Ladies Who Lunch: Scott's Restaurant & Bar South Coast Plaza

Located directly across the street from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, Scott’s Restaurant & Bar is hard to miss.  However, over the years I had never tried it, let alone stepped inside.  Most everyone I know that frequented Scott’s raved about the seafood. Since I was never much one for fish, I always skipped over it in my mind as a dining destination.  After becoming completely vegetarian, a friend once suggested Scott’s and after looking over a menu that was most definitely a meatatarian menu, I dismissed it once again.

Then last week, I went to Scott’s for a cocktail meeting.  I didn’t think much about it, since we were only going for cocktails, not food.  I somehow had it in my mind that Scott’s was an old and stodgy restaurant and I certainly hadn’t thought of it as a world class restaurant.  Little did I know that I was in store for a wonderful evening that would dispel all of my preconceived notions of this restaurant.

Our party of four met in the bar/lounge area of the restaurant and since we were only there for cocktails, decided to just take a table there.  The bar area is very comfortable, modern and well decorated.  I certainly had not envisioned such a cool space being in there.  Drinks ordered (3 Layer Cake Shiraz and 1 Scotch on the rocks), we settled in to discussion.  The Layer Cake Shiraz was a new discovery for me and is definitely a keeper.  Nice bouquet, full bodied, smooth....what’s not to like?

As our discussions continued, someone suggested ordering some food.  And another suggested doing a tasting menu.  Executive Chef Mike J. Doctulero came to our table and asked us what our preferences were, especially if there were special dietary needs.  When he got to me, I told him that I was vegetarian, so not to worry about food for me.  Without blinking an eye, he said that he would take care of me.  I was intrigued, yet still pretty skeptical.  With the exception of a few salads on the menu, there really wasn’t anything there for me.

Shortly afterward, the food began to arrive.  For everyone else at the table, Chef Mike started out with Hamachi Yellowtail jalapeno roll with dungeness crab and spicy ponzu.  For a vegetarian option, we got a Burrata and Zucchini Blossom Pizza and a Roasted Beet Salad with white balsamic vinaigrette, mache and goat cheese.  The rest of my party devoured the Yellowtail Roll and didn’t need to give me their reviews.  Their contented “mmmmmmmmmmm’s” said it all.  Meanwhile, I started with a slice of the pizza.  The balance of flavorings was wonderful with the smoothness of the Burrata complimenting the delicate taste of the zucchini blossoms.  I then dug into the Roasted beet salad. I love beets and the pairing of red and golden beets with mache and goat cheese was really a delight.  I of course fought against my inner voice telling me to horde these 2 dishes to myself and shared them with the rest of the table.  For all I new, this would be the extent of vegetarian food for the evening.

Then the next course arrived.  Chef Mike served a dish of Halibut with cous cous.  For me, he served the same cous cous with vegetables (asparagus, carrots..).  Again the consensus around the table was that both versions were hits with us.  This was then followed up with a course of Branzino on a bed of edamame risotto and for me, edamame risotto with mixed baby vegetables.  Again, the preparation was impeccable and the table thoroughly enjoyed this course.  Both dishes were exquisitely prepared.

And then dessert.  Now I am not one who ordinarily partakes of desserts in restaurants.  I am usually quite sated with the main courses and appetizers and skip dessert (only to several hours later, at home, dressed in comfy clothes, devour more than my share of dessert!!!).  But seeing as everything else had been so amazing, I couldn’t resist.  We were served two desserts, the first being a Concord Grape Cabernet Sorbet with fresh berries.  The sorbet was rich with intense flavor and pairing it with the fresh berries made it a light and refreshing end to the meal.  But then came the piece de la resistance , Cheesecake stuffed beignets with vanilla bean panna cotta, caramel and creme anglaise.  All I can say is wow!!  I have had my share of beignet around the world (including the renowned Cafe du Monde in New Orleans) and these are hands down the best.  The “cheesecake” filling is flavorful and light, almost airy.  And the sauces were divine.  If I had been at home, I would have picked up the plate and licked it clean :)

The service was attentive and friendly, definitely first class all the way.  Next time I will sit in the beautiful main dining room (and yes, there will be many more next times!!).  This is definitely not an old and stodgy restaurant.  It is current, vibrant and chic.

