It’s been pointed-out to me that I don’t do restaurant reviews as often as my readers and followers would like. That’s because, with forty or more categories in this e-zine, so many other events and topics take precedence these days. But I began my journalism career as a restaurant critic, so sometimes I do feel the need to get back to my roots.

The neon sign used for the opening of my former TV show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue. The words light up in pink while the outline of the “TV” lights up blue. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Lately, I’ve been eating out a bit again, and something else has been happening in the food arena for us. And that is—delivery! Where Mr. X and I live, we can’t even get pizza delivered here anymore! And I don’t trust any of the general delivery services, (meaning not from the eatery itself,) because of all the horror stories I see about them on the news and in writing. However, we recently found-out that, as Amazon Prime members, we get free delivery from some places, along with an occasional deal, so, for Mr. X’s sake, who mainly eschews going-out while also desiring good food, I decided to try it from time-to-time.

So now I figure that it’s time to weigh-in on some of my recent dining experiences. I’ll give you just the highlights, (or in more cases than not, lowlights,) on each.

By the way, there’s a newish wrinkle in the world of eateries, even to just pick-up. One old-ish wrinkle is the new-ish practice of forcing us to tip, when we order, no less, which is crazy because we have no idea how good or bad the service is going to be!!! But since we’re getting food, which we can’t see being cooked or packed, most of us feel that we have to tip. And the bigger the tip, the safer our food will be! What a shame.

But the new charge is even more infuriating. It’s a smaller percent for something none of us understands. As one place I frequent puts it, “We have added a 3% Happy and Healthy Surcharge to your bill. This charge is not a gratuity, but rather supports our ability to provide sustainable earnings and benefits for our team. This charge is optional so please let us know if you’d like it removed from your bill.” I encourage everyone to request that it be removed, so maybe we can make it go away. It will make you look like a cheapskate, but that fear is what the owners are counting on.

Okay, here are some dining experiences I’ve had lately, starting with the best, followed by the worst, and then everything in-between.

BEST: LAVO

A couple of Lavo’s perfect servers placing the dessert on my table. Photo by Karen Salkin.

My friend Marc took me to a beauty business dinner at this very hip and happening place, (which turns into a dance club later on in the evening,) which is located at the intersection of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. There were about forty of us divided among four tables in a private room, and let me tell you—the service could not have been better!!! There were about eight servers, and to a man, (or woman,) they could not have been more accommodating. I wanted to get a big house and live with them all!

Most of the very expensive food was just okay, but the Verde salad, consisting of cucumber, avocado, marcona almond, and honey-rosemary dressing, was out of this world! I’d go back just for that dish, and to try the very inviting pizza, which was not a part of the extensive event menu that night. As long as the same personnel, (my future roommates,) are working on my return visit.

WORST: TRATTORIA DEL SOLE

I had been to this basic “neighborhood” bistro, (in Sherman Oaks in the Valley,) once before, and remember thinking it was less than meh. But, it was on the Prime list, so, on Mr. X’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, when he was craving pasta but didn’t want to go out to celebrate, I figured I’d give it another chance, thinking that perhaps I had been misremembering their fare.

Trattoria del Sole.

But no—this time it was even worse! Both of my dishes were so awful that I couldn’t have more than a few bites, and even then, only because I was hungry. My pappardelle bolognese was creepy. The meat sauce was passable, but the thick noodles were just mush. Ugh. And I couldn’t even choke down the Verde salad! It was described as “Organic baby mixed greens, caramelized pecans, goat cheese and balsamic dressing on the side,” but it was basically wilted greens with not even a sprinkling of feta and two—count them, two—pecans! (When even Mr. X mentions that number, you know I’m not exaggerating!) And they charge $15. for it!!!

Mr. X said his penne arrabbiata was “just meh.” And his Caesar salad was “all right,” which is definitely not all right when you’re paying the big bucks for it!!!

SECOND WORST: ANTONIO’S

I actually feel bad about their food being so awful—we really wanted to like it. It was so bad, in fact, that we had to throw the pizza out!!! That’s a first for both of us. We really tried, trust me, but we couldn’t choke it down.

Antonio’s iconic sign.

The place has been in Sherman Oaks for sixty-eight years! We’ve often passed their iconic “green boot of Italy” sign when we’re in the Valley, but had never ever had even an iota of a thought to try it. And then it was the first place we ordered from on Prime because the descriptions of the fare were so good. And when I called with questions, the woman on the phone could not have been nicer. She even said that she hopes we love the food that’s delivered, so that we’ll join them to dine-in the next time. I was hoping so, as well. But it will never come to pass.

I couldn’t even eat more than the first bite of the two pastas we ordered, both with different meat sauces. I don’t know who “Monica” is, but she must have weird taste because her eponymous pasta was brutally bad. I’m nauseated just thinking of it!

THIRD WORST: TWIN DRAGON

A friend was taking me out for Chinese food before a show recently, and left it to me to choose the place. We needed somewhere between WLA and DTLA, so outside of Chinatown, we didn’t have many choices. (Yes, I know that I should have chosen someplace in that authentic area, but neither of us was familiar with it, and we had a curtain to make, so we thought better of it. Our bad.)

Twin Dragon. See the little white twin dragons in front?

I should have realized that Twin Dragon wasn’t a good choice by the fact that they don’t know that the word “twin” means that “dragon” should be plural!

This place, in the Pico-Robertson area, has been open since 1962, and let me tell you, it looks like it! We both thought that we had been there once before, many years ago, each with a much older friend, which makes sense.

Some of the food looked downright nauseating, (my friend’s tofu, for instance,) and all of it had very little taste, to boot. It’s actually just about the worst Chinese food I’ve ever had. At least the restaurant is historic.

HONORABLE MENTION, IN A GOOD WAY: PANINI KABOB GRILL’S PERFECT PACKAGING

Mr. X and I have always picked-up meals from the various locations in this chain since before the pandemic! So, clearly we’re fans of their food. Together, we recommend their kabob meals, (he does salmon, I do chicken,) and we both choose the bulgar as a different, more healthful side dish to rice. We also adore all of their salads, but these days, the Caesar is the winner.

A kabob meal from Panini Kabob Grill, in their perfect container.

However, the reason they’re on my list here is because of…their packaging! It’s beyond perfect! We had a recent delivery from them, (from the Prime deal, of course,) and not only are their trays the keepers of all time, (and recyclable when you accumulate too many,) but they actually sealed their shopping bags! Yes, sealed them! That is the best, so that the delivery drivers cannot be tempted to help themselves, as we see on TV, and read about on Next Door, way too often!

DINELA DEALS:

If you don’t know about it, DineLA is LA’s version of New York’s Restaurant Week, in which twice a year, for two weeks, many eateries offer specially-priced two-or-three-course menus. They’ve gotten less special over the years, but these are three I recommend when it comes around again in January. (As of this latest DineLA, which is over now, this trio all feature three courses for just $25.!)

GRANVILLE

They have a handful of locations all over the city, (actually, the various cities!,) but we continually return to the Studio City branch.

Just part of Granville’s big interior.

Not only is their food delicious, but they proffer more choices than the norm. And they also include craft sodas, including vanilla cream! Yum.

Most importantly, their ever-changing personnel are always nice. Our latest server, Andrew, was especially pleasant.

BLACK ANGUS

Black Angus’ famous molasses bread with whipped butter.

