FOOD FASHIONISTA

Celebrate Bouchon Beverly Hills' 2 Year Anniversary with $2 Dollar Champagne!

Bouchon Beverly Hills

235 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills

(310) 271-9910

San Francisco Cocktail Week Returns 9/19- 9/25 - Get your drink on SF!

 
 

We are now just a few days away from the much-anticipated Fifth Annual San Francisco Cocktail Week taking place during September 19-25, 2011. Last year was literally one of the best and booziest weeks in S.F. with non-stop seminars, cocktail parties, culinary events, and festival galas throughout the seven-day celebration. Hard to imagine, but it looks like this year is going to be even more memorable (well depending on how much liquor you consume) and intoxicatingly epic. With the addition of the Cocktail Dinners at some of S.F.'s favorite restaurants, attendees will be fortunate enough to experience the pairing of drinks and dining with some of the city's top mixologists and chefs. If you appreciate a truly memorable liquid libation and all things cocktilian, this week was created for you.

 
  Cocktails at last year's Boothby Center for Beverage Arts Launch

 

Pancho Villa Taqueria's Garlic Prawn Platter - San Francisco

 
Normally priced at $9.95, HeardAbout.com is featuring this favorite dish of mine today for ONLY $5. Act fast, offer quantities are limited, and can be used through 9/11/2011. 

 

Brief Dish Blurb:

Forget the wharf, the Garlic Prawns at this Mission District Taqueria are the quintessential San Francisco seafood fix. Served with your choice of refried, pinto, or black beans, and a side of rice and warm tortillas, this is a complete meal in one.

 

Oysters & Champagne Happy Hour at Grand Cafe, San Francisco

 
 

Usually when you think of happy-hour cuisine, the mind conjures up visions of discounted fried dishes or second-rate menu items priced at 1/2 off. Well, what if I told you that there's a happy hour involving freshly-shucked oysters and chilled champagne. You'd think I was kidding, right!? Well, when I first heard of this deal, I thought I was day dreaming too, but lucky for all of us, it is a reality.

Grand Cafe now offers a Champagne and Oyster Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. For just $1 a piece for oysters and $5 for a glass of champagne, you can celebrate happy hour in high style with your friends and colleagues. Other fantastic offers include $3 beer and additional food items including baked oysters for $1.50 each, baked clams for $2 each and “Frog & Fries”, lightly fried frog legs, for $7. And it doesn't stop there. All-night specials include the “Beer and Oyster Combo”, ½ dozen fresh oysters and your choice of a pint of Sam Adams or Kronenbourg 1664 for $10; “Bubbly and Oyster Combo”, ½ dozen fresh oysters and a glass of Domaine St Michelle, also for only $10.  

 

Although the oyster and champagne happy hour are only offered on Fridays and Saturdays, the adjoining Petit Café’ features a Monday through Friday happy hour, from 3-7 p.m. During these hours, select drinks and appetizers are priced at a low $3-$7 each.

For all you jazz lovers, Petit Café offers complimentary entertainment for its guests from 9:30 p.m. by local jazz artist Q Mauro. And if you don't have Bastille Day plans quite yet, keep Grand Cafe in mind. The restaurant will have a Marie Antoinette look-alike walking around the restaurant passing out cake bites for people (get it? “Let them eat cake!”).  An accordian player will also be adding to the restaurant’s festive atmosphere by playing traditional Parisian music throughout the night. The restaurant will pass out glasses of champagne, and in the Petit Café, there’ll be a beef bourguignon and glass of red wine special (for $19).

Look forward to seeing you all at the Grand Cafe very soon...

 

Grand Cafe

501 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 292-0101

Food Fashionista Loves Good Food

 

There's nothing quite like a great-tasting dish. It can spark a smile from the grumpiest of faces and has the ability to strike a sudden conversation among strangers. Food is a common bond we all share. It doesn't matter if you are living in California or Zimbabwe. Eating is a shared habit and necessity we all participate in across the mighty globe. If you are on Facebook, join our page and get in on our daily culinary conversation.

Food Fashionista on Facebook

Fig & Olive Melrose Place - Launch of New Aperitivo & Ciccheti Menus

 

 

FIG & OLIVE Melrose Place—West Hollywood’s newly opened Mediterranean eatery—recently launched a new daily “Aperitivo” menu, inviting diners to enjoy a thirst-quenching selection of handmade cocktails, wine, and imported beer ($7-10) paired with complimentary light summertime bites (available with the purchase of any cocktail or glass of wine and beer (minimum one per person). Yes, you heard it right, complimentary.