Chef Mike Doctulero most certainly had made fans of the rest of my group.  But he had also made me into a fan as well, a big fan.  He proved that a good chef can make extraordinary food for non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike.  He also proved that he could use his talents to make his guests happy and be accommodating to their needs without sacrificing his originality or his culinary vision.

I will certainly be returning to Scott’s and I am looking forward to more of Chef Mike’s amazing creations!!  Thank you Chef Mike for proving my assumptions about Scott’s wrong.

Ladies Who Lunch: Cafe Roma San Francisco

My first day in San Francisco!!! That is my first day on this trip.  I have visited this gorgeous city way too many times to even count.  I am here for the purpose of scouting locations for a San Francisco episode of Ladies Who Lunch.  And while I should be getting down to business, I'm feeling a little laid back today.  After all, I had a late night and an early flight.  Meaning I am running on approximately 2 1/2 hours sleep.  So, I deserve to be a little lazy.  Right???

Anyway, my laziness has actually turned out to be a bit of a blessing!  After arriving, I spent the morning at a friend's office catching up on some much needed computer work. When it was time to venture out, I decided that instead of work, I would just head to a favorite haunt in North Beach.

On my last trips to SF to scout locations, I totally ignored North Beach.  Everyone told me that North Beach was: too touristy, no longer relevant as an in spot, nothing new or exciting to see, shop or eat there. And even though it has always been one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, I concentrated on "cooler" areas of the city.  And yes, I found some really hot spots that I am chomping at the bit to share with you.  However, I am beginning to think that ignoring North Beach might not be true to myself.

I wandered through North Beach with the goal of hitting a favorite cafe that I had not visited in what seems like forever.  I headed up by North Beach Pizza out of nostalgia. North Beach Pizza was the first place I ate at on my very first trip to SF, back when the dinosaurs still roamed the earth. They have since moved to the corner across the street in a larger space.  Their original space stands empty and forlorn with a giant For Rent sign in the window.  And even though the inside is gutted, I still relive fond memories of visits to SF and the "must" pilgrimage for North Beach Pizza.  Of course, these days the city has way better pizza (which I will soon share with you!), but you can still find me occasionally dining there for nostalgic reasons.  And, as usual, I have completely strayed from my focus!!

So, as I strolled down Grant Avenue, I was intrigued to find several NEW boutiques that offered everything from custom tailored clothing, hip new clothes, tchotchkes and even an incredible cake shop.  So despite my intent to not work, I ended up doing nothing but!!!  AND, North Beach is now definitely on my LWL route!!  I am excited about the inclusion of these cool spots on the upcoming episode.

Now to the original intent of this piece: Cafe Roma Coffee Roasting Company. Located on a triangular block with entrances on Columbus and Stockton, it has long been a favorite of mine.  The interior is very reminiscent of places that I grew up going to in New York's Little Italy and Greenwich Village (most of which no longer exist in NY).  The type of place that is comfortable in its old school italian cafe atmosphere.  Add to that the modern convenience of complimentary WiFi and you have my ideal hangout.  It's the kind of place like "Cheers", where the locals hang and the baristas and servers know their customers.  And even though they did not know me, they treated me with the same familiarity and friendliness.

Offering a great menu of all the usual coffee drinks, pastries, gelato, sandwiches and other cafe specialties, They also boast a fine selection of wines to purchase.  I love coming here.  They roast their own coffee and have the roaster right in the front window.  And it's not just for show.  The coffee at this place is amazing, robust and full of flavor.  On this visit, I opted for a giant soy latte and I had to have a biscotti to go with it.  The coffee was incredible and I liked the fact that they accommodated my soy milk request without batting an eye.  The biscotti was great and authentic!! And while enjoying them, I equally enjoyed the atmosphere, the people watching and the leisure of working on my computer unrushed and content.

