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Tag Archives: Shopping

Fig and Olive – Fantastic!

23 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by yummcha in American Food, Food, Lifestyle

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Bread, carpaccio, figs, Los Angeles, olives, Restaurant, Shopping, truffles

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Finally,  I was able to try Fig and Olive. I don’t recall how I first heard of this restaurant, but I was immediately fascinated because I love figs, and somehow I imagined there to be lots of figs in all the dishes. Well, there was no figs in the dishes that I ordered. I saw one fig on my friend’s plate, but I had enough self control not to ask for it.

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Even without the figs, the food was incredibly luscious and amazing, with some of the dishes having great textures and very distinct flavors. The mostly white and brownish modern decor felt clean, cool and harmonious.

Our waitress was spot-on with her prompt, yet attentive service. Everything seemed to flow flawlessly from beginning to the end. Even the lady’s room felt uncommonly comfortable, warm, with such perfectly adjusted water temperature that it did not even feel like water flowing through my fingers. Even the texture of the paper towels right next to the sink felt so unusually crisp and soft at the same time.

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The appetizer, Truffle Mushroom Croquette, was absolutely perfect in texture and taste. The outer crust had just the right amount of crunchiness without being hard, while the middle was an oozing, warm, delicate, luxurious, soft, and amazingly mixture of béchamel, mushroom, and parmesan! My companion’s Beef Carpaccio was the best I have tasted, with a slightly sweet flavor that I had never encountered before, perhaps it was from the 18 year Balsamic.

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My Primavera Risotto with Lobster was exceptionally rich, I found myself quite full even though the portion size was not that big. The only complaint would be that the serving of lobster was a bit too small to adequately share with my eating companion. The grilled lamb from the Lamb Skewers was delightfully tender, and the side of couscous mixed with onion, scallion and tomatoes was truly refreshing.

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The Chocolate Pot de Crème was fabulously rich and smooth, with just the appropriate amount of sweetness. I loved the cherries from the Dessert “Crostini” – a fun treat with Amarena cherry, mascarpone on pistachio shortbread.

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Even the complimentary focaccia bread that came with 3 types of olive oil was excellent – lightly dense yet soft, truly satisfying.

There were ample meter parking spaces outside the restaurant. If money was no object, one can venture into the many high-priced boutiques on the surrounding streets, or simply take a leisure stroll and window shop.

Fig and Olive Melrose Place: 8490 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069  Phone: 310-360-9100

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Cocohodo – Tasty Retreat

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by yummcha in Bakery, Food, Korean Food

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Beverage, Business, Coffee, Coffee and Tea, Food, Hazelnut, Pastry, Shopping

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Sometimes simplicity is best. When it comes to these tasty little treats that the store called Premium Walnut Cookies, it certainly does not get any simpler.

The store sells just one main product (not counting the coffee and tea selections)- Hodo Kwaja.  These are small walnut shape cookies filled with sweet red bean paste and walnuts. When I first tried these pastries, it was over ten years ago, and I had bought them from a Korean supermarket. At that time, I thought the little pastries were just alright, perhaps a bit too sweet.

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The walnut pastries at Cocohodo are definitely many grades better than the ones at the supermarket. The red bean paste inside as well as the outer cake portion have just the right, small amount of sweetness that I prefer, and with the soft crunch of the walnut, the pastry came together quite harmonious without feeling heavy.

I ordered a special which included a cup of coffee and four pieces of walnut pastries for around $3.5. One could choose either regular or hazelnut flavored coffee. My friend and both decided that the hazelnut coffee was probably one of the smoothest, most flavorful coffee that we have ever tried. It was so good even without any cream, milk, nor sugar. The walnut pastries were individually wrapped and came in a contemporary ceramic white bowl, which made it easy to share with others without having to use any utensils.

The atmosphere inside this small store is very peaceful, modern, with huge windows are around. I felt so comfortable and relaxed sipping my coffee and looking out at the passing cars.

I was told that the store features art work from local artist at one corner of room. One can also buy these pastries either in gift bags or gift boxes and the prices are reasonable.

I will definitely come back the next time I want to having a relaxing chat with friends, while enjoying great coffee and a small treat.

Cocohodo – 2734 Hawthrone Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  

http://cocohodo.co.kr/coco_e/1_1.html

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Hamada-ya Bakery: Bread and Pastries

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by yummcha in Bakery, Food, Japanese Food

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Tags

Baked Goods, Bakery, Bread, Bread roll, Food, Food and Related Products, Mochi, Shopping

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Although I have been buying different varieties of bread and pastries here for years now, I have never really given much thought as to how good this bakery really is until the more I tried other bakeries in the Los Angeles area. To clarify, I am mainly comparing this place to the other Asian owned bakeries such as JJ Bakery, 85°c, Paris Baguette, Simply Splendid Bakery, etc.  I would just say that the items here are consistently delicious and of high quality.

What I find is that most bakeries usually offer a few items that are unique and outstanding to that particular shop. I would often end up going to different shops to purchase favorite items from that individual store. Perhaps I will share with you which pastries I find to be the best from each bakery at a later date.

The Raisin bread rolls and Mochi bread rolls, as well as the Green tea bread loaf are my favorites. The raisins in the bread are plump and juicy with just the right amount of sweetness in the bread. The mochi roll has a soft center with an outer crust that is chewy and slightly crunchy. If available, the green tea bread is exceptional, with its strong and fragrant tea flavor.

The Choco Ring Donut is the best chocolate donut I have tried so far. Perhaps it is not fair to compare it to a traditional donut since it is quite different. The description says that it is dipped in thick, dark french chocolate. The result is that I feel like I am eating a thin crispy layer of a delicious semi sweet chocolate with a donut.

One of their most popular item is the Cream Cornet, which consists of a flaky, slightly chewy outer shell, and filled with a blend of fresh heavy cream and custard cream.  While I like the outside texture and the creamy consistency inside,  I do find it to be just a tiny bit sweet for my taste. The Cherry Tart is dense but moist with the right balance of sweetness and tartness from the cherries.

Thoughts and Question of the Day: While in France, my favorite pastry was “chausson aux pommes”, I have not been able to find that here in LA yet. Why is it so hard to find this particular pastry?

Hamada-ya: 21515 S. Western Ave. Torrance, CA 90501 Phone: (310) 787-1778 (inside Mitsuwa Marketplace)

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