Dinner at Brick + Mortar... maybe just apps!

As I mentioned, I headed back to Brick + Mortar for dinner. My friend and I sat down and read the menu and our eyes could not pass the Appetizer section. We started with three appetizer plates!! Needless to say we did not get to the entrees. The Drinks and Appetizer were amazing!

We started out with its In-house Spicy Tequila drinks... oh my gosh so delicious! My friend ordered the Fire Raspberry Margarita. It had a very subtle raspberry flavor and more of a watered down taste. I ordered the Tijuana Donkey (loved the name). This drink was interesting because it added a splash of Orange Soda, which surprisingly made the drink really good!

Left to Right - Fire Raspberry Marg and Tijuana Donkey (second order of Donkey)

 The waitress greats the table with a loaf of bread, an olive tapenade, and block of butter. It was a yummy starter.

The first appetizer we ordered was the Mussels in a white wine sauce. The white wine sauce had tons of thyme, made it delicious. It was so delicious that I ended up dipping some of the bread loaf into the wine sauce. The mussels were of the smaller kind and they tasted fresh. Only a few mussels were missing from the shells. I would definitely order the mussels again, I just loved the sauce!!

Could we eat more carbs? Next, we ordered the baked brie. Thankfully the baked brie was not baked in any dough. The brie was covered with caramelized onions and arugula and drizzled with truffle honey. At first bite there was an explosion of flavors. The truffle honey was such a sweet touch with the peppered flavor of the arugula. If I had to pick one of the three appetizers, I would say the Baked Brie was my favorite!

 Our final dish was from the small plates and sides section, Macaroni and Cheese. I could not resist, Mac and Cheese may be one of my favorite dishes if made right. It was a creamy cheesy noodle mix with crumbs baked on top. It was your typical Mac and Cheese, although delicious, I think I'd pass on the Mac and Cheese and try another app or entree that has a fun twist.

After the Bread Loaf, Mussels, and Baked Brie we could not even finish the Mac and Cheese! It was all so yummy and perhaps one day we can make it for an entree at Brick + Mortar. Again, this is a newish restaurant off Main St in Santa Monica that is a must try! Trust me you will want to try everything on their menu!! 

xoxo

Santa Monica Stairs

In Los Angeles everyone tries to keep healthy and fit. With southern California's amazing weather it is hard not to exercise outside. While trails can be a great workout I found an even better bum busting workout... the Santa Monica Stairs! Seriously they will kick your bum into shape!!

There are two sets of stairs... The first set is made up of small concrete steps that is broken into about four sections. I enjoyed going down this set of stairs as it seemed easier on the knees. The second set is wooden and has a little bigger step and is broken into three sections. Both sets have areas to take a little break while climbing up or down. 

First Set Described 

Second Set Described

My first try at the SM stairs I made the loop between the first and second set four times, my second time I made the loops five. Cannot wait to keep increasing my loops and time! These stairs are intense and make for a great and fun workout! What would be a workout in California without a amazing views!?!? While at the top of each set there were views of Brentwood, Pacific Palisades all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Neighborhood Views

Ocean View 

The address that follows will direct you to the top of the stairs: 4th Street and Adelaide Drive (Santa Monica)
Whether you are looking for a new workout or just need to tone your bum and legs these stairs will surely do the trick!

Brick + Mortar

Brunch on the weekends is one fabulous idea and Brick + Mortar has made it even more amazing! This gastropub is located off Main Street in Santa Monica, tucked away behind a coffee and shoe shop. Since its opening B+M has been successful which is most likely due to the welcoming atmosphere, delightful drinks, and delicious food! On certain days they offer a Happy Hour menu, yay! But back to the brunch - My friend and I decided to pop in on the weekend during their brunch. I was wowed by the Bloody Mary Bar which consisted of house-made bloody mary mix and tons of fixings and a row of hot sauces. Yum. Even though the Bloody Mary bar looked amazing I decided to try one of their cocktails. All of which sounded amazing.

While waiting for out table we ordered the Cucumber Cocktail, which called for gin however, we substituted Vodka. The cocktail was light and refreshing which is perfect on a warm Santa Monica day. 

B+M's Brunch Menu, is quit big for this gastropub. Choices ranged from eggs to burgers and pizzas. My friend raved about the burgers so I had to try and added the truffle parmesan fries. I have to say the burger was juicy with lots of flavoring, and adding the horseradish mayo, oh my yumminess!! Along side the burger was a handful of shoestring fires. I love shoe string fries, they have just enough potato and crispiness. I tried both the regular fries and the truffle parmesan fries. The truffle fries were good but did not go well with the burger. In the end I was pleased with my burger choice! Filling and tasty!

At the end we ordered another round of drinks. My friend ordered the Blueberry refresher and I opted for the Basil refresher. Both were so light and refreshing and made a great end to our Brunch.

