Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Potpourri

17 Nov 2015

June’s “Very Hungry Caterpillar” 1st Birthday

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June was born a year ago today! Yay! We celebrated last weekend with family, friends, and fried chicken, as one does.

Since the weather is so beautiful this time a year, an al fresco party at Garfield Park in South Pasadena was the order of the day. We reserved a gazebo a few months in advance and got to planning soon after.

With the exception of selecting the theme and purchasing candy for the piñata, the entire affair was executed by two amazing and talented friends: Esme and Sarah. Delegation without guilt is truly a Mom’s best friend.

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Now Closed

11 Nov 2015

Pondok Kaki Lima Indonesian Food Bazaar at the Duarte Inn – Los Angeles (Duarte)

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The parking lot of the Duarte Inn plays host to some of the best Indonesian cooking in Los Angeles every Saturday from 10 in the morning until to 2 in the afternoon. Pondok Kaki Lima, popularly described as an outdoor “food bazaar,” is composed of three different vendors hawking homey Indonesian fare.

The Astronomer and I first explored Pondok Kaki Lima while I was researching and writing the Food Lovers’ Guide to Los Angeles. Considering what a terrific time we had and how close Duarte is to home, it took us far too long to return. Better late than never, as always.

This time around, we came with our daughter June in tow. She was quite receptive to the spice and funk of Indonesian cooking, which pleased her (not smug) parents to no end. (more…)

Restaurant Review

30 Oct 2015

n/naka – Los Angeles

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I try not to throw around the word “perfect” too often, but there’s no way around it when it comes to Chef Niki Nakayama’s n/naka. From food to service and ambiance, this place is as perfect as they come. There, I said it.

Chef Niki serves a 13-course “Modern Kaiseki” nightly ($185). The menu changes with the seasons, and with the chef’s whims, while the flow of the meal adheres to Japanese traditions. The three hour experience is beautifully orchestrated and paced just so, leaving diners pampered, satisfied, and feeling thoroughly justified for indulging in something so extravagant.

Our meal began with Saki Zuke, “a pairing of something common and something unique,” grilled Japanese scallop with ikura (salmon eggs) and English pea soup. (more…)