Coronel Eats

I am your conduit to bad food. By bad food I mean good food. Fattening food. Last meal kinda food.

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Caulfield's

Caulfield's, in the Thompson Hotel, Beverly Hills, THE GRILLED PIZZETTE IS RIDICULOUS

Plum tomato, fontina, basil 14

White truffle oil, robiolina, mushroom duxelle 15

Gorgonzola dolce, grapes, caramelized onion 15 

Pumpkin, pistachio, red onion, plum tomato 15 Burrata, basil pesto 15 

They have many tasty items to choose from, Lamb meatballs w/ bulghur and moroccan lemon.  Latke's with salmon caviar.

Burrata with butternut squash and dried figs and capers and balsamic.

Kale salad with raisins, bacon, egg and anchovy dressing.

Chopped cucumber, chickpea, olive, feta, tomato, mint, caper, feta salad. And a host of main course entrees that I'm sure are all good.

BUT GET THE PIZZETTE.

The plum tomato and fontina is as close to perfection as I've had. Grilled thin, crispy little bread, wonderfully tasty cheese and a tomato reduction that together was perfection. Try and order only one for 2 people.  Just try....

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Slicetruck Pizza: WOW

So my office ran over to their little restaurant on Sawtelle to pick up a hot garlic pie. I have no words except to say stay tuned for weekly updates as I add various toppings to this already superb pie. Toppings like homemade sausage, crimini mushroom hot cherry pepper. But do try the hot garlic, as it's scary delicious.

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Mondo Taco Mind Blowing

  I will tell you the fillings, you will drool. I will tell you the prices, you will smile. I will tell you about the tortilla they are wrapped in and you will be driving over to Mondo Tacoat LaBrea and San Vicente as fast as I did.  

MOST AMAZING; Deep South BBQ Chicken (with crispy cayenne onions), INSANE. But not to be outdone, the Garlic Bomb: Mushrooms, crispy onions, goat cheese (really good, creamy goat cheese) and garlic aioli. There is also the Beefeater (braised short rib and horseradish slaw), the Angry Chicken; crispy chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese, The New Yawker, Hebrew national dog wrapped in the tortilla.  

THE TORTILLA, it's like a tortilla meets a spongy bread, crispy outside sphere of deliciousness. The list goes on for their flavor combos, absolutely amazing. And Sam the owner is THE BEST. Go, enjoy, eat lots. There are over 25 to choose from.  

I'm so going back.

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Brownies

I have often found that Ghiradelli box brownies are better than anything I could make from scratch. 2 new recipes have changed all that. The fudgy salty peanut butter brownies by Anne Thornton (pic below) slathered in chocolate ganache is solid 10. The ultimate brownies from the Sugar Cube cookbook by Kir Jensen are so off the charts that I need to buy her cookbook immediately. I can get you the recipes or google them. Worth the effort, the time and the calories. Times ten thousand to the power of heaven.

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Starry Night: Good, but why shlep downtown?

Finally made it to Starry Night downtown. I was really excited to try this little pop up restaurant. We ordered a ton of stuff (if I bother to go all the way there, I want to do a full assessment), here you go:

  Chicken wing/pineapple beer soup: so greasy, they forgot that wings are all skin, hence a really fatty soup.  

Tofu balls: eh, they tasted like fried rice crispy batter.  

Twice cooked chicken wings: good. very good. But not even close to Kyo Chan or Bon Chon Korean Fried Chicken.  

Dumplings with potatoes: not bad, but the choice to serve cold was odd.  

Chile Crab: Delicious. Stupendous. Bravo  

Garlic Noodles: A revelation.

Now, rightfully so you may be wondering why if the last two items were so damn fine, wouldn't I be recommending this place. I will tell you why: BECAUSE YOU CAN EAT THE SAME THING AT CRUSTACEAN IN BEVERLY HILLS AT A FAR MORE BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT, AND (wait for it), IT'S CHEAPER.  

The crab at Starry was $50, at Crustacean it's $41.95. Add in your savings on gas, and well, it's not rocket science....

