Showing posts with label cafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cafe. Show all posts
Wang Xing Ji Juicy Dumpling & Dessert at Ozero
Wang Xing Ji is the first American branch of a popular, almost a century old dumpling house near Shanghai.Tucked away on the 2nd floor of the Focus Plaza in San Gabriel, it takes some diligence to find the fairly small store front.
L.A. Times Restaurant Critic Jonathan Gold reviewed this restaurant back in April this year, likening the extremely large xiao long bao, or juicy dumplings, to water balloons, or hand grenades!
After seeing photos of fellow foodies sipping the dumpling broth with straws, it became a high priority on the food trying list.
The rest of the items we tried on the menu, which is known for its sweet flavored savory dishes, didn't 'wow' me. Not bad but not memorable. I enjoyed the crispy scallion pancake, which is hard to mess up, although it has been done.
The main event, the crab and pork bun comes in its own steamer
sticky broth, served with a colorful boba straw. As usual, Jonathan Gold was right on the money, saying you feel slightly vampiric puncturing the dumpling and sipping the hot crab broth out.
The very rich, deeply layered almost sticky broth packs quite a flavor punch. The wrapper feels a little thicker than other juicy dumplings I've had, such as the ones in the very popular Din Tai Fung.
This makes total sense, as the first 1-2 minutes after being served the dumpling, you try to figure out how to lift it with the much smaller spoon. Chopsticks are too pointy. It's almost like working with a delicate souffle.
Experiencing this juicy dumpling is well worth the $5 or so you pay for it. I'd definitely enjoy trying it again.
After seeing and using the boba straw, I craved boba of course.
After having such savory bites, we went to Ozero by Cofftea in Alhambra to enjoy some tasty beverages and share a dessert.
The mug contains a frothy boba milk tea with caramelized brown sugar. A bit sweet for my taste, the rich flavors work well with the chewy boba, one of the best in the area in my opinion.
And because that wasn't sweet or rich enough (kidding of course), we shared this condensed milk brick toast, charmingly adorned with chocolate sauce and sprinkles, spelling out the cafe's name.
This makes total sense, as the first 1-2 minutes after being served the dumpling, you try to figure out how to lift it with the much smaller spoon. Chopsticks are too pointy. It's almost like working with a delicate souffle.
Experiencing this juicy dumpling is well worth the $5 or so you pay for it. I'd definitely enjoy trying it again.
After seeing and using the boba straw, I craved boba of course.
After having such savory bites, we went to Ozero by Cofftea in Alhambra to enjoy some tasty beverages and share a dessert.
The mug contains a frothy boba milk tea with caramelized brown sugar. A bit sweet for my taste, the rich flavors work well with the chewy boba, one of the best in the area in my opinion.
And because that wasn't sweet or rich enough (kidding of course), we shared this condensed milk brick toast, charmingly adorned with chocolate sauce and sprinkles, spelling out the cafe's name.
The side view particularly does this toast justice as you can see the condensed milk pooling in the center. Lovely for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Comfort Carbs at Heirloom Bakery and Cafe
South Pasadena doesn't get credit for some of the solid food establishments it contains. It's not exactly the international food capital of L.A., but there are some highlights.Another local comfort food favorite of mine, the Heirloom Bakery and Cafe, in the Mission West area is a very convenient snack, breakfast or lunch stop adjacent to the Gold Line train station.
On my first visit, I noticed this large tray in the glass case with these cubes of mac and cheese.
After taking it home, smashing it with a fork and heating it up 2 minutes in the microwave, I had this comforting bowl of warm bubbling mac and cheese, complete with bread crumb topping.
It's surprising how much volume that cube grows into once smashed and heated. The pasta is al dente with gourmet cheese flavors.
The quiches, or at least the mushroom/spinach/parmesan quiche pictured here taste very savory, light and fluffy. They come whole or cut into these very generous slices.