To me, (and my most deal-conscious pal, Marc,) this one is the best value. In addition to the three delish courses, (which include a choice of a costly grilled shrimp or steak entree,) they give you tons of their famous incredible molasses bread. And their desserts, such as yummy cheesecake with a side of strawberry sauce, are full-size.

But be aware of sometimes slow service, which is of the same variety as their bread—molasses! It’s usually normal, but this time around, the waitress was awful. And, after paying us no attention at all the entire time, she charged us triple what the bill should have been! She gave us someone else’s check and then charged our credit card. So keep an eye on your serve there.

EDGEMAR

I had never even heard of this new-ish place in Santa Monica, at the former Edgemar Theatre complex, but there’s a lot to recommend it. Especially for DineLA—the exact meal any other time will be exactly double the price!

A bento box, this one with chicken. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The fare is basically American-Japanese, with the only entrees being served in bento boxes! That was a fun new experience for us. (I once had an Afternoon Tea bento box at a special place in New York, but never a lunch or dinner one.)

The two major positives are a delicious chocolate pot de creme dessert, (which I’ve been craving ever since,) and it’s an attractive and interesting place.

But the biggest negative was the male server—he was actually semi-nasty. When even Mr. X says it, you know it’s not just me. The waitress that day was nice enough, but after she began on our table, his surly self took over and made the rest of the meal not fun. (For example, I had to ask multiple times for just some ice for our water, and a new napkin, even after he saw me use mine to clean the table!)

And that’s a wrap for this batch of mini-reviews. It may be a while until my next group because I think I might have to go on a water fast for a month after so much eating in just a few weeks! Whew.

When my friend Laura and I were on our way to see a show in Thousand Oaks last week, we decided to grab an early dinner. So I asked another pal, Jodi, who knows restaurants in that area, and she recommended California Fish Grill (CFG.) She thought she was telling me something new, but the funny thing is that Mr. X and I have been picking-up meals from closer locations of that chain for years! He loves their salmon and we both enjoy their side dishes. But I had never actually sat in one of their several casual eateries before last week, on Jodi’s suggestion. And let me tell you, the place was packed!

The friendly exterior. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one of the menu, at the top of this page.

Now, before you start scratching your head about why I would love a fish place when I don’t eat that entity, they also have chicken and shrimp, two of my favorite meal staples. And Laura had never been there before; I knew she would love their delish fare, so I wanted to introduce her to it.

Everything is great here, but I have to tell you, the only two words I heard out of Laura for the next few hours was, “Brussels sprouts!” When I asked for her opinions for this review, she declared, “Brussels sprouts for the win!” I was so proud because I’m the one who raved about them to her to begin with!

I had never even noticed that they have “starters” there before, but now I did, so we began with the breaded shrimp, which we agreed was “delicious.” It was a fun discovery for me.

Then we moved on to the Shrimp and Avocado Caesar Salad, which I had never had before, either. What a day of firsts for me, right? I had never seen a Caesar like this anywhere before, and let me tell you—it really works! It was exactly what it says it is: a big Caesar salad topped with a few slices of avocado and plenty of generous grilled shrimp. Laura loved that the shrimp was “seasoned perfectly” and grilled, (as opposed to the limp, cold shrimp you find on the salads at other places,) making it “extra flavorful.” I appreciated that the dressing was already on it, and very light. The big, crunchy croutons were a bonus.

We ordered this for the two of us, but three people could have easily shared it all. And we also loved the plates! Photo by Karen Salkin.

After sharing those two dishes, I was already full, but Laura was more than happy to get to her entree.

She went with the Salmon and Swai Combo, which is a special one because they are deemed to be CFG’s two customer favorites. Swai, which is a white fish, was new to Laura, so she said she “just had to get it here,” telling me, “I love the name—it sounds like a cool fish.” She really enjoyed it.

I actually have a secret about the swai–I have eaten CFG’s swai before! I can’t stand any fish except for swordfish and wahoo, (which are both extremely hard to find these days,) because they don’t taste fishy. But when I picked-up food from a CFG location closer to me last year, they had erroneously given me swai instead of shrimp. (After all, they both begin with “S.”) Mr. X tried it and said I might be okay with it, so I took the tiniest bite I could. And he was correct. I would still never order it voluntarily, but at least it’s a third fish to, very occasionally, put in my rotation.

Mr. X had recommended the very popular Atlantic salmon to Laura, who agreed that it was “delicious and perfectly cooked.” We did an “add-on” of a shrimp skewer to her entree, for me. (I guess my theme that day was “Shrimp!”) That’s a great way to get to try more dishes there.

Close-up of our starters–breaded shrimp and Brussels sprouts. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Each entree comes with two basic sides, or for a few dollars more, you can choose the premium sides, which we were more attracted to. We both enjoyed their Fire Roasted Street Corn. The Grilled Asparagus, which only I tried, had a lime vinaigrette on it, and I hate lime, so they didn’t work for me, taste-wise. But I was impressed with the size of them—there was a trio of giant stalks to the order. Laura went with the basic Kale Slaw, and said, “It’s so good.” She told me that was curious about it because she never had coleslaw with kale before. And she declared it to be “a winner.”

But the star of the show was… the Brussels Sprouts, of course—Laura and I both agreed that these are “the best Brussels Sprouts ever!” I don’t actually know what CFG does to them, outside of the delish balsamic glaze, but they appear to be grilled and perhaps sprinkled with garlic. I may not know their recipe, but I do know that they’re perfect.

All the entrees come with a choice of a plethora of sauces. Mr. X always likes their garlic butter, and Laura went nuts over my perennial favorite, the cajun, saying it “has so much flavor.” One interesting thing is that at my other regular locations, I always get red salsa, but they didn’t have that choice in Thousand Oaks; cocktail sauce is here instead. (I really wanted to get to the bottom of it, but they were so busy that I didn’t want to bother anyone.)

The sodas. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I usually wouldn’t even mention the soda, but CFG’s fountain drinks are so interesting that I must; I had never even heard of the three we sampled! Laura, who is always my beverage expert, tried the most unusual one—Black Cherry…with tarragon! How unusual. And she loved it! She also had a few sips of the Pineapple Cream Soda, and liked it, offering that it’s “very pineapple-y.” (Duh.) I went with the Vanilla Cream Soda, which of course I have heard of, but this one is made with agave instead of regular sugar, but it tasted the same, which is good.

In addition to the food being perfect, the personnel, led by manager Luis, could not have been nicer or more accommodating. No matter what I asked for, it was in my hand in a nano-second! And I noticed them all quietly bussing the tables constantly. No one had to wait even a second for them to do that.

Some of CFG’s lovely personnel. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Now Laura can’t wait to have this experience again. I’ve had the food at a quartet of CFG locations—Thousand Oaks, Culver City, Burbank, and North Hollywood—and the best news is that the great flavors are consistent throughout! As an owner of a different multiple-location eatery once told me, the dishes taste different at all the places because of the different chefs. But that adage is not so at CFG. Everything Mr. X and I have tried from the various locations tastes exactly the same, in a great way!

And there’s more good news—all the CTGs are in big outdoor shopping centers, so parking could not be easier. And free!

