Revolutionary Soup
I was initially skeptical about this local favorite. Soup for how much? And some of them just thin liquids, without chunks of vegetable or meat matter? Which is why some soups, like the tomato basil (which don't get me wrong is one of their best soups) and the miso, are just better if someone else is paying and I'm ordering just to keep them company while eating. Actually, the soups are great, but in fact, I much prefer their salads, especially the Gulf Coast shrimp salad with mixed greens, chopped hardboiled eggs and avocado. On a cold winter's day, I find that the shrimp and grits are immensely satisfying.
Riverside
Easily my favorite burger place. The burgers are smaller, but, hey, I'm a relatively small person. They remind me of a greasier version of In-N-Out--thin patty on a fresh spongy non-sesame seeded hamburger bun without all that leafy "crap."
The Shebeen
When I first arrived in Charlottesville someone told me that she thought this was the best restaurant in town and I'd say that it's pretty close. I've had the opportunity to try nearly every dish and the saddest thing is the chips part of the fish and chips. How can they be so bad when everything else is so good?!
South Street Brewery
A grad student favorite eating and watering hole. I love their dark flavorful brew Satan's Pony. The portions are enormous so come hungry or ready to take at last half of your dish home.
Splendora
I've never been to Italy and so have not ever tasted "real" gelato. Perhaps this is the reason I prefer Splendora over Milano? I just don't like sticky, slimy, and sludgy textures. Splendora's selection is nothing like that. My all-time favorite was honey.
St. Maarten's
I was hugely impressed by the cheese fries and buffalo wings. For the cheese fries, they use waffle fries and fine shreds of cheese, such that cheese fries become gourmet and not just some greasy snack food with a beer.
Take it Away
Strangely unappetizing when served as part of a catering scheme. They're just better freshly made. Unlike most sandwich shops, they slice long loafs of bread on the diagonal to maximize the bready over crusty parts. They offer excellent quality cuts of meat and cheese but the veggie add-ins are admittedly small--just sprouts and watercress when I was last there. I admire the decision to leave out tomatoes since good tomatoes cannot be had year round. Those that prefer something like Dagwoods need not step foot here.
***
I never gave myself a chance to eat at some local Charlottesville favorites like Bluegrass Grill and Bakery, Blue Moon, and Feast!, but then, they're generally acknowledges as favorites (well, there is an unofficial feud between those who prefer Bluegrass over Blue Moon and vice versa), so it doesn't seem necessary to add my voice into the mix.
25 October 2008
06 September 2008
Eating Charlottesville (F-M)
Five Guys
I first heard about this place as the East Coast version of In-N-Out. I didn't like the burgers until I figured out that I needed to order a regular-sized burger, not a little burger, which contains just a smaller patty. The larger patty is necessary to balance the doughy sesame-seed topped buns. One must be careful with toppings here because they pile it on such that the patty disappears.
Guadalajara
You can't come here expecting authentic Mexican food. DON'T, and you'll be somewhat less disappointed. I think people come here just for the margaritas.
Korea House
This place was perfect for satisfying my comfort Asian food cravings. I once sat at the counter and slurped up the seafood soup noodles and kept slurping up ALL THE SOUP, which is very much out of character for me. One of the waitresses took pity on me and gave me a bowl of rice to temper the salty soup. The cold dishes are all clearly homemade and delicious. Although the beef and cabbage soup is on the salty side, it was still very flavorful from the beef bones, which they serve in the soup bowl. The seafood pancake is crispy and awesome...I really could go on and on.
The Local
The key to eating well here is to not order meat. I ordered the short ribs and was incredibly disappointed with how one-dimensional it tasted. Just meaty and not in a good way. Order the pasta, which they buy from Mona Lisa Pasta. Everyone else I went with did and they were all pleased with their meals. Also on the plus side is the list of delicious delicious drinks.
Marco and Luca
Everyone notes this place for its deal: for just $2 you get six dumplings. In my book, that's not really cheap--50 cents a dumpling?!--but then it's somewhat meatier and thicker skinned than the frozen kind. I just wish they wouldn't serve it with the thick sweet soy sauce. The sesame noodles, really capellini pasta, was surprisingly good. Only Asian place around that serves it.
Mas
This was easily one of my favorite restaurants with incredibly yummy food for a decent price. As a tapas place, the dishes are well-portioned for small bites and sharing. Everything on the menu is great, although be careful not to order too much meat, cheese, and bread. My favorites are the air-cured pork chop and lemon-cured anchovy fillets. The drinks are also delicious. The downside is the wait time, especially during the winter when they close the front patio.
Ming Dynasty
Other than maybe Asian Express, Ming Dynasty is surprisingly the best of the lot of Americanized Chinese food. Not everything is great, however. I was happy to order the pleasantly spongy textured vegetarian meatballs and the tofu and vegetable stir fry.
To be continued...
I first heard about this place as the East Coast version of In-N-Out. I didn't like the burgers until I figured out that I needed to order a regular-sized burger, not a little burger, which contains just a smaller patty. The larger patty is necessary to balance the doughy sesame-seed topped buns. One must be careful with toppings here because they pile it on such that the patty disappears.
Guadalajara
You can't come here expecting authentic Mexican food. DON'T, and you'll be somewhat less disappointed. I think people come here just for the margaritas.
