Me So Hapa!

Tavern on 2 (Gastropub) There’s a new place on second...

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:02:19 -0700

Tavern on 2 (Gastropub)

There’s a new place on second street in Belmont Shore CA that has made this foodie a very happy Hapa. Tavern on 2 is a new Gastropub that just opened. The people there are friendly and the service is fantastic! You might even get to speak with the owner who is a real sweetheart!

He came by and talked to our table and even gave us a bottle of the most amazing champagne. Rebello Charlotte Strawberry champagne. So delicious and refreshing!

We started off with their Beef Oxtail Poutine. Oxtail braised in ale, with cheddar cheese curds and duck fat fries. You’re probably thinking Oxtail? Wtf?! Seriously, don’t diss it until you’ve tried it. The duck fat fries are exactly what they sound like. French fries cooked in duck fat. Very rich and not at all gamy.

For my main course I had the Tavern on 2 Burger. Paso Prime Rance Beef, Brie cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato. Served with their signature ketchup sauce on a brioche bun. Oh make sure to get it with avocado!

To go with this delicious burger I got an order of the Pomme frites
Shoestring fries with sea salt, truffle oil, served with 2 dipping sauces: honey asian mustard and Harissa sauce. There’s something about truffle oil that just makes a side of french fries something much more.

Besides all the wonderful food, Tavern on 2 has a wide variety of beers and wines, including one of my favorite ales
Sam’l Smith Organic Strawberry Ale.

The only down side to the Gastropub is the place is pretty tiny. But don’t let the long wait put you off, cause it’s totally worth it!

Vini al Bottegon in Venice! I loved Venice, especially the...

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:34:40 -0700

Vini al Bottegon in Venice!

I loved Venice, especially the food!

After we went to the Accadamia D’arte

we were in need of a snack. We found this small family run wine shop that was packed with people. So of course I had to try what they were eating and drinking.

We ordered the house white wine and the Baccala Cappuccina, which a creamy cheese spread on bread with balsamic vinegar. Very similar to cream cheese or creme fraiche. It was kinda amazing and I am determined to try and recreate it.

Ciao friends! I’m back from my awesome adventure in Italy!...

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:54:04 -0700

Ciao friends! I’m back from my awesome adventure in Italy! I had a great time seeing all the amazing sites and eating my way through Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, and Sicily!

I loved Florence the best and thought Pompeii was incredible! (picture is me in the amphitheater in Pompeii). I learned that one should never drive in Italy and to never stay in a hotel that used to be a monastery. So keep checking back for upcoming posts on my crazy adventure.

Peace, love, and good karma!

Sono in vacanza....

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:04:47 -0700

Buon giorno food lovers and fashionistas! I’m off to Italy for almost 3 weeks! I will be visiting Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, and Sicily!

I can’t wait to share all my adventures with you!

Until July….. Ciao!

NYC Street Food One of my favorite things about NYC is the...

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:52:14 -0700

NYC Street Food

One of my favorite things about NYC is the awesome food one can find just by wandering the streets.

By chance we happened to find several food trucks and some of the best Halal food I’ve ever tasted.

The Rickshaw Dumpling Truck can be found all over the city including Central Park. I tried their Peking Duck dumplings and their
Chicken and Basil dumplings. They are steamed right there for your enjoyment. Very yummy!

The Desi Food Truck is Indian food on the go. I tried the Indian girdled flat bread with chicken topped with coriander mint sauce and hot sauce. It was basically an Indian burrito. Very flavorful and just plain good but far from plain.

I also tried a chocolate chip cookie off of a baked goods truck and homemade ice-cream off another truck. The ice-cream truck can be found in Central Park. They have flavors from vanilla to lavender. Both treats were amazing but sadly I am lame and didn’t write down the names of those two food trucks. I know, bad Alex, bad.