Which brings me to the moral of this story.  While it is fun and rewarding to seek out the new, hot and happening, don't discount the relevance of the old and familiar.  And, don't be surprised if some of those new, hot and happening places end up being right there tucked into those old and familiar spots!!

Blame it on Burma

Yes, yes, yes!!!!  I know!!!! It is now officially called Myanmar, but “Blame it on Myanmar” just doesn’t have the same ring to it!!!  So sue me :)

On a recent trip to Myanmar, Yangon (Rangoon) to be exact, the importance of good shopping venues was impressed upon me once again.  As I learned from this experience, shopping sometimes is way more than a luxury.  In some circumstances it is a necessity.  Okay, I can already see the smirks on some of your faces, equating my rambling with Paris Hilton on “The Simple Life”.  And while I wouldn’t object to being a BFF with dear Paris, this is much deeper than that.  This is a subject that touches the heart and soul of all red-blooded shopping mavens across the globe.

Here’s the situation.  I was leaving Bangkok for a four day excursion to Yangon.  I already had some trepidation regarding this trip, knowing the political climate of the country and the enormous amount of poverty.  Since it was a relatively short trip, I decided to pack light.  Granted my version of packing light is not that of others. I still had a full size suitcase and my ginormous computer bag. My idea of packing light is perhaps closer to the concept of not bringing a steamer trunk.  Even in my youth, when everyone else was backpacking through Europe, I “suitcased” through Europe. Please!!! Me with only a backpack??? However, that is a story best left for another day.  In the attempt to “pack light”, I decided to bring only one pair of shoes; a pair of black penny loafers.  I figured that they were practical enough to get me through days of huge amounts of walking, but still dressy enough to wear to dinner in the evening.  I mean, how dressy would I ever really need to be in Yangon?

Now for the glitch.  As I entered the Yangon airport from our newly arrived plane, I glanced down and to my horror saw that the upper had separated from the sole along the entire outer edge of my right shoe.  All I could think of was that here I was with non-functional shoes in a country that from what I had been led to understand really did not have a western concept of shopping.  I kept calm by telling myself that the reports I had heard were surely exaggerated, that they must have at least one shopping mall where I would be able to find a new pair of shoes......

As our taxi brought us into the city, it was very obvious that NOONE was wearing shoes anywhere that you looked.  It appeared that the only footwear that anyone wore were flip-flops or sandals that resembled flip-flops.  Even when living in Southern California, the land of flip-flops, not only do I not ever wear them, I do not even own a pair.  To be quite honest, I abhor flip-flops.  They are unattractive, anti-fashion and despite what anyone says, flip-flops are NOT shoes.  After reading that little diatribe, you can see how I was feeling about the prospect of having flip-flops as my only option.  Now don’t get me wrong, in a country like Myanmar where it is the custom, it totally works for the people there.  It’s in the western world where I can’t accept it and refuse to wear them myself!!

When we arrived at the hotel, I inquired of the concierge as to where I might be able to buy a pair of shoes.  My hopes raised when she showed me on a map a shopping mall, not far from the hotel.  As soon as we had checked in, I was off in search of the shopping mall.  As I waded through the flip-flop clad denizens, I stayed focused on my shopping destination like a guided missile fixed on its target.  I really wanted to explore the sites of Yangon.  But, I was having a bout of OCD and couldn’t focus on anything other than replacing my shoes.

