Friday POP!!!

photo credit-eater la

Happy Friday!! I know it's been a while since I posted. June turned One and I left my readers hanging.  What have I been doing?  I've been juggling it all and Miss June keeps me really busy.  I can say the word "tired" is part of my everyday vocabulary.

One thing I definitely do is stay on top of L.A. Happenings, and I've got a good one for you today.  I'm so very sorry I have not posted about one of my favorite restos called Petit Trois. Just say this spot is awesome and the omelet with mixed greens is amazing.  Sit at the bar to watch them prepare the food.  Very entertaining!  You can't make reservations, so prepare to wait a bit, but it's worth it. There, I just posted about it. Ha!  Check it out!

Chef Ludo, Jon, and Vinny
photo credit-la weekly

Now, the trio of friends (above photo) that own Petit Trois will be opening a new spot really soon called Trois Familia!!! In addition to Trois Mec, Jon & Vinny's, Son of a Gun, Animal, and Petit Trois, I know we are definitely in for a treat at Trois Familia.  L.A. Weekly says it will be a French-Mexican Brunch spot...What?!?!  A fusion of French and Mexican rolled up into brunch? Wow, my head might explode from excitement.  I can't wait!

Stay tuned for my review!  Sit tight, because I have two other blogs to maintain, one blog I'm working on launching soon and of course, my beloved Blah Blah Birds blog. Back soon!

Have a fantastic weekend! 

Resto Spotlight: The Hart and The Hunter

Last weekend, Ladybird D and I had dinner at The Hart and The Hunter.  When Lady D comes in town we usually like to go to one of the places on our long list of restaurants to try.  Last time we went to Son of a Gun, which was very tasted.  I do suggest you checking it out if you are in the L. A. area.  The Hart and The Hunter is located in the Pailhouse Holloway on Melrose ave in West Hollywood.  It's rustic and quaint, and the small plate menu did not disappoint.  Great for a late night meal!  Unfortunately, the photos I took were accidentally deleted, but I gathered a few from around the web to give you an idea of our tasty experience.

The Hart and The Hunter

Check out what we ate over on my other blog here! 

www.blahblahbirds.wordpress.com

On My List. . .

What's on your restaurant list?  I have many on mine!  Really, I have many lists of all sorts of things...all to remember where to shop, eat, and play.   So, I thought I would share one from my resto list today.  If you're in the area you might want to check out...

Free Range L.A.

free range la

Every Sunday Free Range is usually at the Melrose Farmers Market doing Sunday brunch and serving up their classic, I'm sure yummy fried chicken sandwich with jalapeno slaw (love anything with slaw on it) or their Southern Fried Chicken biscuit sandwich.  They do move around sometimes, so follow them on Instagram to see where they have landed before you head on over to the farmers market (trust me).  They offer other yummy choices to satisfy everyones palate, check out the menu here and enjoy!

free range la

Add Free Range L. A. to your list!

Smiling About...

the best chopped salad... 

the $150 shoe sale at Decades. . .

these healthy protein pancakes...

monogrammed stuff...

tracee's questions and answers. . .

   

video credit: tracee ellis ross

being blessed to turn another year and celebrating this weekend!!!

have a fabulous long weekend!!!! 

smiling about...

trying a new nail salon. . .

cronuts...I want one!!!!

a new vintage store...

how perfect this is. . .

isabel marant x H&M. . . OMG!!!

in stores Nov 14

have a fabulous weekend!!!

resto spotlight: my two cents

My Two Cents soul food cafe, is my new fav place on the popular and growing Pico Blvd scene in Mid-city L.A.  This family-owned and operated neighborhood gem is so charming and cozy, people just sit, chat, and never leave.  The food is amazing, and seems to give you a warm hug with each bite.  Not too much, not too little. . . just the right portion.  They offer scrumptious looking (didn't indulge) baked goods and desserts made with the best ingredients.  Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. We went for Brunch!   

What Did We Eat. . .

