tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107021562024-03-07T02:02:18.740-08:00My Next MealA chronicle of my ongoing adventures in dining, and remembrances of meals past.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-41767853455239977672008-10-21T11:27:00.000-07:002008-10-21T11:47:28.718-07:00Why Lupa is my favorite restaurant...First...sorry for the long delay in posts. Hopefully I am back to writing at least monthly food posts.<div><br /></div><div>So the topic is - Why is <a href="http://www.luparestaurant.com/">Osteria Lupa</a> my favorite restaurant? Easy...it is consistent and delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's back up. I was working on a movie called Things We Lost in the Fire in early 2007. We did the last three months of post production in New York City (January to March - damn cold it was). I was able to rent a cute little apartment in Soho. It was a great neighborhood to hang in, and if it wasn't for the cold, I might have been converted to being a New Yorker. But Los Angeles rules on weather, so there ya go.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the best part of my apartment is that it was walking distance from Osteria Lupa - a small little Roman Italian joint owned by Mario Batali and under the direction of chef Mark Ladner (a true artist). My first meal there was a Saturday night...it was packed, but I was able to get a seat at the beautiful bar. I was glad I did, because that bar became my spot (I wish more restaurants had eat-in bars...makes being a single party a lot more relaxing). My first meal was an amazing one - the special Lamb Chops Scottadito (truly heaven on a plate) and a parsnip custard that was out of this world (their menu changes seasonally).</div><div><br /></div><div>I was hooked. I literally went to Lupa one to two times a week in those three months. And because of that, I got to try many dishes on the menu: Crispy Duck, Lupa Rabbit Sausage, all their pastas, sardines, wonderful vegetable sides (they specialize in small plates that you can share). And the most amazing thing is that I never had a bad meal. All those times and it was always top notch. I took my brother, Adam, to Lupa and I think he just about died (he is not a fan of lamb, yet said the bite he had of my Scottadito made him a convert).</div><div><br /></div><div>There are favorite restaurants of mine all over that have once in a while given me a mediocre meal. Not Lupa...and that is why it is my favorite. That and they are just plain nice at this joint. Within a couple of weeks they entered me as a "regular" in their computer system. I would walk in and they would say, "Hey, Justin. We'll get you a seat in a bit." You just cannot beat that type of personal touch.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, when in Manhattan, run don't walk to Osteria Lupa. Your taste buds will be very happy with you indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Five Smacks...every single time!!!!!</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>-JB</div><div><br /></div><div>Osteria Lupa</div><div>170 Thompson St.</div><div>New York, NY 10012</div><div>212-982-5083</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1158866108057968412006-09-21T12:12:00.001-07:002006-09-21T17:10:17.676-07:00Vancouver on Per DiemSo, I'm here in Vancouver working on a movie called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469623/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Things We Lost In The Fire</span></a>, starring Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro and David Duchovny. One of the great things about being on location is meeting new people and getting to eat at wonderful restaurants with your per diem (you gotta love per diem).<br /><br />On this week's <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=83219866">podcast</a>, we are introduced to the editing crew: Pernille, Bruce, Shelly and Julia. In <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal011.m4a.m4b">A Week of Lunches in Yaletown</a>, we review lunch spots in Yaletown, a hip part of Vancouver, as well as some diner spots.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Lunches:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.markjamesgroup.com/yaletown.html">Yaletown Brewing Co.</a> - </span>Your basic bar food place...but on a good day, it can be really nice. Unfortunately, it can be hit and miss. <span style="font-style: italic;">Two and a half Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.diningoutguide.com/RestaurantDetail.aspx?ID=6">Hamilton Street Grill</a> - </span></span></span>Depending on what you get here, it can be pretty decent. Good burgers and very good yam fries can be had at this joint. But again, get the wrong thing and you'll be disappointed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Two and a half Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.subeez.com/">Subeez Cafe </a>-</span></span></span> I liked this place. Nice atmosphere and good food. And Shelly really likes the coffee here. It's one of these "you can get anything" type of place. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.simplythairestaurant.com/">Simply Thai </a>-</span></span></span> The best of the lunch places in Yaletown, in my opinion. Very good food, and not too expensive. The noodle dishes are excellent, as is the green curry. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a half Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Diners:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.cru.ca/">Cru</a> -</span></span></span></span></span> Small restaurant with excellent atmosphere. Two owners, the wife is the chef and the husband is the sommelier. I recommend sitting at the bar and ordering from the small plates menu. The food is to notch and they have a great wine by the glass menu that has color codes that match with their food dishes...that way you can pair your own wines. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a half Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.westrestaurant.com/westrestaurant/">West</a> -</span></span></span> I have not gone here (it looks a little too California Cuisine to me). But Bruce and Pernille have both gone and loved it. Pernille has actually gone several times. She says the food is quite good, but the wines are too expensive. She gives it four smacks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.vijs.ca/index_in.htm">Vij's</a> -</span> So far, this is one of my favorites. A high end Indian restaurant, you pretty much can't go wrong here. They don't take reservations, so there is a wait for tables...but they have a wonderful bar and bring around free appetizers (I wish more restaurants did this). The best dish is the Lamb Popsicles (grilled rack of lamb in a creamy, curry sauce). It is to die for. I would definitely say this is a must go if you are visiting or living in Vancouver. <span style="font-style: italic;">Five Smacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />-JB</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1155227261696531702006-08-10T07:59:00.000-07:002006-08-10T09:27:41.803-07:00Love them Texas Eats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/cocomerpie.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/320/cocomerpie.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In this week's <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=83219866">podcast</a>, I join my other family - the Ordeneaux Clan - for some excellent eats in the Dallas area of Texas (Wylie, Murphy, Richardson and Plano). This <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal010.m4a">episode</a> is special to me because it's the first time you get to hear from Renee's family (wonderful people who I love as much as my own family).<br /><br />My guests include sisters Chantel Bardin and Michelle Jones, mother Beverly Almaraz and brother in law Matt Jones (who can be heard on the <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=81505240">podcast</a> <a href="http://www.lostcasts.com/">LOSTCasts</a>).<br /><br />For those of you Californians who think Texas has nothing to offer (I used to be one of you), I have one thing to say...get your head out of your asses! Texas is a great place to visit and has great restaurants to try. Big servings and outstanding flavors are awaiting you in the Lone Star State.