The Blu Jam Cafe started out as an idea between friends Kamil Majer and David Fris. They envisioned it as a casual cafe in Hollywood that would become a destination for a gourmet breakfast or lunch at a price that locals could afford on an everyday basis. The name Blu Jam Cafe was chosen to…
Silva’s, a Churrascaria and Fresh Food Eatery
The owners of Silva’s Bar and Grill in Santa Ana recently renovated and reopened with an elevated bistro setting serving international cuisine while highlighting Brazilian meats prepared in a Churrascaria. To reflect this transformation, they named the restaurant Silva’s Fresh Eatery and Churrascaria. Silva’s Fresh Eatery and Churrascaria is located near the corner of Bristol…
Menya Musashi – My Tsukemen Choice on Sawtelle Blvd
UPDATE: Menya Musashi closed in April 2020. Menya Musashi is one of the newest restaurant to open on Sawtelle Blvd. in West LA. The restaurant is named after the legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, who was famed for his double sword style. Menya Musashi debuted in Tokyo and the founders are considered to be icons in…
A Halal Hanukkah at Revolutionario Tacos
In 2016, North African tacos caught LA’s Taco Madness event by surprise. There, Revolutionario Tacos defeated heavyweights Mariscos Jalisco, Carnitas El Momo and Ricky’s Fish Tacos. Since that time, Revolutionario Tacos’ chef Farid Zadi caught my attention through his weekend Halal Chicken and Rice specials and most recently his mention of a Hanukkah menu. It…
Barrique, a Romantic Destination in Venice
My wife and I were happy to join my cousin and her husband for her recent birthday. They are devout food connoisseurs and when asked where they would like to dine, they left it up to me. I don’t like having that decision for a birthday, but I didn’t argue. Since I hadn’t dined in…
Hanukkah 2018 – Restaurant and To Go Offerings
Hanukkah takes place December 2 through December 10 this year. Because I enjoy latkes, I decided to pull together my first attempt at a Hanukkah Holiday roundup. Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at one of the restaurants or eating establishments listed below. AKASHA Dec 2-9, AKASHA will feature their famous Yukon Gold Potato Latkes served…
Gelson’s Adds Upscale South Bay Grocery Experience
Gelson’s is a regional supermarket chain operating in the more affluent areas of Southern California. After a multi-year struggle with the City of Manhattan Beach, they finally opened on Nov. 14. I visited them a few times and have made some personal observations. Gelson’s is best approached from the north on Sepulveda because from the…
Huntington Meats For Exceptional Quality and Great Value
Now that we are past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start planning for upcoming holiday parties and holiday family dinners. What really gets people excited is seeing a beautiful roast in the center of the dining room table. To get ready, I recently visited Huntington Meats at The Original Farmers Market. Huntington Meats opened in 1986…
Ruiji Brings SGV-Quality Sichuan to the South Bay
China is a huge country with many provinces. Because of the differences in geography, climate, and natural resources, regional Chinese cuisine varies widely. In the United States, Panda Express has popularized Mandarin cuisine, but until Ruiji Sichuan Cuisine opened, Sichuan dishes were mostly confined to restaurants in San Gabriel Valley. Ruiji Sichuan Cuisine opened about…
Sunday Supper at Odys and Penelope
Odys and Penelope recently announced a $29 Sunday Supper. The menu consists of five different items including dessert. Since my wife and I recently had an enjoyable experience at Odys and Penelope, I notified my cousin and we hooked up with her and her husband on a recent Sunday. Because we have a daughter in…