We’re fans of the TV show The Amazing Race, the show where contestants race all over the world solving puzzles and doing stunts to win prizes.  Nicole decided she wanted to try something similar and signed us up for The Amazing Los Angeles Race.  Same concept except this race is based right here in LA.  We picked a couple team mates based on their skills and their potential for victory.  We were in it to win it!

We enlisted Kelvin — a math major — for his numerical-analytical-puzzle-solving skills, and Margaret for her native-Angeleno-ness.  We know LA well but we’re transplants and figured we might need someone with a bit more LA experience.

After picking up some “designer” shirts from The Alley in LA’s fashion district we named our team: The Autobots.

I can summarize our LA Race experience by saying we had an absolute great time!  I’m not going to reveal any details (can’t make it easy for you if you try!) but I will say that I enjoyed seeing parts of LA that I hadn’t before and getting a new appreciation for our public transportation system.

We worked hard to solve our puzzles and even broke out sweating as we dashed from one location to the next.  The other teams put up a good fight….but we came out on top.  AUTOBOTS FOR THE WIN!!!!!

Autobots for the win!

During the awards ceremony (ha!), we toasted with beers provided by the folks who put on the race.  Then we headed out for our own celebratory feast.  We ended up at The Original Thai Barbecue in Culver City, one of Nicole’s favorite places to get Thai food.

Margaret scored the Crispy Turkey, a fried turkey leg served with a sweet sauce.

Crispy Turkey

Kelvin went for the Shrimp Pad Thai, a classic noodle dish with shrimp grilled to perfection.

Shrimp Pad Thai

Nicole shunned all untensils and went for the Thai BBQ Ribs.  Finger licking good!

Thai BBQ Ribs

I went for the signature dish, the Thai BBQ chicken.  I try to get other dishes at Thai BBQ but always come back to this well seasoned and nicely cooked quarter chicken served with fried rice.

Thai BBQ Chicken

At the end of our meal we were completely satisfied.  Our bellies were full and our championship egos were bigger than the Staples Center*.  It was a great birthday celebration for Nicole!

The Amazing LA Race

http://www.amazinglarace.com

You can also get discount tickets from Gold Star!

The Orginal Thai Barbeque
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-original-thai-bbq-restaurant-culver-city

10036 Venice Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 559-9711

* Not a clue for the race! LOL

Chef Makoto doing work in the kitchen! (Courtesy of Sashi MB).

On hand to share in the party will be renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto along with Michael Voltaggio, winner of Top Chef Season Six.

In a previous review of Sashi, I mentioned that Iron Chef competitions were nothing new for Chef Makoto.  He’s worked side by side with Morimoto on more than a dozen challenges in Kitchen Stadium.  This episode will be Makoto’s debut as the challenging chef.  Food Network listings reveal the challenge will be against Iron Chef Michael Symon.  No word on the secret ingredient though!

Of course, Sashi is pulling out all the stops for this event with a six course tasting menu ($120) and private viewing of the show.  The party starts with cocktails at 5 PM.  Space is limited but you might still be able to get a seat!  Call for reservations at 310-545-0400 or check out their website at www.sashimb.com.

I’ll be rooting for the home team.  Show ‘em what you got, Chef Makoto.  “Allez Cuisine!”

Iron Chef America: Synmon vs. Okuwa

Chef Makoto Okuwa, a former sous chef to Iron Chef Morimoto enters Kitchen Stadium for the first time as a challenger to Iron Chef Michael Symon. Will Okuwa break under the pressure of leading his own team, or impress the judges with his treatment of the secret ingredient? Tune in to see whose cuisine reigns supreme!

I stopped by to grab carry-out for lunch just a few days after they opened and the place was buzzing with customers.  My order — two fish tacos with rice and beans — was taken and filled quickly.  While I waited, I checked out the pleasant decor in the dining room and silently wished I had time to chill on their patio.

Inside the Dining Room.

Back in the office, I dug into the tasty Cajun grilled mahi tacos.  The fish was tender with good seasoning and evenly balanced with toppings.  I hate it when the fish in a fish taco is lacking or dry; these tacos passed that test easily.  Too much cabbage can also be a turn off but the amount was just right.

With California Fish Grill in El Segundo, I’m glad to have a location close to work and home.  But I’m wondering: Will the fresh fish market in El Segundo be over served?  Downtown has the rustic and time tested El Segundo Fish Company, and Malibu Fish Grill is coming soon to the Sepulveda and Grand intersection.

