Jolly Oyster

There are several great seafood places near me, but I had not yet tried the Jolly Oyster, so late one afternoon I headed over to Citizen Public Market to get a taste of their offerings. Steamers were very garlicky and served with excellent bread to sop up the wonderful liquid. The clams were very small, but the portion was a decent size for $14 a pound.

The baked oysters with leek and parm, six for $17 were a great choice for non raw oyster lovers. This was like a fusion of a less intense version of Oysters Rockefeller with a creamy leek base.

Just to be sure that I had enough to eat, I also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which included a horseradish cocktail sauce that was so good that I wanted to take it home! 

The ease of parking in the lot behind the market, the choices and quality of the seafood, and the proximity to where I live, all combined to make this a neighborhood choice to return to for more shellfish.

 

Pizzeria Sei

Sometimes I get a craving for a specific food that sends me on a hunt until I find satisfaction. Fortunately Los Angeles is home to several great pizzerias, and Pizzeria Sei is definitely one of the best. 

It is a tiny place, with counter seats around the kitchen, and literally two tables inside and 2 tables on the sidewalk. If you want to eat outside, you order to go and they will bring it out to you. It's handy to use the Yelp app to see the current wait times and put yourself on the waitlist if you want to dine inside.

I ordered the tricolore salad for $11 which was plenty to share. The second picture shows more of the colors after mixing in the dressing and eating half of it :)

I got a margherita for $19, but wanted some meat on it, so I added Cotto Salami ($6 extra) cooked in and I may have found a new favorite combo. I abhor doughy, tasteless thick crusts, so this chewy, thin crust is my paradigm for an absolutely perfect pizza. The char and chew were spot on, and the quality ingredients were addictive.

The Napoletana for $20 with olives, capers, anchovies, and oregano was a combination of salty, umami, and herby goodness. The only thing missing was some wine to go with it, but they do not have a liquor license, and do not allow BYOB, so take one of these home to enjoy if you wish to imbibe.

They have takeout available only during the week before evening hours, and only take delivery apps orders during the week before evening, so time your visit accordingly, for it is very much worth the planning to please your tastebuds.

First Taste of Tangaroa

Tangaroa is an ocean god in Polynesian and Maori mythology, so the name of this fish market and restaurant is a well chosen one if you revere fresh fish and seafood.

I stopped by for lunch and found their service, space, and food all impeccable. I have never been to New Zealand, but I know several kiwis. I appreciate their very honest, clean, and sustainable ethos, which also comes through in the bounty from the sea; there is a reason that New Zealand Red Snapper is one of the preferred fish for sushi and good restaurants. 

The beet salad for $19 could have been a meal for a vegetarian, and it is ample enough to share if you want to split it an an entrée.

Their calamari for $17 was tender and flour battered. I would have preferred a different crunchier batter, but it included tentacles (my favorite) and was done with a light hand.

Crab cakes for $19 served with salad could have been a small meal with two good sized cakes. There was a bit of heat from the mustard in the crab mix, but the crab meat still shone through.

Grilled octopus salad for $29 was my favorite dish (so far). Perfectly cooked octopus was tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, served with a generous panzanella salad, this was a hearty plate!

Red snapper filet for $31 with carrot purée and sautéed squash featured perfectly crisp skin and tender red snapper, served with a medley of sautéed squash. If you order this dish as a solo eater, I would bet you will leave with delicious leftovers!

I can't wait to come back for their lobster special on Wednesday and a happy hour oyster fest!

Wood & Vine

Going to eat at Wood & Vine has become my automatic choice before a show at the Pantages. It's literally across the street, so there is no need to stress about traffic or parking, and the food, atmosphere, and service are always pleasant. They have instituted a no tip policy, with 20% automatically added to the bill to cover both back and front of the house employees, so those who work behind the scenes are paid a fairer wage for their work. I wish more restaurants would institute this policy.

