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

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!

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. . .

trying out chef govind's new venture...

photo credit: daily candy

gotta get the husband on board for a little visit to napa...

one-day sales...10 mangoes for $5

photo credit: whole foods

my new bookclub book, should be good...

this sweet elopement and beautiful bouquet...

photo credit: snippet & ink

have a springy weekend! 

 

Melted Goodness at Heywood. . .

"grilled cheese and tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food"-ina garten

i'm a huge ina garten (barefoot contessa) fan

Last week, I met my friend Amelia for a bite and to visit the Clare Vivier store in Silverlake for a little peek and to pick up my mom's messenger bag that was repaired (CV is so great about repairs).  Anyway, we had lunch at this new spot called Heywood Gourmet Grill Cheese Shoppe, right around the corner from the CV store.  O-M-G...this place is so super yummy!!!!  You gotta go if you're in the area.  Just think, classic grilled cheese sandwiches turned up a notch or two or 10!

Here's the menu...cute, huh?

I forgot the guys name who took our order, but he was so nice and he suggested one of his favorites, the "Bill Clinton's epiphany".  Now, the Bill Clinton comes with vegan cheese..not a fan.  So, I substituted the vegan for the aged english cheddar with roasted red peppers, and avocado melted on squaw wheat bread.  Oh goodness...so yummy!  Doesn't that just sound cozy?  For $6.50, you can get half a sandwich, tomato soup, and salad.  Perfect!

I loved this place...oh, and they stay open until 3am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Not good for my behind, but good for my stomach!

Looking for me...find me at Heywood!

 

Resto Spotlight: SOTTO...

photo credit: laweekly

Over the weekend, my friend Jen and I tried a new resto called Sotto.  My Dad went a couple of days before me and raved about how great the food and ambiance was.  So, when Jen said, "let's try something new"  I knew just where to go! I made a reservation with ease on a Friday which was great! I was the first one there and they sat me right away at a quaint table for two.  The ambiance was warm, room dimly lit with candles flickering and reflecting off the crisp clean wine glasses.  I was instantly relaxed and ready for girls night out.  We had the best waiter by the name of Skylar.  Rarely, do you find great customer service when out to dine lately, so this was refreshing.  While I waited, I ordered a cocktail called Pass the Buck, very fresh and tasty.  Once Jen arrived, we ordered some mixed olives to start, a couple of glasses of wine, Margarita and Diavolina pizza, and I ordered a Pumkin, Barley, Kale, and White Bean Minestra soup.  Best soup I've had in a long time.  Every bite was yummy!  We continued our girl chat and enjoyed every bite, food was amazing!  

I didn't take pics due the dim lighting in the restaurant.  So, here are some photos I found on their site as well as others...

photo credit: nytimes

photo credit: nytimes

What's in what we ordered...

Pass the Buck {Blanco tequila, fresh lime, Meletti Amaro, ginger syrup, mint, bitter lemon soda}

Marinated mixed olives {chilies, parsley, orange}

Margherita {tomato, mozzarella, basil, EVOO}

Diavolina {tomato, Calabrian chilies, 'nduja, pecorino, kale, onion}

Great ambiance, service, and food...I'm going back to Sotto real soon.  Hopefully this Friday! 

and I'm off and running...
 

Smiling About...

the way President Obama loves his girls...

photo credit: huffington post

garden classes at Post & Beam Restaurant...

photo credit: postandbeamla
Chef Govind

these sparkling booties...

paper bakeware at the West Elm Market...

l.a. sample sales...

more deets here...

enjoy the weekend! 

and I'm off and running...
 

Napa...again!

Two weeks ago today, I was on my way to Napa Valley with my lovely book club, Queens Chatter.  Well, we had an amazing time and each time I go to Napa I fall more in love with it.  There for only 3 days, but we packed it in and enjoyed every minute.  If you plan to go in the near future, here is a little rundown of places to eat, wine taste, let loose, and just plain have good times.


Where we ate...

Napa Valley has the best food ever!  There was not one meal we disliked.

harris ranch restaurant
mustards grill
hurleys
redd wood
boon fly
auberge bistro
campo fina


Wine tasting...

mumm napa
brown estate
peju
provenance vineyards
maisonry
domaine carneros
darioush
sawyer cellars
chimney rock
1313 main 
williamson wine
bergamot alley

The last day we spent a half the day at Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga for some relaxation, and then ended our trip with a special night in Healdsburg.  We drank wine all night at Bergamot Alley (my fav spot) and at yummy pizza from Campo Fina.  You couldn't ask for a better ending to our trip.


Here are some photos...

tasting @ Mumm Napa

yummy burger @ Auberge Bistro

walking the grounds @ Brown Estate

wine and pairing @ Brown Estate

tasting room at Brown Estate from the cave

Jen and Jen enjoying our wine!

love this pic of Lauren with the sunflower

you know I had to taste some...so fresh

cheers in the parking lot of Mustards Grill

 

most amazing pork chop ever @ Mustards Grill

breakfast!

sticky bun of heaven!

Zahirah and Jennifer enjoying the swing

eggs benedict @ Boon Fly

tasting @ Swayer Cellars 

ladies tasting @ Maisonry

yummy pizza @ Redd Wood

a little Bastille Day fun @ Bouchon

lunch and cocktails @ Solage Resort

great memories @ Bergamot Alley

enjoying Healdsburg!

The End!

and I'm off and running...