Echi, West hollywood

Echi Sushi

8267 Santa Monica Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 654-0900

Echi sushi is absolutely somewhere I will visit again and again.  For good quality sushi at decent prices, I would definitely recommend checking it out. The great thing about them is they’ve got happy hour all day long, even on their alcohol as well. Last I checked you can get alcohol for as low as $1.99 for some beers, and $4 for a large hot sake. The even have free parking right out front. They even serve edamame as a mini appetizer.  Its a fairly casual environment, but they have a nice patio out front and I have to say I really enjoyed my time catching up with friends and having a few drinks. Unfortunately I did not find a website for them, but you can check out some of their other food items by clicking on the following link: https://forkly.com/venues/4c4278c3ff711b8d43ae1305/foods?radius=40000

I can’t wait to go back!

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Ami Japanese Restaurant, Los Angeles

Ami Japanese Restaurant

1051 Broxton Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90024

(310) 209-1994

Ami Japanese Restaurant is located in the heart of Westwood, within walking distance of UCLA. Parking can be found across the street in the Broxton lot, the first two hours are free before 6 pm. The atmosphere is casual enough to go with a group of friends, but nice enough to go with a date.  I think this place is really worth visiting if you like to have fun and unique plates.  Plus, looking at these pictures, some of them are just massive and look like they’d be great for sharing.  I went with the simpler sushi, but next time I’m definitely venturing out to try their specialty rolls.  Also, the garlic edamame…delish! I know this might not all be authentic Japanese food but I’m really not a food snob, I just like what tastes good.  I WILL be going back!

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Cafe Fiore, Woodland Hills

Cafe Fiore

21550 Oxnard Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 888-4514

www.cafefiore.net

I was pleasantly surprised with Cafe Fiore.  It had a really nice atmosphere and if you happen to work in the area, it also serves as a great place to grab lunch with co-workers or a client.  I loved the design of the restaurant in which they used refurbished wood and iron to create a casual yet sleek look.  The entrees were all good. I especially thought the spinach gnocci was quite interesting and looked amazing! I ordered the Linguine Frutti DiMare and it was everything I hoped it would be.

Linguine Frutti Di Mare

Insalata Di Pollo

Gnocci Di Ricotta E Spinaci

Mezza Luna

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The Peninsula Hotel, Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Hotel

9882 S Santa Monica Blvd

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 551-2888

www.peninsula.com/beverlyhills

The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, what an exquisite place to be.  I have had a few opportunities to dine here, as you can see from my many photos.  You have a few options when dining here. You can visit The Belvedere which serves a modern American cuisine.  On one visit to The Belvedere, I sat out on the terrace and I have to say it was probably one of my most memorable dining experiences. It was in the afternoon, birds were chirping, and the sounds from the water fountain next to me made the whole experience so peaceful and relaxing.  To top off my experience, I also spotted a former American Idol judge enjoying her lunch as well.

The second option is The Living Room, which is exactly as the name suggests.  You actually dine on the couches, and is mainly for drinking afternoon Tea, while listening to an actual harpist in the background. The fanciness is to die for!  On one of my visits, I just sat there soaking in the ambiance and listening to the beautiful sounds of the harp which happens to be one of my favorite instruments.  There was literally a group of elderly women enjoying their afternoon tea, all of them wearing their fancy Sunday hats, a sight you only see in the movies.

The third option is The Roof Garden, which is a patio next to the pool area. It is also located next to the spa, and is geared towards healthier food and imaginative drink options.  I have not had a chance to visit The Roof Garden, but I have ordered room service from there.

If you ever want to get away from the norm and treat yourself, I definitely recommend you pay a visit to this absolutely legendary hotel!

My recommendations to order: The Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Harvey’s Guss Colorado Lamb, Tiramisu, and ESPECIALLY the Creme Broulee, paired with the smokey and unique tasting Russian Caravan tea all from The Belvedere.

Baked Oysters

Fresh oysters (not on the menu)

Roasted Harvey’s Guss Colorado Lamb

Swiss Chard

Truffle “Macaroni and Cheese”

Chicken Crepes

Creme Broulee (no filters used!!)

Strawberry Smoothie

Grilled Wild Salmon Fillet

Seared Diver Sea Scallops

Tiramisu

Russian Caravan Tea

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Bossa Nova, West Hollywood

Bossa Nova

685 Robertson Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069

www.bossanovafood.com

What can I say?  Bossa Nova never fails to please.  By far the best Brazilian food I’ve had.  I can honestly say every thing I’ve ever tried from here has been not just good, but DELICIOUS!  They truly know how to season their food to perfection.  Its got a very homemade feel, but with a restaurant-like taste that you can’t get at home.  I would give you recommendations on what to order, but you really can’t go wrong with anything there, but I do love their plantains.  I can’t wait to go back and try their other dishes!

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Kate Mantilini, Beverly Hills

Kate Mantelini

9101 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

www.katemantelinirestaurant.com

Kate Mantelini…nice restaurant, but to be totally honest I was not too thrilled with all the options.  It was actually hard to find stuff on the menu that I actually wanted to eat. Not to mention, the prices were a little high for just a casual lunch with co-workers, in my opinion. You’re looking to spend about $15 – $25 per plate.  I ordered the salmon with spinach, which was good and tasty, but the recipe is so simple it’d be HARD to mess it up.  However, the salmon was VERY under-cooked, which they do warn you about, I just wasn’t expecting it to still be THAT raw even after asking for it to be medium-well.  It was still VERY raw on the inside.  I normally make it a point to let you know if a restaurant is an absolute must, well this is NOT one of them.

Signature Fish and Chips

The “Little Hollywood” Filet Mignon Sandwhich

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Ushuaia Argentinian Steakhouse, Santa Monica

Ushuaia

Argentinian Steakhouse

2628 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90403

www.ushuaiasteakhouse.com

One of the most interesting things I’ve had so far that I ate for the first time ever in my life was the Carpacio de lomo, which is thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin.  Ushuaia happens to make theirs topped with lemon, arugula, avocados, Parmesan, capers, and red onion. Of course I was wary at first, but I have to admit that I liked it, and would even order it again if I had the chance.  The Tallarines de la Patagonia is an Argentinian pasta that they make from scratch seasoned with Spanish saffron along with mussels, clams, shrimp, octopus, scallops, and calimari.  It had an unfamiliar texture, but the saffron flavor really came through.  This was a first for me as I have never had saffron in my pasta before. Mind you, what you see in the picture is the order split in half, good enough for 2 people to share.  We also ordered the Churrasco al Malbec, a grilled prime flat iron steak, wine reduction sauce, caramelized onions, mushrooms, with mashed potatoes and vegetables.  The steak was tasty, no complaints there.  What you can expect from Usuaia is a fine dining restaurant with fine dining prices.  Overall I thought the beef carpaccio made it all worth it.

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Juicy Burger, Los Angeles

Juicy Burger

6340 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

www.juicyburgeronline.com

My friend Natalie was visiting from Germany, and to show her a good time, I took her to the club Beachers Madhouse where we had an amazing time.  Afterwards she wanted a burger and well what do you know…down the street was Juicy Burgerrrrr!  Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm…..I have to admit, this one one damn good burger!  I ordered the California Cheese Burger, which comes with avocado, cheese and bacon!  Sooo delicious! Its open late, and right next to all the clubs in LA, so its the perfect place to sober up and grab a bite to eat.  Try it, its soo soo good!

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