I was going to a show for a pre birthday celebration so our serve gave us TWO complimentary glasses of sparkling wine (from Albuquerque and normally $14 per glass) and although I would not have ordered this ordinarily, it was a nice gesture and I appreciated the thoughtfulness.

The classic caesar for $12 had slices of garlic toast instead of croutons, and had enough garlic and a bit of anchovy to satisfy my picky palate.

The braised short rib for $26 was GIGANTIC! It was so tender and tasty that we put the leftovers in the car (it was a cool day and we parked underground across the street) as we went to watch the show!

I got the linguini and shrimp for $26 that was also a hearty portion, and a tasty rendition with fresh tomatoes and good sized, perfectly cooked shrimp.

We arrived for the show 2 hours early, so we had time to linger, but not much room after the meal. Our waitress once again gave us a complimentary dessert (normally $10). The hot donut holes with vanilla sauce were fantastic! 

It was nice to find Wood & Vine survived Covid 19, and it was fun to attend my first performance at the Pantages in over 2 years!

Hog Island Larkspur

On my way back to Los Angeles from Sonoma, I stopped off at Hog Island in Larkspur so some oysters before heading home. I got 3 East Coast ones per the waitress' suggestion, and after tasting them, I agreed I preferred them to the West Coast Oysters! A bit brinier and smaller, but each one was a smooth, sweet fresh bite. Your choice of any six was $21 and I simply dressed them in a squeeze of lemon juice and contemplated ordering some champagne or wine, but since I was driving and it was only 11 am, I stuck to water!

The grilled Monterey Calamari for $15 in a lemon parsley vinaigrette was bright and tender, and if you are looking for a light bite this side and a salad would be plenty.

The $14 Caesar salad had a nice roasted garlic-anchovy dressing.

Because I had no idea what the portion sizes were before ordering, I also got a bowl of clam chowder for $18 that was so rich and filling that I could barely finish the shellfish, much less the broth. 

I will definitely be back for an afternoon of oysters and wine when in the area and when someone else is doing the driving!

Jacob's in Sonoma

After doing a bit of research online, my first food stop on my trip to Sonoma was Jacob's. Since it was late afternoon midweek, there was no wait and a plenty of seats available both inside and on their shaded patio. They are open all afternoon except for Monday, so if the places around the central square are packed, this place is a great choice. The waitress was very efficient and friendly, and recognized me on a subsequent visit, welcoming me back!

I chose the chicken gyro with a side salad, that was ENORMOUS and delicious, but even in my ravenous state, I could only finish half of this plate!

A friend ordered the pesto chicken sandwich with side salad and could not finish it either, although they were equally famished! I knew after this meal to always split a plate here unless you wanted leftovers to take away!

I went back the next day and used my newly acquired knowledge about their portion sizes to split a caesar salad and lasagna with my dining partner and it worked out perfectly! We sat outside under huge red umbrellas, so the shots below have a bit of a tint to them :(

The lasagna was served with vegetables that could have been a meal in and of themselves, with a cheesy bread side. The beef lasagna was obviously freshly made with a bright tangy tomato sauce and loaded with vegetables. Even splitting this with the salad was very filling!

I asked the waitress about a great coffee place that I read was literally next door, and she said the only place next door besides the train attraction (week-ends are prime time, so prepare to wait if you are going when the attraction is open), was the lumber store! 

The Grand Cafe serves organic coffee out of the front entrance of the lumber store! They also serve some sausages/hot dogs and pastries, but if you are craving a coffee fix, they will satisfy your craving.

La Salette Sonoma

My favorite restaurant in Sonoma is La Salette. In the three days of my trip to Sonoma, I ate at La Salette THREE times, and would have gone four times if they had been open for breakfast the day of my departure! With different servers on every visit, the professionalism and warmth of every server added to the joy of every meal. There is a (free) parking lot behind the restaurant with a small driveway entrance on the main square; it is the best place to park unless you get a spot in front. Today's post is an amalgamation of all the meals I ate at La Salette :)

Arriving in the early evening before a wedding week-end celebration, I knew that food was required before the cocktail reception held across the square to welcome all the guests, so I booked my first dinner based on location, and of course online reviews!

