Susan Feniger's STREET
742 N Highland (just north of Melrose)
West Hollywood/Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-203-0500
www.eatatstreet.com/
Tiny parking lot in back, and limited street parking.
Visited: January 2011, Lunch, Dine-in
Well, I'm not sure how to review STREET. I definitely enjoyed the experience of eating here, but I didn't necessarily enjoy all of the food. Maybe my expectations were too high. I thought many of the flavors to be too light, and others had too many flavors competing. But there were definitely some high points.
We wanted to get a good feel for the multi-cultural flavors featured at STREET and ordered a number of items.
We started with their famous Kaya Toast ($11) - thick coconut jam on toast served with a soft fried egg (really really runny) and a dark soy drizzle. It was an interesting mix of sweet and salty, and even a little cinnamony now and then. While fascinating, it didn't send my tastebuds dancing.
We also got the Dumpling Sampler ($14) which was a nice portion size with 2 pieces of 3 different dumplings. The Spinach Varenky were more cheesey than spinachy, and reminded me of a cheese blintz. The lemon marmalade the accompanied the varenky was very sweet, and overpowered everything. I was expecting more Asian flavor from the Mandoo Vegetable Dumplings, even the sesame dipping sauce didn't seem to add much. The Shrimp Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms were the highlight of the Sampler. The mushrooms themselves were flavorful and the shrimp mousse was tasty. These were very hearty little mushroom appetizers.
And we also started with the Tatsutage Fried Chicken ($16). This was quite good, and I highly recommend having this as an entree. I would have liked the chicken to have more of the soy, mirin, and sake marinade flavor, but the batter was really nice, and the chicken fried well. The kewpie mayo didn't add anything. The chilled soba noodles with the pickled vegetable slaw and chunks of firm tofu were really tasty. Overall, a very nice dish.
For our entrees, we had a few sandwiches. First was the Vietnamese Pulled Pork Sandwich ($14) - actually two slider style sandwiches, and these were winners. It was kinda like having bbq pulled pork with vietnamese banh mi pickled veggie salad on a soft roll. Very tasty, and had a nice little spicy kick. The sandwiches came with a generous portion of fried plaintains, and these very curious chips that seemed similar to Chinese shrimp chips. This was a big and tasty plate of food.
Next we had the Brioche Cheeseburger ($13) - really, anything you do with brioche is going to taste good. The bread was a great holder for the tasty angus beef patty, Vermont white cheddar, and the bright yuzu sauce. The burger also came with a large serving of homemade pickles (didn't really do anything for us), and a large, but wish-we-had-more, serving of homemade Yukon gold potato chips.
And lastly, we had the Falafel Wrap ($11). The falafel themselves were fine, but there was just so much stuff in the wrap that it took away from the delicate falafel flavor. Tomato, lettuce, olives, pickled radishes, tahini, baba ghanouj, tzatziki - too much! BUT, the wrap did come with those heavenly potato chips.
We also ordered two hot teas that are supposed to be "pulled teas prepared tableside" - yeah, not so sure about that. Not only did the tea not arrive early (it came after we had our entrees, so really no time for the tea to cool enough to drink it with the meal), but there was no tableside service. The teas came in these really hot metal containers and poured into glass mugs without handles. Overall very awkward, but the Spiced Chai Assam ($4) was tasty, and the Gen Mai Cha ($3) was okay.
The food came out quickly - their kitchen must run really well. Our server was very nice, and got our order correct, but the slowness on beverages and lack of tea show was disappointing.
Showing posts with label appetizer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appetizer. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Bahooka Family Restaurant, Rosemead, CA
Bahooka Family Restaurant
4501 Rosemead Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-285-1211
http://www.bahooka.com/
Casual; great for families or drinking get togethers. Full bar.
Plenty of free parking in their lot.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
This place is quite the sight to see - even if you just come to look and not eat (which is almost what we did). There are fish tanks EVERYWHERE! Great fun to look at. It's also quite a maze of a restaurant, but looks like it would great fun to hang out with friends and have lots of drinks with umbrellas.
They feature Polynesian food and tiki bar fun stuff. We decided to try a couple of their noted appetizers. First, Bahooka's Special Exotic Ribs ($23.25 for two pounds) which were like Chinese-style red ribs but then they were served with American-style bbq sauce. The ribs were tender, but didn't really have much taste. I was expecting much more.
And we got an order of the Crab Puffs ($10.75 for 2o puffs) which were rather odd little things. They were little fried balls of soft crab filling. The first one kinda tasted crabby, but the next ones just seemed salty.
So, I'm thinking that we won't be back for the food, but for the ambience. And after a few drinks, maybe those appetizers will be downright delish.
4501 Rosemead Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
626-285-1211
http://www.bahooka.com/
Casual; great for families or drinking get togethers. Full bar.
Plenty of free parking in their lot.
