Gastronomy Blog by Cathy Chaplin

Now Closed

01 Oct 2015

Knuckle & Claw – Los Angeles (Silver Lake)

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In a devastating turn of events, I traveled to Boston two weeks ago and did not consume a lick of seafood while in town. It seems that I’ve officially transitioned to the part in my life where family time takes precedence over food-centric pursuits. Well, I guess this is growing up.

Needless to say, I was totally craving a lobster roll as soon as my feet touched down on Southland soil, so I made my way to Chloe Dahl and Nikki Booth’s Knuckle & Claw just as soon as I could.

Opened this past March, the Sunset Boulevard eatery serves up classic New England fare using Maine lobster that’s flown in daily. The menu is super-simple and highly-specialized; it’s my kind of place.

The Astronomer, June, and I shared the shrimp ($5), blue crab ($6), and lobster ($9) mini rolls, as well as the grilled cheese ($8) and a cup o’ soup ($8), on our visit.

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Restaurant Review

28 Sep 2015

The Trails Cafe at Griffith Park – Los Angeles (Los Feliz)

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The Astronomer and I took June on her first “hike” at Griffith Park earlier this summer. She has quite an affection for the outdoors and loved gazing at the trees on our stroll. Afterward, the three of us stopped by The Trails Cafe for a small bite to eat.

Located near the edge of the park on Fern Dell Drive, The Trails Cafe is an idyllic walk-up eatery serving coffee, tea, baked goods, and sandwiches. Shaded picnic tables make for the best kind of al fresco dining. Mother Nature trumps city sidewalks every time.

I, unsurprisingly, desired pie. The restaurant was fresh out of classic apple since we visited late in the day, so I took a chance on a slice of vegan peach. The crust, which used Earth Balance shortening, was well constructed and tasty. It lacked the richness and flakiness of an all-butter crust, but I didn’t really mind. The peach filling was plentiful and spiced with a bit of cinnamon. (more…)

Restaurant Review

22 Sep 2015

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Los Angeles (Los Feliz)

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L.A.’s ice cream scene is on fire. The local offerings have always been superb (see: Fosselman’s, Carmela, and Scoops), but with national superstars like Columbus’ Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Portland’s Salt & Straw coming to town recently, there’s never been a better time to go out for a scoop, take home a pint, or better yet, both.

Founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002, Jeni’s proudly makes every ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt “from the ground up” using milk from grass-grazed cows and local produce from small farms. Quality input means quality output—it’s as simple as that.

Whereas The Astronomer selected light and refreshing flavors on our visit, I desired something far more decadent. For him: one scoop of red raspberry sorbet and another of mango lassi frozen yogurt. Both were tart, tangy, and just sweet enough. (more…)