Before you ruin yourself on Cinco De Mayo, make a run for it at the Tacos & Beer 5K in Long Beach.
Hosted by Exitos 93.9 FM on Saturday the 4th, this event is genius. Not only does it start at 9am (sleep in time!) with a trail race thru the hills and wilderness, but it ends with mariachi music, DJs like the Mexican Dubwiser, live bands such as Zapoteca Roots, comedy, and most importantly food trucks & a beer garden.
The five-year-old foodie event kicked off February 24th. Not to worry, you still have until this Saturday, Mar 2nd to gobble up what's left of the reservations.
Here's a list of restaurants – from Asian to African – I've visited with dishes that are part of the prix-fixe deal. (3-course Lunches range from $10 to $20 with Dinners from $20 to $40.)
- simple, light 'n refreshing with a lemon chile kick, Tuscan Kale Salad with Lemon, Parmesan & Bread Crumbs
Bite Advice: Don't choose a restaurant you've never been to before during restaurant week. But if you must, I'd go with one that's been on the block for a while. Things tend to get heated in the kitchen with massively long reservation lists. And it's highly likely that special dish you've been salivating over your keyboard for, could sell out. (Trust me, you'll thank me later.)
Bon Appetit!
- french
onion soup in a bowl without the carbs, tangy 'n tamarind-like Bone-in
Kona Coffee Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter (dineLA menu) -
See more at:
http://www.yournextbite.com/2011/02/the-capital-grille-at-beverly-center-brings-impeccable-service.html#sthash.daKwzznm.dpuf
- french
onion soup in a bowl without the carbs, tangy 'n tamarind-like Bone-in
Kona Coffee Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter (dineLA menu) -
See more at:
http://www.yournextbite.com/2011/02/the-capital-grille-at-beverly-center-brings-impeccable-service.html#sthash.daKwzznm.dpuf
Last weekend my friends and I enjoyed a dinner and a movie, right next door to one another, on a 3 day weekend with Newport Beach Restaurant Week prix-fixe deals. (As Borat would say, "Great Success!")
We dined at the Port Restaurant & Bar in Corona del Mar on a 3-course $30 meal that left us satisfied and more than full. Their Mediterranean menu offers everything from Kabobs to Pastas, Seafood and Steak.
On a Saturday night, the place was popping with a lively crowd & live band. Our table was situated near the stage (their bar adjoins the dining room so you can see and hear the entertainment). I'm not gonna lie, we were totally tempted to turn the speaker down a notch to hear each other – that is until the food came.
The Grubdown:
- lightly dressed, sweet essence, Chef's Salad with Mixed Greens, Romaine, Shaved Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes, and Champagne Vinaigrette
- must order, creamy, nutty, feathered texture, sweet 'n savory herb, Butternut Squash Soup with Creme Fraiche & Parsley
- nice crisp sear though a little tough, lots of fixins too, Chilean SeaBass with rustic meaty Mushroom & cheesy Parmesan Risotto, steamed Spinach, crisp Peppers, White Wine Sauce & Balsamic Reduction (Chef's special add $10)
- spicyness overrides the sweetness, sauce has great thickness, Yellow Chicken Curry with Mushrooms, Sundried Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers, cooling Cucumer Raita, Basmati Rice & Pita Slices
- unlike any flavor i've ever tried, very floral, almost like eating perfume but in a strangely good way, Saffron Ice Cream with Pistachios
- looked like a layered work of art up close, spongey with slightly citrus taste, Tiramisu with Chocolate Espresso Dust, Berries & Cream
I couldn't tell if it was my detox, or just because it was such a good deal, but our prix-fixe meal left me feeling full until happy hour the next day. Must orders include the Butternut Squash and the SeaBass!
Afterwards, we checked out the new-ish Port Theater. (If you haven't been yet, it's not your ordinary
cinema. The floor is flat vs descending, the seats are comprised of
backless leather arm chairs & sofas spread about in dollhouse fashion, and there are no cupholders, but heavy metal antique stools instead.)
It's a 3 Day weekend. You know what that means. Time to celebrate with some good eats & deals. Starting this Friday January 27th, The OC's Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2013 brings you 3-Course Prix Fixe Lunches from $10-$20, and Dinners from $20-$40.
Here's a list of places I've dined with some signature dishes – yes they're featured on the Prix Fixe deal – to order.
I hope you're fasting this week like me because Sunday, October 21st marks the seventh annual 2012 Los Angeles Magazine Event. Tucked away in picturesque Saddlerock Ranch (home to Semler and Malibu Family Wines), the rolling hills, roaming zebras, and rock formations are enough to satisfy your soul.
