review - Fleming's Steakhouse in Pasadena

179 E Colorado Blvd

626-639-0490

officially opened Monday October 10

The bar 

From our table in the dining room, you can see the opening to the kitchen

Our affable table mates and waitress

I highly recommend the new Fleming's in Pasadena for its delicious aged prime beef and fine service. The media party on Friday October 7 was a great treat, and the entire staff outdid themselves. For the first hour, we visited the bar, where jazz musicians were playing beautifully to put us in just the right mood. There were offerings of giant shrimp and cracked crab on ice, and waiters circulated with crab cakes, bacon slabs and little bruschetta-like pizzas. There was champagne, wine and a special bar for sangria. After introductions to the staff of the new restaurant, we had a wine tasting in a small adjacent room of the 100 incredible varieties of Fleming's special collection. I chose the Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon, always a delicious favorite.

Located on East Colorado at Marengo, Fleming's means elegant dining. Its ultra modern design, spacious dining room with tables and booths, a full bar in front and kitchen partially visible from the dining room, all add up to providing the comfortable surroundings one expects in a top-notch restaurant. 

A steak lover, I was excited to order the Prime New York strip steak, another favorite and famous for its juiciness. When you ask for a steak, cooked medium-rare, it sometimes arrives overdone, with you querying, "Where's the pink?" Not so at Fleming's! It met my total satisfaction. We shared family style the a la carte potatoes and vegetables: delicious Fleming's potatoes, similar to scalloped, chipotle macaroni & cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and crispy Brussels Sprouts. Before the entree, we were served a delicious housemade artisan bread with infused spreads, followed by a choice of salad, either The New Wedge with grape tomatoes, pickled onions, slab bacon and blue cheese dressing - absolutely scrumptious! - or Fleming's salad with candied walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes, onions and herbed crostini.  

That night, as far as steak was concerned, we had a choice of bone-in filet mignon, Prime dry aged ribeye, Prime dry aged New York strip, or the Prime New York strip that I chose. The dry aged steaks, I was told, are known for their robust flavor, whereas the non-dry aged are more juicy. For non-red meat diners, Fleming’s also offered us a lovely chicken breast, Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and for the true vegetarian, a Roasted Stuffed Red Pepper with braised mushroom medley was suggested. On the regular menu, there are selections of pork, ribs, and chops and select, fresh seafood, such as barbecued Scottish salmon fillet, shrimp scampi, Alaskan king crab legs and North Atlantic lobster tails. Something to suit and satisfy every pallet! And, the extensive award-winning wine list featuring Fleming’s 100 wines, served by the glass, add just the right accompaniment to steak or seafood.

For dessert, there was a choice of a lovely Crème Brulee, carrot cake, or walnut turtle pie. I chose the crème brulee, which, yes, is sweet, but I must admit, the sweeter the dessert, the happier my taste buds. On the regular menu nothing beats Fleming's renowned Chocolate Lava Cake. It's a sinful concoction with luscious, warm chocolate filling, that literally spills out when you cut into the cake. It is served with ice cream, real whipped cream and cookies over chopped pistachios. It is difficult to stay on your diet when you eat at Fleming's. The rich food is simply divine, so plan a fast before and after you eat there, but, please, do not miss the foods I have mentioned, or their wonderful prime rib, a specialty. 

Treat yourself to an elegant dinner at Fleming's. It is guaranteed to please on any occasion. And this latest addition to the chain in Pasadena has a truly inviting atmosphere and staff. I'll be back!

www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

review - MidiCi

MidiCi
The Neopolitan Pizza Company
14612 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (SO)
(818) 788-2178

Pizza, Pizza, Pizza! It's everywhere. But, nowhere is it served with such appeal and real Italian goodness than at MidiCi, The Neopolitan Pizza Company, a franchise that has a store right at the corner of Ventura and Cedros in SO, where the famousTower Records took up residence for many, many years. MidiCi opened about fourteen months ago and is a big, bright addition to the SO neighborhood, bringing an enhanced sense of community friendship and delicious food that will truly engender it.