Korea House
This place was perfect for satisfying my comfort Asian food cravings. I once sat at the counter and slurped up the seafood soup noodles and kept slurping up ALL THE SOUP, which is very much out of character for me. One of the waitresses took pity on me and gave me a bowl of rice to temper the salty soup. The cold dishes are all clearly homemade and delicious. Although the beef and cabbage soup is on the salty side, it was still very flavorful from the beef bones, which they serve in the soup bowl. The seafood pancake is crispy and awesome...I really could go on and on.
The Local
The key to eating well here is to not order meat. I ordered the short ribs and was incredibly disappointed with how one-dimensional it tasted. Just meaty and not in a good way. Order the pasta, which they buy from Mona Lisa Pasta. Everyone else I went with did and they were all pleased with their meals. Also on the plus side is the list of delicious delicious drinks.
Marco and Luca
Everyone notes this place for its deal: for just $2 you get six dumplings. In my book, that's not really cheap--50 cents a dumpling?!--but then it's somewhat meatier and thicker skinned than the frozen kind. I just wish they wouldn't serve it with the thick sweet soy sauce. The sesame noodles, really capellini pasta, was surprisingly good. Only Asian place around that serves it.
Mas
This was easily one of my favorite restaurants with incredibly yummy food for a decent price. As a tapas place, the dishes are well-portioned for small bites and sharing. Everything on the menu is great, although be careful not to order too much meat, cheese, and bread. My favorites are the air-cured pork chop and lemon-cured anchovy fillets. The drinks are also delicious. The downside is the wait time, especially during the winter when they close the front patio.
Ming Dynasty
Other than maybe Asian Express, Ming Dynasty is surprisingly the best of the lot of Americanized Chinese food. Not everything is great, however. I was happy to order the pleasantly spongy textured vegetarian meatballs and the tofu and vegetable stir fry.
To be continued...
05 September 2008
Eating Charlottesville (A-C)
When a young professor came to give a job talk in Charlottesville last year I remember telling her that despite the availability of diverse ethnic cuisines to not expect a big city dining scene. I did generally like the food offerings, however, a and most everything is relatively conveniently located. Whereas in LA I would have to drive all over the city, in Charlottesville I could purchase fresh local produce as well as exotic foodstuffs and have a great meal all within one ten mile radius.
If I wasn't a poor graduate student I probably would have dined out more frequently. Still, in two years I was able to visit quite a few establishments. I'm posting my notes below, although they may be obsolete in a short time given the area's high turnover in eateries. One year here and gone the next. This is just a brief list. I was never dedicated enough to take more detailed notes, remember menu prices, take photographs to be a systematic reviewer.
Albemarle Baking Company
I always arrive at this bakery with high hopes, but end up disappointed most of the time. The cakes are great as are their signature breads, the pain de mie, challah, and bagettes. Although in general the other breads have a wonderful crust and crumb, they tasted not quite put together. The pastries are dismal--they are not as refined as they appear and seem commercially made. I also don't like the cake-like texture of their cookies.
Aqui es Mexico
My pick for the best Latin American food in town. Hands down the best pupusas. The Salvadoran food is the kind one might find in a small family style restaurant in the Los Angeles area.
Asian Express
My favorite American Chinese Japanese restaurant because their food doesn't taste too greasy and their portions are generous. The sushi rolls are small and expensive but very satisfying in a town with even fewer acceptable Japanese restaurants (to someone who has dined at Matsuhisa in LA and Morimoto in Philly). I haven't been to Ten on the Downtown Mall, which looks to be a swanky Manhattan style sushi place, but it's much more expensive. I'd also like to add a side rant about American Chinese restaurants in Charlottesville: how is it that chow mein dishes here do not have any noodles in them? To what does the "mein," which indicate noodles, refer?
Bell Air Gas Station
One of a number of gourmet food and gas stations in the area. Sandwiches here feature yummy combinations of about a half-inch layer of meat and thick slices of cheese and doughy rolls of bread.
Bizou
Comfort food in large portions enough to feed two. Great bargains at lunch, when the meatloaf plate is slightly less expensive but just as generous.
Bodos
A local favorite for warm, chewy bagels. Some say they are New York style, but I disagree. Nevertheless they are tasty in their own right, especially warm. Beware the cream cheese spread, which is good but tends to get goopy and horribly messy as it melts between the slices of warm bagel. The fresh meat and/or veggie filled sandwiches make for as cheap or as expensive a lunch as you want on the Corner.
Cafe 88
The eating place I miss the most since moving back to LA. The best yan su ji （盐酥鸡; salty crispy chicken) I've ever had can be found here. This is surprising given that I'm from the LA area. I've ordered the dish several times since I've moved back and none can match. The friendly proprietor also serves some tasty fried tofu in a soy sauce, basil, ginger, and chilli sauce. She thinks this is her best dish and she recommends it every time. I also like the two veggie side dishes that come in the bento boxes. With the exception of the omurice and the pineapple rice, everything on the menu is great.
Cassis
A special occasion restaurant. Lucky me, my parents wanted to eat here when they visited in October 2006. The portions appear small but even my dad, a big eater, found them filling. He had the pan-roasted duck breast with confit, which was the best of the three dishes. I ordered a satisfying rabbit stew with potato gnocchi and peas. My mom ate the disappointing salmon plate--the salmon was clearly farm-raised and the lentils were overcooked.
