Okay, so I'm in Long Beach today, working, a rarity since I usually work in Los Angeles these days - anyway, I'm in Long Beach, and I try to make the most of it by visiting some places I haven't been to for a while to see if I can make an appointment with them..... I head to 4th Street to a new wine bar I have passed by a few times called Fourth on Vine or Vine on Fourth or something like that - finally, I get a chance to talk to someone there, and I ask questions about whether this block is hopping at night and he says it is really in a growth spurt, ie. it is not quite super busy but it sure is trying to get there.
And I ask, is the theater on that block the draw?
And he answers, no, its actually the noodle place.
I'm like, hmroo?? What do you mean, the draw is "that noodle place?"
In my mind, a noodle place is like a divey old school Pho place that is old-looking and certainly not much of a draw to young hipsters who drink wine at winebars.
Alas, I was wrong. Apparently this new place is called "number nine noodles + beer." Okay, you had me at beer. Not that I'm a raging alcoholic, but when you put some classic Asian food with artisan beer, you might be getting somewhere.... somewhere that people want to be. And so I was intrigued.
I headed out of the wine bar and down a couple of doors to number nine noodles + beer.
Alas the place had a vibrancy to it that one doesn't find with your grandparents' pho place. Bright clean lines, modern decor, done a little flashy but still tasteful, and oh that aromatic pho broth permeating one's pores as one walks through the door. If you weren't hungry before you walked in, you will be, there is no fighting the pungent herbs and rich broth that is thick in the air, but not in a bad way. But in a way that makes you want to come back for dinner, or lunch, IMMEDIATELY.
I'm excited about this place. It serves wine, it serves beer, and a menu full of goodies featuring noodles and some other things. I haven't eaten there yet (I just learned of it about 3 hours ago), but I will. I just hope the line out the door won't be too long.
number nine noodles + beer
2118 e. 4th street
long beach, ca 90814
562-434-2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Nanbankan
In this week's edition of where did Nancy & Paul eat? we present Nanbankan.
We were a group of 4, Paul and Hitomi, Johan and Nancy, and we met at one of L.A.'s established establishments, Nanbankan, a yakitori and more.
This is a Japanese restaurant with a grill menu, featuring chicken and other meats seasoned and marinated expertly, skewered delicately, and grilled to perfection.
We had a variety of delicious things on skewers including chicken meatballs, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts, some beef cubes, chicken wrapped in a herb, and finally, some triangles of grilled rice. It was all washed down with some Japanese and Canadian (Sapporo) beers.
The meal was delicious. The setting was peaceful and elegant and conducive to lively conversation. We sat in the dining room where there was not much smokiness or anything like that. The bar area is less formal and it is where you can view the action of the open kitchen and grills.
This was definitely a fun and enjoyable restaurant, with sound food. I would go back, definitely!
We were a group of 4, Paul and Hitomi, Johan and Nancy, and we met at one of L.A.'s established establishments, Nanbankan, a yakitori and more.
This is a Japanese restaurant with a grill menu, featuring chicken and other meats seasoned and marinated expertly, skewered delicately, and grilled to perfection.
We had a variety of delicious things on skewers including chicken meatballs, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts, some beef cubes, chicken wrapped in a herb, and finally, some triangles of grilled rice. It was all washed down with some Japanese and Canadian (Sapporo) beers.
The meal was delicious. The setting was peaceful and elegant and conducive to lively conversation. We sat in the dining room where there was not much smokiness or anything like that. The bar area is less formal and it is where you can view the action of the open kitchen and grills.
This was definitely a fun and enjoyable restaurant, with sound food. I would go back, definitely!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Vegan Glory
Yes, it's true, I don't travel with a camera when I eat. Nor do I usually find myself at a place that serves vegan food. But I kept passing by this place in a crowded mini mall (conveniently located near Light Bulbs Unlimited, in case you need a 75W halogen light after a vegan meal) and I got a friend to go with me. You know that friend: goes out to restaurants, more adventurous than you, won't hold it against you if the food is so terrible that you have to run across the street to Taco Bell after eating. We were both more than pleasantly surprised, we were pretty much bowled over.
