Baco Mercat

In my never ending journey to try all types of wonderful foods, a business colleage and close friend suggested we dine on rustic Spanish cuisine and invited me to dinner at Baco Mercat, an authentic nuevo latino restaurant, serving comforting Spanish cuisine. 

Located on a vibrant street strung with twinkling street lights, in the historic old bank district (which reminded me a little of the meat packing district of a "sex and the city" segment) sits this rustic restaurant with great ambiance and friendly service.  Once in the door, the place felt warm and inviting, with an eccletic selection of music and a full bar.  The menu is big with a variety of choices, but not overwhelming and the prices are reasonable.

The Menu

Baco Mercat is known as the home to "the baco" which is a signature flat bread created by chef Josef Centeno. The baco bread is served in its original sandwich form and comes in many flavorful varities. The most popular is "The Original," which consists of a heavenly mixture of beef, pork belly, carnitas, smoked aioli and salbixada.

The Original

The Egg - Salsa Verde, Farm Fried Egg and Ricotta

Although "the original" baco sandwich (which did look extremely appetizing) seemed a little heavy for my appetite considering we were dining after 8pm, we decided to experience "the coca" which is a flatbread pizza, rolled out thin, baked crispy and loaded with toppings for an incredible pizza packed with flavors that are out of this world.

Caesar Brussel Sprouts

Blistered Okra

After perusing the menu we selected on a few delicious small plates to share and accompany our "coca."  We ordered the "Caesar Brussel Sprouts" and the "Blistered Okra."  Quite honestly I think we could've ordered a "baco" and vegetarian "coca" with two sides, along with our Spanish red wine and would've been completely satisfied without being stuffed.

Soot Bull Jeep

Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W. 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA. 90005
(213) 387-3865


It was early one summer evening 2008 when I visited the most unique and best kept dining experience in Los Angeles for Korean BBQ called Soot Bull Jeep.

I had just finished a long and tiring day of posing for pictures for my "Nibble" cookbook series, with photographer, actor and friend Richard Roundtree (yes..."Shaft"), when hunger pangs began to strike. After a hard days work we were hungry and wanted an exotic, bold, flavorful and comforting cuisine to satisfy our appetites. So after a round of general suggestions of what to eat Sushi, Chinese or Italian we decided upon Korean BBQ. I threw out a few names of the city's fancier Korean BBQ restaurants like Woo Lae Oak, Shin and Gyenari, but was immediately shut down when he suggested a most unique "hole in the wall" serving unbelieveable food, great prices and housed local patrons. I couldn't resist! A "hole in the wall," with excellent exotic food and the locals eat there...I was sold!

Located in the mid-Wilshire/Hancock Park area, from the outside Soot Bull Jeep gives the appearance of a greasy spoon with graffiti tags sprayed on the parking lot signage ...(all the more reason to go!). Inside it is smokey, noisy and packed full of patrons who cook their food tabletop hardwood coals, while waitresses return periodically to assist you with your grilling technique.

The menu consists of a selection of some of the best marinated meats I've ever had. (Try the short ribs, Bulgogi and BBQ pork...my favorites and specialties of the house), tofu & noodle soups, and your banchan sides of glass noodles, kimchee, cold sesame spinach, green onion and green leaf salad, lettuce leaves, mild chile pastes and garlic.

Soot Bull Jeep only serves beer, sake and soft drinks which go perfectly with this type of cuisine. So if you're looking to wet your whistle with a libation of the stronger suit than Taylor's Steakhouse is about two blocks up the street to have a night cap at the wood bar after having such a sensational exotic meal.

By far, Soot Bull Jeep is one of my all-time favorite Korean BBQ joints in Los Angeles. Great food and great prices.