Chandler's
A bakery up 29 in Albemarle Square. I think this place gets mixed reviews. When people want a great cake, the Albemarle Baking Company comes up instead. I was fortunate to taste a slice of their cake. It was two layers, one yellow and the other chocolate. It was nice and moist. Usually I detest frosting, but found their version to be pleasant and not too thickly spread nor tooth-achingly sweet.
To be continued...
If I wasn't a poor graduate student I probably would have dined out more frequently. Still, in two years I was able to visit quite a few establishments. I'm posting my notes below, although they may be obsolete in a short time given the area's high turnover in eateries. One year here and gone the next. This is just a brief list. I was never dedicated enough to take more detailed notes, remember menu prices, take photographs to be a systematic reviewer.
Albemarle Baking Company
I always arrive at this bakery with high hopes, but end up disappointed most of the time. The cakes are great as are their signature breads, the pain de mie, challah, and bagettes. Although in general the other breads have a wonderful crust and crumb, they tasted not quite put together. The pastries are dismal--they are not as refined as they appear and seem commercially made. I also don't like the cake-like texture of their cookies.
Aqui es Mexico
My pick for the best Latin American food in town. Hands down the best pupusas. The Salvadoran food is the kind one might find in a small family style restaurant in the Los Angeles area.
Asian Express
My favorite American Chinese Japanese restaurant because their food doesn't taste too greasy and their portions are generous. The sushi rolls are small and expensive but very satisfying in a town with even fewer acceptable Japanese restaurants (to someone who has dined at Matsuhisa in LA and Morimoto in Philly). I haven't been to Ten on the Downtown Mall, which looks to be a swanky Manhattan style sushi place, but it's much more expensive. I'd also like to add a side rant about American Chinese restaurants in Charlottesville: how is it that chow mein dishes here do not have any noodles in them? To what does the "mein," which indicate noodles, refer?
Bell Air Gas Station
One of a number of gourmet food and gas stations in the area. Sandwiches here feature yummy combinations of about a half-inch layer of meat and thick slices of cheese and doughy rolls of bread.
Bizou
Comfort food in large portions enough to feed two. Great bargains at lunch, when the meatloaf plate is slightly less expensive but just as generous.
Bodos
A local favorite for warm, chewy bagels. Some say they are New York style, but I disagree. Nevertheless they are tasty in their own right, especially warm. Beware the cream cheese spread, which is good but tends to get goopy and horribly messy as it melts between the slices of warm bagel. The fresh meat and/or veggie filled sandwiches make for as cheap or as expensive a lunch as you want on the Corner.
Cafe 88
The eating place I miss the most since moving back to LA. The best yan su ji （盐酥鸡; salty crispy chicken) I've ever had can be found here. This is surprising given that I'm from the LA area. I've ordered the dish several times since I've moved back and none can match. The friendly proprietor also serves some tasty fried tofu in a soy sauce, basil, ginger, and chilli sauce. She thinks this is her best dish and she recommends it every time. I also like the two veggie side dishes that come in the bento boxes. With the exception of the omurice and the pineapple rice, everything on the menu is great.
Cassis
A special occasion restaurant. Lucky me, my parents wanted to eat here when they visited in October 2006. The portions appear small but even my dad, a big eater, found them filling. He had the pan-roasted duck breast with confit, which was the best of the three dishes. I ordered a satisfying rabbit stew with potato gnocchi and peas. My mom ate the disappointing salmon plate--the salmon was clearly farm-raised and the lentils were overcooked.
Chandler's
A bakery up 29 in Albemarle Square. I think this place gets mixed reviews. When people want a great cake, the Albemarle Baking Company comes up instead. I was fortunate to taste a slice of their cake. It was two layers, one yellow and the other chocolate. It was nice and moist. Usually I detest frosting, but found their version to be pleasant and not too thickly spread nor tooth-achingly sweet.
To be continued...
04 September 2008
Reminiscing Charlottesville (already)
After finishing my masters degree in May, I moved back to LA. In the two years that I lived in Charlottesville I never thought I would miss it. Whenever people asked me if I liked living there, I would always reply with a halfhearted mumble "it's fine. " I think they expected me to say that moving to the South was a cultural shock, but I always thought of it as moving from one suburb to another. The differences were that I had to drive farther to get to Target (I irrationally loathe Walmart which was but a few miles closer) and Charlottesville has far fewer Chinese restaurants and markets. But, I did come to appreciate certain things.
Much of what I miss has to do with what Charlottesville meant to me as a place for my studies. I had my own apartment, shared with one roommate, and for the most part it was my happy refuge. I rarely felt like I needed to escape elsewhere "to get away from it all" as I sometimes feel at my home in LA. Charlottesville is a relatively quiet town, so fewer distractions. Yet there was enough around so that I could enjoy exploring the new whenever I needed a break. I didn't know many people outside of my classmates, but for the first time I felt I belonged because we had a similar interest in studying our built environment despite our differing personalities and divergent paths. The program has its pluses and minuses, but it provided a nurturing environment in which to develop. A large university with a small town feel and population. As I prepare to transition to a larger school and program, I can already see the lack of personal touch and unfortunately necessary bureaucratic bulk. Of course, the new school, the new program, and the new classmates will work out somehow, and I'll learn to stop dreading living in West Los Angeles.
