Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

Pairing gourmet Latin cuisine with fine wines, East LA Meets Napa is a unique event that celebrates the richness of Latin food and the success of Latino owned vineyards in California. East LA Meets Napa World Tour takes us on a wine tasting journey stretching from the famed Napa Valley, through the various international wine regions and beyond; an exploration of wines showcasing and honoring the roots of so many vintners and families. Patrons enjoyed tastings from more than 35 top LA restaurants, including tastings from various regions around the world, presented by world-renowned celebrity chefs.

Under the stars with Poncho Sanchez as the backdrop, lively Salsa Music and Latin inspired food and wine were the headliners to this amazing event. But the real story is how many Hispanic Napa Valley wine makers and winery owners have cropped up, no pun intended. This tells me that with a leap of faith the contractual wine workers have bucked the system and are giving their expertise now as being single vineyard owners. All of their wine knowledge passed down from generation to generation is now being used in its utmost capacity, as well as the fact that they are reaping all of the rewards, a true success story. I love that.

The food was an array of some Mexican favorites to a lot of fusion inspired dishes, everything was really delicious and the wines paired very nicely with all of the great varieties of food.

Some of the restaurants represented were: Artic Hotspot, El Portal, Salsa, Malbec Cuisine, El Incomparable, Gloria’s, El Tepeyac Café, Chichen Itza, La Parrilla, Tabachines Cocina, Del Frisco Grille, Pez Cantina, Prospect Gourmand, El Cid, Casa, Oaxaca, Yuca’s, Portos, and many more.

Some of the wines represented: Honrama, Vargas, Delgadillo Cellars, Voces Cellars, Ceja, Mario Bazan Cellars, Maddalena, Onyx Wine, Reyes Winery, Trujillo, V. Sattui Winery, Llamas Family Wines, Encanto, and lots more.

I had a blast and will have to go from now on, it was a true education in all things Hispanic including their glorious wines.

East LA Meets Napa: World Tour
6pm – 9pm (Media Check-In will open at 5p)
Two California Plaza
350 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Friday, July 15, 2016
Two California Plaza, Los Angeles
http://www.altamed.org/eastlameetsnapa

[Show as slideshow]

Concern Foundation Presents It’s 42nd annual block party Paramount Studios Hollywood, honoring community leaders Grossmans and Bruckers.

What a night, starting in the heat of the day and ending with breath taking stars and cool breezes, not too mention food and drink to die for. Concern was by far one of the nicest events I have ever been to in Los Angeles, and proceeds going to one of my favorite charities.

There was lots of libations, with some of my favorite restaurants, here were some of my favorites: Lenny’s – Pastrami Sandwich, Factors – Corned Beef, Drago – Mushroom Soup, Vibrato – Pepper Pasta and Beef Slider, Lawry’s – Creamed Corn, The Grill – Brisket Sandwich, Hayama – Sushi, and Buttonmash – Fried Rice Balls.

They had a beauty tent in the far back of the event; I got my hair flat ironed so I was super happy about that. The silent and live auction had so many varied items, from wine to hotel stays everything was represented.

It was just the most perfect event, dancing, drinking, dining, all of your party bases got covered, good work Concern!!

See all of their info below:

This year’s theme, “Fields of Dreams for a cancer free world,” will celebrate a carefree country lifestyle. The event aims to attract nearly 4,000 guests and raise $2 million to fund research focused on immunology based methods for treating cancer.

The Block Party’s hallmark attraction is the over 60 popular vendors offering food and beverages along the New York back lot streets. Button Mash, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, Fogo de Chao, Lawry’s, The Palm, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Slater’s 50/50 are just a few of the confirmed restaurants serving savory tastings, sweet treats and signature drinks.

The evening boasts musical performances across multiple stages by the Tom Nolan Band, D’ City Sound featuring DJ Dwayne, and San Diego Country Club, as well as interactive entertainment such as casino style games, 3D Cheeze and Honor Digital photography studios, Island Ink airbrush tattoos and salon and spa services. The Best of L.A.® on Los Angeles magazine’s street will present the Infiniti Lounge, Equinox recharge station and tastings from California Avocados and Peerless Coffee.

Live and silent auctions at the Bock Party include one-of-a-kind opportunities such as tickets to the 2016 Emmy Awards and Governors Ball, a Dodgers up close batting practice, a meet and greet with legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, an in- home 10-course dinner prepared by a world-class, award winning chef, and much more.

Concern Foundation will honor Dr. Peter and Rebecca Grossman as Humanitarians and Community Leaders who established the Grossman Burn Centers and Grossman Burn Foundation. Their efforts to restore the lives of burn survivors through comprehensive treatment and support for patients and their families are truly making a difference throughout the community and across the globe.

Also honored at the event are former Beverly Hills Mayor and wife, Barry and Sue Brucker, who will receive the inaugural Beth Hersh Goldsmith Conquer Cancer Now Heroes award. The award commemorates their longtime friend Beth Goldsmith, the former executive director of Concern Foundation, who passed away last November from cancer. Since 2011, the Brucker family has donated $2.7 million to the foundation.
To learn more about the 2016 Block Party, purchase tickets or become a sponsor, please visit https://www.concernfoundation.org/block-party.html.

About Concern Foundation

Concern Foundation’s mission is to conquer cancer by providing essential funds to support the early yet critical stages of discovery. Since its inception in 1968, Concern has raised and awarded $58 million to 750 gifted cancer scientists around the world.

For 48 years, Concern has pioneered the advancement of cancer immunology—the study of the relationship between the immune system and cancer—a field that is now widely acknowledged to hold the most potential for discovering treatments and preventions for cancer.

With 90-95% of net proceeds going directly to research, Concern Foundation has made significant strides toward bridging a major gap in research funding by focusing its grants on young, innovative researchers with breakthrough ideas.

One out of two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. With cancer expected to surpass heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. by 2030, funding for cancer research has never been more important. To learn more about Concern Foundation please visit www.concernfoundation.org.

*note some content was taken from event website.

[Show as slideshow]

A while back I reviewed Brunello Trattoria and unbeknownst to me Daniele Morra, owner of Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria is Brunello, aka Bruno’s son. I had spoken to Daniele a while back about doing a review but just never got the green light. After reviewing his Dad’s restaurant Daniele came to me with open arms and gave me a real dining treat. I am not going to say that Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria is better then his Dad’s restaurant Brunello Trattoria, what I am going to say is that each place is completely different and unique. Daniele got some very good training from his Mother and his Father. There is no competition here, Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria stands on it own with terrific Italian cuisine!

Located in Beverly Hills it is quaint, homey, a truly delicious Italian restaurant, and did I mention extremely inexpensive for this kind of fantastic food. A lot of their customers are takeout or lunch crowd, but people are missing out. Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria is a great spot for a romantic Italian dinner right in a very convenient location. Next time your looking for wonderful affordable Italian food choose Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria, you will be glad you did.

The bread is the same recipe that his Dad makes, made fresh every day and one of the wonders of the world. The dough for the pizza is the same, both amazing.

