On Vacation...

But I'm already backlogged on posts, so expect a bunch of delicious food pictures when I return!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with SAND CAT, my future pet.

A Carribean Feast Weekend

 

Decided it was about high time to get away from the overheating city... we headed for where else, the middle of the dessert!

Perhaps not the smartest of decisions, but with the super high powered AC, a pool ready & waiting to be lounged in, and an array of adorable flotation devices we were ready to brave the 100+ weather.  And what food would most perfectly compliment our little dessert oasis?  A Caribbean feast of course!

Breakfast
It's sadly become sort of a staple of these dessert trips... Bacon Cinnamon Rolls.  Doesn't quite fit the theme, but you can't argue with tradition.

Lunch
Jerk Grilled Shrimp & Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers over a bed of saffron yellow rice & jicama salad with a Grilled Avocado boat.

Dinner
Spicy rubbed Skirt Steak with a fresh Chimichurri sauce, yellow rice & beans, chili & lime corn on the cob & a lovely fruit salad.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri Sauce

• 1 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Super simple & absolutely delicious... mince, chop and mix all together for a perfectly tangy, sweet & savory sauce to compliment all sorts of Caribbean Fare!

Weekend Docket: 9/24/10

This weekend is full of foodie fun, however I'll be relaxing poolside in Palm Springs with a cocktail in one hand and my trusty Kindle in the other...  So I expect all of you to make up for the fun I'll be missing in LA!

**** Other Fun Happenings In & Around The City ****

All Weekend

Redondo Beach Lobster Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
And I think this finally brings the conclusion of what I now call Lobster month, Redondo Beach is hosting their own Lobster Festival with dinner packages ranging from $30 - $60.  This certainly sounds like it's the biggest & the baddest of the festivals & has the unique addition of offering a surf n turf option as well for those who are a little overwhelmed on the crustacean front. Seaside Lagoon (At the corner of Harbor Drive and Beryl Street) 200 Portofino Way http://www.lobsterfestival.com/

Friday, 9/24

Supper Liberation Front Pop-Up
7:30PM
Underground dinner club, Spper Liberation Front is popping up at Guelaguetza.  Chef's Daniel Snukal and Josh Gil will prepare seven courses paired with Mezcal Pierde Almas. Also on hand look for La Descarga mixologist Pablo Moix to serve some "next level" libations. Dinner costs $45 inclusive of booze. http://www.supperliberationfront.com/reservations/

Saturday, 9/25

LA Craft Beer Crawl
3pm - 8pm
The Inaugural LA Craft Beer Crawl takes place on Saturday September 25th benefiting the “Heal the Bay” charity. The attendees will have well over 50 craft beers to sample across seven different bars and restaurants all within close proximity in Downtown Los Angeles. The event is a collaboration between Cedd Moses of 213 Ventures and Hallie Beaune and Christina Perozzi also known as “The Beer Chicks.” The beer selection will be curated by The Beer Chicks, beer personalities and authors of The Naked Pint: An Unadulterated Guide to Craft Beer and the website www.TheBeerChicks.com. The event will feature some of the top Craft and Artisanal Brewers in the Country! Various locations Downtown http://www.eventbrite.com/event/802268607/efblike

Septemberfest
3pm - 7pm
Septemberfest is America's answer to Oktoberfest. Having felt shorted for years by German food, Polka music, and Lederhosen, America finally claimed its own tradition of BBQ and Daisy Dukes. The one constant? Beer.  Septemberfest will feature over 200 beers, bbq, music, and all in all, a celebration of everything that's great about American culture. Admission is $50 and includes unlimited pours for four hours. If you don't purchase your tickets, you're letting the terrorists win. Sony Studios 10202 W Washington Blvd http://www.drinkeatplay.com/septemberfest/

Barnsdall Art Park Screening: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

5:30pm
Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy outdoor screenings on the West Lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, perched on the beautiful Olive Hill at Barnsdall Park. Beer, Wine, and a Movie every Saturday in September. Each Saturday, we will screen a modern classic film that showcases the architectural and historical uniqueness of Los Angeles. All screenings are 17+ to attend (except for Roger Rabbit, which is family-friendly), and 21+ to drink. Admission is $10 for only the movie or $25 for the movie and three drinks. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. www.barnsdall.org/events-2/outdoor-movies/

28th Annual American Wine & Food Festival
6pm - 11pm
Staged against the backdrop of movie sets, the signature Saturday night event returns, once again, to Universal Studios Backlot. As dusk falls, a spectacularly lit movie set provides the stage for a culinary scene like none other: An unrivaled epicurean feast prepared by world-renowned chefs, superb libations including fine wines and smooth spirits, and a silent auction filled with luxury items - all set to the sounds of live bands. Cap the night off in “Sherry Yard’s Sweet Sanctuary and Champagne and Port Lounge” – an after-hours retreat. Kick back in cozy niches under the stars or dance the night away to a live band.  $300 / ticket Universal Studios Backlot - 3900 Lankershim Blvd - Studio City, CA www.wolfgangpuck.com/awff/indexa.htm