California Fish Grill
401 N. Moorpark, Thousand Oaks
805-510-7877 www.cafishgrill.com

Readers and followers always ask me for more of my patented restaurant reviews, which I’ve sort-of gotten a bit away from with all the theatre and movie reviews along with all the sporting and other events I have to cover.  But a gal can only do so much, unless she’s a twenty-something bon vivette, as I was when I reviewed restaurants on TV every week while also being feted at every soiree in town!

But when someone recently told me about a new eatery, Robby’s, in West Hollywood, my friends Roz and Marc and I ran right over there to check it out.

Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this review.

And let me tell you—the place is beautiful! And has the best waitress, sweet and pretty Rocio. And we found some delicious dishes. So we decided to tell you about it all.

The menu is the same for lunch and dinner, with a wonderful deal on drinks and appetizers, (which we loved,) during Happy Hour.

But let’s get to the ambiance first. Marc, who knows a lot about interior design, noted that the “Hermes-orange napkins, which actually go with the design of the carpet, are cheerful.” He also loved the booths, and told me, “It’s hard to make such a large space warm, but Robby’s did just that.”

Artichoke Spinach Bake. Photo by Karen Salkin.

As we tasted each dish, Marc exclaimed that it was “comfort food.” So that seemed to be the theme of the menu, but with Robby’s own twist on it.

We started out with a trio of appetizers. The most popular one was the Artichoke Spinach Bake, of which Roz had the winning comment of the day, by saying, “I want to go to this party!”  I have basic versions of that dish just about everywhere that has it, and let me tell you—this is the best one ever! Marc explained that he’s “not a dipper,” in general, and even he loved it. (By the way—we did not dip—it came with little toasts that we spooned the mixture onto.)

Hummus. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Vegetarian Roz appreciated the hummus, as did Marc, who said it’s “very smooth and creamy,” and it came with something that surprised us all. It looked like there were French fries to dip into the hummus, but, since it appears that I had read the menu with the keenest eye, I knew that they were…little crispy sticks of flavorful Indian naan bread! They seriously did look just like fries, which would have been hard to dip into hummus.  (Roz quipped that they were “non-fries,” a play on “naan fries.” Next time Robby revamps the menu, he should hire her!)

My favorite item of everything we tried was the Bacon Apple Turnover appetizer, which is a puffed pastry stuffed with smoked cheddar, bacon, grilled onions, and little pieces of chopped green apple. Man, was that ever delicious!

Bacon Apple Turnover. Photo by Karen Salkin.

We wanted to try a salad, so we agreed on the one labeled Grilled Shrimp and Herb Goat Cheese Bits. Rocio was very accommodating in our nutty request to have all the shrimp come on a separate plate so that it wouldn’t touch the rest of the salad, so that Roz could try it. Another diner there that day also suggested to us to get the dressing on the side, so Rocio did that for us, as well. She said everything was absolutely no problem. The salad itself was pretty basic except for three generous dollops of herb cheese. But the most generous of all was six full pieces of large shrimp, which were very delicious. That’s what made the salad special.

The salad of Grilled Shrimp and Herb Goat Cheese Bits. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Even though Marc and I are far from vegetarians, all of our favorite entree was the creative Veggie Lasagna. The piece looked small-ish at first, but let me tell you—it was very filling! We all agreed that it was a great choice for vegetarians. Roz kept saying that there was a special flavor in there, and then Robby shared the secret with us—it’s nutmeg. Roz said, “It’s such a good touch, and added so much flavor.”

Each entrée comes with a side, or you can order them separately. We shared the three main sides, and enjoyed them all. Marc said that Fresh-cut French Fries were fabulous, rustic, and hearty, and I’m telling you to order them well-done. The Seasonal Veggies mix of green beans and carrots was light and appreciated, and the Fried Brussels Sprouts were caramelized and very garlicky.

The cheery sides. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The desserts were all a hit with our sweets-centric trio. Roz and Marc went especially nuts over the Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, and when we spoke with Robby later, he explained how he whips-up the caramelized sugar sauce fresh, which is what makes the cheesecake special. Marc said it was “outstanding,” and insisted that Robby’s cheesecake is better than any he’s ever had at the Cheesecake Factory!

Roz loved the Quadruple Chocolate Mousse Pie, labeling it “a darling chocoholic dessert,” while Marc declared it to be “light, fluffy, and not too sweet.”

The trio of desserts we shared. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Marc and I are bread pudding people, and he said it best for both of us, “If, as Karen and I do, you love bread pudding, you definitely won’t be disappointed with this flavorful and delicious one.” It comes on a lovely and mysterious sauce that the menu says is whiskey buttercream but we thought was vanilla, so ask them when you order it. It comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream which tops it off perfectly.

On an auxiliary note, the friend who recommended Robby’s to me in the first place told me her fave dishes are the lamb, shrimp curry, steak, and tofu flatbread, none of which I eat, so I can’t vouch for any of them, but I’m mentioning them in case you’d also like a fourth opinion of what to order there.

Robby’s features a pretty big beverage menu, but I can’t tell you much about it; two of us don’t drink at all, and Marc just had a Prosecco, which he was very happy with.

Gabriel, Rocio’s daughter, and Robby, giving us their “Happy Birthday” all! Photo by Karen Salkin.

If you celebrate your birthday there, let Robby know, and he will play the song for you on his saxophone! And his husband Gabriel will sing along.  Marc’s big b-day is coming up pretty soon, so we were treated to that musical interlude, with the bonus of Rocio’s teen daughter, (who happened to be there that day,) on clarinet.

Lastly, Roz reminded me to let you know this “useful info”: There is ninety-minute free parking right under the building. And if you go over that time, there’s just a very nominal fee. Good food in a pretty place with free parking—now that’s a combo we all need right now.

And speaking of reminding, please remember to follow me on Twitter now, (if you don’t already) because I will be live-tweeting at least some of the Oscars on Sunday, beginning with the arrivals. On that platform, I’m @MajorCelebrity. Let the snark observations begin!

Robby’s
7100 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
323-645-7301  www.robbyswesthollywood.com

I don’t know if this is known about me, but I absolutely adore brunch! Ever since I first moved to LA as a teen-ager, and learned about this repast, (I guess it wasn’t big in Brooklyn back in the day,) I’ve thought it’s the most fun and/or romantic meal ever. Romantic even when with pals and not a love interest—its just such a beautiful experience.

But Mr. X is not a fan of spending time in eateries; he’d rather just have a delicious meal at home. But I don’t want to spend the time making it for us.

The interior of Brique French Toastery. Photo by jolsoncreative.

So, I just found a wonderful solution for us—the incredible French Toast from Brique French Toastery! (I love that entire moniker, too!) You can either pick it up at their location in L.A.’s Century City Mall, if you’re in the area, or have it delivered via Goldbelly anywhere in the country! (Canada, too.)

I’ve discovered over the years that when a place makes just one item, it’s usually outstanding. And this situation lives up to that rule—Brique French Toastery’s one item is delicious!!! It’s a 4” thick piece of brioche French Toast that comes with their signature Peanut Butter Coconut Maple Syrup, Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, and Toasted Coconut Chips.

I was curious, so I had a Family Pack, (you didn’t think I was going to share my piece, did you?,) delivered to our house, and tried them out with Mr. X and a couple of pals, Jinny and Brad. Here’s what we thought:

Brique is the most apt name ever! That’s exactly what each piece looks like—a big brick. In a beautiful way.