The interior is very simple. Chalkboard tiles on the wall tell you what the special is each evening. Yellow walls, with burnished wood floor. Brown paper covers the café style tables with black table cloths. Some photos of Napoli adorn the walls, which is where Daniele and his family are from. The big glass windows are right on La Cienaga so you can watch all of the action right there while your dining. To add to the excitement of the evening I witnessed a fender bender right outside while looking out the front windows. They play fantastic Italian pop music and classical. Tiziano Ferro was playing when I was enjoying my meal; he’s a big pop star in Italy.

Here’s What I Tried:

Appetizers:

Zuppa, Minestrone soup, delicate tomato flavors mixed in with nice vegetable goodness makes for one comforting soup.

Melenzane alla Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmesan with a Sicilian twist. The cheese is a smoked mozzarella so you get an added punch, which I really loved.

Cozze Diavola, Sautee of mussels in a spicy fresh tomato sauce. Big fresh mussels are in tow and the sauce is just heavenly.

Carpaccio ai Carciofini, Thin slices of raw beef topped with wild arugula, shaved Parmesan, artichokes and lemon dressing. The combination of this dish is just so amazing, a great menu item.

Calamari Fritti, Traditional fried calamari served with a side of spicy tomato sauce. The calamari is crisp but still tender, how did they do that?

Salad:

Insalata di Cesare, Classic Caesar salad, with shrimp. The romaine is very fresh and crispy and the shrimps just pop in your mouth, wow.

Caprese di burrata, Tomatoes, fresh burrata, basil, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. A very nice version of this ever-popular Italian staple.

Insalata di Spinaci, Fresh spinach, grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado and goat cheese, tossed with olive oil and balsamic dressing. The chicken is so flavorful with its amazing smoky flavor and the freshness of everything else makes for one delicious salad.

Pizza:

Tutt’a Post’ (The Italian Flag.) 1/3 Mozzarella and buttered spinach. 1/3 Mozzarella and ricotta cheese. 1/3 Mozzarella, chopped tomatoes and garlic. Beautiful to look at and great to taste.

Rustica, base of chopped tomato, mozzarella and garlic. Topped with fresh arugula, prosciutto, shaved Parmesan and a touch of truffle oil. This is my go to pizza; I just adore the truffle oil with the prosciutto.

Calzone:

Calzone Del Sud, Tomato sauce, prosciutto, mushrooms and mozzarella. Nicely cooked dough and the insides are equally yummy.

Pasta:

Spaghetti Vongole, Clams, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and a touch of hot pepper. They serve many Manila clams in this pasta and the sauce is very delicate and smooth.

Tagliatelle Pescatore, Fresh pasta with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari in a fresh tomato sauce. This Taglaitelle is home made and it makes all of the difference in the world.

Parpardelle Bolognese, Homemade pasta in a meat sauce. Homemade as well and the sauce has nice well-rounded meat flavors.

Pappardelle Gamberi e Porcini, Fresh pasta in a light cream sauce with shrimp and porcini mushrooms. Oh my God, this pasta rocked my world, it is just that fantastic.

Entrées:

Petto di Pollo alla Marsala, Chicken breast in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. Served with spinach and potatoes. The sauce is creamy and full of Marsala flavors, and the chicken is very tender.

Bistecca Primavera, outside skirt steak grilled to perfection, with arugula, cherry tomatoes and balsamic reduction. This is more like a salad with a piece of grilled meat on top, I would order this if that is what your in the mood for.

Pesce del Giorno M.P. Filet of Sole with lemon caper butter sauce. This fish was good with all of its buttery caper flavor, but for me I would just order the pastas instead, that is where they really excel.

Wine:

Prosecco Zardetto, nice and light, it was a good match to the Calamari Fritti.

Pinot Grigio Masi, Masianco, Veneto, light and fruity a good pairing with the Caesar salad.

Chardonnay Tollo Abruzzi, this wine has no big vanilla caramel notes so it went great with the Pappardelle Gamberi e Porcini.

Sauvignon Blanc, Indaba, South Africa, try this lovely wine with the Insalata di Spinaci.

Chianti Classico, Danzante, it almost has a built in marinara sauce kind of flavor so I liked it with the Parpardelle Bolognese.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cousino Macur, 2013, I loved this wine with the Rustica Pizza, it matches all the smokiness in the prosciutto.

Merlot Indaba South Africa, a heavy robust wine, it went great with the Bistecca Primavera.

Desert:

Cheesecake drizzled with raspberry sauce it made for a very nice end of my meal.

Cannoli, a terrific homemade rendition of this Italian favorite.

Daniele is no stranger to the restaurant business because of his Dad’s many different restaurants throughout the years, Daniele continually saw the passion and hard work that his family put into it. Being exposed to this world early on made him always curious and eager to learn how everything was done. Lots of drive and determination is what he credits his families success in the restaurant business. When Brunello Trattoria opened in Culver City in 2007 it served as a great opportunity for him to become more hands on with the restaurant business. Daniele gradually worked his way up from the kitchen to managing, with hopes of one day opening his own restaurant. With Brunello Trattoria’s success he decided to keep the same style and recipes, but just expanding to a different location. As Italians say, “Keep it in the family”. Tutt’ a Post’ Trattoria is Daniele’s brain child, but he says “He still wants the family to be a part of it, this business will remain family run and since everyone has loved our homemade recipes, we wanted to open a new location and share it with an even larger customer base.” (For more on Bruno’s Trattoria see my review on June 19, 2016 at www.jodijacksonshollywood.tv)

What I can tell you is that Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria is just waiting to be discovered, it has so much potential, all it needs is diners who want to try new things in this very charming neighborhood. Kind of like Restaurant Row but a bit further south, whatever the area it’s a diamond in the rough just waiting to be tried.

Daniele could not have picked a more fitting name, Tutt’a Post’ Neapolitan for “It’s All Good”, and it is! Next time you’re in the mood for very authentic Italian food, try this very delicious restaurant.

Tutt’a Post’ Trattoria
235 S La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, California
310-652-5992
Mon-Fri 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Mon-Thu 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri-Sat 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

[Show as slideshow]

I am on a roll! I have reviewed a few of the top new restaurants on the very hip Third street in Los Angeles. I am adding yet another one that just opened and promises to be a huge hit with all of the local Los Angeles foodies.

The difference between this restaurant and the others that I have
recently reviewed, is that C.O.D. is a fresh, new delicious experience with a Pan-Asian twist. C.O.D. stands for catch of the day, and that is exactly what you will get super fresh, wonderful seafood.

C.O.D. is in their initial opening phase with a few things still in the works. They hired sommelier Ryan Hess of Vinoteca fame, to design a wine list and mixology program that has not been implemented, but will be in the next few weeks. For now beer, wine and sake is what you can order. There is a patio that will soon have outdoor dining upstairs as well, and a lounge yet to be opened, with a brunch menu soon. Even with a few things pending I would say go out and try it, the food is simply remarkable; it will give your taste buds a run for their money.

Server Doug previously from The Soho House was a great example of how a good charming waiter can make your whole experience incredible, as he says, “ I like to transcend my diners experience”, and boy did he ever.

The interior is rustic, but industrial, a canoe sits over the bar, and a big painted coy fish adorns the wall. There are concrete floors, industrial chairs, wood tables, wood tile type wall, trussed ceiling, and a raw bar. The big large windows show the Third street walking traffic. Their music is soft and ambient. Everything gives their food one fantastic backdrop.