As for the fun, epicurean experts like Chef Ludo Lefebvre, KCRW "Good Food" host Evan Kleinman, and LA Mag's very own Leslie Bargar Suter (recent guest judge on Top Chef) will either be flexing their culinary muscles in demonstrations or answering your questions. Other goodies include beer & wine glass giveaways and fresh herb liqueurs.
Here's a look at what was on the table last year. Some will be returning.
The Grubdown:
- best thing all day, perfect
shot of elegant comfort, Patina Butternut Squash Soup with Crème Fraiche,
Chopped Chive, and what tasted like sweet Caramelized Salt Crystals
- way
too dry, needed some sauce to dip it in, Mezze Shawarma with Housemade Pickes
& Amba
- light
‘n refreshing, just what the hot day ordered, Lukshon Hawaiian Walu with Daikon
& Nahm Jim
- could’ve
lost the crostini canvas to enjoy the meat in all its glory, Saddle Peak Lodge Elk
Tenderloin with Vanilla Butternut Squash Puree & Brandied Cherries
- by the time I got to this at the end of the day, it was a little soggy and lost its luster, Rivera Flan De Elote Corn Custard with Black Quinoa & Squash Blossom Sauce
- a
taunting tower of tummy terror amidst the 74 other booths to try, yet oh so sinfully good, Frosted Cupcakery
with Strawberry Cream Cheese, Chocolate Buttercream, Peanut Butter, and Coconut Vanilla Cupcakes
A Slice of Advice: Get There Early to get your money's worth! Tickets cost $115 per person and the event only goes from 2-5pm.
Believe it or not, the food goes fast.
Saddlerock Ranch. 31727 Mulholland Highway, Malibu,
CA 90265.
Last weekend the hand model and I drove southeast to the once-a-year Julian's Apple Days Festival, and then missed it. I hadn't been since I was 8, so memory wasn't serving me well. Neither was their signage, nor their website. (Information on the festival's whereabouts was via phone only – talk about small-town time warp.)
As soon as we got into town, we saw throngs of people and parked the second we found a spot (call it trigger happy from living in LA 9 years). Mesmerized by pony-drawn carriages, apple everything (apple cider, apple butter, dried apple rings, caramel apples), and the ridiculously long line outside MOM's Pie's, suddenly we had forgotten all about the festival.
It wasn't until we had ordered a whole take-home Flaky Apple Pie, devoured a quick slice with warm Cheddar on top, and purchased a 1960's wind-up watch necklace at the antique store next door, did we realize "hey, aren't we supposed to pay a $5 admission fee somewhere to pick apples and drink from the beer & wine garden?" Oops.
The Grubdown:
- for me the melted cheese just adds another textured layer, but my hand model swears by it, gooey 'n rather mild Slice of Flakey Apple Pie with Sharp Cheddar Cheese $4.95
- could use more salt 'n cinnamon to spice things up, otherwise simple, tart 'n fresh with an impressive perfectly raised crust, Whole Flaky Apple Pie $14.95
After speaking to the lovely lady inside the antique shop, she told us the festival was about a mile east of the main town at Menghini Winery. We figured, "what've we got to lose?" (Besides our parking spot.) By the time we arrived, it had shut down and the winery stopped serving. Thankfully the coffee guy in the side room offered us a rare Heirloom Snow White Apple – with flesh, not skin, as white as snow – on the house. It was very crisp 'n juicy with a faint tartness vs. sweetness.
Driving back into town we stumbled upon Julian Brewing Co. and Bailey Woodpit Barbeque. We drowned our sorrows of missing the once-a-year festival in a gluttonous meal of stick-to-your-ribs down-home comfort food and hard cider.
The 2nd Grubdown:
- the star of the night, juicy 'n tender with crunchy veg and a flakey bun, Grass and Grain-fed Smoked Tri Tip Sandwich with Grilled Peppers, Onion, and Side of Cole Slaw $8 (Half Order)
- tangy 'n sweet sauce, kinda chewy 'n fatty pork, Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Side of too intense chopped Raw Garlic & Parmesan Fries and devilishly creamy Mac & Cheese $14
Next year we (and you!) will have to do ourselves a favor by CALLING
Tracy Turner at 760-803-4377 like their website lists, instead of just
showing up. Thankfully, Julian offered enough charming distractions to
make our day trip.
MOM's Pies. 2119 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2472
Menghini Winery. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2072.
Bailey Woodpit BBQ. 2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-3757.
It's that time again for the 24th annual Taste of Newport food & music festival in Newport Beach, OC. This evening event shuts down a quarter of the circle surrounding Fashion Island and turns it into one major street party.
