All posts tagged: Restaurants

GREENS (San Francisco)

If you’re looking for a delicious healthy restaurant and great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, you MUST try… Greens Restaurant in San Francisco. Located in Fort Mason, is one of the best vegetarian/vegan restaurants I have ever tried! It’s best to come in around lunchtime on a clear day so you can get a beautiful clear view of the bay. There is a $15 minimum but it’s easy to spend that amount here between an entrée and appetizer. The menu is seasonal and can change from week to week, but between the 6 dishes we tried, everything was good…really, really good! Our main dishes were all made-to-order and were very fresh. Below are the items that we ordered on my recommendation list! Fresh Spring Rolls (w/ carrots, jicama, daikon, cabbage, jalepeños, Hodo Soy tofu, rice noodles, Thai basil and mint). It’s served with peanut sauce and grilled beech mushroom-radish salad – $12 Yellow Split Pea and Butternut Squash Soup w/ kale and Arbequina olive oil – $8 cup $9 bowl. SO GOOD, go for …

Korean BBQ at Road to Seoul

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 …

Almond Milk Latte at Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Downtown LA)

Even though I have my own coffee maker at home, I always love trying new coffee shops around the city. Coffee shops tend to have their own uniqueness and character. I discovered Stumptown Coffee Roasters while visiting the FreeRange LA food truck. The brand, which is based out of Portland, Oregon focuses on delivering quality coffee through it’s delicate roasting technique which is displayed in the coffee shop for customers to see. *Photo via LA Weekly I ordered a plain latte with almond milk and it was delicious! Since there was no flavoring, you could really taste the strong coffee flavor and when mixed in with almond milk, it was just like dessert, a mild sweet nutty taste. Also, the coffee shop has several unique pastries. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, are Hawaiian or are familiar with the Hawaiian culture, you will appreciate the Spam Musibi Croissant. Even after ordering from the food truck, my Hawaiian heritage would not allow me to pass it up!      

Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken Biscuit at FreeRange LA

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 …

Brunch at The Penthouse in Santa Monica

Food with a view? Does it really get any better? If you’re looking for a new brunch spot with a view on a sunny day, you’ll want to check out The Penthouse at The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. It is located on the top floor with gorgeous views of the ocean and coastline. The restaurant has a big bar located in the center which is known for its cocktails and panoramic views. You’ll definitely want to make reservations here as it can easily get crowded on a nice day. The menu is American, Pacific and hint of Asian cuisine. They have fresh juices, pastries, egg dishes, brunch and lunch entrees, salads, flat breads, pastas and sandwiches. Something for every palette. Click here to check out their full brunch menu. Sea Bass Steak Sandwich Even the bathroom has a view!    

Salted Carmel Latte at Lamill Coffee Boutique

One area of LA that I don’t explore often enough, but fall in love every time I visit is Silverlake. Silverlake is the “hipster/indie” part of Los Angeles. It’s slightly trendy in a “non-want-to-be-trendy” kind of way. There is a lot of character in the shops that align the streets. Thankfully my dear friend who lives in this area invited me to her neck of the woods for a coffee date at Lamill Coffee Boutique. It was easy to find right off of Sunset Blvd. and a HAD parking lot. If you live in LA, you know this is a rarity and a premium. Right when I walked in, I was surprised at how urban glam the decor was. It was very posh and welcoming including the staff. If you are ordering coffee inside the shop, they have full table  service and a full breakfast and lunch menu. There’s also available outdoor patio seating. I asked our waiter what drinks were most popular and he recommended the Salted Caramel Latte and that is exactly what …

Dip Ramen at SHIN

Tsukemen in Japanese, also known as “dip ramen” is the perfect dish for the warmer southern California climate. If you’re a devout fan of ramen like I am, than you have to experience this at least once…no twice. The purpose for dip ramen (aside from just being fun) is to have an alternative option to enjoying the warm brothy soup made with buckwheat noodles during hot weather seasons. The ramen noodles are served cold, along with the toppings while the broth is served separately in a smaller portion, with more dense flavor and hot. When you dip the cold noodles into the hot broth, the combination of the two makes it perfect for enjoying without being overwhelmed by the heat. SHIN, formerly IKEMEN, is on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and La Brea in a small shopping complex. They have a small lot for parking, but only a few spaces that they share with the other businesses in the complex. So far I have been lucky with parking the few times I’ve been. They have a wide …

Shrimp and Grits at My Two Cents

Looking for some good Soul Food in LA and a random chance to see Denzel Washington or Pharell?…than you should definitely try “My Two Cents.” The restaurant located off of Pico Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. includes southern traditions and then some! The cuisine also has its own LA twist to it with items on the menu like egg rolls filled with macaroni and cheese or barbecue chicken. I love a chef that’s not afraid to play around with food and cross cultures on the palette! The day we went I decided to try the shrimp & grits which is one of the most popular items on the menu and my fiancé got their daily special, the fried catfish sandwich. Both were so good and filling! I’m actually craving the shrimp & grits again as I write this. When you’re finished with all of the salty goodness, there’s plenty of cobblers, pies, cakes and cookies to top of the meal. Leave me a comment on what I should try next time I go. #STAYCLASSY Barbecue Chicken Egg Rolls …