Foodie Friday: Yellow Dot Hot Sauce

Posted on January 24, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Sunshine in a bottle that makes every meal bright?!

Okay, I was seriously on the fence on this guy. Not because I didn’t like it but because I loved it SOOOOO much that I couldn’t decide if it should be a Foodie Friday post or a My Current Crush post.

Seriously, y’all. This stuff is liquid gold- or, as they call it – sunshine in a bottle.

I would argue that it’s Florida sunshine in a bottle but who am I to get caught up with semantics?

How could I not love Yellow Dot Small Batch Hot Sauce?

Foodie Friday: Yellow Dot Hot Sauce

I mean, you wanna know what the first ingredient listed is? Um, LOVE. Yep, love. And you know what I always say, “Cooking or baking without love is like sex without love.” Well, that’s my first time saying that but I’ve thought it before so there.

So I was introduced to this fierce, fiery sauce by a friend and, to be honest, my expectations were low. “Hot sauce, you say? Honey, I’m from Texas. I’ll be the judge of this alleged ‘hot’ sauce.”
Well, pardon me, honey because it is HOT as in HAWWWWWT. It is delicious. It is tangy. It is healthy. And I dare say that it changed my life.

Yep, it was love at first taste. I put some on my omelette and I was a goner. I’ve never tasted another sauce like it – and I mean NO sauce like it not just hot sauce. It could be because it’s made with love but I think the other unorthodox ingredients also play a part. Among them? Carrots (!!!!!!whaaaa???????!!!), onions, habanero peppers, lime juice (one reason I adore it), vinegar (another), shallots (how fancy!), and a dash of grapeseed oil (oh, what’s that? an antioxidant, you say? I look younger already).

Yep, it’s love. Know how I know? Because I’ve gone through a whole bottle in less than 2 weeks and have been eating a homemade omelette every day for lunch just so I can taste that tangy sauce. So not only is it tantalizing for my tastebuds but it’s encouraging me to eat more healthfully and saving me money on lunch to boot.
It’s the godsend of sauces, I tell you.
And, NO, I am not being dramatic.

The LA girl in me also loves that they support the environment and economy by using sustainable business practices by supporting local growers and farmers. And, um – did I mention that it’s organic and all natural? And for you uber-healthy folks out there – you’re gonna loooove this – they don’t use any frustrating fillers like salt, sugar, flour, corn syrup, fructose, xantham gum, pepper mash or any coloring or artificial flavors or preservatives.

All natural and addictively delicious? This is addiction I could live with.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What delicious product are you addicted to this week?

Magical Monday: The Great & Powerful Oz Tea at The London West Hollywood

Posted on July 1, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

If you have kids or just are a kid at heart like me, have I got a summer treat for you!

The London West Hollywood is celebrating the DVD release of The Great & Powerful Oz with an afternoon tea that’s sure to delight and excite even the grumpiest munchkin or most wicked of witches!

Feeling magical and fantastical at The Great & Powerful Oz Tea at The London West Hollywood

Starting just over a week ago and running through every weekend over the next 6 weeks of summer, the tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm – 4pm at Gordon Ramsay at The London.

Tabletop fun! At The Great & Powerful Oz Tea at The London West Hollywood

With staff dressed in Glinda-style tiaras and munchkin-style bowler hats, hot air balloon and magic star wand-centerpieces and the film’s soundtrack playing throughout the tea, you’ll feel less like you’re in Los Angeles and more like you’re in Oz for the entire afternoon.
Nerd that I am, I of course, dressed in Oz-theme with a blue and white polka dot dress and red patent leather heels. With all of the magic around me, I truly felt like Dorothy! And with my friend – and fellow blogger, Whitney Lader from hoopLA – there as my date, the afternoon was even more magical and memorable!

Teatime with my friend - and fellow blogger - Whitney Lader of hoopLA at The Great & Powerful Oz Tea at The London West Hollywood

Whitney enjoys Bubbletime at The Great & Powerful Oz tea! I love the little girl at the table behind us looking like she either thinks we might be crazy or that we're good witches! I'm going with the second option, of course!

Whitney and I opted to share two pots of tea so we could fully appreciate all of the delicious Oz options. We chose the Emerald City Green Tea with Jasmine Flowers & Pure Peppermint Leaves and the Natural Rosehip with Hibiscus, Chamomile, mediterranean teas.

