WHY Modern Latin American cuisine that’s at once traditional and playful. WHAT John Sedlar’s sequel to Rivera follows much the same model as his Downtown restaurant, a handsome place showcasing a vast array of Latin American flavors. Cocktails are almost universally excellent, devised as at Rivera by Julian Cox. Plates are large (to humor Sedlar’s [...]
January 6, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Sophisticated pastries, excellent coffee and fresh bread in a fast-transforming neighborhood. WHAT Though owner Na Young Ma is a Glendale native, Proof has a Parisian look, with marble-topped tables and chocolate-colored walls. Pastries strike the right balance between rustic and refined and rank with some of the best in the area. All things meringue [...]
January 5, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Yountville foodie elegance in Brentwood. WHAT Freshness is a fetish here, whether it’s braised sunchokes or perfectly cut shoestring fries from Weiser Farms potatoes. Jeffrey Cerciello, former culinary director of Thomas Keller’s casual dining division, has created an upscale larder featuring dishes (salmon rillettes, poached chicken salad) made with the best local produce alongside [...]
January 4, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Kogi goes stationary. WHAT The thing to get at this simple little café is the rice-bowl version of owner Roy Choi’s infamous short rib and spicy pork tacos, though the grains are somehow not as captivating as the Kogi Truck tortillas. But at these bargain prices, it’s still a fun-to-taste game. The prime rib [...]
January 3, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY A former textile factory transformed into a warehouse of authentic Italian cooking. WHAT Owner Antonio Pellini originally intended for Eatalian to be just a production facility for cheeses, gelati and baked goods. But the airy, industrial space is so big that a dining room was an easy addition. The restaurant veteran (he ran five [...]
January 2, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY The crispy portobello fries with truffle aioli. Did we mention the fries? WHAT Veteran Rose City restaurateur (Bistro 45) Robert Simon moved his St. Helena restaurant, AKA, to One Colorado in Old Town, and Pasadena is stoked to have a local boy making good in the midst of the chain eateries. The eclectic menu [...]
December 31, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY A multi-purpose café with indie cred in the midst of corporate Old Pasadena. WHAT Of course, Intelligentsia Pasadena has its own pour-over coffees, a gleaming espresso machine and practiced baristas. But this new location, in a historic brick building furnished with reclaimed church pews and electric blue walls, also has a beer and wine [...]
December 30, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Good, straightforward Indian cooking with a few not-too-trendy modern touches, including Indian-inspired tacos. Excellent-value lunch menu. WHAT Radhika calls itself a ‘modern Indian bistro,’ which sounds gimmicky but is actually quite accurate. The interior is cozy, done in deep colors. Service is attentive and kind. There’s a good list of wines and beers. And [...]
December 29, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Berlin’s favorite street snack pops up at Sunset Junction, with a simple menu of saucy sausages and killer fries. WHAT Choose from pork, beef, chicken or tofu all-natural sausages and select a heat level of sauce. After they’re grilled and sliced, the sausages are topped with an organic curry-flavored tomato sauce; you can add [...]
December 24, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Because darts, vegan sausages and beer go well together. Even in Burbank. WHAT A neighborhood pub with more than 40 draft beers, Tony’s has a no-bottle policy—all beers, wines and sodas are served on draft. The multi-animal/no-animal sausage menu comes with the de rigueur selection of über toppings, and a nice chili comes ‘sin [...]
December 23, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »