flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.”

La Nena

Columbia Square

6115 W Sunset Blvd. Suite 100,

Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 366-4666

lanenacantina.com

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