This gorgeous multi-layered banana and chocolate cake looks like the perfect slice of cake in my head. The flavors remain subtle, natural and not overly sweet.
With the ubiquitous cupcakes, especially the red velvet, it's hard to stand out. I particularly loved the presentation of this one with delicately piped frosting and a lovely red rose petal as garnish. Simple and elegant.
In the cupcake department, one can't do much better than their Hostess inspired cupcake. I love the way they packed it upside down in this plastic container - very smart.
I've had several grown-up versions of the highly processed Hostess cakes that I loved as a child but can barely tolerate as an adult.
This one looks and tastes the best, in my opinion, and also wins in the moistness category.
The advantage of taking it home is being able to enjoy it out on the patio, in the sun. The smooth as silk chocolate ganache, moist cake and marshmallow cream filling satisfy every sweet craving imaginable.
All in all, this bakery and cafe provides a fantastic tucked away (on Meridian Avenue rather than on Mission) retreat for when you crave those comforting carbs.
Strangely Delicious Foods - 85°C's Squid Ink Bread
It's hard to imagine eating a coal-black piece of food, and enjoying it. Recently I tried to convince a friend to try 85°C Bakery Cafe's pitch black squid ink rolls.
She stared at it for a long time, then took a leaf of faith and tried it, then liked it. They came warm and fresh right out of the oven when we arrived, so chances were they'd be great.
These rolls taste very lightly of squid, mostly of garlic, due to the wonderful garlic mixture spread on top.
The inside contains a surprise treat of a light amount of white cheddar cheese.
Despite the heavy black look, they are light as air. In fact I jokingly compared them to molecular gastronomy Chef Jose Andres' famous "air bread" creation, which is crispy on the outside and hollow on the inside. and filled with aged cheddar sauce.
Once I got home with my box of these goodies among many others, I balanced out the treats by enjoying some fresh and colorful grilled vegetables.
These treats show one of the many reasons I enjoy 85°C so much. You can read about my other favorites at this bakery on my previous 85°C post, by clicking on this link.
The Daily Dose - Join the Revolution!
Time flies. It's been a long time waiting for the The Daily Dose to open, and suddenly I realized today marks one month after its official soft opening on August 1st this year.
Self proclaimed Rebel Leader, Sarkis Vartanian first mentioned his cafe concept to me close to two years ago when we first met (and became friends). During my recent visit it was clear that he realized his vision and even improved upon it. It's an admirable feat.
I was and still am intrigued with his passion, creativity and warmth, all clearly evident in the ambiance at this cafe.
What is The Daily Dose rebelling against? Processed food. Expensive food. Harming the environment through food choices. Shipping food globally. This food is fresh, artisanal, seasonal, organic, responsible and local. Did I mention it's mouth watering too?
They serve Intelligentsia coffee, expertly prepared. The first capuccino did not meet his standards, so he made a second cup before I even took a sip.
I love a place that serves chilled water from a glass bottle.
The daily menu when I visited indicated a quiche of the day, bread with butter and house made apricot and rose preserves, a meaty sandwich called The Butcher and an unusual sheep's milk, greens and watermelon sandwich called The Gardener.
Sides of the day were Mesopotamian green beans braised in tomato sauce and Roasted heirloom potatoes, both of which I got a taste. I recall seeing cupcakes and other pastries in the cases too. Perhaps a pie.
I was not too hungry since it was late afternoon, sort of between lunch and dinner, and asked for a coffee and a small slice of quiche or something similar.
Sarkis worked his magic in the kitchen and brought me this vegetable sandwich with soulful flavors, both complex and layered. I tasted a lot of my favorite things such as tomatoes, eggplant, avocados, squash.
Yet, it also contained bulls blood micro greens, house made almond pesto and the most luscious, creamy fresh buffalo mozzarella which effortlessly replaces the need for any meat.
The bread is from Bread Lounge. I don't buy bread or eat bread much and when I do, it needs to count. This light, nutty bread couldn't be more complementary to the luxurious ingredients.