The Halal stand on 53rd street and 6th Ave is so delicious it should come at no surprise that these stands are literally lined up over the river and through the woods. I ordered the Chicken plate! The chicken is cooked right there and placed upon a bed of rice, topped with a spicy sauce sure to burn so good. This plate is full of flavor and only 6 dollar!

As you can see NYC is a food lovers paradise!

Max Brenner - NYC They say three times is a charm, and...

Wed, 04 May 2011 15:39:00 -0700

Max Brenner - NYC

They say three times is a charm, and apparently it is, because I loved Max Brenner so much that’s how many times I had to get my chocolate fix!

If you haven’t figured it out by now Max Brenner is a restaurant that specializes in chocolate desserts, located by Union Square. Of course they serve a regular food menu, sans the chocolate, but I came for the desserts!

I recommend starting with the Italian Thick Hot Chocolate with vanilla cream. I ordered mine with milk chocolate but you can also have it with white or dark chocolate! This decadent drink comes in a cute cup called a “hug mug” which fits perfectly between ones hands!

My favorite dessert I tried was the Melting Chocolate Truffle Heart Cake & Shake milk chocolate heart (pictured). It is served with vanilla bourbon ice cream red berries and iced milk chocolate shot. Are you drooling yet?

The 100% Pure Chocolate Chocolate Experience ice cream “max-which” is huge! Please note it is best to share. This decedent dark truffle iced cream & pure chocolate chunks are hugged between old fashioned very rich chocolate cookies drizzled with a boost of pure chocolate served with pure dark chocolate ganache for dipping.

A great way to get your maximum overload of chocolate is by ordering the Sharing (tasting for two). This comes with Banana split waffle, fluffy chocolate sponge cake, crispy chocolate egg roll, milk & white chocolate “bark”, chocolate fondue with market fruit & marshmallows and crunchy chocolate wafer balls. Served with your own grill to roast the marshmallows (cause who doesn’t like flaming marshmallows?) and a creamy pure chocolate sauce to dip in.

Lastly, on my third and final trip to Max Brenner we ordered the European Fondu for Two, Choice of two chocolate sauces (pure milk, dark or white) served with toffee sauce, bananas, strawberries, chocolate chunk cookies, marshmallows, and their fluffy chocolate sponge cake for your dipping pleasure! Divine!

But don’t worry SoCal friends there’s a Max Brenner not too far away in Vegas!

Serendipity 3 Get their Frozen Hot Chocolate! ‘nuff said!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:12:17 -0700

Serendipity 3

Get their Frozen Hot Chocolate! ‘nuff said!

Fondue and Wine! The bourgeois pig, located 111 East 7th Street...

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:14:41 -0700

Fondue and Wine!

The bourgeois pig, located 111 East 7th Street in NYC, is so good I jump for joy just thinking about it.

Don’t let the man at the door intimidate you from going on in, just make sure you have your ID’s handy. This fine gentlemen will then seat you. Its like stepping into a crowded French cafe with dim lighting and heavy red drapery for ambience! Tres chic!

We started with the White Cheddar Cheese Bruschetta with Roasted Fuji Apples. For drinks we had a champagne cocktail called the Bourgeois Royal. Strawberry Reduction and Pol Roger Champagne! So good we ordered seconds!

Our main course consisted of two cheese fondues. A four cheese fondue consisting of Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan and Romano, along with Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano. The other fondue known as the Rarebit had Cheddar, Maredsous B, and Grains of Paradise! Both fondues came with toast, apples, grapes and roasted potatoes for dipping.

The Bourgeois Pig has great desserts but sadly we didn’t stay. Instead we moved on to another location all about chocolate! But that’s another blog.

NYC

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:57:03 -0700

Hello food fanatics and fashionistas! I’m on vacation in NYC for the next 10 days! So stay tuned for some yummy, mouth watering food updates and musical spectacular reviews!

Peace, Love, and Good Karma Yo!

Breakfast for lunch. The Griddle Cafe, located on Sunset near...