With all the offerings that California Fish Grill has — the tacos only scratch the surface — I’m sure they will do just fine.

California Fish Grill

http://www.cafishgrill.com

Plaza El Segundo
730-H Allied Way
El Segundo, California 90245
Phone: 310-322-1200

Gardena
1425 W. Artesia Boulevard
Gardena, California 90247
Phone: 310-225-2777

9 out of 10 Mermaids choose Chaya Venice!

While many restaurants come and go, there are a few that stand the test — and tastes! — of time.  The Chaya chain of restaurants is one that has built its staying power on a reputation of good food and good service.

To celebrate 20 years of business at its Venice location and 10 years of business in San Francisco, Chaya is offering a special 3-course lunch menu for $20.10 at all four restaurant locations (Downtown LA, Venice, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco) through the month of April.

Each restaurant will have its own unique anniversary menu which will change on a weekly basis.  Don’t worry about what you mind find on the menu.  You’ll likely see some of their signature dishes along with a few surprises.

One of the main thing that draws me into the Chaya restaurants — besides the amazing crispy calamari — is the awesome decor.  Each location is unique with its own character and flair.  The Venice location has a stunning dining room and a cozy but spacious bar with whimsical paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

Chaya Venice Interior.

If you’re planning a visit, make your reservations by phone or online at www.thechaya.com or www.opentable.com.

Happy anniversary Chaya!

Chaya Venice

110 Navy Street,
Venice, CA‎
(310) 396-1179‎

Photos courtesy of Chaya.

Specifically, I’m talking about the Spicy Pumpkin Butternut Squash Soup* featured at The Terrace Restaurant located inside the amazingly posh Langham Hotel in Pasadena.

If you’re a fan of any food that is based on pumpkins or squash, you will be delighted with this soup.  Its sweet, slightly spicy, creamy, light, hearty, sooo satisfying…its everything a soup should be!

Here’s a clue to how good it was.  My girlfriend and I tried the soup as an appetizer to our meal.  When it came time for dessert, she had plenty of options to choose from: cakes, pies, pastries, ice creams, and more.  What did she ask for?  Another bowl of soup!

Chef Loren Lawe, the mastermind behind this delectable dish, created the recipe two years ago for a cooking class. It was such a big hit that he added it to the menu at The Terrace. Since then, people have been raving about it.

Typically pumpkin soup is a seasonal thing. You know, something folks have during the winter months to keep them warm and happy. This soup started as a winter menu item but was so well received that its now on the menu year round.

As for the soup, I highly recommend you take a trip to the Langham to try it out.  Yes, the drive to Pasadena is worth it!  In addition to having a great bowl of soup, you’ll be delighted with the beautiful surroundings of the Langham Hotel.  If you go to the restaurant, ask about complimentary valet parking.

If the idea of driving up the 110 has you bummed out, you do have another option.  You can make this soup at home!  Chef Lawe has been gracious enough to share the recipe for his signature soup.  When you make a batch, let me know.  I’ll be glad to stop by and serve as an official taste tester.

Spicy Pumpkin Butter Squash Soup

4 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, chopped
2 teaspons garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
4 cups chopped pumpkin
2 cups chopped butternut squash
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream

1. Melt the butter in a sauce pan and add the onions and garlic. Cook until softened and then add spices.
2. Add pumpkin, squash, and stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Place soup into a blender and blend until smooth.  Place blended soup back into sauce pan on low heat.
4. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cream to the soup.  Check the seasoning; if its too spicy, add more cream to lessen the heat.

Here’s a tip that the recipe doesn’t mention but was featured at the hotel.  Just before you serve the soup, top it with a few toasted sunflower seeds and a dash of lemon or pepper infused olive oil.  The seeds add a nice texture and the oil adds a hot or citrusy zing!

*The soup was provided courtesy of The Terrance Restaurant.

On Thursday, March 25, Rob Robertson — general manager of Daily Grill South Bay — announced via email that he and his crew would be packing up and moving from Rosecrans to a new location on Century Blvd. The new location, located inside the Westin LAX, has been under construction for the past few months.

The last day of business at the Rosecrans location will be Sunday, March 28 while the new location on Century is scheduled to open in mid-April.

I have many fond memories of lunches, dinners, and happy hours well spent in the Daily Grill’s Rosecrans location.  I’m wishing them all the best for their move and hope they will continue their tradition of good service and well made beverages over at the Westin.

Cheers, Daily Grill!