<br /><br />The best place we went to was a TEX-MEX restaurant called <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://cityguide.aol.com/dallas/dining/venue.adp?sbid=301963">Casa Milagro</a> </span>- 1403 E. Campbell Rd., Suite #110, Richardson, TX 75081, (972) 234-6999. This consistent <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smack</span> restaurant has excellent tex-mex cuisine (best I've ever had). While in the Dallas are, you have to check it out. Great chili rellenos! Everyone agreed that this is the best place for tex-mex.<br /><br />Matt and Michelle listed off some of their other favorite tex-mex restaurants, including:<br /><a href="http://www.miastexmex.com/">Mia</a>'s, <a href="http://www.lunadenoche.net/">Luna de Noche</a>, <a href="http://dallas.citysearch.com/profile/9592608/">El Ranchito</a>, <a href="http://www.dallasfood.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=38">Manny's</a>, <a href="http://www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-21788105-United_States_Texas_Dallas_Herreras.html">Herreras</a> and <a href="http://www.monicas.com/">Monica's</a> (transvestite host).<br /><br />We also went to <a href="http://dallas.citysearch.com/profile/41416421/addison_tx/flying_fish.html">The Flying Fish</a>, a seafood restaurant that is best when ordering the fried stuff (fried shrimp and catfish...yum). Renee really, <span style="font-style: italic;">really </span>liked the hushpuppies. Love the giant beers as well. While not great, you definitely get your money's worth here. I gave it two and a half smacks on the podcast, but I'll up it to <span style="font-style: italic;">three smacks</span>...it delivers what it advertises.<br /><br />We also went out to my favorite breakfast spot while visiting our family - <a href="http://chefmoz.org/United_States/TX/Wylie/Ballard_Street_Cafe_and_Grill1056943114.html">Ballard Street Cafe</a> in Wylie. Great biscuits and gravy, grits and egg dishes all at a quite cheap price (you can't beat a big breakfast for under $10). Renee gave it two smacks, but as Matt points out, you can't trust a pseudo vegetarian at a greasy spoon like Ballard Street. "Hey, I'm Renee...this place doesn't have good coffee...<span style="font-style: italic;">whine, whine</span>." The rest of us gives breakfast at Ballard Street Cafe <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks!</span><br /><br />Finally, Matt took me on a road-trip to a BBQ joint called <a href="http://clarksoutpost.com/">Clark's Outpost</a>. You get some great eats here (Matt says that it is consistently in the top ten BBQ joints in Texas). I loved it...smokin' tender brisket and melt in your mouth smoked turkey was my favorite. It also had great sides (perfectly cooked collard greens, giant onion rings and fried cheese squares). We finished off with a big hunk of Coconut Meringue Cream Pie (pictured above)! Delicious!!!! You can also order online! <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks</span>.<br /><br />I had a great time doing the podcast with my Texas family. Can't wait 'till the next time.<br /><br /><br />-JB<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1154303345415823062006-07-30T16:36:00.000-07:002006-07-30T16:57:05.116-07:00Erna's Elderberry House...Damn Good!<a href="http://www.elderberryhouse.com/">Erna's Elderberry House </a>is a definite 5 Smack experience! My parents, Jan and Larry, go on to say that it is better than Napa Valley's The French Laundry! So if you have the dough, and you are in Oakhurst, you have to go to this fine restaurant. Here is the menu that we had:<br /><br />Amuse Bouche - Roasted Veal Sweetbread on Summer Squash Pudding with Asparagas, Opal Squash and Carrot reduction. <span style="font-style: italic;">Paired with Boncillou Cuvee Lerose, Corbieres 2004<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span>Marinated Gulf Shirmp, Tomato Risotto with water chestnuts, Pecorino Romano and Chinese Long Beans in a Yellow Bean-Leak Broth. <span style="font-style: italic;">Paired with Fort Ross Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2002</span><br /><br />Whie Corn Soup with a Wild Mushroom Dumpling and White Truffle Emulsion. <span style="font-style: italic;">Paired with Marc Kreydenweiss Les Charmes Gewurztaminer, Alsace 2003<br /><br /></span>Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Lamb's Quarters, Red Wine-Torpedo Onion Jam, Lacito Kale and Bok Choy with Lavender-Beef Jus. <span style="font-style: italic;">Paired with Westbrook Wine Farm Fait Accompli, Madera County 2003<br /><br /></span>Salad of Baby Field Greens, Arugaula and Lentils, Roasted Red Peppers and Savory-Champagne Vinaigerette (and tapanade).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Pecan Waffle with Blueberry Sorbet and Dark Chocolate Mouse. <span style="font-style: italic;">Paired with Rudolf Muller Riesling Eiswein, Rheinessen 2004</span><br /><br /><br />This place is a winner...and quite beautiful with excellent service. A must try!<br /><br /><br />-JB<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1152508054316528702006-07-09T21:40:00.000-07:002006-07-18T05:58:36.726-07:00Australia - My Next Meal Episode #008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/IMG_0787.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/200/IMG_0787.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On this week's <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal008.m4a">episode</a>, Justin and Renee discuss their trip to Australia. We hear the sounds of the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/kratts/world/aust/flyingfox/index.html">Flying Fox</a> and the Kangaroo Island <a href="http://www.bestofkangarooisland.com.au/">Penguins</a>.<br /><br />Renee and Justin review several restaurants in Australia...four in Sydney and one (a Bed and Breakfast) on Kangaroo Island. Special thanks to Norm, Madge and fellow Los Angelenos, Kristen and Jeff for helping out with the podcast!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=sydney@153&cur_section=din&property_id=58035">bills</a> - a breakfast spot in Sydney, quite popular with the locals. This place loves the fat! But it was a little much for my taste (can you believe that). I give it <span style="font-style: italic;">two and a half smacks</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tetsuyas.com/">Tetsuya's</a> - one of the most highly rated and expensive restaurants in Sydney. Little plates of food meant to impress...but we were more impressed with the wine pairings. <span style="font-style: italic;">Two and a half smacks</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=sydney@153&cur_section=din&property_id=309043">Billy Kwong</a> - a high end Chinese restaurant in Sydney. We were tired when we went here, but it is worth a trip. Very good and unusual dishes to be had here. But get there early...there is a line to get in and they do not take reservations. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three Smack</span>s!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bungalow8sydney.com/home.html">Bungalow 8</a> - a seafood restaurant/bar on the wharf in Sydney...with club music to groove to. The seafood here is wonderful. The best dishes are the garlic shrimp and the bucket o' mussels. <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks</span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.correacorner.com.au/">Correa Corner</a> - an awesome bed and breakfast on Kangaroo Island. This was the highlight of the trip. The hosts, Norm and Madge, are wonderful people who will give you a stay to remember. The food is incredible! A must if you go to Kangaroo Island. <span style="font-style: italic;">Five Smacks!<br /><br /><br />-</span>JB<br /><br />Subscribe for the podcast at <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=83219866">itunes</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1150051020244465992006-06-11T11:10:00.000-07:002006-07-08T18:51:23.800-07:00Brothers - My Next Meal Episode #007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/105_0528.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/320/105_0528.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On this week's <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal007.m4a">episode</a>, I talk with my brother, Adam Bourret. Adam cooks some dishes for the family. Adam talks about his introduction to Asian cooking by celebrity chef, <a href="http://www.yancancook.com/">Martin Yan</a> and discussess his views on Vegan and Asian cooking.