Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

January 21, 2013:

I am all about the back-story. I love hearing about people’s journey, I feel it makes my life richer. This story is one of human kindness, being of service, and giving back. If you have ever known someone who is constantly giving, then you know what kind of person I’m talking about; a walking, breathing angel! This is what I would aspire to be on any given day. Kathy the owner of The Lavender Inn in Ojai is all that and more.

We sat down a few weeks ago and she told me about the event that she has at her Inn. A couple of times a year she hosts a 3-day retreat for women who have cancer, called INN-courage. It is designed to empower women going through chemotherapy, and to bring about a sisterhood with others going through the same thing. Most of the women attending are not able to afford any spa services, and have very little medical benefits. Kathy provides spa services as well as hair and makeup and wigs. All of these services, including, staying at the Inn and even meals are free, and offered as a gift by Kathy’s kindness and generosity. Most business owners are not this generous, but Kathy believes that this is her life calling. The day I got there one of these retreats had just ended. What can I say about Kathy, all things at the Inn reflect her joyous caring nature, and everything is seen through real rose-colored glasses. If you want any of this to rub off on you then high tail it to this glorious bed and breakfast in the heart of Ojai….now!

The Lavender Inn is a historic bed and breakfast and was built in 1874. They have an on-site day spa; host customized Ojai weddings, offer cooking classes, and participate in the Clean The World program. It also has garden celebrations and can accommodate honeymoons and baby moons. The amenities include: Ojai Culinary School, complimentary wine and cheese daily from 5-6PM, guest computers, Wi-Fi, library and entertainment, cozy robes and Ojai athletic club passes.

The rooms are so sweet, everyone different, mine was called The Romantic Suite, and it lived up to its name. It was kind of shabby chic, with some nice crafty twists. It features a king iron bed, blending antiques with a modern flair. It boosts an East facing balcony to watch the sunrise, looking the backside of the Ojai arcade, all with a private bath. A hand-stenciled chandelier adorns the bathroom wall, and a fun collage over the bed. They have flat screen TV’s with direct TV, but all in all the room is very spacious and quiet.

The rescue cat “Hope” is so perfectly named, this Inn is all about hope, given to all who arrive. The spirit of love and giving is all around and when you leave, your attitude has been fully adjusted, and you are reborn. Kathy is so amazing; her giving back and humanitarian efforts are so commendable.

They serve a great breakfast, which changes everyday. This incredible homemade bounty is served buffet style. You can eat in the Dining Room with seating inside, on the Veranda, or privately under the arbor. The day I was there this is what they served: Polenta casserole with broccoli, tomato, leek, basil, soy chorizo and asiago cheese. Pesto parsley & chive potato pancakes. Pineapple-chicken sausage, with Spanish onion and basil. Buttermilk biscuits with parmesan and rosemary. Ocean ranch organic locally made lemon blue granola. Fresh orange juice, seasonal fruit, freshly baked items, locally roasted coffee, granola, yogurt, and a frittata, strata, or other hot entree are served daily. Herbs and vegetables are picked daily from their organic herb garden. Everything coming out of their kitchen is amazing!

So if you want to be in the lap of luxury and have spiritual fulfillment at the same time, The Lavender Inn is just what the doctor ordered.

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Lavender Inn
210 E Matilija St
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-6635
www.lavenderinn.com

Suzanne’s Cuisine:

Everyone is talking about this restaurant. When you ask any local or worker bee they will tell you to try Suzanne’s. All this hype…how could something be this good? Well after I sat down and experiencing their unbridled hospitality and great food, I understand why. The whole place is warm and fuzzy with the dining room, the lights and the nicely heated patio. My table was right next to the roaring real fireplace, just one more reason to go to Suzanne’s. It has great food, romantic atmosphere, pleasant wait staff, and more.
The restaurant is set back and once was a house, but since then has been turned into this gallant dining establishment.

Here’s what I tried:

Appetizers:
Seasonal Soup – butternut squash. This is a very heart warming soup, good texture and flavor.

Eggplant tart – roasted eggplant with tomatoes and goat cheese. My business associate Howie Rosen lives in Ojai and raves about Suzanne’s, and especially this tart. Well Howie was right, there is so much complexity going on here, it is a real party in my mouth. Steamed mussels or clams – steamed Provencal style. These clams are so evenly cooked, what can you say about perfection other than, don’t mess with it!!

