Friday, February 23, 2024

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

2 Michelin Stars Modern Kaiskei. Absolute Favorite. A progressive philosophic journey. Well-balanced meal from start to finish. They value holistic customer experience rather anything else. They told us that some menu items would be the same as our last visit was just last month, but Chef Niki gave us sneak previews of next season's menu to let us try and comment on them. What a treat. They are still being developed. Niki Nakyama is very humble and friendly. Abalone Pasta is her signature dish. Devin is an exceptional sommelier and always provides us with beyond outstanding service. We had Bashu Ikkon Junmai Daiginjo Sake recommended by Devin. Interesting notes of fruits started appearing as it opened up. Great team service. 3 hours dinner. Course $310 per person. Corkage fee $85. Limited free street parking or valet. Reservations on Tock and are very hard to book.

Zensai
Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & Californian Spiny Lobster, Wagyu Nikomi, Fennel & Purple Mizuna & Pecan, Grilled Shiitake, Buri Spring Roll, Orange Gelee

Chef Niki Nakayama

Devin, our favorite Sake Sommelier




Celebratory Champagne

Bashu Ikkon, Junmai Daiginjo, Sanyohai SHuzo, Hyogo $220


Sakizuke
Kabu Panna Cotta, Alaskan King Crab

Zensai
Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & Californian Spiny Lobster, Wagyu Nikomi, Fennel & Purple Mizuna & Pecan, Grilled Shiitake, Buri Spring Roll, Orange Gelee

Modern Zukuri
Sayori, Chive, Finger Lime

Owan
Lobster, Hakusai, Shimeji, Carrot

Owan
Lobster, Hakusai, Shimeji, Carrot


Otsukuri
Tai, Otoro, Scallop

Yakimono
Kinmedai, Bamboo, Smoked Daikon Tartare

Mushimono
Uni, Kani, Dashi

Mushimono
Uni, Kani, Dashi


Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Niku
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Baby Carrot, Goma, Gobo


Sunomono
Oyster, Citrus Ponzu, Namasu Oroshi


Shokuji
Buri, Sweet Shrimp, Otoro Nigiri Sushi


Shokuji
Katsuo, Kamasu, Uni & Ikura Nigiri Sushi

Blue Crab Handroll

Soup

Mizumono
Bergamont Sorbet, Sweet Ginger Gelee, Lime Meringue

Rum Baba, Cheesecake Ice Cream, Miso Crunch, Blood Orange & Mango

Artisan Chocolates

Matcha

Mochi for Special Celebration

Jikon Junmai Ginjo

Take Home Gifts – Bakery & Special Crafted Tea

Commemorative Photo at n/naka

Commemorative Photos at n/naka

n/naka
3455 S Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 836-6252
n-naka.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Cheng Can Cook: Creamy Pesto Pasta Reimagined ★★★

Reimagined Pesto without Food Processor. Nice and not too oily, similar to Alfredo sauce. Add topping of your choice: Chicken, Oven Roasted Eggplant, Sausage, Bacon, etc. Grocery at Trader Joe's has better pricing. Recipe below.


Recipe based on: thekitchn.com
Ingredients:
1/3 cup raw Pine Nuts
2/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
2 bunches Basil
2 cloves Garlic
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Dry Pasta (about 1 lb.)

Directions:
1. Toss Pine Nuts in frying pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until brown.
2. Coarsely chop Pine Nuts. Finely chop Basil and Garlic.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Basil, Garlic, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Heavy Cream.
3. Cook Pasta according to package instructions. Drain pasta & return to pot. Add in Pesto sauce. Toss to combine until pasta is coated with sauce.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Xi'an@Beverly Hills

Decent Chinese Food in Beverly Hills. Love the Brussels Sprouts. Crispy Shrimp was nice. Large variety of food. Selection of sake available. Server John from Hong Kong was nice. White rice $2/bowl. Metered street parking or free 2 hours parking at lot next to Wally's if entering before 6pm.

Kung Pao Chicken $26

Crispy Brussels Sprouts $12
almonds, cilantro, citrus vinaigrette

Toasted Shrimp & Leek Wrap $13

Szechuan Wontons $14
steamed chicken wontons in a fiery Szechuan sauce

Royal Crispy Shrimp $31
lightly battered in creamy glaze w/ glazed walnuts on a bed of crispy spinach

Pineapple Sorbet $9

Xi'an Beverly Hills
362 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 275-3345
http://xianbeverlyhills.com

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Half & Half Good Old Time Cafe@San Gabriel ★

Cozy Authentic Taiwanese Cafe. Fast food restaurant with good pricing. Affordable Boba. $6.58 for Minced Pork Rice is a good deal, but you may want to order some sides. Chicken Nuggets (Popcorn Chicken) were delicious. Communal condiments in the back. Boba Milk Tea is usually on the sweet side, so I recommend requesting 50% sweetness instead. Seating is not that comfortable, but the cafés in Taiwan are like that. Mark on their menu to order. Pay with cash or 3.5% fee with credit card. Same plaza and Katsu Sando. Free very limited parking in lot or street parking.

Minced Pork Pickle Rice $6.58

Chicken Nuggets $9.98

Milk w/ Honey Boba $4.88, Osmanthus Black Tea w/ Grass Jelly $4.38

Satay Udon Soup $12.08

Half & Half Good Old Time Cafe
704 W Las Tunas Dr, Ste E2
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 576-8010
www.halfandhalfteaexpress.com