<br /><br />We also talk about to great Asian Los Angeles Restaurants - <a href="http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/32557961/">Cholada</a> and <a href="http://www.yangchow.com/">Yang Chow</a>. Adam is probably the best amateur chef that I know, so enjoy!<br /><br /><br />- JB<br /><br />Subscribe for my <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=83219866">podcast</a> at itunes store.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1148055901548858492006-05-19T09:07:00.000-07:002006-07-10T18:11:23.353-07:00My Next Meal #006 - Passover 2006<ul> <li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/Pass04_Matzoh%20Ball%20Soup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 207px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/320/Pass04_Matzoh%20Ball%20Soup.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></li> </ul> In this week's <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal006.m4a">podcast</a>, I share my secrets to making awesome vegetarian matzah balls. Listen in as family and friends review the soup and my brother, Adam Bourret, shares his new Passover Song! Enjoy....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BEST G** DAMN VEGETARIAN MATZAH BALLS<br /><br /></span> <ul> <li>2 Tblsp Olive Oil</li> <li>1/2 Cup Matzah Meal</li> <li>2 eggs, beaten</li> <li>1Tsp Minced Dill</li> <li>2Tblsp Vegetarian Stock</li> <li>1Tsp Salt</li> <li>1 Bowl of Vegetarian Stock for Rolling Balls</li> </ul> Beat Eggs and Olive Oil together in a large bowl. Mix in Matzah Meal, Stock, Dill and Salt until smooth. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.<br /><br />After refrigerated, take out mixture and form into walnut-sized balls with your hands. Coat your hands in the bowl of stock before forming each ball.<br /><br />Bring to boil a large pot of salted water. Put in the formed balls and reduce to medium heat. Cover and cook balls for 30 minutes. They will expand, so don't overpack the pot. Remove cooked balls from water with slotted spoon and store until ready to put in soup.<br /><br />When you are an hour away from serving the soup, add balls to soup and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup cook with the balls for about 30 minutes. Serve and Enjoy!<br /><br /><br />-JB<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1137701604354345842006-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:002006-07-10T18:10:45.696-07:00Strange Meat - Episode#005 (01/18/2006)On <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal005.m4a">this week's episode</a>, I had on my wife Renee and my parents Jan and Larry. We went to the <a href="http://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saddle Peak Lodge</span></a> for dinner. Lots of great game to be had at this joint. Here is the breakdown of our ratings:<br /><br />Jan - Three Smacks<br />Renee - Three and a half Smacks<br />Justin - 4 Smacks<br />Larry - 5 Smacks<br /><br />And the wacky restaurant I mention from Montreal is called <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/montreal/D53700.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Au Pied de Cochon</span></a>. Be warned, it has unusual dishes not for the weak stomach. My rating - 3 Smacks (Although I did not feel well after the meal, it is definitely worth it for the uniqueness of the joint).<br /><br />Finally, the book Renee was talking about that featured Osterias is Italy comes from the <a href="http://www.slowfood.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Slow Food</span></a>. Check out their website. It is way cool.<br /><br />- JBAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1128612980531968862005-10-06T08:13:00.000-07:002006-07-10T18:09:56.376-07:00Why Osteria La Buca Rules!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/hmpasta1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/320/hmpasta1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Great Italian is hard to come by...hell, good Italian is hard to come by. I have several restaurants that come close in Los Angeles, <a href="http://www.angeliniosteria.com/pages/507365/index.htm">Angelini Osteria</a> comes to mind, but none come close to the brilliance of <a href="http://www.osterialabuca.com/olb.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Osteria La Buca</span></a>. (<a href="http://homepage.mac.com/justin_bourret/podcasts/MyNextMeal001.m4a">episode here</a>)<br /><br />Why do I say brilliant? Because they do nothing fancy at this small (about to become larger) Osteria owned and run by Italians. They concentrate on great, homemade pasta that kicks ass. Some of my favorites are the Trenette al Pesto and the Trenette Carbonara (the best Carbonara I have ever had). The sauces are light and simple in order to highlight the homemade pasta that melts in your mouth. La Buca also have great appetizers, including their fried calamari done Venice style that is to die for. Their ice tea is just delicious and although they have no liquor license, they allow you to bring your own and have no corkage fee. The desserts also rock...ohhhh, pana cotta. My one and only complaint is that their pizza is standard issue, which does not matter much to me since it seems silly not to order pasta in a place that has made homeade pasta an artform.<br /><br />The restaurant is decorated with pictures from classic Italian movies and has great service. At lunch, there often is an Italian soccer game on the TV in the background. You really get the feeling that you are in Italy while dining at Osteria La Buca. And the prices are quite resonable (I have never understood the Italian restaurants that break the bank). If you live in Los Angeles and love Italian, you have to go to this place. Who knows, you may be going there often...I know I will. <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks!<br /><br /></span>- JB<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.osterialabuca.com/olb.html">Osteria La Buca</a> - 5210 1/2 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038 (323) 462-1900</span><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1127517505453982042005-09-23T15:58:00.000-07:002005-10-06T08:37:58.156-07:00Love that Cat (and the fiddle)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/patio_for_homepage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/200/patio_for_homepage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It may sound like an easy dish, but good fish and chips are hard to come by in Los Angeles. The best can be had at <a href="http://www.thecatandfiddle.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cat and the Fiddle</span></a>. You can choose from two types of fish, the cod and the more expensive sole (go with the cod).<br /><br />My friend Jernard and I went there last night and had a blast. In fact, I don't think I have ever had a bad time at Cat and the Fiddle. Yet again I had the fish and chips - fried perfectly and not too greasy. Besides the chips, the fish comes with the traditional green peas, which is also cooked perfectly. The other dish I like there is their homemade bangers and mash, but your stomach has to be in the right mood for this dish (rich, but tasty).<br /><br />But more importantly, Cat and the Fiddle has one of Los Angeles' few outdoor courtyards...and what an amazing courtyard it is. Perfect for lunches, and at night it becomes quite the party (they have live Jazz on Sunday nights). This fun setting makes it perfect for going out with friends. Jernard and I had a great time last night talking, checking out the scene and throwing back a few pints. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a Half</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Smacks!<br /><br />- </span>JB<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.thecatandfiddle.com/">Cat and the Fiddle</a> - 6530 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90028; (323)468-3800</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1127172385666640562005-09-19T15:06:00.000-07:002005-10-06T08:38:49.330-07:00When In Oahu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/1600/Diamondhead.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1130/839/320/Diamondhead.