The Brussel sprouts with a mushroom medley was beautifully charred, lightly cooked, and perfectly seasoned.

Asparagus with ham and a poached egg, could have been a delightful breakfast, but we had it as a side vegetable dish.

I loved the wood fired octopus with potatoes with potatoes for $19

The braised pork belly with smoked apple gastrique, frisée and madeira glaze for $18 was a popular appetizer.

The house salad for $15 could have been a light lunch with a delightful sherry herb vinaigrette.

The whole branzino for $38 was enough to share, and lightly cooked with a refreshing herbs and tomatoes. Easily enough to share if you are feeling generous ;) 

The fisherman stew for $32 was GIGANTIC! Every morsel was properly prepared, with an addictive jus from all the shellfish and linguiça that will have you asking for more bread to get every drop.

The salt cod cakes for $17 are a classic Portuguese dish on the Portuguese leaning menu that embodies what they SHOULD taste like when done with a deft hand. The Moroccan black olive coulis added both a nice briny touch and an artistic flair to the presentation.

If you love scallops, the wood seared day boat scallops for $20 should definitely be on your radar.

After seeing several nearby tables order oysters, I succumbed and was happy to find them fresh, firm, and simply tasting of the ocean.

The trio of frigid desserts for $11 was enough for the table to share, with lightly sweetened and fruity flavors to satisfy the sweet tooth diners at the table.

After we ate dessert, they also offered a complimentary coconut ball that arrived with the bill. 

After drinking several glasses of their mineral forward vinho verde (I don't remember the name, but I do know they have another one that is fruity), I was glad I wasn't driving, and only had to navigate to the car parked 50 feet away!

Meal at the Old Mill in Glen Ellen

During my visit to Sonoma for a wedding, I stopped at the Old Mill in Glen Ellen for a stroll through the sculpture garden and a lovely lunch with excellent service. This was a functioning mill which has been transformed into a small commercial center that features eateries and professional services. There's plenty of parking and it's a lovely place to wander around just for the beautiful scenery.

The restaurant has a large outdoor patio, but the interior is just as welcoming especially with their personable and professional service, this is an easy place to spend an afternoon. I split a caesar salad and they added a bit more to the plate once they heard we were sharing!

The special of the day was a pork chop with lovely vegetables and mashed potatoes that was such a generous portion that we were glad we split both the salad and the entrée (the picture below is HALF of one portion).

As you meander around the Jack London Square property there are sculptures that dot the square extending to the parking lot and of course a history of the place.

Watch a video of the sculpture garden here.

El Pueblo Inn Sonoma

Going to a wedding in Sonoma was a good reason to revisit Northern California wine country and try out some new places. The wedding party suggested El Pueblo Inn as one of their suggested hotels, so after reading some reviews and looking at the location (midway between the wedding venue and downtown Sonoma) it was my chosen hotel. Rates were in the $200 range with free parking and breakfast, but that doubles on Saturday night! Very friendly staff, beautiful grounds, and easy access to both the downtown area of Sonoma and the road to other places since it sits at the intersection of the two main roads. 

Thankfully they had ADA rooms and the parking is literally next to the room, which featured a comfortable bed, fridge (that worked VERY well), safe, some biscotti, and a coffee maker. They offer a free breakfast in the morning until 10am, but I didn't wake up early enough to even try it once during my stay!

They had a beautiful fountain, small gym, jacuzzi, and pool, so if you are looking for a nice environment for your wine tasting trip, this place fits the bill. This is a nonsmoking place, with a designated smoking area in the parking lot. Lots of foreign travelers, so it felt very international, and I appreciated the water and coffee offered in the lobby.