Here’s what I tried:

Oysters:

Kusshi British Colombia, very meaty little oysters, ultra clean flavor, creamy.

Raw:

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, super crispy wafer type platforms house the very flavorful tuna, it’s a nice way to start this fantastic meal

Halibut Carpaccio, local halibut; with citrus juice, olive oil, sea salt, yuzu kosho, and shiso basil. The halibut is cut paper-thin and the sauce is a sweet collection of enjoyable tastes.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio with yuzu kosho, smoked sea salt, ponzu sauce, and olive oil. I am the biggest scallop lover; these are sliced very thin and have an amazing texture, one of my favorite dishes tonight.

Soup and Salad:

Clam Chowder with manila clams, bacon, potato, light and creamy. There are lots of fresh clams in their shells, which make for a very filling soup, and the bacon changes the course of everything.

Truffled Green Beans, chilled crunchy baby green beans, olive oil, and truffle salt. Super green and crunchy, for the vegan this dish is a must.

Small Plates:

Grilled Octopus, crispy bacon, scallion, lemon zest, pickled shallots, and ginger kidney beans. It’s like octopus tenderloin, a large long log with all of the yummy accompaniments, never tasted octopus this great!

Crispy Pork Belly, honey soy glazed bites, jalapeno, green onion, and cilantro. I have tried lots of pork belly type dishes, but this one was really the best ever. It’s super crispy on both ends but then the middle oozes out juicy goodness, what a treat!

Truffle Sliders Kobe Angus beef, shitake aioli, Muenster cheeses, and truffle sauce, on a brioche bun. Make sure with this one you keep a napkin close by and in your lap. This slider is so juicy, it will pour out of the Kobe beef patty, and this is one decadent slider.

Meat:

Braised Beef Cheeks with soy garlic demo glaze, mushroom quinoa. So delightful, the meat is like butter and the hint of soy and garlic just round out the magnificent flavors that this dish has to offer. Then you have the quinoa as an added health benefit.

Noodles and Rice:

Seafood Rice, with shrimp, fish, crab, egg, and green onion. So much fresh seafood is used, all in harmony with the egg, rice and green onion.

Truffle Uni Pasta with shaved truffle, green nori linguini, creamy uni sauce, and fish roe. Uni truffle pasta is pretty much a main stay at most high-end restaurants in Los Angeles, but I have never tasted one this good.

Desserts:

Okinawa Purple Yam with brown sugar and butter. A nice healthy dish with an interesting yam flavor.

Chocolate bread pudding with brioche bread, Chantilly cream, and chocolate sauce. The chocolate goodness is off the charts, wow!

Sake:

Unfiltered Sho Chiku Nigori, this is a creamy sake, but delicious with all of the raw fish.

Filtered Dreamy Moon, nice clear sake with great smooth rounded flavors, it went great with the spicy tuna crispy rice.

Champagne:

Lamarca Prosecco, I love to start any dining experience with a good Prosecco, this one was enjoyable, and a good match with the oysters.

Wine:

Franciscan Chardonnay, 2014, Napa Valley, just loved this wine with the uni truffle pasta, it enhanced all of the rich creamy nuances.

La Crema Chardonnay, 2014, Sonoma Coast, this Chardonnay was a great accompaniment with the clam chowder and the grilled octopus, it added some caramelization to these two dishes.

Newton, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Napa County, of course this would be the wine with any of the meat dishes, pork belly, beef cheeks, Kobe sliders, and the chocolate bread pudding!

Beer:

Blue Moon, light and refreshing for any of the dishes with a little kick this beer will wet your whistle.

Owner Marcus Kwan and his brother Michael are the forces behind the Wokcano Restaurant Group of Pan-Asian restaurants. Immigrating to Los Angeles from China in 1989, Marcus started in the industry at a restaurant in Chinatown as a busboy. After climbing the ranks, and borrowing some money from their mom, the brothers opened their first restaurant in 1995, called The Islands, located on Third Street, the same location as Wokcano. Six years later, Michael and Marcus closed The Islands, renovated the space, reinvented the menu, and reopened the doors as the first Wokcano in 2001. Since then, the Kwan’s have successfully opened five additional Wokcano locations. Wokcano’s menu focuses not just on the traditional Chinese dishes inspired by their mother, but also features fresh sashimi, innovative sushi rolls and a few Thai and Korean dishes, to complete the Pan-Asian influenced menu. C.O.D. is in the same space as Wokcano used to be in, so this type of food already has a built in clientele, serving up contemporary Asian fare, it is just way more upscale then Wokcano I think.

So far Marcus says the customers are locals, this neighborhood is so varied in demographics that I can see a whole new breed of customers for C.O.D. then what they had for Wokcano. I am very excited to have this high end of a restaurant right in my backyard. I now know that I will become a regular, wanting to enjoy their luscious cuisine at least once a week.

C.O.D. Seafood & Raw Bar
8408 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.658.9188
http://www.codrestaurant.com/

Invalid Displayed Gallery

Another new hot spot in my neighborhood, Third Street has really come along way. The Phoenix is only been opened for 3 weeks but already there’s a really good local buzz. When Shawn Antonio, manager, said I could come for a review I was very excited. Shawn has been in the food business for a long time, he is a very cultured guy and speaks Dutch, Spanish and English. Shawn Says, “The Phoenix is a whisky bar with whiskeys that no one has, whiskeys that aren’t available to the public, with a great vibe all the time.” He laments, “It’s really cool to be able to leave your egos outside, and a lot of people forget to have fun that is what The Phoenix is all about.”

The menu is very minimal, but the food is really terrific. What you really are coming to The Phoenix for though is the drinks and ambiance. The whole experience is very fun. The Phoenix concept, a whiskey bar with food, and they deliver on both big-time.

The music is adult rock with smatterings of Led Zeppelin, Eagles, and Rolling Stones. Friday and Saturday evenings they have a DJ, with funky soul music, and a very large eclectic crowd.

My server Kelly Reeves was very entertaining, but professional, she informed me about all of my drinking and dining options. She worked previously at The Fairmont in Santa Monica, so she knows her stuff!

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Paloma Milagro, with Blanco Tequila, Giffard’s Pamplemousse, and lime soda. Sweet and sour, this cocktail is the bomb!

Dublin Donkey, with Tullamore Drew, Gifford’s Ginger of the Indies, lime, and ginger beer. Bubbly and effervescent, very thirst quenching.

Paper Plane with Jim Beam Bonded, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon. This is a mixed crafted cocktail for the whiskey lover in its entire splendor.

3rd Street Elyxir, with Absolut Elyx, Giffard’s Elderflower, St. George spiced pear, and lemon. A nice martini type of cocktail with amazing floral essence.

Salads:

Phoenix House Salad, with mixed greens, feta, pear, pepperoncini, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. This is a salad for a salad aficionado, it is packed with super fresh goodness, and the pear was my favorite part.

Chicken Paillard with arugula, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Think of this, as a salad with a very tender piece of nicely sliced chicken on the bottom, a delicious low calorie menu item.

Entrees:

Grilled Sausage – Marquez with sweet baby peppers, grilled bread. This is a great way to start your experience here at The Phoenix; the peppers are super sweet so it is a wonderful combination.

