Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Restaurant Review

08 Nov 2017

Porridge + Puffs Pop-Up – Los Angeles

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Chef Minh Phan’s beloved Porridge + Puffs is popping up on Monday nights at Proof Bakery’s commissary in Silver Lake. I was lucky enough to catch one of the dates before the run comes to an end next Monday, November 13. Here’s to hoping that the engagement is extended through December because: porridge weather.

Prior to popping up with Porridge + Puffs, Chef Minh spent time behind the stoves of Beachwood Cafe and Field Trip, both in Hollywood. Fun fact: Porridge + Puffs debuted at Field Trip after dark nearly three years ago. The concept has since gone on to garner critical acclaim and a cult-like following— #PorridgeForThePeople

Proof’s commissary was transformed into an indoor-outdoor-cafe slash interactive kitchen for the pop-up. Priced at $20 per person, the set menu included vegetables to start, a bowl of porridge to follow, and a sweet nibble to finish. The menu changes from week to week.

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Now Closed

01 Nov 2017

The Mighty – Los Angeles (Downtown)

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Quinn and Karen Hatfield opened a new restaurant, and it is really terrific. I’ve been smitten with Quinn’s savories and Karen’s sweets since their Hatfield’s days (Version 1.0, Version 2.0) and am stoked that their latest effort is so close to home. This opening is a tremendous win for Downtown (and my belly).

Christina and I met up for a midweek breather at The Mighty last week and proceeded to order enough food for a party twice our size. It was gloriously excessive.

I love ordering “shrimp toast” whenever I see it on menus because I’m never certain what will arrive. The Mighty’s take arrived on toasted focaccia with a spicy sambal spread and plenty of fresh herbs. The Southeast Asian flavors were unexpected but totally welcomed.

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Restaurant Review

26 Oct 2017

The Arthur J – Manhattan Beach

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The Astronomer and I rarely go out for steak, but when we’re craving a big ‘ol slab of red meat, we go big. Two Saturdays ago, we booked a sitter for June and made our way to Manhattan Beach to finally try Chef David Lefevre’s The Arthur J.

We are tremendous fans of the chef’s two other spots in the neighborhood, M.B. Post and Fishing with Dynamite, and were confident The Arthur J would offer similarly fabulous fare and fun.

It must be noted that The Arthur J is a beautiful restaurant. The combination of dark, moody lighting and mid-century furnishings set the perfect tone for a lovely night out.

To start, a glass of Prosecco ($13.50) for me and a cocktail for The Astronomer. He selected the “Captain Warburton” ($14.50), a Dark and Stormy made with house-made spiced rum, Thai basil, kiwi, and galangal.

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