What are you Grateful For?

Right Downtown
on Main Street!

Hadley Evarts, my best friend from high school, was visiting me in LA for Spring Break.  I took her to all my favorite Los Angeles spots.  Shopping at the Promenade, hiking to the Hollywood sign, watching the skateboarders at the Venice Boardwalk.  We had a week full of activities.

My Hearty Romain Spicy Salad

 Seasoned vegan meats wok, white onions, 
green onions and chili flakes,
romaine lettuce, garbanzo beans, 
red bell peppers, and persian cucumbers, 
and chimichurri dressing. 

(with Hadley's hand sneaking in)

Along with the busy site seeing, I gave her taste buds a tour of the city.  Hadley loves to fuel her body with healthy and hearty food.  Throughout high school she was vegan, and at one point, even raw.  I took her trip as an opportunity to try Dr. J's Vibrant Cafe, an organic and locally sourced cafe in the heart of Downtown.   I have driven past it several times, and wanted to try the macrobiotic dishes with an Asian twist.  

I tried the Hearty Romaine Spicy Salad.  I haven't seen many "spicy" salads, in my life, so I thought I would give it a try.  The romaine lettuce was crisp and the garbanzo beans made it pretty hearty.  The seasoned tofu wok was really the highlight of the salad.  It was salty and savory, and quite filling.  I love chimichurri sauce, and it made a great salad dressing. The salad already had a oil base on it, so when I started getting to the bottom of the bowl, the lettuce was pretty saturated.  But I would definitely order it again if I was craving salad and spice.

After showing Hadley some of the classic USC spots (Bacaro and La Barca), I wanted to treat her to another renowned LA vegan restaurant. After picking up our other high school friend, Meggie, I took us to one of my favorite under-the-radar streets in LA.  Larchmont Blvd in Central LA is a trendy village with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

At the north end of the street is Cafe Gratitude.  Cafe Gratitude is collection of vegan, heath and sustainable conscious restaurants with great atmospheres.  With the other location on Rose in Venice, they truly identify with the culture of the neighborhoods around them.

We sat out on the heated patio decorated with string lights.  This is the perfect atmosphere for a first date.  The servers are all friendly and very personable.  Ready to give the spiel about the restaurants' mission and provide lots of recommendations of their favorite dishes.

The names of the menu items are all adjectives (I'm guessing on how you will feel after consuming them?)  Last time I visited the restaurant, I ordered the "Humble".

Fortified

It was a great take on an Indian dish, I just wish there were more lentils, and less sweet potato.  The lentils really made it more hearty, while the potato was a little too mushy.

This time I decided to try to getting "Fortified".  The basic dish was quite simple, as I ordered it with the red pepper harissa sauce.  The sauce definitely spiced it up a little, as the zucchini, squash, and broccoli was a little plain.  It was still very healthy and hearty tasting, and I would recommend it to a hesitant vegan eater.

Hadley and Meggie decided to share the "Terrific" and the "Transformed".  The Mexican and Asian mix sounded a little interesting to me, but they loved both dishes!  The almond sauce on the light kelp noodles tasted like a fresh pesto.  And the tacos looked rich and authentic.

Hadley about to feel Terrific

Although we looked over the dessert menu, Hadley had mentioned that she really wanted to try Babycakes sometime during her trip.  She follows the Vegan, Sugar-Free, and Gluten-Free bakery on Instagram, and has be dying to give it a try.  She hasn't had dessert and months (due to her sugar-free diet), and had a craving for some cupcakes.

Meggie with the Transformed

I choose the Larchmont Cafe Gratitude location because it was right up the street from Babycakes.  We headed down there immediately after paying our check.
Hadley tried the special Pumpkin Cupcake.  I didn't get to take a picture because she was so anxious to eat it!  I ordered the brownie with espresso frosting.  It was also very hearty (for containing no eggs, dairy, or wheat flour).  A little dry, but still great for a gluten-free dessert!  Meggie tried the banana bread and gobbled it up.

The three of us had such a great time reminiscing on high school memories, and catching up on the latest news in our lives.  I was truly grateful we were finally able to be back together! What were you grateful for this week?

My Gluten-Free  Brownie with
Dairy and Sugar-Free Espresso Frosting

Guisdos Tacos

About a year ago, my dad sent me this article by Jonathon Gold: http://www.laweekly.com/2011-09-22/eat-drink/jonathan-gold-reviews-guisados/.  Since coming to school, I've been a little hesitant to make my way to East LA.  But I decided to undertake Cesear Chavez Ave. for an authentic taco experience.

My mini sampler of tacos!

After rounding up a few friends, I was able to try the taqueria ranked second in LA's Ultimate Guide to Tacos.  The family run business offers a variety of braises and stews atop their freshly handmade corn tortillas.  For my first trip, I ordered the  taco sampler, a choice of 6 mini tacos from the non-traditional menu. Each mini medallion packed its own unique full bodied flavor.  Bites ranged from the deep rich mole, to the edgy hot tinga de pollo and smooth hongos con cilantro.  I never knew what to expect next.  I ranted and raved about my first experience to my parents up in seattle, far far away up north from the affluent mexican culture in Los Angeles.