Selection of Teas

And adults can enjoy Glinda’s bubble champagne to feel a little “extra” magical.

Indulging in Glinda's Bubble Champagne

With courses including Emerald City Miniature Sandwiches and Canapes, Flying Monkey Bites and Evanora and Theodora’s Wickedly Delicious Treats, you’re sure to leave feeling full and treated like the Wizard of Oz!

The tea tray at The Great & Powerful Oz Tea at The London West Hollywood

My favorite Oz bites? The mini peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich straight from Kansas and the Roast Beef with onion marmalade finger sandwiches.

Fantastical Finger Sandwiches

The scones were utterly decadent…

Sinfully delicious scones with jam, cream and butter

and the Ruby Red Apple Crumble was scrumptious!

Wickedly delicious desserts: Opera cake, apple crumble and lemon meringue bars!

Make your reservation now for a day your whole family is sure to remember for a lifetime!

The Great & Powerful Oz Tea Menu

$28 for adults

$14 for children

Selection of Teas

Natural Rosehip with Hibiscus, Chamomile, mediterranean

Mandarin, Brilliant Breakfast, Single Estate Oolong, Earl Grey ,

Emerald City Green Tea with Jasmine Flowers & Pure Peppermint Leaves

Wicked Witch Brew

100% Juice

Emerald City Miniature Sandwiches & Canapes

Mini Tuna Fish Sandwiches

Mini Turkey Sandwiches

Mini Peanut Butter, Banana & Honey Sandwiches Straight from Kansas

Hummus with Crisp Shallot

Curried Chicken-Golden Raisins

Roast Beef-Red Onion Marmalade

Flying Monkey Bites

Blackcurrant Scones with Devonshire Cream & Lemon Curd

Peanut Butter Scones with Strawberry jam

Evanora & Theodora’s Wickedly Delicious Treats

The Dark Forest Chocolate Opera Cake

Ruby Red Apple Crumble

Yellow Brick Road Lemon Meringue Bar

Sides for Munchkins

Sliced Carrots & Celery with Hummus

Fresh Fruit Cups

*Glinda’s Bubble Champagne Available Upon Request (Not for Munchkins!)

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Are you a fan of teatime like I am?

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas – First In My Heart

Posted on June 21, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

There are few things a Texan girl loves as much as her mama. Del Frisco’s steak is one of them.

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas, Texas

After all, you always love your first. And while it may not have been my first steak, it’s the first steak I can remember as being utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I was raised on the stuff and it set a verrry high bar for a good steak. When you’re a Dallas Del Frisco’s girl, you expect a lot – and, unfortunately as a result, you are often disappointed at other steak-claiming establishments.

So I was thrilled to be invited to experience Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas on McKinney. But being invited back to where my love of steak was born, I found myself a little nervous. Would it live up to the hype of my memory? Would the quality have suffered over the years? The answer? A resounding NO. In fact, if it’s possible, it even got BETTER.

Here’s what my tastebuds got to indulge in. And there wasn’t a below amazing taste among them.

CRAFTED COCKTAILS – TASTED, TRIED AND TRUE:

Del Frisco's Grile Crafted Cocktails: (clockwise from top right to left) Apt. 5D, Tennessee Peach and The VIP

TENNESSEE PEACH Jack Daniels, Fresh Peaches, Honey, Fresh Lime Juice – which tastes like the tastiest, spirited Peach Cobbler.

THE VIP Svedka Clementine Vodka Infused with Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple – reminiscent of a delicious pineapple sherbet from your youth.

APT. 5D Tito’s Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Sour, Dash of Balsamic Vinegar, Muddled Strawberries – straight up spirited strawberry jam.

*
THE WINE :

Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Excellent wine pairing for our steak: Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Now, this was a mighty fine wine. And I have the sommelier to thank for this gem. It was his recommendation based on my preferences and he was spot on!

FOOD TO FIGHT OVER:

Food To Fight Over: (clockwise from left to right) Deviled Eggs, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Cheesesteak Rolls and Pimento Rolls

CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard 10 – holy cheesteaks, Batman! These are gold!! I’d heard rumors of how yummy they were but they beat my highest expectations. And they were my mom’s favorite thing on the menu!

PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS Chipotle Ranch Sauce 9 – I loooooved these. They were one of my top faves of the evening. Fried & breaded with cheesy, southern pimento goodness inside. Melt-in-your-mouth and maybe a bit on your hands and chin, as well!

AHI TACOS Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Spicy Citrus Mayo – Delicious, light and crispy.

DEVILED EGGS Truffle-Chive Vinaigrette – Yummy!

RUFFAGE:

The Del Frisco's Classic Wedge Salad. A foodie must-try!

ICEBERG LETTUCE WEDGE Bacon, Tomato, Blue Cheese Dressing – I always think of Del Frisco’s whenever I enjoy a wedge salad. But few live up to my lettuce wedge first love. Happy to see it’s stayed the same over the years!

DEL FRISCO’S SIGNATURE STEAKS:

CHEF'S SELECTION - A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE

CHEF’S SELECTION – A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE – This Chef’s selection was divine and lived up to every memory I have of Del Frisco’s sumptuous, juicy steaks. One with crabmeat, one with beurre blanc and one with a peppercorn sauce. How do you do it, Del? The outside “crust’ is just the teensiest bit crispy and the inside is buttery smooth, juicy and divine. This is why Del Frisco’s is where all steak-lovers go to heaven.

HAPPY ENDINGS:

Oh, you sweet temptress you, Del Frisco's Grille Java Roaster!

JAVA ROASTER – LIQUID DESSERT UV Coconut Vodka, Tres Leches, Esspresso Liqueur 6 – wheeeew boy! Got a nice, sweet little buzz with a jolt of java. And it’s a perfect dessert if you want just a bit of sweetness!

Del Frisco's Grille Coconut Cream Pie - a coconut cloud

COCONUT CREAM PIE with White Chocolate Shavings – a dreamy pillow of sweetness – a cloud of coconut and white chocolate

Yummylicious.

Thank you so much, Del Frisco’s Grille! The food was delicious and your staff was utterly delightful. I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in Dallas! And I CANNOT WAIT for the grand opening of the new Del Frisco’s Grille on the pier in Santa Monica. A little taste of home coming out to LA!! And you know what I say to that? Yeeeeehaaaaww!!!

Nothing better than being invited to sample one of your favorite restaurants in your hometown with your two favorite dates.

Me & My Two Favorite Dates - my big brother, David and my mom, Clarice - at Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas

Oh and by the way – the other things a Texan girl loves? Willie Nelson, her daddy, her dog, her sorority sisters, her cowboy boots, her grandaddy’s cowboy hat and her hairstylist.

But steak is first in her heart.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s the best steak you’ve ever enjoyed?

FOODIE FRIDAY: TAR & ROSES, TASTES LIKE SUCCESS!

Posted on May 24, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Tar & Roses - exterior

Dear Tar & Roses Team:

You are the latest stamp in my culinary passport. Who knew Santa Monica was as far as I’d need to go for this amazing culinary adventure.

We were a mix of new acquaintances and old friends, so I initially thought it might be a challenge to find items on the menu that we would all agree on to share and enjoy. However, we quickly realized that THIS was going to be a no-brainer as whatever we ordered was going to be delicious. Still with our overflowing enthusiasm for your food, we were in need of our very knowledgeable server Joe’s confirmation that we had chosen wisely.

We were intrigued by the “X-Large” section of the menu so we started by ordering the whole fried snapper with cold soba noodles. WOO-HOO! Next in the “Large” section, the Kurobuta pork loin with creamed corn and black kale was the winner. From the “small” section, we chose the beet salad and the ricotta gnocchi with asparagus. Finally, the wood roasted cauliflower from the “veggies” section and the bone marrow with onion marmalade from “snacks.” The presentation of the food was fun and adventurous. We were so excited to watch the different dishes being delivered to each table and the anticipation built until it was finally our turn.

Tar & Roses temptresses...

Bone marrow($11) onion marmalade, sea salt, and sourdough. This was sooo rich and delicious with a light smoky taste.

Beet salad($11) avocado, blood orange, fennel, frisee, and walnuts. Incredibly fresh!

Wood roasted cauliflower($8) anchovy pesto, pinenut, lemon.