Much of what I miss has to do with what Charlottesville meant to me as a place for my studies. I had my own apartment, shared with one roommate, and for the most part it was my happy refuge. I rarely felt like I needed to escape elsewhere "to get away from it all" as I sometimes feel at my home in LA. Charlottesville is a relatively quiet town, so fewer distractions. Yet there was enough around so that I could enjoy exploring the new whenever I needed a break. I didn't know many people outside of my classmates, but for the first time I felt I belonged because we had a similar interest in studying our built environment despite our differing personalities and divergent paths. The program has its pluses and minuses, but it provided a nurturing environment in which to develop. A large university with a small town feel and population. As I prepare to transition to a larger school and program, I can already see the lack of personal touch and unfortunately necessary bureaucratic bulk. Of course, the new school, the new program, and the new classmates will work out somehow, and I'll learn to stop dreading living in West Los Angeles.
19 February 2008
China: Green Dreams; A Not So Model Village
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/fellows/green_dreams/
In this story, Timothy Lesle goes in search of the reasons for the failure of a village that was intended to become a model for sustainable living in more rural parts of China. Suburban tract houses were built but the villagers for whom they were intended have largely not moved in because they do not address the way the farmers actually live and make a living. Except for the developer, Lesle was unable to interview the main figures involved and relied on information from people who observed the situation. Basically, the US designer involved, McDonough, put the blame on the Chinese side. The repeated excuse from the lawyer consulting on the project was that it was not their village and therefore not their responsibility. However, the anthropology graduate student Lesle interviewed pointed out that the villagers were not involved in a meaningful way.
I came across this story via archinect.com and I posted my abbreviated comments on the website, but here are my comments in full:
I echo the sentiments of previous posters. People who work in China must have a firm understanding of not only the customers but of the level of expertise available in China. In the particular case of China, it seems that firms also need to understand their relationship to their customers and both the government and the customers' expectations. One US landscape architecture firm I interviewed for my thesis project told me they had to adjust the way they made they made their drawings and their communication to their client to ensure that things were done properly. The attraction to the opportunity to experiment in China must be tempered by ethical considerations--how will the experiment affect the people, the landscape, etc. Some of the failures of the projects show a lack of interest in context and impact.
Of course, outside firms are not the only ones to blame.
I'm curious to know how McDonough's other projects in China are working out.
As for implementing this idea in a more affluent part of China, I know that property developers Shui On is framing their venture in environmentally sustainable development as a top-down approach.
In this story, Timothy Lesle goes in search of the reasons for the failure of a village that was intended to become a model for sustainable living in more rural parts of China. Suburban tract houses were built but the villagers for whom they were intended have largely not moved in because they do not address the way the farmers actually live and make a living. Except for the developer, Lesle was unable to interview the main figures involved and relied on information from people who observed the situation. Basically, the US designer involved, McDonough, put the blame on the Chinese side. The repeated excuse from the lawyer consulting on the project was that it was not their village and therefore not their responsibility. However, the anthropology graduate student Lesle interviewed pointed out that the villagers were not involved in a meaningful way.
I came across this story via archinect.com and I posted my abbreviated comments on the website, but here are my comments in full:
I echo the sentiments of previous posters. People who work in China must have a firm understanding of not only the customers but of the level of expertise available in China. In the particular case of China, it seems that firms also need to understand their relationship to their customers and both the government and the customers' expectations. One US landscape architecture firm I interviewed for my thesis project told me they had to adjust the way they made they made their drawings and their communication to their client to ensure that things were done properly. The attraction to the opportunity to experiment in China must be tempered by ethical considerations--how will the experiment affect the people, the landscape, etc. Some of the failures of the projects show a lack of interest in context and impact.
Of course, outside firms are not the only ones to blame.
I'm curious to know how McDonough's other projects in China are working out.
As for implementing this idea in a more affluent part of China, I know that property developers Shui On is framing their venture in environmentally sustainable development as a top-down approach.
13 February 2008
Enoteca
After a classmate's orchestra performance Saturday evening, we headed over to Enoteca on the downtown mall so she could unwind. It's an urban cool type of wine bar, very hip vibe. Hip enough to see two sets of professors there! Aside from the slight discomfort of having to sit between them, Enoteca was a fun place to hang out. You sit at long tables that are lit at intervals by a light hanging from the ceiling, which created a communal yet intimate setting. Their wine list has a good range of prices--ones that both students and professors can afford! We got a bottle for $30, apparently once a favorite of Napoleon's. It was incredibly light and fruity tasting with an incredible juicy raspberry color. By the way, you should know that they make every wine sound delicious by characterizing them as "relaxed," "candid," or "curious" along with the major flavor notes. It was hard to decide, but our budget helped.
For some reason we were all starving even though we'd eaten dinner (guess just listening to Stravinsky's Firebird and Brahms works up an appetite) so we ordered a few bites to share. These are on the expensive side, unfortunately. At $2-$5, they were way pricey given that they each came as a small slice of toast with toppings. We had the goat cheese mixed with sundried tomato paste, roasted mushrooms, fig preserves with something-I-forget and three bacon wrapped dates. The only memorable one (ironically) was the one with fig preserves. The bowl of olives was surprisingly big, though. The desserts were well worth the price. We had the grappa pear cake and tiramisu. The grappa pear cake was surprisingly good. It had tiny chunks of pear and raisins; heavy tasting yet light; and a pleasant, crunchy, sugary crust. Definitely going back if I can.