And it’s really absolutely delish. One briquet is just the right size for one person, without feeling overly stuffed nor hungry again for several hours; it’s just right!

Mr. X gushed, “What a good breakfast!” He especially enjoyed the Peanut Butter Coconut Maple Syrup, saying it’s “delightfully different.”

The box. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Artistic Jinny pointed-out the “perfect packaging.” The box is a bluish-lavender, with a gold and cellophane window on top, and the three side ingredients are in small, round, recyclable containers. I noticed that it all looks pretty close to the official pix on their site, and on the delivery one’s, as well, which in all of our experience is a rarity.

It was hard to decipher Brad’s immediate reaction through all the “mmmm”s that were emanating from him as he took his first few bites. But when he was done he said, “The combination of ingredients is genius. It all goes together so beautifully.”

And we all agreed that this dish is “special.”

And the full packaging. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The only suggestion I have is that, if you’re a major cream-lover, as I am, make sure to have some extra whipped cream on hand, (although the store-bought variety will not be even close to as good as the tasty substance that comes with the order.)

You can get the French Toast at their shop and eat it right on-site at an outside table in the mall, to taste it as fresh as possible. But it’s super-easy to heat-up at home. There are four ways to do that, and we tried three of them on our four slices. (I use “slices” loosely because I don’t want to keep using “brick.”) We microwaved one, put one in the toaster oven, and warmed-up two in the conventional oven. And the results were pretty equal. [Note: The fourth method is to put it in an air fryer, but none of us have one.]

One of the ones we put together at home. It looks even better than the one on the delivery site, (at the top of this page,) doesn’t it? Photo by Karen Salkin.

We all agreed that the ones in the ovens were a bit better than the microwaved one because they were crisper. But lucky thing we kept an eye on the one in the toaster oven because, due to the toast’s big stature, it started to get a tad too dark on the top side, even though it was on its side, and not standing straight up. But it was really ready by then, in just three minutes, as opposed to the recommended five-to-seven. And that method did produce the most mouthwatering aroma!

The one caveat for the oven modes, though, is that when you take the toast out and put the toppings on it, the cream melts somewhat quickly. So we suggest you be aware of that. (And when you heat the syrup up in the microwave for twenty seconds, make sure to open the lid first. We learned the hard way!)

So now the only method I have left is to try the Brique French Toast fresh from their oven. And I can’t wait!

The sign at the actual eatery. Photo courtesy of Daniel Breiz.

By the way, if you don’t know exactly when to order it for yourselves, the good news is that they last for three or four days in the refrigerator, (although I doubt that you can resist eating them that long when they’re in your house!) You can even freeze them.

In addition to the fabulous meal, I love that I now have something in common with The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, because I’ve read that this is his favorite “cheat meal.” Brique French Toastery is owned and created by husband-wife team, Daniel Breiz (whom I met and immediately liked,) and Racquel “Rocky” Rockquemore-Breiz, the latter being Dwayne’s private chef. But if Dwayne ever wants to share her, I’d be happy to eat this meal for every breakfast!

Brique French Toastery
Westfield Century City Mall 
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard—2nd Floor
www.briquela.com

Earlier this week, my friends and I had fun discovering Blue Birdy, a three-month old gastropub on the Sunset Strip. The place had recently been recommended to me, so even though I’m still not back to eating in restaurants quite yet, as soon as I heard that they have Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert, I knew this was the place for me.

The Molten Chocolate Lava Cake in a to-go container. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And when I found-out they also do take-out, I recruited some pals to review with me, (which didn’t take a lot of prodding, of course,) and ran right over there to do a pick-up order. (The parking lots in the back appear to be free during the day. Just check first for yourselves.)

My co-reviewers, (Mr. X, Annie, and Todd,) and I all had a lot to say, so the comments in quotes came from one of us, but I forgot to make a note of from whom each one came! We also kept declaring everything “delicious” or “delish.” Not exactly creative adjectives, but honest, spontaneous ones.

Blue Birdy serves brunch, (my second favorite repast to Afternoon Tea,) until 4PM even on week-days, and dinner after that. Mr. X is my grilled salmon expert, so, luckily, even though it’s a dinner-only dish, they were able to accommodate us at lunchtime, and it was a success! Mr. X said the salmon was “so fresh,” he thought he “saw it move!” He’s a stickler for fresh seafood, so that’s high praise from him. (But if you like the skin removed, as he does, remember to ask them to do that.) He added that the braised kale on the side was “surprisingly good,” and the topping of sliced ginger and chopped mango was “a great touch.”

The Grilled Salmon dinner, still looking yummy even in a take-out container! Photo by Karen Salkin.

But even I was surprised to see what Mr. X went the most nuts over—it was the two salads we tried! His fave dish of everything was the BLT Salad, which is exactly what the moniker states it is—bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, along with crisp croutons (in place of the bread for a sandwich.) And, for good measure, it’s all topped with a hefty portion of avocado. The dressing is Blue Birdy’s homemade ranch, which is better than any other we’ve ever tasted. He suggested that no matter what else you order there, you also have to get that one. He’s still raving about it a week later!!!

He said the Beet Salad, (which features mixed greens, toasted walnuts, pecans, avocado, and goat cheese along with the beets,) is almost as good as the BLT. Of course, we all loved them both, as well, but Mr. X was soooo gaga over the salads that we let him have this whole portion of the review.

The Beet Salad. Photo by Karen Salkin.

We all sampled the Chicken Strips appetizer, and declared it the “surprise dish of the day.” The portion of chicken is really “plentiful,” and the crispness is “perfection.” And they’re actually bigger pieces than thin strips. I believe you can choose your heat level, or ask for the sauces on the side. The two sauces we got were sooo spicy that Mr. X exclaimed, “They get your attention!,” (as he went back for more, I might add!) We had the chicken cooked “Buffalo,” but if you’re a wimp, such as I am, I suggest you order it “Regular.” Or—here’s my tip of the day, for all hot foods—have some dairy, (such as mozzarella,) on hand, in case it’s too hot for you. And the order comes with fries, which makes it more of a complete meal than an appetizer. (Ask for them to be well-done.)

Annie, Todd, and I also tried the Tempura…Asparagus! Of all the tempuras I’ve eaten in my life, this is the most unique. And the teriyaki sauce it comes with has just the right kick. It’s one of the dishes we all deemed the “most special.” Our third appetizer was the Brussels Sprouts, which Todd says are “the most flavorful ones ever.” It’s another generous serving, as well.

The three of us also shared the short rib tacos, (which come three to an order, so it’s perf for a trio,) which Todd said was “ a substantial meal,” while Annie gushed, “It’s a hearty taco, that’s for sure!” They come with guacamole on the side, and chips that I loved so much, (because they seemed to be a bit light and airy,) that I didn’t really want to share them.

Blue Birdy owner Jean Claude Mahdavi. Photo by Karen Salkin.

When I was ordering the tacos, I told the lovely and cute owner, Frenchman Jean Claude Mahdavi, (aka JC,) who also owns the pub Joxer Daly’s in Culver City, (so maybe I’ll review that place for you soon, as well,) that I hope they have crispy shells, and I saw his face indicating that they do not. So I said something like, “Oh no—I don’t like soft shells,” to which he replied that they are “somewhere between soft and crispy.” I could not even imagine that. But he was totally correct in his assessment. And…I loved them like that!