After my first taste bud tour of the menu, I was able to hone in on my favorite fusion items from the menu.  I visited the destination a few more times and always made sure to brag about my mouth watering meal to my parents.

This weekend my Dad was able to make a trip down to visit Zoe and me.  Knowing that lunch would be the first thing on his mind aftering departing his midday plane ride, I should
have seen it coming.  First stop: Guisados for some tacos.

The small restaurant is on the corner of Chavez and St. Louis Street in Boyle Heights.  Surrounded by a variety of small tiendas, you would expect to find a good taqueria in the this neighborhood.  The sign is a little surprising at first, as the only somewhat modern billboard on the street. Inside is a simple chalkboard menu with an open kitchen for all eyes to gaze into.

Pescado and Bistek en Salsa Roja

After exploring a good portion of the menu, I was able to make a couple of recommendations to my Dad.  He opted out of the taco sampler, stating that he would be confident with his big taco decision.  I ordered my favorite two (real sized) tacos, the Bistek en Salsa Roja, and of course the Pescado. The Bistek is a nice braise infused with chili's.  It takes just like a saucier and spicier version of my moms shredded steak rancheros.  The Pescado of course is an easy choice for me, as Fish tacos are the meal I will eat before I die.  A light nice piece of white fish is grilled and topped with a tangy cream sauce.  The cabbage slaw adds the perfect amount of icy crunch to the overall texture of the taco.  There are definitely some small hidden chili's mixed in the fresh tomato salsa.

My dad opted for the chicken mole, hongos con cilantro, and the Bistek (I told him it was the best).  Personally I didn't really like the hongos when I tried them in the sampler.  I found then to be a little bland.  But my Dad said they were delicious and were quite spicy.  He devoured the chicken mole and agreed with me that the Bistek was certainly the best.

Each taco is supported by a homemade corn tortilla.  Still warm, the small medallions encompass the true masa flavor.  There's nothing like a fresh pressed tortilla, and Guisado's compliment each of their taco's perfectly.

Guisados is the place to go for authentic tacos.  The vast array of options on the menu will leave anyone satisfied, no matter what you're in the mood for.  I love taking all of my friends here.  Really give them a true taste of what LA is all about, taking a cuisine and putting a authentic twist on it.  

Apparently there is another location in Echo Park on Sunset Blvd., and one coming to DTLA soon!  Can't wait!   

The Calbi Catastrophe

Chicken Calbi Burrito
Vegetable mix, Chicken, Cheese, Scrambled Egg, 
sesame seeds, and special sauce

It was the Thursday before Spring Break.  85 degrees and beautiful out, the perfect beach day.  After finishing my morning class, I tried out the free yoga session on campus.  It was very relaxing and I felt great afterwards - definitely going to take some classes over the the Summer.  After the yoga sesh, I was craving some mexican food.  I called around and tried to find a friend to go to Chipotle with.  When no one answered, I started heading back to my apartment to make a quesadilla.  On the way back, Cary called me and said he would be willing to meet up for lunch, and then we could head to the beach together.  I suggested the taco truck parked by the pool on Jefferson & McClintock.

I assumed that this was just a normal mexican taco truck, but I guess they make fusion style tacos and burritos. Calbi Fusion is famous for its korean style tacos and burritos.  I still ordered the chicken burrito, but asked for it without the egg, which sounded a little fishy to me.  It wasn't that great.  Maybe I just couldn't appreciate it because I was still really craving true mexican food and was not blown away by their fusion.

Cary, on the other hand, ordered the spicy pork and beef tacos. Cary is very allergic to peanuts, and though he noticed a sign saying some food items may be exposed to them, we decided it would be ok because were the first customers and the grill would be clean.  Cary's tacos were delivered and he devoured them within 30 seconds - I didn't even get a chance to take a picture.  He was experiencing some doubts because the sauce was distinctly asian, a taste sometimes poisonous to him.  After he finished he immediately felt a little tingling on his tongue. We decided it would be best to book it back to the apartments.  After a few minutes of chilling out and drinking some milk Cary didn't feel much better.  Unfortunately we had to drive to the health center and get him checked out.  I'll spare you the very gory details, but Cary ended up being ok!  He's a little bummed because he thought the tacos were delicious, and the tangy taste of the oriental sauce will unfortunately be ruined for him. I felt awful after the lunch date (and 3 hours in the health center), but I guess we learned our lesson.

Beware of fusion style cuisine - you never know what will end up in your taco. I'll have to treat Cary to some froyo tonight. 

Poor Cary in the health center after the tacos :(

Get Fat Date with Afek

Junior year TOLO date.  Right after
winning my first state championship
title

Afek Kodesh is one of my closest friends from high school.  Although we both chose USC, my busy schedule with diving, and his demanding classes in the engineering school make it difficult for us to see each other as often as we would like.  When we have the chance, Afek and I like to go on what we call "get fat dates".  We catch up on our new and exciting lives at SC, and reminisce on the good old days at Overlake at exciting new restaurants (usually of my choice).  So far, we have visited Finn McCool's, an irish pub on main street in Santa Monica, and Umami Burger (he's absolute favorite-which I will sure to post about soon.)

