Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Now Closed

19 Aug 2019

Alameda Supper Club – Los Angeles

Filed Under:

For those following along as The Manufactory has gradually taken shape at ROW DTLA, Alameda Supper Club is the final piece of the puzzle. Whereas Tartine Bianco is open all day, Alameda Supper Club is a dinner-only spot. The menu combines Chef Chris Bianco’s Italian influences with Tartine’s distinctly California ethos. All dishes are meant to be shared.

Before sitting down for a proper supper, drinks were enjoyed at the outdoor bar. As a fan of the original Dream Team, I couldn’t resist the Biscotti Pippen ($14), an alcohol-forward creation with rye, vermouth, bitters, and slight biscotti notes.

Dinner began on a briny and fresh note with oysters ($15) served raw in a light celtuce mignonette with chive oil. (more…)

{swoon}

05 Aug 2019

{swoon} Grilled dduk galbi at Majordomo

Filed Under:

0 Comments

There’s a lot to like about the newish weekend lunch at Majordomo: an airy room, a mellower crowd, and a menu that feels fresh yet familiar all at once. Dishes like the kimchi-kissed ceviche and the grilled dduk galbi riff on local staples, like Mexican mariscos and Mediterranean kebabs respectively, in playful and delightful ways.

(more…)

Restaurant Review

29 Jul 2019

Afternoon Tea at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe – Irvine

Filed Under:

2 Comments

The drive to Orange County is never one I look forward to, but it’s not too bad when there’s afternoon tea at the finish line. June and I, along with Auntie Roz, attended a proper high tea hosted by Hello Kitty a few weekends back at the Irvine Spectrum. We were all so giddy for the experience that the hour-long drive didn’t even phase us.

Whereas the cafe is open to the public, the speakeasy hidden behind the cafe called the Bow Room requires advance reservations. Here is this pretty pink space, afternoon tea is served during the day and cocktails are available late into the night. What a stellar combination.

The three of us settled into a plush pink booth and readied ourselves for an onslaught of sweets and savories ($55 per person). To say that June was thrilled for the experience would be an understatement.

(more…)