Homemade shrimp dumplings with two dripping sauces and edamame salad. Something you would order at a dim-sum restaurant, right! At Suzanne’s you can get excellent quality exotic food items as well. Nice big dumplings, truly unique and lots of shrimp flavor

Salads:
Caesar salad with garlic croutons. Very refreshing, crisp and lovely, one of the best Caesars ever.

Baby spinach salad with Ojai oranges seasoned pistachios and French feta cheese. Very healthy and nicely mixed ingredients with a great tangy finish.

Pasta & Entrees:
Fettuccini with portabella mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula and a goat cheese truffle cream sauce. OMG this one is like tasting heaven, so rich and pure, a remarkable achievement.

Tender calf’s liver with sautéed onion and pasilla chili’s. Only if you like calf’s liver would I order this one.

Jumbo Shrimp slow-cooked in garlic chili butter. It is so hard for me to even review any of this, because everything is so fantastic. Perfectly balanced, and beautiful presentation.

Grilled loin lamb chops with fresh rosemary demi-glace sauce. Perfect blending of sauce and meat, and the lamb is cooked rare and yummy.

Prime New York Steak with garlic herb butter. OK I give up, hands down the best Steak ever!!

Desserts:
Warm Chocolate Tart with White Coffee Sauce. Just the right amount, and right way to complete this marvelous experience.

Wine:
Barone Fini Pinot Grigio, Doc Valdadige 2009 – soft, round fruit fills the mouth with freshly juicy flavors in this crisp, dry wine from northern Italy. Great with both salads as well as the Shrimp Dumplings.
Letitia Estate Chardonnay, Arroyo Grande Valley 2009 – flavors of lemon drop, ripe pear and crisp green apple: elegant oak and bright acidity; flavored mineral finish. Very good with the squash soup, as well as the shrimp entrée.
Paul Jaboulet Aine Rose, “Parallele 45” Cotes du Rhone , France 2011 – 50% Grenache, 40% cinsault & 10% syrah; this racy rose has some serious weight on the palate; dry, yet fresh fruit with a touch of creaminess and red summer berry; strawberry, spice and citrus zest. This wine went very well with the eggplant tart.
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc & Viognier Blend, California 2011 – bursting with flavors of citrus, apples and peach; 79% chenin blanc 21% viognier; 91 pts Robert Parker. This wine accompanied the pasta nicely.
Daniel Gehrs Cabernet, Central Coast 2010 – black currant, blackberry and cassis; well-integrated tannis create a dry, yet silky wine with a long finish. Of course went great with the prime New York steak.
Justin Vineyards & Winery Cabernet, Paso Robles 2010 – sweet black and red fruits; blackberry, raspberry and fig mingle with caramel and vanilla, soft and dry. This too was fantastic with the steak.
Kunde Estate Merlot, Sonoma Valley 2006 – full-bodied merlot with great depth and expression; blackberry, cassis, herbs, chocolate and cedar notes stand out on the palate, lively but elegant tannins. Had to try this one with the calf’s liver.
Ojai Vineyard Syrah, Roll Ranch 2007 – offers the most – easy going accessibility along with a big, velvety, opulent texture; beautiful dark fruit including blackberry and blueberry fruit; this savory and rich syrah is at once both supple and sturdy. Lamb, lamb, lamb in all of its glory, a must try!
Nino Franco, Rustico Prosecco Docg, Valdobbiadene, Italy – an outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character; rather exuberant yet steely; white peaches, crushed rocks, smoke and flowers are some of the nuances; a rich, texture finish rounds things out nicely; 90 pts Robert Parker. Managed nicely with the desert.

I met Suzanne at the very end and her words were so welcoming and inviting. She told me her story of wanting to try the restaurant business for just 5 years, that was 15 years ago. Suzanne is 71 years young; she has more energy then anyone half her age… she’s on her second F150 truck! to look at her you would never think she would be a truck driver. She manages to spend half of the week in her Los Angeles home with her UCLA professor husband and the other half running her very successful restaurant. She does have help from her daughter Sandra, who was only going to help out her Mom’s restaurant temporarily, she has never left. Sandra and her family live next door to the restaurant, so she is very hands on.

How could you go wrong, the atmosphere is charming, the ingredients local and fresh, but the real story here is about a loving close knit family, who have created a wonderland of enjoyment. So now if anyone asks me where to go in Ojai, I will say I was bathed in glorious cuisine at Suzanne’s, and you too should jump into this well of goodness.

