Marvelous mariscos in La Puente. Filing my fifth Scouting Report, “Mariscos El Cristalazo serves seafood in a monster martini glass” on the Los Angeles Times‘ Daily Dish.
07
Mar
2015
04
Mar
2015
There’s a lot to like about Side Street Inn. From the bold cooking to the generous, family-style portions and warm smiles all around, it’s no wonder that Colin Nishida’s spot has been packed since opening its doors in 1992.
In his article for Food & Wine, Jonathan Gold aptly described the place as “An aggressively multicultural house of big eats that just happen to be served on shared platters, lubricated by oceans of beer.” Sounds like good times, right? Right!
The Astronomer and I, along with our friend Luscious Liana, dined at the newer and fancier Kapahulu location on an evening when we were feeling especially hungry. As is generally the case, we ordered way too much food and had a blast doing so.
The first dish to arrive was “Da’ Famous Pan Fried Island Pork Chops” ($23). Seasoned and coated in a mix of garlic salt, flour, and corn starch then pan-fried to golden brown, the pork chops were “Crispy on da’ outside, Juicy on da’ inside!”—just like the menu promised. A little dip of ketchup and these chops were good to go.
02
Mar
2015
I recently attended a delectable eight-course “Aloha Friday” lunch prepared by a trio of Maui-based chefs using prime ingredients from the Hawaiian islands. Held at Acabar Restaurant, the event was hosted by the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau to give L.A. food writers a literal taste of Maui’s vibrant culinary scene. From start to finish, I was seriously impressed by the flavors, techniques, and of course, aloha spirit.
Making the trip from Maui were Michael Lofaro (bottom row, right) of Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at Grand Wailea, Riko Bartolome (bottom row, left) of Cane and Canoe at Montage Kapalua, and Kyle Kawakami (top row, left) of Maui Fresh Streatery food truck. Oscar Torres (top row, right), executive sous chef of Acabar, rounded out the stellar lineup. Each chef was tasked with preparing two courses this afternoon.
Chef Michael Lofaro kicked off the good eating with a pristine ahi tuna tartare dressed in a ginger-lime vinaigrette and punctuated with cucumbers, shiso, and parsley.