Famima??

Yes, Famima!! It's a convenience store!! With food!!

Now, you are probably saying to yourself, "Why the hell is this guy talking about a convenience store? I thought this was a blog about fine dining and fine whining. I don't need to read about what some guy thinks about a Circle-K or 7-11 rip-off...even if it was two in the morning and I was flying higher than Lindsay Lohan after a weekend at the Roosevelt!!" Well Mr. "I'm too good to drink water from the toilet," here's why:

(1) It has two exclamation points in its name!! Does 7-11? Does Circle-K? Does Cumberland Farms? Does Stop and Shop? Nope, nope, nope and nope; not even one lousy exclamation point for the sorry lot. Famima!! has two. Two exclamation points signify that it's exciting, fast paced, in your face and ready to get down (like Lindsay Lohan and a mound of blow). It screams, "Get over here, I'm something special bitches!!"

(2) It's Japanese!! Famima!! is laying waste to the greater Los Angeles basin with more ferocity than Godzilla (aka Gojira) did to Tokyo in the much maligned Godzilla 1984. There are stores in Culver City, Downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Hollywood, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance and West Hollywood. And in each one of them you can get over 25 different kinds of bottled tea. Not crappy Snapple tea or wussy (part wimp part pussy) Lipton tea but hardcore Japanese brands with names like Hoji and Fuko. Some of the tea is only in Japanese. If you want to establish your rep as a tea swilling yuppie big swinging dick, go with the Japanese only!! Gordon Gekko will be impressed.

(3) It has Japanese food!! Looking to guzzle 60 ounces of Mr. Pibb with some beef jerky and a hot dog that dates from the Carter administration? Not at Famima!! Not even "Kokakoora" or "Pepushi" with a "Hottodoggu". Instead you'll find decent boxed sushi in hand roll, cut roll and nigiri form, cold soba and udon noodles, pre-made sandwiches, salads and fruit. You can buy Japanese candy, cookies, chocolate, ice cream and even steamed dumplings with flavors like spicy char-su pork, vegetable curry and shrimp. Like Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes in Rising Sun, you may never escape being a "gaijin," but after eating a prepackaged extra spicy tuna roll, seaweed salad, Hoji oolong flavored tea and a poke stick for desert, you sure won't feel like one.

(4) It's still a convenience store!! Need toothpaste, a pack of smokes, a new pen, Pringles or Mean Girls on DVD (Jambo!!)? Famima!!'s got that too. Unfortunately, you won't find hardcore porno in the magazine rack (or even behind the counter) or the eau du vie: beer, wine and malt liquor. One can only hope they have specialty stores in Japan for those sorts of things and that they might make their way stateside some day too. Until then you'll still have to slog it over to your local 7-11 for a Mickey's and the new issue of Club International.

(5) The clerks are friendly and they speak English!! No Apu pushing his Ganesha on you ("please do not feed my God a peanut") or Prakesh reeking of curry and despair (I'm Indian so I know!!). Just poor college kids forced to work a minimum wage job for beer money and tickets to a 311 concert. They will ring you up quickly, give you extra soy sauce and wasabi, throw some chopsticks and napkins in your bag and never mutter a "thank you come again" or "good-bye steady customer."

(6) It's the premium experience!!

6TH ANNUAL VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD EVENT BENEFITING UNITED FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN

Wine and dine former L.A. mayor Richard Riordan's home!

Over 250 Angelenos will come together to enjoy an enchanting evening of fine wine from premiere wineries and gourmet dining from some of Los Angeles’ hottest restaurants at the 6th Annual Vintage Hollywood event. The night showcases 27 prestigious boutique wine producers from California, Argentina and New Zealand including: Baker Lane, Chasseur, Black Sheep Finds, Diogenes, Duckhorn, Figge Cellars and Hitching Post.

Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 6:00PM-9:00PM.

Tickets to Vintage Hollywood, available by advance purchase only, are $200 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, www.vintagehollywood.org or call Charissa Abbay at (213) 580-1825.