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Suzanne’s Cuisine
suzannescuisine.com
(805) 640-1961
502 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA

The Blue Iguana:

This property is very appropriate for the area, it’s bathed in warmth and light, and boasts a nice South Western feel.My room was very private, with its own gate, once inside, you really could be anywhere in the world. Peaceful and appointed with great amenities, the only thing urgent here is relaxation. Outside of the gate are very fun little niches, with some amazing mosaic art, and fine brass sculptures. My favorites were the Iguana’s by the entrance to the hot tub, kind of scary but fun.

The property was designed and built by Marc Whitman of Whitman Design Build (www.whitman-architect.com). Marc and Julia are the proprietors of The Emerald Iguana properties. With its reminiscent style of historic Mexico, the property has the feel of a quaint Mexican village. It features many courtyards, balconies, patios and garden areas. The initial property was opened about 15 years ago but has had many additions and upgrades since that time and has all the necessary features to make this hotel well worth the trip.

The accommodations are so special. The Blue Iguana offers all-inclusive Romantic Getaway Packages, as well as, exceptional Corporate and Extended-Stay rates. Dogs are allowed upon approval. They do a lovely simple breakfast everyday for hotel guests. Complimentary Wireless DSL Internet Access in every room, and some suites have fully-equipped kitchens. There is hand-chosen furniture and accessories as well as original artworks from some of Ojai’s most renowned artists.

Their sister property Emerald Iguana Inn of Ojai is closer into town. Owner Julia Whitman has promised me another stay there in a few weeks, so stay tuned for that review. I highly recommend this hotel, it really has everything you would desire, with all of its very thoughtful and sweet touches. The Blue Iguana Inn is two minutes to the Ojai village and 12 minutes to the Pacific Ocean. The Blue setting is the ideal answer for everyone who seeks affordable richness with an artful flair.

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Blue Iguana Inn of Ojai
11794 N. Ventura Ave.
Ojai, CA. 93023
http://iguanainnsofojai.com/

Sunday, January 20, 2013

I first went to the Pinot Noir seminar, at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara. The San Miguel Room hosted a seminar and tasting called “Exploring Pinot Noir – The Power of Three”. The three winemakers, from three different vineyards, who have produced the three distinct Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noirs were the panelists. To feel and taste these 3 different wines was very enlightening, especially hearing the stories from the wine makers themselves. They explored the trio of California’s most beautiful Pinots and how they express themselves differently. Lots of love and perfection went into these 3 wines, and they were all fantastic. Many elements are at play for these artists, including cooperage, fluctuations of maceration times as well as terroir among others. Really worth exploring and tasting.

Featured Wineries: Flying Goat Cellars, Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery & Melville Winery

After being able to taste the best Pinot’s in the region I am off to the classic, where food and wine are abundant and delicious.

Here are all the participants:
Restaurants & Food Purveyors:
Acqua Panna ~ S. Pellegrino, Blush Restaurant & Lounge, Butler Event Center, Butterfly Brittle, Cabot Creamery, Carlsbad Aquafarm, Casa Blanca Restaurant, Cupcakes in Wonderland, Enterprise Fish Co., Georgia’s Smokehouse, Kerrygold Irish Dairy, Olivos del Mar, Marmalade Cafe & Catering Co., Nan’s Gourmet Good Pastamore, Santa Ynez Olive Oil Company.

Participating Wineries:
Grassini Family Vineyards, HammerSky Vineyards, Honig Vineyards & Winery, Lancaster Estate, LinCourt, Lone Madrone, Madrona Vineyards, Medlock Ames Winery, Melville Winery, Michael-David Winery, Miner Family Winery, Qupé, Roth Estate Winery, Roxo Port Cellars, Saddleback Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, Somerston Wine Co., Starlane Vineyards, Summit Lake Vineyards, Tablas Creek, Tercero Wines, Three Rivers Winery, Twomey Cellars, Viansa Winery & Marketplace, Ahnfeldt Winery, Ampelos Cellars, Au Bon Climat, Bernardus Winery, Bianchi Winery, Bouchaine Vineyards, Bridlewood Estate Winery, Ceja Vineyards, Chalk Hill, Daou Vineyard, Dierberg Vineyard, Duck Pond Cellars, Epiphany Cellars, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Flying Goat Cellars, Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery, Fritz Winery.