Enoteca
401 E Main St
Charlottesvle, VA 22902
(434) 974-9463
For some reason we were all starving even though we'd eaten dinner (guess just listening to Stravinsky's Firebird and Brahms works up an appetite) so we ordered a few bites to share. These are on the expensive side, unfortunately. At $2-$5, they were way pricey given that they each came as a small slice of toast with toppings. We had the goat cheese mixed with sundried tomato paste, roasted mushrooms, fig preserves with something-I-forget and three bacon wrapped dates. The only memorable one (ironically) was the one with fig preserves. The bowl of olives was surprisingly big, though. The desserts were well worth the price. We had the grappa pear cake and tiramisu. The grappa pear cake was surprisingly good. It had tiny chunks of pear and raisins; heavy tasting yet light; and a pleasant, crunchy, sugary crust. Definitely going back if I can.
Enoteca
401 E Main St
Charlottesvle, VA 22902
(434) 974-9463
31 January 2008
The Shebeen South African Pub and Braai
I said I was going to write about architecture and other things besides food, but food has always been the easiest topic for me to write about it. (Notice I didn't say if I think I write about food well.) Anyway, writing about The Shebeen is both architectural history and food related if only because the department treated the TJ-SAH guest speaker to dinner following her lecture...which was about maps. Unfortunately we were on a tight budget because there aren't many restaurants in Charlottesville in the middle price range that can seat so many people (we started with seven and ended up with ten). The Shebeen seemed to be a good choice because it had a range of prices, from $10 to $30. To ensure we didn't go way over budget, I ordered the conservative fish and chips at $12. Sometimes I will avoid ordering this because I end up disappointed about burnt batter. In this case, the battered fried fish was delicious and perfect whereas the chips--seasoned french fries--were terrible. The texture, taste, and crunchiness were all wrong. Everyone else's entrees look great, so I wouldn't mind going back when I can spend more money. Apparently the steak pie and the Durban chicken were delicious.
I don't usually care about atmosphere as long as the food is good. Here, the interior was surprisingly nice for a restaurant in a strip mall. It would be a good date and fancy dinner place.
247 Ridge-McIntire Rd
Charlottesville VA 22903
434-296-3185
http://www.shebeenpub.com/
(the prices on the online menu are out of date)
I don't usually care about atmosphere as long as the food is good. Here, the interior was surprisingly nice for a restaurant in a strip mall. It would be a good date and fancy dinner place.
247 Ridge-McIntire Rd
Charlottesville VA 22903
434-296-3185
http://www.shebeenpub.com/
(the prices on the online menu are out of date)
22 January 2008
Homey-Homecooking: Kale, Sausage, and Mushroom Soup
I wasn't going to post this recipe because I made it up myself and it didn't taste interesting enough the first day I made it. Since I usually cook for several meals at once, the soup has had a chance to sit for a few days and it's been getting better everyday. The key to this soup is a tasty, smoky sausage. This is an informal recipe, so I don't have exact amounts, and anyway you can adjust to your taste. Just brown the sausage in a pot until crispy. Remove, and cook sliced mushrooms until they are almost cooked and put the sausage back in. Add seven cups of water and bring to a boil before adding a large bunch of kale, stems and leaves cut into quarter-inch strips. Cook until the kale is just tender and season with salt and pepper. You can eat it at this point, but it will be even tastier the next day.
20 January 2008
Fish with Creamy Leeks
I'm always on the look out for quick, delicious recipes and I came across this one while browsing Epicurious.com, trying to figure out what to do with the tilapia filets I bought. Instead of butter and sour cream, I used olive oil and yogurt, and left out the dill (because I didn't have any) and the results were still fantastic. You can leave out the second 1/3 cup water if you're using yogurt because of its high water content. I'm definitely making this again for a fast meal.
Fish with Creamy Leeks
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup water, divided
4 (6-ounce) pieces thick white-fish fillets such as pollock or Pacific cod, skinned
1 tablespoon chopped dill
Whisk together sour cream and flour.
Wash leeks, then put in a large heavy skillet with butter, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover with parchment, then with a lid, and simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice, until leeks are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in sour-cream mixture and remaining 1/3 cup water.
Season fish with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then add to leeks and cook, covered with parchment and lid, until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with dill.
Fish with Creamy Leeks
Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 20 min
Servings: Makes 4 servings
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup water, divided
4 (6-ounce) pieces thick white-fish fillets such as pollock or Pacific cod, skinned
1 tablespoon chopped dill
Whisk together sour cream and flour.
Wash leeks, then put in a large heavy skillet with butter, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover with parchment, then with a lid, and simmer over medium heat, stirring once or twice, until leeks are tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir in sour-cream mixture and remaining 1/3 cup water.
Season fish with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then add to leeks and cook, covered with parchment and lid, until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with dill.
13 January 2008
Ostioneria Colima
I've passed by this place for years, but never went because I had no idea if it was good. I have to admit that I didn't even consider it a place to try until my brother mentioned it. The situation makes me understand how non-Chinese might feel intimidated about going to a Chinese restaurant where the predominant language is one they don't understand. Though I know enough Spanish to read most of the menu hanging above the order counter, I had to ask for an English-language menu to decipher the rest. Turns out the name "ostioneria" refers to the oysters they serve.
It's a casual place decorated for a beachy feel, with televisions showing sports games in every corner. Apparently it can get very crowded during soccer games. After you order at the counter, you can either sit inside in booths or outside under a thatched roof overhang and they will bring your order to you.
