MY KIND OF DINNER PARTY

Here at Pico we try to avoid commenting on political controversy, mostly because A) we’re lazy B) it’s in our mission statement and C) it’s over by the time we get around to noticing such controversy exists. So we respectfully decline to comment on the cover of a particular literary magazine that's been buried under a pile of our mail for about 2 weeks. Fist-thumping Muslims aside, we were thrilled to discover (albeit a bit belatedly and from our favorite porcelain reading chair) that there are some real gems to be discovered within the pages of that very same issue.

To Wit: Best. Dinner Party Idea. Ever.

We especially like #4 and #7, and plan to try one (or both) in the very near future. As pretty much everyone who reads us ends up at our house for dinner sooner or later, accept this as your warning that dog biscuits may be on the menu in the very near future.

#14 is of course, our favorite. Does anyone out there remember the “Syphilis is back” poster ads that graced bus stops along La Brea Avenue last year? Those much-needed PSAs are much missed in our hood. Apropos of well, nothing, and for lack of a better segue from food-borne illnesses to STDs, we proudly present dessert.

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

PS: Just in case you've yet to sort through the mail or read all of mid-July's political commentary, here's that pesky cover. Don't say we never gave you anything.

PPS: special thanks to photogenius K for the lead shot. Yep, it's dog food.

EAT SWEETS, END HUNGER

Wise Pico and the Man readers already know that Scoops is the best ice cream shop in the world. And now, we have yet another reason to love Scoops: they're hosting a charity bake sale this Saturday.



The folks at no cookie left behind not only have a hilariously awesome name but are also nice, charitable people. They're raising money for the Great American Bake Sale, organized by Share Our Strength, to help end hunger in America.

So head over to Scoops on Saturday, June 28, between noon and 4pm to help end hunger for more than 12.6 million children nationwide!

BASIX - WEST HOLLYWOOD

Living in Weho has it's advantages and disadvantages. Namely, the god damned parking enforcement which counts as like 20 disadvantages. However, one big one on the plus side is Basix Cafe at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. & Kings Road. We've been going there at least a few times a month for two years.

Their caramel apple pancakes are key.



Parfait goodness . . .



If you're lucky enough, you'll get James as your waiter . . . he kicks ass



Dogs can sit on the patio or the three sidewalk tables (no alcohol on sidewalk)



I'd also recommend:
Brioche French Toast
Breakfast Burrito
Chilaquiles

And I'd challenge you to find a spicier Bloody Mary.

LAMB CAKE UPDATE: BEING BAD HAS NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

As K promised earlier (see yesterday's post) it was a mess. A bloody red mess, and wow, it was delicious! The photos below are not for the faint of heart.

Before we get to the gory details, I highly recommend you try this at home. I want an entire flock of lamb cakes next year--I say we line the streets with them. Maybe I'm still high on adrenaline from baking all night and the thrill of the final sacrifice, but if you care to join me, you'll need your own lamb mold. I also love this red velvet cake recipe (and the corresponding frosting recipe), plus it yields enough for a lamb AND approximately 18 cupcakes.

A new Easter tradition has begun in the N household...and now, the afore-mentioned photos of the slaughter. You've been warned.





Nota Bene: No actual lambs were harmed in this process. Cake, however, was devoured by all. And yes, that IS green coconut.

VENICE: FRENCH MARKET CAFE

Jane has been prattling on about French Market Cafe (Venice) practically since I met her two years ago. I never payed too much attention as I always equated it with Mimi's Cafe, and if you've been to one of those you've been to them all.

I'm an idiot. Jane finally dragged me on Saturday for a late lunch. Upon entering this quaint establishment I immediately took to the little market area. I ordered a chicken panini, Jane got a ham and brie sandwich (served on a fresh baked baguette) and we took a seat in the adjacent dining room. It took about 2 seconds for me to realize every person in there was speaking French (including the one year old beside us saying his first words). This was a nice touch, if you're going to serve French food then bring it and go ahead and include nearly the same ambiance one would get in Paris.

"Run by a French couple, the cafe also includes a petite Market filled with imports from the homeland: Wines, bitter chocolat, soaps, spices, French newspapers and magazines are always available for purchase. Also with free parking!"






After lunch we grabbed a few coffees and if the wind had not been insane we would have enjoyed them on the patio.

Things to try:
quiche paninis crepes full menu & daily specials here
French Market Cafe (map)
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice

Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 7am to 5pm Sat. & Sun. 8am to 5pm

PANCAKE DAY: THE BRITS HAVE BEEN HOLDING OUT ON US

Nissa (my best mate, currently residing in London): Tuesday is Pancake Day in the UK. My fav holiday

me: holy shit what is pancake day?