This is a Thai place with staples from American, Vegetarian, and Angeleno menus. And they do that thing that Paul's been talking to me about for years: they fake the meat. I always thought that I was going to have to hotfoot it over to Monterey Park to get Pressed Duck made out of seitan and tofu, but it's right here, my friend. At Orlando and Beverly. Incredibly close to a eye-popping variety of incandescent light bulbs.
Since I was fascinated with the fake meat, I had to have something from that side of the house, so I dove into the Crispy Chicken, which was essentially their fried chicken (available also in nuggets!) on a lunch special with brown rice, spring roll, salad, and the soup of the day. The chicken was great. Now, chicken lovers will not be fooled, but it was damned good. The soup was excellent as well. The spring roll. Eh, I could take it or leave it. Seemed like the oil wasn't hot enough when they dropped that puppy in.
I decided to take my vegan friend the next time, who sat in amazement when he realized that he could order any item off the menu he pleased. (He asked the waitress if they put milk into their Thai Iced Tea.) He was flabbergasted. Not being your typical vegan, he went for the Pepper Steak Sandwich, which he loved. Since I was on the New Me approach to life, I decided I would have to order something different every time I came; I got the Pad Thai. Delicious. The next time: Lentil Loaf. Much more awesome than it sounds. Three Flavor Fish was great.
But then came the item that changed the New Me:Spicy Yaki Soba with Soy Fish. This dish changed the New Me into the Old Me and it's been the dish I've eaten every time I've been back.
Probably the most amazing thing about this food, and I have no idea if this is why vegan people are always going on and on about their diet (except my vegan friend, who has no interest in speaking about it), I walk out of that place feeling great. I mean, I eat mounds of Yaki Soba, every morsel on the plate, and I don't feel weighed down. I honestly have no idea what the heck they're doing to their food, but damn it, I like it.
You will too. Promise.
Vegan Glory
8393 Beverly Blvd.
LA, 90048
Link
This is a Thai place with staples from American, Vegetarian, and Angeleno menus. And they do that thing that Paul's been talking to me about for years: they fake the meat. I always thought that I was going to have to hotfoot it over to Monterey Park to get Pressed Duck made out of seitan and tofu, but it's right here, my friend. At Orlando and Beverly. Incredibly close to a eye-popping variety of incandescent light bulbs.
Since I was fascinated with the fake meat, I had to have something from that side of the house, so I dove into the Crispy Chicken, which was essentially their fried chicken (available also in nuggets!) on a lunch special with brown rice, spring roll, salad, and the soup of the day. The chicken was great. Now, chicken lovers will not be fooled, but it was damned good. The soup was excellent as well. The spring roll. Eh, I could take it or leave it. Seemed like the oil wasn't hot enough when they dropped that puppy in.
I decided to take my vegan friend the next time, who sat in amazement when he realized that he could order any item off the menu he pleased. (He asked the waitress if they put milk into their Thai Iced Tea.) He was flabbergasted. Not being your typical vegan, he went for the Pepper Steak Sandwich, which he loved. Since I was on the New Me approach to life, I decided I would have to order something different every time I came; I got the Pad Thai. Delicious. The next time: Lentil Loaf. Much more awesome than it sounds. Three Flavor Fish was great.
But then came the item that changed the New Me:Spicy Yaki Soba with Soy Fish. This dish changed the New Me into the Old Me and it's been the dish I've eaten every time I've been back.
Probably the most amazing thing about this food, and I have no idea if this is why vegan people are always going on and on about their diet (except my vegan friend, who has no interest in speaking about it), I walk out of that place feeling great. I mean, I eat mounds of Yaki Soba, every morsel on the plate, and I don't feel weighed down. I honestly have no idea what the heck they're doing to their food, but damn it, I like it.
You will too. Promise.
Vegan Glory
8393 Beverly Blvd.
LA, 90048
Link
Monday, January 26, 2009
Basilic in Balboa Island
Basilic is a tiny 24-seater Swiss-French restaurant on Balboa Island off of Newport Beach in Orange County. I have been a fan of this restaurant since my hubby took me there about 3 years ago for my birthday. The place has a very cute ambiance because it is situated on the cutest street ever, on the cute island of Balboa. Just driving onto this island and walking along this quaint seaside high street makes you feel different than being elsewhere in southern California. It makes you feel like you are on vacation.
The restaurant is a family-run operation that is closed on both Sunday and Monday. The owners are from Switzerland, and hence the menus reflect some classic Swiss dishes such as Raclette and Veal Zurich-style. Raclette is a type of Swiss cheese and it also refers to a special preparation of this cheese, which is melted by a broiler and served with fingerling potatoes, cornichon, and pickled onions. If you have never tried this, you must try it. Either at this restaurant, or just purchase Swiss Raclette cheese from Whole Foods and broil it in an ovensafe dish and serve with little potatoes. Pure bliss. Better at the restaurant made by the pros, but darn good even in your own home.
Anyway, I have gone to this restaurant a few times before, but this last week, went with my inlaws and husband and the four of us squeezed in for a 8pm seating. There was an amuse bouche of a goat cheese spread on crostini. For appetizers, two of us had the fish soup which was done Provencal style with pastis. The other two of us had the seared foie gras. For mains, two of us had the veal Zurich-style, while the other two had Cassoulet, a traditional French dish of lamb, sausage, duck confit and beans - needless to say, this is a very rich dish and not for the faint of heart.
For dessert, we had the special which contained meringues and chocolate ice cream, surrounded by a homemade and very tasty strawberry sauce.
Everything was good, except those who had the veal Zurich were less than impressed. It was sliced veal and sliced potatoes and did not look that appetizing, so that was less than expected.
Service was attentive.
Overall, this is a fun classic French-styled restaurant, if you are looking for that sort of thing. All in a cute setting.
The restaurant is a family-run operation that is closed on both Sunday and Monday. The owners are from Switzerland, and hence the menus reflect some classic Swiss dishes such as Raclette and Veal Zurich-style. Raclette is a type of Swiss cheese and it also refers to a special preparation of this cheese, which is melted by a broiler and served with fingerling potatoes, cornichon, and pickled onions. If you have never tried this, you must try it. Either at this restaurant, or just purchase Swiss Raclette cheese from Whole Foods and broil it in an ovensafe dish and serve with little potatoes. Pure bliss. Better at the restaurant made by the pros, but darn good even in your own home.
Anyway, I have gone to this restaurant a few times before, but this last week, went with my inlaws and husband and the four of us squeezed in for a 8pm seating. There was an amuse bouche of a goat cheese spread on crostini. For appetizers, two of us had the fish soup which was done Provencal style with pastis. The other two of us had the seared foie gras. For mains, two of us had the veal Zurich-style, while the other two had Cassoulet, a traditional French dish of lamb, sausage, duck confit and beans - needless to say, this is a very rich dish and not for the faint of heart.
For dessert, we had the special which contained meringues and chocolate ice cream, surrounded by a homemade and very tasty strawberry sauce.
Everything was good, except those who had the veal Zurich were less than impressed. It was sliced veal and sliced potatoes and did not look that appetizing, so that was less than expected.
Service was attentive.
Overall, this is a fun classic French-styled restaurant, if you are looking for that sort of thing. All in a cute setting.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Spago Beverly Hills
I had never been to Spago before, and neither had my hubby or his parents, so I chose it as a fun gastronomic destination for his birthday on January 20. I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate both his birthday and also the inauguration of our new president.
We requested a table in the patio/courtyard and we got it. It was a great place to sit and I recommend it, though I might try getting a table closer to the open kitchen next time.
I said next time! That means I liked the restaurant and would go back again! Yes, everyone at the table agreed that there would be a next time.
Our first course - we all chose the sweetbreads. Delicious.
If you have never tried sweetbreads before, do try them! They are a mild and tender organ meat, and lends itself to different preparations. Here it is deep fried like a schnitzel and dressed with a sauce that had mustard, citrus juice, and some five-spice powder. Very nice.
For my main course, I had calves liver. Yes, it was a veal organ day for me, but it was not unpleasant!
The calves liver was very nicely prepared. I was initially skeptical, and wondered if the liver would taste grainy or too strong. But it wasn't - it was very expertly executed. I savored this dish.
