Posted August 13th, 2011 by Meg
The main reason my parents and I went to NYC was to meet up with my good friend Alex for dinner at Babbo Ristorante.
By this upcoming September, I will have known Alex for 18 years. That means our friendship will legally be an adult, but still will not be able to rent a car. All bad jokes aside, I have known Alex for almost 2/3 of my life! We went through middle school and high school together and stayed friends even after I moved to a different coast. We traveled through Europe together, we drove from California to Pennsylvania together, and we have celebrated many New Years Eves together. Also! In 2008, while perusing the website Passive Aggressive Notes, I encountered this hilarious passive aggressive note, and immediately recognized Alex’s handwriting. I know, I know, I’m being overly sentimental. But, I’m very grateful to have such a good friend. I’m also grateful my parents took us to Babbo because Mario Batali can do no wrong.
Lower Level Dining Area.
Cherry Bellini.
Villa Matilde Aglianico.
Chickpea Bruschetta.
Sweet Onion Crostini, with Babbo Lardo Glistening.
Goat Cheese Tortelloni with Dried Orange and Wild Fennel Pollen.
Black Spaghetti with Rock Shrimp, Spicy Salami Calabrese and Green Chiles.
Mint Love Letters with Spicy Lamb Sausage.
Sunday Special: Braised Short Ribs.
Barbecued Skirt Steak with Asparagus “alla Piastra” and Salsa Verde.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.
After dinner we took a stroll through Washington Square Park.
Are you still reading? Unfortunately, the time has come for me to take a break. I have had a lot of fun & I hope all two of my readers enjoyed these past few months. Tschüß!
Posted July 26th, 2011 by Meg
I sure don’t go to Pasadena as often as I used to! Fortunately, I recently was able to visit one of my favorite bars in Old Town — Lucky Baldwins Pub. I’m a big fan of LBP’s partly because I grew up with English (UK) au pairs. (my sense of humor, strange loyalty to Manchester United, and use of the word “the Moz” all make a little more sense now!) Surrounded by UK paraphernalia makes me reflect back. To that time period so very long ago. Of too hot and humid summer days where we drove down to the local West Coast Video and rented a newly released VHS movie to watch. Does not feel like yesterday.
Although LBP doesn’t allow free tastings, they do let you opt for $4-5 little taster glasses. I chose an always amazing (but some say “too sweet”) Saison Dupont and a really disappointingly disgusting (I gave it away) Jolly Pumpkin something or another (bleh).
We ordered some pasties too. Cornish & chicken.
Lucky Baldwins
17 South Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 795-0652
Posted July 12th, 2011 by Meg
For reasons I’m not going to get into, a few of my comrades and I were on a mission to find a bar with a ping pong table. Through a little research, we found that not only did Tony’s Saloon supposedly have a ping pong table, but it was also where some of the scenes from The League have been filmed.
I use the word “supposedly” because quickly upon arrival we realized that the ping pong table was out of commission. Apparently, drunk people and ping pong tables are not a great economic investment. The manager told me the tables are broken all the time. Although we couldn’t play table tennis, we stayed for a drink and played some pool. You’re probably wondering how good I am at pool? Well, considering that I can count on my two hands how many games I have played in my life, it is easy to say that I am the opposite of good.
My billiard skills aside, Tony’s is a great place. It was a little empty at the time we arrived, but I prefer that. I don’t go to bars to meet people (that I don’t know already). Tony’s also has a great selection of whiskeys and beers. My favorite part of the bar was the photo booth. For five dollars, you can shove all your friends into a tight space and take silly pictures that are printed on photo paper that is superior to other bar photo booths I know of in Los Angeles.
Because we were still on a mission, we continued on our journey to find a ping pong table, with a brief respite & some tacos at a Chipotle. We then arrived at Casey’s Irish Pub.
We immediately found the dilapidated ping pong table sitting outside in the shadows. People stood around it nonchalantly drinking their beer until we took over and played some crazy games of ping pong.
Overall, I liked both bars. I prefer Tony’s vibe, but I would be happy to go either one. Interestingly, both bars are owned by 213 Nightlife.
Tony’s Saloon
2017 East 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 622-5523
Weekdays 5pm-2am; Sat & Sun 8pm-2am
Casey’s Irish Pub
613 South Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 629-2353
Hours found here.
Posted August 17th, 2009 by Meg
After a long walk in the botanical gardens, my friend and I walked down Haight and found Magnolia Pub and Brewery. It was a godsend that hydrated our souls (dehydrated our bodies) and lifted our spirits. Delicious homemade cask conditioned ales brewed in the basement of their Pub! Total drinkability.
Blue Bell Bitter
Gallows Hills Porter
Magnolia Pub and Brewery
1398 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117-2909
(415) 864-7468
Posted July 15th, 2009 by Meg
I read some great reviews about the recently opened West 4th / Jane gastropub in Santa Monica. A few of the articles mentioned their extensive beer list, so of course I went to check it out. They did have a great beer list, but just know before you go that all the beer is bottled! And, maybe research the beers found on their multi-paged menu before you go because it does not offer descriptions other than location of origin. Unfortunately, our waitress was not able to describe the beers either and had to go up to one of the owners to ask for help. Even worse, she came back saying “he said that beer was good.” I fully believe this situation was just part of the learning curve that occurs when opening a bar, and I hope and encourage that they quickly learn. (Let them drink to learn! Nothing beats drinking learning games. I think that’s how I am going to get through the next few years). Also, I hope they start a Happy Hour.
My palate is currently evolving to include darker beers, so it was quite the gamble on whether I would like the Californian Telegraph Stock Porter or not. The owner was correct though, it was good. A 750 ml marriage between fresh brewed ale with aged oak ale forming a unique glass of good drinkability. I was able to pick up hints of coffee and chocolate.
If you love bottled beer and know your beer, this is the place for you!
West 4th / Jane
1432 4th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2309
(310) 395-6765
Posted June 18th, 2009 by Meg
I haven’t posted in forever. I have a really bad cold right now. It sucks. This week has been very hard for me to get through. But, in more interesting news:
1. I went to Intelligentsia Venice. I love the way it looks. I enjoy the personalities found behind the counter and in fellow patrons. However, I think I prefer the Silver Lake Intelligentsia more simply because I find their assembly line of baristas (one to take your order, one to make your order, one to ring you up) works smoother and faster than Venice’s one stop barista (one person takes your order, makes your drink, and then finally rings you up). Maybe this is just a sign from above for me to put down my to do list, take a deep breath, and enjoy the processes of life.
1½. Speaking of Intelligentsia, I currently am sipping on the in season, direct trade, single origin, El Machete, Panama. Yum. Not the best part of waking up, but really the only reason I wake up.
2. I went to the Tavern with my roommate for drinks and bar snacks. I loved everything about this restaurant. I hope to write more about it soon. I know I have started the post, but have not gotten around to finishing it.
3. I just bought my first loaf of Woman’s Bread. I really like it. If you’re not a woman, there is also Men’s Bread. If you are not a woman, nor a man, there is gender unbiased / androgynous bread. French Meadow Bakery is healthy, organic, and tasty. I’ve used it for mainly turkey sandwich purposes.
4. I wish I could take some HiberNol.
5. Hope to update more this weekend. Have a happy Friday!
Posted March 17th, 2009 by Meg
I recently had an hour to kill at the Santa Monica Promenade. I got a glass of wine and my favorite (unlisted) side dish at Houston’s: the artichoke! It’s one of my favorite vegetables ever and I have found Houston’s to be the most delicious. However, for thirteen dollars a plate, I am willing to try to make it at home.
Houston’s - Santa Monica
202 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-7558
