The Foodie Diaries: Mar Yvette
By Mar Yvette, Non-Calorie-Counting Senior Editor
As a Citysearch editor, it's my job to stay on top of what's going on in the city--and that includes eating at lots of different restaurants. (I know, I know ... it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.) I'm also somewhat of a vegetarian, so you won't find any burgers on my list. Here are some of my personal favorites from the past month ...
Albacore Lettuce Cups
This appetizer at Sawtelle's popular Franco-Japanese tapas spot is definitely one of the tastiest things I've eaten lately. Served as a quartet, each endive "lettuce" cup is filled with seared albacore and jalapeno aioli, topped with a pint-sized pile of crisp microgreens and a dollop of olive tapenade. The unusual mix of flavors is both refreshing and spicy. No wonder it's the most popular item on the menu. (It's also what I'm holding in the picture above.)
Orris
2006 Sawtelle Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Grilled Cheese Dessert
From the outside, this restaurant located inside/adjacent to the Custom Hotel might not look like much, but oh what delicacies lie within! Offering one of the most clever takes on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, Chef Paul Varias has created a dessert version that is second to none. Softly whipped mascarpone and Nutella gush between two perfectly grilled slices of white, served alongside a small tin of raspberry "ketchup" for dipping. The result is a creamy burst of flavor that is rich, but not too sweet. It's not surprising that folks order a few to go once they've tried it. It really is that good.
Bistrotek
8639 Lincoln Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Butterflied Trout
I've been hearing about this French-tinged Moroccan restaurant for a long time and I finally decided to give it a try. Wow ... what was I waiting for? One of the tastiest entrees is without a doubt the butterflied trout. Prepared in a tangy, exotically spiced tomato broth, the moist white fish is paired with crisp sugar snap peas. I was a bit unnerved by having a fish served to me with its head still attached (it was my first time), but this place is so good it caught me hook, line and sinker.
Chameau
339 N Fairfax Ave,
Los Angeles,
CA
Yam Fries
I've often wondered why people are always lined up outside this shoe-box sized Montana Avenue cafe, and now I think I know why: the yummy yam fries. At once salty and sweet, the shoestring fries--which come wrapped in brown paper with a side of spicy honey mustard--have just the right amount of chewiness and crunch. I recommend ordering a half-size portion with a cup of the chunky turkey chili.
Blue Plate
1415 Montana Ave,
Santa Monica,
CA
Tuna Casserole
Yes, Bistrotek has already made my list with the grilled cheese dessert, but this place deserves the attention for its tasty twists on comfort food classics. One thing that I'd order again is the thick and creamy ahi tuna casserole, served with homemade crisscross waffle fries. The dish is so rich and filling, I had leftovers for two days.
Bistrotek
8639 Lincoln Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Orange-Cinnamon French Toast
Even if the food was bad at this 18th floor restaurant, I'd still come for the views. (Best in the city, hands down.) Fortunately, the food is just as good as the sights. Sunday brunch is the time to go. I order the eggs Florentine and then the French toast for dessert. Served as a modest trio, the griddled brioche--subtly flavored with orange zest and cinnamon--soaks up fresh cream and a perfectly sweet banana brulee. It's heavenly.
The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel
1111 Second St,
Santa Monica,
CA
Steamed Spinach in Foil
Who knew spinach could be so exciting? This cool, low-key tapas lounge is my new go-to place when I'm in the mood for Latino-Japanese flavors. My favorite side dish is the steamed spinach in foil, which cooks tableside atop an old-fashioned Japanese clay pot. (Bonus: the charcoal is eco-friendly.) After about five minutes, the foil rises as the steam escapes. At that moment, the server comes by to toss the wilted greens, which have been marinating in white wine, butter and thin slices of garlic. It's incredible.
Zu Robata
12217 Wilshire Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
Soft Boiled Egg with Sourdough
The soft-boiled egg at this airy market-cafe is one of my all-time breakfast faves. It reminds me of my childhood, when my grandma would make me this yolky treat. Here, a large brown organic egg is set atop a small ceramic holder with a tiny spoon for cracking. It's also served with two slices of thick, fluffy sourdough bread, perfect for sopping up the yolk. Best of all, it's only $4.
Joan's on Third
8350 W Third St,
Los Angeles,
CA
Wedding Cake Macaroon
I heard about this tiny Beverly Hills macaroon shop during a work-related assignment, and I've been a fan ever since. The ganache isn't too sweet or goopy, and the cookie has the perfect crispy-to-chewy ratio. There are lots of flavors to choose from, but the best one is the pink wedding cake with little almonds sprinkled on top. Délicieux!
Paulette
9466 Charleville Blvd,
Beverly Hills,
CA
Chipotle Taco Salad
I don't do fast food, but I recently stopped here during a visit to the Beverly Center ... what a great surprise! I love the build-it-yourself options; I tried the taco salad loaded with pinto beans, corn-and-onion salsa, cilantro, pico de gallo and lots of cheese and sour cream. The result: a quick meal that is both tasty and cheap. As for you carnivores, you'll be glad to know that all the meats are naturally raised and hormone free! Let's hope other fast food chains follow this lead.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
121 N La Cienega Blvd,
Los Angeles,
CA