Ricotta gnocchi($11) asparagus and fava bean tendrils.

Kurobuta pork loin($24) creamed corn, black kale parmesan. The pork was so tender, juicy and perfectly cooked. Perfectly placed on a bed of creamed corn and black kale seasoned with tarragon, so sweet and creamy, PERFECTION!

***Whole fried snapper($52) cold soba noodles, and dipping sauce. Adult finger food, MY FAVORITE! This was definitely enough for the whole table. An amazing presentation and so much fun to eat and share. We were pulling it apart with our fingers!

Strawberry Ricotta Crostata($9) with honeycomb ice cream. The buttery crust with the creamy Ricotta was over the top good!

Described as modern American rustic, the menu had a variety of influences, such as Italian, Mediterranean and Asian, that seemed to be at play. Chef Kirschner seems to know exactly what we like to eat and is extraordinary at executing it perfectly! There was an enviable simplicity to the food. I’ve had Snapper before but never like this. I’ve had creamed corn before but not this creamy and flavorful, and the strawberry Crostata? Off-the-charts good!

It’s as if I’ve been hypnotized! Every time someone says the word FOOD you will talk endlessly about the delicious whole fried snapper at Tar & Roses, and I DO!!

Listed at the top of the menu is your offering of Peace and Love to all the local farmers who believe in sustainable, organic agriculture and your menu reads like your thank you letter to them. You’ve created the perfect combinations of flavors to enhance but never hide, the quality ingredients that have been cultivated for your use and our consumption. To Chef Andrew Kirschner, locally grown yourself, you’ve beautifully guided each ingredient to its potential, let them shine and shared it with us. Thank you for your generosity and creativity.

Interior of Tar & Roses...

With love and respect,

Rebecca Meyer, www.BeautyFrosting.com Foodie Friday reviewer and food lover

TAR & ROSES

602 Santa Monica Boulevard

Santa Monica,CA

310-587-0700

www.tarandroses.com

$$$

BF Asks: What restaurant or bar should we review next? If you own – or work at – a restaurant or have a suggestion on where we should get our Foodie Friday on next, reply below or send us a message!

Foodie Friday: Pedalers Fork in Calabasas

Posted on April 26, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Pedalers Fork in Calabasas

Dawn's Faves from Pedalers Fork

Dear Pedalers Fork Team,

BeautyFrosting editor, Dawn McCoy, and I had the delicious opportunity to experience a sneak preview of Calabasas’s newest epicurean jewel, Pedalers Fork. Whoever says you can’t have it all hasn’t been to Pedalers Fork! This is destination dining at its best! You’ve created a beautiful oasis for us to gather with friends and escape the hectic day-to-day, without having to pack a bag or board a plane!

A perfect balance of location and design, the stunning interior was inspirational.

Every window strategically placed inviting nature inside to co-mingle with the rustic reclaimed wood accents, and antique light fixtures. The vintage bikes perched in the rafters overhead are a reminder of the inspiration for this sanctuary you’ve created.

Pedalers Fork interior & patio

I was in heaven when I stepped out on the patio. Worthy of the “dream home” sketches I walk around with in my head, it felt like a cool tree house for adults, dining amongst the trees, watching the ducks, and listening to the choir of frogs singing the praises of Pedalers Fork. A truly tranquil feeling that reminded me to breathe, slow down and appreciate the moment. I felt the love that went in to every detail!

Your dream project is a bona fide triple threat. You truly have something for everyone. A coffee shop that brews fresh-roasted 10 Speed Coffee from Oregon for the early risers, a cycling boutique catering to the active enthusiasts, and a beautiful restaurant with a menu focused toward a health conscious lifestyle. You’ve really thought of everything! The use of ingredients from the best organic and sustainable local farms has created standout dishes that feed our souls as well as nourish our bodies, and allowed me to leave the table without feeling guilty. Ok, maybe a LITTLE guilty after devouring both the Berry Cobbler AND the delicious Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert, but well worth it! Chef Dan’s extensive menu has a little something for everyone.

Pedalers Fork dinner menu, cocktail menu & beer menu

Pealers Fork, Calabasas, California, restaurant, restaurant review, foodie friday, food, cyclists, family-friendly, family restaurant

Steamed PEI Mussels – Coconut green curry, crostini.

