May 2018

29 posts

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Babbo, Shanghai
Italian

Babbo, Shanghai

Dinner with an old friend from Shanghai. Got a same day reservation at Babbo. Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Italian restaurant. We started off by sharing a baby wild arugula salad. Then I had the linguine with clams, pancetta, and hot chilies. Wife had the black spaghetti with rock shrimp, spicy salami, calabrese, and green chilies. And our friend got the cavatelli with Costolettr di maiale. Unfortunately I can re-pronounce, nor remember what some of these dishes are unless I look at the picture. But I know they tasted good and had great texture. We also shared a whole grilled branzino - light flakey and just right. Might have been too much food. But it was good. I wasn’t really looking for anything high end on this trip, but Babbo’s availability opened up - and I couldn’t refuse. Pricey, but well worth it. . . .

Pine & Crane, Silver Lake
Taiwanese

Pine & Crane, Silver Lake

Lunch at Pine & Crane. Taiwanese fare in Silver Lake, minutes from DTLA. Couldn’t order in Taiwanese, was skeptical. But was slightly surprised. Shrimp dumplings had good sauce. Noodle texture was right on the Jia Jiang Mian and Dan Dan mian, but wasn’t the right noodle for me - but that’s just me. The luo ruo fan (braised pork over rice) was ok - preferred diced pork belly instead of ground pork. Sausage, cold sides, and drinks is good for the authentic experience, especially the Taiwan Apple Sidra. And enjoyed the scallion pancake 蔥油餅. Yes, I am Taiwanese and I have set a high bar and should. I’m glad to see so many non-Asians discovering, trying, and accepting Taiwanese food. I dig it. . .

Bavel, Downtown LA
Mediterranean

Bavel, Downtown LA

Wonderful dinner at Bavel, sister restaurant of Bestia. Unexpectedly refreshing Middle Eastern cuisine that we usually don’t have. We had foie gras halva and olives to start. Then we had my favorite - the Malawach flat bread. The grilled oyster mushrooms and grilled octopus was yummy. I want to reproduce the mushrooms at home, seriously. And finished off with the grilled lamb saddle chop - never had that before. Yum! Can’t wait to visit again. . .