Then I found the mall. You had to pass through a metal detector and two armed guards to enter the nondescript four story building.  Once inside, I realized that we were the only customers.  It resembled a mall only in that it had “stores” along the outer edges of the four floors that surrounded an atrium.  The stores themselves were all small mom & pop type outfits, some selling clothes, some selling crafts and yes, even a few selling shoes.  It all resembled more of a swap meet than an actual mall.  Going in to the 2 “stores” that sold shoes, I found that they were very limited in sizes and that most of the styles had probably been in there since at the earliest the mid 80’s.  The only thing that I could find in my size was a pair of very dated and way too dressy knock-off Gucci Loafers.  Desperate, but not insane, I decided to pass and continue the search.

The rest of that day was spent “seeing the sites”, but my mind was still on my shoes.  I felt very self conscious walking around with shoes that were torn.

The next day, I found another “mall”.  This one was similar to the last, but felt a wee bit more modern.  Perhaps that was only due to having an escalator for each floor and a western style doughnut shop.  I was finally able to find a pair of shoes there that while not anything to write home about would be functional and not altogether hideous.  I purchased them, made my escape and felt no need to return to these “malls” during my stay.

The only other shopping I experienced there was bazaar style shopping.  Very interesting to peruse Myanmar cultural artifacts, fabrics, etc., but hardly my idea of going shopping.  The rest of the visit was devoted to sightseeing and visits to the many pagodas of Yangon. Although on a separate note, we were able to discover a few very good dining options during our stay.  But that will be another tale to tell. :)

Needless to say, upon my return to Bangkok, I made a bee line to the shopping districts and reveled in the massive western style malls! My appreciation of “western style” shopping was highly elevated.  It is amazing to me how much we take our shopping for granted and I for one decided to never take it for granted again!!!

Ladies Who Lunch: Remembrance of Bakeries Past

A few weeks ago, I was home in New York and stumbled upon a childhood favorite that I had not thought of in years: Black & White Cookies!!  I realized that as the the old adage goes, “out of site out of mind”, I had not seen a Black & White Cookie in ages.  I attributed this to being on the West Coast a lot and not seeing them everywhere like you do in New York (even at the corner delis).  So, I am in New York and go into one of those corner delis to satisfy a late night sweet tooth and low and behold I confronted a Black & White Cookie.  I immediately bought one and once back at the apartment, devoured the long forgotten sponge cake cookie covered half with white ganache and the other half with chocolate ganache.  MMMMMMMMM!!! It was like hooking up with a love of the past. My best friend, amused by my B&W Cookie mania went to the deli and bought the last 3 that they had for me.  Like a heroin addict who doesn’t know when he will be able to get his next fix, I packed them in my suitcase with care and smuggled them away to the Left Coast.

Flash forward to Greenblatt’s in West Hollywood.  I had just had an amazing lunch at Greenblatt’s Deli in West Hollywood.  The satisfying of my New York deli craving set off a stream of consciousness that waltzed me through many long forgotten (and some newly remembered) cravings.  I caught out of the corner of my eye a Black & White Cookie at the deli counter.  I almost ran to buy it, but then remembered my internet search for B&W Cookies had led me to Yelp, where many reviewers extolled the virtues of the B&W Cookies at the Beverlywood Bakery.  I knew right then and there where I was heading.

Walking in the door, I took note that the bakery was not fancy or cleverly decorated, just a good old fashioned bakery.  With no other visual distractions, my only focus was on the display cases.  Picture Homer Simpson drooling and you have a good idea of what I looked like.  I had come for the B&W Cookies, but now that i was here I knew that I would have to get so much more.  Not knowing if the baked goods were as good as they looked, I was judicious and made the effort not to over order.

I had noted on a good deal of Yelp reviews that people complained about the surly service.  While the women behind the counter were not necessarily “friendly”, they were not unpleasant and helped me very well.  I believe they were originally from Russia and one just has to understand that it is a cultural thing :)

Anyway, I ended up ordering the following:  1 Poppy Seed Hamantasch, 1 Apricot Hamantasch, 1/2 pound Rugelach (mixed Cinnamon/Nut and Chocolate), 1 Lemon Nut Streudel, 1 Walnut Strudel and 3 of the small B&W Cookies (after all, they were what I had originally come for).  Now don’t judge!! I wouldn’t eat it all myself.  I would share......though grudgingly.  I was just so overwhelmed with things I had not seen for so  long that I just couldn’t help myself.  And I did say that I “made the effort not to over order”, not that I actually was able to do it.  All of my goodies went into the trunk of my car, while I continued my days roster of events.