Devil's Night Drive In: Valley Girl
6:30pm
Devil’s Night, a Los Angeles production company and radio station. Located on an elevated parking lot downtown, the drive-in offers a needful escape from summer in the city. Patrons have the option of driving in and staying in the car or enjoying the film on Astroturf provided by staff. According to Devil’s Night owner Morgan Higby Night, the lot, located on Broadway and Fourth, “has this great feeling of seclusion and a great view of the skyline.” 240 W. 4th St. (at Broadway) - 2nd Floor www.devilsnight.com 

Glow Santa Monica
7pm - 3am
Produced by the City of Santa Monica, Glow has commissioned an extraordinary array of local and international artists to create engaging sights and sounds from dusk and beyond. These unique installations range from the most technologically advanced interactive artworks to acoustic music performances taking place on the beach. Santa Monica Beach / Pier http://www.kcrw.com/events/glow-santa-monica-2010

Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Million Dollar Theater
10pm
Sins O' The Flesh presents an amazing evening spectacular of the 35th anniversary screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the classic Million Dollar Theater downtown.  Barry Bostwick, who stars as Brad Majors will be officiating the madness.  Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 door / $40 VIP tickets; 1st several rows + free prop kits; $45 at the door.  Million Dollar Theater 307 South Broadway Ave. www.sins.la/

Sunday, 9/26

Abbot Kinney Festival
10am - 6pm
Over the past 26 years, the Abbot Kinney Festival has grown in size and popularity to become one of the largest community events of its kind in Southern California, attracting attendees throughout the region who are environmentally conscious, health-focused, arts-minded, and community-oriented. Its extensive selection of handcrafted items complements an eclectic mix of over 110 boutique stores, restaurants, salons, nightclubs, eco-friendly businesses, and art galleries along the famed one-mile shopping district of Abbot Kinney Blvd.
http://abbotkinney.org/

The 27th Annual Cabernet Fest Sunday
1:30pm - 4pm
Over 75 different Cabernets will be poured from the largest selection of wines in Los Angeles. Upstairs 2 Catering will have passed hors d'oeurves throughout the afternoon. Riedel Glassware will be provided. Parking is included with the price of admission. Sign up early - this event usually sells out!! Tickets $59 / person Wine House - 2311 Cotner Avenue www.winehouse.com/

Test Kitchen Shenanigans

Before I start, this is NOT a review of the Test Kitchen. 

Now that we have that out of the way... on to the shenanigans.

When the announcement came out that the after-party to the Blogger Prom was going to be at the much praised Test Kitchen, combined with actually having a night free, the plan was obvious.  P & I have been trying to figure out how to successfully crack into the blogger underbelly that is the awesomeness of our heroes like Caroline on Crack, LA and OC Foodventures, & e*starLA, to ensure we get ourselves invited to the Prom 2011.

However we soon realized that we've gotten old and Angelino comfortable, when a 9:30pm dinner reservation which we used to do all the time back in NYC, was making our stomachs growl audibly.  Plus web stalking the chef Brian Redzikowski and watching his incredibly dramatic foie gras lollipop video certainly wasn't helping.  But it did make us late.

And Test Kitchen was packed.  So much so that our 10 minutes late lost us our table.  But we were told to wait at the bar and they'd figure out a way to fit us in, which we were happy to oblige and test out the delicious sounding drinks from Julian Cox & Joel Black.  A Polish Punch later were were sadly told that they'd run out of food, apologized profusely & offered to comp our return visit.  What torture after sitting by the kitchen and watching Brian work his magic for the past 15 minutes.  But I know my wallet is silently singing joyously.

So at 10pm we weighed our options.  Search for a restro within walking distance so as to not loose our awesome free parking spot, or say fuck it and leave the foodies to their fest?  Walking out we rationalized that Factor's was within spitting distance & we trekked the 3 blocks over only to find out that they close right at 10.  As did all the other restaurants in the neighborhood.  "This would not be a problem in WeHo." - P

Then inspiration in it's ghettoist form struck.  Ralphs.  The location of my 21st birthday, my first legal alcohol purchasing experience right at midnight, and thus we knew it'd be open.  Starved I opted for a shrimp & crab louie salad (yes I realize that seafood at 10pm might not be the best of choices, but the crab is imitation & there were only 4 tiny shrimp in the container) and P went for a sandwich.  Being true alcoholics we also purchased wine filled juice boxes that boasted 3 glasses + per container.  Perched on the random terrace attached to the Ralphs locale, we ate the exact opposite of what the diners like Epicuryan at the Test Kitchen were experiencing. 

After hanging out on quarter operated kiddie rides, (because really this night couldn't get any sillier) we headed back to the Kitchen for some Blogger mingling.  I met a few new friends, Michael from South Bay Foodies, Michelle Woo & Mr. Steven Armstrong of Shangri-LA.  Also even ran into an old high school friend, because really LA is a tiny town.  Plus the open bar provided more than enough lubrication to keep conversations constantly flowing all evening long. 

But the BEST part of the night?  Meeting my mixologist idols, the adorable Alie & Georgia! 

I do wish that this had been a post about the delicious 10 course meal at the Test Kitchen, but at the end of the day, what really matters is that life is full of unexpected experiences that can sometimes lead to greatness. This was a night of greatness. 

