I Heart Terroni

Courtesy of DailyCandy

I'm going to keep this brief because a) I didn't have my camera, so I have no images to share and b) I can't find a menu online so I'm pulling from the gut. However, I don't have to waste any time on fancy words or verbose beggings to visit this authentic Southern Italian haunt. That is because the food at Terroni speaks for itself.

Over 30 thin crust pizzas (which you have to cut yourself, because, dammit, it tastes better that way) and every kind of homemade pasta you can think of. Pappardelle that melts like butter, and bites of pizza with salty pancetta and sweet pears - oh man, I think I need to sit down.

I my opinion, this place far beats out Pizzeria Mozza, from the Eames inspired booth seating to the Italian documentary projected on the wall. This place screams "cool" but doesn't sacrifice one bit in the taste department. And, they know it too. With a motto like: "No reservations, No substitutions, No modifications," they know they have a good thing going and 'aint no one going to tell them any different.

Go. Go now. Go hungry.


Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, 90036
(323) 954-0300
$$

Kiichi Kiichi Koo!

Photo Courtesy of sagehen_93

Sometimes your in the mood for a nice heavy meal, and sometimes, you'd rather spend the calories on beer. But why must you sacrifice flavor and quality (you can only beer batter SO many things) when you want to have a mostly liquid meal? Well, you don't.

The izakaya, or Japanese "snack bars," revolution has swept over Los Angeles like it's famous brothers before: cupcakes, frozen yogurt, "shmancy" pizza. Izakaya has spread all over the city from east to west, and is even featured in January's Los Angeles magazine. So with a desire to stay with the times coupled with my equal desire to drown my day with sake and cold beer, I headed to West Hollywood's Kiichi with one of my best dining partners, Sam (wait - didn't I call him a drunk the last time I blogged about our food adventure? I'll try to be kinder).

I'm always a little weary when I'm one of 5 people in a restaurant, which was the case with Kiichi on a Saturday night. However, I was there so I was going to give it my all - and I'm glad I did. Luckily we made it right before last call on Happy Hour, which opened the door to $2.50 beers and $3 bottles of Sake. They also were happy to have us order more than one drink to take advantage of the happy hour prices, but were kind enough to keep the beers chilled until we required a refill. I guess that's one of the benefits of a slow night at Kiichi.

One of the other benefits was fantastic service. Not only did Sam and I enjoy a 3 hour dinner/drinking fest (heavy on the latter), but everything we ordered was recommended by the staff (I left it up to the experts), and everything was fantastic. So, let's get down to it:
We started with Yellowtail & Jalapeno Sashimi ($8.50) which was on the special menu. If you like a little spice in your life, you will love this dish. The yellowtail is so fresh, it basically falls apart in your mouth. This was my favorite part of the whole meal.
Next we moved on to the Sashimi Tortilla ($6) also on the specials menu. Anytime I can combine my two loves: Mexican and Japanese, I'm one happy chica. Here, tortilla chips are topped with tuna sashimi, fresh cilantro, avocado and chili sauce. Taka me to the border!
Next, Raymond's favorite dish: Everybody Loves Spicy Tuna Roll ($7.50). A crispy rice cake is topped with spicy tuna and jalapenos in a bite sized treat (actually, it's two bites - these honkers are huge). There's really yummy and creamy, spicy and crispy. I'm starting to sound like a Taco Bell commercial but you get the deal.
I swear this next roll was created by a mom trying to get her husband to eat vegetables - Teriyaki Beef Roll ($7.50). Crispy grilled asparagus is tenderly wrapped in thin slices of beef and drizzled with teriyaki sauce. Oh man, this dish was rich and delish. I should note that their portions are huge for tapas style food, and by this time Sam and I were stuffed. I should ALSO note that somewhere in between these dishes and our second bottle of sake, I also had the Scallop Ceviche ($5) which jumped into my mouth faster than I could take a photo. Another refreshing fish dish that I couldn't get enough of.

So there you have it. Sam and I left Kiichi full of good food and good drinks and ready to take on the night. If you're in the mood for light fare, and great service, than hit up this West Hollywood spot for a meal you won't forget.


Kiichi
8351 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, 90069
(323) 654-4404
$-$

Feel Like Royalty

Photo Courtesy of royaleonwilshire.com

Per Zagat, here's a new restaurant with fun themed nights. Although the main courses might be a little pricey for a gal on a budget, their small plates and bar menu ($7-$13) seems like the way to go. Straight from the article:

"... check out Royale, a fresh-out-of-the-box Downtowner that's already offering an assortment of special nights – "Eastside Mondays" (the music of East LA, from 9 PM–2 AM); "Built Tuesdays" (a get-together of artists, photographers and so forth, from 8 PM–1 AM), and "Soul Food Friday" (the last Friday of every month, including appetizers like crispy pork spareribs and mac 'n cheese, and live music from 9:30 PM–2 AM)."

Who said there's nothing fun to do on a weeknight?

Royale
2619 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90057
$$-$$$

Just A Little Bit Hollywood (In a good way!)