Reservoir Restaurant

Reservoir Restaurant
1700 Silver Lake Blvd
Silver Lake, CA. 90026
info@silverlakereservoir.com
reservations: (323) 662-8655


I had a dinner meeting scheduled last Thursday night to hang out with my friend Mel and business associate and friend Amy to discuss the branding of my new product line. So after a day of e-mailing one another on where we should dine we finally decided on a quaint little house like restaurant in Silver Lake called Reservoir. We arrived at 8pm and the small place was bustling and busy with all types of "hip" neighborhood locals of the creative kind...writers, directors, producers and artists all dining on small plates of seasonal rustic "farm to table" cuisine. (The restaurant takes reservations so be sure to call in advance to book yourself a table). Since Amy knew the owner/chef Gloria Felix and owner/manager Ryan Ballinger we were able to be seated right away.

Seated at one of the cozy dinner tables inside the restaurant we were greeted by our waiter who asked if we were interested in seeing the wine list...of course we were!! The wine list was an eclectic selection of varietals ranging from the French countryside, Spain, Northern California, Argentina and the Central Coast. Noticing that we were a little eager as to what varietal we wanted to wet our whistles with the waiter offered us a taste of a few selections. I decided to go with the Dashwood 2007, Sauvignon Blanc...crisp, with hints of pear and grapefruit. And I couldn't have been happier! As we perused the dining menu there was no doubt that the wines feautued on the wine list were probably hand picked from some of Chef Gloria and her partner Ryan's favorite choices. You couldn't go wrong with any of the selections. Each and everyone seemed to pair handsomely with each of Chef Gloria's seasonal culinary inspirations.

We began our dining experience by choosing a few set-ups to accompany our "small plate" featured entrees, such as the Baked Japanese Yam with Creme Fraiche and Chopped Chives. Sort of similar to a lavender fingerling potato only shorter and rounder and with a cross texture of yam and potato. Our vegetarian set-up options included Farro with Grilled Asparagus, Broccoli Rabe, Currants, Toasted Pine Nuts and Shallots and a White Bean Puree, Braised Black Kale and Roasted Baby Heirloom Tomatoes. For my entree I dined on one of the specials of the evening which was the Seared Albacore Tuna with Roasted Wild Mushrooms and a Warm Pea Shoot Sprout Salad. Other amazing dishes brought to the table were the Summer Corn Succotash with Fresh English Peas and Pasilla, Grilled Sweet Peaches and Nectarines. I liked its light California-rustic flare with Southern influences. The Local Sustainable Halibut with Lemon-Chive Aioli was about a 5 oz serving portion leaving you feeling satisfied and not over-stuffed, which Mel enjoyed immensely.

What I liked most about Chef Gloria's inspirations was not only that the cuisine was presented in just the right appetizing yet full-filling portions, but that there was no over doing of the food here. Just really good cuisine, organically grown produce and local sustainable proteins. You can taste the seasonality of every ingredient in her creations while she excites your palate with the marrying of incredible exotic and natural flavors.

At the end of the evening, wearing a red "suits suck" baseball cap, Chef Gloria emerged from the kitchen greeting her guests. Very down to earth, laid back and cool as a cucumber she thanked us for coming and conversed with us as if we were all old friends. I think we stayed dining for about 3 hours!!

I will definitely be going back soon for another late summer eve's dinner. This time trying the Spicy Mussels with Grilled Ciabatta as an appetizer, the Grilled 14oz. Cowboy Rib Eye with Herbed Compound Butter as an entree and the Roasted Garlic Potato Gratin, Haricot Vert and Piquillo Peppers as my set-up accompaniment. (That's if I can get past the specials of the evening first!)

Thanks Amy for the wonderful dining experience. Hats off to Reservoir!

Sky's The Limit...My Gourmet Taco Journey

Having grown up a California kid and a Los Angeles native, I have found in my journey for good tasting Mexican food some of the best authentic, traditional and sometimes exotic Mexican TACOS this side of the border. No matter which style of Mexican faire I decide to savor at the time, I have to incorporate the TACO onto my combination plate. I'm not sure what it is about the TACO that does it for me the most? Maybe it's the crispy, deep-fried shell that hums golden satisfying goodness or perhaps the savory meaty fillings and locally fresh produce that's piled on top. Or could it be that they are easily transportable...not like their plate siblings "the enchilada" where you HAVE to use a folk to consume. The TACO is a "must have" for me. And don't forget the salsa! These are a definite must because it defines one of the true essences of Southern California living and now every establishment is putting a different spin on their taco and salsa creation. I guess that's what makes them so interesting in taste!

