Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Restaurant Review

07 Sep 2017

Blair’s Restaurant – Los Angeles (Eagle Rock)

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It would be premature to declare my love for Blair’s Restaurant. After all, the restaurant only opened earlier this summer, and I’ve dined there just once. Perhaps smitten would be more appropriate? I hereby declare myself properly smitten.

Open every day for dinner starting at 5:30 PM, Posto Giusto is a fast-casual newcomer to Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock. The Astronomer and I dined here to load up on all manner of Italian carbohydrates on a recent night out.

Upon placing our order at the counter (two starters and three pastas), we grabbed some plates, silverware, and water, and settled in at an empty table by the window.

All five dishes came out fast. Really fast. To be honest, The Astronomer and I were taken aback by the speed at which the food arrived. Next time around, we’ll stagger our order to ensure that we’re not served everything all at once.

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Restaurant Review

31 Aug 2017

Maui Grindz: Savory, Sweet & Ono to Eat

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We ran away to Maui for a week this past July. It was truly the family vacation of my dreams—seven straight days of relaxed, sun-soaked togetherness. In between mornings spent at the pool and beach, midday naps, and leisurely evenings, we shared meals that highlighted local flavors. Here’s a sampling of all the grindz we ate on Maui…

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Geste Shrimp Truck – Kahului

The Geste Shrimp Truck is a must-stop for anyone flying in to Kahului Airport. In the fashion of the shrimp trucks scattered along Oahu’s North Shore, the specialty here is shrimp prepared with Hawaiian flare. We ordered a serving of the garlicky Hawaiian Scampi, as well as the Spicy Pineapple, each served with a scoop of white rice and crab salad ($13 each). Both dishes were stellar.

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Sweet Aloha Baking Company – Lahaina

An outlet of the Sweet Aloha Baking Company was located a few steps away from our hotel room. Warmed up to order, “The Local Girl” ($4) cinnamon roll with macadamia nuts delivered on all sweet and rich fronts.

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Restaurant Review

23 Aug 2017

Delicious Food Corner – Monterey Park

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Not last week but the one before that, my colleagues and I dreamed up an exciting new tradition: #CongeeCon. Recognized on the 8th day of the 8th month of every year (or so we hope), Congee Con is a week-long celebration of all that’s warm and comforting.

We kicked off the week at Lu’s Garden in San Gabriel, home to sweet potato gruel served with all that’s delicious, from marinated tripe to bamboo shoots and twice-cooked pork.

Day two brought us to Delicious Food Corner in Monterey Park. The Hong Kong-style cafe was mostly full when we arrived. I hear there are lines out the door during breakfast.

To start, a hot mug of milk tea ($2.75). The refills were unlimited and on the house, and sweetened condensed milk flowed freely.

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