Hit Abode on Monday Nights

I had the pleasure of dining at the new eco-friendly Abode Restaurant in Santa Monica last week. A bit pricey for everyday, I was really excited to hear that on Monday nights, the lounge menu is offered in place of the regular dinner menu. Owners Anastasia Israel (of the famed Anastasia's Asylum that recently closed on Wilshire) and Kelly Gleason want guests to feel relaxed. Chef Dominique Crenn, who is completely charming, created a lounge menu that includes Mac and Cheese with Short Ribs, Gruyere and Smoked Gouda ($19); Moroccan Rubs Lamb Lollipop ($18); Wild Lettuce Salad served with Garlic Chips, White Anchovies, Onion Tart and Creamy Garlic Vinaigrette ($12); and Maine Lobster Spring Roll with Passion Fruit and Wasabi Drizzles ($15). The drinks are uber-fragrant -- try the Lavender Martini (Absolut Vodka, Parfait d'Amour with muddled lemon and lavender essence or the Dreamsickle (Grey Goose Vanilla, Triple Sec, organic fresh squeezed orange juice and a splash of cream). Yum!

Abode, 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.394.3463

5th Annual Red Sun BBQ at Katana

Katana celebrates summer with its 5th Annual Red Sun BBQ Garden, every Sunday evening on its chic patio deck overlooking the Sunset Strip. Guests can listen to KCRW DJ Thomas Golubic spin while enjoying dishes such as Miso Glazed Popcorn Shrimp Tempura; Robatayaki skewers; Premium Wagyu Kobe Beef from Japan; Lobster with Yuzukoshu Butter and Shallots; and an assortment of sushi. Specialty cocktails include Watermelon Margaritas made with fresh Watermelon Puree; Ginger Lychee Mojitos with Mint, Ginger and Lychee; and the Confusion served in a pineapple with Moet & Chandon Champagne mixed with Katana Tropical Fusion, made from two flavored vodkas and fresh juices. www.sushiroku.com.

Malo Is My Friend

I don't know about you, but whenever I think about eating Mexican food, I get nervous. Generally speaking, Mexican food is the nutritional equivalent of a dirty bomb and that is what makes it so delicious. Not to mention that the portions you are typically served at places like El Coyote could easily feed a family of four.

But I love Mexican food, and I am not willing to give it up. And that's why I love Malo. They serve delicious Mexican at affordable prices and in - get this - small, tapas-style portions. From the belly of the creator of Cobras & Matadors and 750ml, Malo is a great Mexican restaurant in Silverlake. It has a minimalist design, cool patio, and a fun bar attached. Hipsters abound, but the food is the real star here. My favorites are the ground beef and pickle tacos (sounds bizarre, but so good) and the chile relleno. Malo also has an extensive tequila and Mezcal list on which you can spend those extra calories you saved by eating here in the first place.



Malo - 4326 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake

Katsuya: Where excellent food meets beautiful people

Some disclosures:

1. I am a sushi snob. Not a sushi purist, and not a total sushi expert, but definitely a snob. I think Sushi Roku is a crime against sushi.
2. I am simultaneously addicted to and repulsed by reality tv.

Last Friday, I was invited to a dinner at Katsuya in Brentwood. Our reservations were at 7:30 and we were seated at almost 9. It wasn't painful to wait around though, because there is plenty to see. Designed by Philippe Starck, the space is quite nice (and really large), if not a total cliché on how you might present a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles. White! There is so much white! And backlit photo murals! Large red lips on one wall, smoky (asian?) eyes on another, and of course...a dragon. But being by Starck, it's a very well done cliché. Even more interesting than the design are the staff and customers who are 90% straight out of a scene from Zoolander. Any scene. Just pick one. We were seated right next to two reality television stars and I wanted to both punch and hug them.

However, I totally forgave Kastuya's Zoolandering once I had the spicy tuna on crispy rice cakes. Delightful, and I love how the rice cake is still slighty soft on the inside. My forgiveness continued with every order. Whenever I walk into a trendy place like Katsuya, I always expect the worst from the food, so this was a really pleasant surprise (well, not a total surprise since my good friend Victoria had vouched for the food, but still, the model to human ratio worried me). The sushi was fresh, buttery, amazing. The albacore with jalapenos and the albacore sushi and the warm crab rolls were my favorite. Yes, all of those. Equal in my heart and belly. Oh, and also the seared albacore (yes, I am an albacore fan) topped with the most finely grated fried onions I have ever seen. The robata grill items were also completely loveable. I highly recommend the king crab and the swordfish.