That night when I returned home, I had a quick dinner and then broke out my booty from Beverlywood Bakery.  My first bite into a piece of the Poppyseed Hamantasch put me in heaven and I knew I had discovered a personal gold mine.  I rabidly tested all of the other goodies and kept falling more and more in love.  All of the pastries were just like my grandmother’s, not overly sweet and intense flavoring.  The final test was the B&W Cookie.  I bit into it and audibly moaned with pleasure.  I know that B&W Cookies are kind of juvenile, but just label me a big kid!!  I can’t resist.  And just like my earlier find of the day I knew I had found another keeper.

I am looking forward to going back and getting more of the same, but also trying the Babka’s, Challah, Black Bread and on and on and on................................................

Ladies Who Lunch Lunches at Greenblatt's

When I am on the West Coast for any period of time, I find that I almost always start craving the comfort foods of my childhood....mostly foods from New York that are hard to find the same type or quality outside of the Big Apple.  Yet that doesn’t stop my seeking them out when abroad.  Let me explain what I mean by abroad.  A teacher once  put the following question to me: since I had spent a good deal of my life in France as well, did I consider myself more French or American?  To which I replied that funny as it might sound, I never really thought of myself as an American, but rather always as a New Yorker.  So from that perspective, anywhere outside of New York is abroad. Note, when I say New York, I mean New York City.  As any true New Yorker will tell you, if I had meant New York State I would have said New York State.

Anyway, I digress.  This last weekend, while in Los Angeles, I had the craving for real New York Deli food.  I can’t believe that in all of the years that I have been bouncing between the East and West Coasts, that I had never gone to Greenblatt’s Deli in West Hollywood.  Opened in 1926 and fabled hangout for many of the Silver Screen’s legends, it’s longevity alone prompted me to give it a try.  Let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed.

The downstairs has a real Deli counter with the glass case full of the goods and wooden booth seating that seems to be the original seating going way back to its opening days (though they have been maintained in excellent condition).  The downstairs space is also shared by a very nice wine shop which when I return and have more time, I will definitely explore.   When we arrived, the downstairs seating was all full, so we were sat in the upstairs area, which is very nice, with the same type of wooden booths.

I started salivating the moment that I opened the menu.  The familiar New York Deli foods were listed there and I knew that I was going to have a tough time ordering sensibly and not overdoing it.  My companion ordered a Grilled Pastrami Reuben on Sourdough.  He said that the Pastrami was perfectly seasoned and not fatty and that he enjoyed it thoroughly with lots of Deli Mustard.  I ordered a TLT (my own name, you won’t find it on the menu).  Being a vegetarian, but still wanting that Deli sandwich flavor, I ordered a BLT: hold the bacon and sub with extra lettuce and tomato.  It came to the table piled high on truly delicious rye bread (why is it so hard to find good rye on the West Coast, and NO, Orowheat doesn’t cut it).  As if the bread wasn’t enough to satisfy my craving, I slathered Russian Dressing on my sandwich and was in heaven.  The sandwiches came with deli pickles and several choices of sides.  I chose coleslaw.  All in all, this meal hit the spot.  And although I knew I should stop, I convinced my companion to spilt a Potato Knish with me ( I hadn’t had one for years).  Yes, that completed my stroll down memory lane :)  While it lacks some of my favorite deli staples (borscht, kasha, etc.) they do offer a wonderful selection and even have a Vegetarian section on the menu.