And then it was time for dessert. I’m just sorry I didn’t opt for an extra Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for just me because I hated sharing it. It’s that delicious! And the cream that comes with it puts it over the top.

If you’re a chocoholic, but molten cake is a bit too much for you, go for the (secret-for-now) Nutella crepes, which are topped with bananas and strawberries. Yu-um!

The establishment itself features a full bar with creative alcoholic beverages. So, for those of you who want to watch sports in the best way possible, on a zillion giant TVs, with a drink (or two) in hand, this is the way to go. But I heavily suggest you indulge in some of their delicious food while you’re at it.

Blue Birdy has an attractive atmosphere, with gorgeous subtly-sparkly-blue table-tops, and fabulous lighting covers, (which I would wear as a mini-dress!) The main dining room is big, and you can feel either private-ish in a booth, or in-with-the-in-crowd at the bar or tables. (Mr. X said the interior is “a visual feast,” to go along with the food.) There’s also a front patio, if you want to be a bit away from the TVs to hear each other ooh-and-ahh over the food, and a covered back area, (still with multiple televisions,) which is perfect for a private party.

Blue Birdy’s front patio. Photo courtesy of Blue Birdy, as is the one at the top of this review.

As fun as it looks like eating and drinking in Blue Birdy is, their take-out service is excellent, and the packaging itself could not be better. So for you people who work in that Sunset Strip area, and want to order a superior lunch, brunch, or dinner to eat in the office, this is the place to call. Just leave some molten cake for me!

Blue Birdy
8917 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood
424-278-1112

There has been so much on my mind since yesterday that I feel the need to address it all right now. Some sad, some happy, some perplexing. But all of them interesting.

So here are a few of my recent thoughts:

DONALD SUTHERLAND DEATH

I was shocked when I read that Donald Sutherland had died. I had no idea that he had been unwell for a while. Even though the prolific actor was eighty-eight-years-old, my heart still sank.

Donald Sutherland.

I met Donald Sutherland only once, but he surprised me by just how sweet and intense he was. It was at the opening night after-party for a show he was starring in in L.A. The single and attractive friend I had brought along really wanted to meet him. So even though I really do not like to bother the toast of a soiree, I went over to laud him, just so she could chime in. And he did not take his eyes off mine for the next ten or fifteen minutes! He asked me everything! He was not trying to hit on me at all—he was just a nice person who seemed to be interested in others. I really appreciated my very brief time with the man.

And I have to apologize to Donald Sutherland for something. And that is thinking he was going to be the killer in my favorite TV show in years, The Undoing. But that’s how good of an actor he was—he tricked even my honed detective skills!

And now, my heart goes out to his family, fans, and friends, especially our great mutual pal, Elliott Gould, who has had a forever-bond with Donald ever since they starred in the classic movie M*A*S*H together. I’ll ask him to tell me a story or two about the Canadian legend this week.

R.I.P., Donald Sutherland.

JJ REDICK

New Lakers coach JJ Redick, speaking nicely with a ref in the past, which will most likely not be the case now!

As I predicted on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers hired former NBA player JJ Redick as their new Head Coach, despite the fact that he has never served in that capacity anywhere before. Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who just shepherded that team to the NBA championship, is perhaps the youngest coach ever at thirty-five, (he’ll be thirty-six at the end of this month,) but he had been an assistant coach in small colleges forever, and he come up through the ranks to sort-of luck into the Celtics head coach position a couple of years ago. That’s the hard coaching path that he took, and most pro coaches have similar ones.

As I stated just a few days ago in this e-zine, (in my article about Danny Hurley turning the position down, which you can still read here: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/basketballkarens-thoughts-danny-hurleys-excellent-decision,) JJ Redick has never even coached Little League, let alone anywhere else. He’s never even been an assistant coach in college! He’s never done anything more than play ball in high school and college and the NBA. And he’s been a commentator for the past couple years. But, again, never any kind of coach. (And trust me, I researched him quite a bit to make sure I was correct!)

Part of Joe Mazzulla’s coaching history.

So, I don’t really predict great things for him in the pro league. His contract is for four years, but I have a feeling that the Lakers will suck at the beginning of the season, and JJ will be gone by December. I really feel that they needed to hire a veteran coach, such as Jeff Van Gundy or Mark Jackson or Mike Brown, but oh well. As many of you know, even though I love Los Angeles, in general, more than anyone else I’ve ever met, I just have never gotten behind the Lakers. So there you have it.

BRONNY JAMES PREDICTION

Now to continue on the Laker tip, here’s what I think will happen here. I feel that LeBron James struck a backroom deal* with the Laker powers-that-be to make sure that his son, Bronny James, gets on the team with him. And if they do not choose him in the draft, (or even after the draft because he’s not really a hot commodity, and for sure not one of the sixty best players coming into the league, so in a fair world, he would still be available after the draft ends,) then LeBron and his son will go elsewhere. *[Note: I just read that their agent is declaring that they are not a “package deal,” but I beg to differ. So we’ll see.]

LeBron and Bronny James.

So, to any NBA teams who are reading this, here’s what you need to do: Unless you have first, second, or third pick in the Draft, if you’re ahead of the Lakers’ #17 choice, you should choose Bronny just to be able to trade him to the Lakers. Even though he doesn’t seem to be a great player himself, (which means that a team couldn’t get much in a trade for him,) I feel that the Lakers will do anything to get him, to keep LeBron James on the team. So if you choose Bronny before the Lakers can, you can basically write your own ticket of just whom and what you want in exchange for the kid! That would be a genius move, (even if I do have to say so myself.)

By the way, I really do want to see a father and son play together in the NBA, and this will be our best chance for that. I applaud LeBron for being such a dedicated father. Even though he’s still a great player, I don’t know if he would still be playing if it were not for the opportunity to play on the same team as his son. So I really hope that it will come to pass, and in this upcoming season, for sure. (But what’s LeBron going to do when his second son comes up in the world??? I’ll ponder that question some other time. As you can see, I have enough on my mind for one day!)

CAITLIN CLARK

I’ve honestly never seen anything like this in pro sports before—opponents being allowed to harm a fellow player with no repercussions from the league! It’s disgusting. By that I mean both the treatment of Caitlin Clark and the non-calls and no fines for the offenders.

Caitlin is not only the best player in the WNBA in quite awhile, but she’s also the only reason that any of the other players in the league are having people see them play. Just about no one has been interested in seeing women play basketball before this season, and now they finally have someone who is so good and intriguing that she’s selling out the previously empty arenas!

Just one recent incident against Caitlin Clark, (on the left,) as she’s about to get battered by a 235 pound opponent!

Plus, the teams have had to fly commercial all these years, (and I highly doubt it was even in Business Class,) but because of Caitlin, they are finally having charter flights. They need to be grateful for the girl, not evil to her!

It’s bad enough that she’s been left off the Olympics team, which, of course, she’s been more than gracious about, but she’s getting thrown around by bigger women, on purpose. And no one is doing anything to help her.

I hate to say it, but I agree with everyone else that it’s about race. (I would say that if it was the other way around, too.) And jealousy. All those other women, especially the ones Caitlin played against in college, (yes, you, Angel Reese,) are so jealous of her that it’s making them extra-crazy. And they need to stop it this very second before someone gets really hurt.

The refs need to really take charge. And, very shamefully, Caitlin needs to have a bodyguard with her.