Children under 8 get in FREE, and special VIP passes can be purchased for entertainment like Andy Grammar (Friday night), Blondie & DEVO (Saturday night), and Roger Hodgson of Supertramp (Sunday night).
$25 will get you in, but to try the 30+ restaurants and 15 wineries you'll need to purchase an eScrip card (plan on forking over an extra $40 per person for food & beverage for the night). Here's a sampling of what's offered.
- Casey's Cupcakes (taste the last of summer with Smokin' Smores Cupcake)
- Fit Foods 4 Life (balance it all out with the Kale & Quinoa, Shredded Carrot, Red Cabbage, Chickpea, and Golden Raisin Salad with Light Raspberry Vinaigrette)
- Kitayama (you can't go wrong with with a Spicy Lobster or Spicy Tuna Roll)
- Le Pain Quotidien (do as the Parisians do with an authentic Smoked Salmon Tartine on Organic Bread with Chopped Dill & Creme Fraiche)
- Pizzeria Mozza (mangia the Butterscotch Budino with Maldon Sea Salt, Rosemary & Pine Nut Cookies)
- Tamarind of London (get more bang for your buck with the Garlic Chili Chicken & Naan)
Buy your tickets before Friday and you'll get $3 off the admission price (that's right, $22).
Bon Appetit.
600 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-729-4400.
The event kicked off with unending, whimsical, tray passed hors d'oeuvres (which at first seemed to whisk by thanks to the chef's fancy feet). Then after, everyone gathered into a tent with two long communal tables, while 9 Townley Wine-paired, local, sustainable courses of magnanimous family style portions were served.
Everything from Oysters to Fresh Beets and Duck Canapes were served. But nothing was more delectable than the:
- inventive Raspberry Puree injected Pistachio encrusted Goat Cheese balls and simple Yellowtail Sashimi with Yuzu & Cantaloupe spoons
Salad
- fresh Green Garbanzo beans that popped, love the crunch of crispy onions, touch of spice, dressed too lightly, Micro Arugula, Edible Flowers, Fried Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Chefmade Vinegar & Santa Barbara Joelle Olive Oil (Chef Paul Hancock - Avalon Grill)
- surprisingly one of my favorites because of the creaminess that cut the brine, Creamy California Olive Tapenade (Chef Paul Buchanan - Primal Alchemy Catering)
Seafood
- needed some bread to soak up the goodness, Carlsbad Aqua Farms Mussels with Hopkins Farms Almond Milk, Local Garlic & Farmers Market Herbs (Chef Patrick Glennon - Culinary Liberation Front)
- unfortunately a little dry, perfect with the Candied Schaner Farms Citrus Rind, went overboard with dessert pie-like Pickled Green Strawberries, Barbequed Local White Sea Bass with Pistachios Coleman Farms Basil & Arugula (Chef Craig Connole - K'ya Bistro & House of Big Fish)
- my favorite of the seafood courses, tasted like Swordfish in a good way, can't beat the Braised Leeks, Seared Yellowtail with Shellfish Butter, Crispy Shallots & Petite Greens (Chef Ryan Adams - Three Seventy Common)
Meat
- brilliant, amazing addition of Pudwill Farms Blackberries, a little tough towards the center cut, Braised Vintage Beef Shortribs with Weiser Farms Pee Wee Potatoes (Chef Rob Wilson - Montage Laguna Beach)
- ridiculously large portions, love the char, Glazed Santa Barbara Berkshire Co. Pork Shoulder with Creamed Sweet Corn & Baked Beans (Chef Greg Daniels - Haven Gastropub)
- super necessary after all the indulgence, I especially loved the Kale, LBC Urban Farm Rainbow Roasted & Seasoned Vegetables (Chef Paul Buchanan - Primal Alchemy Catering)
Dessert
- love me some lemon, but the crust was too hard, Backyard Harvest Meyer Lemon Tart with Lavender Creme Fraiche (Chef Justin Monson - Vine & St. Roy Chef's Pub)
Overall, the Farm to Table Dinner was definitely worth it, as it went above and beyond in terms of free flowing wine and food portions that never left you feeling hungry.
However, because the food was served family style and not cooked to order, the tenderness of certain meats & seafood suffered. Kudos to those chefs who managed to pull off perfect plates at priceless temperatures.
For the first time in over 15 years, the Taste of Orange County returns. This 5-Star culinary event features over 30 restaurants, star chef demos, a special farm to table dinner, and beer, wine & tequila tastings.
It takes place Fathers Day weekend, June 16-17th, at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine.