8 oz. Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, and grilled bread. A perfectly cooked steak with great fresh sauce on top, a true winner.

Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce. If you prefer chicken then order this dish, same idea as the steak but with chicken.

Rib Eye Steak with Grilled Zucchini, I loved the grilled zucchini, it’s super sweet with nice grill marks, the steak should have been cooked rare, too bad it was a bit over done.

Hanger Steak with Onions, this was by far my favorite dish, the steak was super tender cooked almost raw and the onions were very delectable as well.

Special – Fusilli Marinara Pasta with an egg on top. What a great idea, the egg oozes it’s yoke all over the pasta and the sauce is simple but is an amazing marinara.

Sides:

Hand Cut Fries with garlic, rosemary, sea salt. Truly fantastic fries, simple and direct but really perfect.

Grilled Bread with olive oil, sea salt. The bread here is a feat in itself, but don’t eat too much you won’t be able to eat all of your meaty main dishes.

The interior is very low key; but with a tranquil feel. The outside patio has a large screen on the wall for an Alfresco Film series that will be starting soon. All the patio tables have fun games to play. Adorned with garage type doors, beige tufted banquets, concrete brick walls. Little fabulous touches like; post modern chandeliers with wooden globes, wood stumps as tables, brick floors, long tables, and industrial stools. Near the outside back staircase is a very cool chalkboard with The Phoenix spelled out on it.

Owner Adolfo Suaya moved to LA in 1982 and quickly made a name for himself in the LA restaurant scene, four years later with the opening of Gaucho Grill. By 1996, he had 16 Gaucho Grills in operation. Having carved out a rather lucrative niche for himself, Adolfo now boasts an array of successful restaurants and nightclubs that stretch from the east ends of Hollywood, through the infamous Cahuenga Corridor district, and down to the west area of Hollywood Boulevard. Past, present and future projects include Memphis, Dolce, Bella Cucina, The Lodge, Goa, Zen Grill, Bar Deluxe, BoHo, The Surly Goat and Osaka, Suaya’s high-end Japanese-Peruvian dining concept. The Phoenix used to be down the street on La Cienaga, this new version is with The Goat Restaurant Group, the same name but a different location. Whatever the concept, The Phoenix promises to be the new hot spot in the hood, it’s really worth experiencing the relaxing atmosphere that this place has to offer!

The demographic here is 22 to 65, which means literally everyone, and there are no snooty airs. No shirts and ties instead bring your casual attire, tank tops and sandals need only apply!

No cover charge or minimums, Yay!! 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM is their Happy Hour, with lots of enjoyable specials. Bottom line: no hype, a very simple consistent cheers bar.

The Phoenix
8480 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
http://www.thephoenixla.com/
323-655-5030

[Show as slideshow]

From the moment you walk in you feel like family and that is just what Bruno and his wife Chef Cinzia Morra Brunelli meant for you to experience. Both from Napoli they really know how to make you feel right at home, and the food is as authentic as it gets.

This wonderful Italian restaurant is smack dab in everyone’s own back yard in the ever-growing Culver City restaurant area. It is in the artsy district right off of La Cienaga. You need look no further; if you want really great Italian food then Brunello Trattoria in is definitely the place for you.

I was there at 6:00 pm on a Sunday with the basketball playoffs playing on two flat screen TV’s above the bar. There were families and sports fans enjoying their dinner with the excitement of the game right overhead. The bar in the middle of the restaurant is large and inviting. They don’t have any hard spirits just wine and beer, but honestly you do not miss having alcohol. There is no background music, just happy loud voices of folks that are having a good time. Wood chairs, wood floors with white table cloths act as the backdrop for Brunello Trattoria’s glorious food. The interior space is sparse but elegant, with a big open kitchen that makes a huge statement.

Bruno and Cinzia met in Napoli, Bruno came to America in 1985 and she soon followed in 1987. Their American dream became a reality when they opened their first restaurant with Bruno’s parents, Osteria Dei Nonni, in 1987. It was located in Atwater Village and it became such a success that people lined up to get in. In 1989 Bruno opened up Da Pasquale with his two brothers, in Beverly Hills. Then came Brunello Trattoria which is going on 10 years of business. They have 2 children, a son and a daughter. Their son Daniele ventured out into opening another restaurant not to far from Brunello Trattoria. Bruno hand makes the pizza dough as well are their very warm crispy bread, both are just incredible, while Cinzia takes care of all the kitchen needs, including cooking.

Here’s What I Tried:

Appetizers:

Carpaccio ai Carciofini with very thin slices of raw filet mignon topped with wild arugula, artichokes, shaved Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. The combination of the meat with the artichokes and arugula make one very unique Carpaccio.

Sautee ai Frutti di Mare Sautee of clams, mussels, shrimps, garlic, hot pepper, parsley and fresh tomatoes. The shellfish and shrimp are very fresh, and the sauce is very direct and simple.

Salads:

Insalata di Cesare with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese and homemade Caesar dressing. Something about Chef Cinzia’s dressing, it has a bit of a sweet edge, nonetheless so delicious. I’m going to also add that the croutons are made from Bruno’s bread and they too create another amazing nuance to this fantastic salad.

Insalata di Gamberi with wild arugula, sautéed shrimp, tomato, cucumber, onions, Kalamata olives and goat cheese with a lemon garlic dressing. The garlic dressing makes this salad so elegant and the shrimp is butterflied to perfection.

Pizza:

Daniele with Prosciutto, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese and basil. This pizza is very fragrant; the cheeses make this pizza fantastic.

Pasta:

Farfalle al Salmone with bow tie pasta, light cream sauce, pieces of fresh salmon shallots and hot pepper. Nice light pasta dish with the bits of salmon.

Borsettine ai Funghi with fresh pouch pasta stuffed with porcini mushrooms, light cream sauce, shallots, shiitake mushrooms, chopped tomato and a touch of truffle oil. This pasta is so delicate with these adorable little mushroom pouches, you will be so happy.

Entrees:

Braciolette di Pollo alla Daniele, with Roulée of chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, marinated eggplant and smoked mozzarella in a Dijon mustard sauce. Served with spinach and roasted potatoes.
This dish is all about the sauce, creamy with hint of of Dijon mustard, a great menu option.

Pesce del Giorno Fish of the day. Stripped Sea Bass with carrot and spinach. They grilled the sea bass so you get that smoky flavor with every bite; the side of carrots is also spectacular.

Desert:

They bring a whole tray of their lovely deserts; only thing not on the tray is their tiramisu, very old school.

Torta di Ricotta all Arancino Italian style cheesecake, with a delicate texture and hunt of citrus. A very nice ending to a remarkable dining experience.

Torta della Nonna, Short pastry base filled with cream a hint of lemon, topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar. Every Nonna makes a torta like this, but at Brunello Tratorria this torta is even more special.

Wine:

Zardetto, Prosecco Birilli, Veneto, very light and refreshing.

Pinot Grigio, Masi, Masianco, Venetoo. I could not get enough of this wine, more like a light Chardonnay, fruity not acidic and was a great addition to any of the seafood dishes.

