From the team behind Eveleigh (not a fan, pretty space with mediocre food) comes this new spot on West Third which is sure to become another Saturday and Sunday staple for those looking to look beautiful and wash it down with a bundle of mimosas and maybe even a touch of brunch.
A small patio hidden from the street with blooming flowers and a vertical garden along one wall take up the front. A good looking dining room dominated by a bar flanking one side is the interior. So far, so good.
In a city of good to great Italian why is The Monster at C&O Trattoria? And even worse, at the location furthest from the ocean?
There is no good reason. None whatsoever. The famed garlic knots are hard and oily. Granted they still get eaten. The service is certainly friendly but does that really matter?
Filed under C&O Trattoria, Reviews
Honest question. For those who like Hinoki and the Bird. Why?
Sure, great atmosphere. Good drink program. Exciting sounding menu. But did you EAT the food? And you liked it? Really? The Monster could not have been more excited to try this place out. Comes with the pedigree. David Myers joint. Gets early reviewers in a tizzy. Becomes the hot reservation. But again, did anyone EAT the food?
Filed under Hinoki and the Bird, Reviews
Muddy Leak takes over a space in Culver City that seems like it just might be forever doomed. Starting with Wilson many moons ago The Monster can think of five different iterations that have graced this address. And each seems to have come and gone faster than the last.
A new American that takes over the indoor/outdoor corner on Washington Boulevard, The Monster goes in with the best of hopes for a great meal and a restaurant that will end the curse of 8631…
Filed under Muddy Leek, Reviews
On the Sunset Strip is LA’s famed Italian chef Celestino Drago’s latest, Osteria Drago. The space is a study in schizophrenia, classic Italian meets cheesy mod design. The service is pure LA, incredibly warm and inviting at one turn, slightly surly and off-putting at others. As for the menu, it is Italian of the moment meets greatest hits of the past, meaning you’ll find a salad with kale, one with beets, things like venison carpaccio and sea urchin panna cotta and lots of pastas and expensive meat and fish dishes.
The question is, does it all work?
Filed under Osteria Drago (closed), Reviews
Filed under Reviews, Roc Kitchen
The Monster thinks mayonnaise is disgusting and he doesn’t understand how you filthy people can eat it. You can call is Hellman’s or Miracle Whip or Kraft. You can see it say “real mayonnaise” on the label and tell The Monster he is wrong. As if there is a run on “fake” mayonnaise. You can say whatever you want but it is a scourge on the earth.
It’s so weirdly white and the consistency is just plain nasty. So thick and creamy. And it tastes like absolute shit in a jar. But you like that apparently.
Filed under Mayonaisse, Why The Monster Does(n't) Eat...
In a charming courtyard on Montana sits this newbie serving breakfast and lunch from 8-4.
You’ll be treated to some great old tunes, super friendly service and a menu that features salads, crostini, sandwiches and a few main courses. Oh, and make sure to leave room for the macaroons.
Filed under Reviews, The Courtyard Kitchen
There are certain perks that come with writing a food blog. And one of those perks is when someone like Helen Mansuryan from Ladybug Fortune Cookie Company reaches out and asks if you’d like to sample some of their bespoke fortune cookies. Hell yea, The Monster sure would like to.
How many times have you been handed a stale, disgusting fortune cookie at the end of a Chinese meal? In 2010 just this happened to Helen and she started her company. Marrying gourmet toppings with whimsical designs, Lady Bug Fortune Cookie Company transforms the traditional fortune cookie into a personalized, fun and delicious treat.
Filed under Ladybug Fortune Cookie Company
Wildcraft Sourdough Pizza in Culver City. The Monster checks it out. It is a sort of uberhip, music blaring, beer and wine on offer, gourmet pizza/snack/salad/panino/veggie joint.
You can get red or white pizza. You can sit inside or out. Communal tables, bar, or individual tables. The clientele is CC young. The vibe is loud. There is something familiar about this place. And then The Monster realizes…
Filed under Reviews, Wildcraft Sourdough Pizza
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