In fact, the mission of MidiCi is to bring people together over pizza as "people are the best thing that can happen to anyone". When you enter, you pick up a menu, look over the tasty choices, order your fresh, non-GMO, made.to.order pizza on dough that is baked fresh daily on the premises and walk cafeteria style around the serving area. You are given a number, so the pizza, soup, salad, meatballs will be brought to your table, but...you have the opportunity to serve yourself at the drink bar to a regular soda or fresh Italian soda, adding your own syrup, with many delicious flavors to choose from. Along the way you will notice the real Italian wood burning hand built ovens and the huge olive tree spreading up to the ceiling. The olive tree is a tradition in Italian culture, expressing peace and serenity. Will you be relaxed and comfortable at MidiCi? You bet!

MidiCi means "You tell me!", encouraging conversation with new friends and Neopolitan Pizza is the original, the way the Italians invented it in Naples over 300 years ago, "exalting the flavors and celebrating the senses". The restrooms at the rear are plush, elegant stops reflecting the artful, traditional yet contemporary, clean decor of the whole store.

On to the food! Handsome, affable Thomas Bartsch, V.P. of Marketing for MidiCi (pictured below), was on hand to greet my friend and me. He took us through the order line, we made our Italian sodas and then sat down to a lovely meal which included housemade meatballs with smoked mozzarella, homemade Italian peeled tomato soup, which was my favorite. If you love tomato basil soup, this one's for you. FYI, on an interesting note, there are also sprigs of fresh basil throughout the store that you can pick up and add to any of your dishes. We were offered wood-fire baked truffle cheese bread, which was delectable. Encouraged to sample the pizza, I, a breakfast lover, chose the Egg N' Bacon with fresh whole mozzarella and all natural applewood smoked bacon. To say I practically died and went to heaven is putting it mildly. Those wood fire-roasted potatoes and freshly cracked free-range egg made this a real treat. Light and delicious, not heavy like the greasy pizzas experienced in many other popular pizza haunts around town! To top if all off, we were given the best dessert ever, Nutalla Calzone with Fresh Berries. Truly yummy, and proving once again with its fresh pizza dough, that the best natural ingredients are not only healthy, but often make the tastiest meal choices.

And did I mention the moderate prices? Meatballs and soup at $6 each; pizzas with enough slices for two people, under $10; and desserts, unbelievably $5/$6 each. A steal! There is also a gourmet Italian coffee bar, a gourmet tea collection and a huge selection of draft beer and wine for your extreme dining pleasure.

One thing that impressed me further about the concept of freshness is that you may buy cans of the non-GMO tomatoes on your way out, as well as a MidiCi cookbook with real Italian recipes. These folks believe in high quality, and with that in mind, who would not want to dine at MidiCi with its warm, open atmosphere and friendly staff? Thank you for being our friends!
I'll be back!

review - Claudine

Breakfast is served Monday-Friday from 8am - 11am

All Day Menu is served Monday-Friday from 11am-8pm

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 8am-3pm

Location: 16350 Ventura Blvd, Ste. F., Encino

hello@claudinela.com  

(818) 616-3838

From the outside Claudine is a very average-looking storefront restaurant, but once you step inside and see the happy faces mingling at tables...and the cakes/pastries on display, you know you are in for a rare treat. It's a restaurant and a bakery rolled into one. My guess is that Claudine, named after the sister of Chef Anthony Jacquet, will become a favorite hangout for young businesswomen and older middle-aged people alike, anyone who loves great quiche, artisan breakfast food and divine sweets, especially the chocolate chip cookies, the ultimate special creation of Pastry Chef Lea Newton.

