Your Next Bite

Cafe Gratitude brings plant-based cuisine to Newport Beach

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Last week, Cafe Gratitude officially opened in Newport Beach. The 100% organic plant-based restaurant hails from L.A., and is sister to the Mexican vegan hot spot Gracias Madre. 

The new space, located in Westcliff Plaza off Dover, reflects its sustainable, environmentally-friendly mission. It's natural meets modern with lots of natural light, earth tones, wooden & metal beams, and stone.

The food is seasonal, sourced from local farmers, organic and clean. They offer everything from a Juice Bar to Detox Meal Plans, Happy Hour Cocktails, Gluten-Free Baked Goods, dining from 8:00am to 10:00pm daily, and a beauty To-Go shop.

Don't let the plant-based menu bore you, because Executive Chef Dreux Ellis works some serious magic in the kitchen. Dishes like the Feliz Portobello Tostada are packed with so much flavor and texture, you forget there's no meat.

The Grubdown:

- the "chips" are salty 'n tangy and the dip is spicy 'n lemony, but together it just works, Vivacious Housemade Kale Chips with Garlic Tahini & Cashew Nacho Cheese $8

- best thing on the menu, chili lime spicy, meaty without the meat, Feliz Portobello Tostada with Black Bean Puree, Mexican Coleslaw, Coconut 'Bacon', Cashew Queso Fresco & Avocado $9

- hearty and earthy, Thriving Three Bean Soup with Kale, Carrots, Celery & Onion $9

- sweet spice, robust and filling, Humble Indian Red Lentil Dal with Spinach, Roasted Garnet Yams, Coconut Mint Jam, Spicy Tomato Jam, Brown Rice & Quinoa $16

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After enjoying a meal here, your mind, body, and soul will be grateful. 

1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-386-8100.

 

 

 

Global comfort food from Sapphire Laguna

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As Summer starts to fade and the coziness of Fall rolls in, there's no better place to enjoy globally-inspired comfort cuisine than at Sapphire Laguna Beach.

To give you a taste of world-renowned Chef Azmin Ghahreman's background, he was born in Iran, educated in Switzerland, and seasoned from spice markets and specialty farms all over the world.

In order to truly take it all in, I recommend dining on Sapphire's brick patio, by the fire with sights of the sea.

The Grubdown:

- salty, herbacious, thin 'n greasy in a good way, Home Fried Potato Chips with Sage-Rosemary Sea Salt $4.75

- don't skip out or you'll miss out on these complimentary carbs, warm 'n cheesy, Rosemary Rolls

- sweet 'n tart with perfect pepper, Summer Nectarine Salad with Arugula, Watercress, Crispy Jamon Serrano, Valdeon Blue Cheese & Banyuls Vinaigrette $12

- indulgent yet surprisingly not heavy, Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin & Lobster Ravioli with fresh Creamed Spinach, Wild Mushroom Ragout & Chervil Butter $38

- an elevated version of chicken 'n grits with batter that sticks to your teeth, not your ribs, Buttermilk Fried Half Jidori Chicken with Cheddar Cheese Grits, Green Tomato, Chowchow & Pecan Gravy $27

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Keep in mind the menu changes by season to adhere to whatever comfort you'll be craving from Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring.

1200 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. 949-715-9888.

Zengo: Restaurant Week & Test Kitchen

Richard Sandoval's Zengo – one of my fave LA rooftop spots for beautiful views and bargain Brunch deals – is serving up two tasty events.

The Grubdown:

1.) Restaurant Week Feb 29 - Mar 9 features a 3-course Menu for $26.40pp with classic Zengo choices like:

- Thai Chicken Empanadas Appetizer

- Togarashi Blackened Salmon Entree

- Chocolate Ancho Flourless Cake Dessert

2.) Test Kitchen Feb 1 - March 31 features a Shanghai Sao Paolo Dinner with new cocktails & noshes like:

- Peppercorn Cucumber Martini with Gin & Sake $10

- Coconut Crusted Bohlinos De Bacalhau (Salt Cod Fritters) $12

- Picahna Steak & Xo Style King Crab with Black Bean Ginger Sauce $32

- Linguica Sausage Side Dish $7

- Coconut Tapioca with Mango-Kumquat Gelee & Lychee Sorbet $9

You can't go wrong with this restaurant's bold blends of Latin and Asian flavors.

Salud & Konpai!

A Superb Asian Supper at Supperclub Hollywood

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From Amsterdam to San Francisco and finally LA, Supperclub surprises with sweet Crab Amuse-bouche, succulent Short Ribs, and more. Your Next Bite was lucky enough to visit last Saturday for Jenn Laskey of RedLight Promotions "Japan Arigato" dinner-sumo-geisha-ceiling dancer show.