And as a thank you to my loyal followers, Your Next Bite has the coupon code you need to get a discount for dear old dad. Visit the Voucher Page of the site, then type in this code (all caps, no spaces): TOOC-HOME
Photo courtesy of www.discoverlosangeles.com/play/dining
This Sunday, Dine LA Restaurant Week returns for its 5th Anniversary. For the next 2 weeks, except on Saturdays, you'll be able to enjoy 3 to 4-course meals at discounted prices (Lunch ranges from $16-28 with Dinners from $26-$44.)
Last year brought much change to the eating scene, and this year's Dine LA roster reflects it with newcomers like Bar + Kitchen, Bouchon (full review to come!), Fig & Olive (full review also to come!), and Playa.
Here's a list of what to order, so you don't look like a rookie if it's your first dine.
The Grubdown:
Bouchon – Quiche Florentine is on the set menu, and if it's anything like the Lorraine I indulged in over Christmas, then it'll be by far the fluffiest, creamiest, tallest quiche you ever tried. The Croque Madame is a ridiculously buttery New Years Resolution ruiner (i.e. it's a must share)
Fig & Olive – definitely up the ante and order the supplemental Crostinis that this restaurant is known for. The Roasted Bell Pepper, Ricotta & Caper is my favorite with sharp contrasts like spicy tangy vs. creamy cool. The Mushroom, Truffle Artichoke & Parmesan is tender 'n earthy. The Manchego, Fig & Marcona Almond is sweet 'n salty. And the Salmon, Ricotta, Citrus & Cilantro is light, zesty, and refreshing.
Ray's & Stark Bar – don't even think about splitting the Truffled Rice Stuffed Agnolotti with Hen of The Woods Mushrooms, Wild Arugula, Hazelnuts & Porcini Foam. It's small in portion, delicate, woodsy, and carbolicious.
Short Order – Ida's Old School Burger is not what it seems with spicy Horseradish vs. the creamy, tangy 'n pickley Thousand Island secret sauce you were expecting. Go for Nancy's Backyard Burger instead.
Waterloo & City – some dishes are fancified versions of old British classics, others are over complicated concoctions. The Fried Piquillo Pepper atop Tuna Tartare & Avocado Creme is definitely the latter – try it if you're feeling bold. The Sticky Toffee Pudding on the other hand has a sense of sophistication with a Salted Caramel twist.
Brrrrrr. It's cold outside thanks to these blustery winds. So why not revel in it by taking your "most important ski trip" all season to the largest ski & snowboard show in the United States – Ski Dazzle.
This Thursday thru Sunday at the LA Convention Center, experience ridiculously cool discounts of up to 70% off boards, gear, and more in the Ski Swap (looks like Black Friday just got extended for Christmas!). There's also major mountain resort deals, giveaways at the pro rider Vert Ramp Show, specialties like the new Sakkus Sweet Sleeve (a lightweight snowboard bag protector), complimentary ski lessons, a Tire Chain Installation Contest – even a FREE Bear Mountain lift ticket with your price of admission.
To get you energized for all the excitement, carb up with their Taste of Winter's live cooking demonstration samples from Los Angeles Convention Center's Executive Chef, Brett Lewis. (He's also catered local events like the Grammy's and People's Choice Awards.) This weekend, in concert with Chef Rick Wineman, he'll be cooking up mouth watering "Inspiration Green - Lean Mountain Cuisine" recipes inspired by ski resorts & restaurants from across the globe.
Here's a list of previous heart-warming dishes served:
A little hapa once told me about a secret vineyard tucked away in the hills of Los Angeles - Malibu Family Wines. 2 weeks later I happily joined the club for free wine tastings, quarterly Semlar & Saddlerock bottle shippings, and exclusive discounts to events held at their breathtaking llama & zebra roamed grounds – like this Sunday's "The Food Event 2011" by Los Angeles Magazine.
From 1-4pm, you can watch chef demonstrations, lap up libations, and mingle with epicurean experts. Here's a list of a few of the participating restaurants.
The Grubdown:
- Barbrix: Mediterranean inspired dishes by Don Dickman in Silverlake
- Eva Restaurant: Jonathan Gold's elegant Beverly Blvd French meets Japanese fare
- Fonuts: the brand new gluten-free & vegan sweets shop on W. 3rd St. by Waylynn Lucas & Nancy Truman
- Lukshon: Sang Yoon's Southeast Asian cuisine in Culver City
- Osteria La Buca: chef Jason Neroni's Tagliatelle Bolognese from this fine Italian kitchen in Hollywood is to die for
This Saturday Oct. 15th, don't miss the South Bay Food Fest at the Home Depot Center in Carson. The Food includes 25 Gourmet Food Trucks, 5 Top South Bay Restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and eating contests. The Fun includes a Budweiser Beer Garden, live entertainment from the likes of The Common Kings, a Kids Zone with Pumpkin Patch, and LA's greatest amusement – FREE PARKING!
VIPs ($40) get early admission at 12pm with private cabanas and access to the American Express Stadium Club overlooking the Food Truck field. General Admission starts at 1pm for $12 with limited $10 presale tickets. (The event goes 'til 7pm.)
Below is a list of previously reviewed trucks that'll be attending and what to order.
The Grubdown:
- wacky gourmet architectural pieces of ice cream sandwich art, Cool Haus - it's all about the Brown Butter Bacon & Chunky Chocolate Chip
- my fav transplant from Rhode Island and perfect summer treat, Del's Lemonade - stick with The Original and savor each Frozen Lemon Peel
- over indulgent carb fest, you can't finish a whole one, FrySmith - lighten up with the Vegan Chili that's so good, you won't be able to tell the difference
- the truck that started it all, Korean BBQ Kogi - stick with the classic Kimchi Quesadilla and whatever weekly special they dreamt up next
- definitely one of my top 5 favorite food trucks, Shrimp Pimp - the Drunkin Shrimp Taco and Frylander Fish 'n Chips are a must
P.S. Toys for Tots will be there. Bring a $5 unwrapped toy and you'll get a voucher for an $8 admission ticket.
It's that time of year again for Dine LA Restaurant Week this Sunday October 2nd thru Friday 7th and Sunday 9th thru Friday 14th. Enjoy 3 to 4-course meals at your favorite restaurant around $15 for lunch and $30 to $44 for dinner.
Here's a list of participating restaurants I've been to and reviewed in the past.
The Grubdown:
A.O.C. – it's an L.A. institution! I haven't had this newbie yet, but the Cornbread Stuffed Trout with Potato-Tomato Gratin and Aioli sounds to die for.
Capital Grille – a steak dinner steal! Get the Clam Chowder, Kona-Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin, and Flourless Chocolate Cake all for $34
Gordon Ramsey at the London West Hollywood Hotel – if you've ever watched an episode of Hell's Kitchen, you know you can't go wrong with the constantly perfected riSOTto. It's served with Chanterelle Mushroom, Sauteed Scallop & Quail Egg
Itacho – it's one of the first Dine LA restaurant's I ever tried, and it still remains one of the best sushi deals around: Sashimi, Chirashi, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice – need I say more?
Susan Feniger's STREET – once my favorite restaurant in L.A. (until the menu kept changing) go for the Kaya Toast staple. It's a salty, sticky sweet food combo you've never tasted before.
Tavern – another one of Suzanne Goin's you-must-be-goin-to LA spot, order the Market Fish with Tomato Brown Butter Sauce for lunch and Snicker's Bar for dessert.
This weekend's your last chance to get the most coveted item The 2011 Orange County Fair has to offer: Fried EVERYTHING. From Fried Kool-Aid to Fried Butter (I've heard it's not the solid stick you're thinking of, but rather more like buttery fried dough), make sure you don't miss out on all the fun. Did I mention there are rides, a petting zoo, and concerts too?
Fair admission costs between $6-$11 from youth to adult. Bands like Three Dog Night, Steel Pulse, and B.B. King will be closing down the show (these tickets cost extra). And you can purchase everything from fine art to a jacuzzi at one of the exhibit halls.
The Grubdown:
- better than I thought it would be, like a donut hole with a cookie crunch surprise inside, warm Fried Oreos with Chocolate Sauce & Rainbow Sprinkles
- cheesy consistency that made me kinda queasy, forget the cool ice cream, more like warm custard Fried Klondike Bar with Chocolate Sauce
I'm almost positive that tasting these bits of sin is what put a halt to the fabulous workings of my 7-month-long Raw Detox Diet (weekdays only of course). But I have to say, it was worth it, at least only for the Oreos.
When I first heard of "Fried Oreos", I had visions of a Funnel Cake-fried giant Big Stuff block with crumbly bits drooping about. Instead, it resembled a prim & proper donut hole and the Rainbow Sprinkles added a nice crunchy touch to the already surprise crunch inside.
When it came to the Klondike Bar, I was hoping for something like Chili's famous Deep Fried Ice Cream, but unfortunately this was not the case. There was no cold in sight (well, actually in bite), and the Ice Cream turned into a warm gooey mush with a faint cheesy, unpleasant taste. The hand model devoured it though, so I guess to each his own!
