Dinner for a Couple of Gourmands

I can't remember ever preparing dinner for Milena and Ramon. These two have eaten worldwide and have excellent taste in food. If you want a recommendation for a particular food, just ask either of them. Sandi and I had to carefully plan the menu. 

For hors d' oeuvres, Sandi made Pepper Jelly Goat Cheese Tarts. That was an instant hit, of course, with ingredients like goat cheese, parmesan, cream cheese, heavy cream Sriracha, and spicy mango pepper jelly, on a toasted pecan crust. We also had Iberico chorizo, garlic pita chips with fig yogurt dip,and multicolored cauliflower with a Greek dip. The hors d'oeuvres were accompanied by a nice bottle of Rose 2009 La Montina Sparkling Wine from Franciacorta, Italy.

I served a salad with candied pecans with a pineapple vinaigrette dressing. Our entree was Peruvian chicken with a Cilantro sauce, and Sandi cooked fresh Green Beans she got at the Farmers Market, and Japanese white rice complemented the chicken. We were thrilled that both Milena and Ramon appeared to love everything. 

Sandi made one of her specialty desserts; Blueberry Sour Cream Pie. We all loved it except for Sandi. She doesn't care for this pie at all. Oddly, she will cook or bake things people like even if she doesn't care for them. I commented that I would never cook something for someone if I didn't like the food. I guess I'm just a selfish person!

After dinner, we had some Orangecello that our friend Ana made years ago, which was still delicious! I must mention that Milena and Ramon brought us 2 boxes of Cheese Rolls from Portos, which we enjoyed this morning and froze the rest for future consumption. Thank you, Milena and Ramon. We enjoyed your company and wish you both lived close by! Then again, maybe not because we would all be obese if we did.

Guelaguetza

My brother Dino and his wife Grace invited us to dinner on their almost last supper. They had one more dinner to go before their flight the following day. They had read great things about this restaurant which was established in 1994. It was rated the best Oaxacan food in the country by Jonatan Gold.

Sandi and I got there a bit early. There was no parking except for valet, which was fine, but they didn't allow cars to park until 6 p.m. A Tesla tried to drive in as I parked across the street in a small strip mall, but he was immediately told to leave. We had to go inside a Korean market to see if anything was interesting, but we did not buy anything. There was a guard at the parking lot, ensuring that the lot was just for the market's patrons. The same thing happened to Gary with Dino and Grace. They had to circle a few times until just shortly before 6 p.m., when we were all allowed to come and park. 

The place did look lively as a band was just getting ready to play. This is a "happening place," with many people, and we noticed people picking up orders to take home.

We left the ordering to Dino and Grace since we were going to eat family-style. Our server helped decide what to order since none of us were familiar with Oaxacan food. They gave us some chips with mole and cheese to start. That was enjoyed by all. 

They ordered a pitcher of Margarita. After all, what's Mexican food without Margarita? Our first course was the Quesillo Fundido. This was melted Oaxaca cheese, chorizo, and mushrooms with a side of guacamole served in a hot skillet with corn tortillas. That was absolutely delicious. I think I could have eaten just that with the tortillas. Then came the Festival de Moles; 4 individual servings of mole negro, mole rojo, coloradito and estofado. These were served with shredded chicken with a side of a large handmade tortilla. That was interesting and quite good. We were almost full after that. 

The surprise was the main meal which was half order of the Botana Oaxaqueῇa, an assorted tasting platter of the best of their grilled Oaxacan meats which included chorizo, tasajo, cecina, chile relleno, carnitas, Oaxaca cheese, grilled onions, and cactus. This was served with guacamole, frijoles de la olla with nopalitos and 14 memelitas. The half order was supposed to serve 4. There were 5 of us, and we had so many leftovers that Sandi and I were the lucky recipients of the leftovers. Though this was our second and final meal (Sandi and I), Gary, Dino and Grace had breakfast, went to Tatel for a full-on lunch at noon, and consumed more food at 6 p.m. None of them wanted to entertain the idea of dessert.