Both Jacquet and Newton were on hand to greet us and prepare delicious hors d'oeuvres on Tuesday June 14 for a small audience of invited guests. Since both are from the San Fernando Valley, he from Northridge and she from Burbank, their goal has been to put together a restaurant for Valley residents and one in which all of their foods are produced with the finest natural ingredients of the surrounding communities. Highlights of the evening included hot hors d'oeuvres like Lea's Lightened Quiche, priced at $10.59, with spinach, basil and only one egg with greens; Briana's Short Rib Grilled Cheese, $12.59, with stout braised onions, roasted

mushrooms, house American cheese, black vinegar teriyaki and russet wedges. This was a triumph, at least with me. I love short ribs and the rich almost  buttery flavor of the cheese and homemade bread accompanying them really made them ring out with flavor. Another big hit was the B.L.A.T. Salad, $11.59, consisting of cherry tomatoes, smoked bacon, little gems, avocado, buratta cheese, garlic croutons and creamy garlic dressing. It is a meal in itself!

All prices are fair and reasonable for the quality Claudine provides. Yes, the emphasis is on quality. All vegetables are fresh daily...and the pastries are baked every day. Nothing is ever left over. $4 for a brown butter rice krispy treat and $1.25 for one of Lea's scrumptious cookies is well worth the price. There was a tray of cupcakes, cookies, brownies as well as a grab bag of chocolate chip cookies, which are to die for. They should be sold nationally as Lea's Chocolate Chip Cookies. I understand that is being worked out as we speak. They are too yummy for words.

Also popular on their menu, and to which we were also treated, are Cianna's Naan-zza that includes pesto, buratta, bacon, mushrooms and asparagus. Think pizza but with a softer, more singular bread taste! It's delicious. Also served from the hearth is of course the quiche and... Avocado Toast, Nikki's Way with Spanish cayenne, fresh lemon, chimichurri, Serrano ham and fried egg.

As far as breakfast is concerned - and it is served every day Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11 am - we were nicely reminded of it with the serving of blueberry pancakes and bacon. Those pancakes were extra light and fluffy. Merveilleuses!

Look for a special of the day...and for the little ones, there are a grilled cheese and cup of soup, Margarita 'pizza' bread and Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, all at low prices $6-$8.

There is also a full bar with wine and freshly brewed beer. We were treated to a lovely lemon/lime sangria!

So, come on in to Claudine - Claudine Artisan Kitchen and Bakeshop -  and bring the whole family! There is something to suit everyone's tastebuds. And I cannot mention enough for the sweet tooth in you, there is nothing finer than Lea's Chocolate Chip Cookies, baked fresh every morning. They are the best anywhere!

Stephanie, Michelle and Emily from    bread & BUTTER pr ... their smiles tell it all!

http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene_062416/#/1/

http://www.jejprint.com/valleyscene_062416/#/20/

review - All American BBQ

ALL AMERICAN BBQ
18697 DEVONSHIRE ST NORTHRIDGE

CALL 818-363-6500 FOR INFORMATION

All American BBQ has been open in Northridge for about three months, but its vision came about years ago when Gerald Baker, born in LA, and Mike Musantry, from New York, met unexpectedly on a vacation and became buddies. At the time, they were both cops on different

Owners/ Buddies Gerald Baker and Mike Musantry

coasts, and as they both love food - especially Chef Baker who loves to cook - they decided that upon retirement from the police force they would open a restaurant together. With Musantry's Italian family background and an already successful business with ice cream trucks All American Softy, and Baker's grandma's famous recipes for peach cobbler, corn bread and the like, BBQ seemed to be an ideal all American choice.

When you first enter All American BBQ, you are instantaneously grabbed by the spaciousness of the place and its cleanliness. On the left is the All American Softy stand with a counter, reminding one of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. In the middle is the kitchen and long main counter with pictures of the scrumptious food choices and a wide screen television above. On the right, as well as in the middle, there is an abundance of tables spread out comfortably, making you feel at ease and setting the mood for a highly valued meal experience.

Both Mike and Gerry were on hand to serve me and my friend with a platter of delicious food. Friendly Mike, dressed in his wild and crazy All American Hawaiian style shirt, talked up a storm about their aspirations and made us feel right at home. His partner Gerry served us a platter that included baby back pork ribs, big beef ribs, chicken breast, pull pork and tri-tip sandwiches, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, and samples of their homemade chili and soup of the day, beef barley. There are two different kinds of BBQ sauce mild and spicy. The mild is not overly sweet, but tart, just right. They are not bottled yet, but should be. And I am a connoisseur of ribs, especially the beef ones. In many shops, they come tough and difficult to chew. These had an angel's touch, tender and juicy even before adding the BBQ sauce. Mike said that they never drench their food in sauce, but let the customers add their preferred amounts. The meat stands out on the sandwiches; they use a smoke machine, which really makes a big difference in its tenderness and flavor.

