Surf and Turf for Lunch at Wakasaya
Wednesday August 8, 2012 by Tsz Chan
When I try something I like, I can eat it everyday until I get sick from it—figuratively (and in some cases, literally). For example, the first time I experienced melted brie on toast with truffle honey and almonds, it turned into a two-week obsession. My co-workers can attest to this as the office would smell like truffles during lunch... every day. Sorry!
So , it's quite fortunate that Wakasaya is quite a ways from where I live as lately I've been obsessed with their seared salmon don. Picture a bowl of hot, sticky rice, layered with a shelter of crispy nori, on which slices of fatty salmon rest after getting a smoky kiss by a blowtorch. End result is like the fish version of Two Face, one side charred while the other is is pristine and raw—not sinister by any means, but deliciously addicting.
The best part is that when you go for lunch, you can get this as part of the lunch special, which comes with a second entree and a drink. For a little surf and turf action, I like to pair the seared salmon bowl with some niku udon. Plump udon noodles, beefy soy broth, a generous helping of beef, caramelized onions and fresh shredded scallions—the Japanese equivalent of pho. That and a frosty glass of ice tea and I'm heading towards a much welcomed mid-day food coma.
If you're a big eater, or dining with a friend...or both, I would recommend an extra order of takoyaki on the side. For the uninitiated, they're these crispy balls of umami and texture-filled brilliance.
Octopus and tempura bits are enrobed in a pudding-soft wheat batter and cooked so a thin crispy crust forms that holds the molten mass together. They're then lined up in rows, then lacquered with a sweet, savory sauce and lines of Japanese mayo. If that wasn't enough, there's a sprinkling of dried nori and a mound of bonito flakes that seems to "move" as it comes into contact with the sauce. It's simply out of this world.
If you're ever in the area, give Wakasaya a chance!
Wakasaya — Little Tokyo 104 Japanese Village Plaza Mall Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-621-2121
[Images by Tsz Chan]
Check out Tsz at http://www.gastrophoria.com/
Reforming Danishes at Amandine Patisserie
Saturday March 17, 2012 by Tsz Chan
I've had less than a stellar relationship with danishes. They say first impressions are everything and my first run-in with a danish was in elementary school during the annual standardized testing (ugh). Fortunately, I've seen the light at Amandine Pastisserie.
To make testing more bearable for the class, our teacher served us a paper cup of Sunny D and a plastic packaged danish. It was greasy, smushed and filled with an overly sweet goo (supposed to be apple pie filling). No bueno.
I avoided the danish like the plague afterwards—and baked goods in bags in general too. It wasn't till a random brunch recently at Amandine Patisserie that shattered my ongoing perception of how revolting danishes are.
Made with care, these specimens looks more like mini fruit tarts showcasing glistening fresh fruit. Their strawberry one comes on a bed of flaky puff-pastry foundation, buleed vanilla cream (with specks of vanilla beans so you know it's the real deal), and topped with sweet strawberries and a smattering of crushed pistachio. You won't find any goo here.
The banana one features the same pastry base, but instead of vanilla cream, it has a rich spread of caramel, a mountain of bananas and crumbled semi-sweet chocolate.
Those alone will transform your brunch into a celebration. But, if you're like me with a savory tooth, getting a slice of their daily quiche would be a good way to satisfy your craving. The day that I visited, they had a wild mushroom quiche and it was simply divine. A myriad of wild mushrooms are sauteed and stuffed into a light eggy base and topped with melted cheese. It's more comforting (and tasty) than a warm blanket.
So, if you're anti-danish like I used to be, I highly urge you to pay Amandine Patisserie a visit. You'll be cured in no time!
Amandine Patisserie 12225 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: (310) 979-3211
[Images by Tsz Chan]
Check out Tsz at http://www.gastrophoria.com/
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