Photo Courtesy of magnoliarestuarant.com

In a city that teases, offering yummy dishes in super small portions, it's nice to find a place that understands why people go to a restaurant: to eat. Magnolia in Hollywood is chic and makes you feel like you're in the "in" crowd, without having to sacrifice half your plate for the sake of looking cool. Plus, the reasonably priced take on upscale comfort food won't dent your wallet and will allow you a drink at The Bowery or The Well after dinner.

To drink, I had a really really good (and generous) glass of Pinot Noir from Monterrey... the name escapes me (I believe it started with a "C"). If you like Pinot, I recommend it!

To start, the Ahi Tuna Tartar ($12) with homemade tarot root chips was fresh and light and enough for two people to share!
For the main course, the Grilled Pork Chop with Sauteed Spinach and Sweet Potato Mash ($19) was to die for! I don't usually order pork, but something was swaying me in this direction. The pork was moist and wonderful, topped with a fresh apple reduction. And I would have married the Sweet Potato Mash if it were to propose. We would have lived quite a happy life together. Shame.
And dessert, (the most important meal of the day), The Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich ($8). What can I say: homemade ice cream, chewy chocolate chip cookie, HUGE portion size. I was in heaven.
All in all, this is a great place to get your Hollywood fix and actually go home full! As I was leaving, the place was certainly picking up (they have a nice bar too), so it's got a really hip and late night vibe. Come on and eat at Magnolia - all the cool kids are doing it!


Magnolia
6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, 90028
$$$

Mas Margarita's Por Favor

Photo Courtesy of Flickr Blog

I love a place that is as inconspicuous on the outside, as the amount of trouble brewing on the interior. I had not stumbled into such a place in quite sometime until I celebrated Cinco de Mayo at none other than El Carmen.

El Carmen oozes hipster chic as soon as you walk in the door. With its low lighting (some of which is glowing from water filled lamps that your kooky great-aunt might have had) and it's Mexican wrestler paintings (and masks) that adorn the wall, you know this place is going to foster a fun evening.

Besides the quirky decor, this place is known for it's menu of over 400 tequilas, as well as an impressive list of specialty margaritas. I set my sights on the Watermelon Margarita, which at $8 was about 3 shots and tasted like I bit into a fresh watermelon - yum!! You certainly get your money's worth on booze (the beer is also reasonable at $5).

Although I intended to sample more of their food menu (the menu is small, but has enough to satisfy any lover of Mexican food), the 3 drinks before we got a table lended to less eating and more inappropriate storytelling. I was very impressed with the freshly fried corn chips, as well as the salsa and fresh guacamole (which disappeared in a matter of minutes). As a table we shared the nachos which I thought were very yummy and had a lot of flavor. My perpetually-mad-at-life Mexican friend made sure to poo poo the nachos for their inclusion of black beans, not refried. I happened to like this touch, making me feel less guilty for eating fried food and drinking excessive amounts. To each his own.

This is a great place to get the night started. I wouldn't go there just for the food, but the food/drinks combo is certainly worth every penny you spend and I swear you'll leave cooler than when you entered.

When in need of social lubrication, hit up this Mexican hot spot and you won't be disappointed!

El Carmen
8138 West Third St.
Los Angeles, 90048
(323) 852-1552
$-$$

A Cantaloupe Martini, You Say?

From the funky chandeliers and an eclectic collection of martini glasses, to the live music and fantastically unique drinks- how can you go wrong? Nic's is simply to die for!

Okay, I have to be honest - I have yet to sample their menu, but from what I could see, and what I've heard, it's wonderful. I plan on going back for dinner or small plates soon, so when I do, I will be sure to add a few more cents into this piece.

But what I can stand behind, is the quality of Nic's martinis.

I tried both the Cantaloupe Martini which was by far the best martini I've ever had, as well as the night's special: Pistachio Martini. The Pistachio Martini was good, not great, but it might satisfy someone looking for an alternative to their regular whistle wetter.

And did I mention the VODBOX? If you're in the mood for an adventure, check out their freezer room where you are lent a fur hat and coat to wear (don't worry, it's fake), and are able to sample rare vodka accompanied by assorted caviar. This might not be your everyday adventure, but if you're in the mood to feel as Stalin must have once felt in all his glory (minus the rough exterior and ghastly 'stash), try it out!

Things I've discovered in my research which make this place even greater:

1. If you throw a private party for 8 or more during happy hour, it's only $10 a person for 5 appetizers. Can you say, "cha-ching?"

2. On weekdays from 5pm to 7pm, the cocktail food menu is discounted, with most items in the $7 to $9 range. Can you say, "room for dessert?"

3. Donate a unique martini glass and receive one complimentary cocktail and a martini-making class for you and three friends. Can you say, "let's get wasted?"

Although the martinis can run a little high ($12 made with 42 Below), with the happy hour menu and the rockin' atmosphere, you really get what you pay for. Cheers!

Nic's Restaurant and Martini Lounge
453 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
$$-$$$