Bite by Bite

Without passion life can be sooooo boooring...then it ocurred to me that maybe I should share a bit of my passion with you! Maybe it'll help cheer you up? Maybe it'll put an interesting thought in your head? Maybe it'll make you hungry! So what is my passion? Why, food and traveling of course! I can't travel as often as I'd want to but I can promise you that I will eat every single day. :) Bite by Bite in Los Angeles Promote Your Page Too var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-21579752-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[bitebybitela-blog]

Restaurant Review : A-Won $$ ***6.5 out of 10***

A-Won is a Korean Japanese restaurant in Ktown that is popular with the lunch crowd.  This is the place to come when you're craving "Hwe Dup Bap".  "HDB" consists of sashimi pieces on a bed of white rice which is then topped with a huge amount of lettuce and then smothered at your own discretion with "go-chu jang" (red chili paste).   A-Won serves this dish in a HUGE intimidating plastic bowel but don't be too alarmed, it is consumable by one person.  I've tested it. I also like their "al-bap" which translates to fish egg rice.  Their version of this dish consists of various fish roe with other goodies such as seaweed, tamago, pickled radish, sprouts and sesame oil (key ingredient being the sesame oil)...I always ask for extra.   A-Won Japanese Restaurant Categories: Korean Japanese Sushi 913 S Vermont Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006 Neighborhood: Koreatown [phone]

[bitebybitela-blog]

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori (Japanese, Yakitori) Torrance $$ ***9 out of 10*** 

My favorite place for yakitori!  Shinsengumi is a small place that gets jam packed every night with happy patrons stuffing their faces with small pieces of skewered chicken parts.  When you walk into the restaurant expect the entire staff to greet you loudly in Japanese.  Have a drink and the entire staff will cheers you.  Of course the same exclamations are extended when you leave.  It's a fun lively atmosphere that seems to get louder and livelier every year.  My absolute favorite thing to get is their chicken liver followed closely by their chicken skin and chicken cartilage.  Other must-tries are the chicken hearts, chicken gizzards, bacon-wrapped cherry tomatoes and chicken meatballs.  You have the regular accompaniments to your yakitori like "Shichimi" and "sansho pepper" but their "yuzu Kosho" accompanied by a never-ending supply of roughly chopped fresh cabbage salad is what makes the Shinsengumi yakitori experience...well...better.  What I also love about Shinsengumi is the fact that not only are their skewers spectacular; their cooked food is amazing as well.   From my experience, you can't really go wrong with anything on the menu but personally, I love their crab cream croquette and the grilled Atka mackerel.  To end, I like to finish off the meal with some nice, warm, soupy Chazuke. Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori 18517 S Western Ave Gardena, CA 90247 Neighborhoods: Torrance, Harbor Gateway [phone] http://www.shinsengumigroup.com

[bitebybitela-blog]

Himalayan Cafe , Pasadena (Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian) $$ ***7 out of 10***

Himalayan café is definitely not a mind-blowing dining experience nor is it likely to give you an unforgettable perception-changing meal.  However, it is quite capable of giving you a satisfied tummy with its decent portions, tasty food, and great service in a clean and bright environment for a fair price.  Located in Old Town Pasadena, it' an easy stop-in if you're looking for something Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian with a lot of spices and flavor.  Their chicken mo-mo seems to be their most popular dish.  It's a classic Asian-style chicken dumpling that comes with a tasty dipping sauce. Their lunch buffet is a fair deal too. If you're not familiar with the food, it's a good way to try a few different things without committing to an entire dish.  It's basically standard Indian fare consisting of Naan, a couple of curries, some salad, Tandoori Chicken and a little something sweet for dessert all for $9.99/person everyday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM.