Chardonnay, Tollo, Abruzzi, I would drink this wine with the fresh fish; it rounds out all of the oak flavors in the grilled fish.

Sangiovese/Cabernet RemoleFrescobaldi. I loved this wine with the chicken and its Dijon sauce; it’s just the right wine for this dish. A nice dry wine that opens up with this wonderful food.

Cabernet Sauvignon, First Press, Napa Valley. This wine went great with the Carpaccio as well as the mushroom pasta, the wine stood up to both the meat and the mushrooms.

Their customers are a wide variety; families, locals, dates, and Bruno’s Italian buddies. It’s a wide demographic, with lots of interesting people to look at. Sitting behind me was a Chinese family, with both Grandparents and toddlers, all enjoying different pastas and the outcome of the Warriors / Cavaliers game. During my tasting it was still light out but come nightfall you can tell that this restaurant can be very romantic.

My waitress Alessandra was charming and also very Italian, she hails from Sienna, helping me along with my culinary journey.

When you come in the front door you’ll be welcomed by Bruno who looks like he just stepped out of a rock n’ roll heavy metal band, with his gracious smile and deep Italian voice. Like me you will feel as if your somewhere in Napoli in a very homespun Trattoria, but who needs to get on a plane when you have my newest best Italian food right in Culver City, the best foodies paradise in Los Angeles.

Brunello Trattoria
Lunch hours: Mon-Friday 11:30-3:00
Dinner hours: Tues-Thurs, Sun 5-9. Fri-Sat 5-10
6001 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232
Phone (310) 280-3856 Fax (310) 280-9147
http://brunello-trattoria.com

[Show as slideshow]

This is a new incarnation of a space that I reviewed sometime last year, Tipple and Brine, but one thing I have to say is that the food is no comparison to the old restaurant, instead it is 100 times better.

The concept is to try to reintroduce Sherman Oaks as a destination type area as well as appeal to the locals. There is also a speak easy up the back stairs, where you just tell them what your in the mood for and they will make it, pretty much no drink menus as far as I could see, but the space is very sexy. The perfect place for a birthday party or any special event. They have one huge flat screen TV for any type of viewing parties as well.

Chef Jason Francisco is from Hawaii, but you would never know if from his name. He is a very humble guy. He says, “We do the best that we can do 1st and learn as we go”. When he says we he means him and his kitchen staff and prefaces that everyone is a chef when they are in the kitchen at The Sherman. He does not want to take credit and feels that it is a collective environment in his kitchen. Chef Jason serves “American-ish” food—that is, American comfort food that borrows from European, Asian, African and Caribbean cuisine. The Sherman touts itself as an upscale eatery using sustainable ingredients and offering fine wines and craft cocktails.

Owners Phil Felton and Theo Mavro met through a mutual friend and opened up The Sherman on March 17, 2016. Phil had been in the service industry for a long time, while Theo was in computer soft ware, both family guys with young kids. They wanted their customers to be all ages, and of course kid friendly. They have a very affordable kids menu that has become very popular. Theo cites two things distinctive to The Sherman: family hours with a kids menu until 8 p.m. (bedtime for his own young children) and a taste of local history. The name honors Moses Hazeltine Sherman, a founder of the Los Angeles streetcar systems that would become part of the Los Angeles Railway. It will be “almost fine dining at regular pricing,” Theo tells me. “I kind of figured The Sherman would be the perfect place for the Sherman Oaks crowd to hang out. I love Sherman Oaks, and all the people who live around here love it too.”

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

The Fresh – Martini- Freshly Muddled Cucumber, lime, lemon, Nolet Gin and a Prosecco float. A nice surprise for me seeing that it has Gin; it was a good calming cocktail.

The Sherman, House Martini, with Ketel One Vodka shaken extra cold, slightly dirty, served with house made Jalapeno Blue cheese olives. I just love the fact that they have my all time favorite Martini that I always order as part of their drink specials. Yay! This Martini was right up there with the best of the best, especially with the blue cheese olives.

La Reina Margarita, freshly muddled lime, pineapple, patron silver, orange liquer, house citrus mix, rimmed with tajin, and a fresh pineapple wedge. Named for the Theater across the street, this was a lovely
Margarita!

The Coldwater, with coconut milk, Belvedere Vodka, and Kahlua. Chef Jason insisted that I try this; it is a very novel idea, a take off of a White Russian, but with Coconut Milk. This cocktail is a must have.

Appetizers:

Duck Special with nut brittle, can’t say enough about this dish, the duck is smoky and the brittle is just amazing, what a great combination.

Shrimp Scampi (GF), Jumbo Wild Caught Shrimp, Grilled Asparagus, and Champagne Butter Sauce. They serve four shrimp that have lots of chopped garlic all over it and the taste is out of this world.

Maryland Crab Cakes, Jumbo Lump Crab, House Mayonnaise, Dijon, Eggs, Fine Herbs, Panko, Shallots, Toasted Cashews, Grilled Asparagus, and Curry Aioli. This is a huge cake with very ingenious cashews along side, share this appetizer with a friend and then you can try some other goodies.

Sea Scallops (GF), Squid Ink & Uni Accents, Saffron Cauliflower Purée, 
Roasted Cauliflower, Golden Raisin Gastrique, and Salmon Roe. They serve you three medium sized scallops, great presentation with squid ink as a design on the plate, packed with delicate scallop flavors.

Lobster Ceviche (GF), Lobster Claws, Mango, Blood Orange Juice, Jalapeños, Cilantro, Avocado, Bell Peppers, and Fresh Coconut Water, 
Served Inside a Fresh Coconut. You just get so much lobster with all of the claws in tack; it has a tangy citrus flavor that adds to the overall yumminess of this appetizer.

Salads:

The Kitchen Sink, Chopped Romaine, Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Roasted Corn, Kalamata Olives, Diced Chicken Breast, Baby Mozzarella, Mint, with a Champagne Vinaigrette. For the salad lover you get your protein and all of the other fixings in one large bowl.

Kale and Quinoa, Tuscan Kale, Red Onions, Heirloom Quinoa, Pearl Barley, Roasted Corn, Toasted Pine Nuts, Crumbled Feta, fresh made Green Goddess Dressing. Kale and Quinoa are the two go to health ingredients on mostly everyone’s diets now; this salad is truly a winner.

Roasted Beets Salad, California Red and Golden Beets, Shallots, Goat Cheese, Pistachio Nuts, Wild Arugula, Togarashi Spiced Torched Strawberries, Sherry Vinaigrette, and Fresh Honeycomb. This in itself is a gorgeous piece of art, and the beets are perfection, wow.

Burger:

The Sherman Burger, Short Ribs, Brisket, Chuck, Sharp Cheddar, Sambal Aioli, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Wild Arugula, Red Onion Marmalade, King’s Hawaiian Buns, and Gremolata Fries. The use three types of meat and the marmalade will blow your hair back. Chef Jason is Hawaiian so thus the Hawaiian bun, it all worked so great together,

Main Dishes:

Bourbon Glazed Salmon (GF), Wild Caught, Pan Roasted, Wild Rice, Grilled Asparagus, and Bourbon Pineapple Glaze. Nice tender salmon cut thin but the bourbon pineapple glaze adds quite the surprise to your palate.