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Craigs: West Hollywood Hot Spot, hold the flavor

Yes it's hip, it's trendy, it's got a great menu of interesting comfort Americana food. It just doesn't deliver. Not on flavor anyway. It does deliver a hefty check, so bring your paycheck.

  I was told to get the green goddess salad. By a friend I love and trust. Perhaps the chef napped through my order, it was iceberg lettuce with cubes of avacado and sliced cherry tomatoes. I'm sure there was a dressing on it, but I literally tasted nothing. I then was talked into the filet (by the waiter), I order medium, he must have heard well done, because it was absolute shoeleather. It came with five moon-shaped ravioli's, which were cold. So he whisked them away, and then replaced with equally cold ravioli.  

The creamed jalapeno corn was fantastic. But for $250 a couple, keep your corn.

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Enough eating out, my new favorite soup: Chicken, Kale, Corn, Habanero soup...

So easy, so tasty, and you can't really make it wrong.   I start with chopped carrot, onion and celery (buy it already diced at Trader Joes), saute for about 5 minutes in a bit of olive oil.  Once veggies are somewhat cooked, add about 10 cups of water and 2 large chicken breast (bone in, skin on), in addition to adding a soup stock base (I buy the refrigerated stocks at Surfas, amazing), add salt, pepper, 2-3 whole habaneros  and a bay leaf.   Once your chicken is pretty much cooked I add some thick slices of baby zucchini and some chopped garlic and jalapeno.  the last five minutes I add a bag of frozen kale (Trader Joes) and half a bag of frozen corn.  Once chicken is fully cooked, I remove, cool, shred, give the fat to the dogs, and put shredded chicken back in soup.  

Delicious take on traditional chicken soup!

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TLT new, unimpressive, bland....

The Lime Truck, which I guess was a finalist (or winner) on food networks food truck show, opened a brick and morter shop in Westwood. I was so excited, I actually walked by a day before they opened to see if maybe I could sneak a taste (I couldn't). So we went yesterday and because it's new, and it's all fattening I of course ordered half the menu. All of it was tasted and thrown away. EVEN THE PULLED PORK COVERED FRIES. Let me say this, none of it was bad, it just wasn't good. It literally had no flavor. Zero.

Here's what we had...  

Mr. Potato Taco: The ONLY good thing, and frankly, was my least favorite item to originally even order.  

Pulled Pork Taco: No flavor  

Sweet & Spicy Steak Taco: Neither sweet nor spicy.  

Slider: Braised short rib, No flavor.  

Carnitas Fries: Nope, no flavor either.  

Sambal Wings: Sambal must mean salt, that's all you taste (a shame because they looked Beautiful)  

Asian Noodle Salad: Actually overcooked mushy noodles, awful. And just NO flavor.

Cauliflower: Big nothing. Cheese sauce on the side I think was Velveeta.

If you do go, I suggest you smuggle in your own srichacha.

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New Favorite Place: Tar and Roses

It's okay for those of you who don't want to shlep to Santa Monica, I'm fine with fewer people frequenting this divine find. From the bacon popcorn (with chili and brown sugar) to the wood fired vegetables (baby carrots that went to a whole new level roasted to perfection with a bit of creme fraiche and currants; roasted Romanesco cauliflower coated in anchovy, breadcrumbs, chili and lemon; wood fired baby clams; heavenly pillows of oxtail dumplings with the perfect dollop of sriracha and something else I can't identify but was surreal). There was not one average dish we were served. The grilled baby gem lettuce w/burrata, bacon and figs had the worlds most impressive vinegar. The hamachi with citrus and pomegranate and something with a perfect hint of heat. Not a clunker. I can't wait to go back and eat a proper main course there!

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Breakfast all day. Delicious at any hour...Blue Jam Cafe

Had the most amazing breakfast that is actually worth setting an alarm for, but since they serve til 5pm, go whenever you want! Blue Jam Cafe on Melrose at N. Fuller has the most decadent menu of breakfast selections, that my friend and I were stumped on what to order. I ended up having the Kamil's breakfast which was pan roasted macaroni scrambled with eggs, smoked bacon, ham, garlic chives and cheddar. It was superb. My pal had the Brunch Carbonnara, wait for it.....risotto with crispy smoked bacon, green peas, parsley, parmesan and topped with two poached eggs and herb pistou.

Yes, there are also 4000 variations of benedict (spinach mushroom, sun dried tomatoes and brie to name just one....) and breakfast quesadillas, and french toast dredged in batter and CORN FLAKES. And yes, they also have an entire vegan and healthy menu options. I'm sure I'll get there when I've worked my way through the Eggwich (eggs, smoked bacon, avocado, tomatoes, arugula, pesto aioli on focaccia) and the Steak Hash (tenderloin, sauteed spinach, caramelized onions, gorgonzola, mushrooms and poached eggs, topped with herb-chive hollandaise)  

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Morels At The Grove

It's fun to eat al fresco at Morels.

It's fun to watch the mini-bellagio water show at Morels.

It's fun to sip a nice red wine and people watch at Morels.

IT'S AWESOME TO EAT CAMEMBERT FONDUE CHEESE FRIES AT MORELS. Seriously, these fries brought cheese fries to a whole new level. Beyond anything I've ever had. And no, I'm not actually a brie or camembert lover. The mache salad with fresh plum and a meyer lemon honey vinaigrette and "crackling" prosciutto was divine. Equally good was the pork cheek pappardelle. I do want to try the hand stretched mozzarella and peach salad, or the Arugula and baked ricotta salad with bacon and tomatoes. Mussels seem nice, and the fruit d'mer platters looked appetizing as well.

But frankly, I'm going back for the fries and the people watching.

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Frozen yogurt. Who knew?

Who knew that frozen yogurt could be this good? Seriously this good. A vast array of flavors (pistachio, caramel, GRAHAM CRACKER that I swear tastes like Pepperidge Farm Bordeaux cookies). The list goes on.

But that great doesn't stop there. It is just beginning; this beautiful shoppe in Pacific Palisades has about 150 toppings. Not just gummy worms and fruit, but an endless wonder of possibilities. Warm apple pie, caramel sauce,every candy bar known to man,every nut combo possible (toffee peanuts: killer).

It's so fantastic and a great spot to sit and hang out and people watch and dog watch and car watch. And you can call ahead and they will make quarts of any combo you want. You know, to have on hand at home when you don't feel like driving but need some graham cracker with Heath Bar and Butterfinger mashed in.

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My new obsession MILO & OLIVE

I hesitate to spread the word, because this place is small with only a counter and 2 communal tables (both seat just 8), so I may regret this, but, here we go.

GO HERE.  NOW. Breakfast? Get the cheesy eggs on cheesy bread. Or the baked eggs over tomato sauce with grated parm on top, or the country griddled eggs with the surreal pork sausage. Or the croissant sandwich with pork belly, egg and arugula. Or the homemade bagel with lox.

Lunch: I'm currently, mildly addicted to their verision of a caesar, but with arugula, and fried capers, and perhaps a lemony touch of heaven. Or the chicken meatballs in tomato sauce. Or the sauteed kale with chili's, and no, I don't know why it's so good, but it just is.

I have not had the pizza yet. But I will, oh, I will.....

I also need to try the wood oven roasted shrimp. I apparently haven't lived until I've tried their 'garlic knot', so that's on my to eat list. as is the Coleman lettuce salad with concorde grapes, hazelnuts, ricotta salata and mint vinaigrette. I mean doesn't that sound awesome?

They also have a whole stupid bakery with it's beautiful massive loaves of bread and sweets and croissants which just mock me.

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STREET, drive by for brunch...