Visited: May 2010, Afternoon, Take-out
This place is quite the sight to see - even if you just come to look and not eat (which is almost what we did). There are fish tanks EVERYWHERE! Great fun to look at. It's also quite a maze of a restaurant, but looks like it would great fun to hang out with friends and have lots of drinks with umbrellas.
They feature Polynesian food and tiki bar fun stuff. We decided to try a couple of their noted appetizers. First, Bahooka's Special Exotic Ribs ($23.25 for two pounds) which were like Chinese-style red ribs but then they were served with American-style bbq sauce. The ribs were tender, but didn't really have much taste. I was expecting much more.
And we got an order of the Crab Puffs ($10.75 for 2o puffs) which were rather odd little things. They were little fried balls of soft crab filling. The first one kinda tasted crabby, but the next ones just seemed salty.
So, I'm thinking that we won't be back for the food, but for the ambience. And after a few drinks, maybe those appetizers will be downright delish.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Dinner Detective, Courtyard Marriott, Culver City, CA
The Dinner Detective
Courtyard Los Angeles Westside
6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
http://www.thedinnerdetective.com/
http://www.marriott.com/
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Dine-in
This is a combo review of the dinner theater, The Dinner Detective, and of the venue, the Courtyard Marriott.
The Dinner Detective is an interactive, part scripted/part improv, murder mystery theater presentation. After you've checked in, you're asked to fill out a nametag with your alias for the evening. Then during the reception, you're given instructions to begin 'interrogating' your fellow guests - some of which are in fact, guests like you, others are actors mingling with the group as fellow guests.
The reception had a cash bar for soda, beer, wine and cocktails, and open service of coffee and hot tea. The hot hors d'oeuvres were veggie spring rolls and veggie quesadillas. Both were tasty, but a bit soft - the travails of serving them in a chafing dish, I suppose.
Dinner started with a nice mixed green salad with mushrooms, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A light vinaigrette was available on the table, as were rolls and butter.
Between courses, mystery action occurred, and during the meal, we were given clues to review and opportunity to discuss with our fellow guests.
We had a choice of entree (which you reserve when you purchase your tickets), and we wanted to try each they had to offer: tri tip with peppercorn sauce, Alaskan king salmon with lemon butter, and chicken marsala. The servings were very generous (for example, you got a whole chicken breast not just a half), and came with rather plain mashed potatoes, and large servings of carrots and broccoli. The meats were tender and their accompanying sauces were tasty, but we wished we had more of the sauce. There was also a pasta primavera (vegetarian) option that someone else at our table had, but they were not very pleased with it.
The murder mystery comes to a crescendo during the next break, and over dessert, you are given an answer sheet to identify who you think is the killer and why. Dessert was a very tasty double fudge chocolate cake served over caramel and raspberry sauces.
As we're wrapping up dessert, the detectives return to announce who did it and why. And then the host announces the winner who correctly deduced the killer and motive.
It was all very light-hearted and good fun, and the food was pretty good, too. The service seemed right on time and very responsive. I would recommend the show and the venue.
Courtyard Los Angeles Westside
6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
http://www.thedinnerdetective.com/
http://www.marriott.com/
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Dine-in
This is a combo review of the dinner theater, The Dinner Detective, and of the venue, the Courtyard Marriott.
The Dinner Detective is an interactive, part scripted/part improv, murder mystery theater presentation. After you've checked in, you're asked to fill out a nametag with your alias for the evening. Then during the reception, you're given instructions to begin 'interrogating' your fellow guests - some of which are in fact, guests like you, others are actors mingling with the group as fellow guests.
The reception had a cash bar for soda, beer, wine and cocktails, and open service of coffee and hot tea. The hot hors d'oeuvres were veggie spring rolls and veggie quesadillas. Both were tasty, but a bit soft - the travails of serving them in a chafing dish, I suppose.
Dinner started with a nice mixed green salad with mushrooms, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A light vinaigrette was available on the table, as were rolls and butter.
Between courses, mystery action occurred, and during the meal, we were given clues to review and opportunity to discuss with our fellow guests.
We had a choice of entree (which you reserve when you purchase your tickets), and we wanted to try each they had to offer: tri tip with peppercorn sauce, Alaskan king salmon with lemon butter, and chicken marsala. The servings were very generous (for example, you got a whole chicken breast not just a half), and came with rather plain mashed potatoes, and large servings of carrots and broccoli. The meats were tender and their accompanying sauces were tasty, but we wished we had more of the sauce. There was also a pasta primavera (vegetarian) option that someone else at our table had, but they were not very pleased with it.
The murder mystery comes to a crescendo during the next break, and over dessert, you are given an answer sheet to identify who you think is the killer and why. Dessert was a very tasty double fudge chocolate cake served over caramel and raspberry sauces.
As we're wrapping up dessert, the detectives return to announce who did it and why. And then the host announces the winner who correctly deduced the killer and motive.