Baby Kale Caesar – Almesan, potato croutons, almond tofu caesar dressing.

Roasted Beets – Hemp seed crusted Soledad goat cheese, heirloom citrus, asparagus, baby lettuces, herb vinaigrette.

Kabocha Squash Lasagna – Broccoli, sweet pea, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce. (Note From BeautyFrosting herself, Dawn McCoy: “I died when I ate this. Literally died for about 2 minutes. Which might explain why I kept calling the dish “my boyfriend” as in “Please leave my boyfriend and I alone in peace.” Yep, it’s that killer.)

Kabocha Squash Lasagna: A cheesy, tomatoey, veggie orgasm of a dish! (that's another quote from Dawn)

Pan Roasted Skoona Bay Salmon – Roasted cauliflower, kohlrabi, sweet peas, spring onions, kale pistou.

Braised DeyDey’s Grass Fed Beef – Celeriac, roasted asian pear, jalapeno, natural reduction.

Girmaud Farms Duck Breast – Red frill mustard, roasted beet, red quinoa, dried cherry, pistachio.

Flatbread – Wild mushrooms, montecito gouda, shaved parmesan, arugula salad, truffle vinaigrette.

Devils on Horseback – Black dates, Pt. Reyes bleu, applewood bacon

Greek Yogurt Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta – Spring berry citrus compote.

Bittersweet Gluten Free Chocolate Flourless Cake – Cocoa nib and roasted pistachio milk chocolate crust.

Apple Berry Cobbler – Almond milk sorbet.
WOW, this is go BIG or go home at its best! Congratulations to owners Robbie Schaeffer and Time Rettele! Your dream to develop a place where people can enjoy life and celebrate community is realized. Thank you for having the passion to create an environment where we can meet to share a cup of coffee, a cocktail and a meal, but stay to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and friends. Pedalers Fork is inspired by the cycling culture, but I’ll tell everyone the mode of transportation is secondary. Run, walk, cycle or drive. Just get there!

Just get there! if you do, you might be smiling as widely as these bloggers - Dawn McCoy, of BeautyFrosting, and Whitney Lader of hoopLA

With Love and respect,

Rebecca Meyer

PEDALERS FORK

23504 Calabasas Road

Calabasas, CA 91302

818-225-8231

http://www.pedalersfork.com/

*We at BeautyFrosting want to extend a special THANK YOU to our friends at Pedalers Fork and Nicole Myden Public Relations for giving us the opportunity to experience such a delicious dining experience before the general public gets to delight in the healthy decadence of Pedalers Fork! Also, we want to mention that there are a number of scrumptious VEGAN, VEGETARIAN & GLUTEN-FREE options at Pedalers Fork, as well.

Foodie Friday: Danke BierBeisl!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Welcome to BierBeisl!

Dear BierBeisl,

Heading out on Saturday night with a couple of friends for a fancy dinner in Beverly Hills, I had no idea what we were in for. Thanks to you we had the best time! A night out with the girls for beers and sausage in Beverly Hills, who knew! I’ve never been a beer drinker but three little words from your bartender changed all that, StieglAdlerGrapefruit: half beer half organic grapefruit soda. How have I never had this before? I loved it! So thirst-quenching and the perfect suggestion for this lightweight.

Forgetting momentarily that I hadn’t come just for the beer, your amazing staff warmly navigated us through your authentic Austrian menu. Next destination? The perfect food companion to our beer – Kasekrainer! WOW, this Swiss cheese infused sausage was AMAZING! So juicy and delicious, the pretzel bread accompaniment took it over the top and we gladly devoured every bite! I kept thinking it doesn’t get better than this but you managed to changed my mind with the arrival of each dish. Our Austrian feast was both refined and comforting.

Home Cured Char ($15) with heirloom beets, pickled red onion, cucumbers, horseradish crème fraiche, tossed herb salad.

Marinated Duck Breast ($19) with white asparagus, kumquat compote and wild arugula, toasted pine nuts, broken balsamic vinegar. Beautiful dish!

Kasekrainer Sausage ($11) swiss cheese infused, light peppery, similar to “polish.” Tarragon mustard and fresh horseradish. My FAVORITE! So juicy every bite was a burst of flavor.