Cowboy Cut Bone in Rib-Eye 20oz (GF), Chocolate & Cabernet Sauce W/Black Truffle Accents, and Roasted Harvest Vegetables. This steak is so tender no knifes are needed and the sauce is otherworldly!

Rack of Lamb, this was one of their specials and it also was spectacular.

Sides:

Spicy Edamame, a truly magical version of this Japanese staple.

Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes, great potato side dish, worked great with the steak.

Curried Cauliflower, next time I would just order this as part of my entrée and be in heaven.

Desert:

A Churro type fried cheesecake, so fabulous, a great way to end a very succulent dinner.
(GF = Gluten Free)

Wines:

Chardonnay, Hidden Crush, CA. I loved this wine with the scallops with all of their creamy goodness.

Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi, Napa, CA. This wine went great with any of the seafood selections; you won’t go wrong trying it out with any of them.

Pinot Noir Mark West, CA. I loved this wine with the duck appetizers and the sweetness of the nut brittle.

Cabernet, Simi, Sonoma, CA. Of course you got to do this one with the cowboy steak, that pretty much is written in stone!

So much of the whole interior is the same as the way Tipple and Brine left it, so that is a huge plus. The garage style electronic lift contraption used to raise the front windows is a wonder in itself. There is even a manhole cover from Mexico, which somehow fits in perfectly with the décor, as well as the exposed ventilation air ducts in the ceiling. The wood used everywhere is 200 years old. There are chicken feeder light fixtures and chandeliers, as well as the movie hanging table lights. It still has a very homey vibe. One of the great changes is that they have these very large black and white photographs of the way the valley, Sherman Oaks used to look; especially pleasing is the one where the 405 freeway now sits. There’s the theater across the street and the trolley that used to run on Van Nuys Blvd. They also made a good decision by adding flat screen TV’s over the bar so customers can watch their favorite sports games while enjoying their dining experience.

They have a great Happy Hour menu as well from 4pm-7pm Mon-Fri, with great discounts on food and drinks.

The one thing I can say about The Sherman with all honestly is that they really put a lot of effort in to their food, and make each dish stand out on its own. Pretty much everything I tasted was delicious, each one completely different, this is truly remarkable cuisine!

The Sherman
14633 Ventura Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91403
Sherman Oaks
(818) 485-2200
http://www.theshermanla.com/

[Show as slideshow]

You got to think hoofer for this one, in all of its glory. The tap dancers pretty much steal this show. There is a subtle beauty of hearing a full chorus not singing but tap dancing, something that harken back to a time when there was no cell phones or social media. It pretty much was all word of mouth in 1933 when the film, not the musical was first released, and if you liked the movie then you would tell everyone you knew to skip a couple of meals and save their pennies to see some of the best dancing in town on film.

42nd Street is an American musical originally directed by an ailing Gower Champion and orchestrated by Philip J. Lang. The show was produced in London in 1984 (winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical) It’s first Broadway debut was in 1980. The Broadway revival opened in 2001 for 1,524 performances, and it won the Tony Award for Best Revival, Best Musical, and Best Choreography for Gower Champion’s dances. Directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, and produced by David Merrick. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 Hollywood film adaptation, the show focuses on the efforts of famed dictatorial Great White Way director Julian Marsh to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression.

It has some of the greatest songs ever written, including “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street”, with the music by Harry Warren, and lyrics by Al Dubin.

With this truly great cast including: Andy Lee-Lamont Brown, Maggie Jones – Britte Stelle, Bert Barry -Steven Bidwell, Mac – Carlos Morales, Phyllis – Mallory Nolting, Lorraine – Vanessa Mitchell, Diane – Sarah Fagan, Annie – Natalia Lepore Hagan, Billy Lawlor – Blake Stadnik, Peggy Sawyer – Caitlin Ehlinger, Oscar – Rob Ouellette, Julian Marsh – Matthew J. Taylor, Dorothy Brock – Kaitlin Lawrence, Abner Dillon – Mark Fishback, Pat Denning – DJ Canaday, Thugs – Carlos Morales, Matthew Alexander, Doctor-Carlos Morales. The Ensemble were just amazing, just incredible dancing.

What a fitting venue to this period piece show. The Pantages has some amazing history itself. The Pantages has become one of the greatest landmarks of Hollywood, signifying both the glorious past and adventuresome future of the world’s entertainment capital. The Pantages was primarily a movie house for several decades. In 1949 Howard Hughes, acquired the theatre through RKO, changing its name to the RKO Pantages and setting up offices there. Howard Hughes upstairs apartment and screening room are today theatre offices, and Hughes’ ghost is among several rumored to frequent the building once the audience leaves. The Oscars were also broadcast from this theater back in 1953; its hosts included such notables as Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, Bob Hope and Jerry Lewis. Bought by Pacific Theatres in 1967 leading to a refurbishment and reopening of the theatre sections closed down during the Hughes reign. The Nederlander Organization became a partner with Pacific Theaters in 1977, and re-opened it as a Theater with its first show “Bubbling Brown Sugar” in February 1977. When The Nederlander Organization heard that the Walt Disney Company was seeking a home for its Los Angeles production of “The Lion King”, chairman James M. Nederlander locked up a Pantages booking by agreeing to a substantial renovation. He wanted to get the theatre looking more like it did in 1930. The theatre was restored to its original luster in time for the highly anticipated L.A. Premiere of Disney’s THE LION KING. After several touch-ups over the years, the Hollywood Boulevard showplace was renovated at the turn of the 21st century to recapture its 1930 look and luxury. When the theatre reopened in September 2000, some 300 people had repainted nearly every inch of the theatre, restored its outer lobby and missing chandeliers, refurbished its walls and prepared it for the new century. This year they are celebrating 85 years of Hollywood History.

The sets of 42nd Street are very minimal, but a few of the sets use the full height of the stage, so the dancers can show off their chorus line type kicks while walking down a steep flight of stairs. They also had some hand painted curtains with ladies of that period, which lends itself to the over all glamour of this era. The costumes also bring back the feeling of a lost art, in musicals as well as film. A time when the only films you watched were Broadway type musicals with huge Busby Berkeley dance numbers. 42nd Street manages to keep you totally entertained while telling the story of what many consider a classic that is still culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

It is a 2 hour and 20 minute romp including intermission into a time long gone. Lively as it gets, you will be amazed at the choreography with its full-blown tap dancing numbers. You just have to go and meet those dancing feet!! You can satisfy all of your melodic cravings by seeing 42nd Street, playing at The Pantages May 31st through June 19th, 2016. When you leave the theater you will look down and see your feet tapping away! It’s contagious, so put on you’re dancing shoes and watch a piece of history that you will grow to forever love!

Pantages Theater
6233 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 468-1770
http://www.hollywoodpantages.com
*note some content is taken from 42nd Street website.

[Show as slideshow]

Located in the part of Hollywood that gets all of the action, Cahuenga Blvd. between Sunset and Hollywood Blvd. Parking is a true commodity and the bridge and tunnel crowd are here in droves. The hipsters, club goers, bottle service crew are all over this area on the weekends, so if you can find a little slice of heaven in this over zealous region your are doing great. Demitasse offers very elegant food in a nice casual coffee house style venue. But don’t let this coffee house facade fool you; if you decide to dine here you will be in for a real treat.