Himalayan Cafe 36 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 Neighborhood: Old-Town Pasadena [phone] http://www.himalayancafe.net

[bitebybitela-blog]

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar  @ LA Live (Steakhouse) $$$ ***4 out of 10***

Flemings at LA Live is the worst Flemings location that I've been to.  The service and décor is just fine but the food has disappointed me on every occasion that I've been there! The bread and the bread spread = mediocre.  The shrimp cocktail = terribly disappointing in taste and presentation; 3 small, pathetic, tasteless shrimp for $15.95!  The oysters = pretty decent but absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.   The sautéed mushrooms = a bit too salty but it was okay. My bone-in filet "seared black and blue" came out blackened but cooked to a hard medium-well!  Of course I had to send it back.  The second round came back to me raw and cold in the middle with a bit of warmth on the outside.   I ate it anyway.    The cheesecake for dessert was just as disappointing as the rest of the meal. If it weren't for the convenient location in DTLA, walking distance from my house, I would have absolutely no reason to step foot into this place.   Absolutely none!

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 800 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015 Neighborhood: Downtown [phone] http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com

[bitebybitela-blog]

From this to THIS!

Cherry Tomato Salad!

[bitebybitela-blog]

Home-Cooked Meals : Spicy Yellow Vegetable Curry served with Buckwheat Soba Noodles!

[bitebybitela-blog]

Who appreciates a perfectly poached egg?  I know I sure do!  It's heaven in its simplicity straight from my kitchen. 

[bitebybitela-blog]

Maison Akira is having a pre-set course menu as a farewell tribute for our beloved Foie Gras!!!  As most of you know the ban on Foie Gras goes into effect starting July 1st 2012...less than 2 weeks from now!  So kiss the delectable livers good-bye and have a toast to the health of the ducks.  Your livers will be sorely missed. 

Maison Akira

Categories: French, Japanese 

713 E Green St Pasadena, CA 91101 Neighborhood: Pasadena [phone]

http://www.maisonakira.net

[bitebybitela-blog]

Beckham Grill  (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) *6.5 out of 10* $$

Old School English Dining in Pasadena with big portions and reasonable prices.  Located just north of Oldtown, Beckham Grill is comfy and away from all the commotion.   The décor is very charming.  In the front of the restaurant sits an antique red phone booth and a restored old car nestled within the flowerbeds.  Inside, you're encompassed by heavy dark wood and dim mood lighting.   And I can't forget to mention the personalized metal charger plates with the Beckham logo engraved upon them!  My friend and I shared everything.  We had the very mediocre Shrimp Cocktail to start, and then we had the Crab Cobb Salad which was a total disappointment.  The crab was not fresh and the salad was so over-dressed that it was soggy.  Thank goodness the cheese-bread was good.  Our main course was the Crown Cut Prime Rib that came with creamed spinach, creamed corn, and Yorkshire pudding.  The prime rib was a bit dry, the creamed corn was a little too runny and sweet and the Yorkshire pudding is not something I am a fan of.  But the creamed spinach was really tasty, the au jus was spot on, and the fresh and creamed horseradish was excellent!  All in all, I must say that I did enjoy my dining experience comforted by the ambiance of good 'ole English charm while sitting in a comfy armchair.    And of course we finished off the meal with some warm raisin bread pudding with a they-don't-mess-around whiskey sauce. Beckham Grill Restaurant 77 W Walnut St Pasadena, CA 91103 Neighborhood: Pasadena [phone] http://www.BeckhamGrill.com

[bitebybitela-blog]

Tri-Colored Tomatoes growing on my plant.  :)

[bitebybitela-blog]

Home-Made Meals :

Spicy Tuna and Crab Party with all the trimmings.  :)  

[bitebybitela-blog]

The Supper Club, Hollywood (Dinner & Show, Club, Bar) *7.5 out of 10* $$$

The Supper Club has a lot going on.  What makes this place stand out is that not only is it a trendy Hollywood club, it is also a great place to have dinner while watching a freak show that they put on for your viewing pleasure.    Personally, I prefer the dinner +show while lounging on their white sofa bed option versus the club option.   The 4 course meal is quite good; their lamb was amazing and I am VERY picky about my lamb.   The show is edgy, definitely adult rated, but in no way does the talent even come close to Circque du Soleil caliber so keep your expectations low, and you'll probably enjoy it.  In my opinion, it's worth checking out.   Of course the quality of the club depends on the night and the DJ.   It's usually okay, but it's not my favorite spot. Premiere Supper Club 1710 N Las Palmas Ave Los Angeles, CA 90028 Neighborhood: Hollywood [phone] http://www.premieresupperclub.com

[bitebybitela-blog]

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery, Dessert, Cupcakes) $$ *9 out of 10*

Decadent, moist, delicious, jam packed with taste...  Winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, Wonderland Cupcakes deserves a visit.

