Tatel

Our friend Milena aka Ms. Gourmet, suggested we all go for lunch at this Spanish restaurant. Sandi and I agreed right away. She talked about how the food was excellent as she had already been there. My brother also talked about their food and their infamous Cheesecake that even if you are not fond of cheesecake, theirs will make you a fan. Ramon, Milena, Sandi, and I participated in this beautiful lunch. Gary was busy working, so he could not join us. 

It was a beautiful day in Beverly Hills. We were seated outside but safe from the birds and far away from people on the sidewalk. Their 3-course prix-fixe was very reasonable for what you got, and you choose a soup or salad, one main course, and a dessert. We all had our minds set on the cheesecake, of course! Since this was a Spanish restaurant, we ordered a pitcher of white wine sangria, which we would order again as it was very refreshing and tasted really good. 

We all ordered different starters. Ramon ordered the Ensaladilla "Classic Spanish Potaro Salad," Milena had the Tatel Spanish Tortilla, Sandi had the Beet Salad, and I ordered the  Ham Croquette. I tried everyones' appetizers, and they were all delicious, but the potato salad took the cake. It was no ordinary potato salad, and it apparently had tuna in it, which was unbelievably delicious. 

For our entrées, Three of us had the Grilled Branzino Fillet, and Milena tried the Chicken Milanese. I absolutely loved the Branzino; it was crispy, tender, and very flavorful, and the chicken was also crisp and mouth-watering. 

Dessert arrived, and just looking at the cheesecake gave me palpitations. I had the first bite, and I was on the verge of being comatose! I've never had genuinely fantastic cheesecake.  Sandi and I are not fans of cheesecake, but this is an exception. 

Our server Yago, from Madrid, was very attentive. Yago era muy simpatico! We are sure to ask for him on our next visit. When it was time to pay, Ramon and Milena surprised and informed us that it was their treat. We were unsuccessful in trying to pay our share. Thank you, Milena and Ramon, for an unforgettable lunch. 

Tatel is open every day from noon to 1:00 a.m. and noon to 2:00 a.m on weekends. They are located at 453 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, California.

Utsav

I heard about this Indian restaurant that just opened nearby, so Sandi and I went to check it out last week. Of course, we were there early, so we were the only ones there which we loved since we got all the attention and service. 

Our server Joseph, one of the owners, patiently answered all our questions and guided us on the level of heat/spiciness we could tolerate. On a scale of 1-10, we chose 5. For starters, you get an order of Papad for free. This was a crunchy chip made with chickpea flour that was totally addicting. The next time we go, which will probably be soon, we are sure to order an extra serving for $2.95. This came with 2 sauces, spicy tamarind and a mint sauce which was excellent when combined as suggested by Joseph. 

We tried the Naan with cheese only because we haven't had that in the past. It was not what we expected since it was heavier or thicker than we were used to. We might have been better off with plain or garlic naan to sweep and absorb the wonderful sauces from our entrées. We had to order the Chicken Tikka Masala, which was absolutely delicious. We also had the Lamb Korma prepared in a cashew and almond sauce. Both chicken and lamb were perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. We didn't think the naan would be enough to soak the sauces so we ordered rice as well.

Joseph brought us a Fruit Custard with a mango sauce. This was very refreshing and yummy. While having our dessert, I saw Joseph's son milling about. I called him, and though he was shy, he came by to grace us with his presence. Father and son are equally charming.

This is going to be one of many future visits to Utsav. The name Utsav is from the Sanskrit word Utsava, which means festival or celebration. It also carries the meaning of delight and pleasure, which was appropriate since dining here was pure delight. I hope to meet the other owner and Chef Bhimrao next time.

Utsav is located at 2937 Rolling Hills Rd. in Torrance, California.

Chart House

One of several celebrations for my birthday was dinner at the Chart House. As a member of the Landry's Club, I got a $25 off certificate which took care the corkage fee.  

It was a beautiful day in Redondo Beach. We witnessed some surfers, children playing, dogs fetching sticks, etc. On our table was a birthday card which I thought was a nice touch. Sandi and Zohreh ordered the chopped salad that had a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. They both thought it to be very good. I had to have the Clam Chowder which I had previously. I totally enjoyed it. 

For our dinner, Sandi and I chose the 10 0z. Prime Rib which was delicious. I missed the Lawry's creamed corn though. They were cooked to perfection, very tender and juicy. The mashed potatoes were excellent. Zohreh picked the Savory Shrimp Pasta which she also loved. I had requested our previous server Anastasia, but she was not there yet. Jasmine was just as attentive and she did take good care of us. 

Dessert was included with our dinner so there were 2 Lava Cakes and I had the Mud Pie. As we finished our dessert, another dessert arrived, compliments of Anastasia who was sweet enough to bring a scoop of Blood Orange Sherbet. This was very refreshing. It was very sweet of Anastasia to bring me an extra desset; thank you so much Anastasia!

What a nice birthday dinner! Chart House is located at 231 Yacht Club in Redondo Beach, California.   