Exhausted by TV

MONDAY
How I Met Your Mother
Chuck
Gossip Girl
Hawaii Five-O
*Dancing With The Stars
*Lonestar

TUESDAY
Glee
Running Wilde

WEDNESDAY
Undercovers
Modern Family
Hellcats
Cougar Town
Top Chef: Just Desserts

THURSDAY
Shit My Dad Says
30 Rock
Nikita
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

SUNDAY
Boardwalk Empire
Mad Men

Meatcakes: Buffalo & Blue

After reading and drooling over Chicago's Meatloaf Bakery, I knew I had to try and make a few of my own creations... Starting out, I only had an hour or so before hitting the Roller Derby, so I decided to make my first attempt simple.  While they were a little hard to plate (because I made the mistake of first trying to bake them IN cupcake liners) the taste was spot on.  When refrigerated they held together well enough, but when heated they kind of fall apart.  Again, this was a first attempt.  Still good, but working out the kinks.

Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese Crumbles & Mashed Potato Frosting

Cake

1 package of TJ's Just Chicken (that way it's already cooked)
1 bottle of Frank's Wing Sauce
1 wedge of Blue Cheese
1/4 cup Mayonnaise 
Salt & Pepper

Frosting
1 bag of potatoes
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 pint of heavy cream
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup finely minced red onions
Salt to taste

First I pre-heated the oven to 400 degrees and greased the insides of my silicon cupcake pan.  In a bowl, finely chop up the chicken so it's nice and mealy.  Add in about half the bottle of wing sauce, a third of a cup of crumbled blue cheese, mayo, salt & pepper to taste.  It should be a little creamy but able to hold a form.  Scoop it into the cupcake tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts into the mixture.  Refrigerate to set.

In a separate pot, boil water & add the washed & pierced potatoes.  Boil for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.  If you run them under cold water & then slice, the skins pop right off.  Mash them with the butter, cream & garlic and salt to taste.  Let the mixture cool until you can place it in a piping bag.

When your meatcakes are cooled, you can pop them out and put them into cupcake liners.  Pipe on your mashed potato frosting and garnish with the finely diced red onions.

Voila!

BiBiGo!

Brand new to Westwood in the sketchy old dim sum location on Broxton, BiBiGo is absolutely going to become my #1 go to lunch spot in the hood. 

After curing many a hangover in NY by stumbling to K-Town for some steaming hot bowls of bimbimbop, this restaurant flips my memories of the food on it's head.  Presented in a much cleaner venue with a healthier attitude toward delicious bowls of charred rice, BiBiGo serves the same variety of people who switched from the generic FroYo cafes to Pinkberry and Yogurtland.

Here you're presented with a multi-choice menu that gives you the illusion of being in charge.  First you have to decide... super healthy salad version, cold bim bim bop (which really, you'd only ever order if you were forced to take this to-go) and the best choice, hot pot, all for $8.99.

What is hot pot?  It's a stone bowl that's heated through and through, so when your food is served at slightly room temperature, it cooks and chars right before your very eyes. 

You then get to choose your rice.  There's white, brown, barley mix and then something I rarely see, but am now obsessed with, black pearl rice.  It had a really nice texture, sort of like barley but on the slightly larger side, and the color on the black stone looked awesome.

Next you choose your protein.  Tofu, chicken or bulgogi (marinated steak).  And finally your sauce. They give you 4 choices, but really very little explanation.  So here it is...

Kohot - Seems to be the traditional spicy curry paste you find in most bim bim bops.  Similar to Siracha.
Ssam Sauce - Soybean Paste sauce.  Mild in flavor & texture.  I think it'd be good to mix this with another sauce.
Green Sesame - Not entirely sure where the "green" part comes from, but a nice thick Sesame sauce.
Citron Soy - Ponzu.  Half lemon, half soy...Very traditional, but kinda meh in the flavor department.

Here's what I got.

Hot Pot + Black Pearl Rice + Bulgogi + Ssam Sauce & Green Sesame + Sesame Oil = HEAVEN

Also something to note, while it looks small in the front, they do have a whole back seating area & an outdoor patio which was really nice.  While the key is to eat there for the Hot Pot, their to-go packaging was also very cool and eco friendly. 

BiBiGo!
1090 Broxton Avenue
Westwood
(310) 824-0011

Weekend Docket: 9/17/10

Tonight I'm off to the EaterLA // Supper Club event @ Tinga.  Super super excited!!  Should be a nice little foodie fest.  As for the rest of the weekend, there's a DANNY KAMINSKY birthday pub crawl, in which his name must be screamed at the corner of every block, some more birthdays, LA Confidential at Barnsdall, a house party BBQ and topping it all off, a party in ASGRAD.  Time to don my Viking costume.  Oh wait.  Time to go find a Viking costume at the 20 billion Halloween pop-up stores in Westwood!

Should be a fairly easy and relaxing weekend.  Maybe throw in a movie or two, really excited for THE TOWN as well as everyone else finally seeing EASY A.  Spell it in your peas!