Original Vienna Schnitzel ($29) garnished with lemon and lingon berries, with potato salad. Razor thin with a light breading. Perfect with the sweet lingon berries and tart potato salad.

Asparagus Risotto ($28) with sauteed veal sweetbreads, meyer lemon, Parmesan, veal jus and tossed herb salad.

Creamy Veal Gulasch ($32) with homemade spatzle. sour cream, chives. The veal couldn’t have been more tender. This was SO RICH, I loved it.

Apfelstrudel ($9) with homemade vanilla ice cream. Flaky and delicious, not too sweet.

Stiegl Radler Grapefruit ($8) half Goldbrau/half all natural organic grapefruit soda, ideal thirst quencher and low on alcohol and calories. I couldn’t stop drinking this. Turns out I AM a beer drinker!

From the moment we stepped in the front door we were treated to your hospitality. The staff was attentive and accommodating. They really made our night out special. The space is intimate and embracing and the modern rustic décor is cozy. I would dare say the kitchen is drastically smaller than most kitchens in this zip code. Still we were amazed at the attention to detail in every dish and the incredible flavors that were coming out of the tiny open kitchen.

To Chef Bernhard Mairinger, your passion for Austrian food combined with your extraordinary talent in the kitchen made for an unforgettable experience. Thank you for my introduction to Austrian cuisine. I left your establishment with a giddiness small children find in a toy store. Kasekrainer sausage and Stiegl Radler Grapefruit! I’m telling absolutely everyone how fun it was to discover BierBiesl!

Auf Wiedersehen, until we meet again!

With Love and Gratitude,
Rebecca

BierBeisl

9669 S. Santa Monica Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310-271-7274

http://www.bierbeisl-la.com/

$$$

Foodie Friday: Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm, MB!

Posted on April 5, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Dear MB,

Your biscuits are AMAZING! I know i’m not telling you anything you haven’t already heard. They have their own Facebook page, for heaven’s sake! Yet, I still have to say BRAVO!

Your bacon and cheddar buttermilk biscuits are baked perfection. They have this great crunch on the outside and are warm and moist on the inside. They have bacon and cheddar cheese…and they’re bread!

It’s not difficult to win me over but the perfect companion to these little gems is the whipped maple butter. This sweet and savory union had everyone expressing their love for your biscuits! Resounding sounds of pleasure – Mmmm…, Wow! and Oh YEAH! – could be heard around the restaurant.

I noticed several people doing exactly what we did, picking up the little metal ramekin of the whipped maple butter and looking at it like it was a mystical thing, a culinary concoction beyond comprehension, wondering if this is the secret to why this all tastes soooo heavenly! When I finished, I immediately wanted to order more biscuits, give them as gifts, have them for dessert and learn how to make them!

The bar had been set pretty high but there are a number of incredible choices on your ever changing, seasonal menu and the rest of our selections were equally inspiring. Every single thing we ordered was delicious!

Vietnamese Caramel Pork Jowl ($13) with green papaya salad, lime.

Sweet glazed delicate pork. What’s not to love!

White Oak Grilled Skirt Steak ($18) grilled broccolini, red chimichurri.

Tender, juicy, smoked skirt steak, topped with a perfectly spiced chimichurri sauce.

Chicken Pot Pie ($16) ’nuff said!

The BEST pot pie i’ve ever tasted.

Seared Diver Scallops ($19) bacon butter, savoy cabbage, shiitake mushroom, puffed wild rice.

Perfectly cooked, seared outside, tender inside. The bacon butter sauce was delicious!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($10) emmental, hazelnuts, sage.

Roasted to perfection. I love brussels sprouts!

Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits ($5) with maple butter.

What can I say, they remind me of home.

Avila’s Heir ($12) margarita with corralejo reposado, serrano, mandarin, yuzu.

After our small food marathon we were completely stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. Aptly titled a “social house,” the environment is lively and upbeat. The rustic-industrial interior and communal tables give a feel that is accessible and homey. We adored your friendly staff. They made our dining experience complete. Every detail exceeded our expectations!

Thank you to Chef David LeFevre for creating a real comfort food destination. I think everyone should experience the genuinely beautiful food you’ve created. A big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for creating your bacon and cheddar biscuits. They make me truly happy. MB Post, I definitely have a culinary crush on you!