For $75, the hand model and I got to enjoy a 4-course meal lounging on oversized white linen bed-like cushions. (I have to admit, I felt a little bit like a kid at grown-up camp). Then when the clock struck 10 and dinner & dessert were done, the DJ danceclub began and the entertainment continued. (We hadn't had this much fun since Miami circa 2007.)

Here's a list of what Executive Chef Guus Wickenhagen served up. Next up: Morocco 8/2-15 and Spain 8/16-29.

The Grubdown:

- complimentary Peach Schnapps & Vodka shot

- complimentary fresh, citrusy sweet Crab Salad Amuse-bouche with Ginger, Green Onion, Cilantro, and Tobiko

- fresh Ahi palette atop Seaweed Salad with cool Wasabi, smoky Soy, and Ginger Aioli-like Dipping Sauces

- super light broth with somewhat tough Chicken Green Curry Soup

- some of the best, succulent, not fatty at all Short Rib with it-doesn't-really-matter-what-else-cuz the-meat-rocked-the-plate (ok fine, julienned Zucchini, chopped Red Pepper, Cilantro & Soba Noodles)

- indulgent, tangy, sticky 'n sweet Apricot? Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and chopped Apple

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The Crab Amuse-bouche, Ahi + Dipping Sauces, and Short Rib main course were the best part. The cocktails weren't stiff enough for the price. And the portions were the perfect size to keep your tummy satisfied and your body rockin' on the dance floor.

I definitely recommend Supperclub for Your Next Birthday or just plain 'old Night Out. Just make sure you don't skip dinner, otherwise you'll be stuck in line past midnight.

6675 hollywood boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028. 323-466-1900 @Supperclub_LA

Yalla Truck Globalizes the Falafel Sandwich

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From Thailand to Italian, the Yalla Truck mixes up traditional Falafel Pita Sandwiches with 100% vegetarian ingredients from around the world.

The Grubdown:

- bang for your buck, pickled explosion in your mouth, super moist The Yalla Classic Vegan Pita with Red Cabbage Salad, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Onion Salad, Lettuce, Pickled Turnips & Sesame Garlic Lemon Sauce ($4)

- strong tahini flavor with a touch of lemon Hummus ($2)

- smokey, creamy Baba Ghanoush ($2.50)

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After celebrating the 4th by eating a weekend's worth of every kind of meat imaginable – Burgers, Hot dogs, Carne asada, Carnitas, BBQ Chicken & Pork – I was really excited to see the relatively new Yalla Truck rollin' on the Miracle Mile.

The thick Pickled Turnips in The Yalla will make you "Holla!" with a pungent vinegary tang that wakes up your tastebuds. The Falafel – Fried Balls of roasted ground Garbanzo Beans, a.k.a. chickpeas (HINT – unless your man is culinary-educated, never send him to the grocery store for chickpeas because he'll embarrass himself by asking around for CHICKENpeas), veggies & spices – are pleasantly juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside with a definitive Lemon Parsley flavor. And the trio of Red Cabbage, Tomato Cucumber & Onion Salads pack a serious crunch. I split this with my hand model, but it's definitely big enough to satisfy one person, and seriously a great deal for just $4.

We also HAD to order the Hummus & Baba Ghanoush sides that come right from the fridge in the front of the truck. The Hummus is really good with a strong Tahini flavor. It's thick, not watery, just how I like it. I also really enjoyed the little Chunks of Chickpeas – remember, NOT Chickenpeas – I found hidden inside.

The Baba Ghanoush is also good 'n smokey with big chunks of Roasted Eggplant for you to schlop up with the complimentary Wheat Pita.

If you want to go global, try the Reo Reo Thai Falafel ($5) with Carrots, Bean Sprouts & Sweet 'n Spicy Sesame Peanut Sauce; the Andale Southwestern Falafel ($5) with Black Beans, Corn, Black Olives & Chipotle Sauce; or the Fretta Italian Falafel ($4.50) with Pepperoncini, Black Olives & Italian Dressing. If not, stick to the Yalla or the Greek Falafel ($4.50) with Tomato Cucumber Salad & Tzatziki.

So do your body a favor with some post 4th of July BBQ cleansing and get global Vegetarian & Vegan Pitas from the Yalla.

Today, they'll be in Silverlake on Sunset & Lucile from 12-3:30pm. Tonight they'll be in Santa Monica on Main St. from 5-9pm.

Follow them @YallaTruck

New ESPN Food Truck from Kogi Scores with World Cup Games and Cuisine

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Newly launched ESPN Food Truck brings quite the scene with global cuisine from the chef at Kogi BBQ Food Truck & World Cup Games playing on the truck-mounted Flat Screen TV.