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oahu is the island that many tourists say, "I'll look around, but I'd rather stay at (add name of other Hawaiian Island here). Now, I am a bit biased (I lived in Honolulu from 6 months to 7 years old), but Oahu is actually is a great place to visit and live. You have the beautiful ocean and countyside, plus you have something that the other islands do not have...a large, fun city. Many would agree that the other Hawaiian Islands do not have the best restaurants (save for the Big Island). But Honolulu has some real gems, and lots of them.<br /><br />On my most recent trip while visiting my best friend Marvin, his wife and my friend Masako and their new little baby, Dylan Cho and his mother Barbara, I had some of the best meals that I have eaten in a long time. Here are some of the highlights.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sorabol</span> - A fantastic Korean Restaurant. The menu is huge, with so many dishes that you could go for a couple of weeks and have something new each day. We had quite a feast there...instead of bread they brought out Kim Chee (the best I have ever had) and other salad novelties (more places should replace boring bread with something more special to their cuisine); a Korean version of poke with mixed greens, ahi and a chili paste; Chicken with vegetables (the only non-spicy thing we had which made it a refreshing alternative); an excellent Bee-bim Bop; stir-fried Octopus in a kind of smoky and spicy sauce; and a Clay Pot soup with tofu and other delights that knocked all of us out of our socks (literally, it was that spicy). Obviously, if you are not into spicy food, this is not the place for you. But if you are adventurous like me, this is a must try. Note: They ended the meal with a sweet rice drink that tasted like it came from the Gods. <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hakone </span>- Within the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki lives Hakone, a wonderful Japanese restaurant that serves an all-you-can-eat buffet on Friday and Saturday nights that boggles the mind (and quickly fills the stomach). They have a sushi bar; delicious sashimi; Japanese pickles; <a href="http://japanesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011402a.htm">Oden</a> (a Japanese stew that is to die for); tempura soft shell crab and other delights; oysters; salads; and much much more. And if you can save the room, I didn't, they have desserts as well. It is expensive, but well worth it. Just exercise before you go to bed to work off all that food you ate. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a Half Smacks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nuuanu Open Market </span>- Literally a small open shed like restaurant that has some great Thai food. It has one of the best renditions of pad Thai I have had in a long time and it's green curry is full of flavor. It also has the best thai ice tea...ever! This is an inexpensive restaurant that has some excellent food. A real find. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a half Smacks.</span><br /><br />So when in Oahu, remember that there are some good eats to have as well as some great adventures (Shark's Cove...excellent snorkeling. Sunset Beach...great surfing).<br /><br />- JB<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.anytimegrinds.com/information.asp?ID=566">Sorabol</a> - 805 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96814; (808) 947-3113</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hph/Hotel_Features/dining.asp">Hakone</a> - Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St., Honolulu, HI 96815; (808) 956-1111<br /><br />Nuuanu Open Market - 1627 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817; (808) 585-8839<br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1115680036516315362005-05-09T16:06:00.000-07:002005-09-19T15:03:31.696-07:00The Best of TorontoSorry for the delay in my postings, but I was busy moving back to Los Angeles. So here is my Best of Toronto issue. Enjoy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Favorite Restaurant – Breakfast</span></span><br /><br />Without a doubt, the honors go to breakfast at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bar Mercurio</span>. It is a hip looking restaurant that seems straight out of Italy. Dinners are very good and reliable here (loved the Rib-Eye special and the Duck Pasta), but it was breakfast where Bar Mercurio shined. The reason (besides the great coffee)? Because Chef (Johnny) Giancarlo Manza runs the ship during the day. His creations are outstanding…Smoked Salmon Benedict, French Toast with Brie Cheese…all excellent. And because the kitchen is open to the dinning room, you can watch Chef Manza at work making breakfast, preparing for lunch and baking fresh bread.<br /><br />But more important is that he is a great guy. I have never felt more welcome than at this restaurant. Let me give you an example. I went to Bar Mercurio for my last four Saturdays in Toronto. After the first time, Chef Manza would greet me with a warm smile. On my last Saturday, he told the waitress to forget handing me a menu because he was going to make me “something special.” He started to ask if there were certain ingredients that I did not care for, not realizing that I’ll eat most things. I told him to create away. What came to me was a mold of scrambled eggs with sautéed pieces of prosciutto, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus and roasted red peppers over mixed greens. It was then topped with a slice of Brie cheese and thinly, sliced prosciutto as a garnish. After marveling at this piece of art, I took my first bite. I was in heaven. It reminded me of some of the dishes I had at the Italian Villa I stayed at (more on that in a future flashback). When I asked him what this dish was called, he asked for my name. I said that my name was Justin. He then replied, “I call it Justin’s Special.” I was taken aback. I’ve never had something named after me. I felt so honored. In fact, waitresses started telling patrons that the special of the day was “Justin’s Special.”<br /><br />If you live in Toronto, start making this place part of your Saturday morning routine. And if you’re visiting, you have to put Bar Mercurio on your list of restaurants to try. You will not be disappointed. And if you see Chef Giancarlo Manza, tell him that Justin says “hi.” Who knows, maybe he’ll make you my special.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Favorite Restaurant – Dinner</span></span><br /><br />One word…<span style="font-weight: bold;">Grano</span>. I know, I know, another Italian place…but it’s such a great spot. When you walk into Grano, you cannot but help to think you have just walked into someone’s home. The warm smiles from the staff, the pictures on the wall, the hardwood and the wonderful home cooked smells wafting in from the kitchen. On our first visit, the manager gave us a free loaf of fresh baked bread to take home…classy!<br /><br />You really cannot go wrong with the food here. In my never ending search for the perfect fried calamari, Grano’s version definitely ranks up there…perfectly fried, fresh tasting and nothing but fresh lemons to squeeze over it which brought me back to some of the calamari I had in Venice. They have a Rib-Eye steak that is grilled and sprinkled with fresh arugula that is fantastic. The addition of arugula is a Tuscan specialty, and this was the first time I have seen it done somewhere besides in Italy. But the real star here is their pasta! Delicious, understated and delicately prepared pastas. I had a special pasta with smoked chicken that knocked my socks off. And their desserts kick ass as well (oh, tiramisu).