All in all, the fried food concoctions weren't as bad as you would might think. Your last chance for fried pride is this Sunday, August 14th.
This weekend, Drink:Eat:Play is throwin' a Block Party with bands, beers, and food trucks all staged at the New York lot inside Paramount Studios, Hollywood. YourNextPint attended their LA Beer Fest a couple years back, and while there was plenty of beer to go around, people were puttin' up a fight for the food. (So make sure you're blood sugar's prepared to stand in line.) Tickets cost $40 for General Admission (4-7pm), and $50 for VIP (3-7pm).
Here's a list of trucks I've blogged in the past that'll be on set. (Bite Advice: click on the links for my tasty review.)
The Grubdown:
- Dogtown Dogs: go light 'n crisp with The California Dog
- India Jones: the tangy Lamb Frankie is a must order
- FrySmith: you can't believe it's not meat Vegan Chili Fries
- Komodo: freak out your tastebuds with the Fish 'n Grapes Taco
Happy Food Truck Friday biters! As promised, here's my Coolhaus Truck review from the Santa Anita Park Food Truck Festival a couple weeks ago. Whilst strategizing in the fest's hour-long lines, my friends and I spotted the Coolhaus Truck. Even though we had yet to get something savory like breakfast or lunch down, the sun was blazing super hot and we were so starving, that nothing sounded better than Coolhaus' creamy cool & crazy-flavored ice creams.
I got uncontrollably excited when I saw the Earl Grey Le Corbus-Tea-Er – my favorite tea of all time – on the menu, so of course I had to order it. Same with the Guinness Chip, as I'm a beer lover too (check out my other blog YourNextPint.com). Unfortunately, the Earl Grey Tea got lost in the festival kerfuffle, but I was quite surprised by what Coolhaus ended up scoopin' up for me instead.
The Grubdown:
- it's genius, just like a float without the extra pop Root Beer Ice Cream ($1)
- great cream & texture, first bite is hoppy espresso, followed by a not-so-pleasing chemical aftertaste Guinness Chip Ice Cream ($1)
Out of the two, surprisingly, the Root Beer was much better. And even though I decided to forgo the Cookie Sandwich this time (check out my review on Brown Butter & Candied Bacon and Red Velvet flavors here), I imagine it would taste spectacular with the Snickerdoodle Cookie.
Next week, the final installment of the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival with my reivew on Naan Stop.
Finally, here's Your Next Bite's follow up to the "pony up" at the 2011 Santa Anita Park Food Truck Festival 2 weeks ago. The day couldn't have been more perfect – the sun was shining bright, not a cloud was in the sky – then came the hour-long lines, only to be denied food from the sold-out trucks.
I'm not gonna lie, the Fest was a bit of a mess. My hand model, friends, and I were some of the lucky ones to get a few last dishes from Barbie's Q, Coolhaus, and Naan Stop before the poor hundreds of souls left starving behind us – but not without a strategic plan of course. We definitely worked for our food, each spreading out in 3 different 60 minute+ lines, communicating via cell phone, whilst melting in the sun.
To give you a taste of what we went thru, I'm gonna draw this review out starting with Barbie's Q this week, Coolhaus next week, then finally Naan Stop.
When my friend and I galloped up to Barbie's Q, the only reason we even had a chance was because all the meat was sold out, and only Veggie Sandwiches were left. At this point we were so starving, it didn't even matter. So we stood ground and, low and behold, Barbie's Q found some "extra" chicken, then later on "pork" (which we'd missed), too.
The Grubdown:
- impressive, stole the show, sweet smokey 'n tender Veggie BBQ Sandwich
- every kind and color, chili sweet Barbeque Beans
- kinda slimy 'n sausage chewy-like "questionable" Chicken BBQ Sandwich (I steered clear, but my friends ate it and paid for it later)
- thin, crisp 'n light, a little soupy but satisfying Cole Slaw
The Santa Anita Food Truck Festival was good in theory, but unfortunately, and ironically, the farthest thing from a horse race. Hopefully next year they'll get the lines and food inventory situated.
Next week, Root Beer and Guiness Ice Cream from Coolhaus.
As in the title of one my favorite songs off Kings of Leon newest album, "Pony Up" to the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival, this Saturday from 11:00am-4:30pm. Enjoy a SUPERFECTA of over 20 Food Trucks, a Wine Fest, a Gastropub, and Live Music.
Below are links to reviews of 8 participating food truck favorites that WON a special PLACE in my heart – ok, ok I'll stop SHOWing off my horse racing lingo.
