Category Archives: California

Smoke House Restaurant

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garlicbread

**** (4 stars)

I’ve been going to the Smoke House since I was a little kid. In fact the one that used to be in Encino was my parents’ regular Saturday night pilgrimage back in the 60s. The Burbank original carries on, pretty much unchanged since 1946. In fact, I’m not sure it’s had a refurbishment since then.

But it’s not new and trendy that one goes seeking at The Smoke House. It’s garlic cheese bread. This recipe has been keeping the place in business for close to 70 years. The bread is super fresh sourdough, coated with butter, garlic and a pungent, crumbly bright orange cheese coating that I’m pretty sure is a mixture of dehydrated cheddar (the stuff that comes in the packet of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese) and parmesan. The reason I can state this with some confidence is that I’ve been trying to duplicate it for 30 years, and I’m getting close!

There’s lots of other stuff at the Smoke House that’s edible: fish and chips, prime rib, crab louis salad, and some tasty cappuccino ice cream. But you wouldn’t go there just for any of that stuff. It’s that addictive orange powder that brings us back, year after year. Never change it!

Smoke House Restaurant
4420 W Lakeside Dr
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 845-3731
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-house-restaurant-burbank

Firenze Osteria

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**** (4 stars)

A very good restaurant that, with a little work, could be great. The best way to experience it is with the Chef’s Table Menu (a confusing name, since you don’t have to be at the chef’s table to order it). The seven course meal is assembled to your preferences, and at $75 is a bargain. The night we were there, the standouts were the spinach starter, the squash ravioli (which would have been better as a dessert because of its sweetness) and the fish and beef main courses. Seven matching wines for $50 was also a good deal, although the wines weren’t perfect matches to the food, and were all rather pedestrian.

Service was a bit uneven, with water refills hard to come by and some wines showing up after the course was finished.

Chef Ken was extremely personable, and his visits to present each course were the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately the room is so loud it was hard for everyone at our table to hear him. I would return, but only if I didn’t want to have an intimate conversation with my fellow diners.

Firenze Osteria
4212 Lankershim Blvd
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 760-7081
http://www.yelp.com/biz/firenze-osteria-toluca-lake-2

Saddle Peak Lodge

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saddlepeak1 saddlepeak2

**** (4 stars)

Back in the 80s we somehow accidentally stumbled upon this place in the dark one night. Once you visit, you’ll realize how unlikely an event this was, given how it’s tucked away in a little canyon. That night, even though the restaurant had only been open a couple of weeks, we had a delightful meal, with fresh game and attentive service in an exotic hunting lodge setting. We’ve been going here ever since.

Saddle Peak Lodge is perhaps LA’s most unique restaurant, given its colorful history and unique decor. If you’re put off by mounted hunting trophies, this isn’t the place for you. But if great elk, quail or other game is your thing, this is the place.

It’s a particularly good ambiance for holiday dinners, and has become our Thanksgiving standard. Brunch is also popular, with outside seating that can be zipped up when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-3888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/saddle-peak-lodge-calabasas

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

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***** (5 stars)

If you like hotels that make you feel like you’re coming home, this is the place to stay. Great friendly staff, huge rooms, nice view. It can be pricey, but sometimes there is a stay 3 nights get one free deal that makes it more attractive. Nice gym facility. Convenient location. Includes free wifi (I’m always annoyed that the cheap places give it for free, the expensive ones tend to charge, so this is a plus.) We used to stay at the Four Seasons because of its homey atmosphere, but this place tops it, so we’ve stayed here three years in a row.

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
9291 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 278-3344
http://www.yelp.com/biz/l-ermitage-beverly-hills-beverly-hills

Kiriko

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***** (5 stars)

I’ve had sushi all over the world, and this is as good as it gets. The omakase is the way to go. At dinner it was $84. The sashimi was a particular standout, combining extraordinary freshness and garnishes that added wonderful textural and flavor complexity. Friendly service that provided just a bit of guidance as to what not to put soy sauce on, without the didactic pushiness of the other high end sushi places in LA. Definitely a favorite.

Kiriko
11301 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 478-7769
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kiriko-los-angeles

Meet in Paris

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**** (4 stars)

A very authentic French bistro in a charming neighborhood. Great for outdoor dining, a bit bustling inside. Many varieties of mussel preparation, a house specialty, with great flavors. The tomato tart is unique and delicious. Authentic dijon dressing on the salad, crusty French bread. Superb assortment of authentic cheeses, no so superb assortment of wines. Fabulous creme brulee with a wonderfully caramelized crust. Reasonably priced.

Meet in Paris
9727 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-8222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/meet-in-paris-culver-city