The best thing to ever pass through
my mouth and into my stomach.

Our most recent voyage involved a late night trip to Venice Beach, one of  my favorite neighborhoods in LA.  Besides the beach, skate park, boardwalk, fascinating people and culture, the restaurants and food are phenomenal.  Although I eventually see myself ending up in San Diego, if I were to permanently live in LA, Venice Veach is where you would find me.

Originally I wanted to take him to a mexican restaurant called "Mexikosher" in West LA, but unfortunately it is only open for lunch.  Us both being Kosher, him a little stricter than myself, it is a place we will eventually have to try.

Our reservation was at a small latin american spot off Rose in Venice.  Now I have been here twice before, but always for brunch.  I must say that their huevos rancheros were as good as my last trip to mexico, and the grilled salmon tacos were delicious as well.  Whenever asked my favorite food it is a no brainer for me, fish tacos.  The meal I will eat before I die are the fish tacos at the Kilauea Fish Market on the island of Kaui.  The salmon tacos at Oscar's were some of the best I have had in LA, but still do not compare to the freshness of the fish and tortillas from the Market.

Although brunch was never a let down, I wanted to try the trendy cuisine for dinner.  Our reservations were for 7:30 thursday night.  After hitting awful traffic west on the 10 we arrived around 7:45, but still had to wait another 20 minutes for our table.  The spot was completely packed and loud (which afek doesn't prefer.  He complained about it at Finn McCools.. maybe he just really wants to go on a romantic candle lit dinner with me at some fancy french restaurant?  Not really my forte).  When finally given the choice to sit at the bar, or wait a little longer, we were starving and immediately took our spots on the bar stools.  Sitting right on the counter was really fun to watch the chefs prepare all the authentic creations and side dishes.  One dish I noticed constantly on a skillet was some sort of Brussel sprouts.  Dish is the Brussel sprouts with applewood smoked bacon.  I'm sure its delicious (minus the bacon).

When looking at the menu, Afek and I were both starving, so everything sounded good.  For me it was between the salmon tacos (I know, I don't like change) and the Chicken enchilada with mole.  Afek and I both went for the enchilada.  I've had mole a few times before, different experiences each time, but our waitress said it was becoming more and more of a popular dish, so I felt pretty confident with my decision.

Organic Chicken Enchilada with Mole
(Sesame seeds, peanuts, raisins, chile ancho,
chile poblano, raw cocoa) Served with
Ajillo rice. 

While we waited for our meal, Afek and I talked about where we see ourselves living after school, (me-somewhere in cali, and him- in some city... maybe NYC?) while we watched the whirlwind of a kitchen behind the counter.

Once our food arrived, we devoured it.  The mole was delicious.  Mole I've had in the past has always had somewhat of a smokey taste to it, something I've never been too fond of mixed with the coca underlying tone.  This mole was sweeter, a great combination with the shredded chicken and hidden peanuts and raisins.  The Chile ancho and poblano gave it that extra kick that tied the whole dish together.  The simple rice was a perfect side to clean your palate in between the rich bites.  Although the two enchiladas were not extremely large, the thick sauce filled me up pretty quickly.  But that doesn't mean there wasn't room for dessert (it was a Get Fat Date after all).

Instead of ordering a desert at the restaurant, I wanted to walk around and show off Abbott Kinney to Afek. Although I was just planning on going to N'ice Cream with him, we ended up on the trendy street during food truck friday. Probably around 40 or so trucks were lined up on either side of the street, with many dessert options to choose from.  Because Afek still hasn't been to Diddy Riese, I wanted him to experience the ice cream cookie sandwich magic. The Chunck-n-Chip truck first caught my eye and we immediately checked out the selection.  Although their interesting combinations of unique cookies and ice cream flavors (blue lavender and french toast stuck out the most), the line was too long and moving too slowly for our non existent patience.  Instead we went to the belgian waffle truck.  The line wasn't too long outside the Crispy Waffle & Frite truck.  Although the fried chicken and fries delivered in cones didn't look too appetizing, I couldn't help but notice the hot waffles coming out the back side of the truck.  I specialized my order with a Liege Waffle with vanilla ice cream and Ghiredelli Chocolate sauce.  Afek just got a waffle with strawberries and the chocolate.  Although they put a little too much ice cream on top (can't believe I'm actually saying that), I was able to finish the whole thing!)  Afek on the other hand, was defeated by the massiveness of the waffle.  Even though he argued that I didn't finish all of my rice at dinner, I won the fat date.  Celia. 1.  Afek. 0.

We finished off our date by going  back to my apartment and watching the most recent New Girl on Hulu, and then I drove him back to his apartment on campus.  All together I would say it was definitely a successful date.