**** Other Fun Happenings In & Around The City ****

All Weekend

Lobster Festival
Friday, 9/17 through Sunday, 9/19
The Port of Los Angeles tries to outdo its neighbor Long Beach with its own lobster festival this weekend. The shellfish are still from Maine--20,000 of them--with meals running $18 (plus $9 admission). Featured bands include Dengue Fever, The Growlers, and Fitz and The Tantrums. Ports o' Call Village, 77 Berth, San Pedro  lobsterfest.com 

La Sandia in Santa Monica Place
La Sandia in Santa Monica Place: Score a three-tequila tequila flight for only $10 at this beachside Mexican restaurant. You get to take your pick out of 20 varieties! This special goes through til the 19th. They also have a happy hour Monday-Friday from 4-7pm when you can get $5 house margaritas, passion fruit mojitos or sangria. 4th St Santa Monica, CA 90401 [Caroline on Crack]

Oktoberfest in Old World (Huntington Beach)
Runs through October 31st
**Totally going to keep pushing this, because it's AWESOME** Oktoberfest promises to be the best year yet at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. This year will bring on the oom-pah zing that fun-seeking party animals love. From Dachshund Races to German Oktoberfest bands, sexy shot girls in dirndls with their trays of liqueurs to mix with your bier (beer) and pretzels, to men in lederhosen dancing, this is not your normal Huntington Beach event. DACHSHUND RACES?!  At 3pm on Sundays.  This is a MUST.  Old World, Huntington Beach  www.oldworld.ws

Thursday, 9/16
Boardwalk Empire Drink Series
6 to 9 p.m.
If you aren't already excited about HBO's Boardwalk Empire series, this should help: Local speakeasy-style bars The Varnish, Edison and R Bar will be handing out free drinks through the beginning of October to promote the show. Tonight's special is at R Bar, but there's one catch: Since we're playing 1920s, you need a secret code. R Bar, 3331 W. 8th St., Koreatown; 213-387-7227 myspace.com/4rbar 

"Bhut Jolokia" at Malo
All night
The Eastside cantina is boasting salsa made from the hottest pepper in the world, “Bhut Jolokia,” as well as dishes like beef machaca hard shell tacos and Red Chile Crab Salpicon on cucumber cups. For drinks, they’ve got a shot of Milagro Silver with a can of Tecate and two flavored margaritas — the prickly pear and the strawberry mint.  515 W. 7th Street - 1st Floor [Caroline on Crack]

Friday, 9/17

An Art Show About Bill Murray
7pm ~ midnight
The man. The myth. The Ghostbuster. More than 40 artists have banded together for one singular purpose―to try to properly express their love for the guy who played Venkman. You might think this calls for a party with an open bar, and these people thought so too... R&R Gallery, 929 E 2nd St #106, Downtown www.therandr.org/

Saturday, 9/18
Munch LA
11am ~ 5pm 
Get your taste buds ready and munch your way to our first gourmet food truck event taking place Saturday, September 18th at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. This one-day event will feature over 30 of the best in popular gourmet food trucks from the Southern California area from 11 am to 5 pm.  Join us and immerse yourself in an amazing day filled with yummy treats, complimentary beverage, culinary demos, shopping, music and munch, munch more! Do not miss the opportunity to experience worldwide street cuisine in one place! $7 online / $10 at the door Fairfax High School - 7850 Melrose Avenue munchla.com/

Night of the Living Dead at Cinespia
doors 6:30pm ~ movie 8pm
Another season of wine-drenched cemetery picnics is winding down, but not before a real doozy of a finale. Saturday night among the headstones, you’ll be watching George Romero’s 1968 zombie classic, Night of the Living Dead. It’s either so wrong it’s right, or so right it’s wrong. $10 at gate, Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd www.cinespia.org/

Barnsdall Art Park Screening: LA Confidential
5:30pm
Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy outdoor screenings on the West Lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, perched on the beautiful Olive Hill at Barnsdall Park. Beer, Wine, and a Movie every Saturday in September. Each Saturday, we will screen a modern classic film that showcases the architectural and historical uniqueness of Los Angeles. All screenings are 17+ to attend (except for Roger Rabbit, which is family-friendly), and 21+ to drink. Admission is $10 for only the movie or $25 for the movie and three drinks. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. www.barnsdall.org/events-2/outdoor-movies/

Sunday, 9/19

DomaineLA
2-5pm
After a year of jumping through permitting hoops, wine shop Domaine LA at Melrose & Mansfield, has officially received its on-premise tasting license. To celebrate, owner Jill Bernheimer is having the store's first tasting this Sunday from 2-5PM. Since it's a celebratory occasion worthy of bubbles, thus Domaine LA will feature a flight of three sparkling wines for $12. Additionally, the LudoTruck will be parked outside from 2-4PM and the first 20 paid tasters will receive a coupon for a free meal. 6801 Melrose Avenue [EaterWire]

Nachos and Beer Buckets at 25 Degrees
Sunday & Monday
You usually visit 25 Degrees for the burgers, but Sundays and Mondays, when it’s time to catch the football game, you’ll now be heading there for specials like Prime Rib Nachos, Chili Cheese Fries and $9 buckets of beer. And maybe a burger.  These sound absolutely delicious & considering 25 Degrees already has my favorite burg, I'll be sure to check these out as well. 25 Degrees, 7000 Hollywood Blvd, www.25degreesrestaurant.com