We requested a table in the patio/courtyard and we got it. It was a great place to sit and I recommend it, though I might try getting a table closer to the open kitchen next time.
I said next time! That means I liked the restaurant and would go back again! Yes, everyone at the table agreed that there would be a next time.
Our first course - we all chose the sweetbreads. Delicious.
If you have never tried sweetbreads before, do try them! They are a mild and tender organ meat, and lends itself to different preparations. Here it is deep fried like a schnitzel and dressed with a sauce that had mustard, citrus juice, and some five-spice powder. Very nice.
For my main course, I had calves liver. Yes, it was a veal organ day for me, but it was not unpleasant!
The calves liver was very nicely prepared. I was initially skeptical, and wondered if the liver would taste grainy or too strong. But it wasn't - it was very expertly executed. I savored this dish.My hubby ordered the veal chop:
My inlaws order fish, the loup-de-mer, which I didn't get a picture of, but it was also very nicely done, and served and sauced table-side.
Yes, indeedy, the birthday boy liked his veal chop!
My inlaws order fish, the loup-de-mer, which I didn't get a picture of, but it was also very nicely done, and served and sauced table-side.
Yes, indeedy, the birthday boy liked his veal chop!
Dessert was a Hungarian layer cake called Dobos Torte. It is a traditional 7-layer chocolate/espresso cake that hubby and his parents recognized as they have travelled to Hungary. It was a nice cake.
Overall the experience was 2 thumbs up from everyone at the table, and we were very happy with everything. We will definitely return!
Overall the experience was 2 thumbs up from everyone at the table, and we were very happy with everything. We will definitely return!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Father's Office Culver City (and Santa Monica)
Father's Office. For some reason, we always seem to end up here, even though many times I try to think of somewhere else to go for a casual but high-end drink and and snacks..... but we end up going to Father's Office. There is just a perfect little niche that Father's Office seems to fill in the Los Angeles area that other joints don't seem to do as well.
I'm talking the kind of place you can waltz into in jeans and a t-shirt or whatever casual wear you happen to be sporting. A place that looks and feels hip and youthful and serves great beer without asking a lot from you, other than to wait in line and serve yourself for the most part. Father's Office has not only high end beers, but high end food as well, in a fun setting. It is a contrast to the thought of going to a snooty bar where you have to dress up and be fancy, only to have the choice between a martini and a glass of wine..... sometimes you really would rather have beer.
Yesterday when we went we enjoyed some of their delectable Californian and Belgian beers, along with crispy sweet potato fries, grilled octopus salad, and deep fried brussels sprouts. Yum!
I'm talking the kind of place you can waltz into in jeans and a t-shirt or whatever casual wear you happen to be sporting. A place that looks and feels hip and youthful and serves great beer without asking a lot from you, other than to wait in line and serve yourself for the most part. Father's Office has not only high end beers, but high end food as well, in a fun setting. It is a contrast to the thought of going to a snooty bar where you have to dress up and be fancy, only to have the choice between a martini and a glass of wine..... sometimes you really would rather have beer.
Yesterday when we went we enjoyed some of their delectable Californian and Belgian beers, along with crispy sweet potato fries, grilled octopus salad, and deep fried brussels sprouts. Yum!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Valentino in Santa Monica
The food and ambiance at Valentino's were both excellent.
First of all, it's on Pico near 31st street in Santa Monica, on the North Side of the street. Parking is usually pretty tough in the area, so it's probably a good idea to use the valet. (If you get lucky, you might find some street metered parking.)
We didn't have reservations, so we ate in the bar area. They had a kind of special going on, where you can order 2 appetizers or 1 appetizer and 1 entre' plus a dessert for $35, and it was well worth it. The panzerotti, tortellini, ravioli, and dessert (I think we had a canoli and some type of sorbet) were all excellent, probably the best I've had in L.A. Great wine list to choose from as well. Service was also excellent, however I don't think they were as swamped the night I went as I hear they usually can get. 2 of us ate a really excellent meal with a glass of wine or 2 for only about $100, but I hear that the menu in the dining area is a little higher priced (and probably more extensive).
Anyway, I will definitely be going to Valentino's again soon for more great Italian cuisine, without having to drive to Hollyweird or Sunset, etc.
