Picalilli

Picalilli has been on my radar for awhile, and I'm glad I finally taste tested their fusion cuisine on a balmy afternoon. They have a very spacious dog friendly patio, with plenty of heat lamps when Los Angeles gets chilly (that translates to around 50-60F).

I went with a local who had also not tried them yet, so we sent our tastebuds out to explore several plates, starting with the hamachi crudo for $22. It was a lovely presentation with fresh fish and edible flowers.

One the specials was an eggplant and pepper side dish that could easily have been a main course alongside some of the spicy crispy rice salad.

The spicy crispy rice salad for $18 was not spicy hot, but spicy complex that would please any vegetarian looking for something slightly different yet comforting at the same time.

I specifically came on a day they offered octopus, which was beautifully charred and tender, having come from a nice fire and delicate handling. 

I didn't need dessert, but my friend did, we we ordered the white chocolate blondie for $13 that was easily enough to share, but I graciously only tasted and allowed my friend the indulgence of a double portion of dessert :)

They offer brunch, happy hour, and craft cocktails, so there's still plenty for me to explore next time!

Metro Breakfasts

It's serendipitous when a favorite local place opens up a new outpost in another location that just happens to be a city that I frequent and where I have friends. The gigantic breakfasts at Metro Cafe in Culver City are available in El Segundo with the same people running both places, so it was wonderful to be greeted as a regular in a new location!

Their California scramble served with fresh fruit for $17 is as vibrant and fresh as it looks, and there is no way to finish this plate unless your appetite is gigantic!

They offer a yogurt, granola and fruit bowl for those days when you want something simple. I am always amazed by how ripe their fruit is on all their plates!

One day I wanted something a bit smaller so I opted for 2 eggs over medium with some of their wonderful guacamole with a side of fruit and an English muffin. A bit smaller was still a very filling breakfast plate!

I don't remember what this dish was because it was my friend's plate and I didn't eat it! But it looked beautiful and all my friends know that dining with me means I must take a picture before they taste anything :)

Since I'm heading down that way again next week, I'll have to figure out what the plate was, order it, and taste it!

Etta at the Shay

After seeing several posts about Etta, I was excited to taste and experience the place for myself. The dining room and patio are both beautiful spaces, very open, light, and appointed with classic clean comfortable furniture. There are plenty of heat lamps on the dog friendly patio, and service was impeccable. 

The menu is varied enough for vegetarians and vegans, with plenty of options for meat lovers. Prices are a bit high but not unreasonable. We chose 2 glasses of the French Chardonnay from Bourgogne for $18 each as we anticipated the vegetarian meal we ordered.

I went with a friend with a dog, so we sat on the patio and started with the eggplant appetizer for $16. Served with tahini ricotta, buttered hazelnuts, calabrian chili and herb salad, this was a pleasant appetizer, but I was surprised that it was not served warm. The crunch of the hazelnuts added a nice crunch to the overly fussy combination of flavors.

I was hopeful that the little gem salad for $17 would be better. Served with avocado, cucumbers, and a Creme Fraiche vinaigrette, this was blandly unremarkable.

Hoping for a knockout vegetable dish, this green bean, mushroom, and corn medley could have been much better if it did not have a refrigerator chill on all the vegetables (for around $16). I don't know why they chose to serve the vegetable sides at room temperature or chilled, but it definitely diminished the flavor of dishes. 

Thankfully the pasta was served warm with fresh basil and tomatoes (around $25) and was done with a light hand in both the preparation and flavors.

It was interesting to eat as a vegetarian and find out if a restaurant does a good job solely based on vegetarian dishes, but I was not impressed by any of the vegetarian food. I think a return visit for some pizza or brunch might sway my opinion to be more favorable. Since I did not taste any of the meat or fish options from the hearth, I might return to see if those options might be better as well. 

Hearty Australian and Irish Breakfasts

People from all over the world settle in Los Angeles and we become a delicious oasis when they bring their food and drinks to their new abode. The Ministry of Coffee or MOC in Westwood has an Australian and Turkish origin in both their drinks and food. I had their delectable Right Start egg white omelet  for $13 filled with kale, spinach, tomatoes, and avocado. Served with a side salad and toast, this was a very filling and healthy way to start my day.

One another day I had a hearty lamb sandwich one morning for $15 on delightful ciabatta bread, with slow cooked lamb, feta, salsa, sumac, tomato and greens that was such an umami bomb and so filling that I had to take half of it to go.

The Irish pub Auld Fella, may not be what you think of when you want brunch on a week-end, but the ambiance on the sidewalk with the street music, and people watching, may have you reconsider. Corned beef hash for $19 may sound boring but the quality of the corned beef elevates this to a crowd pleaser.

8 oz of Waygu steak, eggs, onion, and potato for $29 was un unbeatable bargain because they did each element perfectly.

While we enjoy the comfort of homes, health, food, and safety, others around the world are not as privileged, so please help in any way you can to support those in need with food, medical aid, or hygiene.