But most importantly, the WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, needs to issue a warning. She can make it generic, such as, “If any player harms another player, they will be suspended indefinitely, effective immediately.” Dot, dash, end of story.

LOS ANGELES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Photo by Nina Herzog.

I hope you all read my preview of this local annual film festival the other day, (here’s the link, in case you missed it: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/upcomingmovies-los-angeles-jewish-film-festival-2024-preview,) and that many of you were at the Opening Night Gala the other night. I wasn’t planning on also doing a review of it, but the event was so excellent, that I just have to tell you a little bit about it. And remind you that the festival is happening right now, and advise that, if you’re in SoCal, you should check out all their other offerings.

My friend Nina and I were overwhelmed by the number of people who turned out for the opening night. It was at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, which has a massive auditorium, and it was absolutely packed! We got there a little bit before 7PM, when it was due to start, and the line of well-dressed ticket holders was already around the block.

The reception came first; I really didn’t know what to expect in the way of food, but it was all delicious! And plentiful. The buffets featured several kinds of finger foods, and Nina and I loved it all. There were mini knishes, (of course,) hotdogs in “blankets,” chicken fingers, beef “cigars,” and vegetables on one table, and on another was Chinese food, (also of course.)

In addition to cut-up fruits, the desserts were marble cake and some mini pastries, such as cheese danishes.

The snack table! Photo by Karen Salkin.

And then, we made the most incredible discovery at the other end of the spacious lobby-–a whole table full of all kinds of packaged treats! It was a snack bonanza. There were tiny chocolates, crunchy quinoa chocolates in several different flavors, and Hawaiian sea salt macadamia nuts. That was my favorite area, of course.

There were also different alcoholic beverages. I don’t drink, but I believe I saw bottles of wine and vodka.

And the movie itself, Guns and Moses, was very good. Even though I knew it was a crime drama, it had me jumping several times. There were fun surprises and even a bit of humor. I’m going to try to attend some of the other films in the Festival, and I hope to see many of you there.

I was glad to see a serious security force all over the venue. And we had to go through metal detectors, which, in this day and age, I really appreciated.

www.lajfilmfest.org

BLUE BIRDY SPORTS BAR AND CAFE

Blue Birdy in WeHo. Photo by Karen Salkin.

My glowing review of this new eatery on the Sunset Strip is coming on Monday, so please be sure to look for it then. Here’s a quick preview: The picky Mr. X loved what he ate there! And you will not believe what his favorite dish is. You can try guessing, but I doubt you will get it. So remember to check back early next week to see how you fare.

Calling all SoCal foodies—the seventh annual fabulous Masters of Taste, (which features unlimited refreshments all day!,) is back in town.  I’ve attended the past five of them, (I, sadly, missed the first,) and now I can’t wait for this 2024 version. So I’m happily sharing the lowdown on how to be there yourselves. (Just don’t cut ahead of me for any of the goodies!)

I brought my main contributing writer, Laura, to her first one last year, and she almost cried from how much she loved it. She said it’s the best event she’s ever been to!!! And as someone who works with me, you know she’s been to everything!

The Rose Bowl field, all set-up for Masters of Taste. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The 2024 Masters of Taste (MOT) is taking place this Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena once again. And—no kidding—it’s right on the field!  I had been on that field several times before my first MOT, (because of my friendship with the UCLA athletes in the late ‘90s, and also for a few professional events since then,) and let me tell you— it’s a magical experience every time. But there’s nothing as thrilling as entering the top of the steps for this event, and taking in the entire tableau at once. Trust me on just how breathtaking that view is!

But the food and beverages from all of the participating eateries are the real stars of the day! Trust me on that statement even more! I’d advise everyone to not eat much that day until you get there.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

General admission goes from 4-7PM, and there’s an additional early VIP hour from 3-4. (MOT is much less crowded for that first hour, so if your dining and recreational budget allows, I highly recommend spending the extra bit of money for it.) And that admission price covers absolutely everything! Once you’re in, you can eat and drink as much as you like, including alcoholic beverages. (But if you do plan to drink those, please either designate a teetotaling driver or take a car service.)

Before I get into the participating eateries, I have to tell you about the kindness aspect of Masters of Taste. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to Union Station Homeless Services, a very worthy nonprofit organization that’s working to end homelessness and rebuild lives here in Los Angeles, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. (You can read more about them on the Masters of Taste site linked at the bottom of this preview.)

Gus’ Famous Fried Chicken. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Now, as to exactly what we’ll all be feasting on next Sunday, there will be over forty eateries offering savory bites, (including the perennial favorite, Gus’ Fried Chicken; Emporium Thai, a famous Westwood restaurant that I’ve been recommending to MOT for a few years now; and even the classy members-only City Club LA,) and over a dozen dessert purveyors, (for which I can’t wait to cheat on my diet!) As to the beverages, there will be about four dozen various ones. (And that’s not even counting the plethora of bottled/boxed waters that are always on offer.) None of us will be wanting for anything, (except maybe a baggier wardrobe that day!)

And the fun is not solely on the Rose Bowl field; as soon as you enter the gates, there are booths and food trucks right on that top level. Whether you begin your food and drink journey right there or save that area to peruse on the way out, (so you can relax in one of their fake-foliage-covered armchairs,) it’s all good. I guarantee that you will love it all!

The upstairs section, right when you walk through the gates. Photo by Karen Salkin.

More good news is that the parking in the Rose Bowl lot is free! And close-by. On top of that, all attendees receive a cute little set of cutlery on the way in, so they can use their own utensils for the day instead of each booth’s plastic ones, if they choose to be nice to the environment. To further help the planet, the waste bins all around the grounds are specified for either landfill, recycling, or composting, which my recycling self really appreciates.

There’s always a culinary Host of this event, and this year it’s a husband-wife team with whom I’m familiar. Lucy Thompson-Ramirez and Chef Bret Thompson own and run Pez Cantina downtown. I’m a proud user of their famous seasoning; now if only I could cook like Bret. Lucy is always kind enough to invite me in for dinner, but, with my crazy sked, I just can never find the time, so I’ll be happy to reconnect with them at Masters of Taste this coming week-end.

A very satisfied guest at the end of a previous Masters of Taste, wishing she had worn baggier pants! Photo by Karen Salkin.

As a Masters of Taste veteran, I, of course, have some excellent, (if I do say so myself,) advice for you when you go. Since there’s tons of walking, (it’s on a football field, after all,) wear comfortable footwear. And because you’re going to eat and drink more than you could have ever imagined, wear loose clothing, such as drawstring pants, or, let’s call it “faux maternity,” dresses for the ladies. It actually doesn’t matter what you look like for this one—everyone has eyes for only the food and beverages!

Most importantly, be smart and wear sunscreen! Even if it’s not a sunny day. And perhaps bring a cap with you. You can never be too careful with the sun. Take this advice from someone who’s had skin cancer twice…on my face!

Now that you have all this important info, go order your tickets right now! I hope to see all my fellow SoCal denizens there. Come say hello, but please try to do so during the few seconds in which I’m not stuffing my face!

For tickets and more information on all of it, just click right here: www.mastersoftastela.com.

While trying to figure-out what to write about for my first non-holiday article of 2024, I decided to clear my mind a bit by…ordering a lunch delivery!

Just one example of no prices on a menu! And the eatery actually sent this to me to get me to go to it!