Guelaguetza is a very good Oaxacan restaurant that serves good portions. The parking is chaotic unless you are there a few minutes to 6 p.m. The streets surrounding the restaurant are very narrow, and there is no parking on these narrow streets. It would probably be best to uber to alleviate the chaos. They are located at 3014 W. Olympic Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. 

Cindy's Birthday Brunch

I always look forward to Cindy's birthday brunch as nobody does it better than she. There is always a motif of some kind. This year she announced that it would be the color PINK. So, of course, I had to wrap her present with a pink ribbon, flowers had to have some pink, and the wine bag was also pink. 

When we got there, everything looked ready for a magazine pictorial. We did wear pink; we had to, or we probably wouldn't be served dessert!

She served us an absolutely delicious Sangria. It was made with rosé wine, pomegranate juice, lemon, Grand Marinier, cognac, raspberries, strawberries, and plum. She had olives, cheese and crackers, and salami. We all commented on the pink flowers inside a real red cabbage!

For our main entrée, she made a Risotto with Argentine Shrimp. It was mouth-watering together with the tomatoes in sour cream and beans. This was served on her lovely white scalloped plates with matching bowls.

Dessert was a Strawberry Bundt Cake, when sliced was the color pink, of course. That, too, was delicious.

We think she should celebrate her birthday at least twice a year! A year is too long to wait for another brunch. After she opened her presents, she gave us all pink gift bags. As we left, I had to pay my respects to China-Blue, her 15-year-old cat, who was taking a nap on her bed, probably waiting for all of us to leave so she could have peace and quiet again.

Chart House

One last birthday celebration for my brother Dino; Chart House seemed appropriate for a summer evening by the beach. We got a window table. A couple of surfers got in the water though there weren't really any waves. The sailboats were out, and a few people walking on the beach.

We wanted to try the Fried Artichokes from the Happy Hour Menu, but we were not allowed to order that unless we sat in the bar, which we did not want to do. We ordered the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Stack, which I had previously tried. That was a hit, and it is a must for anyone who has not had it. 

We all decided to go for the Prix-Fixe, which gave a choice of Clam Chowder, Caesar Salad, and Chopped Salad for appetizers. For entreé, we had a choice of 10 oz. Prime Rib, Miso Maple Glazed Salmon, or Savory Shrimp Pasta. We all ordered the Prim Rib. I also ordered a side of Sauteéd Mushrooms to share. Dino and Grace had the Clam Chowder, which I love, but I thought I would order the Caesar Salad this time. Sandi had the Chopped Salad. Everyone was happy with their dishes. They do give you generous portions on everything. Grace and I did not finish our Prime Rib. For some strange reason, Sandi did finish hers. Dino inhaled his.

Our server Fred presented Dino with a slice of a birthday cheesecake. He had his Lave Cake boxed to go, and the rest had no problem eating our Lava Cake with ice cream.

Chart House is an excellent place to bring guests, especially if they are beach goers. It is so impressive to be close to the water and enjoy the view. Chart House is located at 231 Yacht Club Way in Redondo Beach, California. 

Republique

Sandi announced the other day that she wanted to treat Dino and Grace to breakfast at Republique. I wasn't sure if this would be a treat since they have numerous Wildflour Restaurants (same owner) in the Philippines. Though Dino and Grace have lived in Singapore for many years, they frequently fly to Manila since we still have family there. 

We were at Republique by 7:40 a.m. They open at 8:00 a.m., and a long line of people usually wait to get in. For some strange reason, we were the only ones till 4 people lined up behind us shortly after. It's probable because it's summer and people are all over the place traveling. Whatever the reason, we were grateful that the gods were on our side today. 

Grace ordered the Ricotta Toast, Dino had the French Toast, Sandi had her favorite Avocado Toast, and I had the Potato Pancake with Smoked Salmon and Poached Eggs. We all loved our food; Sandi got some Kouign Amann with Raspberries, and I got some Creme Brulee Bomboloni to have for dessert tonight. 

