I tend to error on the obsessive compulsive side (no duh). So, about six years ago when I first started making Margaritas seriously I went through a lengthy experimentation phase to find the perfect recipe. Now one could (and I…
With Episode 4, “Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things,” the enormous narrative of Game of Thrones begins to pick up speed. Still, it’s amazing how much time this show needs to spend on characterization, which is a tribute to the enormous depth of such in the source material. Even streamlined, there’s just such a ridiculous number of interesting characters, each with their own pathetic stories.
Restaurant: Matsuhisa [1, 2] Location: 129 N La Cienega Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211. (310) 659-9639 Date: May 6, 2011 Cuisine: Japanese Fusion Rating: As good as it’s always been! ANY CHARACTER HERE Some good friends were in town who had never tried Nobu Matsuhisa‘s…
Restaurant: The Lobster Location: 1602 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, California 90401. 310.458.9294 Date: April 29, 2011 Cuisine: Seafood Rating: Great view, decent food. ANY CHARACTER HERE Every couple months we go to the Lobster. It’s located right at the top of…
While the foundation of fun characters is great, fundamentally I think that by toning down the comic elements (it’s still there, just slightly muted), and a concentrating on the mob aspects at slight expense of Tony’s maternal and psychiatric relationships, Season 2 brings this already good show to an entirely new level.
Restaurant: Palmeri [1, 2] Location: 11650 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049. (310) 442-8446 Date: April 3, 2011 Cuisine: Italian Rating: Great, and good value. ANY CHARACTER HERE Palmei is one of our Sunday regular places. I’ve already covered the basics in my previous…
Josie’s doesn’t disappoint. Very solid farmer’s market driven new American. There’s even a good bit of game!
Episode 3 is titled “Lord Snow,” in reference to Jon Snow’s nickname at the wall. This episode continues, and I think essentially wraps up, the trio of scene setting episodes. This world is so complex, with so many characters, it needed a three hour pilot. Still, it’s a damn enjoyable setup.
Restaurant: Sotto [1, 2, 3] Location: 9575 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035 310.277.0210 Date: April 26, 2011 Cuisine: Sicilian and Sardinian Italian Rating: Bold flavors, off to a great start! ANY CHARACTER HERE We needed a restaurant to celebrate the end of passover that…
It’s interesting to see it after the fact, after having watched Rome, Deadwood, Six Feet Under, Carnivale, True Blood, The Wire, Big Love, Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, etc. This is an intermediate stage in the development of today’s long form visual medium. The Sopranos, like all HBO dramas, is very well written. Where it shines is in character building. Not development per se, but in the creation of unique and interesting personalities.
Restaurant: Mark’s Duck House [1, 2] Location: 6184 Arlington Blvd # A, Falls Church, VA 22044 703-532-2125 Date: April 23, 2011 Cuisine: Cantonese Chinese Rating: Very very good cantonese. ANY CHARACTER HERE This seeming hole in the wall in Falls Church…
Restaurant: Little Saigon Location: 6218 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044-3210 (703) 536-2633 Date: April 22, 2011 Cuisine: Vietnamese ANY CHARACTER HERE One of my favorite places back “home” (Washington D.C.) is Little Saigon, a local hole in the wall Vietnamese place with absolutely stellar food….
Restaurant: Tidewater Grille Location: 300 FRANKLIN STREET, HAVRE DE GRACE, MD 21078 410.939.3313 Date: April 18, 2011 Cuisine: Eastern Shore American Rating: Real crab cakes! ANY CHARACTER HERE One of the great things about the greater Washington DC area is the…
After watching Episode 1 three and a quarter times, I was eagerly awaiting the continuation. This week’s installment, entitled “The Kingsroad” didn’t disappoint, although this is an extremely transitional episode.
We were scrounging around for lunch and came up with this variant passover tuna melt. While “passover” compliant it is in the tradition of the Great Trefa Banquet of 1883. You’ll see why. My wife did not participate — for the same…
This year we hosted the first seder (SEE HERE), but my Mom cooked the second. That means a very high bar of quality. Parker 91 for the 2001 Opus One. “Tasted twice Deep garnet-black colour. Still a lot of primary…
April rolls around and it’s seder time again, the ritual dinner celebrating the exodus from Egypt. As usual, things have to be done in full Gavin style. Various ingredients. There are all sorts of traditional requirements to this meal, the…