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:34:07 -0700

Breakfast for lunch.

The Griddle Cafe, located on Sunset near the corner of Fairfax, offers it’s patrons an amazing variety of pancakes, french toast, and waffles!

Their pancakes range from Blueberry to Red Velvet. Yes, the Griddle has Red Velvet Pancakes with cream cheese frosting . I also enjoy their Strawberries and Cream waffle (pictured). It’s covered in strawberries and the Griddle’s own brown sugar sour cream topping. The waffle is nice and fluffy with a hint of cinnamon. So yummy!

I also have to say they have the best bacon ever! It’s extra thick and cooked to perfection with a savory flavor to it. Yes, I know. I’m a bad Jew.

And for you coffee lovers they have French pressed coffee ranging from mild to bold!

The only downer about this great breakfast spot is they close at 4pm. I recommend going during the weekday instead of the weekend because the Griddle will be lined up down the block!

I’ll be wearing feathers down my back this...

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:03:47 -0700

I’ll be wearing feathers down my back this summer…

Feather extensions in ones hair are all the rage right now. My friends (Teresa left and Alyssa right) as well as myself have fallen in love with wearing feathers in our hair!!!

Most hair salons are now offering “feather bars”, but beware!!! Many of these salons are charging $$$ for just a few feathers.

I love all the great colors the feathers come in, and don’t worry about washing your hair or styling it! These feathers are user friendly. You can wash and style your hair as your normally would! Feather extensions last 2-3 months and most likely you can reuse the feathers too!

This is a great way to express your inner wild child without committing to something permanent.

J’adore La Creperie! If you want a taste of Paris look no...

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:18 -0700

J’adore La Creperie!

If you want a taste of Paris look no further than La Creperie Cafe in Belmont Shore on 2nd Street. They have a killer wine deal ever Monday and Tuesday, I’m talking half price off on their bottles of wine. You can also enjoy live music Monday - Wednesday night. Be prepared to have little conversation with your dinning companions for the music can be loud and annoying. But that’s why you order a half price bottle of wine.

For starters I love their Garlic Frites (fries), served with 3 dipping sauces: ketchup, chipotle aioli and ranch dressing. If you like salads I recommend their Chopped Salad, which has a little bit of everything in it.

One of my favorite savory crepes they offer is the French Riviera. Inside the crepe is Chicken breast, artichoke hearts and fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped in a sherry basil cream sauce. Tres Bon!

I also love their breakfast crepes. To Your Health tastes anything but healthy. Filled with Strawberries, Bananas and Nonfat yogurt it is sweetened with honey and topped with sliced almonds.

Now for the best part of the meal…. Dessert! The Latin Lover reminds me of strolling through Paris! Filled with Nutella and fresh bananas it sounds simple but the hot nutella makes this crepe oh so yummy!

After you eat here you will say J’adore la Creperie!!!

Dinner, Drinks, & Dessert! Luna Park in LA offers not just...

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:11:16 -0700

Dinner, Drinks, & Dessert!

Luna Park in LA offers not just a killer happy hour (buy 1 get one free) but also yummy food.

Start with the Warm Goat Cheese Fondue with Grilled Bread and Sliced Apples, then move on to their Crispy Gnocchi with Roasted Root Vegetables, Chanterelles Mushrooms, in a Truffle Cream Sauce and be sure to order the Marinated Hawaiian Tuna “Poke” with Fried Wonton Chips. Delicious!!!

Now what better way to end the night with some ooey gooey make your own s’mores (pictured left) with house made graham cookies and Deep Fried Apple pies! (pictured right) Served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

I’m making myself hungry just writing about this!

Best Banana Foster Ever!!! Stubriks, in Fullerton Ca, is known...

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:44:56 -0800

Best Banana Foster Ever!!!

Stubriks, in Fullerton Ca, is known for beer, steak and other yummy food. But what I enjoy best about Stubriks is their amazing Banana Foster!