And in doing so, I got all upset again that, in the last several years, few of the menus I peruse on-line have prices! So that naturally became the topic of my first rant of the year.

After many of us have used beaucoup bucks on the recent holidays, being a tad thrifty right now is most likely on our minds. And nobody wants to just order food, or eat at a place, without knowing what kind of money they’ll be spending to do so.

We’re not just checking to order a delivery, but even more often, to decide where to eat that day or night. Or possibly in the near future.

As a formerly-full-time, now-occasional restaurant critic, (because, with over forty categories in this e-zine, there’s just not enough time for critical eating anymore!,) with so many choices of where to eat, both here in Los Angeles and wherever I travel, I want to know everything about a place: type of cuisine, dishes on offer, atmosphere, fancy or casual or in-between, seating, etc. And of paramount importance, to just about everybody who dines out, is the prices.

In my case, that’s not just when Mr. X or I are paying. For instance, when my friends take me out to birthday lunch, (which is coming up quickly, on January 14, hint hint,) I don’t want them going into debt to celebrate me! They always ask me to choose the place, and, from the get-go, I eliminate the places that don’t give the prices on their site. (Yes, there are a couple of auxiliary websites, such as menuprices.com, that list the menu items for many restaurants, including the prices, but it’s often not the complete menu. And not every place is on them.)

Why do they keep the prices a mystery, anyway? Just whom do these establishments think they’re duping? Don’t they realize that people check-out their sites to see not only what’s on offer, but how much it will all cost?! If the eatery’s excuse is that perhaps the prices will change, then they can just amend them on the site when that happens. Duh. Or are they that embarrassed by what they’re charging?

Just so you know, it’s not just the pricey eateries that keep their customers in the dark—it’s even the low-end ones! I kid you not.

And it’s not just the prices that are frequently left-out; it’s often the descriptions of the items, as well. For example, Mr. X does not love Asian food, in general, (outside of E-word Foo Young,) so when I was considering ordering from Panda Express for the first time ever, I suggested that he might like their shrimp. So we went onto their site, so he could see the details of the dish, and…there were none!!! So they not only wasted our time, but they lost a sale, and perhaps repeat customers!

One good example of an on-line menu offering their nutritional info, which ALL places should do!

And I know this one is too much to hope for, but why can’t all on-line menus include the nutritional information?

Occasionally you can see the prices, but not until you give them your address and time of delivery or pick-up! That is sooo manipulative of them.  How about letting us see what we could be getting into, and then we’ll decide if we want you to have our info?!

By the way—Mr. X and I have never used any of those independent delivery services—I’ve read and heard, (and even seen, on the news!,) waaay too many horror stories about them. For example: deliveries going to the wrong houses, and the companies refusing to remedy the situation; items missing from the already-paid-for order; and a tie for worst of all—the news has shown some drivers chowing down on the customers’ food!, (ewww,) and we just saw a Ring video of the delivery guy stealing a package from the house he was delivering to! Disgusting. So Mr. X and I have to order from the few places left that deliver on their own.

And did you know that the menu prices for outside delivery services are often higher than for the actual eatery? Mr. X and I often pick-up pizza from Joe’s, which we’ve always loved, even though it’s soooo expensive to begin with. But when I recently called them, the guy who answered must have just not wanted to take the order, because he told me we had to do it on-line. Even when it’s for just one pizza! (I found-out later he was lying, of course.) So I ordered and paid on their site, and when I went in to pick it up, I noticed each item was one to three dollars less than what I just paid on-line!

When I pointed that out to the guy, he said, “Oh, you must have paid the delivery prices!” When I reminded him that I had ordered for pick-up, not delivery, and therefore I have a small refund coming to me, he told me they don’t do that!  I’ve never heard of such a thing!  That’s not the way to do business.

None of any of this is the way to do business, actually. But I don’t know how to get restaurants to post their prices and make it easier for potential customers, outside of the obvious—we all should not frequent the establishments that keep us in the dark! There are soooooo many places to eat these days, so we need to just choose one that practices transparency.

One of my absolute favorite eateries in LA doing the right thing by giving us their prices on-line, as way too high as they are!

They need us–during the pandemic, we customers were all about helping-out neighborhood eateries. The pleas on Nextdoor, for example, were coming in at a maddening pace.

So now it’s the restaurants’ turns to help us, the consumers, out. And in the easiest way possible—just put your prices on the page! Duh.

If any of you can think of another way to get them to do the right thing, please let the rest of us know, in the Comments below. We need basic things in the world to get easier right now. And putting the prices on on-line menus is a small thing to ask.

[Final Note: When the concept for my article came to me, I honestly thought it was a unique one. When I finally finished it a week or so later, and it was all proofed and drafted, I went on-line to look for appropriate images for it. And what I found astounded me—this no-price situation has been going on for much longer than I had thought! A few others had written about their disdain for it, as well. So, no—I definitely did not get my idea, nor any of my words, from what others had written before me. But I do appreciate, especially in this case, that great minds really do think alike!]

I don’t know if you know this about me, but, as much as I love Los Angeles, and always have tons of fun in my own backyard, I also love discovering new areas of California, especially if they’re not too far away. But, besides that I never seem to have any time to explore, even before the pandemic, you know that hermitic Mr. X doesn’t like to leave his home base much. (Unless it’s to go to Home Depot, of course.) So we’ve rarely ever traveled anywhere, except for work. (I’m not complaining, because both of our careers have taken us to many wonderful places; I’m just explaining.)

A pretty area of Orange County. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Enter Laura, one of my contributing writers and, more importantly, my most fun friend in years. We laugh about our many differences, (like that one of us adores make-up and nail polish, and the other shuns those cosmetics enhancements,) but we’re on so many of the same wavelengths. And exploring is a major one of them.

So, when we recently met a dentist from Ladera Ranch, (which, of course, we had never heard of, but later found-out is in Orange County,) we were interested. He told us that a specialty of his office is teeth whitening, (which I feel that everyone with natural choppers needs from time to time,) so we decided to take a day trip down there to check it out.  And then we just lingered.  For hours.

We so adored just about everything we did down there that Laura suggested I share some of our adventures with you, in case you’d like to emulate our trip. I’ll go in order.

The well-stocked water fridge in the dentist’s office. Photo by Karen Salkin.

First up was our teeth whitening at that dental office, Hales Parker. Let me tell you—the whole place was spacious, beautiful, and actually elegant. I’ve never seen anything like it before, even in Beverly Hills! The ladies who manned the front desk, Randy and Stacey, could not have been lovelier. And, as an H2O guzzler, I really appreciated that the glass-covered mini-fridge, (located right below the complimentary coffee and tea station,) was loaded with tons of bottles of cold water for us to partake in whenever the need arose.

Claudia and Lucia did our procedures, and stayed with us the whole time, explaining every step of the process. I had never had it done that way before, so it was comforting to know they were there the whole time. It was all new to Laura, who had never had her teeth whitened before; she was ecstatic with the results. And as the icing on the cake, all three cute young dentists stopped in to chill with us for a few minutes. It felt more like a fun frat party, (but at a high-class institution like Stanford,) than a dentist visit, which you know I loved! When does that ever happen?!