They're little handfuls of sweet goodness for $3.25 each.  Try the salted caramel, you won't be disappointed. Wonderland Custom Cakes 107 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 Neighborhood: Pasadena [phone] http://www.wonderlandcustomcakes.com/

[bitebybitela-blog]

Home-Cooked Meals : Seafood bake!

Live Crystal Crab, 2 types of clams, Mussels, Periwinkles, Shitake Mushrooms, Garlic, Onion, Potatoes, Carrots, 1/2 bottle of Chardonnay, some butter, and a touch of sea salt makes for a wonderful Seafood Bake out on the rooftop patio!

[bitebybitela-blog]

Restaurant Review : 8th St Live Fish Cuisine (Korean Sashimi) $$ *7 out of 10* 

When I want Korean sashimi, I come here.  It's small, homey, and the owner is super friendly and often greets his customers at the tables.  It's reasonably priced, the fish is fresh, and the cooked food is quite decent.

Like all Korean sashimi places, ordering is easy.  Small is $69.99, Medium is $89.99, Large is $119.99, and Special Large is $149.99.  You pick according to the size of your party and on your hunger level and they will take care of the rest.   If you're not sure, ask your server.  They will steer you the right way.  For every combo, you get a choice of halibut sashimi (Koreans love halibut) or combo sashimi (I chose combo to break the monotony) along with a spicy fish stew.   Then they will give you loads of side dishes which vary depending on the day...grilled mackerel, onion pancake, steamed egg, mussel soup, and some "banchan" to name a few.  You will also get some extra sashimi that is only common in Korean places...sea squirt, baby octopus, and raw sea worms!  Uni (sea urchin) and live abalone are always a welcome treat.  Hungry yet? 8th Street Live Fish Cuisine 3100 W 8th St #103 Los Angeles, CA 90005 Neighborhood: Koreatown [phone]

[bitebybitela-blog]

Restaurant Review : Din Tai Fung (Chinese, Taiwanese) $$ *7.5 out of 10*

Who would have thought that Din Tai Fung would blow up in such a fabulous way and go majorly mainstream?!  Since its original inception, the service has definitely gotten better with friendly, English speaking servers.  It got so packed all the time that they had to open another location just next door!...and that location is always packed too!  Admittedly Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao (juicy pork dumplings) are pretty darn good and in my opinion, the best thing on the menu.  But there are lesser known places that are cheaper, less crowded, and just as good.  Having said that, I do like Din Tai Fung; it's clean with good service and a suitable place to bring guests that are not too familiar with the food.  Additional pluses are their finely shredded ginger and their side dishes (cucumber and vinegared seaweed & beancurd).  I don't really recommend their soups which are always a bit bland and boring.   For dessert, try their red bean dumplings.  It's a great closer that's sure to please. Din Tai Fung 1088 S Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007 [phone] http://www.dintaifungusa.com

[bitebybitela-blog]

Restaurant Review : Earl of Sandwich (sandwiches) $ *8 out of 10*

Earl of Sandwich...mmm...so good... We live in a time when most everything is all about the hype and thus marked up several times in Vegas, especially on the strip. What a wonderful feeling it was to discover this casual sandwich spot located inside Planet Hollywood. It is quick, easy, delicious, satisfying and cheap!!! $5.99 for any sandwich, wrap or salad! Yes, true! I love love their BLT. The Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich and Tuna Melt are also very popular and delicious. It's their warm, soft bread that really steps their sandwiches a notch above most others. Their salads are not so good so unless you're seriously allergic to bread or something, try a sandwich. Best of all, it's open 24/7 as it should be in this town! Earl of Sandwich Planet Hollywood 3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, Ste 760 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Neighborhoods: The Strip, Eastside [phone] http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com