Some of the establishments I've stumbled upon have taken me to the Southwest in WeHo where Mexican gourmet faire is all the go! Me and my girlfriends sit outdoors and sip on beautifully blended mango or crisp and fruity "kick-ass" watermelon margaritas under a large canvas convertible roofed restaurant with our rhinestoned flip-flops on. As we relax and converse about who's dating who in Hollywood a stone morter and pestle is placed on the table filled with a salsa so bold and flavorful from fire-roasted chiles accompanied by house made tortilla chips that make our mouths water from the smokey goodness. Then of course a plate of TACO's to share is upon us...and a slow-roasted chicken-chile taco and slow-roasted chipotle studded tri-tip of beef taco just hit the spot.

Other establishments of the more traditional and authentic kind take me back to when I was a kid here in L.A. and restaurants like El Cholo, El Coyote and Casa Vega were and still are the town favorites when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Your standard chicken, ground or shredded beef hard shell taco is what I would call classic Mexican "comfort" food. There is no denying a familiar taste of what you know and love of classic taquitos, tostadas and tortas filled with slow stewed meats and mounds of shredded cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

But what about combining the two loves of gourmet and traditional Mexican faire? and finding a taco heaven of peace and tranquility in one establishment? On the west side of Los Angeles on Pico blvd stands a taco establishment that has been serving their customers for 18 years. Sky's Gourmet Tacos. I probably have driven by this place numerous times and it's been beckoning me to come inside. With it's avocado green exterior and pink neon sign it looked very "spirited" and "chic" like most of their customers have defined their cuisine, so I decided to succumb to the calling and go inside.

With just a few scattered tables inside and some outside I proceeded to order from the menu posted on the wall above me. So many different selections my mind was swimming with indecision, but I decided to go with the shrimp tacos and I'm glad that I did! My favorite are the shrimp tacos/hard shell. Wrapped in aluminum foil and served in a paper "to-go" basket, chowed down. I was told the customers have nominated the shrimp tacos as the signature dish. Delicious!! Their lobster tacos (a facebook page fan of mine) recommended I try, I hear they are amazing as well. "Sweetie...no worries, I'll definitely be going back to taste these." The spot is a little pricey...but hell isn't everything that's worth having a little pricey? They're worth the cost. From burritos, to nachos, tacos, fresh salads, quesadillas and a separate vegetarian menu...the food is fresh, innovative and flavorful.

Now my girlfriend Rhonda (who would throw on a pair of rhinestoned flip-flops in a minute and join me for a taco or two...not to mention a "kick-ass" margarita) would have to disagree. Although I believe she's been to Sky's Gourmet Tacos she raves about another taco spot further South or East (I can't remember) called World Tacos that she insists I must try. If you're feeling Rhonda's plight, please let me know what to expect? I hear they are out of this world...literally! Anyway, I'll make it there one day because it's all about the taco you know...but for now Sky's The Limit!

Dinner At The Belmont Cafe

My hair stylist friend Monsieur Royce Mitchell had his friend David Nurse visiting here from London, so a bunch of us decided to celebrate his arrival with an evening's dinner at The Belmont Cafe in West Hollywood. I was about 7 of us eclectic, entertainment industry working, life-loving, foodies all seated together to congregate and shoot the shit after a long day at The Belmont Cafe's "Happy Hour." Their "Happy Hour" is from 5pm-7pm and offers the menus appetizers at 50% off. The cocktails are 50% off as well. Hungry and well thirsty we jumped in and started ordering. We ordered the crispy calamari, the spicy ahi tartar, the crab cakes (which was one large cake on a plate) and the baby back ribs which came to our table in a towering presentation. The ribs were saucy and mouthwatering with a smokey flavorul hue and topped with crunchy shoestring onion rings. Even though I could not eat them because I was coming off the "master cleanse," Kymmy and Roger assured me they were "outta sight," and I'm totally missing out. I ordered the steamed brown rice, roasted asparagus and sauteed seasonal vegetables in EVO and garlic. The organic veggies were tasty and the brown rice was aromatic and light. Very good! The cocktails of course were on point. I had an Espresso Martini...although I can't remember how many I had, they were delish! There is patio dining and the indoor bar's restaurant displays a cozy ambiance with candle lit tables, wooden chairs and leather seats. There are a few leather booths in the corners and flat screen televisions on the walls. We will be going back, especially to try the bucket o' crab legs for $30. What a deal!!