We had planned on having Afternoon Tea while we were down there. I had literally spent weeks researching places in the area, even though I had no idea what part of SoCal we’d be in. Laura had just taken me to tea in LA for my birthday earlier that week, so we were really looking forward to enjoying another one so soon, especially since that repast is hard to find in our neck of the woods. I had narrowed it down to about eight places in Orange County, and then Stacey and Randy had narrowed it down even further for us. We all agreed on The Tearoom at Los Rios, and from the pictures on-line, Laura and my mouths were watering for that fare.

The outside of The Tearoom at Los Rios. Photo by Karen Salkin.

But—and this is a major but—when Claudia finished doing my whitening, she told me the aftercare rules. She said for the next twenty-four hours, “No coffee or red wine,” to which I retorted, “I don’t ever drink either, so no problem.” And then she continued her list, “And no tea.” I heard Hitchcock music in my mind when I heard those dreaded words! So that was it for our planned and appetite-whetting Afternoon Tea. We were heartbroken.

But Stacey told us that there are some good places to eat around there, anyway, so we decided to explore the entire area. And that’s how we wound-up in the legendary town of San Juan Capistrano, for both of our first time ever! After scouting for a fun eatery, (we were starving at that point,) I remembered that Stacey had suggested Trevor’s at the Track’s. So that’s where we headed.

Part of the massive patio at Trevor’s at the Tracks, with Alex Toto on music. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And it was the perfect choice for that chilly-yet-crisp afternoon. We got to sit outside on their gigantic patio, at a table right next to the fireplace, overlooking the actual train tracks, (although we never saw a train itself.)  The poutine, (fries with gravy, and in this case, melted cheese,) was perfect, the entire restaurant was full of interesting spaces, and the whole time we were serenaded by Alex Toto, who accompanied himself on guitar. And all the people who worked there were nice. (Well, being completely honest, except for the woman who manned the separate cookie area.) So, perhaps we’ll go back there one day to do a full review of the place.

When we were done eating, we decided to torture ourselves and check-out the tea place, to see what we were missing. And it appeared that we were, indeed, missing a lot! The Tearoom at Los Rios is adorbs! So we hope to have the opportunity to review it for you, as well. (Now we want a full week-end there, not just a day trip! You always need to continue relaxing after Afternoon Tea!)

The interesting thing is that all of those adorable and charming places are in that same area along the train tracks! Those San Juan Capistrano denizens sure have it good!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

And all of that is only two hours away from Los Angeles! It was a revelation to us.

Even the drive was fun. We noticed plenty of unique drive-thrus along the way, but, alas, we didn’t have time for them. But that just means more for us to do on our next trip down there.

To ease us back into civilization, (i.e. LA,) we stopped at a–don’t judge us–99 cent store on the way back home, and even that felt a bit different from the ones here!

But don’t get me wrong—I was thrilled to be back home in the city that I’ve loved since I was a teen. That little trip just reminded me to explore the not-too-far-away towns more often, now that we’re emerging from the main throes of the pandemic. And to not wait for another excuse, (such as our newly-pearly whites,) to do so!

As a diehard foodie, Masters of Taste is literally one of my favorite events all year! I’m giving everyone the heads-up because the 2023 event will be here in just a week and a half!!! And, trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss!!!

2023 marks the sixth year of the now-famous food fest, and I’m happy to say that I’ve missed only the first one. And now I can’t wait for this year’s rendition—I look forward to it for myself and to introduce yet another pal to it. And to entice all of my SoCal readers to go to it, as well. I promise that you will absolutely love it!

Part of the 2022 Master of Taste festivities. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this preview.

The link to purchase tickets, along with all the official info, is at the bottom of this preview. But I’m here to break down the most important scoops that you need to know about Masters of Taste 2023.

It’s taking place on Sunday, April 2, 2023, from 4-7PM for general admission, with an extra VIP hour from 3-4. (Here’s an expert tip: It’s much less crowded for that first hour, so, if your budget allows, I highly recommend spending the extra bit of money for it.) And, as usual, it’s on the field of the iconic Rose Bowl, which is always magical. If you’ve never been on that hallowed ground, this is a wonderful opportunity to cross that rare experience off your list.

Before I tell you about all the incredible food and beverages that await you, I must say that my favorite part of Masters of Taste is knowing that one hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to Union Station Homeless Services, which is a nonprofit organization that’s working to end homelessness and rebuild lives here in Los Angeles, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. I always applaud efforts in that category; we need them now more than ever!

So that’s the kind aspect of Masters of Taste. Now let’s get to the fun parts!

Karen Salkin showing one of the prettiest desserts at Master of Taste in 2018. Photo by Karen Salkin’s left hand. (How DOES she do it?!)

Here’s how cool it is—the whole event is just one price for admission, and then you get to eat and drink to your heart’s content. You don’t spend even one more dime all day! Even the parking is free. (But please do not drive there if you’re one of the people who loves sampling the very many alcoholic beverages on offer! Either designate a teetotaling driver or take a car service.) And, if tradition holds, we even get our own cute little set of cutlery on the way in, which cuts down on plastic waste. Speaking of that, there are even bins specified for composting alongside the ones for trash and recycling.

There are expected to be about one hundred food purveyors between restaurants and caterers; the latter offerings are always special because we don’t have the option of trying their fare every day, as we do with actual eateries. And most of the sponsors proffer more than one tidbit. For example, an Italian cafe might be serving pizza, pasta, and dessert. You really have to pace yourselves so you don’t get full before you have a chance to try a bit of everything. I promise you—one gigantic fried chicken breast from Gus’, (always one of the most popular booths there,) can feed a family of five! (Okay, I’m exaggerating, but only a bit.)

Some desserts from 2022. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Since I’m not solely a restaurant critic anymore, (as I’m sure you’ve all noticed from the over forty categories in this e-zine!,) most of the places at Masters of Taste will be new to me. That makes it extra-exciting because it’s the perfect opportunity to up my knowledge in the SoCal restaurant scene, and get back to being a part of the in-crowd. I look forward to trying it all! Especially the desserts. Yu-um!!!

And there are sooo many beverage participants, both alcoholic and otherwise, that they’re listed in four categories!!! I’m just always grateful that bottled or boxed flat water is readily available all day because that’s the only thing I drink.

In addition to the culinary choices on the field itself, the fun begins as soon as we enter the premises. There are food trucks right on that top level, along with pretty seating areas in which to enjoy the fare. You can start eating and drinking right away up there, but we usually end our day there, as a relaxing respite after we’ve gained about ten pounds chowing-down on all the wonderful treats on the field!!! We always need to sit down and quietly enjoy our last licks.

The first area you see as you enter the premises. Photo by Karen Salkin.

And here’s a pro tip–if you’re a girl, wear flats or sneakers, because it’s a lot of walking. And, as I said, on a football field! And pair that footwear with a baggy dress, or pants that expand on your stomach. This is a food fest, not a fashion show. I promise you that no one has eyes for anything but the food and drinks.

And don’t forget the sunscreen! Even if it’s not sunny out that day. If you haven’t gotten the memo by now, the solar rays are dangerous even on the cloudiest of days. So maybe even bring a cap. You can never be too careful. (But happily, there’s no need for a face mask at Masters of Taste! It’s all outdoors and you’ll be needing your mouth to eat and drink the entire time! How refreshing is that news?!)

I hope to see you all there. Just don’t cut in front of me for a piece of chocolate cake!

For tickets and more information, just click right here: www.MastersofTasteLA.com.