Five years ago, former corporate lawyer Bobby Roshan established the first Demitasse in Downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo, then opened two more café locations, one in Santa Monica and mid-city on Wilshire Boulevard. Serving his direct-trade hand roasted coffee, before introducing his new elevated sister concept Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen this past February.

Executive Chef Jeff Lustre exercises his culinary virtuosity, and the food has equal star billing with its liquid counterparts. “It always starts with the ingredient,” says Chef Lustre. “I would see something from the Farmers Market and suddenly remember a dish or two from my travels. I play with the idea and it turns into a completely new dish.” Truly an amazing accomplishment.

Here’s What I tried:

Cocktails:

Cocktails are made with Soju or Sake; no typical spirits are served here.

Demi – Mary with organic tomato juice, Soju, fresh horseradish herbs and spices. Smooth and refreshing, you really would not miss the Vodka.

Adult Spiced Latte, with cardamaro, cinnamon syrup, nitro cold brew, cream and organic cinnamon. Nice sweet sensation hits your palate then you get the coffee buzz and the spicy twist.

Sake Swizzle with organic sake, fresh limejuice and pink peppercorn. Very tangy, I added a little bit of honey and it made all the difference in the world for me.

Wine:

Pinot Gris, Didier Gerbelle, Val D’Aosta, Italy 2012. Very floral with an interesting cream color, it went great with the Crudo.

Marsanne, Laurent Habrard, Croze Hermitage, France 2011. I love this wine with the Purple Yam Gnocchi, what a great combination.

Malbec, Mas Del Perie “Escures” Cahors, France 2014. Hands down you have to drink this very mellow Malbec with the Oxtail Caldereta.

Food:

Angus Brisket Sandwich with caramelized onions, Chimichurri, potato, chayote slaw on a cemita bun. Very stringy meat with tenderness that just comes with the preparation. Kind of deli style adorned with pickles. This sandwich rocks.

Barley Salad with roasted beets, baby carrots, and fennel. Very healthy with perfectly cooked red beets and barley that pop in your mouth.

Vegetarian Lumpia with green beans, snap peas, peanuts and black garlic. Not what you would expect, no grease just goodness that wraps itself around your taste buds.

Crudo with yellow tail, ogo seaweed, candlenut, rice pellets and avocado. This is the most amazing thing that is served at Demitasse; you just have to try it.

Purple Yam Gnocchi, made with Maiz fonduta, Enoki mushrooms and corn shoots. My favorite Gnocchi ever. The presentation alone will make you very happy, but when you taste all of these complicated ingredients you will just want to have this dish at least once a week.

Oxtail Caldereta featuring Mandilli de Sea pasta and pecorino. The pasta is so brilliant and the sauce is just pure pleasure.

Trout, accompanied by strawberries, tapioca pearls and pine nuts. The trout is very thinly sliced and the tapioca adds a comfort food element that truly takes you by surprise.

Dessert:

Chocolate Mousse with hazelnut, strawberry and lemon curd. It’s a small portion, which is good, and has all of the strong chocolate flavors that you would expect from a mousse, definitely for the chocolate lover.

Cassava Cake with Sichuan-Pineapple sorbet and Coconut tuile, a very terrific tropical treat with sensational texture, this cake is very special.

Very minimal interiors, with a true coffee house atmosphere, but the outdoor seating area is where you will get all of the good people watching in. Including the passer byes from the side walk, mostly walking up to Hollywood Blvd., and the club scene right on the street, it’s good viewing either way.

The staff is very engaging, my server Dave made everything easy, explained all of the ingredients and what it took to bring these lovely gems to fruition. The presentation is simple and beautiful, with each dish exhibiting their very best in flavors and little nuances that you just don’t find anywhere in the area.

Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen boasts fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, many of which are procured weekly at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen is open for Breakfast Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 11:30 am; Lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm; Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm nightly; Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Demitasse Roastery & Kitchen
1542 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
T: 323.498.5155
www.cafedemitasse.com

[Show as slideshow]

Part of the beauty in living in the very hip 3rd Street area is all of the new fun dining spots coming in, Toca Madera doesn’t disappoint. Its fun, lively happening with the best Mexican inspired food that I have found in Los Angeles. On top of all of that, if you’re interested in seeing the young beautiful, hipster crowd you’re definitely in the right place.

Toca Madera opened in 2015, Toca Madera features a menu designed by Executive Chef Raymond Alvarez. The menu is designed as a creative, shared-plate format offering modern organic Mexican cuisine with fresh seasonal cocktails as well as a full, separate vegan menu with gluten-free options providing an array of options for every eater. Toca Madera is part of the group EDL (EveryDay Life), owned and operated by Tosh Berman and Amrou Manaseer, EveryDay Life is a team of artist-engineers dedicated to realizing the evolution of hospitality. Founded in 2013, EDL’s principals have collectively owned and operated an impressive portfolio of boutique hospitality venues across the U.S. and Mexico. Current venues include Cake Nightclub in Scottsdale, AZ and Toca Madera in West Hollywood, CA with exciting projects coming to San Diego, CA and Los Cabos, Mexico. www.edlmg.com.

Toca Madera, which translates to “knock on wood,” is an intimate 120-seat space that features a creative take on traditional Mexican cuisine designed by Executive Chef Raymond Alvarez. Chef Raymond refers to his culinary approach as “Barrio Style Fine Dining,” influenced by traditional Latin flavors, classical training and his favorite childhood dishes. Providing an array of options for every eater, Toca Madera’s menu incorporates a shared-plate format offering locally farm-sourced ingredients with an emphasis on organic as well as a full, separate vegan menu with gluten-free options.

“Toca Madera is a personal evolution in hospitality for Amrou and me,” says co-creator Tosh Berman. “Stemming from a passion for service & design along with our extensive history in nightlife, this venue is a representation of our maturity within an industry that we have made our life’s work.” “Toca Madera was conceived around a communal dining philosophy, and the menu was designed to have choices everyone can agree on, drinker or non-drinker, vegan or paleo,” says co-creator Amrou Manaseer. “There’s something primitive about sharing a meal with friends, old and new, under the stars and by the light of a fire – it’s something that we lost a long time ago but don’t realize how much we miss.”

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

I skipped the wine at this wonderful tasting, hey when in Rome!! Each and every cocktail below were outstanding. Name your pleasure and you will not go wrong with any of these lovely well thought cocktails below!! Featuring a 100 ft. crystal-quartz island bar, Toca Madera offers the finest tequilas and mezcals, as well as a rotating selection of the world’s most interesting wines.

Toca Margarita with el jimador silver, combier, agave, lime, orange.

El Guapo/La Guapa with avion silver, Fresno chili, basil, lime, smoked sea salt.

La Bonita with herradura silver, strawberry, basil, lime, black pepper, alderwood salt rim.

Ghost Rider with el cartel blanco, mint, lime, agave.

East Los with el silencio mezcal, house citrus mix, guajillo-mango shrub, aperol, agave.

Amante Picante with don julio silver, serrano pepper, cilantro, lime, agave, tajin.

Agua Fresca with charred pineapple and cinnamon-infused ketel one, lemon, and coconut water.

