Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Restaurant Review

06 Mar 2014

Martha Lou’s Kitchen – Charleston

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Martha Lou Gadsden’s pretty pink shack stands out in both form and function on this quiet, industrial stretch of Charleston. Opened in 1983, Martha Lou’s Kitchen has a garnered a reputation for stellar Lowcountry cooking; her fried chicken is especially admired.

This unassuming restaurant made such an impression on my brother when he dined here a few years back that he insisted that I make my way here during my trip to South Carolina last December. The Astronomer and I came in for lunch just as soon as we could.

The menu of meats and sides changes daily, but thankfully, fried chicken is always available.

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{swoon}

04 Mar 2014

{swoon} A5 Japanese Wagyu Tasting at Katana

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Gastronomy’s fancy streak continues at Katana for Wagyu Week, going on now through March 9. In honor of the occasion, Chef Koji Matsuzaki has prepared a special menu featuring certified A5-grade Japanese Wagyu beef from Saga Prefecture. Of all the outrageously decadent preparations available, it was the “Three-Way Tasting” of New York, Ribeye, and Filet Mignon that was most swoon-worthy of all.

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Restaurant Review

27 Feb 2014

Orsa & Winston – Los Angeles (Downtown)

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I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately, but Los Angeles’ fine dining scene is appealing to me more than ever before. Maybe Chef Ludo spiked my champagne when I dined at Trois Mec a few weeks back? Really though, what’s not to love about pretty plates, perfectly paced? Just feelin’ fancy…that’s all.

My most recent fine dining explorations took me to Chef Josef Centeno‘s Orsa & Winston, which is “named after two little dogs” according the the restaurant’s website. My date this evening, the lovely D Takes a B, and I settled in for a five-course menu comprised of Crudo, Soup, Grain, Meat, and Sweet for $60.

The 20-course Super Omakase for $195 will have to wait for an occasion when I’m feelin’ fancy and flush.

To start, a refined cheesy broccoli situation consisting of taleggio, broccoli panna cotta, and crispy bits of rye bread. This amuse bouche certainly amused.

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