I was so very much impressed by the pride that these two guys have in their establishment. Gerry Baker praised his grandma's cooking, bragging that Famous Amos must have used her recipe for chocolate chip cookies, they were that good. He stands by her recipes and what she taught him. Such a passionate chef! Mike Musantry praised his Italian father and said how proud he was to be an American. He was thrilled to say that many celebrities use their catering services for parties. By the way their catering is family style and reasonably priced.

Some of the other items on the menu include: hot links, salmon, and petite filet medallions. All the entrees like the above or the ribs come with a side salad or two regular sides, all at about $12-$15, except the full rack of pork ribs that cost $23.95. But, there's a lot of delectable meat on those bones, so they are well worth the extra bucks. On the sides menu, there are also garlic mashed potatoes, fries, both sweet potato and regular, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, steamed vegetables, garlic bread and corn on the cob, all at moderate prices and the first several items served by the half pint, pint and quart, as well as in regular portions.

Visit All American BBQ and bring the kids. There's a hot dog/hamburger menu especially for them. For the adults, it's about the best BBQ to be found in the San Fernando Valley. So treat yourselves! Your taste buds will thank you. I know I'll be back!

review - Slaw Dogs

THE SLAW DOGS 
AT THE VILLAGE 
6220 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 
(747) 226-3119 / Fax (747) 226-3499

I first reviewed the Slaw Dogs when it was located on Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills about two years ago. Here's what I had to say about it:
http://howtoeatheartily.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-slaw-dogs.html

The Slaw Dogs has now reopened in the new Westfield Topanga mall, and in my mind, it's a smart move. There is a steady traffic flow at this new mall, both young and old... and who doesn't love a hot dog...at lunchtime, dinnertime, or as a between-meal snack? Especially if it's served The Slaw Dogs way with all natural ingredients and in the most unexpected and delicious combinations. Owner Ray is indeed playful and has explained that at a barbeque - where it all began - something would fall on top of something else, and the taste combo that resulted is what prompted him to consider serving it that way regularly...seriously.

The Slaw Dogs menu has much, much more to offer besides its main attraction of hot dogs. There are also burgers, breakfast sandwiches, served all day, finger food like homemade pretzels, fork food like parmesan garlic fries and tasty salads. There is also soft-serve ice cream - homemade on the premises, and super sodas like all natural root beer and  reduced sugar black cherry under the new label Stubborn. As you can see in the window sign below, Ray has devised a root beer float with his delectable soft-serve, and even a beer float for a mere $4 more. It's worth it!

I have to admit. I am not a beer drinker, except maybe on a real hot summer day. So when Ray asked if I wanted to try a beer float, I was a little skeptical about what I would taste. Ice cream with beer? Well, let me tell you, it's a real pleasant combo. The rich milk and cream in the soft serve offset the bitterness of the beer, making it a unique taste treat, without ruining the taste of the beer that so many of you do love. Try it! It's especially delicious when you are munching on a homemade Oktoberfest pretzel, served with hand-made dipping sauces. My friend and I sampled a breakfast sandwich on a brioche with fried egg, double bacon, American cheese and chipotle sauce. It's yummy! We also tried a Turkey Club Salad in a wrap featuring a turkey dog, which is a little spicy, but in combo with the bacon, cheese, onion, cherry peppers and ranch dressing, it's super! Finger food? Popcorn chicken at Slaw Dogs: all white meat chicken, coated with spicy crunchy garlic sauce and cabbage slaw are fantastic, particularly served with Ray's garlic parmesan fries. And the size of the chicken pieces is so generous and the flavor, scrumptious, unlike those teeny, tiny tasteless ones at KFC!