Nissa: oh my god it is the best thing ever

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday

me: It sounds glorious! Where you gonna get your pancakes?

Nissa: I make them, we have them with Dulce De Leche and bananas. People have all sorts of crazy Pancake races on tuesday as well, it’s the best holiday

me: Oh man, why you gotta live so far away on Pancake Day!

Nissa: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/basilpancakswithsuga_66226.shtml

the traditional way to have them is with Lemon and Sugar, but I like Dulce De leche and banana, and also Cherry jam and cream is good too

-There you go folks! This Tuesday go vote then grab some pancakes. The Griddle has take out.

JOE'S PIZZA - SANTA MONICA

There are two people in my life that nut themselves over New York whenever it's mentioned. One is Jane and the other is Dahoud. For a few years now I've been listening to them whine about the pizza in LA sucking in comparison to NYC. I usually just give them the obligatory nod, knowing that if I ever leave this fair city I'll be saying the same shit about Mexican food. Much like Londoners never shut up about their Indian food, it's the circle of food.

A while back Jane took me to Joe's Pizza in Santa Monica (her new favorite). This is due to the fact that "Joe" is the very same Joe from Brooklyn. I have to say . . . . these two might be on to something. It was better, not only that the atmosphere is exactly what you would imagine it to be. The guys behind the counter are yelling at each other, there is a line that rivals Pinkberry, and Joe himself is kickin it at the cash register.

However, there is one very important detail that makes Joe's in Santa Monica superior to the NYC branches. IT'S IN SANTA MONICA. Instead of grabbing a slice and walking to a park to enjoy it, you are just steps away from the Pacific Ocean (god's park). That my friends is why we win.

Note:
-Cash only
-$2.75-$3.50/slice
-the parking will most likely suck.

(map)

dineLA RESTAURANT WEEK!

This one is for all those idiots that say that LA doesn't have good food (you know who you are). It seems 100+ restaurants will be participating in dineLA Restaurant Week. January 27 – February 1, 2008, and February 3 – February 8, 2008.

"dineLA Restaurant Week unites restaurants from the traditional to the trendy to promote the extraordinary diversity and culinary expertise found throughout LA’s restaurant scene. Restaurants in two dining categories will serve a selection of three-course menus at special prices (per person excluding beverages, tax and gratuity)"

Prices: Lunch - $15/$25
Dinner - $22/$34

Check out their website for a complete list and menu items, here are a few highlights:

VIOLET (Santa Monica) - hopefully the mac n' cheese will be offered, it's good. Plus they are on Pico Blvd!

PETE'S CAFE & BAR (Downtown)- quaint little downtown place

DAKOTA (Hollywood) - this is a favorite of N, so I'm sure we'll be hitting this one up

THE HAPPY ENDING BAR & RESTAURANT (Hollywood) - the name alone will bring me there

EL CHOLO -PASADENA - I've been here twice and both times the valet changed every preset radio setting I had to a Spanish Christian station. I'm pissed off again just thinking about it. You just don't mess with a person's presets.

WE CAME. WE SAW. WE TOOK A CAB HOME.

We did it. We walked 15.6 miles down the entire stretch of Pico Boulevard and we’re still standing. Sorta. Special thanks to Mike and the folks at Franklin Avenue for organizing such a fantastic tour of LA. The only map necessary pointed out the best hummus, burrito and cupcake joints along the way. We started just past 9am with about 50 fellow adventurers. We walked a few blocks. We stopped for breakfast burritos, Korean-style. We fell behind. We wandered a half-block south of Pico, and found God, Greek-style. We caught up. We stopped for lunch. We fell behind. We caught up. We stopped for cupcakes. We fell behind. We caught up. We kept going. We reached the ocean just past sunset. As Graham points out, we won. We immediately caught a cab home to rest our aching joints.

Other highlights from the great Pico journey include:
-a giant crane crash
-a giant screw
-Frida and her monkey
-a Wurlitzer store
-did we mention cupcakes?

Fellow Pico contributors K and Laura were there, too. Hopefully, they’ll post about their experiences very soon. As the lovely Amanda is pointing out above, there are lots of things to do on Pico--by no means have we captured them all.

LAST CHANCE FOR DEEP-FRIED OREOS

Summer. Seinfeld. Superman 3. Sooner or later all good (and bad) things must end. This is your warning: The L.A. County Fair's days are numbered. Earth, Wind and Fire performs the final swan song concert on Sunday and poof! it's gone, faster than you can say Lindsey Lohan's nasal septum.