The purpose of my visit was to learn more about Sashi’s happy hour, better known as “Sashi Hour”.   Late-shift workers and 9-to-5 types alike, please take note:  From now until Memorial Day happy hour prices are available from 5 – 10 PM in the lounge, Sunday through Thursday.

Sashi Hour Trios

Take a quick look at the Sashi Hour menu, and you’ll see that three is the magic number;  Each item on the Sashi Hour menu is served as a trio.

Available for $9, some of the small plates might seem out of place for a sushi joint.  You’ll find tacos, kobe sliders made three ways, and a tempura plate featuring shrimp, calamari, and chicken wings.  But the menu stays true to its roots with sashimi, robata, and hand rolls.

The Sashi Hour drinks are pretty standard with discounts on sake, well drinks, draft beers, and house wine.  You might turn your head sideways, though, when you see the beer trio which features Sapporo, Asahi, and Hoegaarden.  Yes, Hoegaarden!  Apparently this Belgian wheat beer with slightly citrusy flavors pairs nicely with Asian cuisine.  I was always drinking it with brats so I never would have known!

Dinner that Feels Like Vacation

Of course, there was more to explore at Sashi than just happy hour.  When I walked into Sashi, I felt like I was taking a step out of the daily grind and into some sort of vacation spot.

Just inside the front door, the lounge stretched out in front of me.  To the left was the host stand and beyond that was a dining room and  sushi bar.  The lounge was arranged living room style with several pillow covered couches, low tables, and lamps.

As guests entered and left, they were greeted warmly by the staff.  Taking a look at the crowd enjoying the place, I noticed it was a pleasant mix of South Bay diners.  Some after-6 types were enjoying drinks at the bar with their ties loosened.  A family — complete with a toddler in a stroller — was relaxing on one of the couches while enjoying dinner.  The wall behind the bar, illuminated by a huge pink light, bathed everything in a warm, rosy glow.

Everything's Rosy at the Bar in Sashi's Lounge.

Diving Into Dinner

After a few moments of soaking in the vibe of the place, I met with Greg (one of the owners) and Jacqui (one of the managers).  They made me feel at home and put me in the care of Whitney, one of their top-notch servers.  I was a bit overwhelmed with the menu so I asked her about some of her favorites.  After a brief discussion, I put my experience completely in her hands and asked her to surprise me.  Little did I know, I was in for a treat!

I started off with a drink from their specialty cocktail menu.  Growing up as a kid in the south, I lived for those summer days where I could pick blackberries off the bush and eat them right away.  So it was without hesitation that I went with the Black Mamba ($12), a savory and sweet Grey goose cocktail with black berry, rosemary, and a hint of citrus.

The Savory and Sweet Black Mamba Martini.

To get into the meal, Whitney started me off with a small bite, the Gindara ($5),  grilled Alaskan black cod on a skewer, marinated in sweet miso.  The fish was tender, moist and had a wonderful grilled flavor.  The miso was almost plum-like and complemented the fish nicely.

Sweet Miso Marinated Black Cod

Next up was one of Sashi’s signature dishes, cripsy rice and spicy tuna.  After tasting it I realized that this crispy rice wasn’t the average snap, crackle, and pop!  The dish consisted of pan fried cripsy rice topped with spicy tuny and serrano pepper.  Pleasantly chewy and crispy at the same time, the texture of the rice was an experience by itself.  The heat of the mildly spicy tuna was rounded out by the serrano pepper for a one-two punch of subtle and then stronger heat.

Pan Fried Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna and Serrano Pepper

The headlining entree was an out-of-this-world Rainbow Roll (price unavailable).  Wrapped in “tuna, salmon, yellowtail and fresh seasoned fish”, the roll might have come across like any other rainbow roll.  But it was the  crispy eel and cucumber inside the roll — instead of california roll style crab or shrimp –  that made this roll a stand out.

Rainbow Roll with Eel and Cucumber

Having trusted Whitney all this time to guide the meal, of course I put my faith in her for dessert.  She suggested one of her favorite dishes, a chocolate soufflé made from scratch.  Unfortunately it takes about 30 minutes to make and I wasn’t able to hang out much longer.  I  promised to come back for the soufflé and enjoyed another selection which was probably almost as decadent; a brownie served with green tea ice cream and passion fruit whip.

The brownie was moist and had a nice density.  The mild chocolate flavor was not overly sweet and gave way to the nuts inside.  Jacqi, the manager, mentioned that the nuts vary with the chef’s choosing and might be almonds, chashews, or macadamias depending on his selection.  What really set the dish off, though, was the passion fruit whipped cream and home made green tea ice cream.  The smooth and delicate ice cream and the light, airy whip, added a playful fruitiness to the already chocolaty and nutty dish.