Republique is located at 624 La Brea St. in Los Angeles, California. Note: We were appalled to find out later that they charged extra for berries for the French toast; $4.50. The French toast was $17 which is fine but on their menu, there is no distinction between fruit or without,  To top it all, at the bottom of the bill, there was an extra charge of $4.94 for "Healthy L.A." which could have been on the menu but we did not see that so I guess, that's on us. You may not think $4.50 is not much to add to a $17 one-slice French toast but it is the principle of it! If they asked if you would like fruit and the person says yes, this is the time the cashier informs the customer that there is an extra charge and it would be up to them to decide. Did I mention the valet parking is $10 plus tip? As Mrs. McKinney said: "If you're gonna screw me, I at least expect a kiss before".

La Bocca Felice

Celebrated the birthdays of my 2 brothers, Gary and Dino. Neither of them had been to La Bocca Felice, so I thought it was the perfect place to take them. I brought a bottle of very good champagne in their honor, and a special Duckhorn Merlot 2015, which I've been saving for a special occasion. Both are not used to a very early dinner Sandi and I are accustomed to, so I made the reservation for 5:30 p.m.

As soon as we were settled in our seats, Nima, the owner, noticed our champagne, so he proceeded to get us glasses as he popped open the bottle. He also informed us that they were serving Lobster with pasta which sounded so good. At that point, Gary, Dino, and I decided we would order the lobster. While Grace and Sandi studied the menu further, Nima opened the wine and had to decant it as the cork broke in the process; something I expected. I just hoped and prayed the wine was still good. To my relief, it was outstanding. 

I had to order their famous appetizer, Capesante; Scallops which is always a "must order." They were delicious as ever. Grace decided on the Vitello Marsala, and I happily gave her my approval as that is one of my favorites. Sandi ordered her favorite, Pappardelle Shortrib Ragu, and was very happy. Our Lobster was exquisite. If you like lobster, you will not regret ordering this. It was cooked to perfection. 

For dessert, we just had the Tiramisu to share. Everyone partook except Sandi, who dislikes anything with even the slightest coffee flavor. This, of course, was her loss, and lucky for us, it was divided by 3 instead of 4. 

We all were very happy campers. The evening was fun and delightful, with the background music of the small band playing while we dined. La Bocca Felice is located at 301 W. 6th St. in San Pedro, California.

Joey's Smoking BBQ

It's been many years since I've been back to Joey's BBQ. Sandi and I had no plans for the 4th of July, so we thought it would be a great idea to pick up food from there and enjoy it at home with some Champagne. When we arrived around 2 p.m., we were informed that our order would take one hour! We weren't sure we wanted to wait but figured since it was the 4th of July, we might as well go for it. We decided to go to Trader Joe's, and while there, we got a bag of Truffle Fries which we opened while waiting for our ribs.

Sandi ordered the 2 meat plate; Pulled Pork and Brisket, and I went for the Ribs with Mac and Cheese and Cole Slaw. Both orders came with cornbread. I wanted some champagne to go with our meal, but Sandi was not up for it, so I had a bottle of dark Asahi beer with my ribs. The ribs were delicious as ever. We both were disappointed with the mac and cheese, as it was tasteless. The coleslaw was not as creamy as I remembered it to be. In fact, I read my blog in 2015, and I commented on how the coleslaw was creamy and delicious.

Sandi's Pork was perfect, but she was not too happy with the brisket. It was cut too big, they were in chunks, and I had to agree that it would have been better if it were cut thinner. Cuts can make a huge difference in flavor, but I have to say we were pleased with the cornbread. I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of Sandi's meal!

Joey's Smoking BBQ is still good, but you have to choose your sides wisely. Next time, we will order the baked potato or fries, and I do not recommend the mac and cheese or the coleslaw. Joey's BBQ is at 25308 Crenshaw Blvd., in Torrance, California.