Bicyclette Bistro

This restaurant is a relatively new Parisian-inspired restaurant by Chef Walter Manzke and his wife Margarita Manzke, also the owners of Republilque. This Bistro has an upstairs and downstairs, and the downstairs is more of a "bistro" setting. The upstairs offers only a Tasting Menu for $225/person. There were 4 of us. My brother was treating me for my birthday, and the 2 other people, Ramon and Milena, both gourmets, went along.  My brother and I are more gourmands!

We all decided to share everything. We started with Avec Notre Baguette with Normandy Butter. This French baguette came with a small tower of butter and a few grains of salt. We all loved it! The Sardines we ordered went well with the bread. We needed a vegetable, so we had the Roasted Brussels Sprouts/ Frisee Aux Lardons and soft egg. The "lardons" made a big difference in flavor (fatty bacon). The Steak Tartare with Potato Chips was excellent. I would order that again; maybe even order 2 servings of it!

Ramon thought we should try the Burgundy Escargots En Croute with garlic parsley butter. Our server Julia who was excellent, highly recommended it. She was right, and we did enjoy it. The Caramelized

Onion Tarte Tatin took the cake, and I've never had anything like it before. It was exquisite.

I wanted to try the French Fries with Tarragon Aioli, which was okay. The tarragon aioli was delightful though the fries to me were overdone. Some people like it very crispy, which they were, but I think the taste of the potato is somewhat lost when it's too crispy. That was just my opinion. For our entrées, we all decided on the Duck Leg Confit with baby beets, steel-cut oats, and blueberry peppercorn jus. That was nice and crispy and mouth-watering. The Beef Short Rib a la Bourguignonne was served with baby carrots, bacon, and potato mousseline. I loved these 2 entrées. They thought it was a bit salty, but I  thought it was perfect! We all decided to get another order of the French bread which came without the butter. The second order of bread is free but not the butter. 

It was decided that we would share 2 desserts.  One was the Profiterole with dark chocolate sauce and the Apple Tart with salted caramel sauce. They stuck a candle on the Apple Tart for my birthday. FYI, that dessert was not complimentary; only the candle was. We were not impressed with the desserts. They were not bad, but it's not something I would order again. This was surprising because we all have been to Republique many times, and everything we have had there was outstanding. 

Overall, we all enjoyed most of the food and had a wonderful time. Oh, be prepared to pay an extra 4% for employee health insurance.

Bicyclette Bistro is located at 9575 W Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles. 

Bettolino-dineLA

Celebrated Sandi's arrival by going to one of our favorite restaurants, Bettolino Kitchen. They had a good selection of dishes for dineLA. It also happened to be a Thursday, "free corkage" day. Sujata brought a 91-point wine which we enjoyed.

We had the Tortelloni Tartufo; spinach & ricotta stuffed pasta, kale, crimini mushrooms, black truffle, and white wine truffle sauce for our Primi. Sujata opted for the Focaccia with sea salt and fresh rosemary. Though she liked the focaccia, she regretted ordering that since we all enjoyed numerous pieces of their excellent bread served with olive oil and herbs. 

For our entrée, we all ordered the Salmon all' Arrabbiata, grilled salmon, pastina, green Italian olives, capers, and spinach with spicy tomato sauce. That was absolutely delicious, and it couldn't have been better! Sandi, who is not a salmon fan, ordered the Cottoleta di Checca, Parmesan crusted chicken, lemon, butter sauce, tomato checca, pastina, and sauteed baby spinach. 

If you haven't still been to Bettolino Kitchen, do so, and I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Bettolino Kitchen is located at 211 Palos Verdes Blvd. in Redondo Beach, California.

Via Firenze

In 2013, Sandi and I introduced a friend to this restaurant, and he was so impressed with the food and service that he treated us that evening. When Sandi and I returned in 2015 with another friend who had never been there, it was a disaster that the friend commented that she would not return. I had forgotten all about that evening until I read my old blog.

Last night my friend Mary who has never been there, and I met there to celebrate both our birthdays. I was anxious to see Chef Mike, but he was not there. The servers were all new to me. We had Daniel, who was very attentive, and so was his helper. I had found an old $25 off coupon for this restaurant that Daniel commented that he had never seen that before. The $25 took care of the corkage fee. I brought a bottle of wine which Mary and I loved!

We split a Caesar Salad to begin with, and decided it was pasta night. After all, who goes to an Italian restaurant and does not have pasta? She went for the Rigatoni Bolognese Con Polpettine (meatballs), and I had the Spaghetti al Nero Riviera (Squid ink pasta with shrimp & calamari). Mary was thrilled with her Bolognese, and I was ecstatic over my Spaghetti al Nero. I was in 7th heaven! Both plates of pasta were cooked aldente

We didn't have to order dessert as we were presented with a delicious Tiramisu. I got all excited to see the 2 candles that looked like miniature bottles of champagne which I found to be adorable.

I am happy to report that I will definitely go back to Via Firenze. It has been there since the '90s! Via Firenze is located at 4485 Torrance Blvd. in Torrance, California.