The wines were all amazing, and the food went nicely with all of the wines. I might add that some of these wines were very expensive, so it was definitely worth the price of admission. The Fess Parker is a Hilton Resort and a minute away from the beach, so that too is enticing. They also do some other wine events during the year, another in Santa Barbara, and in Dana Point. Really, buy your tickets now and enjoy these tastings, you will be so happy you did!

California Wine Festival – Winter Wine Classic – 2013
californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html

January 21, 2013

Just imagine that all your dreams came true one particular day, well that is what happened to me when I had Sunday brunch at Casa Blanca. I set up my tasting prior, but really had no idea how my day would turn out, and oh silly me, I called and asked the restaurant if they had flat screen TV’s to watch sports. Turns out they have 7 flat screens, and they are everywhere!

I love a good margarita with chips and salsa while I am watching a sporting event. Here, with over 75 different Tequilas, and a packed menu, the football game played second fiddle to this marvelous Mexican cuisine. Don’t get me wrong; my spectacular San Francisco 49ers were playing their last playoff game to become super bowl bound, so seeing this game was very important. And might I add that Santa Barbara has a huge San Francisco 49ers fan base. So here I am doing an official tasting when everyone around me is screaming and yelling at the TV’s trying to get San Francisco to the super bowl, please pinch me, I am in heaven!

Here what I tried:

Appetizers:
Guacamole – Haas avocados with Serrano chilies, chopped tomato, onion, garlic and cilantro, nice and chunky, perfect for dipping those very crispy tortilla chips.
Taquitos Tinga – Your choice of chicken or beef with sweet onion, tomato, chipotle sauce and topped with guacamole and queso fresco. Both the chicken and the beef were great, as well as the toppings.
Ceviche de Camarones – The finest Mexican white shrimp, lightly poached and marinated in fresh lime and mixed with tomato, cucumber and avocado. Just what the Doctor ordered, fresh, delectable and the perfect marriage of flavors.

Soups & Salads:
Traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup – Traditional tortilla soup or Central Mexico. Blended smooth and garnished with pulled chicken, queso fresco, avocado, toasted poblano chiles and sour cream. If I had a Mexican Grandmother this is what she would make, very delicious and southing.

Combinations:
*All combinations come with choice of beans and rice*
Chile Relleno – Topped with our ranchera salsa, queso fresco and salsa fresco. Everything a fantastic Chile Relleno should be!
Crispy Tacos – Shredded chicken, shredded beef, served with shredded lettuce, salsa fresco and queso fresco. I liked the beef better then the chicken in its entire traditional splendor.
Enchiladas- Cheese w/ Red Sauce. I would stick to the Chile Relleno and tacos.
Tamales – Chicken. This tamale had lots of heat and great flavor.

Daily Specials:
New York Steak – 8oz New York Steak cooked to order and paired with 2 jumbo bacon wrapped shrimp. Served with home-style potatoes and mixed veggies. The jumbo bacon wrapped shrimp is the highlight of this dish for me, so succulent, and the bacon is to die for.
Baja Tacos – Two fresh, battered white snapper tacos with cabbage, pico de gallo and a jalapeno tartar sauce. A very unique version of this otherwise typical Mexican dish. One of the best fish tacos ever.

Specialty Cocktails:
Casa Blanca Margarita – El Charro Tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon, lime and orange juice. My favorite margarita here, so smooth and sweet. What a way to get drunk!
El Matador – Blanco tequila, fresh lime, pineapple juice and champagne float with mixed berries. This one I would skip next time, kind of weird having tequila with champagne.

Featured Tequilas:
Don Julio Blanco Margarita, great tequila flavor, very refreshing.

Casa Blanca is owned by Tom and Adam White. (Father and son). They have four total restaurants in town, Santa Barbara Shellfish Co., The Fishouse, The Boathouse, and Casa Blanca. The building used to be World One Imports furniture Store. Local Architect Jeff Shelton designed the building, and his brother Dave Shelton did all of the specialty ironwork. Santa Barbara Art Glass’s Saul Alcaraz did all of the very sexy hand-blown light fixtures. Their lovely blue fish design tiles were shipped from Mexico. Much of the other materials used are Local, including the wood for their tabletops. The front of the curvy bar top is one long solid piece of wood from a Black Acacia Tree that shot up in nearby Goleta,

Chef Onofre Zuniga has 15 years of experience creating food for Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara. He is originally from Zihuatanejo, Mexico from which his tastes are heavily influenced. His creations are bold, and unique, with an enormous degree of flavor.