Dessert Goes Nuts With a Brownie from Heaven.

Iron Chef?  Been There, Done That

Of course, I have to give a shout to the chef behind the menu at Sashi.  Taste a few dishes and you might think that Chef Makoto is worthy enough to cook in The Food Network’s Kitchen Stadium on Iron Chef. Well, you’d be right!

Chef Morimoto and Chef Makoto at Sashi*

Chef Makoto has served as Iron Chef Morimoto’s sous-chef in 13 battles on the Food Network.  When Morimoto comes to LA, he often visits Sashi to hang out with his protege.  Watch out for Makoto on Food Network as he takes on an Iron Chef in his very own challenge.

I have to extend a big thank you to Greg, Jacqui, Whitney, Chef Makoto, and the rest of the staff at Sashi.  I  had a wonderful time dining with you and look forward to returning soon.

* Photo credit for Morimoto/Makoto goes to Sashi MB. Food and beverages in this review were provided compliments of Sashi Sushi + Sake Lounge.

Paul Martin's American Bistro

Paul Martin’s American Bistro is offering an exclusive dining experience right here in the South Bay!

On Wednesday, March 24, diners are invited to enjoy a four course meal; each course will be paired with a selection from wine maker Kelly Fleming.  Before the meal, diners will be treated to a selection of tray passed appetizers and sparkling wine along with the opportunity to meet Fleming.

All of this is being offered for only $75 per person.  Space is limited.  RSVP to Mark Evensvold by email at mark@paulmartinsamericanbistro.com or by phone at 310-444-9558.

You can find additional information, including a complete menu for the event, on the Paul Martin’s American Bistro Blog.

Paul Martin’s American Bistro

2361 Rosecrans Ave.
El Segundo, CA 90245

Radio listeners may know Chef Jamie from her show, “Food & Wine with Chef Jamie Gwen”, which airs every Sunday on KFWB News 980.  Her website describes the show as “a fast paced collage of food talk, restaurant news, wine education and interviews with the country’s leading chefs, cookbook authors and restaurateurs.”

With several cookbooks to her credit, Chef Jamie’s latest cookbook, “Good Food For Good Times 2″, will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

If you pick up a book, be sure to keep your napkin handy.  Paul Martin’s staff will be serving their signature appetizers (get the ribs!) along with samples of Kelly Fleming wine and Ventura Limoncello.

Holiday Tasting and Book Signing with Jamie Gwen
Sunday, December 6, 3-5 PM

Paul Martin’s American Bistro
2361 Rosecrans Avenue
El Segundo, Ca 90245

I always enjoy visiting Daily Grill, particularly for happy hour.  The food is great, the price is right, and the service is what you’d expect for a higher end, sit-down restaurant.  While dinner is a little bit more expensive, the entrée selections are great; I’m a big fan of their rib combos!

So how can something so good get even better?  FREE DESSERT!

In what is likely another move to get folks to eat out more, Daily Grill is giving away the last course of every dinner for free.

But wait, restrictions apply, right?  Yes, there are some restrictions but they are few and far between.  Here’s how it works:

1.       Get an email from Daily Grill for a free dessert.

2.       Print the email and proceed to your local Daily Grill.

3.       Eat dessert.

It’s that easy!

I called the El Segundo office just to confirm I wasn’t missing anything.  Could I use the coupon during happy hour? Yes.  Was there a minimum dollar amount to spend? No.  Can I just walk in, lay my coupon down, eat dessert and then leave!?  That would be rude, but YES!

Eating after 4 PM and dining in are the main rules keeping you in line with this deal.  Oh, you can only use one coupon per table so leave your greedy friends at home.

So now I hope you’re wondering “How do I get the email!?”.  So glad you asked.

Daily Grill recently sent “Free Dessert” emails to members of their anniversary club (which is a great deal and could warrant  an entire blog entry on its own, but I digress).  On the email is a link to send the coupon to friends.  Leave a comment below and I’ll be glad to send you the coupon.  Don’t put your email address in the comment; just fill in the address field.

The only thing I’ll ask for in return is that you please let me know which dessert you ordered.  My favorite is the Key Lime Pie but I’m trying to experience them all, even vicariously!

Daily Grill

2121 Rosecrans Avenue
El Segundo, CA
(310) 524-0700
http://www.dailygrill.com