Saturday, November 24, 2007

Red Pearl Kitchen Does It Right. Stone Rose Chaser









Visitors from out of town. Already hit the local sushi place. Had mexican food for lunch. In the mood for something else. Where to end up?



This particular night, it was the Red Pearl Kitchen












Its difficult to say if our experience was typical, since it was just before Thanksgiving - but we were quickly seated. A look around the restaurant showed it to be an oasis of cool - laquered woods, candle highlights, and asian details set the mood.






Our servers were helpful and efficient, and got us started on cocktails. I had a spicy martini called the Jade Mistress, made with vodka steeped with chilis, mixed with apple, thai basil and sour mix. It was a tart, light, spicy drink that really hit the spot. Another in our party wanted some red wine, and came up with a unique option:












Appetizers and dinner were a laundry list of fine selections. Not a single missed try among them: Green Curry with Chicken, ahi tartare, chicken in lettuce cups, salt and pepper shrimp tempura, pork and shrimp shu mai, and others...













For a nightcap, we ended up at the Stone Rose Lounge.

It can be found at the Hotel Sofitel.

Regular Syndicate readers will remember a previous visit to the outside cabanas for cigars and cocktails.


This time, it was cocktails... and dessert.

We went with the "Junk Food Sampler Plate."

This devious collection includes cotton candy, rice crispy treats, vanilla malted, mini cupcakes, cookies, etc.

the group of five of us devoured it while sipping our cocktails and reclining on the chaise lounges.

On a normal evening, this is a lounge packed wall to wall with the "beautiful people," with good music and fine beverages. A good example of an LA hotspot you can actually get into and enjoy.

posted by Mitch @ 4:13 PM 0 comments

Really? Every Meal of the Day?

Recently, the residents of the Ranch had the opportunity to visit BLD for a nice evening out.
(Mrs. Ranch visited one morning for their brunch as well, but details of that another time).

BLD, at 7450 Beverly Blvd, might just be the perfect example of current LA cuisine - high attention to detail, upscale enough for a premium night out, but casual enough for a regular jaunt out with friends for a casual bite.

A nice space, formerly two other restaurants (Cafe Capo and Opaline) - hard to imagine it being two places, since the restaurant itself is somewhat...cozy.. but still, we were able to get seating for 5 without too much trouble (though, I definitely recommend calling ahead and making reservations).

Our group explored some of the more interesting sounding appetizers - The tater tots...all grown up, with cheese and a side salad, but still full of deep fried goodness.

We also enjoyed the cheese and charcuterie selection. About a dozen cheeses, goat, sheep and cow's milk among them. Along with a good ten or so charcuterie options - including meats from Fra'Mani - a favorite around the Ranch. It comes with an assortment of condiments including fig paste, marcona almonds, honey, etc.
Along with the substantial and yet affordable wine list, this option seemed appealing for a nice snack on its own.

Some in our party tried the Burger - which, I have to say was moist, tasty, and accompanied by some fine fries. The pastas were good, as were the pannini sandwiches.

We enjoyed good service, good selections of foods, and left full but not stuffed to the gills. Obviously some selections are better suited for light snacking, while others may address a more substantial hunger.

An A+ selection.

posted by Mitch @ 3:49 PM 0 comments