When in Rome do as the Roman’s do, when in Santa Barbara, go have brunch here!!! And catch a little sports while your enjoying glorious Mexican cuisine and fantastic inspired cocktails.

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Casa Blanca Restaurant and Cantina
330 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
http://casablancasb.com/
805.845.8966

Jan. 19, 2013

Downtown Santa Barbara can be quite happening, and this place is at the center of it all. With it’s cool interior, reminiscent of a warehouse space but with charm, it paints the canvas for all of the beautiful people in town. I went on a Saturday night, which I would say the evening gets divided into two completely separate events. The first is a very upscale eatery, with its nice array of fun casual dining. The second; a hot DJ inspired nightclub, with all the bells and whistles, including the scantily clad young babes, and the dudes who have a thing for plaid here. It is as a 25 to 40’s crowd. I started during the dinner hours and finished watching the parade of starlet types in this well-known beach town.

Blake is the General Manager here, who used to be at another Santa Barbara dining establishment, Holdrens, and my fantastic server Mikey has been with Blush for 6 months. Mikey grew up in Tarzana, and went to college in Santa Barbara and never left. Chef Kyle is fantastic with his emphasis on great sauces. He believes in balance, and his dishes have a Mediterranean inspiration. Both of these guys were very sweet and attentive!

Here’s what I tried:

Soups & Salads
Caesar Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Crostini, Pickeled Cherry Tomatoes, Caesar Dressing, very classic Caesar salad with good dressing.

Sandwiches
Blush Beef Burger – Tomato fondue, caramelized onions, pickles, roasted garlic aioli, arugula, on a challah bun. Choice of: Gruyere, White Cheddar, or Bleu Cheese. What a burger, reminds me of my childhood, eating at Delores Burgers in Los Angeles with the servers skating up to your car. I remember this great tomato flavored sauce, reminiscent of tomato fondue on this burger. How do say spectacular!!!

Shared Plates
Ahi Tartare – Ginger Celery Root Puree, Pickled Baby Bok Choy, Ponzu Sauce, Taro Crisps. This just poped in my mouth, the Ahi is very fresh, great presentation, and the accompaniments add to this wonderful dish
Lobster Mac –N- Cheese – Three Cheese Sauce, Crisp Pancetta, Fine Herbs. So rich and yummy, a beginning of a pleasant addiction.
Crab Cakes – Jumbo Blue Crab, Papaya Relish, Shaved Jicama, Chipotle Crema. It’s the Chipotle Crema that does the trick with this menu item.

Entrees
Pappardelle Pasta – Porcini Pasta, Arugula, Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Oil, Shaved Pecorino, Pearl Onions. I am not one for pearl onions, but these are so sweet and succulent. The pasta itself is cooked al dente, and the sauce is very rich and creamy. I loved this dish.
Pan Seared Scallops – Roasted Cauliflower Pudding, Ginger Carrot Puree, Baby Turnips. Another dish to write home about. The scallops are plump and seared to perfection, with all the sides, it just works!
8oz Filet Mignon – Spanish Chorizo Potato Hash and a Petite Chile Relleno, the filet is cooked medium rare, and is so tasty. The hash is a very new and different great dish.

White Wines:
Lincourt Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, CA, fantastic with the scallops and crab cakes, has just the right amount of fruit to add to both of these shellfish creations.
Hahn Chardonnay, “SLH Estate” Monterey, CA, works so well with the Ceasar Salad and Ahi Tuna.

Red Wines
Rosenblum Zinfandel – Sonoma, CA, paired well with the the tomato in The Blush burger.
Terrazas Malbec “Reserva” – Mendoza, ARG, so perfect along side the filet.
Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon – Sonoma, CA, excellent with the filet.
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon – Paso Robles, CA, great with the pasta and filet.

I saw two bridal parties here, starting their debauchery at a great spot. Later I saw one of the bridal parties wobbling down the street, those thousand inch heels were taking their toll.

The restaurant and lounge serves food and cocktails everyday of the week. Dinner is not to be missed and they also have a great lunch and late night menu. You can start things off with a fabulous happy hour Monday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The indoor dining room has a sexy ambience with floating amber lights, and the exquisite outdoor patio is accompanied with fireside seating. Blush features seasonal California cuisine, with a perfect blending of culinary delights. The bar presents very innovative signature cocktails. In all, a great atmosphere, with exceptional food, what more could you want.