Monday, 9/20

Drinks with Alie & Georgia

7pm to 9pm

I'm totally in love with these adorable girls whose revolutionary cocktails have changed the face of alcohol appropriate mixers.  Their McNuggetini is something I've always wanted to try.  Well thanks to Caroline on Crack, she's alerted the blog-o-sphere world to the fact that Alie & Georgia will be guest bartending at Cha Cha Lounge in Silverlake Mondays from 7pm to 9pm to coincide with the release of their new web series segments!  Cha Cha Lounge, 2375 Glendale Boulevard, Silverlake alieandgeorgia.com

Tuesday, 9/21

Taco Tuesday @ Whiskey Blue at the W

7pm

NYC’s long-running party involving dueling guest bartenders, raffles, drinking for charity and, yes, tacos has set up shop on our coast. Come after 7pm for $4 beers and a $10 plate of three tacos―your choice of carnitas, tilapia, spicy red chili chicken or grilled flank steak. Whiskey Blue at the W, 930 Hilgard Ave, Westwood  www.gerberbars.com

And remember, I've now started my very own 

CALENDAR 

to track all of these events!!

Death by County Fair Food

On Sunday we headed to the LA County Fair for some good noms, to check out the Bark Park, Mojo's Jungle & the Bodies exhibit, and to see my pop pop in the LA County parade!  While the adorable puppies were all probably still asleep, the outback wildlife in Mojo's Jungle were fully awake and playful.  Highlights?  Baby kangaroo!!  He's just too cute for words.

Getting a little peckish, we went on a search for food, and our noses led us right to a heaping pile of freshly roasted peppers and onions.  Looking at the menu, there were regular dogs (sans peppers) for $3.50, and large dogs (smothered in goodness) for $7.50.  It seemed like a pretty steep jump for what in my mind was the difference between a regular and a large dodger dog.

My mom on the other hand kept asking me if I was sure I wanted a large.  "Of course!!" I mean what I really wanted more than anything were those peppers and onions.  IZ feeling the same wanted a large as well.  So we put in our orders and waited.

What my mom was really asking me was... it's a 1/2 pound hot dog.  Are you sure that's what you want?  Because that sucker is HUGE!  Thankfully the cashier screwed up our order & only charged us for 1 gigantic dog, which was more than enough to feed 2.  I had to laugh.  The size was beyond comical & considering I'm no Kobayashi or Black Widow, I can't imagine what kind of person would be able to stuff this whole thing down. That's when I look up and realize, wait.  I'm at the County Fair.  In the most obese country in the world.  Oh that's right.  This is why we're going to die young.


That said, being a county fair veteran, I've at least taken a nibble of 90% of the ridiculous that exists in this gluttonous heaven (it's for research), but leave it to the Carney folks to come up with something even more over the top that fried butter.

This is something right out of Snookie's dream journal.

Chocolate Covered Pickles.

You heard me.

Chocolate Covered Pickles.

Already being ridiculously full from the hot dog "experience" I couldn't even comprehend what this poster was screaming at me.  Like.  What?  Really?

I guess this one adventure will have to wait until next summer's fair season.  Along with what will hopefully travel to LA, fried beer.  Unless anyone wants to go back this month?

Event Calendar!!

While the Weekend Docket is lovely, it doesn't give you much time to plan your social calendar for the next month, does it?  A Calendar would be much more useful.  (Don't worry, I'm not going to stop the Weekend Docket, this is more of an "in addition to" kind of thing)

Also for quick & easy reference, I've now made nice and pretty tabs along the top of my blog, so you can quickly find both the calendar & happier hour spreadsheet without having to bookmark my pages :-)

Meatloaf Bakery, What? I love you.

Yes.  I adore you. And all your meaty goodness. And I want to eat you.  Lots of you.  Grumpy Bear, I'm very disappointed that you did not tell me about this.  Mr. Chicago.  That's all on you. 

A WING AND A PRAYER

Hot and spicy wing sauce teams up with lots of crumbled blue cheese, ground chicken and celery for an easy-to-eat hot wing treat. Topped with a buttery blue cheese crust and served with ranch dressing.

That's just to be cruel and make your taste-buds water like mine are right now.


The Meatloaf Bakery
2464 N. Clark Street, Chicago
(773) 698-6667
http://www.themeatloafbakery.com

Weekend Docket: 9/10/10

This is a weekend filled with more ridiculous food, adorable puppies & roller derby girls! But first I'm starting off with a little Hammer Museum culture, checking out Tom Marioni's new Beer Drinking exhibit. From there, maybe hit up Melrose to get a Fashionista Cocktail which I'm sure they'll be handing out in droves to drive sales.

Saturday is Derby Dolls day, marking yet another thing off my list.  I think I'm on a pretty good track to hit the 100 mark by New Years.  Although that Cinespia screening keeps eluding me.  I might have to replace it with LA Confidential next weekend at Barnsdell.

Which brings us to massive amounts of food and puppies.  Sunday at the LA County Fair for County Employee Appreciation day.  There's even a parade (which my dad most certainly will be in...) I know I'll be spending a vast majority of my time at either the puppy bark park, or inside the wine testing arena. 