It was all very light-hearted and good fun, and the food was pretty good, too. The service seemed right on time and very responsive. I would recommend the show and the venue.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Appetizer, Redondo Beach, CA
The Appetizer
1000 Torrance Blvd, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-792-0077
http://www.theappetizerrestaurant.com/
Southeast corner of Torrance and Prospect. In a strip mall with free parking.
Casual. Large dining room.
March 2010 Update: CLOSED. This location has been sold, and is now a restaurant called Calamari's. The new owner has kept the menu very similar to The Appetizer. The other Appetizer location on Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates is still open.
Visited: a couple times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
This restaurant had been teasing us for some time with a sign out front saying that it would open soon, and many months later, it finally did. What we didn't realize was that this was the next in a series with the first ones open over at the Hughes market, and they still have a location up on Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. Well, this was a first time for us.
The service was still 'new' feeling. Everyone was very friendly and courteous, but I think the kitchen still has some kinks to work out to ensure all of the items come out on time. Maybe they need to add an expo back there.
But, the food was quite good. So what did we eat?
Pepperoni and Canadian Bacon Calzone ($11.45 + $1 extra topping): really, it was probably the best calzone we've had on the west coast. The dough was crisp and soft, plenty of goodies inside, and overall very flavorful. It comes with extra marinara on the side, but not quite enough; you'll probably want to ask for another cup. It's also quite large - good for sharing or for someone who's hungry.
Hot Meatball Sandwich, Large ($7.45): wow, was this good! The bread was very nicely toasted on the outside yet still had enough softness on the inside to absorb the yummy sauce. The meatballs were big and very tasty, and mozzarella melted with gooey goodness. You may want to ask for extra sauce.
Meat Lasagna ($9.95): comes with soup or salad and a big basket of garlic bread. We had the Garbanzo Bean Soup, and while not sure what to expect, the soup was very tasty. Lots of garbanzo beans and mini pasta tubes in a vegetarian broth with plenty of flavor. The garlic bread actually had minced garlic on it - fancy that! It was also very nicely crisp and soft in the right places (they do their bread well). The lasagna was also good. Despite the meat sauce being a little thin, it has a very deep rich taste.
XL Pizza with half pepperoni/sausage and half sausage/mushroom ($17.45): the half with pepperoni had much more flavor than the other side. The sausage is in these tiny little crumbles that cover the pizza well, but just didn't have enough oomph to work well with the mushrooms. Overall, a good thin crust pizza, but need we need to figure out what flavor combos to get.
We will definitely go back; probably for take-out.
1000 Torrance Blvd, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310-792-0077
http://www.theappetizerrestaurant.com/
Southeast corner of Torrance and Prospect. In a strip mall with free parking.
Casual. Large dining room.
March 2010 Update: CLOSED. This location has been sold, and is now a restaurant called Calamari's. The new owner has kept the menu very similar to The Appetizer. The other Appetizer location on Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates is still open.
Visited: a couple times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: Dec 2009
This restaurant had been teasing us for some time with a sign out front saying that it would open soon, and many months later, it finally did. What we didn't realize was that this was the next in a series with the first ones open over at the Hughes market, and they still have a location up on Deep Valley Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. Well, this was a first time for us.
The service was still 'new' feeling. Everyone was very friendly and courteous, but I think the kitchen still has some kinks to work out to ensure all of the items come out on time. Maybe they need to add an expo back there.
But, the food was quite good. So what did we eat?
Pepperoni and Canadian Bacon Calzone ($11.45 + $1 extra topping): really, it was probably the best calzone we've had on the west coast. The dough was crisp and soft, plenty of goodies inside, and overall very flavorful. It comes with extra marinara on the side, but not quite enough; you'll probably want to ask for another cup. It's also quite large - good for sharing or for someone who's hungry.
Hot Meatball Sandwich, Large ($7.45): wow, was this good! The bread was very nicely toasted on the outside yet still had enough softness on the inside to absorb the yummy sauce. The meatballs were big and very tasty, and mozzarella melted with gooey goodness. You may want to ask for extra sauce.
Meat Lasagna ($9.95): comes with soup or salad and a big basket of garlic bread. We had the Garbanzo Bean Soup, and while not sure what to expect, the soup was very tasty. Lots of garbanzo beans and mini pasta tubes in a vegetarian broth with plenty of flavor. The garlic bread actually had minced garlic on it - fancy that! It was also very nicely crisp and soft in the right places (they do their bread well). The lasagna was also good. Despite the meat sauce being a little thin, it has a very deep rich taste.
XL Pizza with half pepperoni/sausage and half sausage/mushroom ($17.45): the half with pepperoni had much more flavor than the other side. The sausage is in these tiny little crumbles that cover the pizza well, but just didn't have enough oomph to work well with the mushrooms. Overall, a good thin crust pizza, but need we need to figure out what flavor combos to get.
We will definitely go back; probably for take-out.
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