Goodbye Test Kitchen, Hello Sotto

Test Kitchen was meant to be a short run with Sotto taking it's place in January, if you listen to LA Weekly. Like with many restaurants they were delayed, thus, opening at the very end of March. More has changed than just concept and name. The interior has seen a mild overhaul as well with the back booths taken out and replaced with bench wall seating and tables. The chalkboard is gone as well creating a feeling of the room being slightly more open. Then there's the fact that the players are going to remain constant with former Pizzeria Ortica chef Steve Samson and Zach Pollack helming the kitchen after 2 Test Kitchen runs in the same space and a tour of Southern Italy. 

Lou on Vine

'What's your tolerance for strange wine?' - Lou Amdur

Lou on Vine is primarily known as a wine bar. Lou Amdur, proprietor, is the ultimate wine geek's wine geek. His knowledge and enthusiasm for wine is vast, with the enthusiasm being contagious.  I haven't had a glass of wine there that I didn't enjoy. And I definitely enjoy funky wines. However, there's more to Lou than wine. Turns out, the kitchen is doing something as well. 

Photo: Mark Ryan

Delphine at the W Hotel

Last month, The Minty and I went to see a show at the Pantages (Avenue Q, for the curious) and wanted to have a bite before curtain. The W Hotel sits conveniently across the street from the theatre, so it was obvious where we should go: Delphine. Delphine made a bit of a splash when it first opened last year, and I honestly haven't heard much out of there as of late.

Bluegrass Brunches @ Urban Solace

San Diego - One day, several months ago, Chef Dan Moody posted a photo on Twitter of a beautiful plate of foie gras eggs benedict. Lovely and decadent, it sent my mouth into a mouth watering tizzy. There was a conversation following between Moody, myself and Urban Solace chef/owner Matt Gordon. It was decided that when I should decide to come down to San Diego, I was to notify Matt in advance and the off menu item would be happily added to that days' menu. Turns out, it was sooner than later as soon after this conversation, I went to San Diego to partake in the pop up event of Moody's, Relate.

Ktown Series: Episode 1: Kalbi Burger

The very first time I had ever heard of Kalbi Burger was at last year's KBBQ Cook Off. It was the first booth to have food ready after a fire department inspection delay. Burgers happen to cook faster than galbi. At the time, I only had a basic cheeseburger with their special house made aioli. To say that it made my mouth water in sensory overload was an understatement. However, despite this strong beginning, it took me many months to make the journey into their actual restaurant.