We ordered quite a bit of food: octopus cocktail, fish ceviche, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and the hot and spicy shrimp dinner. The octopus cocktail was unpleasantly sweet and fruity for my taste and the fish ceviche was so-so. The rest of the food was awesome, however. Several filets of crispy breaded fish topped with shredded cabbage and sour cream fill the fish tacos. The shrimp tacos are similar. The hot and spicy shrimp dinner was awesome. Fresh, large shrimp with the tails left on swim in a glorious spicy, roasted pepper and onion sauce. Wow, this was so good! The roasted peppers provides a wonderful flavor and depth to the savory sauce. The salad that came with the dinner was just iceberg lettuce, red onions, and orange slices, and the rice is cooked with yellow corn. They also serve a delicious super spicy salsa filled with chilli seeds and roasted peppers. This stuff makes the manufactured tortilla chips taste great.
When I'm back in the Heights, I'm definitely coming here to satisfy my craving for Mexican food!
Ostioneria Colima
1136 S Hacienda Blvd
Hacienda Hts CA 91745
626.333.8017
It's a casual place decorated for a beachy feel, with televisions showing sports games in every corner. Apparently it can get very crowded during soccer games. After you order at the counter, you can either sit inside in booths or outside under a thatched roof overhang and they will bring your order to you.
We ordered quite a bit of food: octopus cocktail, fish ceviche, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and the hot and spicy shrimp dinner. The octopus cocktail was unpleasantly sweet and fruity for my taste and the fish ceviche was so-so. The rest of the food was awesome, however. Several filets of crispy breaded fish topped with shredded cabbage and sour cream fill the fish tacos. The shrimp tacos are similar. The hot and spicy shrimp dinner was awesome. Fresh, large shrimp with the tails left on swim in a glorious spicy, roasted pepper and onion sauce. Wow, this was so good! The roasted peppers provides a wonderful flavor and depth to the savory sauce. The salad that came with the dinner was just iceberg lettuce, red onions, and orange slices, and the rice is cooked with yellow corn. They also serve a delicious super spicy salsa filled with chilli seeds and roasted peppers. This stuff makes the manufactured tortilla chips taste great.
When I'm back in the Heights, I'm definitely coming here to satisfy my craving for Mexican food!
Ostioneria Colima
1136 S Hacienda Blvd
Hacienda Hts CA 91745
626.333.8017
Frozen Yogurt Fad
A comparison of the major frozen yogurt chains:
Pinkberry--the first and the best, in my opinion. Though at first I was surprised by its taste, I can see why this is a favorite of many. The lightness, sourness, and slightly icy texture makes it a refreshing treat, and they definitely have the freshest variety of toppings.
Kiwiberry--there is something oddly too creamy about their product that turns me off.
CeFiore--I find their description "Italian frozen yogurt" highly suspect, but have not done any research to make a hassle about it. Though their product is also very creamy tasting, it has a higher sourness level that helps to balance it out. Their other flavors, pomegranate-raspberry and acai are pretty good, too.
Yogurtland--the buffet of yogurt flavors appeals, but turns off purists (of which I am one). If I set aside my preference for plain yogurt flavor, I can handle it, but even then I dislike the watered-down and icy taste. The worst part about this place is the fruit because they add sugar to it, making it a sickly tasting sticky mess. If you prefer less sugary treats, definitely avoid the fruit here.
Golden Spoon--this has been around all along, so it's not really part of the fad. It's set apart in that it does not serve plain yogurt flavor, it is much sweeter, and it's designed to compete with ice-cream chains. I pretty much only like the strawberry flavor here because it has the sour yogurt taste. For everything else, I would have to pretend that it's soft-serve ice cream.
Pinkberry--the first and the best, in my opinion. Though at first I was surprised by its taste, I can see why this is a favorite of many. The lightness, sourness, and slightly icy texture makes it a refreshing treat, and they definitely have the freshest variety of toppings.
Kiwiberry--there is something oddly too creamy about their product that turns me off.
CeFiore--I find their description "Italian frozen yogurt" highly suspect, but have not done any research to make a hassle about it. Though their product is also very creamy tasting, it has a higher sourness level that helps to balance it out. Their other flavors, pomegranate-raspberry and acai are pretty good, too.
Yogurtland--the buffet of yogurt flavors appeals, but turns off purists (of which I am one). If I set aside my preference for plain yogurt flavor, I can handle it, but even then I dislike the watered-down and icy taste. The worst part about this place is the fruit because they add sugar to it, making it a sickly tasting sticky mess. If you prefer less sugary treats, definitely avoid the fruit here.
Golden Spoon--this has been around all along, so it's not really part of the fad. It's set apart in that it does not serve plain yogurt flavor, it is much sweeter, and it's designed to compete with ice-cream chains. I pretty much only like the strawberry flavor here because it has the sour yogurt taste. For everything else, I would have to pretend that it's soft-serve ice cream.
Ramen and Green Tea Soft Serve
Some of the best food in LA comes out of supermarket food courts. I wrote about Masenara and on another day we went to Santouka in the Mitsuwa supermarket in West Los Angeles. My brother introduced the rest of the family to this place when he was working in Culver City and he urged me to take our mom to try it. So one Wednesday in December 2006, I drove my mom to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market and took her to Santouka for lunch. And, wow, what a beautiful , perfectly-put-together bowl of ramen. The combination of chewy, curly noodles and rich, unctuous (read=composed of pork fat) soup sprinkled with green onion is divine. I prefer the shoyu flavoring, but the shio and miso versions are also good.