I love Susan Feniger’s Street for dinner. Wonderful flavors, inventive cocktails (Canton Ginger Kick my favorite), the chicken meatballs (crunchy and wonderful) served atop waffles with a side of hot sauce infused maple syrup. The Kaya Toast, (do not argue with me, just order it), the edamame hummus with Indian papadum chips, the pea shoots with pork belly and mustard oil and coconut rice, the roman broccoli and white beans with garlic and pecorino… the list goes on, but now I’m talking brunch…

Amazing bloody mary, the above worshipped chicken meatball and waffles, but WITH AN EGG and sautéed greens. DIVINE, hawaiian french toast (dipped in macadamia nut batter) with COCONUT SYRUP, Angry eggs (deviled eggs with malaysian hot chili relish and green sriracha, I mean….), the mediterranean breakfast, which is toasted sourdough with warm feta, avocado, marinated tomato and scrambled eggs….INSANE.

Get off your couch and hit the street to Susan Feniger’s STREET.

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Beer Belly. It's a bar, it's a pub, it's spectacular

If you are feeling invincible and want to actively eat fattening food,  this   is your joint. Duck fat fried french fries covered in duck confit. Snickers pancakes. Spicy hot wings. Pork Belly breakfast sandwiches (aka, sausage mcbelly). Waffle coated chicken tenders. Amazing bacon. Best bloody mary ever. Endless beer choices. And that's just the brunch menu.

Fantastic place to hang, eat, drink, and get a real live beer belly.

Oh, fried twinkies and oreos also on the menu...

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Make a plan for PLAN CHECK

Great burger. I mean, great. A japanese take on American cheese (dashi?), crunchy bun (baked w/panko breadcrumbs on top), the ketchup "leather" (so it doesn't drip off your burger). This place rocks. So tasty, so fun/chic. Great cocktails (mango/jalapeno, what???!!!). French fries cooked in beef tallow (the way McDonald's used to). The fries stay so crispy and hot. I've also had them there covered in pastrami bits, you heard me.

My friend said the ones with chorizo and egg were great as well. I love the spicy sriracha pickles , and the sweet/salty nuts and the swiss cheese fondue stuffed portobello with crispy kale and steak sauce all a tantalizing way to begin.

The veggie burger was equally delicious, though I'm fairly certain veggie did not mean not fattening. Let's just be honest, you are not going there to eat healthy. You are going for an all out unbelievable addictive to the point of wanting to rent a booth there monthly burger.

And the homemade cruller donuts served on thick, rich, fresh whipped cream? Oh my.

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Emporium Thai Cuisine: A Dream Came True

Yesterday, I happened to stumble upon a local little Thai joint. A group of us were meeting at Fundamental LA (best sandwiches in Los Angeles) only to find out they were closed on Mondays. We ended up walking into this little Thai restaurant. The menu was pretty spectacular, and vaguely reminiscent of JITLADA, which many of you know, I'm obsessed with. Turns out, it's the same family. YES, THAT'S RIGHT, JITLADA WEST IS ALSO KNOWN AS EMPORIUM THAI CUISINE!  

You can only imagine my absolute, sheer delight. I mean, it's walking distance from my office in Westwood. No more shlepping to way far East Hollywood!  

Emporium is at 1275 Westwood Blvd, just south of Wilshire. The crying tiger beef (beautifully dry rubbed steak pieces, with an surreally fantastic spicy dipping sauce. Maybe the best honey ribs I have ever experienced. Satay that no one could believe tasted that good. Whole fish, crispy and covered in little crispy bits of garlic with tamarind. The morning glory salad (little leaves of Thai watercress, battered, fried crisp and served with shrimp and onions in a phenomenal lime dressing--everyone's favorite). Thai bbq chicken, southern Thai curry, which was fantastic.  

I cannot tell you how amazing this restaurant is. You have to go. It's the real deal. I mean, they have Pad Thai, etc, but with their family recipes of Southern Thailand, you have to experience yourself.  

A special dish to as for is  Seafood Hor Mok. It's a combination of shrimp, crab meat, and scallops cooked with Thai chili, coconut sauce, and Thai basil. The nick name for this little appetizer is called "Topless" because the shape of the cover and you have to open it :-)  

If you don't see it on the menu, ask John, the owner, for it. 

Tell him that Leanne sent you and you'll get a special treat. Enjoy.