Oh, and our server Tai was awesome. She was so adorable you wanted her to be your little sister, plus she made excellent recommendations and even steered us away from things she hated. And described in detail why. I loved that.

I can't wait to get a head shot and go back to Katsuya! Seriously, one of the best meals I've had in a while. Blue Steel and all.

Katsuya * website * 11777 San Vicente, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Learn About Wine in LA

Know the difference between a Beaujolais and a Shiraz? Cutie and wine expert Ian Blackburn created LearnAboutWine in 1995 with a list of non-snobby unique classes, events and tours. A lot of the tastings are held at Ian's Downtown loft, creating an intimate setting for novices and oenophiles alike. Beginners should signup for the Sunday School Wine Camp, which covers seven types of vino, pairings and history. Drink up! Visit www.LearnAboutWine.com.

Pinkberry, the new CRACKBERRY

Ok, so I know I'm not the first to discover the amazing fruity goodness of Pinkberry, but just in case there are one or two people left in L.A. who haven't been casted by the Pinkberry spell, I felt it necessary to share. As a self-proclaimed frozen yogurt (fro yo as I like to call it) expert, I have never had anything so wonderfully delicious hit my lips before, for only 25 calories a serving! I never thought that 25 calories could provide me with so much joy, love, and excitement. Even though I've become a regular stand-in in the Pinkberry line, I still can't prevent the words "mmm" from coming out of my mouth with each bite. Choose either green tea or plain yogurt and then let the fun begin...top your pouty peak with amazingly fresh fruit like kiwi, mango, pineapple, or raspberries. If you feel like awakening the inner child in you, go for the Captain Crunch or Fruity Pebbles. Or, if you keep dreaming of that tropical trip you want to take, sprinkle on a little coconut! Tip: Add some carob chips to your fruit toppings to give it a little extra indulgence! I must not forget to mention the highly energetic and colorful decor. You've never seen a frozen yogurt shop quite as hip or as trendy as this. The stylish lamps and chairs make this experience way better than a night on the town. Pinkberry is also a great way to meet other Crackberry addicts. With each line I stand in, I meet another member of the Pinkberry cult, it's quite a friendly and enjoyable line. I will warn you that although this creamy delight is low in calories, you have to bring out the big bills for this special treat. Don't be shocked when you drop the same as you would on a chocolate souffle from one of L.A.'s finest restaurants. Worth it?? Ohh yes!

www.pinkberry.com

Wine Tuesdays at Larchmont Grill

Last night I went to Larchmont Grill for the first time, which is housed on the ground floor of an Old Victorian home, and opened last fall. It's a really charming spot with a great outdoor patio (we sat inside due to the Griffith Park fire and the fact that is was 90 degrees at 8pm) and a quaint dining room. Much to our surprise, all wines were half off since it was Tuesday, so Kim and I had a nice bottle of Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara Winery. The fish was good too and the service was perfect. Definitely worth checking out, especially as this strip of Melrose is seeing a bit of a renaissance with Red Pearl Kitchen, Pizzeria Mozza and others recently moving in. They have Burger Thursdays too!

Larchmont Grill, 5750 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323.464.4277; larchmontgrill.com.

I want my baby blues, baby blues, baby blues

Sorry for the Chili's reference, especially because Baby Blues BBQ is about as far away as you can get from sloppy, saucy chain-restaurant barbecue.

Located in Venice, Baby Blues is like the barbecue shack you imagine would be located off some dirt road in the rural South, perhaps near a swamp. This is a good thing, because I also imagine that such a place would serve authentic, lovingly prepared, delicious barbecue. Oh, and how Baby Blues does. I'm no barbecue expert, but their baby back ribs fall off the bone and they have a hot sauce labeled with masking tape called "porno," so that's good enough for me. My favorite dish so far has been the beef brisket sandwich, which comes topped with cabbage and is total shredded perfection when you squeeze their barbecue sauce over each bite.

However, what really makes me want to marry the place is their sides. The macaroni and cheese is just ever so slightly spicy, a perfect compliment for the lumpy-creamy consistency. Then there is the okra, which I think would win over the most "but it's slimy" okra wuss detractor. If you sit at the counter, you can watch the guys sauté the okra in a cast-iron pan, with whole cloves of garlic and tomatoes. Another advantage to sitting at the counter is the chef will ask you how everything is, advise you on the different meats, as well as recommend the banana "crack" pudding. I haven't tried this yet because each time I have stuffed myself too full for dessert, but he assured me that it's just as addictive as the mac and cheese. Aside from the counter, there are tables inside a narrow dining room decorated with really interesting art, and I believe it's byob since they have no liquor license. Even if you skip the booze, you will still leave drunk, on the food.