I've eyed the tea stand across the food court every time we ate at Santouka, but each time I felt too gluttonous to allow myself to try their green tea soft serve ice cream. This time, I ordered a small bowl of noodles, so I felt less gluttonous. At $3.50 plus tax, the ice cream is not an inexpensive treat, but it was well worth the price. The texture is ultra-smooth and creamy, and the taste was rich with matcha green tea powder. It was not too sweet, either, leaving a pleasant lingering tea aftertaste. It is the best soft serve ice cream I have ever had; I like it much better than the frozen yogurt fad going on right now and I wish I had had another chance before heading back to Charlottesville to enjoy it again.
I've eyed the tea stand across the food court every time we ate at Santouka, but each time I felt too gluttonous to allow myself to try their green tea soft serve ice cream. This time, I ordered a small bowl of noodles, so I felt less gluttonous. At $3.50 plus tax, the ice cream is not an inexpensive treat, but it was well worth the price. The texture is ultra-smooth and creamy, and the taste was rich with matcha green tea powder. It was not too sweet, either, leaving a pleasant lingering tea aftertaste. It is the best soft serve ice cream I have ever had; I like it much better than the frozen yogurt fad going on right now and I wish I had had another chance before heading back to Charlottesville to enjoy it again.
12 January 2008
Masenara
I had a craving for kimchi fried rice, so my mom and I went to Masenara, which is in D.B. Market World Korean supermarket in Diamond Bar. Although the kimchi fried rice you eat following spicy seafood soup is hard to beat--any Korean food served from a stone pot aste infinitely better than those served in regular dishes--this is probably my favorite place to eat this dish on its own. I like that they serve it topped with a crispy fried egg on top. My mom ordered the tofu soup with mushrooms and beef. A great lover of mushrooms, she was pleased to see the variety of types in the soup. I have yet to sample the Japanese cuisine part of their menu, but the two reviews on Yelp! tout the raw fish and rice bowl. Although the other items on the menu sound interesting, they're nothing to rave about. I just go back for the kimchi fried rice.
Masenara
21080 Golden Springs Dr
Diamond Bar CA 91765
909.598.2722
Masenara
21080 Golden Springs Dr
Diamond Bar CA 91765
909.598.2722
11 January 2008
Pakai Supermarket (百佳超级市场）
UPDATE: As comments below have indicated, Pakai has unfortunately closed. *sigh*
I want very much for Pakai to survive. If I lived in Hacienda Heights, I would absolutely shop at this supermarket because it has such a great selection of fresh and frozen meat and produce. It sells some unusual and hard-to-find items, some of which are delectably fresh where appropriate, which conjures for me a sense of connoisseurship of food and eating. The owners also run a chicken farm, so you know their poultry is as fresh as you can get.
Unfortunately, it has entered a tough market (already inhabited by two 99 Ranches, a Hong Kong, an Shun Fat, an Albertsons, and a Vons supermarkets) in a less than ideal location, so business has been looking slow. They haven't helped themselves by filling the center with who-knows-what-kind-of-junk and there aren't enough customers to keep a healthy produce turnover (in other words some wilting is visible).
On the upside, the market offers a variety of Asian, Hispanic, and Western goods. Also, the employees are friendly and courteous, something which you cannot say about many supermarkets. One noteworthy example is the fishmonger who dipped into a tank at least four times to retrieve a lobster whose size met my mom's requirements.
Admittedly, Pakai is the kind of establishment that is hard for the masses to appreciate. Just one look into Hong Kong Supermarket and all you see are aisles and aisles of processed junk food. The 99 Ranches are good all around stores. All the other Chinese markets are supported by restaurants, making it convenient for families to shop and eat at one go in the afternoon. Westerners tend to be intimidated by the foreign goods and languages. To go to Bakai is to make a special trip because you enjoy and appreciate eating and cooking well and it seems like most people can't be bothered.
Visit Pakai if you can and see for yourself how wonderful it is!
Pakai Supermarket (百佳超级市场)
3130 COLIMA RD
Hacienda Heights CA 91745
626.855.4390
I want very much for Pakai to survive. If I lived in Hacienda Heights, I would absolutely shop at this supermarket because it has such a great selection of fresh and frozen meat and produce. It sells some unusual and hard-to-find items, some of which are delectably fresh where appropriate, which conjures for me a sense of connoisseurship of food and eating. The owners also run a chicken farm, so you know their poultry is as fresh as you can get.
Unfortunately, it has entered a tough market (already inhabited by two 99 Ranches, a Hong Kong, an Shun Fat, an Albertsons, and a Vons supermarkets) in a less than ideal location, so business has been looking slow. They haven't helped themselves by filling the center with who-knows-what-kind-of-junk and there aren't enough customers to keep a healthy produce turnover (in other words some wilting is visible).
On the upside, the market offers a variety of Asian, Hispanic, and Western goods. Also, the employees are friendly and courteous, something which you cannot say about many supermarkets. One noteworthy example is the fishmonger who dipped into a tank at least four times to retrieve a lobster whose size met my mom's requirements.
Admittedly, Pakai is the kind of establishment that is hard for the masses to appreciate. Just one look into Hong Kong Supermarket and all you see are aisles and aisles of processed junk food. The 99 Ranches are good all around stores. All the other Chinese markets are supported by restaurants, making it convenient for families to shop and eat at one go in the afternoon. Westerners tend to be intimidated by the foreign goods and languages. To go to Bakai is to make a special trip because you enjoy and appreciate eating and cooking well and it seems like most people can't be bothered.