The always fabulous dineLA Restaurant Week is finally here from January 23rd-28th & January 30th-February 4th. Now's your chance to sample 3-course Lunches averaging $22 and Dinners around $34. Here's a list with links to Your Next Bite's reviews on some of my favorite participating restaurants.
If you're a food truck fanatic, the LA Street Food Fest is the place to be. At this year's sold-out 2nd Annual Summer Tasting Event – served up by saucey Shawna Dawson & Sonja Rasula – $45 bought you bites from over 60 Food Trucks AND unlimited free drinks from Singha Beer, 14 different tequilas, and Sailor Jerry Rum.
Simmer that with an Ice Cream Social, mini Unique LA marketplace, DJ, and live concert and you've got 1 meal ticket that's totally fulfilling – and the extra $20 tip for the VIP ticket ($65) let you bypass the 5,000 General Admission crowd for an Amouse-bouche Preview, sans the long wait.
Naturally I was in foodie heaven all day, tasting 13 new Food Trucks, drinking free beer (see how much I like beer at YourNextPint.com), and running around like a psycho ex-girlfriend trying to stalk her old flame – in my case, The Grilled Cheese Truck.
The Grubdown:
- surprisingly incredible, crunchy 'n spicy Crispy Tofu Ball with Creamy Aioli Sauce from Starry Kitchen
- cold, wet 'n kinda bland Peruvian Potato Cake with Amarillo Sauce from Mo-Chica
- intriguing cinnamon 'n greek spices that kept me biting Beef Skewers from Kabob 'N Roll
- uber tender, sweet 'n succulent Pork Belly & Pineapple Adobo on Jasmine Rice + just ok mini Lumpiang Shanghai Egg Roll with Spicy Pork, Carrots & Ginger from Manila Machine
- plump, kinda strange, u-might-have-2-b-high-2-appreciate Sweet Potato Fries with Peanut Butter & Chocolate AND Regular Fries with Guacamole & Sour Cream from Fresh Fries
- light, fresh 'n crisp Pork Bahn Mi with Carrots & Onions from Mandoline Grill
- vibrant Zucchini Squash Blossom + meh Mushroom + tangy Green Mole + too potent Traditional Mole Tacos from Antojitos Mi Abuelita
- chunky chewy gooey Chicken Dumplings from the Dim Sum Truck
- love me some meat sauce, but coulda done without the peas Arancini Risotto Balls with Meat Ragu + fluffy fried donut Zeppole with Powdered Sugar & Nutella from Rosa's Bella Cucina
- simply fresh, ensanada style Shrimp Taco with Salsa & Mexican Crema from Mariscos El Tetos
- not-so spicy Kimchee Taco with Death Sauce, Crunchy Peanuts & Tofu from the Flying Pig Truck
- just like mama used to make The Original + at long last, scrumdiddlyumptious, Cheesy Mac & Rib + herby fresh Heirloom Mozzarella Caprese Sandwiches from The Grilled Cheese Truck
- thick 'n rich Chocolate + crunchy almond Rocky Mountain Dipped Cones + dead-on s'mores flavor Campfire Milkshake from King Kone
Happy Food Truck FEST Friday Biters! This one's the mother of all Food Truck reviews, so make sure you've got your Twitter handy in case you get a monster craving.
With so many food truck stalls inside the Rose Bowl last Saturday, it was definitely hard choosing where to go first – especially since the sign-age was hard to read. But the Starry Kitchen Banana dude wearing a sign that said "Please Enjoy Our Balls in your mouth" seemed like an appropriate start. My hand model-turned-cameraman-for-the-day and I were literally blown away by how crunchy and crispy, yet spicy and creamy the Fried Tofu Ball with Aioli sauce was. (He is nowhere near a vegetarian and hates tofu, so I was surprised to see his satisfaction.)
After Starry Kitchen, our strategy was pretty much "find the shortest line" and Mo-Chica was next. Unfortunately, I could tell why. Despite the beautiful presentation and multiple components, the Peruvian Potato Cake with Amarillo Sauce was soggy and wet with a hint of spice.
Feeling intimidated from the ridiculously long Dogzilla line, we decided to cross the field and hit up Kabob 'N Roll. I absolutely loved the Beef Skewer with Greek spices like cinnamon, frankincense and myrrh (not really the latter two). But, it was one of the most original tasting meats I've had from a Mediterranean truck so far.
Next, the Manila Machine. The Pork Belly and Pineapple Adobo totally wowed us. Succulent Pork Belly, not too fatty with sweet 'n tart Pineapple – thank you sir, I'll have another, and we certainly did. I liked the easy to bite size of the Egg Roll, but the Pork Belly definitely trumped it.