One of the newest hot dogs is the Reuben Dog, which boasts a butterflied turkey dog, pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, special sauce on marble rye bread. And it is a winner! Other new additions to the menu include: The O.G. Thai Slaw Dog, The Super Dog, featured on the Food Network, the C4 Super Dog, featured on the Travel Channel and Sonoma, created especially for vegans. All of these items are reasonably priced from $6-$10.

What I find most appealing about this new venue for Slaw Dogs is its ambiance. You can sit outdoors, as the restaurant kitchen is like a little shack. No room indoors for seating, but more than ample, outside. That's just fine, as there is so much to take in while you are eating in the courtyard. The innumerable passersby, the classy window dressings for the upscale stores and I understand there's even entertainment on select days and evenings. Try Slaw Dogs in its new location! You'll have a great time! I'll be back!

review - Gasolina

Gasolina Cafe

(818) 914-4033/21014 Ventura Blvd./Woodland Hills, CA 

Open Daily 8am-4pm

Looking for something different in your choice of restaurants that is simultaneously healthy and delectable? You need look no further than Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills. Gasolina, under the ownership of chef Sandra Cordero, opened a mere eight months ago and is already boasting quite a fan following. Give them what they want and they will come is indeed a true saying. It's a small and narrow place with seating at a few tables in front and on an outdoor patio, reminding you of a typically pleasant European cafe. 

On hand to greet me and my friend Jim on Friday the 13th - it was my lucky day! - was striking Chef Cordero - cordero in English means lamb - and the name truly fits, for she is as sweet as a lamb. She made us feel right at home as if she were cooking for us in her own home. If you know the Spanish, mi casa es su casa. Cordero is half Spanish and half Dutch. Sandra grew up a farm girl in Galicia, Spain, appreciating olive oil and the use of farm fresh eggs and other pure ingredients. She started cooking at an early age, so it is no wonder that she now possesses expert knowledge like how to whip up delicious lamb balls, papas bravas and empanadas with a flaky crust. You have to aim to please everyone, so this empanada's crust is a slight variation on the one you’re used to.

Cordero and her Kentucky born hubbie ride motorcycles as a hobby, and she somehow wanted to incorporate this biker enthusiasm into her very first restaurant....so voila...Gasolina. Stop in and fuel up is their slogan. Gasolina is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm serving unusually prepared breakfast and lunch. Sara presented us with a menu and then asked our preferences, bringing shortly thereafter about three selections each. I started off with homemade mint lemonade; my friend had a fresh watermelon juice. The lemonade is a real tart treat as opposed to the sugary ones I've been accustomed to. Next up came our first entree. I had patatas bravas which are similar to home fries on a plate with chorizo, serrano ham, aioli, brava sauce and a sunny side up egg on top. If you have never tasted papas bravas, they are crunchy on the outside with all the rich chewy potato goodness on the inside.  Jim had the garlicy shrimp scramble with shrimp, egg, garlic laced with fresh asparagus and toast.

We sampled each other's; the taste was divine, not overly spicy; everything blended together just right. Next up came the house cured salmon sandwich with beet cured salmon, herbed crema, cucumber and watercress. For me, the piece de resistance was the cordero lamb burger served with avocado, lettuce, cucumber relish, romesco sauce and aioli. I love lamb, and this was so juicy with the avocado and sauces giving it that extra zing.

For dessert there was a precious chocolate mousse with berries. Jim and I shared the churros con chocolate, a long time latino favorite. The churros are laced with sugar and come warm and scrumptious. Gasolina is particularly proud of their shop blend coffee, so both of us sampled a wonderful cappuccino with our desserts.

Also on the menu to whet your appetite are lentil stew, as well as great salads like chicken and baby kale, shrimp and avocado... and pulpo gallego salad with octopus a la plancha. They serve Spanish style toast as well. Sandra explained that she imports all her cheese from Spain and that they "source local farms, serve good quality ingredients, use organic milk and local cage free eggs and chicken. We operate a scratch kitchen where everything is made in house and to order." All egg dishes, sandwiches and salads range in price from $10-$16.

