All posts filed under: Los Angeles

Korean BBQ at Road to Seoul

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If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with friends, you must try Korean BBQ! However, a trip to the “cook your own meat” style restaurant is not for the faint of heart. You can expect to see a number of meats you’ve never thought were edible. But for $23.99 you can have all of the tender prepared, flavorful meat you want! I headed to Road to Seoul in Koreatown on a Sunday night. The restaurant was full and had lively music. Imagine “Gangham Style” playing in the background. There was a group of 7 of us, which is more fun because you’re all committed to the experience together. We kicked off the night with Soju (Pineapple and Yogurt flavor). Soju is Korean vodka and very similar to sake. Not as strong as your typical vodka, but very delicious and easy to drink. Next we ordered OPTION B on the menu. There are three options (A, B, C) and every person at the table must order from the same section.  Each option gives you a variety …

Chirashi Bowls at Murakami on Melrose

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My new favorite sushi trend, Chirashi bowls! Chirashi means “scattered” and that’s exactly what these bowls are, an eclectic mix of fresh fish on top of rice. I tried a Chirashi bowl for the first time at Murakami on Melrose Ave. They are known for their bowls and have a variety of combinations to choose from or you can build your own. Each bowl starts around $14 at 3-4 items and up. I am huge fan of Spicy Tuna, so I tried the “Spicy Trio” which included: spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail and spicy salmon. I love these bowls as an alternative to traditional sushi rolls because I feel like you get a lot more fish for your buck! Murakami also has other traditional Japanese dishes on their menu, but I highly recommend giving the bowl a try! If you’re going carb-free, you can request your bowl on mixed greens. Enjoy! MURAKAMI 7160 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 692-1450 Hours *Lunch | Mon ~ Fri: 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm | Sat & Sun: 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm …

Hand Rolls at KazuNori | The Original Hand Roll Bar

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To all of my loyal Sugar Fish fans, you must try their new hand roll bar in downtown LA. It’s called  KazuNori | The Original Hand Roll Bar. This hot spot is a hand roll lover’s dream and is served authentic Japanese style. The small countertop restaurant seats around 20 people. We went late on a Tuesday night (around 10pm) and had no problem finding a seat. You’re given an order form and small pencil to choose from the pre-made hand roll menu which comes in options of 3-5 or you can order à la carte. Each option comes with their daily special and two other specialty rolls (i.e. scallop, yellowtail, tuna, lobster etc.) The preset combination is a bit cheaper than ordering à la carte and is similar to the style of the Sugar Fish menu. KazuNori serves it exactly the same too! You can see the chef preparing your hand rolls fresh in front of you and  they serve them one at a time. The best part, the taste…cold fresh fish on warm …

Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken Biscuit at FreeRange LA

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One of the best parts of living in LA is the extensive amount of gourmet food trucks! I remember just before moving here (3 years ago) of reading about all the delicious street food. Not too long ago, food trucks were simply known as “roach coaches” and you didn’t really go there unless you were partying the night before and couldn’t remember your bad choices the following morning. Now, food trucks have replaced having to sit in a drive-thru line for mediocre fast food. It is the new gourmet fast food. Food trucks are also a fun interactive experience, almost like a treasure hunt. This weekend after following @FreeRangeLA on Instagram for some time, I finally couldn’t take looking at another delicious breakfast sandwich without going to try it! Every day, they list their location on their social media pages and website and the times they will be serving food. The pictures were so enticing that I sat through 30 minutes of traffic in downtown LA to get it! The results were well worth it. We …

Crostini’s at Fig and Olive: Melrose Place

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Looking for a trendy chic restaurant this weekend or even for a Valentine’s date? If so, now is the perfect time to try Fig & Olive on Melrose Place. The upscale restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with its elegant white decor. It almost feels as if you’re eating in a luxe garden patio at night in some foreign land. The menu features a variety of fresh and healthy Mediterranean inspired dishes. They have a wide selection of appetizers, including a mouthwatering selection of Crositinis. The dishes are in the $20-$30 range, but the portions are a generous size so I don’t think you’ll be left hungry. They also provide bread with three different types of olive oils from around the world for you to try before or during your meal. Your server will explain the origin of each oil at the table. I came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and was surprised at how crowded the restaurant was. You will definitely want to make reservations when coming here. It is the perfect place to meet …