He served quinoa as a side dish, topped with the braised green beans and having a brief spicy kick. The dishes were liberally drizzled with olive oil.
I thought I wasn't hungry but found myself wiping my plate clean!
Also while there, I met a few regular customers who were all very engaging and just the kind of people I love to meet.
Sarkis brought out this second round of mascerated peaches topped with fresh cream and herbs. They bursted with sweet and tart summery flavor.
The setting, architecture and design of the place match the elegance of the food. It was entertaining watching all the angles and greenery in different types of light.
The cafe is tucked away within a curved brick-lined path, next to the Nabisco Lofts on Industrial Street, that leads to the gorgeous French doors and crescent shaped wood and metal tables.
In April of this year, Sarkis (and former Chef Christian Page) previewed their menu at Artisanal L.A. I tasted almost all of their sandwich offerings, blown away by the taste of the food and the grace under pressure with which the team prepared, served, chatted with visitors and even worked with the inspectors without missing a beat.
This sandwich was so juicy, I could not believe it was turkey. All flavors melded perfectly.
They also served a pulled pork sandwich with a very light, vinegary rather than over-creamy slaw.
The Believer contained grilled eggplant, squash, tomatoes, fresh burrata cheese and pistachio pesto, all rolled into a chewy ciabatta bread.
One bite of this perfect for Spring sandwich and I was a Believer...that you won't miss the meat!
Also in April, they had a pre-opening reception celebrating the location and the cafe's locavore food and drink.
Yes, that IS Chef Craig Thornton, aka Wolvesmouth, inside the door. As always, talking with him and hearing his thoughts on anything and everything was supremely entertaining. Especially since he was not busy cooking and in a more relaxed setting.
The food was outstanding too, needless to say.
Their ubiquitous monkey icon stands for the working man, an apt mascot for this pure and affordable food.
Sarkis' fundamental approach to introducing his food to locals and through word of mouth have definitely attracted a following and recent press coverage.
After hanging out for a couple of hours, enjoying meeting new people and eating this extremely satisfying food, I didn't want to leave.
The place captures the spirit of a European cafe as well as the feeling that you are a guest in one's home.
Two things came to mind when hanging out there. It reminded me of my daily hangout of years past, Big and Tall, a great cafe/bookstore/florist on the 7000 block of Beverly Boulevard. When I lived and worked in this area, this cafe full of writers and artists was my home away from home.
I knew most employees, regulars and even found my apartment (from back then) through the cafe, which now is a restaurant. No substitute has ever emerged for me, but Daily Dose may be a contender.
My parents owned a restaurant during much of my childhood and my father used to know, warmly greet and chat with all his customers, much like Sarkis does. It takes me back to a very unique place in my formative years' memories.
Finally I left my empty cup, looking forward to my next visit.
The Daily Dose makes me wish I lived in Downtown.
And gives me a reason to go there more often.
 |
| Faith sandwich - detail |
Self proclaimed Rebel Leader, Sarkis Vartanian first mentioned his cafe concept to me close to two years ago when we first met (and became friends). During my recent visit it was clear that he realized his vision and even improved upon it. It's an admirable feat.
 |
| Sarkis Vartanian - Rebel Leader |
I was and still am intrigued with his passion, creativity and warmth, all clearly evident in the ambiance at this cafe.
What is The Daily Dose rebelling against? Processed food. Expensive food. Harming the environment through food choices. Shipping food globally. This food is fresh, artisanal, seasonal, organic, responsible and local. Did I mention it's mouth watering too?
They serve Intelligentsia coffee, expertly prepared. The first capuccino did not meet his standards, so he made a second cup before I even took a sip.
I love a place that serves chilled water from a glass bottle.