I’ve had Banana Foster from many places but this spot by far has the best!

Weenies, chili cheese fries and a huge chocolate cake shake! If...

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:09:33 -0800

Weenies, chili cheese fries and a huge chocolate cake shake!

If you love hot dogs like I do you will love Portillo’s in Buena Park, Ca! I love their all-beef jumbo hot dog with everything on it! Their Chili Cheese Fries are delicious! And how can u go wrong with a piece of cake blended in with ice cream? But if you don’t like Chocolate Cake Shakes their Strawberry Shortcake is just as yummy!

If you don’t like weenies have no fear they also serve chicken sandwiches and burgers!

For those of you trying to be healthy, you can indulge yourself with their wide variety of salads. But seriously people just go for the junk food!

Lazy Dog Cafe If you want good drinks good food (for the most...

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:03:15 -0800

Lazy Dog Cafe

If you want good drinks good food (for the most part) and yummy desserts, look no further then Lazy Dog. Located throughout SoCali.

I suggest starting with dessert first.

Haven Gastropub If you’re like me you’re probably...

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:07:00 -0800

Haven Gastropub

If you’re like me you’re probably wondering what exactly is a Gastropub? Well dear readers a Gastropub is a bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food. Sounds good, non?

The Haven Gastropub, located in Orange, Ca, not only serves great food but they also have a huge selection of beer and wine!

For starters we shared the Wagyu Tartare (melts in yo mouth!). It has black garlic, shallots, dijon mustard, micro dijon and truffle oil mixed in the tartare. It is served with a small piece of sliced truffle. We also shared the Mac n’ Cheese. And not your normal Mac n’ Cheese let me tell you! It has black truffles, gruyere, fontina and parmesan cheese, which makes this a very yummy rich eat.

My main course was their Roasted Spaghetti! No pasta is added to this dish, instead it is made with spaghetti squash! Once you have this you’ll never want to eat carbs again with marinara sauce and cheese! I feel I should also mention Haven’s delicious burger aka the Haven Burger. Served with pickled red onions, roasted red bell peppers, wild arugula, and st. agur cheese… This burger is one of my favorites on their menu.

Now how to end such a lovely meal at Haven Gastropub? One word. Dessert! Might I recommend the Bread Pudding. Brioche with rum-soaked golden raisins and salted butter caramel ice cream. Amazballs! Yes, I just said Amazballs.

Oh and don’t forget libations! Organic Strawberry Ale!!!!!

Sadly Haven Gastropub doesn’t take reservations. So get there early if you want to eat at a decent hour!

Me Love Sushi! Apengo, a Japanese restaurant, located in...

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:55:04 -0800

Me Love Sushi!

Apengo, a Japanese restaurant, located in beautiful Belmont Shore, Ca has amazing sushi and a kick ass happy hour!

Sadly, I missed the happy hour but that did not stop me from ordering a hot sake and some melt in your mouth, leave it on fire fusion sushi!!!

Afternoon Tea & Scones Bricks & Scones located in Los...

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:03:06 -0800

Afternoon Tea & Scones

Bricks & Scones located in Los Angeles, Ca offers a wide range of teas, baked goods and coffees.

I had their Afternoon Tea, which comes with your choice of scone and tea. I opted for a Rose Champagne tea (very fragrant with subtle flavor) and a Berry Scone (lots of blueberries). The scone came with strawberry jam and clotted cream (yum!).

If you are a coffee drinker make sure to order their individual drip coffee, not their coffee by the cup.

Also, Students make sure to show them your student ID and you will get 10% off your order!

Goodbye Chicago until next year....

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:22:05 -0800

I had a pretty good time visiting Chicago. Ate some good food and drank some good drinks!

Watched silly chicks wear next to nothing in the freezing cold just to impress their dates and saw many a person sport a real fur coat.

I’m a SoCal gal and you couldn’t pay me enough to make this city my home town (no offense). However, it’s fun to visit!