<br /><br />BC, BF and I took our Canadian crew to Grano for our farewell dinner. And what a special night it was (flashback status). Dawn, Russell, Sonja and Dave made that evening (and our stay in general) so much fun…and we ate and drank like there was no tomorrow. Dawn even convinced our waiter that film editing was the career for him (and he was a great waiter). Russell made cock jokes (there was a big rooster statue on our table) that also added to the fun (and laughter). So Grano is not only special to me because it is damn good, but it is where I got to thank some great friends that I miss dearly. Which brings me to…<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Favorite Restaurants – Lunch</span></span><br /><br />Yes, I said restaurants. This is because Dawn, Russell and Sonja picked out some great places to order from and go to while we worked that made lunch time in Toronto something special. It was so nice not having to think of where to go for lunch. They took care of that for us. Here is a list of some of my favorites:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Oven</span> – Healthy and delicious do not always go hand at hand. But at this pizza/pasta joint, you can get your spelt or wheat carbs and have them be damn tasty as well. My favorite…Thai basil pesto, tomato sauce and chicken pizza on spelt crust. So good that I had to have it once a week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden Thai</span> – This has some of the best Thai food that I have had in the states (uh, I mean North America). Great green curry, pad thai, sautéed eggplant and coconut rice. I could go here every day, but then I am a Thai freak. A must try while in Toronto.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. Lawrence Market</span> – Not only will you find some good food here, but also St. Lawrence Market is worth a trip just to check out the scene. A gigantic indoor market, you can shop for food items on the top floor, and then get some lunch in one of the many stalls downstairs. My favorite was a Russian deli that had great sides that you could pick from to make a great combo plate. They have this chicken breast with wine and sweet onions that is to die for. When you visit here, give yourself some time to wander down the many corridors of this fantastic spot. You will not be disappointed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Best Splurge</span></span><br /><br />For a special (expensive) night out with your significant other, you have to go to Chiado, a Portuguese Seafood restaurant on College Street in Toronto’s Little Italy. Let me put it this way…it was so good that I wanted to book a flight to Portugal. My advice - do not order off the menu but rather pick your catch off of their special platter that they bring to each table. This contains their picks for freshest fish. The fish comes to you grilled with a bit of lemon juice on top. Fantastic!<br /><br /><br />So there it is. I had many great meals in Toronto, but these were my favorites. I’ll continue on with reviews of Los Angeles restaurants. So long, Toronto. I will miss you.<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/146991/">Bar Mercurio</a> - 270 Bloor W, Toronto (416) 960-3877<br /><br /><a href="http://www.grano.ca/">Grano</a> - 2035 Young St., Toronto (416) 440-1986<br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/180728"><br />Magic Oven</a> - 788 Broadview, Toronto (416) 466-0111<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/146443">Golden Thai</a> - 105 Church, Toronto (416) 868-6668<br /><br /><a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/">St. Lawrence Market</a> - At King St. and Jarvis<br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/191666"><br />Chiado</a> - 864 College, Toronto (416) 538-1910Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1111101532564885512005-03-17T15:18:00.000-08:002005-03-17T15:28:51.983-08:00Dim Sum and Then SumMy brother and I were awful eaters as children. Is it green? Hate it! Is there sauce on that? Don’t want it! It’s not pizza? Forget about it! The exception to the rule was when we would go to Dim Sum in San Francisco. Chicken Feet? Yes, please! Sui Mai? Give us more! Is it green? No, it’s dim sum!<br /><br />Needless to say, we both got over our bad eating habits and are now both excellent foodies. But dim sum will always have a special place in our hearts.<br /><br />Which brings me to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lai Wah Heen</span>. When I got to Toronto, I heard from fellow LA film biz folk and dining guides that this Chinese restaurant in the Metropolitan Hotel was the best dim sum…ever! When you walk in, you realize you are in a swanky place – it is quite beautiful inside. And the dim sum is has fresh ingredients with interesting twists on the ol’favorites…that is only the start of my problems with this restaurant. I am a dim sum purist. To bring in California cuisine to dim sum is just plain wrong. When I get sesame seed balls, I do not want them filled with chocolate, it has to be black bean paste. Another problem is that you order off the menu…no carts! The carts are what make dim sum such an experience. When you pick off a cart, you get much more variety than choosing from a menu. Then came the check. Dining at Lai Wah Heen is almost twice as much as you would pay at a normal dim sum joint. I was not impressed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Two and a Half Smacks</span>.<br /><br />Our Canadian Crew, Dawn, Russell and Sonja, told us about a dim sum restaurant near our apartment. I was so happy when I entered <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pink Pearl</span> for the first time…lots and lots of carts. Pink Pearl is a small little restaurant that is quite homey (perfect for families). The dim sum was very good, almost on par with some of my favorite San Francisco spots. They have a lot of different varieties (carts help, folks) that you can choose from. And yes, the sesame balls had bean paste in them. My wife Renee and I also went there once for dinner. Their dinner plates are very light compared to most Chinese fare. We had a plate of walnut shrimp which were sautéed instead of deep-fried…a welcomed treat. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and a Half Smacks</span>.<br /><br />Finally, BC and I ventured to Toronto’s Chinatown to try the dim sum at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bright Pearl Seafood</span>. It is a large dim sum palace on the 2nd floor of a shopping center and was packed with people (this place looked the most like what you are used too when going to dim sum). My one complaint with this restaurant is that they took a long time to get the carts to us (BC had a hard time getting his Sui Mai fix. There was one funny moment when we heard a cart lady shout out “Sui Mai” and then turn away from us…I thought BC was going to run off and stop her). The dim sum is good, not great, but good. They also have a fry station where you can get custom orders of pot stickers and the like. <span style="font-style: italic;">Three Smacks</span>.<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.metropolitan.com/lwh/">Lai Wah Heen</a> - Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut St., Toronto (416) 977-9899<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/146880">Pink Pearl</a> - 120 Avenue Rd., Toronto (416) 966-3631<br /><br /><a href="http://static.highbeam.com/t/torontolife/april012003/brightpearlseafoodrestaurantreview/">Bright Pearl Seafood</a> - 346-348 Spandina Ave., 2nd Floor, Toronto (416) 979-3988Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1110826939619297592005-03-14T11:01:00.000-08:002005-03-14T11:07:01.833-08:00Susur - Almost Perfect...AlmostI was a little worried going to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Susur</span> - Susur Lee has been ranked one of the ten best chefs in the world and everyone who had gone there was telling us that it would be an experience to remember. Well, it definitely was a memorable meal. The food was excellently prepared and presented, while the service was attentive and quite professional. Was it a home run? No, but Susur still is so good that you will understand why it is so expensive (it is great to spend a nice sum of money on dinner and have it actually be worth it all).<br /><br />I went with BC and BF and we all had the 5 course-tasting menu (during the week they have as seven course as well). Basically, this is a place where you want the chef to serve you up omakase style...you can order a la carte, but I highly recommend sticking with the tasting menu. They had several different items for each course, which allowed them to mix it up on the table so that we each had something different (Well, different from BF as I always seemed to get the same thing as BC).