Why sit through traffic on the 10 freeway, pay $10 for parking and wade through the crowds, you ask? Because it only happens once a year, and braving the masses of middle America right in our own backyard gives you not only props, but instant permission to partake in one of the greatest pleasures known to humanity: Deep-Fried Oreos. Go ahead. You also have permission to eat the deep-friend snickers. Frog legs, too if you like. Do it. You know you want to. Afterwards, wash that palate clean with some Dr. Bob's Porter ice cream and a glass of god-knows-why-it-got-a-gold-medal chardonnay, and you'll be cleansed of the dog days of summer, ready for a new year, a new you, a new pair of pants. It's worth it, I promise.

Anyway, thanks to Sparkletts, traffic and insanely long lines, I have three free tickets to give away to a loyal Pico reader. Let us know you're out there. First person to comment with their favorite deep-fried edible or Earth, Wind and Fire song, or--dammit, just drop us a line-- gets the tickets (a $45 value!).

Note to anyone who does not win the free fair tickets (seriously, baby animals! so much fun!)--buy your tickets online. It'll save you a lot of time (and Sparkletts).

BOMBAY GRILL WHERE ARE YOU?

I call your number, no answer. I drive by, night after night, and the lights are out in your kitchen. I'm a jilted lover on a chicken tikka masala stalking spree and nothing compares to you.

Mr. N is ready to kill someone for some good Vindalu, and he's so devoted to your magical dishes, he refuses to step foot in any of the other thousands of choices for Indian fare in our neighborhood. But seriously, this has gone on too long. At least install an answering machine so we know when you'll return to our sweet loving arms and where we can leave you obsessive messages of curry desire in the meantime.

PS: We are happy for you that you're finally able to visit friends and family in India, but 3 weeks is a long time and we have no idea when you're coming back. Hope you're having fun. Send us a postcard. (map)

HAMBURGER MARY'S TONIGHT

Hamburger Mary's is premiering the second season of Tori & Dean INN Love tonight. Apparently Tori herself might make an appearance. I have to say it . . . . I actually like this show. I caught a marathon on Oxygen a few months ago and rather enjoyed it. I found Tori to be funny and somewhat engaging and Dean is quite possibly the world's best husband. And you know what? I think they actually love each other, refreshing isn't it.

I'm a big Hamburger Mary's fan so they could be premiering a Lifetime movie and would consider it. Never once has my service been less than great. A couple of months ago the hostess (or whatever you call him) took my sunglasses from my head and said he had to clean them for me. He came back with my spotless sunglasses and told me the trick was vodka (and he's right!). Plus tonight is Taco Night (all you can eat for $6.95)!!!

Hamburger Mary's (map)

8288 Santa Monica Boulevard

West Hollywood

PICO NEWS ROUNDUP

-Looks like La Boheme is closing for a while (Eater LA)

-Caroline hit up The Colony Cafe on Pico! (CarolineonCrack)

-The Juice gets prank called (With Leather)

-Which literary character might make a good president? (I'm also partial to Doc Ricketts) -The Elegant Variation

AUNTIE EM'S KITCHEN DOES ME RIGHT

PHOTOS BY KY

My hetero-lifepartner had a baby shower this weekend. When I asked her what kind of cake she would like her immediate answer was Red Velvet. I was unable to consult my dessert guru as she was knee deep in bar exam nonsense (thank christ that is over!). I googled "red velvet cake los angeles," and found exactly what I needed. There was this from Chowhound and this from Citysearch both singing the praises of Auntie Em's in Eagle Rock.

So, I called them up and ordered a Red Velvet and Carrot Cake both serving 10-15 ($35 each). Sunday morning I drove out there bright and early. At 8:30 am the place was already bumpin, and they brought my cakes immediately out (love that). I had a minute to look at the goodness of the bakery case (cupcakes both big and small), just the smell alone had me anxiously awaiting my cake.



Just as I had hoped the cakes where an absolute hit. The cream cheese frosting was near perfection and both cakes were very moist. We had plenty of slices to feed 20 ladies with some left over. I can't wait to go back to Auntie Em's for the food, which looked delicious.

4616 Eagle Rock Blvd. (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90041
restaurant hours: mon-fri 8am to 7pm sat-sun 8am to 4pm
marketplace hours: wed-sun 11am to 5pm

JOAN'S ON THIRD!

Photo by Michelle Law

I’m not in on the whole cupcake thing. I can’t be bothered. I have smartly surrounded myself with those that are, therefore ensuring that when I eat cupcakes I eat well. When it’s up to me, I usually just hit the bakery at Gelsons. That being said, I wanted to get my bar exam bound mates some sustenance during their studies and thought that Sprinkles would be good.

