The Bazaar by Jose Andres

DineLA had this new format for a number of high-end restaurants, $95/$100ish for a multi-course meal. CUT, Spago and Melisse and of course, The Bazaar were on the list. Expensive, yes. Worth it, COMPLETELY!

I did file a bit of a twitter complaint when they didn’t seat my party (of TWO!) for 35 minutes after our reservation. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a reservation? Anyways, after I told Jose via twitter (his response made my night!), the GM made up for it with free cocktails, truffles and a few (too many) extra plates. Service here is usually impeccable, but I think the new menu overwhelmed the staff.

The rest of the meal went out fairly well and within reason. I recommend coming here for the first time when it’s not DineLA. The meal will be likely around $100-$150 depending on your drinking habits.

MUST ORDERS: Olives, Oysters & Hibiscus, Fois Gras Soup, Croqueta de Pollo, Grilled Spanish Octopus, The Chocolate Cake of Your Dreams (in the shape of a heart!), Any Cocktail made with liquid nitrogen.

The wine pairing was forgettable.

It’s a dark restaurant, so apologies for the blurriness.

  

  
  

One of the Best Things I’ve Ever Eaten: Wings @ Pok Pok LA

With locations in New York, Portland and now Los Angeles, Pok Pok seems to have taken the foodie marketplace by storm. Their infamous wings are finger-licking good. Manners go out the door when eating these.

I am a bit sensitive to overly spicy foods, so I tried the non-spicy wings. Absolutely delicious. There’s definitely some sort of fish sauce and soy sauce mix in the marinade and it blows all other wings out of the park. I’m dying to know the recipe.

Their LA location is located in Chinatown. I recommend their version of a whiskey sour and mind the spiciness when you see any peppers!

Pok Pok LA 978 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Birch – Hollywood, CA

It’s been a long while since I had a meal at a new restaurant and was blown away. That day finally came when I tried Birch during DineLA. First off, the deal was incredible, whether or not the food was good. 3 entrees + a cocktail or glass of wine for $39. I easily would’ve done this if it were $49 or even $59, as DineLA menus rarely include wine or cocktails.

Highlights: anything with Curry, Chicken Live & Fois Gras, Salmon, and cocktails (I ordered the #7, not pictured.)

The Polo Lounge @ Beverly Hills Hotel

My friend Lisa and I came here for DineLA but that completely went out the window once we saw the full menu. First course was Lobster Bisque which more soupy, less bisquey, but nonetheless delicious. I ordered the short rib ravioli which was braised short ribs with some incredibly tasty sauce inside of the worlds biggest ravioli. Can’t argue with that. Lisa has the lamb and I had a bite- cooked perfectly.

Last but not least the coconut souffle. It was gigantic – about as wide as your average desert plate and 5 inches tall. It came with whipped creamy, some sort of cream sauce and was mouthwateringly good. It’s big enough to feed 8 people who already ate too much.

The staff is super friendly and accommodating and I appreciated the pianist. Their signature striped ceilings are a design fave of mine.