<br /><br />I started out with grapes stuffed with black olives (not a big black olive fan, but it made a great combination of flavors). Next came the meat course – BC and I had the lamb over a peanut sauce. The lamb was probably the best I have had (did not have that strong after flavor that lamb can often have). It was perfectly cook and quite tender. BF had tenderloin that he also enjoyed…although he was eyeing our lamb. Third course brought out the first of the fish. BC and I had a seared ahi with a wasabi-cream sauce. The wasabi had just enough zing without destroying our nasal passages. I liked, but did not love the ahi. Our fourth course was a mixture of shrimp and scallops fried in a ball…I really liked this dish. It was perfectly fried and had a great deal of flavor. (You are all probably wondering what BF was having…I lost track after the tenderloin…sorry).<br /><br />Then came the dessert course…this is where I should have had a pad and paper. I have totally forgotten what we all had! But this goes to more why Susur was a near miss for flashback status. I remember the dessert being good, but not great.<br /><br />Susur also has an extensive wine list from all over the world. We decided on a Tuscan variety that fit the meal. All in all, Susur was a wonderful experience. Was it perfect? No, but not many restaurants are. <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks</span>!<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.susur.com/">Susur</a> - 601 King St. West, Toronto (416) 603-2205Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1110161229192171092005-03-06T21:00:00.000-08:002005-03-06T18:07:09.196-08:00Bar Mercurio - My Kind of PlaceSince I have been in Toronto, I've been wanting to find a restaurant near me that can be my spot. I believe I have found that in an Italian restaurant called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bar Mercurio</span>. BC and I went there for dinner on Wednesday night while we waited for the production we are working on to screen dailies...late, late at night (don't ask). It is a lovely little place that seems quite popular and has the kitchen in the dining room so you can watch the chefs at work. It has modern decor that screams big city.<br /><br />BC had them make a pasta arrabiata that was not on the menu (they do custom orders if you are in the mood for something specific) that he thought was quite tasty. I started out with their cajun grilled calamari that was perfectly cooked. For my main course, I had their pappardelle with truffled duck ragout...delicious. The truffle oil with the ground duck was a great combination that made me wanting more as I finished the dish. There was also a special that night of a grilled, bone-in tuscan steak that some people at the table next to us had that looked so good, I almost considered having that for another course...but that would have been absurd (or would it have?).<br /><br />Before we left, I saw that it was open for breakfast as well. So I went back on Saturday morning to try their brunch. It was not nearly as crowded, but just as good. I had their special smoked benedict (eggs benedict with grilled tomatoes, roasted red peppers and house-smoked salmon). The hollandaise sauce was creamy with a hint of lemon, just as it should be. I have had a hard time finding a good breakfast joint in this city, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bar Mercurio</span> finally gave me the breakfast I was yearning. And it was the best coffee I have had since arriving in Toronto. As I ate, I watched the chef as he prepped for the day. He spoke Italian to an older woman who kept bringing out freshly, baked bread. If I closed my eyes, it was almost like being a small osteria in Italy.<br /><br />I will be venturing out again to Bar Mercurio...many times! <span style="font-style: italic;">Three and Half Smacks</span>.<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.toronto.com/profile/146991/">Bar Mercurio</a> - 270 Bloor Street West, Toronto (416) 960-3877Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1109628402370157562005-02-28T13:44:00.000-08:002005-03-17T15:33:05.006-08:00Joso's - Sexy FishThe moment you walk into <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joso's</span>, you feel right at home. It is designed like a mid-century bordello (complete with the velvet chairs and sexy paintings/pictures...they really like breasts there). The waitstaff are friendly and the surroundings are quite relaxing.<br /><br />Although <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joso's</span> has some meat dishes, fish is the big deal here. And man, do they know how to cook the fish. I went with BC, and we both liked our dishes. I started out with the <span style="font-style: italic;">grilled sardines</span> appetizer (like Chiado, they bright out the fresh fish on a platter for you to pick from). The sardines were very good, not as good as Chiado, but Chiado is in a class of its own so it is unfair of me to compare. For my main dish, I had <span style="font-style: italic;">grilled octopus</span>. This was without a doubt, the best octopus I have ever had. So moist and delicate, it melted in your mouth. BC had a whole fish (the name escapes us...we had a lot of wine). His fish was well prepared and fell off the bone.<br /><br />For desert, I had a <span style="font-style: italic;">creme brule</span> that was excellent - it was the prefect amount of creaminess. Both BC and I had a very strong <span style="font-style: italic;">fig grappa</span> (I am not a huge grappa fan, but this was quite good...and did I mention strong). Luckily, the drive back to our apartment was not to far. I'll definitely make another trip back to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joso's</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Smacks</span>!<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><a href="http://www.josos.com/">Joso</a>'s - 202 Davenport Rd., Toronto (416) 925-1903Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1109361789048165512005-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:002005-02-25T13:06:42.913-08:00Drink of the GodsIf it was not for Renée, I would never have had the pleasure of tasting the <span style="font-style: italic;">Drink of the Gods</span>. She happened upon this awesome drink while touring Toronto's historic distillery district - an old distillery that has been converted into cool shops and restaurants. She happened upon a chocolate maker shop called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Soma</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span> (a place right of Willy Wonka) where she was introduced to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Drink of the Gods</span>.<br /><br />Basically, the <span style="font-style: italic;">Drink of the Gods</span> is a mayan hot chocolate blend of chocolate elixir, chilli peppers, ginger, orange peel, madagascar vanilla and a "unique blend of spices." This mixture is then blended in with a little hot water...that's it...a shot of pure, thick and spicy chocolate. It tastes like...well, a drink from the Gods. You can also have this mixed in with steamed milk and/or expresso. Although both of these options are tasty, you really have not experienced chocolate until you try the intense shot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Soma</span> also makes excellent chocolates and cookies. My favorite is Caramel Chocolates dusted with Fleur de Sel (there is something about combining salt and caramel that is pure heaven). I wish we had a Soma in the states, but for now you will have to settle on making this place a must visit while in Toronto (or order online). <span style="font-style: italic;">Five Smacks</span>!!!<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.somachocolate.com/">Soma</a> - 55 Mill Street Building 47 Suite 102, Toronto m5a 3c4 (416) 816-SomaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108769085566341942005-02-18T18:46:00.000-08:002005-02-18T15:48:00.596-08:00Blowfish Far From BlowsOn Thursday night, BC and I joined a director we had worked with before named JC at a restaurant called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blowfish</span>. Although I was at first disappointed that they did not actually serve blowfish, it turned out to be a lovely evening. The restaurant is very hip and modern looking, and is quite popular (the place was so packed, it was impossible to get a seat at the sushi bar).