Le Menu...A Restaurant Review

My friends and I like to explore all manner of restaurant haunts in and out of town. Some spots may be big in size, in menu selection, ambiance and elegance while others may be proverbial old “hole in the walls,” which I have come to find to be my favorites! Taco stands, sushi bars and street vendors with steaming carts that offer deliciously small bites that are enjoyable and filling. Here are some of my all-time “faves and recent finds. Bon Appetit!

Nicks Coffee Shop & Deli
8536 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA. 90035

If the walls could talk in this small and friendly establishment, they would tell you of all the neighborhood folks, celebrities and passers by who have sat at one of their quaint red leather booths or swirling red leather counter chairs. Generation after generation have been chowing down a hearty breakfast here at this greasy spoon. The original owner Mr. Nick (himself) has long sold the establishment and is gone, but the breakfast here is still all the rage, not only because of the taste, but simply because of the folks that still cook the food and graciously serve you here. It’s always nice to see a friendly, familiar face especially after a long day’s night!! Try Paco’s Spanish omelette, (one of my all time favorites since my days at Faifax High School) Every breakfast comes with the tastiest hash browns this side of the packos’. They are crunchy on the outside and potato-ey delicate on the inside, probably because they cook them with butter. The cornbeef hash, Belgian waffles and chicken apple sausage featured from their countless offerings from the menu board are all delish!! And yes for my vegetarian friends, they do have a wonderful selection of breakfast yummies for ya! Nick’s coffee shop serves lunch, but the real reason for the line outside is purely for their down home breakfast. If you wind up going back again and again, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Nick’s is finger lickin’ good! .


Twin Dragon Schezwan Cuisine
8597 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA.90035
www.picotwindragon.com

Directly across the street from my acclaimed breakfast spot “Nick’s Coffee Shop and Deli” has got to be the most flavorful schezwan Chinese restaurants on Pico. For almost 50 years, Twin Dragon has been the home to the locals in the neighborhood and delivers quality Chinese cuisine to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The food here is simply rich in flavor and deliciously comforting. It sort of gives you that New York Chinese cuisine vibe. Lovely! One of my Jewish guy friends and his dad traveled all over city in search of the best “Shrimp and Lobster Sauce,” and they swear by it here. They should know, they have tried a many a Chinese restaurants and Twin Dragon reigns supreme. The restaurant features a full bar, so have William (one of the many pleasant waiters) make you a Mai-Tai (he works on Sundays) and order the fried wontons stuffed with chicken and shrimp, these modest little bundles are delicately fried to a rich golden brown, bursting with aromatic flavors of ginger, sesame and scallion their served with a sweet and spicy chili dipping sauce for an appetizer. Then jump into the menu and start ordering. The Spicy Shrimp, Steamed Fish Filet with Ginger, Cilantro and Scallion, Pepper Beef and Chicken and Broccoli are some of my favs!! Hell…every dish is worth trying.. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the folks from Nick’s having Sunday dinner there. The neighborhood is jumpin’!

