This was one of those adventures that I embark on when I am able to on my trips that result in an amazing restaurant without knowing about it in advance. I had been driving on Sunset from the ocean side all the way past Mulholland Drive and into West Hollywood. Passing the Ivy, the Chateau Marmont, Avenue of Stars when I noticed a place called SOI56 close to the new W Residential building.
It was only about 5:30 so the place was quite empty but who cared, you should have seen the menu. It was Thai but a lot more traditional Bangkok street food and therefore a lot different than the average Thai restaurant you are used too. Highly recommended to go and visit their site and menu.
I ordered some green tea and some Fish Sauce Wings; marinated in fish sauce and garlic, deep fried served w/ plum chili sauce. These wings were juicy, spicy and crisp; a true treat. For the main course I ordered the Muslim Style Curry w/ stewed beef braised all day in a spicy peanut curry sauce served w/ rice and Thai roti. This curry reminded me of Massaman curry but different, a bit spicier and darker in flavors. Nonetheless it was also a bite of heaven.
I know that I say this for almost every restaurant I visit, perhaps I have been lucky in my pickings, but this place is a must visit spot with great food at affordable prices.
Overall Rating: 5
Food Rating: 5
Cost: $$
1556 N. CAHUENGA BLVD
HOLLYWOOD 90028
http://soi56.com/
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Frida Restaurant - Glendale, CA
I went to Frida's with a client as he recommended it and I tell you what, this place was fantastic. We sat out on the patio which is never wrong, especially in December when you can enjoy the SoCal weather in comparison to the sub zero weather in Chicago.
We couldn't have been more boring in our order as we both had Arnold Palmer's and Tacos de Cochinita Pibil; Slow cooked pork in an annatto seed (achiote) sauce, served with habanero relish on the side, but who cares because all i have to say is: WOW!!! The cochinita was amazing and succulent. The habanero relish was on fire but with a very mellow calm ending to it from its pickled sweetness.
I have been looking for amazing tacos in Cali and these were hands down at the top and I hope that I can make it back to Glendale for this treat soon. The good thing, beleive it or not, is that this restaurant is a chain. I know that chains usually can get a bad reputation but I am pleased to say that you can enjoy these fine tacos in Glendale, Beverly Hills, Brentwood and San Diego. Take your pick and visit Frida's.
Overall Rating: 5
Food: 5
Price $
750 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
http://www.fridarestaurant.com/glendale/menu.html
We couldn't have been more boring in our order as we both had Arnold Palmer's and Tacos de Cochinita Pibil; Slow cooked pork in an annatto seed (achiote) sauce, served with habanero relish on the side, but who cares because all i have to say is: WOW!!! The cochinita was amazing and succulent. The habanero relish was on fire but with a very mellow calm ending to it from its pickled sweetness.
I have been looking for amazing tacos in Cali and these were hands down at the top and I hope that I can make it back to Glendale for this treat soon. The good thing, beleive it or not, is that this restaurant is a chain. I know that chains usually can get a bad reputation but I am pleased to say that you can enjoy these fine tacos in Glendale, Beverly Hills, Brentwood and San Diego. Take your pick and visit Frida's.
Overall Rating: 5
Food: 5
Price $
750 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
http://www.fridarestaurant.com/glendale/menu.html
Broadway Deli - Santa Monica, CA
Another client meeting but this time instead of finishing up with food we started with food, breakfast for that matter. A deli down the street from the bank was the choice and it looked grand as we walked in. I knew I was up for something good at this place and obviously did my client as he obviously is a repeat offender of this deli.
We ordered from a menu that was very nice, it did not have too much on it but enough for you not to feel helpless in case your taste buds were on a break. My client ordered the traditional 3 egg breakfast with home made chicken sausages, coffee and an orange juice. I ordered the #11, a croissant filled with scrambled eggs, sausage and cheese, coffee and orange juice. My breakfast croissant was just what I needed; the solid egg breakfast with the buttery, sweet almost dessertish croissant. The highlight of the breakfast was the orange juice as it was the freshest I have ever tasted with a sweetness that was unbelievable. But then again, shouldn't it have been for $6.50 a glass, I think so.
I highly recommended this deli for anyone in Santa Monica that is looking for a breakfast, lunch or dinner restaurant.
Overall Rating: 4
Food Rating: 4
Cost: $$
1457 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
http://www.broadwaydeli.com/
We ordered from a menu that was very nice, it did not have too much on it but enough for you not to feel helpless in case your taste buds were on a break. My client ordered the traditional 3 egg breakfast with home made chicken sausages, coffee and an orange juice. I ordered the #11, a croissant filled with scrambled eggs, sausage and cheese, coffee and orange juice. My breakfast croissant was just what I needed; the solid egg breakfast with the buttery, sweet almost dessertish croissant. The highlight of the breakfast was the orange juice as it was the freshest I have ever tasted with a sweetness that was unbelievable. But then again, shouldn't it have been for $6.50 a glass, I think so.
I highly recommended this deli for anyone in Santa Monica that is looking for a breakfast, lunch or dinner restaurant.
Overall Rating: 4
Food Rating: 4
Cost: $$
1457 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
http://www.broadwaydeli.com/
Hamasaku - Los Angeles, CA
I was just about to finish up a client meeting when we decided to end the meeting with lunch. My client recommended a sushi restaurant across the street that she used to take her clients to when she was working on the provider side as well.
It was nestled into what seemed to be a mini strip mall but upon entering the restaurant that whole feeling disappeared quickly. It was a very typical sushi joint decor, very serene and quiet and a perfect place to have the last part of our meeting take place.
We ordered some Green tea, Edamame, Sushi Moriawase, Gainor Sushi Pizza (the Gainor Family) and the Green Dragon (Christina Aguilera). The sort of funny but very cliché thing at this place is that all rolls are inspired by the "STAR" clientele and therefore usually carry the stars name along with the name of the roll. One thing that stood out to me at this place was the crunchy rice. I have never had crunchy rice and it was just fantastic as it added a nice texture contrast to the normally very soft texture of the roll.
The food was excellent but the price was just that, very over priced. The total bill for two with no alcoholic drinks was $90+. These lunches will be far and few between but then again, I do recommend the place and be aware of the small portions and the big prices.
Overall Rating: 3
Food Rating: 4
Cost: $$$
11043 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
http://www.hamasakula.com/
It was nestled into what seemed to be a mini strip mall but upon entering the restaurant that whole feeling disappeared quickly. It was a very typical sushi joint decor, very serene and quiet and a perfect place to have the last part of our meeting take place.
We ordered some Green tea, Edamame, Sushi Moriawase, Gainor Sushi Pizza (the Gainor Family) and the Green Dragon (Christina Aguilera). The sort of funny but very cliché thing at this place is that all rolls are inspired by the "STAR" clientele and therefore usually carry the stars name along with the name of the roll. One thing that stood out to me at this place was the crunchy rice. I have never had crunchy rice and it was just fantastic as it added a nice texture contrast to the normally very soft texture of the roll.
The food was excellent but the price was just that, very over priced. The total bill for two with no alcoholic drinks was $90+. These lunches will be far and few between but then again, I do recommend the place and be aware of the small portions and the big prices.
Overall Rating: 3
Food Rating: 4
Cost: $$$
11043 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
http://www.hamasakula.com/
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