<br /><br />After standing at the bar for a little while sipping some japenese sake (smooth and dry, it was perfect) and eating edamame (their alternative to bread), we got a table an ordered some more sake and food. JC ordered a flask of unfiltered sake that looked like milk, but had a sweet taste to it that was just delicious. Then came the food...lots and lots of food. We started with the Blowfish Giant Ebi Shooter - a superb concoction of a tiger prawn, mango, avocado, tempura bits, kewpie and tobikko wrapped in soy paper and served in a shot glass. Our waiter (really nice and funny guy) suggested that we eat it from top to bottom so we can experience all the different flavors involved. He was right - at the top you tasted the excellent shrimp and tempura bits, while at the bottom you got the sweetness of the mango. Let's just say that this dish alone sold me on Blowfish.<br /><br />Then came out the rest of our order - Crispy Chicken Kara-Age with a light curry and spicy miso dip, Mashed Wasabi Sweet Potatoes (holly crap this was good), Battered Tuna Roll (very light with a sweet korean chili drizzle), Red Hot Curry Salmon Roll (hot smoked salmon with a japanese chili, curry drizzle that knocked my socks off), Blue Snow Roll (basically a glorified rainbow roll...this one was my least favorite) and a Brown-Eyed Pea Roll (great roll for vegetarians and meaties alike...brown rice, snow peas, asparagus and spicy kewpie).<br /><br />Well, we were stuffed after all these items...but our waiter really wanted us to try some dessert. He brought us out a sampling of banana tempura rolls (oh...my...god...) and flourless chocolate cake. If you are picking between these two, go with the banana...you'll be glad you did.<br /><br />And all this good food was even made better by the company. Both BC and JC are great guys to eat with...we talked about food, places we should eat next, politics, poker... And Blowfish is definitely a place to go with friends you like to hang and eat with. They also have their own DJ, which plays way cool tunage. There is something about eating sushi and listening to <span style="font-style: italic;">White Lines</span> play in the background that is quite perfect. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Four Smacks</span>!<br /><br />- JB<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blowfishrestaurant.com/">Blowfish</a> - 668 King St. W, Toronto, ON (416) 860-0606 <span style="font-style: italic;">Closed Sunday<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/103/103290.html">What the heck is kewpie?</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108602318498340232005-02-16T14:47:00.000-08:002005-02-18T06:25:22.943-08:00Culinary Flashback - Miami, Fall 2002Sometimes, memories of other's reactions to food can be as strong as your own. In the Fall of 2002, BC and I were on location on a movie set in Miami. We started a trend of going to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nobu Miami Beach</span> (of famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa) every other Saturday night.<br /><br />My flashback is of the first time we went to Nobu. Remember, this is per diem money we are talking about, so BC and I decided to go all out...ordering the best fish and best quality sake. The waiter let us know that they had a special - white truffles sliced on an order of their new style salmon (new style is a traditional Nobu dish of thinly sliced fish, covered in yuzu juice/soy sauce combination and lightly seared by hot olive and sesame seed oil). The waiter said that the truffles would be a great addition to this dish. BC told me that he had never tried truffles before (and if any of you have not, go out and try them...a very sensual and earthy flavor...tastes like sex).<br /><br />I immediately told the waiter to order us up a plate. It came out to us a little bit later after we had a couple glasses of sake in frozen bamboo cups. I looked down at these delicate slices of salmon topped with thin, white slices of truffle. This amazing, pungent smell of the truffles filled the air, begging us to take a bite. I looked up at BC and said, "Go ahead, you first." BC picked up a piece of the fish/truffle combination, stared at it for a moment and then placed it in his mouth. Immediately, a look of euphoria came across his face. It looked like he had just tasted food directly from heaven. BC then gave a slight smile...he did not need to say anything, I knew what he was thinking. I'll never forget that look on BC's face. It made me wish that it was my first tasting the truffles...although, by watching BC, it was almost like I was experiencing it again.<br /><br />- JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nobumatsuhisa.com/flash/index.html">Nobu</a> - 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 695-3232<br /><a href="http://starchefs.com/sushi_and_wine/html/recipes_03.shtml"><br />Nobu Matsuhisa's New Style Sashimi</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108352428387915712005-02-13T19:14:00.000-08:002005-02-16T11:10:43.736-08:00Oysters and TunaOn Saturday, February 12th, Renée was getting ready to go back to the States. She wanted to try <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rodney's Oyster House</span> before she left, so we went there for lunch on our way to the airport. Rodney's is definitely your traditional seafood restaurant...lots of wood and the smell of clam chowder in the air. We had several different varieties of oysters, three from the east coast and three from the west coast. The east coast oysters were milder than the west coast ones, but all were very good. I also had a saffron and shrimp chowder, while Renée tried the bowl of clams. Both these dishes were also good, not great, but good. And then there were the bathrooms...let's just say that if you have a thirteen year old boy or girl, you may want them to hold off from entering these....uh, adult bathrooms. And for those of you seventeen and above, knock yourselves out. All in all, Rodney's is a fun place to try, although I still strongly feel that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Water Grill</span> in Los Angeles serves up the best oysters. I give Rodney's Oyster House Three Smacks.<br /><br />After sending Renée off to Los Angeles (sniff, sniff), BC and I decided to grab some dinner at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boba Restaurant</span> around the corner from our apartment. We had gone there a couple of weeks earlier and had a very good meal, and we were interested to see if would live up to our previous experience...I am happy to say that it did indeed. We both got the same dish as we did last time - Rare grilled tuna filet with coconut noodles, avocado/mango salsa and black bean sauce. Now I know that it probably would have been good to try something new, but this item is so good, we had to get it again. Grilled Tuna is a hard thing for restaurants to prepare...it is easy to be just an OK dish. But Boba bats this dish out of the park. If you wind up coming here, you will not be disappointed by Boba's take on Grilled Tuna. BC and I are already wondering when our next visit will be (even though we should be going to other places first). Four Smacks.<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.rodneysoysterhouse.com/RodenysOysterHouse/RodneysOysterHouse.htm">Rodney's Oyster House</a> - 469 King St. West, Toronto (416) 363-8105<br /><br /><a href="http://www.boba.ca/">Boba's Restaurant</a> - 90 Avenue Road, Toronto (416) 961-2622<br /><br /><a href="http://www.watergrill.com/">Water Grill</a> - 544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA (213) 891-0900Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108249564216524942005-02-12T14:36:00.000-08:002005-02-12T15:06:04.216-08:00Expensive ItalianSo on Thursday we decided to go and try out the Little Italy section of Toronto. We went to a restaurant recommended on Zagat's called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trattoria Giancarlo</span>. I went with my wife, Renée, and my co-workers BC and BF (BC is an editor I have worked with for many years. He has become a great friend and food companion).<br /><br />Now, the food was not too bad...but unfortunately it was not that great either. The best thing I had was the appetizer, a mixed sauteé of wild mushrooms over grilled polenta...a nice combination that left me wanting more. Next came my main dish, ribbon pasta with shrimp in a basil, cream sauce. It was good...but not $20 good.