First of all, it's on Pico near 31st street in Santa Monica, on the North Side of the street. Parking is usually pretty tough in the area, so it's probably a good idea to use the valet. (If you get lucky, you might find some street metered parking.)
We didn't have reservations, so we ate in the bar area. They had a kind of special going on, where you can order 2 appetizers or 1 appetizer and 1 entre' plus a dessert for $35, and it was well worth it. The panzerotti, tortellini, ravioli, and dessert (I think we had a canoli and some type of sorbet) were all excellent, probably the best I've had in L.A. Great wine list to choose from as well. Service was also excellent, however I don't think they were as swamped the night I went as I hear they usually can get. 2 of us ate a really excellent meal with a glass of wine or 2 for only about $100, but I hear that the menu in the dining area is a little higher priced (and probably more extensive).
Anyway, I will definitely be going to Valentino's again soon for more great Italian cuisine, without having to drive to Hollyweird or Sunset, etc.
Friday, January 16, 2009
SugarFish by Sushi Nozawa in Marina del Rey
It has been a while since we have had sushi anywhere outside of Yen in Belmont Shore. Two reasons: one, we haven't been eating out that much (economic downturn, people!) and two, we really like Yen Sushi and Sake Bar.
But I found this new place, SugarFish, through my work, and through some samples generously provided by management, I was hooked and charmed and decided that hubby and I should try this place for a real dinner.
SugarFish is a casual off-shoot of the original Sushi Nozawa out in Studio City, which I have never gone to, but had heard was nick-named the Sushi Nazi because Chef Nozawa doesn't take kindly to those who use tons of soy sauce on his delicate fish, or ask for non-Japanese dishes such as California rolls.
I have heard that Sushi Nozawa is excellent, and I do hope to go there someday. But last weekend we did experience SugarFish, and this is what we learned.
You can order a la carte at SugarFish, but I think most people get the prix fixe meals, which are posted on a rotating computer screen on the wall. Oh yes, speaking of the wall reminds me I should speak about the decor. The decor is minimalist and modern, at the same time casual. This is not a ritzy, high end place in terms of the atmosphere, but the idea is the food is the freshest you can obtain in such a relaxed environment.
So back to the food. The fish is excellent. The sashimi, sushi, and rolls are all melt-in-your-mouth, with a delicacy and succulence that is very different from that found at Yen. The style is, I would say without knowing much about authentic Japanese food, more authentically Japanese, with the focus on delicate, balanced flavors. Contrast this to Yen, which is owned and operated by Koreans, and the cuisine is bolder, with bolder flavors and spiced up sauces and slices of Jalapeno sometimes adorning some of the less orthodox rolls. The food at SugarFish is definitely more classic, at least to me.
The downside is that though this is a casual restaurant, ie. you don't have to dress up to eat there, and plenty of Marina del Rey locals are coming in with their kids, etc, and some are bellying up to the bar to have their dinner, the prices are high. Dinner for the two of us ended up being around $120 (we did have beer and sake though). And after the $120 dinner, we were not stuffed; instead, we were a bit craving for more food. In other words, portions are not big. Contrast to Yen, where we leave pretty stuffed, because the fish portions are big.
Conclusion: the restaurant is a good one, the food is way above par, and if money were no object, I would eat here and eat here often, and probably add a la carte pieces to the prix fixe options. However, until the time when money is truly no object, I would hesitate. But that's just me! If you love fine sushi though, you should go and try it!
But I found this new place, SugarFish, through my work, and through some samples generously provided by management, I was hooked and charmed and decided that hubby and I should try this place for a real dinner.
SugarFish is a casual off-shoot of the original Sushi Nozawa out in Studio City, which I have never gone to, but had heard was nick-named the Sushi Nazi because Chef Nozawa doesn't take kindly to those who use tons of soy sauce on his delicate fish, or ask for non-Japanese dishes such as California rolls.
I have heard that Sushi Nozawa is excellent, and I do hope to go there someday. But last weekend we did experience SugarFish, and this is what we learned.