The servers were friendly and attentive and we had an excellent experience.  As I was leaving and passed in front of the Deli Case, I was tempted to buy a Black & White cookie or some Rugelach for later.  However, inspired by this outing, I was ready to continue on to another spot that I had read about The Beverlywood Bakery.  I will also give Nate & Al’s and Canter’s another shot and will report on them in due time.  What I can say without hesitation is that I have been won over and will be going back to Greenbatt’s.

That’s How the Cookie Crumbles

Those who know me will tell you that I rarely if ever indulge in sweets.  Those who know me very very well will tell you that I do indulge in sweets after dinner, especially on the weekends.  However, who wants to waste calories on mundane, so-so sweets.  In the spirit of Ladies Who Lunch, I say if you are going to sin, might as well sin big and sin well!! :)

Which brings me to one of my latest discoveries, Sugar Cookie Couture!!!  Yes, I know, some of you will say that it’s the name that appeals to me (I have always been a fan of Couture and the Luxe Life), but it goes beyond that.  Sugar Cookie Couture makes delicious cookies in all kinds of themed shapes and decorates them brilliantly.

These cookies are unlike the cookies with rainbow sprinkles in the diner cases in New York that draw me to them in childish wonder at the colors, only to bite into them and be amazed that the look is deceptive and the taste isn’t that rewarding.  These cookies please the visual side of me and when I bite into them, they satisfy the flavor that I was seeking as well.  Ummmmmmmmm!!

Owner Linzy Kearbey bakes and decorates all of the cookies herself with an intense amount of care.  These cookies are great for a reward to oneself (we all need those rewards!!), as a gifts to our loved ones and friends or to make an event all that more special.  Linzy makes cookies for all holidays, seasonal symbols, special wedding cookies for showers or for the actual wedding and some cookies that are just because they are fun.  And if you have a special theme all of your own, you can talk to Linzy about custom cookies :)

Located in Southern California, Linzy will ship the cookies pretty much anywhere.  And she is promising me to come up with a Vegan version in the near future for all of my Vegan friends out there.

Check out her website and give Sugar Cookie Couture a whirl.  I know you won’t be disappointed.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarcookiecouture

The Agony of DeSize

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the stores, the shopping shark rears its ugly head!!! But wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

Four years ago, I went to Bangkok for the very first time to visit family.  Not only was I excited about the whole cultural experience of experiencing a new country, but I had also heard that Bangkok had excellent shopping and  I was ready for a great shopping trip in true Ladies Who Lunch fashion.

Now let me preface all of this by saying that at the time, I weighed about 70 pounds heavier than I do today.  Being a workaholic led to eating junk and never exercising, which led to me totally blimping out.  So when I finally go shopping in Bangkok, it was a completely frustrating experience.  Since Asian sizing tends to be smaller than American sizing, I found that the only clothes that I could fit into were size XXL.  That is if you could find size XXL, a size that was in very short supply.  Of course if you asked store employees if they had anything in XXL, it led to embarrassing finger pointing and exclamations of “No, you too big!!!”.  So, on this trip four years ago, I found that even though there were cool clothing lines that weren’t in the US or lines that were in the US had merchandise that was only sold in Asia, I would have to hang my head low and not partake in the shopping frenzy.

Fast forward to this last Christmas in Bangkok.  Having lost 70 pounds, I was ready to dive back into the Bangkok shopping pool.  On the first day, despite the fact that Asian sizing is smaller, I discovered that I was now a size Small in Bangkok!!  I was thrilled and ready to go on a magnificent shopping spree.  But fate had different plans for me.  As I went from store to store, whenever I would find something that interested me, they would only have that item in size Large or XXL.  What?????????  I was flabbergasted and in disbelief I searched in vain for items I liked in size Small.  Why had the shopping gods frowned upon me??  I was finally an Asian size Small and I still couldn’t  find clothes to buy.

Well, looking for the silver lining, at least my credit card bill would not be voluminous upon my return to the states.  I’ll comfort myself by believing that some cosmic force was looking after my economic best interests and aiding me in saving for that penthouse that I want to buy someday.  At least that’s what I keep telling myself :)