The daily menu when I visited indicated a quiche of the day, bread with butter and house made apricot and rose preserves, a meaty sandwich called The Butcher and an unusual sheep's milk, greens and watermelon sandwich called The Gardener.
 |
| Daily Dose - daily menu |
Sides of the day were Mesopotamian green beans braised in tomato sauce and Roasted heirloom potatoes, both of which I got a taste. I recall seeing cupcakes and other pastries in the cases too. Perhaps a pie.
 |
| Faith - sequel t the Believer (discussed below) |
I was not too hungry since it was late afternoon, sort of between lunch and dinner, and asked for a coffee and a small slice of quiche or something similar.
Sarkis worked his magic in the kitchen and brought me this vegetable sandwich with soulful flavors, both complex and layered. I tasted a lot of my favorite things such as tomatoes, eggplant, avocados, squash.
Yet, it also contained bulls blood micro greens, house made almond pesto and the most luscious, creamy fresh buffalo mozzarella which effortlessly replaces the need for any meat.
The bread is from Bread Lounge. I don't buy bread or eat bread much and when I do, it needs to count. This light, nutty bread couldn't be more complementary to the luxurious ingredients.
He served quinoa as a side dish, topped with the braised green beans and having a brief spicy kick. The dishes were liberally drizzled with olive oil.
I thought I wasn't hungry but found myself wiping my plate clean!
Also while there, I met a few regular customers who were all very engaging and just the kind of people I love to meet.
Sarkis brought out this second round of mascerated peaches topped with fresh cream and herbs. They bursted with sweet and tart summery flavor.
The setting, architecture and design of the place match the elegance of the food. It was entertaining watching all the angles and greenery in different types of light.
The cafe is tucked away within a curved brick-lined path, next to the Nabisco Lofts on Industrial Street, that leads to the gorgeous French doors and crescent shaped wood and metal tables.
In April of this year, Sarkis (and former Chef Christian Page) previewed their menu at Artisanal L.A. I tasted almost all of their sandwich offerings, blown away by the taste of the food and the grace under pressure with which the team prepared, served, chatted with visitors and even worked with the inspectors without missing a beat.
 |
| Juicy turkey meatball sandwich |
This sandwich was so juicy, I could not believe it was turkey. All flavors melded perfectly.
They also served a pulled pork sandwich with a very light, vinegary rather than over-creamy slaw.
 |
| Believer sandwich |
One bite of this perfect for Spring sandwich and I was a Believer...that you won't miss the meat!
Also in April, they had a pre-opening reception celebrating the location and the cafe's locavore food and drink.
Yes, that IS Chef Craig Thornton, aka Wolvesmouth, inside the door. As always, talking with him and hearing his thoughts on anything and everything was supremely entertaining. Especially since he was not busy cooking and in a more relaxed setting.
The food was outstanding too, needless to say.
Their ubiquitous monkey icon stands for the working man, an apt mascot for this pure and affordable food.
Sarkis' fundamental approach to introducing his food to locals and through word of mouth have definitely attracted a following and recent press coverage.
 |
| Reclaimed wood counters and cabinets |
After hanging out for a couple of hours, enjoying meeting new people and eating this extremely satisfying food, I didn't want to leave.
The place captures the spirit of a European cafe as well as the feeling that you are a guest in one's home.
Two things came to mind when hanging out there. It reminded me of my daily hangout of years past, Big and Tall, a great cafe/bookstore/florist on the 7000 block of Beverly Boulevard. When I lived and worked in this area, this cafe full of writers and artists was my home away from home.
I knew most employees, regulars and even found my apartment (from back then) through the cafe, which now is a restaurant. No substitute has ever emerged for me, but Daily Dose may be a contender.
My parents owned a restaurant during much of my childhood and my father used to know, warmly greet and chat with all his customers, much like Sarkis does. It takes me back to a very unique place in my formative years' memories.
Finally I left my empty cup, looking forward to my next visit.
The Daily Dose makes me wish I lived in Downtown.
And gives me a reason to go there more often.