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Blush
630 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 957-1300
blushsb.com

January 18, 2013

NoHo, formerly known as North Hollywood, used to be a very blighted area. It was known for burglaries, drug deals, and down trodden folks. But soon after 1993, North Hollywood’s grand resurgence began; with the fantastic appearance of the Noho Arts District, this neighborhood has really had a complete makeover.

Among much of the added touches to the area is the popular Spanish inspired eatery ‘Bow and Truss’. It is easily the leader of the pack. When my old PR friend Henry Eshelman suggested that I try one of his client’s new restaurants, I was very excited. The place offers a Latin inspired fare with a marvelous twist that is just simply delicious.

My waiter Tor, was most inspiring. He must have taken lessons from
Ellen Degeneres, with his non-stop dancing. When he would stop to take your order, he was still doing some serious hip shaking. Besides being quite entertaining, his descriptions of the menu items were all perfectly on point. Tor really added a special sparkle to my otherwise grueling day.

Here’s what I tried:
Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie: Idiazabal – sheep’s milk, hard cheese,
Blue Picon – cows, goats & sheep’s milk soft cheese.
Serrano, salchichon, chorizo, and house made jam, house mustards, pickled carrots, toasted pepitas, caramelized onions & warm bread. How wonderful is this, all of these homemade condiments are just
delightful. The very large stack of caramelized onions and jams were by far my favorites.

Appertivo y Tacos:
Fried Mahi Mahi Taco (3) – Ecuadorian wild caught Mahi Mahi, cabbage & chipotle aioli.
Pork Belly Taco (3) – with pickled jicama & avocado sauce.
Mixed Mushroom Taco (3) – cotija & pickled jalapenos.
All 3 tacos were fantastic, each with it’s own little nuances.

Green Salad- frisee, arugula, cotija, Mahon, Castelvertrano, pasilla,
pepitas, very refreshing after those hot tacos.

Clam Bowl – Manila clams, sherry broth, andouille, peppers, onions, the clams just popped in my mouth, so fresh and tasty.

Plato Principal:
Flat Iron Steak – prime cut steak, white beans & peppers, Aji Amarillo
churri, the steak was perfectly cooked, very smokey and moist, the
sides added to this great menu item.
Pan Seared Chicken – Free range airline chicken with black bean puree,
caramelized plantains & red mojo sauce. All this fantastic Spanish
inspired fare, with great attention to detail, this chicken is one more
magical taste treat.
Scallops – saffron polenta, corn & pepper salsa and roasted pepper
sauce. This dish is so amazing, it was my favorite of the night, the
best part is the oh so creamy saffron polenta.

Paellas:
Evolution – clams, shrimp, mussels, chorizo, andouille, morcilla de
arroz, a lot of big flavors, the shell fish is very fresh, and
everything is perfectly cooked.

Wine:
Spanish Whites:
Albarino – Martin Codax, Rias Baixas 2010, this wine paired well with
any of the shellfish dishes, including the clams and the paella.

Domestic Whites:
Chardonnay – LaMerika, Russian River – this wine was terrific with the Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie plate.
Garnacha Blanca – Bokish, Lodi 2011 – nice light fruit, very drinkable, and paired great with the Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie.

Spanish Reds:
Tempranillo – Campo Viejo Gran Reserva 2004, this wine very heavy, with a leather tobacco flavor, it went great with the Flat Iron Steak.
South American Reds:
Malbec – Dona Paula Estate, Mendoza, nice fruit forward kick, paired good with Pan Seared Chicken.

Domestic Reds:
Pinot Noir – 24Knots, Monterey Bay, very elegant wine, paired with the meats, as well as The Scallops, also was good with chorizo, andouille sausages in the Paella.

Signature Cocktails:
Go Figure – Habiki Whiskey, Aged Dos Maderas Rum, Dry Olorosso Sherry, Fig Syrup and Fresh Grapefruit. This is very unique, bold and fun, give it a try.

The atmosphere was very industrial, but with a nice modern flair. The big open kitchen lends itself to a perfect view of Executive Chef Stefhanie Meyers creations. She earned her chops at John Sedlar’s Playa and Rivera. There is also a very fun patio, scented by thyme and basil from the adjacent garden, with 2 large flat screens that play major sports events. It is completely walled from the street, transports you to the beaches of Spain with crushed granite sand, umbrellas, and an exterior bar. The name ‘Bow and Truss’ reflects the original design element; the bow and truss ceiling. The hydraulic lifts are gone, and so are the days of this place being a body shop. The background jazz music added yet another cool component.