With Love and Gratitude,

Rebecca Meyer

MB Post – A Social House

1142 Manhattan Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

(310) 545-5405

http://eatmbpost.com/

Hours:

Mon–Thur 5pm–10pm

Friday 11:30am–10:30pm

Saturday 10am–10:30pm

Sunday 10am–10pm

$$$

Note from BF: I don’t know about y’all but this review from Rebecca is making me want to head over to MB RIGHT NOW!! Yummylicious. xoxo, BF

Foodie Friday: Huckleberry is HEAVENLY!

Posted on March 22, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Huckleberry Cafe & Bakery in Santa Monica

Dear Huckleberry,

I am in love with your bakery and café in Santa Monica. It’s the ideal neighborhood hangout with a casual, laid back atmosphere. My never-ending search for great baked goods has led me here, and thank goodness it did.

I didn’t know this was an order at the counter, grab-the-next-available-table kind of place. When I arrived, all of the tables were full, inside and out, and there was a line out the back door. I have to admit, I started to panic. Will I get a table? With all of these people, will there be any pastry left for me? BREATHE! Don’t worry, there’s a reason for the line. I quickly realized, the reason you don’t hold us up in a foyer waiting for a table is that you want us to walk amongst the pastry, interact with the staff, and with each other! That’s part of the charm of this place.

Illuminated by a skylight, the giant blackboards list the offerings for the day, both sweet and savory. The peek-a-boo open kitchen allowed me to see the staff playfully preparing giant trays of baked treats just for us! Part of me wanted to jump in and help. Next up, the cold deli case, filled with beautifully made sandwiches of prosciutto, gruyere, plugra butter and fleur de sel. The various salads and side dishes of quinoa, roasted cauliflower and pickled chiles are all tempting, but I’m on a mission.

The line moves forward, inching me closer to the star attractions – and there they are.

A large glass partition allows me to spy the incredible bakery creations. Various platters and pedestals filled with sugar perfection. So many choices, I’m in heaven: kouign amann, lemon pistachio cake, sour plum turnovers, carrot tea cake, chocolate banana tarts, various cookies, croissants, and mini chocolate cupcakes, just to name a few. In the background a variety of homemade breads are lined up and displayed for consumption. Here are a few things from the menu I enjoyed:

Creekstone Farms Brisket Hash ($12) – with roasted potatoes, arugula, and sunny side up eggs.

This dish is one of my favorites. More like a stew than a hash, LOVE! Juicy slow-cooked brisket. This reminded me of the midwest home cooking I grew up enjoying.

Green Eggs and Ham ($12) – La Quercia Prosciutto , pesto, and arugula on a house made English Muffin: Light, and flavorful. The pesto sauce was bright, and fresh. A simple dish, but the quality of ingredients is obvious to all.

Strawberry Crostata ($7.5)

Lemon Pistachio Cake ($5)

Cinnamon Roll ($3.75)

Whole Wheat Apple Fruit Slice ($5.5)

All of the baked goods were amazing! My favorite was the Lemon Pistachio Cake. A good crust, moist and lemon soaked in the center, and topped with toasted pistachios. YUM.

To the culinary power couple, owners Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb, THANK YOU for creating great-tasting, quality food worth waiting in line for! Yes, it was crowded, but that’s just a good indication that something great is going on inside. Yes, it was busy, but I never felt neglected by your friendly staff, and YES, if you can’t tell, Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe is my new culinary crush!

I’m so envious of what you’ve created here. A big thank you to the entire Huckleberry Team!

With love and appreciation,

Rebecca

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe

1014 Wilshire Boulevard

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310-451-2311

http://www.huckleberrycafe.com/

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Price: $$

*Keep your hearts full and your taste buds happy, people!*

Foodie Friday: Lyfe Kitchen is loooovely!

Posted on March 15, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Dear LYFE KITCHEN,

Lyfe Kitchen in Culver City

Thank you for opening your doors in Culver City and opening your kitchen and comforts to all of Los Angeles. Your chef, manager and staff were so friendly and concerned with customer care that it felt like you were opening your hearts to us, as well.