You can order a la carte at SugarFish, but I think most people get the prix fixe meals, which are posted on a rotating computer screen on the wall. Oh yes, speaking of the wall reminds me I should speak about the decor. The decor is minimalist and modern, at the same time casual. This is not a ritzy, high end place in terms of the atmosphere, but the idea is the food is the freshest you can obtain in such a relaxed environment.
So back to the food. The fish is excellent. The sashimi, sushi, and rolls are all melt-in-your-mouth, with a delicacy and succulence that is very different from that found at Yen. The style is, I would say without knowing much about authentic Japanese food, more authentically Japanese, with the focus on delicate, balanced flavors. Contrast this to Yen, which is owned and operated by Koreans, and the cuisine is bolder, with bolder flavors and spiced up sauces and slices of Jalapeno sometimes adorning some of the less orthodox rolls. The food at SugarFish is definitely more classic, at least to me.
The downside is that though this is a casual restaurant, ie. you don't have to dress up to eat there, and plenty of Marina del Rey locals are coming in with their kids, etc, and some are bellying up to the bar to have their dinner, the prices are high. Dinner for the two of us ended up being around $120 (we did have beer and sake though). And after the $120 dinner, we were not stuffed; instead, we were a bit craving for more food. In other words, portions are not big. Contrast to Yen, where we leave pretty stuffed, because the fish portions are big.
Conclusion: the restaurant is a good one, the food is way above par, and if money were no object, I would eat here and eat here often, and probably add a la carte pieces to the prix fixe options. However, until the time when money is truly no object, I would hesitate. But that's just me! If you love fine sushi though, you should go and try it!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bouchees Bistro
I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Bouchees Bistro is a lunch counter next door to a Panda Express sharing a building with WalMart, situated across from the Blue line station on Long Beach Blvd. this is not where I'd expect to find good eats. I don't even remember how I first ended up in Bouchees Bistro. I remember laughing at the name - not so much because it was a bad name for a restaurant, it just looked so out of place on that particular stretch of the Boulevard. And yet, somehow, that's exactly where it belongs.
Bouchees belongs on Long Beach Blvd. because, as I mentioned, it is a lunch counter. There are a few tables available for groups of two or four, but not much more than that. Every table I've ever sat at wobbled. The floors are cement and the walls are covered in local folk art, that changes out every couple months. the waitresses wear all black with silver studded belts. In these regards Bouchees Bistro looks pretty much at home in the neighborhood.
the menu is burgers and fries, ice cream, macaroni and cheese; oh, and butternut squash ravioli, belgian endive and roquefort cheese salad, crab minestrone soup... if you've been following along you may have noticed I turned a corner there. But the fact is the burgers and fries (sweet potato fries, or parmesan and herb fries - you can get both in one order) have more in common with the gourmet menu than they do with any other burger joint in the LBC or most of LA County. the burgers here are really good.
Having tried all their specialty burgers, I can tell you you can't go wrong with any of the four, but start out with the #2 - applewood bacon, chipotle cheeseburger. It's like eating a burger for the first time. Oh, but, if you can't decide on one, they sell all their burgers as sliders, (they call them minis... which makes more sense than sliders, doesn't it) Anyway order as many as you want for 3 or 4 bucks apiece. The fries are served with ketchup. I don't know what that ketchup is made of, but I've never had ketchup like that. Get the fries combo.
I tried the macaroni and cheese once - it was pretty good, but if it comes down to a side of mac and cheese or dessert - don't waste a moment weighing your options. The desserts are unbelievable. tis past weekend I ordered the ice cream sandwich of the day. Simple enough. It was lavender gelato topped with hazelnut sauce and sandwiched between two macademia nut white chocolate cookies. WHAT?! That's just crazy enough to work.
Well, to top it all off, the bill was about what you'd expect to pay at Denny's. The burgers run between 8 and 10 bucks, the fry combo a bit pricy at 4, and the ice cream sandwich another 4 bucks. The fancy entrees are a bit more, but you're at a lunch counter - get a burger and fries already,
I'm still not sure about the name, and I'm a little worried about the location, but bouchees bistro must be to our generation what the Apple Pan must've been like for our .... uh for our great grandparents.
Anyway here's the ink
Bouchees Bistro
515 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
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