Giorgio Baldi
114 W. Channel Road
Santa Monica, CA. 90402
www.giorgiobaldi.com

Dining at this elegant beach shack that sits in the Santa Monica canyon off PCH is where you’ll find this cozy and casual Italian hideaway. It’s quaint and homey dining atmosphere has captivated the wealthy Malibu elite with its simple, yet elegant offering of a Tuscan menu.
Owner and chef Giorgio Baldi and family have been bringing you true Tuscan fare since 1990. There is no reason for complex sauces or over compensated dishes that present unnecessary ingredients for culinary approval here. It’s not that type of establishment. Such dishes as the hand-cut, handmade papparadelle with meat ragout, a rustic blend of premium ground beef and veal. The sauce exudes the flavors of Giorgio’s famed housemade tomato sauce bursting with vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, basil and a touch of cream, the pumpkin ravioli with a hint of fresh nutmeg, oven-roasted striped bass with fresh herbs and premium Italian olive oil, the beef carpaccio and the bone-in rib eye are just some of the flavorsome menu selections worth trying. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself seated next to Quincy Jones, Tom Cruise, Goldie and Kurt or Flockhart and Ford for that matter, yes the place is visited by those who appreciate damn good Tuscan cuisine. At the end of the day the food here is the real star sighting.



Iroha Sushi of Tokyo
12953 Ventura Blvd.Studio City, CA 91604
818.990.9559

Sprouting all across the San Fernando Valley are sushi houses galore. It can be a bit confusing on where to grab a decent bowl of miso soup or even a spicy tuna hand roll made with the right amount of sesame oil and spice, but a well hidden boutique sushi house that myself and some famous celebrity faces have discovered is located on Ventura and close to Coldwater Canyon. Either seated in the outdoor garden or indoors at a table or the sushi bar, Iroha Sushi of Tokyo makes yummy Agedashi Tofu and their Special #3 (Crab and Salmon, wrapped in Cucumber-served with ponzu sauce) and Seared Albacore Sashimi with Crispy Fried Onion is mouth-watering, serve it up with and a bottle of chilled sake.



La Velvet Margarita Cantina
1612 Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA.
www.velvetmargarita.com

Only the premium of tequilas reside at the home La Velvet Margarita. Walk through the black curtains of the establishments entrance and expect to be astounded with a sexy room of mystique and Mexican gourmet faire. The ahi tacos and tequila shrimp bisque are excellent.


Malo
4326 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA. 90029
(323) 664-1011
www.malorestaurant.com

While walking down the streets of Sunset Blvd in the artsy area of Silver Lake, I stumbled upon a modest little bar/taqueria. The little black building with green neon sign has a hip unpretentious look on the outside and once inside you’ll feel a cozy and cool vibe, in a dimly lit setting. “One of the best places to taste tequila in Los Angeles”, says Sunset magazine, I had found home to an undiscovered new haunt and discovered over 150 different tequilas, fruit margaritas and mojitos. Seated at a quaint little table for two in the darkened cavern of the tiny restaurant, I ordered a pomegranate margarita and munched on the burnt habanero and crema salsa with an order of “fried to order”house made tortilla chips. (Voted Best Chips and Salsa in Ciudad Magazine). They have over 5 different salsas to try. Malo’s simple, creative and gourmet style of authentic Mexican food is very tasty. The taco baskets are a must try. The ground beef and pickle may sound surprising, but it’s kinda like a “taco burger” only wrapped in a fried tortilla shell. The chicken posole with hominy, has a rich and hearty broth with condiments of cilantro and onion. Oh mama, it’s good!! The place is open on the weeknights until the bewitching hour and on the weekends until 1:00am. …Gayot claims “One of the “top 10” best Mexican restaurants in Los Angles” featured on Gayot .com.



Electric Lotus
4656 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA. 90027

The Electric Lotus restaurant sits on the corner of Vermont and Franklin. The harmonious and heavenly scents of curry, tandoori and cardamom fill the candlelit room and encourage an ambitious appetite. Assorted colored floor cushions with round tables are scattered through out the dining room, making it look like a beautiful East Indian temple. Their authentic style and culturally spiced East Indian menu offers a host of traditional tikka’s, samosas and naan breads.
I enjoyed the saag with lamb Coconut curried shrimp, Aloo Gobi.and Daal. A bottle of Indian Shiraz was the perfect compliment for a wonderful evening that felt like we were dining in Bombay.