LYFE Kitchen stands for Love Your Food Everyday and if I could eat like this every day, I would. As a gal who likes to eat healthy 80% of the time and allows 20% for those charming “cheaty” foods, I love that at Lyfe Kitchen, I don’t have to choose. While you have menus for the gluten-free/celiac crowd and the vegans among us, you also have a full-service and fully pleasing menu for all the rest of us. Best part? All of the dishes and drinks are on the low-moderate-calorie side at under 600 calories. And it marries the best of both worlds: sustainable practices and natural, healthy, whole foods.

I came in last Monday night with my dear friend – and foodie guru – Whitney of HoopLA. I had no expectations and was at the mercy of Whitney and your fine executive chef, Jeremy Bringardner, which was totally my pleasure.

Some of my favorites on your menu?

Just a few of my favorites from Lyfe Kitchen...

Starters & Salads: The grilled artichoke ($7.99) paired with garlic aioli and the vegan caesar dressing. Let me tell you, honey, that I will be back to buy a pint of that caesar dressing, it is so delicious. And, sir, I’m not even a vegan. Yes, it’s that killer. The chunky guacamole ($5.99) was the best guacamole I’ve had besides my Mama’s with that perfect amount of citrus, acidity and creaminess. Served with gluten-free, house-baked tortilla chips and salsa fresca, I’ll be back soon for a true taste of the border! And the Farmer’s Market salad ($8.99) was simple, tangy and delicious thanks to the blackberries, spiced pecans, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrees: Art’s Unfried chicken ($12.99) with roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, dried cranberries, cashew cream and dijon vinaigrette was again something that reminded me of something Mama would make. Terrifically tasty with a juicy, mouthwatering texture, it’s sure to please. And you also offered a Gardein “chicken” version, as well.

Desserts: Well, now this was just ridiculous. We were delighted with the vegan and gluten-free ChoColaTe Budino with pomegranate-soaked chia seeds and slivered almonds ($3.99) and the Apple and Quinoa crisp ($3.99). We realized that you really cannot go wrong with either one and I don’t recommend that anyone leaves there without trying at least one of these delicious desserts.

Drinks: I sampled each of their red wines and they were divine!

Setting & Ambiance: This is a perfect spot for everyone. With comfy booths, a bright feel and inspiring quotes on the wall, everyone will feel at home here. Great for couples, kids and singles alike!

Lyfe Kitchen is full of life!

Overall, Lyfe Kitchen converted me into being a believer that low-cal, vegan and gluten-free cooking cannot only be as good as its higher caloric, nutrient-lacking counterparts but that it can actually taste BETTER. Job well done.

xoxo,

Dawn McCoy

Foodie Fridays

BeautyFrosting

Cost: $

Lyfe Kitchen

9540 Culver Blvd.

Culver City, 90232

*Keep your hearts full and your taste buds happy, people!*

New Column Alert: Foodie Friday

Posted on March 15, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

While I know we have had “Foodie Fridays” before here on BeautyFrosting, we are starting a new chapter today. I hope you will join us for the ride!

A beautiful benefit of BeautyFrosting is that I get to experience so many excellent restaurants, try out new tastes and sample some of the best chefs in the world. It has always seemed like such a loss that I had no place to share this praise. Then it hit me. I have the perfect place to do just this! BeautyFrosting, of course. And, thus, Foodie Friday was reborn!

On Foodie Fridays, BeautyFrosting is going to bring you some of our favorite foodie finds, eats and drinks. While a lot of the fare will be based in L.A. and its surrounding areas, you might find us covering food from our travels, hometowns and more. So you can expect some tex-mex in there for sure from this girl! (I’m talking to you, Mi Cocina, in Dallas)

And I am so excited to have my foodie friend, Rebecca Meyer, along for the ride! Like me, she is a true foodie – a lover of food, libations and delicacies. Rebecca also had the oh-so-clever idea of using our mutual love of gratitude to serve as our template for reviews. As she said, “We get to go in, experience these delicious tastes and fall in love. It seems the least we could do is write a thank you note.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Rebecca. Together, we can’t wait to bring you our old favorites and new-to-us delights!

If you have a place or product you would like for us to try for Foodie Friday, just comment below or shoot us an email.

Keep your hearts full and your taste buda happy, people!

xoxo,
BF