My old friend Ed, from ‘The Joint’, now acts as one of the owners. He runs both ‘Bow and Truss’ and the new up and coming, “The Federal” which I will be reviewing at a later date. Ed sat right across from me and was very helpful in my ordering.

The crowd here is upscale, but casual, everyone handsome and prettier then the next. But truly there is no attitude, just an eager friendly staff, taking care of your every whim. You can also hang at the bar and order your savory courses there; did I mention how affordable the food is? The culinary cocktails are designed by Marcos Tellos and Aidan Demarest of Liquid Assets.

Yes, Noho might be a bit of a schlep for some of us city dwellers, but it is well worth it. You can stroll freely in this eclectic arts area, and stop in at some of the new shops and coffee houses. It is all very safe and very fun, while remaining approachable and relaxed.There are lots of locals out on the streets. I would definitely run back to this great new restaurant and fun new area, time and time again!

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Bow & Truss
bowandtruss.com
11122 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA
(818) 985-8787

Oct. 26,2012

So you think Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, well ROFL Café will give you a run for your money. AKA Republic of Laughter Cafe is just one big happy family. Their credo is “Laughter, Love, Joy, Happiness” They are dedicated to making their customers happy through yummy, conscientiously sourced food, exceptional Intelligentsia coffee and uplifting service. The team there strives to make everyone’s day brighter by leaving a lasting smile on your face and in your heart.

As if all of this great food, fun and laughter were not enough, then you throw renowned Los Angeles celebrity chef Govind Armstrong. His restaurant history speaks for itself; starting off at Spago, then all of these very famous dining establishments; City, Campanile, Patina, Pinot, Chadwick, 8 oz. Burger Bar, Post & Beam, and now ROFL. He has worked with so many culinary wizards: Wolfgang Puck, Mark Peel, Nancy Silverton, Susan Feninger, Mary Sue Miliken, Joachim Spichal, Ben Ford, Andrew Kirshner, Neal Fraser, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

Even with it’s cafe style atmosphere, ROFL manages to inspire
you while you are getting your laugh on. The walls are lined with uplifting words, and it is very bright and cheery.

My server was Liz, who from the moment she entered my world she definitely made a difference in my experience. Her stories, her attention to detail, her energy really made the difference. The food is astounding, and Liz equally described the entire fresh farm to table goodness to perfection.

Here is what I tried:

Nibbles:
Dips with Flat Bread- Lentil hummus, tapenade, creamy yogurt feta. This is so perfect for someone who does not want to eat meat. The lentil hummus is very rich and meaty. The 2 other dips are fantastic as well.

Fall Specials:
Soup:
Yellow Split Pea-Bacon, green peas, and yogurt. Like mothers milk, makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed, just like home.

Salad:
Baked Tomato Salad- Olive oil braised chickpeas, frisee, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, fennel, red onion, and red wine vinaigrette. So fresh, so tantalizing, you forget how healthy this salad really is.

Pizza:
Mushroom Gorgonzola- Gorgonzola, white sauce, 3 cheese blend, roasted mushrooms, and baby wild arugula.

Pepperoni de Filippi – Crushed Tomato, cup pepperoni, three cheeses, grana, and extra virgin olive oil.

Both pizzas were miraculous, one with thick crust and one with then, but both to die for.

Sandwiches:
Barbecue Burger – 1/3rd lb burger, roasted poblano, fried onion rings, bacon, white cheddar cheese, and classic barbecue sauce. Some burgers are meant to be eaten and some cherished, this one should be put on a pedestal. The combination of these marvelous textures and flavors really is the best of the best.

Tuna Melt – Fresh olive oil poached albacore tuna salad, white cheddar cheese, and sourdough. Like no other tuna melt ever, this one melts in your mouth and then some.

Big Bites:
Pastrami Spiced Kurobuta Pork Ribs; Mustard BBQ sauce glazed ribs, caraway roasted cabbage, and caramelized sweet potato. These ribs are outstanding, with so much juicy pork flavor and all of the fantastic seasonings, a true original.

Dessert:
House Made Cheesecake, so light so fluffy, so wonderful.

My experience was pure and heavenly, even without pairing this food with wine, (they are applying for liquor license now) I still truly enjoyed this culinary delight.