**** Other Fun Happenings In & Around The City ****

All Weekend
Hammer Museum: Drinking Beer With Friends Is the Highest Form of Art
Runs until October 8th, 2010
Artist Tom Marioni is presenting his on-going artwork Drinking Beer with Friends is the Highest Form of Art. Along with the bar-like installation and remaining empty Pacifico beer bottles from private gatherings he has hosted as part of the piece.  The show ($7) features a selection of Marioni’s drawings and ephemera, including two site-specific wall drawings made for the occasion of the exhibition.. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood hammer.ucla.edu

Original Lobster Festival 
Friday through Sunday
5 to 11 p.m. (Fri.); noon to 11 p.m. (Sat.); noon to 10 p.m. (Sun.)
The Original Lobster Festival has become a tradition to over thousands of festival goers annually. We combine local popular artists, Swing, Salsa, R&B/Motown, Decades 70s/80s Dance Bands, tons of Fresh Live Maine Lobsters steamed in the World’s Largest Cooker prepared and served by Bristol Farms Master Chef for that mouth watering taste, giant food court, children’s area, dance floor, two stages and beach bars to create the largest Lobster Festival outside of Maine, right here in Southern California. Tickets are only $25 (advance ticket price). Rainbow Lagoon, 400-403, Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach originallobsterfestival.com

Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl
Performances Friday, Saturday & Sunday
“Pink Martini is a rollicking around-the-world musical adventure … if the United Nations had a house band in 1962, hopefully we’d be that band.” – Thomas Lauderdale, bandleader/pianist.  It's the final weekend of the Hollywood Bowl season & they always go out with a fireworks spectacular!  So if you haven't had a chance to visit the open air amphitheater, now is the perfect time!  Hollywood Bowl www.hollywoodbowl.com

Oktoberfest in Alpine Village
Starts this weekend & runs through October 24th
6 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Fri. and Sat.); 1 to 6 p.m. (Sun.)
Alpine Village is the home of the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California!  Traditional Bavarian fun is supplied by Oom Pah Pah big bands flown in direct from Germany, your belly is sated by traditional German fare, and your thirst is quenched by delicious German beers. We deliver an authentic Oktoberfest to you each and every year...and all within 10 miles of Southern California's beautiful beaches! Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance alpinevillagecenter.com

Oktoberfest in Old World (Huntington Beach & by far the better of the two)
Started last weekend & runs through October 31st
Oktoberfest promises to be the best year yet at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. This year will bring on the oom-pah zing that fun-seeking party animals love. From Dachshund Races to German Oktoberfest bands, sexy shot girls in dirndls with their trays of liqueurs to mix with your bier (beer) and pretzels, to men in lederhosen dancing, this is not your normal Huntington Beach event. DACHSHUND RACES?!  At 3pm on Sundays.  This is a MUST.  Old World, Huntington Beach  www.oldworld.ws

Friday, 9/10
Fashion's Night Out
Various
Fashion's Night Out is in it's second year, and this time Los Angeles (and West Hollywood, and Santa Monica...) is doing it up big. From a ferris wheel on Rodeo Drive to a Justin Timberlake meet-and-greet at Santa Monica Place, LA's fashionistas will be amply entertained while they "shop for good." For more low-key shoppers, there are plenty of deals, door prizes, and DJs at West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Robertson Boulevard, and Abbot Kinney boutiques. Various Locations all over the city www.fashionsnightout.com/fno-elsewhere

Saturday, 9/11

3rd Annual "Brew Haw Haw"
3pm to 7pm
This ultimate outdoor festival will include live music, food stations, lively auctions – and, of course, beer tasting. Here is your opportunity to Sample Great Brews poured by the region’s best microbreweries, and Savor Great Cuisine from Los Angeles’ most popular restaurants, all while supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as we work to raise funds for a cure. Tickets are $50+ Advance tickets only.  Gene Autry National Center, 47oo Western Heritage Way www.cff.org

Devil's Night Drive In: Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark
6:30pm doors || 8pm movie
Devil’s Night, a Los Angeles production company and radio station, is showing Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark this Saturday night. Located on an elevated parking lot downtown, the drive-in offers a needful escape from summer in the city. Patrons have the option of driving in and staying in the car or enjoying the film on Astroturf provided by staff. According to Devil’s Night owner Morgan Higby Night, the lot, located on Broadway and Fourth, “has this great feeling of seclusion and a great view of the skyline.” 240 W. 4th St. (at Broadway) - 2nd Floor www.devilsnight.com

Barnsdall Art Park Screening: LA Story
5:30pm
Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy outdoor screenings on the West Lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, perched on the beautiful Olive Hill at Barnsdall Park. Beer, Wine, and a Movie every Saturday in September. Each Saturday, we will screen a modern classic film that showcases the architectural and historical uniqueness of Los Angeles. All screenings are 17+ to attend (except for Roger Rabbit, which is family-friendly), and 21+ to drink. Admission is $10 for only the movie or $25 for the movie and three drinks. Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. www.barnsdall.org/events-2/outdoor-movies/