<br /><br />BC also thought his pasta (with shrimp in an olive oil, white wine sauce) was only OK. BF liked his main dish, the special grilled rib-eye, but said it was too salty (Steak often disappoints in a restaurant setting. Most times, the best steak is to be had at home. I have to say that I make a mean grilled t-bone, Tuscan style. More on that in the summertime). Renée was a lot more down on Trattoria Giancarlo - she though her quail appetizer was too heavy and the grilled sardines did not do much for her.<br /><br />And then the check came...Wow! Very expensive, this place. One of my pet peeves is paying a lot of money for only OK food. If I am spending some bank, I want to be blown away. Ah well, what are you going to do. I have to say that some of Zagat's top picks of Toronto is letting me down.<br /><br />This place gets Two and a Half Smacks from me. Renée gives it Two.<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br />Trattoria Giancarlo - 41-43 Clinton St., Toronto (416) 533-9619<br /><br />Note: <a href="http://www.zagat.com">Zagat</a> is a cool website for getting ideas of places to go out and eat. I do not always agree with the Zagat reviews, but it is still a fun website.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108078408391963092005-02-10T15:30:00.001-08:002005-02-12T14:36:20.873-08:00Culinary Flashback - December 29th 1999Since this is the first flashback, let me explain the concept first since Culinary Flashback will be a regular feature for My Next Meal. Food is one of my favorite things in life. One of the reasons is because it is tied so much to memory - memory of family, friends, good times, places. Dining is often when people get together to talk and have fun with one another, and a great dining experience can only accentuate these meetings.<br /><br />One of my top memories happened in Napa Valley on December 29, 1999. My wife and I were at my parents’ house getting ready for a big Millennium Party we were throwing. The 29th is my birthday, and I decided that I wanted to go to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tra Vigne</span> in St. Helena for my birthday dinner (This is when Tra Vigne was good. It has unfortunately become a so-so restaurant...sorry).<br /><br />My dining companions were my wife, my brother, my grandmother, my best friend and a good friend of ours from Los Angeles. Now, this was just a random gathering of people...there was no thought put into this grouping. My brother was in for the party, my grandmother lived nearby and our two friends were in for a surprise visit, but were not staying for New Year's. Somehow, this became the perfect group for this dining experience. We were all in sync...laughing, telling wonderful stories and eating great food. I don't remember what everyone had (we had the standard issue appetizers that one has at Tra Vigne - Rosemary Flatbread with Roasted Garlic, Calamari, etc.). I do remember my main course (our friend from LA had the same)...Angry Sand Dabs. But they were out of Sand Dabs, so they substituted Sole (thus, it became Angry Sole). This was an amazing dish - a chili and oil sauce with deep fried basil leaves on delicate, lightly fried fish. Heaven!<br /><br />My friend from LA and I often talk about that Angry Sole...but this only leads us to talk about how perfect that night was. Yes, the food was very good, but it was the company along with the food that makes this memory so special. And for me, it gives me a very special memory of my grandmother, who is unfortunately no longer with us, but still lives in our hearts. She made that evening that much more special. This night was part of an amazing week of friends visiting us, waiting for the millennium to come (the other two nights are two whole other flashbacks to be visited later).<br /><br />December 29, 1999 reminds me of a time when Tra Vigne was a great restaurant, of laughing over good food, of my wife, brother, friends and an amazing woman who fit in perfectly with us "young folks."<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br />If you must: Tra Vigne - http://www.travignerestaurant.com/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10702156.post-1108056745694905932005-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:002005-02-12T14:35:47.523-08:00Culinary Adventures in Canada BeginsI am out in Toronto for a couple of months working on a movie. The down side is that I am away from my family and friends. The plus side is that I get to use my per diem to try as many restaurants as possible while I am in Canada.<br /><br />I went with my wife to Niagara this weekend...love the falls, but man the place is tacky. We went to a restaurant on Friday night (February 4th) called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mama Mia's</span>. Great surprise, especially since we were not expecting much. The pasta was fresh and quite tasty. I had the Spaghetti a la Carbonara - just like Mom used to make. My wife had the Manicotti, which had great tomato sauce. I definitely recommend this place - Three out of four smacks.<br /><br />On Saturday night, we went to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hillebrand's Estate Winery Restaurant</span>. This place ROCKS! Good service and excellent food. I started out with the Mussels that had a cream sauce with fennel and chorizo. Some of the best mussels I have ever had. My entrée was called Taste Of Niagara - it had Salmon, Roasted Pork and Lamb Chops. The Salmon was OK, the Roasted Park was quite good and the Lamb Chops...oh, the Lamb Chops. My desert was a variety of Crème Brule (Chocolate Hazelnut, Pumpkin, Coconut, Vanilla) that was just OK. My wife, though, had Pear Napoleon that she said was one of the best deserts she has had in a while. I highly recommend Hillebrand's Estate - Three and a half out of four smacks.<br /><br /><style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-frame { float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85186049@N00/4578406/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://photos3.flickr.com/4578406_e4460a64fa_t.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="chiado" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"> </span></div><span style="font-style: italic;">Portuguese Seafood...yum!</span><br /><br />On Sunday we were back in Toronto and went to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chiado</span> for dinner. What can I say except that Chiado is one of those places that will stick in my memory (definitely a candidate for a Culinary Flashback). First off, the service is amazing. Very European in that the waiter knew all about the food and wine and was quite helpful. Chiado is a Portuguese Seafood restaurant, and after eating there, I definitely will be putting Portugal on my list of places to visit. I started out with Grilled Calamari...perfectly prepared. My wife had Sardines (grilled and raw)...Wow!! If you have never had Sardines, this is the place to try them. Our friend the waiter brought out a tray of their fresh fish (if you come here, order off the tray...wonderful). I decided on the Grilled Whole Dorade. What a delicious fish. Nothing much to it except lemon juice and some pepper, but it just melted in my mouth. And our waiter even de-boned it for me (what a pal)! My wife had Grilled Skate Wing over a Coriander Risotto. She was in heaven. We ended with this dessert...sorry, I forgot the name of it, but it was basically like tiramisu with a light egg custard on top - it was so good it should be outlawed. An amazing experience - Five out of four smacks (yes, I said five out of four).<br /><br />-JB<br /><br /><br />Mama Mia's - 5719 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON<br /><a href="http://www.infoniagara.com/dining/Niagara-Falls/mamamias/">http://www.infoniagara.com/dining/Niagara-Falls/mamamias/</a><br /><br />Hillebrand's Estate Winery Restaurant - 1249 Niagara Stone Rd. (Rural Rte. 2) Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, (905) 468-3201<br /><br />Chiado - 864 College St., Toronto, ON<br /><a href="http://torontolifestyle.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2">http://torontolifestyle.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17644995339360032264noreply@blogger.com4