On to Fresh Fries (for big highs) with wacky combinations you could only come up with if you were on something, like Sweet Potato with globs of Creamy Peanut Butter & Chocolate Sauce. It tastes exactly like you would imagine it too – sweet, salty & weird. I wish they used a Dark Chocolate sauce instead of the (probably) Hershey's syrup to cut out the sugaryness. I liked how plump the Regular Fries with Guacamole & Sour Cream was, but I missed the saltiness you get from a tortilla chip.
Now I'm not the biggest Bahn Mi fan because I think Carrots in a sandwich is just plain weird, but Mandoline Grill's Pork was very tender and at least the bread sunk down when you sunk your teeth in.
At this point it was 5pm, DJ Bryan Davidson was blasting some beats, and the General Admission crowd started rolling in. We decided to cross the field again to find an uber short line – low and behold, Antojitos Mi Abuelita was wide open (probably because they were one of the only food stalls to turn there food out mega fast.) I grabbed all 4 tacos, but the best were the "green" ones: Zucchini Squash Blossom that was packed with so much flavor, it was like zucchini to the 10th power, and citrusy, tangy Green Mole. The Mushroom Taco was bland. And the Traditional Mole Taco tasted way too chocolatey – wow, I never thought I would complain about something having TOO much chocolate.
The Chicken Dumplings from the Dim Sum Truck were quite large, meatpacked, and had a sweet 'n tangy sauce. (Note: do not attempt to eat these cold, they lose their zing.)
Both my hand model/cameraman and I fell in love with Rosa's Bella Cucina's Arancini Fried Risotto Balls with Meat Sauce – however, the Peas made it feel like Shepherds Pie sans potato. And the grubworthy, powdered sugary Zeppole Italian donut had the cutest mini Nutella pack you ever did see.
While I did not get to try the Best of Show Taco from Mariscos Jalisco – and announced by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa himself – I quite enjoyed the simple, fresh flavors of Mariscos El Teto's Shrimp Taco with Salsa Fresca & Mexican Crema.
At this point, our hunger was winding down and I had to save room for the yet-to-show Grilled Cheese Truck. But with a name like "Death Sauce" I just had to try The Flying Pig Truck's Kimchee Taco. I love kimchee and I like spicy – not to the point of dripping sweat beads from my forehead. Unfortunately, the Sauce was nowhere near Hell, not even Purgatory. At least the Crunchy Peanuts kept it interesting.
Since the Munchie Machine was right next door, I snatched up a Vegetini Pesto Sandwich with none of the Red Onions, Roasted Peppers & Zucchini they described it to have. With a name like "Munchie" I felt taken for a fool – perhaps they meant their food will still LEAVE YOU with the MUNCHIES?
In search of the Grilled Cheese Truck, we went outside to discover the mini Unique LA Marketplace, some refreshing Passion fruit and Papaya Naja Whole Leaf Teas, and the Ice Cream Social. Since I'd previously reviewed the Coolhaus Truck and was in the mood for something small 'n sweet, we headed to King Kone. Their nostalgic Chocolate Dipped Kones had a thick chocolate coating that was very tasty, and unless you ate it carefully, it exploded all over you. And the Campfire Milkshake tasted exactly like a Frozen S'more mixed with Cookies 'N Cream Ice Cream.
We went back inside the Rose Bowl, just in time for the live concert with The Deadly Syndrome and Warpaint, and ran smack into the line for The Grilled Cheese Truck! FINALLY, THE WAIT WAS OVER! The last time I'd had The Grilled Cheese Truck was a good 4 months ago, so you can imagine the drool running down my face while I was waiting in line. Sadly, they did not have my FAVORITE Tator Tots, but I did grab all 3 Sandwiches, and then some (the lady holding the tray started getting angry with me and told me to limit myself, ha!) The Cheesy Mac & Rib was just as cheesy, salty 'n sweet as I remembered with INSANE Mac & Cheese stuffed right in. The Original didn't shy away from extra slices of cheese, and the Heirloom, while fresh and herby, could've used a little more seasoning.
After 13 Food Trucks and a reunion with my old flame (The Grilled Cheese Truck) my meal ticket had been complete.
Upon exiting the Bowl, to the conveniently easy parking in Lot F, I just HAD to take a pic from the Oh Snap Studios Truck. If you look closely in the photo, you'll see "YourNextBite.com" in the caption bubble, me taking a "bite" of plastic pizza, and of course my trusty hand model celebrating his finished cameraman duties for the day by holding a GIANT CUPCAKE – face & body not included ;)
If you missed the Street Food Fest this time around, follow @LAFoodFest for updates on next year's event.