LA Derby Dolls vs Iron Curtain
Gates open at 6pm
The L.A. Derby Dolls are the premier all-female, banked-track, quad-skating, rock 'n' roller derby league in Southern California and they're facing their rivals, the Iron Curtain this Saturday.  While their uniforms may be stylish and their names playful, the L.A. Derby Dolls are real athletes who skate a sport that is pure, unscripted and real.  I know I need to sit down and finally watch Whip It before going, but I'm super excited!  There are also discounted tickets on Goldstar.com 1910 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA derbydolls.com/la

Sunday, 9/12

Perishable: A Pop-Up-Pickle-Shop 
10am to 1pm
Supper club collective Chicks With Knives will be showing off their pickling skills at Perishable: A Pop-Up-Pickle-Shop, hosted by downtown's Starry Kitchen. For $5 (cash only), you can watch a pickling demo, sample drinks and snacks featuring pickles--including a Pickle-Barrel Martini--and pick up any of the 12 varieties of pickles and all the canning paraphernalia you need to make your own at home. Starry Kitchen, 350 S. Grand Ave., Downtown perishablepickle.com

Venicestock 2010
12pm to 8pm
Venicestock 2010 is an all-day music festival to be held on Sunday September 12 in Windward Plaza on an outdoor stage – right in the heart of Venice Beach. Admission will be free. It will be a day of wonderful music and community engagement highlighting the work of St. Joseph Center, a Venice-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide working poor families, as well as homeless men, women and children of all ages, with the resources and tools to become productive, stable and self-supporting members of the community. All proceeds raised will be donated to St. Joseph Center to support their broad range of programs.  Venicestock is a concert series bringing live music to Venice Beach, California to raise awareness and resources for various organisations and charities. Started as an all day live music house party in 2009 to benefit the American Cancer Society, the show was so well-received we decided to continue it as a yearly event to contribute to the Venice community. Windward Plaza, 1800 Oceanfront Walk, Venice venicestock2010.com

The Dining Society
6pm
A family style meal dedicated to good food, this meal features treats from personalities at Red Medicine, XIV, Eva Restaurant & Providence and libations from Eva, Red O and Daniel Nelson. At $50 a person, this seems like it's too good to be true.  Read the website for further instructions, and you must RSVP to attend. Hancock Park thediningsociety.com

Monday, 9/13  

Drinks with Alie & Georgia

7pm to 9pm

I'm totally in love with these adorable girls whose revolutionary cocktails have changed the face of alcohol appropriate mixers.  Their McNuggetini is something I've always wanted to try.  Well thanks to Caroline on Crack, she's alerted the blog-o-sphere world to the fact that Alie & Georgia will be guest bartending at Cha Cha Lounge in Silverlake Mondays from 7pm to 9pm to coincide with the release of their new web series segments!  Cha Cha Lounge, 2375 Glendale Boulevard, Silverlake alieandgeorgia.com

Sweet Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Totally inspired from Taste of Beverly Hills I was seriously craving some fresh Bruschetta.  Luckily for me I had a handful of mini heirloom tomatoes, an amazing pesto, a tub of freshly crumbled feta and a loaf of TJ's garlic & parmesan bread lying around. 

I cut up the tomatoes & tossed them in a bowl with some chopped red onion, a healthy heap of pesto, a drizzle of olive oil & balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of hawaiian pink sea salt.

Then, I heat up the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, and toasted my bread slices until they were nice and crispy before topping them with my bruschetta mixture and a crumble of feta.

It came out beautifully and worked really well with my soft poached eggs in tomato pouches.  (Obviously it would have helped if we'd checked to make sure that the eggs weren't salmonella poisoned eggs, but we've now learned our lesson about THAT.)

One thing, the balsamic dulled the vibrant color of the tomato & pesto, so I'd probably drizzle it on the bread instead... OR perhaps mix it with the olive oil used for grilling so I could get a nice caramelized crust.  That could be really good, or just OK.  Hrm. Food for thought.

Grilled Gruyere & Apple Sandwiches

With a surprisingly "drinks free" evening and the first half of the Top Chef season finale on Tivo, I decided to treat myself to a little nom treat.  Having recently been reminded of the joy that is Grilled Cheese month (not that it's now) I knew that's exactly what I was in the mood for.

However sweet was slowly beating out savory on my mental taste buds.  So I decided to go with a Gruyere & Granny Smith Apple sandwich, grilled on a sesame & sunflower sourdough from Trader Joe's. 

For the dipping (because everyone knows grilled cheese must come with soup) I opted for a sweet potato concoction. Having not been a fan of TJ's soup, I added a few extra flavors myself which made it a perfect accompaniment to the warm apples & cheese.  A dash of nutmeg and a teaspoon or two of cinnamon with a dollop of butter, and a scattered chopping of apples.  It tasted like Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled into one.

We finished it off with an Italian Grapefruit & Vodka spritzer for a delightful fall dinner for two!

Zero loves him some Catcakes

Now that the pop rocks cupcakes are done, I'm on to my next challenge.  Feline friendly catcakes.  After sending M to Ikea (she was already going there so I amended her shopping list) to get some delicious yet inexpensive salmon pate, and after getting silicon cupcake molds so zero wouldn't be noming paper, I was ready.

I filled the base of the catcake with a mixture of dry food and salmon to hold it together, and then used the pate as a frosting on top, with some dry food as a garnish.  It looked great, but I think next time to make this even more of a cat craze, I'm going to use tuna for the base and catnip as a garnish.