I was also very fortunate to have tasted their offerings at their grand opening as well, my highlights on that night were their perfectly cooked BBQ Pork Ribs, and the crowd was fantastic. Can you imagine break dancing at a grand opening party; well that is what ensued, as well as landing on the front page of AOL the following morning!
http://westhollywood.patch.com/articles/rofl-cafe-celebrates-grand-opening-on-melrose

Whether you just want some truly fantastic food or to soak up a good dose of joy, try ROFL Cafe, you will be happy about this new slice of neighborhood excitement.

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ROLF cafe
7661 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA.
323-951-1536
www.roflcafe.com
http://www.facebook.com/roflcafela

Sept. 14

Friday nights they have live music at Sebastiani winery, and fantastic BBQ. I was so fortunate to have met that night, and without any set-up to do a review he gave me a plate of Baby Back Ribs and chicken with all the fixings. Both meats were so tender and very tasty. Their sides were also nicely blended. The best part is that you can buy bottles of wine that pair perfectly to this glorious food. I really enjoy my fine array of yummy BBQ, and would go to Sebastiani for the music, the wine and the amazing BBQ anytime I am in glorious Sonoma.

Palooza Catering and Events
707-578-5000
www.paloozacateringandevents

Sept. 13, 2012

Chef – Owner Jose Pelayo has been serving up amazing food for 30 years in Sonoma county. His wife Mary and Jose formed a cooking partnership; creating their own style of Italian cuisine. But you not only get them you also get their lovely daughter Nicole as a server, and it is all wrapped in a very nice package. You don’t feel the confines of a real fancy Italian dinner house, but you do get the same bold fantastic food. This place oozes locals, and they come in all shapes and sizes. There is a counter that you would find in a coffee shop where the locals like to congregate to shoot the breeze with Mary and Jose, and can feel comfortable eating alone. But here you are never alone; the minute you walk in their front door you are part of the Pelayo family. Both Jose and Mary are on constant watch to make sure your experience is on point. They have hit the nail on the head with their Italian dishes bursting with flavor.

Next time your in Cloverdale and fall short of good food, try Paciere, and your faith will be restored to what home cooked Italian food is all about. Piacére is Italian for “With Pleasure.”

Here’s what I tried:

Scallop and Prawn with arugula white wine sauce, tobiko on top, with garlic cream sauce. The seafood is cooked tender and the sauce is luscious, while the tobiko on top pops nicely in your mouth.

Steamed Clams, in a white wine broth. I am always craving these little wonders and these clams were so delectable.

Tortellini all Romana with prosciutto, peas and pesto with an impeccable cream sauce, so fantastic, just melts in your mouth.

Ceasar Salad Hearts of Romaine in classic Caeser dressing with garlic croutons. The perfect amount of everything in this terrific salad.

Papardella with smoked chicken, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. Homemade pasta is so scrumptious, and the sauce is a wonderment in itself.

Mushroom Ravioli with pesto sauce, this is one of their specialties, and after you taste you will know why.

Lamb with Apricots and ginger, what a combination, so creative and so good.

New York Steak with Cabernet, sage and mushrooms. This steak is a must have, cooked beyond perfection.

Wines Tasted:

Liars Dice Murphe-Goode, this wine went great with the meats, highlighting the rich fruit sauces.
Frances Coppola Chardonnay, any and all pastas and fish worked great with this lovely Chardonnay.
Cloverdale Ranch merlot, paired nicely with the lamb.

Desert:
Crème Flan, honestly I have never tasted flan that as so light and refreshing, a culinary miracle.
Mary’s Homemade Tiramisu, this is very good, but I would get the flan everytime.

The history of this place is pretty cool, it was a Smorgette, like a Smorgasbord but smaller, and then it was a Café Victoria,that is why there is a coffee style counter near the entrance. Chef Jose was the chef at Santa Rosa’s Roberto’s restaurant for four and a half years. Mary and Jose met at Cellini’s restaurant, where Jose was the head chef for two and a half years. Mary is Armenian; and English, Jose is Mexican. They say their cuisine is Italian with a Mexican flare. What ever they say I believe because Mexican, Italian, Armenian, its all one great marriage. A marriage of two people and a marriage of very wonderful cuisine, how can you go wrong? Why not try Paicere the next time you are wine tasting in the Alexander Valley. Even better just hop in your car and drive up to Cloverdale, take in some sights and get your appetite ready for some extra special food.

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Piacere Ristorante Italiano
504 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA.
707-894-0885
piacereristorante.com