 

 
Piscine – Sparking Wine, served on ice with Fresh Strawberries

 

Offered daily from 5 – 7:00 p.m. in the restaurant’s bar and lounge area, and on the outdoor patio, guests can partake in the European pre-dinner tradition of invigorating their appetites with an assortment of complimentary house-cured olives, crudités, bruschetta, dips, roasted vegetables, and seasonal Focaccia breads—courtesy of the restaurant. In addition to wines and beers ($7-10 by the glass) from the South of France, Italy and Spain, Aperitivo menu drink options include 12 signature and classic cocktails ($10 each). The Piscine (pictured above) is made with Moët Ice Imperial Champagne (exclusively available in L.A. at Fig & Olive) with ice and fresh strawberries.

 

 
            Selection of Crostini  (Cicchetti & Dinner Menus)

 

Guests looking to fill up with larger bites can further indulge in an accompanying “Cicchetti” menu of small plates featuring an assortment of Cheese ($19) including Fromage de Chèvre, Gorgonzola Dolce, and Pierre Robert; a selection of Crostini ($9.50 – 18); and Mixed Olives ($5.50).

 

                                  Spaghetti Mediterraneo

 
                                  Branzino with Fig & Balsamic

 

Another option is to come early for cocktails and complimentaray light Aperitivo bites with friends followed by dinner on their outdoor patio or in Fig & Olive's expansive contemporary interior space. Whether dining inside or out, you will feel the Hollywood/Mediterranean hot-spot vibe. Don't be surprised if you run into a few celebs while sipping a glass of Rose' or a Cucumber Cosmo. After all, it has become quite the to-be-seen locale for Hollywood's it-crowd. FIG & OLIVE, Melrose Place - a nice choice for those craving refreshing cocktails and a Hollywood scene in a stylishly designed restaurant in the heart of West Hollywood.

 

 

 

FIG & OLIVE Melrose Place

8490 Melrose Place

West Hollywood, CA 90069

310.360.9100

 

 

Chaya Brasserie & Chef Haru Kishi - Beverly Hills

 

Just in case you haven't heard, Chef Harutaka Kishi has really stepped up the game at Chaya Brasserie in Beverly Hills. With a resume that spans the globe, this Paris-born talent has worked in some of the finest (and brutally meticulous) kitchens. From Versailles working with Chef Gordon Ramsay, to Japan with Chef Joel Robuchon, Haru (whose first name means Spring in Japanese) has a pedigree and passport impressive enough to work anywhere in the world. Fortunately for Southern Californians, he chose Los Angeles.

  
                                    Hamachi Mole Sushi

 
On a recent visit to Chaya Brasserie, I was pleasantly surprised to see how creative and well-executed the updated menu was. I've frequented other Chaya locations, both in San Francisco and Venice, but this was an entirely new dining experience. While savoring and observing Chef Kishi's dishes, at times, solely based on cuisine, I felt transported to a hot spot in Scandinavia or Tokyo.

                                Chilled Almond Soup

Chef Haru Kishi, like many chefs these days, makes frequent visits to the local Farmers' Market and utilizes only the freshest ingredients into his preparations. With a refreshingly well-thought-out and impressive approach, Chef Haru incorporates these seasonal items into an elegant, yet accessible dining experience. The Chilled Almond Soup was both visually enticing and uniquely flavorful - a dish so beautiful it was worthy of a photo (even for the non-food writer/blogger). The brilliant hues of the edible flowers paired eloquently with the more muted colors of the Marcona almonds and Shimeji mushrooms. Although light and refreshing, the textures added more substance to this impressive appetizer. The Soy Glazed Black Cod was art on a plate and satisfying to the palate - another example of Chef Haru Kishi's exemplary cooking style.

 

                                Soy Glazed Black Cod

Chaya Brasserie offers several dining options including a La Petite Menu with a selection of Sushi ($5-$16), Bites ($5-$18), and Entrees ($16-$35), a full Dinner Menu with Appetizers($12-$26), Entrees ($28-$38), and Side Dishes ($6-$18) or the option of a Three-Course Tasting Menu ($39) or a Five-Course Omakase ($65). The cocktail list is another strong point. These various choices make dining at Chaya an easy option for those with varying taste buds and budgets. A favorite, yet hidden celebrity haunt, Chaya Brasserie is the ideal spot for a meal with your epicurean friends or the perfect retreat for small-plates and cocktails after shopping around the corner on upscale, ultra-chic Robertson Boulevard.

 

                                      Cucumber Ginger Fizz

         (Absolut Citron, St.Germain, Cucumber, Ginger, Citrus, Herbs)

 

For all our Chaya Brasserie Photos, visit our Chaya Brasserie Album on Facebook.

 

Chaya Brasserie

8741 Alden Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 859-8833

 

Takami Sushi & Robata Donating 100% to Red Cross Japan

 

If you are going to dine out in Los Angeles in the near future, keep Takami at the top of your choices. Indefinitely, this contemporary Japanese restaurant in downtown L.A., is donating 100% OF PROFITS to the RED CROSS JAPAN. You can make reservations at (213)236-9600 and please mention “RED CROSS” when making a reservation. To follow Takami on Twitter, go to @TAKAMIsushi.