Enjoy the adorable results inspired by Lake Street Creamery's oh so cute ad.

Things I ate this weekend: Taste of Beverly Hills

Saturday - Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar

Angelini Osteria - Amazing Lasagna.  Perhaps one of my favorites of the weekend!
Bastide - Shrimp ceviche in their corn chowder soup.
Bazaar SLS Hotel - Their basic Mozzarella Caprese. Delish as always, but not so special knowing I can make it myself.
Beacon - Again, memory failing...
Bombay Palace - mediocre Indian food.  This place was a pass.
Carmela - Salted Caramel ice cream.
Conservatory Grill at Montage - Dessert spread.  + incredible jalapeno soda.
Delancey - Beer & Meatballs
Fig - Frito & Chili hot dogs
Fraiche - ... god, I should have done a better job of taking notes.  And not just mental ones.
Jitlada - Another blank.
Mercantile/District - Venison bites.  Those were good.
Mr. Cecil's BBQ - Pork nibblets!
Napa Valley Grille - think it was a salad something.  Not sure.
Oliverio - Tuna tartar on potato cakes.
Pace - Mussels in some tasty sauce
Rustic Canyon - Pork belly bites & kidney beans.  Melt in your mouth good.
Savore Catering - I know we ate here.
Simplehuman - Walter Manzke - Curry shrimp in a crunchy wonton wrapper.
Sunnin Lebanese Cafe - hummos.  the good stuff.
Takami Sushi - Grilled salmon skewers & crispy shrimp balls.
Tender Greens - Salad w/ mussels & a cold gazpacho soup.
Valerie Confections - Rose Petal petit-fours
Water Grill - Fresh oysters on the half shell.
Wurstkuche - sausage.  with stuffs.

* There was a delicious panna cotta submerged in a fresh watermelon gazpacho with basil gellee.  No idea where that was from.

Sunday - The Art of Brunch

American Tea Room - had a delicious brioche tea.
Auntie Em's - Blueberry french toast & heirloom tomato grits.
Bar Pinxto - These fritter things that looked pretty but were kind of bland.
Bazaar SLS Hotel - Their version of french toast.  Very light and fluffy.
Comme Ca - Blank.  Were they the bacon & fig pop tarts?
Craft - God I'm bad at this...
Factor's Deli - Lox & bagels
Fig - I know they made something... but it wasn't bacon wrapped bacon so I was sad.
Firefly - Fresh heirloom bloody mary's & these awesome little egg foam things.
Foundry - It was something kind of heavy.
Huckleberry - amazing spread of baked goods!  I went with the maple & bacon biscuits.
It's All About The Bread - Sandwiches. Good bread.  No Bay Cities.
Mercantile/District - Bleh
Mickey Fine Pharmacy & Grill - Mary Janes
Nickel Diner - Bacon donuts!
NineThirty at the W Hotel - Think this is where the seared ahi tuna was...
Restaurant at Sunset Marquis - Flash frozen ice cream pops
Simplehuman - Walter Manzke - Pork Rib with Soy, Hoisin, Sesame, and Chili
Sweet E's Bakeshop - Cake Pops!
The Beverly Hilton - Tuna tartar boats
The Farm of Beverly Hills - Again. Something

* The crab claws.  Those were great.  Blank as to the restaurant.

Sunday - BBQ in the Hills

Akasha - Spicy chicken wings
Auntie Em's - Mac & Cheese
Bar Pinxto - Nope.  Blank.
Bastide - BBQ Duck Rillettes with Grilled Peach Compote.
Chaya Restaurant Group - Steak skewers that were amazing
Compartes Chocolatier - Vodka truffles
Craft - Grilled Lamb with Spigarello
Fig - BBQ Pork Slider with Pickled Beans and Coleslaw
Firefly - Grilled Lamb with Spigarello
Foundry - Blerg.  I was doing so well on this one too.
Joe's - Watermelon Gazpacho with Cucumber and Yogurt
Il Grano -  Grilled Shrimp and Squid with Arugula, Corn, and Lemon Dressing
Larsen's Steahouse - Rib Eye of Beef with Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, and Macaroni & Cheese
Lawry's The Prime Rib - Prime Rib sliders with creamed corn.
Melissa's Produce Company - Fresh salad of sorts. 
Mr. Cecil's BBQ - More nibblets!!
Oliverio - Grilled Rib Eye with Arugula
Plaisir - Cream puffs
PopShop Popcicles - Mojito Popsicle
Simon LA - Steak bites in a salad
Sweet Rose Creamery - Salted Caramel ice cream bon-bons
Taco Guanajuato - Vampiros y Volcanes Tacos
The Beverly Hilton - Shrimp & teriyaki chicken skewers
WP 24 - Pork belly bao taco's
BBQ Truck - Bacon wrapped meatballs

** Seriously did my best to remember.  I apologize if I got these wrong.  There were also massive quantities of alcohol present... which impaired my memory.  Massively.

Oh right, and then there were the chefs!!  Ted Allen, Art Smith, Ludo Lefavre, Ray Garcia, Scott Conant, Richard Ruskell & Tim Love!