The Grubdown:

- delightfully fresh greens, but kinda bland Italian Arancini Bastardo Rice Balls ($4) with Baby Arugula, Fava Bean, Green Bean, Radish, Shaved Parmesan & Buffalo Mozzarella Salad

- you'll want to order more, definitely Kogi bbq style Korean Yaki Mandoo Pork Dumplings seasoned with Sesame, Ginger, Garlic & Rice Wine Vinegar-Soy Sauce (3 for $4, 6 for $7)

- heavy on the garlic & lime, super-charged Mexican Carne Asada Burrito with Pinto Beans, Cotija Cheese, Chopped Onion & Cilantro ($5)

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Yesterday was a beautiful day on the 5900 Wilshire Blvd. block of Miracle Mile in Los Angeles. The ESPN Food Truck was parked right in front of the wide open grassy lawn, making it a perfect lunch-hour picnic to watch the World Cup Games – specifically Mexico beating France 2-0 – from the truck's very own Flat Screen TV.

My hand model, Evan, and I kicked off our global tour, via mouth, with Italy – the Arancini Bastardo Rice Balls & Veggie Salad. As soon as the whistle blew I headed straight for the field greens – my personal mantra is, "Always eat your greens first!" I was very impressed by the freshness and variety of veggies – snappy Haricot Verts, Buttery Fava Beans, peppery Baby Arugula & crisp Radishes. The creamy fresh Buffalo Mozzarella does a nice job of balancing out the sharp Shredded Parmesan & tangy Lemon Vinaigrette. Next up, the Rice Balls. They have a good sear and buttery flavor, but the Toasted Breadcrumbs & Sesame Seeds wrapped inside were very hard for my palate to find. To break up the monotonous flavor fight, I recommend spreading the rice players evenly amongst the field.

After Italy, we headed straight for Korea – Yaki Mandoo Pork Dumplings. As soon as the tender Pork Dumpling entered my goalmouth I knew the Kogi Chef was behind the shot. If you love Kogi BBQ, you will definitely love these, because their signature Rice Wine Vinegar-Soy Sauce is always in play. I recommend ordering 6 for $7, because three is not enough, especially if you're splitting (1 1/2 each, math done.)

We ended the game with the Carne Asada Burrito. While it may seem normal in size, this monster burrito packs in so much bang for your buck, you might wanna get your vuvuzela out and jump for joy. Each bite launches Pinto Beans, tangy Cotija Cheese, Chopped Onion & Cilantro, and borderline offensive Garlic & Lime chunks of Carne Asada. Also representing Team Mexico is the Huevos Rancheros ($5), but after splitting the Burrito we both needed a rest.

More teams include U.S.A.'s Mini Sliders ($6) and Silver Dollar Pancakes with Hash Browns ($3), Spain's Tortilla Espanola ($4), Greece's Lamb Gyro ($6), and South Africa's Bunny Chow ($6).

Other than the yellow card I give the Rice Balls, the Salad it comes with, the Mandoo Dumplings & the Carne Asada Burrito all scored major points in my book.

Tonight the ESPN truck will be parked next to The Brig on Abbot Kinney in Venice.

Follow @ESPNWCTruckLA for Your Next GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!

World Fare Bustaurant Brings the Chow, the Counter & the Atmosphere

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If there was a Godfather of foodtrucks World Fare bustaurant would be it, for their global cuisine, rooftop deck eating area, and music to boot.

The Grubdown:

- homey and sweet Original Bunny Chow with Coconut Milk Curry Chicken, Cashews, Golden Raisins, Chickpeas & Cilantro

- crispy, creamy, fancy fried Truffle Mac and Cheese Balls

- you're-gonna-need-a-drink-to-washdown this cream cheesy fantasy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bunny

- ooey gooey, gimme more, rich Forbes Bunny Brownie

- sweet 'n spicy, refreshing house made Ginger Peach Tea

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This Food Truck Friday I'm mixin' things up with a food truck in the form of a bus. Ever since I found out about World Fare bustaurant, I couldn't wait to try it – especially this new food I'd never heard of called the Bunny Chow, a popular South African street food sandwich.

My hand model, Evan, and I ordered The Original Chicken Curry Bunny Chow ($4) made with tender, shredded Organic Jidori Chicken, mildly spicy Yellow Coconut Milk Curry, sweet Golden Raisins, and crunchy Chickpeas & Cashews. The flavor of the curry reminds me exactly of a British recipe my mom uses every Thanksgiving to make Turkey Curry with the leftovers. It's nutty, sweet, and the hollowed out soft sourdough bread the curry's carried in soaks it all up. The size of the Chow is actually smaller than I'd envisioned, but add a side, dessert & drink and you're set for $12.50.