If you would like more information and details on Takami, here is a link to a write-up I did on Takami back in 2008.

 

http://www.foodfashionista.com/food_fashionista/2008/09/takami-restaura.html

 

Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant

811 Wilshire Blvd Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Neighborhood: Downtown

 

Holiday Cocktail Bar App by Mixologist Kim Haasarud

 

“Holiday Cocktail Bar,” a new app for iPhone and Android offers dozens of easy-to-make, seasonal and artisanal cocktail recipes such as the Peppermint Martini (above) perfect for entertaining this time of year.  A lot of women stress out about being the “hostess with the most-ess” this month and “Holiday Cocktail Bar” will make entertaining so much easier.  Each cocktail comes with easy-to-follow instructions, a beautiful photo (great for comparing the final product), a glossary of industry terms, additional recipes for homemade mixers and garnishes, and tips on where to find ingredients.

 

“Holiday Cocktail Bar” includes original recipes from by James Beard-honored mixologist and author Kim Haasarud who takes a seasonal and artisanal approach to her cocktails.

A few innovative cocktails include: 

-       Chocolate Conquistador – anejo tequila, Pedro Ximenez sherry, chocolate sauce, half & half, chocolate shavings

-       Red Velvet – raspberry sorbet, bourbon, orange juice, cranberry juice, soda water, raspberry garnish

-       Mistletoe Martini – black raspberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, cranberry juice, rosemary sprigs.

 

                 Hot Toddies: Salted Caramel Mocha

 
Ruby Slipper – strawberries, Grand Marnier, sparkling demi-sec

 

The app is available on iTunes for only ($1.99) 

iPhone users can download here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/holiday-bar/id402869629?mt=8. 

Android users can download “Holiday Cocktail Bar” directly from their device or here: http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.appetizermedia.holidaybar?install. 

#SFCW San Francisco Cocktail Week 2010

 
                 Enrique Sanchez of La Mar's "The Remedy"

What an exhilirating week it was to be in San Francisco. The Bay Area has always been recognized and respected for it's food and wine advancements, but the mixology movement of San Francisco cannot be ignored. What only broke ground four years ago, San Francisco Cocktail Week is now a full fledged seven days of education and celebration of the historic and thriving Bay Area liquor and spirits industries.

 
SFCW Founders -H. Joseph Ehrmann, Jeff Hollinger & Duggan McDonnell

Just this past month, San Francisco's own Comstock Saloon, Elixir, Rickhouse and The Alembic, four industry favorites, were named in GQ magazine's Top 25 Cocktail Bars in America. Smuggler's Cove was also mentioned as "home to the country's best rum selection". In addition on any given night, there are many accolade-worthy bars, lounges and restaurants serving and pairing seasonal cocktails, with the freshest, most creative of ingredients.

 

         Leblon, Figs, Plums, Martini & Rossi at Farmers' Market

 

                  "That Time of the Month" benefit at Lazslo

 

               Ragtag Rabble Gaming Soiree at The Burritt Room

San Francisco Cocktail Week 2010 kicked off with a formal inauguration of the Boothby Centre for the Beverage Arts followed by a "That Time of the Month" after-party benefit at Lazslo in the Mission District. The week continued with many official and non-official events such as the Farmers' Market Happy Hour at the Ferry Building, a Ragtag Ramble Gambling Night at the Crescent Hotel's Burritt Room, a Cocktail Carnival Gala at the historic Old Mint, a Spaghetti Feast at Long Bar and gatherings at Cantina, 15 Romolo and Elixir just to name a few.

 

                        Danny Louie at Cocktail Lab's Soiree

 

            Bon Vivant's Punchbowl at Cocktail Carnival Gala

Just like fashion, the great classics remain and the fads change and evolve with time. Long gone are the days of Cosmos, Mai Tais and Dirty Martinis being the exclusive choices on the adult beverage list. Now you will see a well-select and thought out drink menu featuring chilled glass components of what's currently in season locally and what ingredients are being offered by neighboring distilleries and farmers. 

 

     Enrique Sanchez of La Mar at Cuesa Farmers' Market

 

            Food Fashionista hearts San Francisco at Boothby

 

         Steven Liles stirring it up at Boothby Inauguration

 


Once you taste a cocktail, a real cocktail from one of these mixologists or bartenders who put their heart and soul into their trade...you will quickly be awakened to why there is an entire week dedicated to magnifying the significance of what these liquor industry folks do. Lucky for us, SF Cocktail Week is not something that is just honored one week every year here in the City By the Bay. The world of cocktails is a part of the everyday existence of San Francisco's culinary and potation culture and lifestyle...and that is why we absolutely love it here.

 

FOR ALL PHOTOS OF SF COCKTAIL WEEK 2010, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

For more information on SF Cocktail Week, visit HERE

 

photo credit of La Mar: Kara Murphy