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California

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As much as I love international travel, I hold something very special in my heart for ‘Staycations.’ I love a good getaway that is relaxing, but still close enough to home where you don’t have to go through check-in, security and aisle seats. Thus, I introduce you to the luxurious Terranea (terra-NAY-a) Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California. The 102- acre private peninsula is absolutely breathtaking. We visited in the month of February and the weather was surprisingly perfect. Although we’ve been spoiled in California when it comes to winter weather. When we pulled up to the valet, I instantly felt as if we were on actual vacation in some tropical destination. The grounds include: residential bungalows, casitas and villas, an award winning 9-hole par three golf course, an ocean front spa, restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping boutiques and the best part a walking trail along the coast. The resort is also eco-friendly. We had dinner reservations at the hotel’s restaurant Mar’Sel, but came early to grab a drink and enjoy the lounge and walk along the …

Breakfast Sandwich from Eggslut in Downtown LA

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*Pic from website. Located in Grand Central Market in downtown LA is one hardy, ooey-gooey breakfast sandwich! If the name doesn’t intrigue you and pull you in, than the pictures on their Instagram feed certainly will. This instafamous breakfast spot, is open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm. The menu has six exciting sandwiches and two specialities (one being the “slut”). The slut is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with a demi baguette.  If you’re trying to watch your carb intake, they offer all of the sandwiches on a salad. The line is usually long here and has limited counter seating so be prepared to get your meal to-go or find seating somewhere in the market which is like a food court. However, the pay-off of the delicious sandwich is well worth the wait!

Brunch at Faith and Flower

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One part of Los Angeles that I love but don’t visit often enough is downtown. The last couple of years, the hearty part of the city has done well at upgrading its restaurant scene. Faith and Flower is one of my all-time favorite dinner and brunch spots.  Not only is their menu eclectic, the decor and ambiance is glamorous with a 1920’s charm. This week the restaurant is participating in DineLA for lunch and dinner. It’s a perfect time to venture downtown and try this new restaurant (located down the street from LA Live at the intersection of… Faith St. and Flower St.) Whether you go for lunch, dinner or brunch, you will not be disappointed. Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite dish! *Please note: the menu is subject to change and some items shown below may not be available at the time of dining, but try something new! Picture of interior from website Bread Pudding Bone Marrow Waffles 62 Degree EggOxtail AgnolottiRoasted Mushroom PizzaBraised Bacon Carrot Cake Some of my favorite menu items (not …

Crispy Chicken Sandwich at Honor Bar in Beverly Hills

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 Sometimes you just feel like a good sandwich and a cold drink…I stumbled across this delicious bar in Beverly Hills one day while Yelping lunch spots. The raving reviews of Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich is what reeled me in. Tucked away on the corner of Beverly and Wilshire Blvd., the Honor Bar is a great local hide-a-way. The menu is simple, gourmet and to the point. I have been here a few different times and tried a few items on the menu. The burger is my second favorite to the chicken sandwich. It is large and very juicy. This place is small so you may have to wait depending on the time of day you go, but it is well worth it! Menu Here Emerald Kale Salad Honor Burger   Bon Apetit!

But First Coffee…at Alfred Coffee and Kitchen Melrose Place

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I finally got to see and sip the hype of Alfred Coffee & Kitchen on Melrose Place. This trendy LA coffee shop slowly began to coat my Instagram feed from bloggers, friends and co-workers. I have a Nespresso machine at home which I love, but my curiosity couldn’t help but wonder why is this place so good (other than the cute, “But First, Coffee” cups of course…)?! Well first things first, it’s in a great location. Somewhat off the beaten path on a street that’s safe to walk across in LA. I didn’t have much trouble finding parking on the street at 11am on a Saturday. The coffee shop, in between two cute boutiques, is two stories high. The bottom floor is where you place your order for coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads. There is seating below, but it gets pretty crowded due to the ordering line. The line moves quickly and while you wait, you can shop through the truffle chocolate shop inside, Compartès. Since  it was a warm day, I decided to go with …