Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Now Closed

09 Aug 2013

ConfeXion Cupcakes – Pasadena

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I caved last weekend and gave in to the Cronut™ craze. I had always intended to wait for the real deal in New York City, but alas, I am as partial to hype and mass hysteria as the next food lover.

There are quite a few bakeries in L.A. ~~ripping off~~ trying their hand at recreating Dominique Ansel‘s croissant-doughnut hybrid. I procured my crauxnut (faux Cronut™) at ConfeXion, a neighborhood spot specializing in cupcakes.

ConfeXion is owned by aunt and nephew team Vandy Altounian and Anthony Valerio. Prior to introducing the Southland to their “Brioughnut,” the duo scored big on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.

The tiny shop, which is located on the fringes of Old Pasadena, makes three different types of Brioughnuts every Saturday and Sunday. With my friend Nastassia and her boyfriend in tow, we snagged one of each. They were priced at $5 a pop.

The most successful of the trio was the “Salted Caramel.” The Brioughnut’s sweet and salty flourishes—caramelized pastry cream, caramel syrup, and flecks of fleur de sel—paired extraordinarily with the layers of flaky, buttery dough.

I can’t say if this interpretation was anything like the original Cronut™, but it was really delicious.

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Restaurant Review

07 Aug 2013

Tasty Noodle House – San Gabriel

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Ever since Chengdu Taste came into my life a few weeks ago and the idea of sampling every dish on the 100+ item menu took hold, I’ve been returning to the restaurant anytime anyone requests a Chinese food outing. Or at least I try to.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, The Astronomer and I veered from our spicy standby due to a standing lunch date with Sichuan-averse friends. Instead, we headed to Tasty Noodle House, a highly respected Dalian spot famous for its clean flavors and cooking finesse.

The dining room is tiny, bright, and modern, while service comes with a smile. My last two restaurant outings in the neighborhood have boasted notable hospitality and atmospheres. I’m sensing a sea change in the San Gabriel Valley, so we’ll see if this streak continues.

To start, we shared a platter of sliced jellyfish head marinated in chili and black vinegar ($6.99). Chilled, snappy, and balanced just so, this starter was outstanding.

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Restaurant Review

05 Aug 2013

Daw Yee Myanmar Café – Los Angeles (Silver Lake)

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Instead of grilling in the backyard or heading to the beach to celebrate the Fourth of July, The Astronomer and I spent our random Thursday off from work lunching at Monterey Park’s Daw Yee Myanmar Café. It somehow seemed fitting to celebrate America’s birthday over Burmese food. Mmm, freedom.

We first encountered Daw Yee Myanmar Café’s impressive cooking at the 626 Night Market and were stoked to finally visit the brick and mortar location. The restaurant, which is named after its owner Daw Yee, specializes in homey Burmese fare served in a bright and modern setting.

To start, we shared the lahpet thohk ($6.95). The beautifully plated Tea Leaf Salad was comprised of sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chilies, crispy lentils, fried garlic, roasted peanuts, and of course, fermented tea leaves.

The salad was a veritable cornucopia of textures, flavors, and freshness. The fermented tea leaves brought a distinct funkiness to the table, while the legumes offered a punch of crunch. The salad was a touch too stinky for The Astronomer, but I wholly embraced it.

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