Baby Blues BBQ * 444 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 * 310-396-7675

Garden Dining Is Totally Underrated

If you're like me, you love dining al fresco, and when you find a perfect patio on which to dine, you're hooked. That brings me to Sofi, a Greek restaurant nestled into a prime area of Third Street. It is marked only by a black awning that reads simply "Sofi 8030 3/4." To be honest with you, I never noticed this place (even though I walk by it every week with my dog) until a friend of a friend, who lives nowhere near the area, asked me if I had tried Sofi.

"No," I replied.
His reply: "Really??? I'm surprised since you live so close. It is the best Greek place in Los Angeles."
In my head: "Yeah, right." Out loud: "Do they have a patio?"
His reply: "I can't remember. Maybe."

Hmmm...a restaurant with the best Greek food in Los Angeles which may or may not have a patio. I was intrigued. But I wondered, how sweet was the patio if this guy didn'r remember it?

Well, he must have recently experienced some trauma to the head, because it would be impossible otherwise for him to forget about this place. It has lots of trees, twinkling white lights, and an intimate atmosphere that is unique and special.

I know I'm gushing, but it was really great. Oh, and the food is fabulous, too.

Caviar, Vodka and Russian Gypsy Dancers at Romanov

Upon arriving at Romanov, the new Russian fine dining restaurant and lounge in Studio City, guests are transported by an elevator to an opulent dining room that’s anchored by a 12-foot custom made, gold-plated chandelier. Starters include smoked salmon Napoleons with caviar and crème fraiche, quail Kiev and Pozharsky croquettes. Move onto a beet and goat cheese salad or a bowl of borscht before ordering entrees such as a whole roasted duck, salt baked loup de mer, a 10-ounce Kobe flat iron steak or a milk-fed 16-ounce veal chop. Restaurateur Mikayel Israyelyan, who owns the hot spots Republic and Prana Café in L.A., modeled the high-end Russian hot spot after the Tsar’s Winter Place. Don’t miss the outstanding selection of caviar and vodka or the nightly live music and Russian gypsy dancers on the weekends.

Romanov, 12229 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.760.3177, romanovla.com.

Drink and Dine Poolside!

Hit the new Circa 55 Restaurant + Lounge (9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.887.6055; circa55beverlyhills.com), at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm for “Sundown.” Poolside cocktails, like the Circa-Tini, come with complimentary appetizers. Spiced tuna sliders anyone?

Poolside Lucite tables, custom benches and private cabanas set the scene for summer dining at Blue on Blue (9400 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.277.5221; avalonbeverlyhills.com), where innovative martinis and fresh seasonal fare reign.

Thom Filicia gave a facelift to The Backyard (930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, 310.208.8765; whotels.com) at the W Los Angeles – Westwood, where guests can enjoy designer popsicle cocktails and make gourmet s’mores. Dine on rattan chaise lounges, reupholstered day beds or in the chic cabanas which feature flat screen TV’s and Wi-Fi.

Sample mini Monte Cristo sandwiches and crab beignets at the happening Blue Velvet (750 S. Garland Avenue, Los Angeles, 213.239.0061; bluevelvetrestaurant.com) Downtown, while taking in one of the best views in town at . From 4pm to 10pm Monday through Friday and 2pm to 10pm on the weekends.

Wrapping around the hotel’s historic David Hockney pool, the Tropicana Bar (7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 323.466.7000; hollywoodroosevelt.com) is an oasis by day and a sultry lounge after the sun goes down.

Grab a poolside seat at Whist (1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 310.260.7500; viceroysantamonica.com) at the Viceroy for “Taste of Tuesday,” where tastes such as shrimp ceviche and grilled flat iron steak are tallied up dim-sum style for $5 a piece every Tuesday throughout the summer.

The Birth of a Blog

Hi Friends,

This is a spot for people to dish on food, wine, new restaurants, undiscovered must stops, cocktails, chefs and more! Have a favorite happy hour? Who's doing 50% off wine nights? Check back for updates!