Shrimp and Grits

French Toast w/ Berries & Whiskey Syrup

All served w/ Sweet Potato Hash, Turkey Bacon, and Mini Egg Fritattas

Mint Lemonade

Coffee w/ almond milk

The Shrimp and Grits had just the right spices and richness.  Truly a yummy dish!  The Sweet Potato Hash was a tasty addition.  The husband said the French Toast was really good, but would have liked another piece or two.   He had his heart set on a brioche french toast from here,  but we decided to try this spot.  Next time!  In the end, we had a great experience.  My only compliant would be the wait time. If they get this handled, they will be around for a long time.  I will be back soon for Lunch and Dinner.  Keep you posted! Meanwhile, see what they're saying on Yelp!

Happy Eating!

Smiling About. . .

this beach in albania...

photo credit: all things europe

eating like an Italian...

autumn lip colors. . .

preparing this for the weekend. . .

this cute photo of me and the husband...

have a fantastic weekend!!! 

Garlic Shrimp & White Beans

Bon Appetit magazine and online site are usually my go-to place to find some of the best quick and easy recipes.  Not one has been a dud!  I had this recipe for Garlic Shrimp and White Beans in my favorites box for a while and decided to give it a try when the husband requested more shrimp dishes (his wishes are my command).  I don't know about you, but I love one-pot meals during the week.  Just easy and the clean-up is lickety-split! The tenderness of the shrimp wrapped up in a thick stew of beans and tomatoes with a slice of crusty fresh olive bread on the side is so hearty, comfy, rich, and so so yummy!  You gotta make this!  

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

3 garlic cloves, minced, divided

2 dried chiles de árbol

1 bay leaf, preferably fresh

1 1/4 cups chopped tomato (about 8 ounces)

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 15-ounce cans white beans (such as cannellini), rinsed, drained

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Grilled bread (optional)

How-To

Preheat broiler. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 1 garlic clove, chiles, and bay leaf and cook, stirring constantly, just until fragrant, 1–2 minutes (do not allow garlic to burn). Add tomato; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring and smashing tomato with the back of a wooden spoon, until tomato is completely broken down, about 5 minutes.

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until paste is deep red and caramelized, 3–4 minutes. Stir in beans and broth. Bring to a brisk simmer and cook until juices are slightly reduced and thickened, 3–4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine remaining 2 garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp. oil, shrimp, and paprika in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper and toss to evenly coat shrimp. Scatter shrimp over beans in an even layer.

Broil until shrimp are golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Drizzle remaining 2 Tbsp. oil over shrimp and beans; garnish with parsley. Serve with bread, if desired

Bon Appetit!

Resto Spotlight: Industriel Urban Farm

photo credit: industriel farm

Industriel Urban Farm is such a little gem in DTLA (downtown los angeles).  My bestie chose this spot for her birthday dinner and it was surely a fun and tasty night of celebration.  The food is amazing, but the decor is even more lovely and comfy.  Downstairs is decorated with reclaimed wood tables, vintage crates, french cafe inspired bright red chairs, and tufted gold leather booths along the wall. Upstairs, you dine under a low beamed ceiling in comfy leather or fabric upholstered armchairs with a vibrant bar scene cranking out classic cocktails with an urban twist.  I can say I really enjoyed sitting upstairs.  

photo credit: industiel farm

What Did We Eat & Drink. . .

Sauvignon Blanc

Swan Song- Herradura Resposado, grapefruit/lemon juice, and a Campari float

Gambas-shirmp, garlic, tomatoes, and country bread for dipping

Lentil Salad with snow peas, kale, mint and sweet peppers

Grilled White Fish with corn, arugula, and bacon

Marys Free Range 1/2 Chicken with roasted new potatoes and pepper onion relish

Chocolate Flourless Cake for the birthday girl

Lemon Curd with raspberry preserve, whipped creme faiche, and short bread cookie

Cappuccino 

We were quite satisfied with our meal and cocktails.  I will definitely be going back for lunch...just look at that sandwich.  Yummo!

morrocan chicken sandwich
photo credit: industriel urban farm

Go check it out!

Smiling About...

these amazing looking ice cream sandwiches...

photo credit: joy the baker

caftans...

handbags made in la ...

this giveaway...

driving up the coast with the hubby...

have a safe and fantastic holiday weekend!!!!