Starters:

Guacamole with locally sourced avocados, pomegranate seeds, lime pepitas, jalapeño and cilantro mixed tableside served with house-made crispy plantain chips. The plantains are such a better idea then typical tortilla chips. They also serve there freshly made tortillas in a box with honey butter and fresh made salsa, so all is good with this Mexican staple.

Cerviche, with fresh sea bass. Nice cubed pieces of sea bass and the avocado on top adds to the simplicity of this nice menu item.

Grilled Calamari with sautéed Spanish chorizo, garlic and chile flakes with white beans, in lime beurre blanc and toasted cotija crouton. It has lots of great garlic flavor, almost like an Italian calamari dish, but with more flair.

Sweet Corn Tamales with roasted pasilla chiles and fresh sweet corn,
served with fire-roasted tomato salsa and avocado tomatillo sauce. Sweet but not too sweet, these are simply the best corn tamales ever!

Taquitos al Gusto served with jalapeno cabbage slaw, queso fresco, avocado tomatillo salsa, pickled onions and crema, vegetable braised short rib. Large hearty taquitos, one of my favorite dishes, these gems will make you want more, they are delicious.

Truffle Chicken Tamale soft fluffy corn masa stuffed with chicken machaca and panela cheese with salsa diablo, corn relish and chipotle crema. The minute this dish hits your table you are overwhelmed with the truffle aroma, but in a good way, your taste buds will be tantalized.

Salads:

Achiote Chicken Chopped Salad with grilled achiote chicken tossed with butter lettuce, spicy citrus dressing, poached tomato, red onion, white beans, and cucumber and toca queso. There is so much going on with this salad, the corn, bean, chicken and cheese make for a very memorable experience and the tangy dressing is equally pleasing.

Chipotle Caesar with baby kale, butter lettuce, shaved manchego, lime pepita seeds with jalapeño cilantro bolillo croutons, tossed with vegan chipotle Caesar vinaigrette. This is a very humble take on a well-known salad, extremely light and healthy as well.

Taqueria:

Mushroom and Sweet Corn with garlic lime sautéed cremini and chanterelle mushrooms layered with corn relish, sweet chipotle, queso fresco and black beans. There are many layers to this vegetarian taco and all are amazing.

Carne Asada with cilantro jalapeño marinated grilled skirt steak layered with guacamole, cilantro, red onions, sweet chipotle sauce and cotija cheese. Each bite has a different flavor and texture, super delicious.

Cochinita Pibil with spiced citrus and banana leaf braised heritage farm pork topped with guacamole, jalapeño cabbage, pickled onions, grilled pineapple and mango salsa. For the pork lover this taco is got to be the one, the sweetness of the mango, pineapple accompanies this dish perfectly. Who doesn’t want to have a little but of sweetness with their pork?

Ensenada-Style Seabass with crispy beer-battered Chilean seabass, habañero, cucumber radish slaw and lime crema. This taco was my favorite with the sea bass being crispy and beer battered; it just makes all the difference in the world.

Shrimp Dulce with sweet chipotle-spiced shrimp, jalapeño cabbage slaw, garlic mojo and micro bulls blood greens. I loved this taco as well, with its lovely spices.

Sea:

Mahi Veracruz with sautéed line caught mahi mahi, with tomatoes, onion, green olives, capers and cilantro served over cilantro rice and banana leaf. For the fresh fish lover this would be a go to item, very mellow flavors with nice fresh mahi mahi.

Shrimp Picante with seared jumbo shrimp, served with sautéed garlic and pear tomatoes in a spicy white wine reduction with a crispy black bean dumpling. These are huge shrimp and they will entice your every sense, delicious and heart warming.

Land:

Enchiladas De Suizas with organic free-range chicken tinga and queso fresco rolled in soft corn tortillas served with crema, micro cilantro and red onions. This is a melt in your mouth kind of enchilada, but all of the ingredients are very pronounced. You don’t get your typical heavy red enchilada sauce, so it is a very refreshing type of enchilada.

Achiote Chicken with orange spiced marinated grilled organic free-range chicken, pickled vegetables (escabeche), avocado puree, and citrus salsa. It almost is like a tandoori chicken but Latin style, a happy medium.

A La Roca with American Wagyu beef topped with cilantro and onions, seared at your table, with habanero salt and grilled takin vegetables, served with three dipping sauces: jus de vino rojo, diablo salsa and chipotle crema. This dish is the showstopper, the steak continues to cook and sizzle while it is in front of you, all I can say is wow!

Sides:

Street Corn with roasted corn served off the cob with cotija cheese and chipotle powder. For once this dish is done without the whole Cobb, no effort just good eating.

Grilled Tajin Vegetables seasonal. The perfect side dish with great flavor.

Mixed Mushroom Bowl with sautéed garlic lime cremini and chanterelle mushrooms. Who doesn’t love mushrooms and the way this is prepared you will just become a mushroom lover if you hadn’t already done so.

Desserts:

Assorted Sorbets with mixed berries. For the healthier palate this will cleanse and harmonize your experience.

Chef’s Famous Chocolate Tart with homemade blackberry chocolate kiss, raspberry jam, and pulled cocoa. Chocolate lovers come one come all and get a hold of this very decadent tart.

The Churro Ice Cream Sandwich with warm cinnamon and sugar churro filled with dulce de leche ice cream with spiced Mexican chocolate shavings. Another spectacular accomplishment for Toca Madera.

The interior is very fun and whimsical, with lots of attention to detail. I would say it is rustic modern, wood floors, wood furniture, Edison style light fixtures, and lacy type hanging fixtures over the bar area. Fully equipped with a world-class sound system, the 4,500 sq. ft. restaurant and lounge includes a retractable roof and interior patio, creating an open-air dining environment. Architectural features include Arabesque accents, handcrafted custom woodwork and numerous fire elements, There is a very warm vibe, literally with flames coming out of the glass paneled walls, and the art work is all about embracing the female form Day of the Dead style photos with topless women adorning the walls, adds to the over all sexy vibe of Toca Madera. Every detail is covered, even the music is sold on there website and adds to the overall atmosphere: Ruexx, The Full Moon Sessions.

They offer full catering as well, specializing in custom event creations, with an experienced team of highly trained chefs, professional servers, and event coordinators available to help you organize every aspect of your party. This includes staffing, menu planning, entertainment and live music, rental needs, location selection, logistics, scheduling, accommodations and transportation, floral arrangements and décor, lighting and staging, as well as the overall floor plan and design in any event space desired.

The service is impeccable, with Danielle as my guide I had the best tasting, her support staff including Raul, were equally fantastic, I never had to hail a staff member down for anything, they were just always around.

Be sure you make a reservation; this place is so hot if you don’t have one you won’t get in! But it is worth the time and effort to do this. With the amazing sexy hipster crowd your going to see quite a show, the whole time I was there it was very very busy, what an exciting scene!

Toca Madera West Hollywood
8450 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
p: 323.852.9400
http://www.tocamadera.com
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Brunch – Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Happy Hour from 5 pm – 7 pm offering $8 specialty cocktails and wine, $4 draft beers as well as an $8 food menu.
* note some content taken from Toca Madera website.

[Show as slideshow]