Visit Pakai if you can and see for yourself how wonderful it is!
Pakai Supermarket (百佳超级市场)
3130 COLIMA RD
Hacienda Heights CA 91745
626.855.4390
Blossom Restaurant
I was in downtown Los Angeles yesterday because I had lunch with my former coworkers at Blossom Restaurant. While I've been away in Virginia, downtown has apparently become a decent place to hang out. Blossom, a darling and brightly decorated space, is one of the new businesses that have opened in the Old Bank District, next to Pete's. Coming from the vicinity of bustling Cal Plaza you must walk through some bits that look sketch (and just a bit less bustling), but it's not too bad during the day. There are a couple art galleries and stores around and I heard that some fancy designer stores will be opening soon.
Back to Blossom: I ordered a bowl of rice vermicelli noodles with slices of lemongrass beef and shrimp. The shrimp was fresh and succulent in the Asian way, but the beef lacked the tasty char-grilled flavor you get from some of the better Vietnamese restaurants. It seems they might not be as good at cooking beef because one of my coworkers ordered the shaking beef and the cubes looked a bit flat. It had no fat shine or barely crisp edges. She liked it though. Nevertheless, I had a decent bowl of noodles and I especially liked that it also had a good serving of green lettuce topped by a spoonful of pickled turnip and carrot. I would definitely go back if I happen to be in the area.
Blossom Restaurant
426 S Main
Los Angeles CA 90013
213.623.1973
http://www.blossomrestaurant.com/
Back to Blossom: I ordered a bowl of rice vermicelli noodles with slices of lemongrass beef and shrimp. The shrimp was fresh and succulent in the Asian way, but the beef lacked the tasty char-grilled flavor you get from some of the better Vietnamese restaurants. It seems they might not be as good at cooking beef because one of my coworkers ordered the shaking beef and the cubes looked a bit flat. It had no fat shine or barely crisp edges. She liked it though. Nevertheless, I had a decent bowl of noodles and I especially liked that it also had a good serving of green lettuce topped by a spoonful of pickled turnip and carrot. I would definitely go back if I happen to be in the area.
Blossom Restaurant
426 S Main
Los Angeles CA 90013
213.623.1973
http://www.blossomrestaurant.com/
10 January 2008
Julius Shulman
While I was in downtown Los Angeles today, I stopped by the Getty Gallery exhibition "Julius Shulman's Los Angeles" at the LA Central Library. I wasn't expecting much since I had never gone to an exhibition at the library, but I'm glad I went. Since 1936, Shulman has been recording the development of Los Angeles--as he puts it, he has grown older with the city. The show focuses on the growth of Bunker Hill, Century City, and Wilshire Blvd as well as the diverse residential fabric, from the Case Study Houses to the bungalow courts to the cookie-cutter tract houses.
I was especially taken by the way Shulman staged his photographs to create a more attractive and dynamic effect. The iconic images of the Case Study Houses were paired with original, rarely seen photos which were banal and uninteresting in character. The juxtaposition demonstrates the ways that details and composition can enhance an image. For the photo of Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #22, in which one wing of the house cantilevers above the glittery city below, Shulman rearranged the furniture and strategically placed two stylish young women to add glamor to the otherwise minimal setting.
The exhibition seems to have been created in part to educate the public about the historic fabric of the city and its alteration, and in some cases destruction. The label texts were not preachy but informative about the changes taking place. Unfortunately the exhibition was not having the kind of effect that the organizers might have hoped. They left a blank volume on a table for visitors to identify buildings that had historical value. These buildings could be included in the project to record (by photographs and documents) historically significant architecture of LA. Since the exhibition has been open since October, I hope that one volume has already been filled because the one there this week was full of illegible scribbles.
If you have time before January 27, I highly recommend checking out the exhibition. Even if you might not know much about architecture, the photos are beautiful and there's a fun video of a spritely Shulman discussing some of his work.
JULIUS SHULMAN'S LOS ANGELES
October 6, 2007 - January 27, 2008
Central Library - Getty Gallery
for more information, visit http://www.lapl.org/events/shulman/
I was especially taken by the way Shulman staged his photographs to create a more attractive and dynamic effect. The iconic images of the Case Study Houses were paired with original, rarely seen photos which were banal and uninteresting in character. The juxtaposition demonstrates the ways that details and composition can enhance an image. For the photo of Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #22, in which one wing of the house cantilevers above the glittery city below, Shulman rearranged the furniture and strategically placed two stylish young women to add glamor to the otherwise minimal setting.
The exhibition seems to have been created in part to educate the public about the historic fabric of the city and its alteration, and in some cases destruction. The label texts were not preachy but informative about the changes taking place. Unfortunately the exhibition was not having the kind of effect that the organizers might have hoped. They left a blank volume on a table for visitors to identify buildings that had historical value. These buildings could be included in the project to record (by photographs and documents) historically significant architecture of LA. Since the exhibition has been open since October, I hope that one volume has already been filled because the one there this week was full of illegible scribbles.
If you have time before January 27, I highly recommend checking out the exhibition. Even if you might not know much about architecture, the photos are beautiful and there's a fun video of a spritely Shulman discussing some of his work.
JULIUS SHULMAN'S LOS ANGELES
October 6, 2007 - January 27, 2008
Central Library - Getty Gallery
for more information, visit http://www.lapl.org/events/shulman/
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