For a Side we ordered the Truffle Mac & Cheese Balls ($2.75). Out of the three that comes with it, the first one was a little dry, but the other two were perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft 'n gooey on the inside with great earthy truffle flavor. They even turned my non-truffle loving hand model – I know who doesn't like truffles?!? – into a regular Romeo.

For Dessert we ordered the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bunny ($2.50). You'll want to make sure you've got a drink in hand for this one because it's super rich and decadent with a cream cheese topping – and it's oh-so-good! On a separate occasion I visited the truck just before closing, but was offered a free Forbes Bunny Brownie – ooey gooey chocolatey richness that I could definitely go for every day.

Out of all the amazing sounding House Made Drinks, we decided to get the Ginger Peach Tea ($2.50). Now my hand model usually doesn't like ginger, but he loved this tea because it has the perfect balance of sweet 'n spice as the ginger flavor isn't overbearing. He even got a free refill from Chef Andi Van Willigan – very sweet.

World Fare also serves an organic, sustainable Piedmontese Beef Burger & Fries Combo ($10), daily Blackboard Specials like Farmers Market Fresh Salmon Salad, and 3 other Bunny Chows: Short Rib, BBQ Pork & Vegetarian Chili.

Tonight @worldfare will be parked on Abbot Kinney in Venice for First Friday. Perhaps you can sneak a peak of the ocean from the bustaurant's rooftop dining deck complete with umbrellas, food counter, and speakers blazing global tunes.

Happy Chow-ing!

Vizzi Food Truck Serves All That's Coastal AND a bag of Gourmet Popcorn

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Rollin' less than a month, Vizzi Food Truck serves "Visionary Coastal Cuisine with French Technique & Pacific Flair" – and the way their Jidori Chicken Piadini's Brie Queso Blanco oozes on top of the Pimento spiced-Yakima Salt Popcorn is genius.

The Grubdown:

- light, fluffy, fresh 'n fruity Jidori Chicken Piadini with Creme Fraiche-Chimichurri Sauce, Brie Queso Blanco & Mixed Fruit Poke Salsa

- spicy, salty, gobble-it-up Pimento Spiced-Yakima Salt Popcorn

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When I first spotted the Vizzi Truck on the LA Miracle Mile lunch block, I thought, "a Food Truck that serves Gourmet Popcorn on the side? I HAVE to check out what this was all about!"

Since my no-longer-trusty hand model couldn't come along for the bite – ok, he had a valid excuse – I had to choose wisely and get the best bang for my buck. And that popcorn too. So when I walked up to the truck with its 2 pimped out flat screens, I decided to go with the chef's recommendation, Jidori Chicken Piadini ($8). More like a lavosh flatbread quesadilla cut into 4 strips, the sweet Mango-Papaya-Red Onion Poke Salsa, and the spongey Queso Blanco (think Cotija Cheese) & Brie gave this 'dilla a refreshing take. The Jidori chicken, diced the same size as the Poke, is succulent with a smoky flavor. The Chimichurri part of the Sauce is too subtle – in fact I didn't even know it was there. But, you can definitely taste the Creme Fraiche, cilantro & green onions.

The Pimento Spiced-Yakima Salt Popcorn has that spicy-salsa-you-can't-stop-eating-it quality, but the butter draws you in. And the best part is all the oozy-cheesy-creamy-cilantro-drippings from the Piadini that lays on top of it – almost like if the Frysmith Truck did the same with their toppings, but using popcorn instead.) And I don't know if the Figs thrown in were a mistake, but they added that extra special sweet 'n salty touch. You seriously won't be able to put it down. But have no fear!

Bite Advice: Save 2 of the 4 Piadini strips for tomorrow, and gobble up the REAL cheesy popcorn that won't be good tomorrow anyway. Oh, and don't type while you pop the popcorn in your mouth unless you want buttery fingerprints all over your keys – I just learned the hard way. I'm telling you, it's addicting!

Vizzi Truck serves just about everything for everyone: Ahi Poke ($6), BBQ Wagyu Beef & Broccoli ($9), vegetarian Organic Chickpea Sliders ($7), Organic Bistro Fennel & Fig Salad ($7), Pan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ($4), even Raw Dried Fruit & Nuts with Buckwheat Honey ($5). To drink ($2.50), there's a selection of the Republic of Tea, Jones Soda, Japanese Suntory Boss Coffee, and Fiji Water.

Tonight @VizziTruck will be rollin' on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice from 7pm-Midnight.

Now back to the popcorn....