So with such fresh healthy food at moderate prices and served with a smile by Sandra herself, who could ask for anything more? Everything es muy sabroso. Stop by any day from 8 am to 4pm and fuel up!

owner.chef Sandra Cordero

review - Sloan's Ice Cream at Westfield Topanga

Los Angeles
The Village at Westfield Topanga

6250 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 1560
Los Angeles, CA
818-453-3500
Sun-Thurs 8AM-11:00PM
Fri-Sat 8AM-12AM

“Simply put, we created Sloan’s to be a dreamland for everyone, kids and adults of all ages. Our focus has never changed. In fact, we just keep enhancing the experience and now we’re ready to immerse even more people in the Sloan’s brand,” said Sloan Kamenstein, founder, owner and a classically trained chef who honed his craft at London’s Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and trained in kitchens throughout France. “One taste, sniff and glimpse of Sloan’s sends the senses soaring. The time has come to share Sloan’s yumminess beyond South Florida.” - Sloan's Ice Cream.

You know that giddy, childlike feeling of excitement that comes over you when you see something you cannot resist? Well, that's what hit me when I entered Sloan's Thursday afternoon. Piled high on shelves to the right are stuffed dogs, bears, ducks, sea otters and other creatures of various colors and sizes. There's even a life-sized zebra near the restroom. Also on the right is a huge candy display where you may watch an employee make homemade fudge - which, by the way, is to die for - and candy caramel apples. I haven't seen those since I was about 5 or 6 years old. To the left are homemade brownies, cookies and donuts - and then the piece de resistance - the ice cream stand with a multitude of flavors including Birthday, which is made from real birthday cake.

Store manager Rachael Aguon was on hand to give me and my friend a grand tour. She explained that the first store was built in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1999 by Le Cordon Bleu graduate Sloan Kamenstein and that the store is primarily of pink decor because his mother adored pink. Sloan and one partner make all the ice cream and pastries by hand and ship the ice cream to California in special trucks once a month. So it is made in the home base of Florida, and boy oh boy, is it distinctive: rich luxurious texture, real buttery, with all good ingredients. Birthday tastes like real birthday cake, because, as I mentioned above, birthday cake is frozen and then mixed into the batch. You can taste the smooth texture of the yellow cake and the frosting - no kidding! Pretty Rachael is out here from Florida to help oversee the new store at Westfield Topanga. She knows her stuff and makes you feel right at home. She loves her work, and it shows in spades. 

Doggie Treats

 We were treated to scoops of ice ream - my friend had a luscious hot fudge sundae and I sampled the birthday as well as black and white malt which has real malted milk balls throughout. She then proceeded to bring over a chocolate chunk cookie and a sea salt caramel brownie, both of which I saved for later. The chocolate is plentiful and melts in your mouth, and the brownie is so rich I must have gained a pound just from smelling it.

There are over 30 flavors. Talk about Baskin Robbins. No, don't! Sloan's is far better. I'm a fudge lover and so I chose a few flavors to purchase. Rachael gave it to me as a gift. How sweet is that! It is some of the best fudge I have ever eaten - chocolate raspberry, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream...and birthday cake! Rich, smooth, creamy, just like the ice cream: makes a great gift for your friend or relative especially with the holidays right around the corner. Another great item at Sloan's are doggie treats. That's right, you may purchase little cookie treats - not chocolate, of course, as chocolate is bad for animals - but made out of pure ingredients that our four-legged friends just crave.

I had heard that I must check out the bathroom at Sloan's. (see photo above) Spoiler alert! Well, no, you'll still find it fun. You can be seen through the window. For privacy, all you have to do is lock the door and the window fogs over.

Sloan's is for kids of all ages. It's a super fantasyland a la Willy Wonka...and the treats are all fresh, homemade and delectable, and all at moderate prices. Who could ask for anything more? While you're there, check out the rest of the exciting Westfield Topanga mall. It's a thoroughly satisfying experience on a pleasant sun-filled California day!