It’s Mexican night at The Shack!
Dinner:
Chicken Mole
Chili Relleno
Rice & Beans
Shrimp Cocktail
Homemade Chips & Salsa
Dessert:
Banana Fritters
Opens at 6:00, dinner at 7-ish
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
916-457-5997
A Green Door, Square Breakfasts, and Jamie Foxx – Oh My!
It’s become an annual occasion that my sisters and I meet up in Los Angeles each September. My sister Cara and I are only 11 days apart (we’re actually the same age for those 11 days, but you won’t get any actual numbers out of me!), so the excuse is we are celebrating the “September” birthdays. Real reason? Unbelievable shopping and a chance to try new restaurants and enjoy old favorites. This past weekend was no exception.
A Mysterious Green Door
Friday night we had reservations for a new restaurant-club called Green Door. (Not “The Green Door” or “A Green Door,” just “Green Door.”) This swanky destination, complete with Parisian-style décor and dimly-lit atmosphere, is located at Sunset and Van Ness in Hollywood, not too far from the ArcLight Cinema and Amoeba Records.
Despite the unmarked entrance, we arrived and were admitted into the restaurant after two men checked to make sure we were on “the list.” The French-inspired menu was surprisingly short (but not short on flavor), and the wine list extensive (no “by the glass” here). We enjoyed a bottle of Sanford Pinot Noir and each of us ordered something different: Sara had the sea bass and Yukon gold potatoes, while Cara and Katie feasted on crepes – one of black forest ham and gruyere cheese and the other filled with shrimp and spinach – both excellent. I devoured the French Onion Soup with chunks of sourdough bread smothered in fontina and gruyere cheeses – honestly, I think it’s the best I’ve ever had. Our server brought us dessert crepes (gratis!) with birthday candles, which we of course inhaled despite our very full bellies (who can pass up banana/chocolate and strawberry/cream?). I’d love to show these dishes, especially the innovative presentation, but alas there are no photos allowed inside Green Door!
Open Air Latin-Asian Fusion
Saturday night we hit one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Asia de Cuba, located inside the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset in West Hollywood. Despite having a reservation, we waited for almost an hour, but were rewarded for our patience by being seated outside with a gorgeous view of the L.A. skyline and beautiful trellises of vines above. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria and then decided on our strategy: we’d order appetizers and dessert so as not to get overly full. Hah! We over-ordered appetizers and couldn’t finish dessert (carrot cake and “Coco de Cielo” cake, which roughly translated to heavenly coconut cake). Our choices were insanely delicious.
When we finished dinner, we rolled ourselves next door to Skybar – again, one of my all-time favorite places – an open-air bar adjacent to the restaurant. It was there that we saw none other than Mr. Jamie Foxx grooving with his birthday entourage, enjoying a balmy evening in the City of Angeles. And, truly, what is a trip to L.A. without a star sighting?
Breakfast Squared
We wrapped our weekend with Sunday breakfast at Square One, which boasts being one of the top 10 places for breakfast in L.A. – and I can see why. First of all, their breakfast is out-of-this-world delish, and for another, the staff is so happy. Who doesn’t want happy on a Sunday morning? We sat outside on their brick patio with the sun shining and the murmur of the city passing by and enjoyed brioche French toast, a pressed egg sandwich on brioche with tomato, arugula and aioli, as well as scrambled eggs with applewood smoked bacon and a fresh fruit salad. Simply scrumptious!
Another September, another memorable trip to L.A., another 5 lbs!
Thursday at The Shack
It’s Italian night at The Shack!
Dinner:
Linguini w/ Fresh Clams
Fresh Grilled Cod
Layered Veggie “Lasagna”
Ceasar Salad
Herb Foccacia
Dessert:
Apple Tart
Opens at 6:00, dinner at 7-ish
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd
916-457-5997
Midweek Morsels 9.12.07
Here’s a sneak peek of the new wine and cocktail lounge at Bidwell Street Bistro, which officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13:
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Thursday, Sept. 13 is “Cuban” Night at the Shack:
Roasted pulled pork
Plantains
Shrimp salad
Black beans & rice
Flan for dessert
Dinner will be served around 7 p.m. Be sure to arrive early for patio seating and live music!
The Shack
5201 Folsom Blvd.
(916) 457-5997
Bidwell Street Bistro
Bidwell Street Bistro is my version of a country club. It’s a special place where I enjoy going to dinner but it’s more than just a restaurant. It feels comfortable yet fancy, festive and fun. We usually see someone we know – and if not – the staff feels like friends because we see them so often. I love the Caesar salad, appetizers and desserts. There is always a new entree to try and everything is delicious. I like to order mashed potatoes so that I can eat some there and bring home a doggy bag for the next day.
Diane’s recent birthday dinner; executive chef Wendi Mentink, center.
They have a new lounge attached and the live music is great. I love the wine tastings during the middle of the week. One night we tasted three different vodkas; too bad we were out of town for the bourbon tasting! It would be fun to bring my dad to an evening like that. The owner is very gracious and Wendi, the head chef, is my youngest daughter’s mentor. Wendi provided her with the opportunity to do a senior project there and she went on to culinary school. Wish I could eat there once a week!
Amy and Diane, photographed with server Ryan Statham.
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Chardonnay Tasting at Bidwell Street Bistro
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5-8:30 p.m.
$12 per person
1004 East Bidwell St.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 984-7500