Last Monday I drove by the Beverly Hills store after work and while keeping an eye out for parking I noticed a line out the door. Not happening. I immediately called N for an alternate suggestion and the first thing out of her mouth was, “Joan’s on Third, they have great coconut cupcakes.” As our cupcake proclivities run the same (i.e. we are not easily impressed) I took her suggestion. Plus Joan’s is in my hood and you can’t beat that.

When I arrived at Joan’s I found they had a sort of sidewalk set up going on. Apparently they're expanding the inside. This place was bumpin, every sidewalk table was taken and people kept coming up for an iced tea and a cupcake. Everyone seems to know about this place but me (this is usually the case). I ordered a dozen assorted cupcakes and was so inspired by my experience that I threw an extra quarter in the parking meter for good karma.

Here’s a quick review of our Joan’s cupcake experience:

Lemon – sweet but still very good, tasted like a lemon bar (David and mine’s second favorite)

Coconut/Chocolate – awesome!!! Tasted just like an Almond Joy

Carrot – good, but nutty, seemed more like a breakfast bread, but was very moist

Chocolate/Vanilla – Michelle said this one tasted like Sprinkles cake (good) with Duncan Hines frosting (very good)

Vanilla – a solid choice and a nice break from the heavier flavors

Dark chocolate – heaven

Peanut Butter Crunch – This was by far my favorite (and David’s). The topping is a kind of peanut butter crunch type thing that was just perfect. Best cupcake I’ve had in quite some time.

All in all these were great cupcakes and will be my new cupcake go to. They are back open inside, but the expansion isn’t expected to open for another few weeks. So check them out, I’m told the rest of the menu is also great.

Caroline on Crack did a great cupcake piece a while ago, here it is.

Joan's on Third
8350 West Third Street
Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

A PERFECT SUNDAY MORNING

Last Sunday I woke up feeling an English Breakfast was in order. So, I called my favorite local Brit, Jane. We decided on the obvious choice of Ye Old Kings Head in Santa Monica. I rolled in late and her and her beau where seated nicely on the patio.

All three of us chose the Queen Breakfast ($9.95) which consists of :
Choice of fried bread or toast
2 eggs
1 bacon
1 banger
English Baked Beans
Grilled Tomato and Breakfast Potatoes

First and foremost in the matter of fried bread vs. toast . . . the correct answer is fried bread. It's basically buttery-fried goodness that goes perfectly with the beans. An English Breakfast is basically a "what you see is that you get," or frills approach to the morning. At that King's Head has done well. The staff was warm and accommodating and I even caught of few seconds of the Real Madrid game. After eating we popped into the shoppe next door to marvel at the British goods. I found Tim Tams (Australian cookies) and Jane got some kind of crazy ice cream cone with a chocolate flake in it. Pretty much a perfect morning.

HAPPY HOUR: STONE FIRE PIZZA

829 North La Cienega Blvd.
Happy Hour: 4-7pm & 12-2am daily
Highlights: 1/2 off starters, draft beers, stone fired pizzas

Last week the roomies and I hit up Stone Fire Pizza on La Cienega for some happy hour action. As always when dining with Krissy we arrived butt ass early, walking in with the bus boys.

We chose the covered patio area in front. It was a hot afternoon but we managed to stay cool with a few overhead fans and a nice breeze. Our waitress was very nice, however she quickly informed us our Fat Tire draft choice was not available for another hour. We switched to Blue Moon which was very good, and at $3.50 a pop I felt it necessary to have 3!

For a starter we ordered the Bruscetta Stack ($5). It had olive tapenade, goat cheese, basil, and diced tomatoes stacked in layers. The bruscetta itself was very good, but the pizza crackers that accompanied it were somewhat useless, and it left me wanting some mini breads. They have both Stone Fired and Chicago Style Deep Dish (not on Happy Hour). The Stone Fired ones are very thin, with a crispy crust and quite yummy with 28 different options. They are pretty much personal size so we ordered 3 and mixed them up. We had the Margherita (a solid choice), Wheat Garden Tomato (I'd pass on this next time in favor of a meatier option) , and Crispy Bacon Pineapple (mine was sans bacon but still very good). They also had some tasty looking salads on the menu.

Finally, we had the Rocky Road Deep Dish Pizza ($10) which was huge! All in all, I spent $25, managed to stuff myself silly, and got a little shit canned. I'm looking forward to trying out some more of their menu.

Styx!

My brother and I were pretty much raised on Cheez-Its (well that and chicken flavored rice but that's another story). When he got home from school he would head straight for the Tupperware bin that housed the Costco sized Cheez-Its. Needless to say I was excited to find that they've come up with a new cheddar delivery device for the goodness that is Cheez-Its! I'll have to check these out and report back.