I cannot wait to go back and try B+M's Dinner Menu, I'm sure it will be fully satisfying and delicious!! So, if you are off Main Street stop in for the Brunch or a cocktail or two! Oh and I've heard that B+M makes amazing spicy tequila cocktails!

It's an unexpected gem!

Plan Check Kitchen

It is amazing where you can find little gems in Los Angeles! My friend and I were trying to find a place to have a drink and catch up... why is it so difficult to find a place when you need to? Weeks before I stumbled upon an area off Sawtelle Blvd in West LA, I noticed a Mexican Chain that I recognized from New York City. However, before we made it there we found Plan Check Kitchen. Simple chill place to grab a drink and have a snack or two!

Plan Check's Tropic Thunder Cocktail

Plan Check offers outside seating, which I enjoy with the constant LA sunshine, and inside seating as well. After we were seated on the patio, by just glancing at the menu I saw many yummy snacks and burgers! My friend and I came on the idea we would only have a drink, however, I could not resist and ended up ordering food and drinks! For our drinks we ordered the Tropic Thunder with jalapeno infused vodka, anything jalapeno is a must try! It was mixed with mango and lime juice. All of the drinks on the menu were intriguing, and I cannot wait to try the others! I'm glad we ordered the Tropic Thunder cocktail as it was a great compliment to the food we ordered.

Veggie Chips w/ Guac Dip

We first ordered the Veggie Chips (exotic choices) with Avocado Dip. The chips came out in a brown baggie with a ramequin of avocado dip. The exotic veggies were Plantains and Yucca Root that were sliced like potato chips. The avocado dip was creamy and delicious and made for a lite flavorful dip for the plantains and yucca. Yum!!

Sweet Waffle Fries w/ Peach Ketchup

We also decided to order the Sweet Potato Waffles Fries with Peach Ketchup... yes peach ketchup! This was amazing! You can never go wrong with sweet waffle fries and adding a sweet peachy tomato condiment made them even better! I really enjoyed the flavor combinations of the sweet fries & ketchup with the spicy jalapeno cocktail! Once we finished up our cocktails we decided we had to try dessert and ordered the Cruller Donuts.

Cruller Donuts w/ Banana

Oh my sweet banana cream dough goodness!!!! These donuts are made to order, so it took some time to come out but it was worth the wait. The donuts were sprinkled lightly with sugar and cinnamon. The donuts rested on a banana cream custard like mash and cream. The banana custard was light and fluffy. This dessert was a nice finish to a great outing with a friend. I will definitely plan to come back to Plan Check to try another cocktail and a burger, as all the burgers looked amazing as well! If you are on Sawtelle Blvd near West LA you must stop in for a bite of the delicious food and of course a drink!

California Rice Spring Rolls!

it's Cali inspired Rice Spring Rolls!!

If you are craving a filling and lite meal, a veggie filled rice wrap is the way to go!! While being in LA, i've tried many sushi restaurants and noticed that the menu consists of many options I have never constantly seen before. Some of the options are: brown and white rice, soy and seaweed wrap, vegetarian and meat, and so on. I liked the idea of a soy wrap, as it sounds healthier than regular wraps. I ventured to WholeFoods to find the soy wraps, however, the worker brought me to the seaweed and rice wraps. At first thought I had no idea how or why one would be using these tire looking rice wraps. On that trip I finally found some amazing flavored soy wraps (I will expand on this within a future post, but for know just know it is AMAZING!) My mind kept wondering what I could do with the rice wraps, and so one night I bought a package and made these amazing veggie and tofu rolls!!!

Recipe (makes about 6 rolls)

Tofu  (I prefer Trader Joe's Firm, green label)
Zucchini
Cucumber
Carrot
Sweet Peppers
Chili Garlic Sauce
Spring Roll Wrappers
Kelp Noodles*
Avocado
Clove of Garlic
Salt & Pepper

Avocado Kelp Noodles

Take the Kelp Noodles out of the package and remove the amount you wish to use in the rolls. I normally use half the package. Rinse under warm water and drain. Mix Avocado and minced clove of Garlic with the Kelp. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside for Kelp to soften.

If you are not into tofu (at first I was not) you can use another protein of your choice! Cut tofu or protein in to long slivers, about 1 cm in width. Set aside.

Take the Zucchini, Cucumber, and Sweet Pepper and Carrots and slice them up, either using a spiral cutter, a slicer, or a good 'ol knife. I use a spiral cutter its fun and quick! Slicing the veggies work just as well.  You want to make slivers long enough for a good size bite,  but not too long as shorter slices (2 inches or less) make eating a roll easier. Once all veggies sliced, set aside.

Wrap softening in Sauce Pan

Roll it up!

Take a good size sauce pan and fill it with water, pan must be around the size of the wrappers. Place pan on stove on low. Once water is heated add one wrapper and wait about 2-3 minutes and remove from pan. Set on a damp paper cloth or towel.  Lastly add your fillings of choice, then roll it up and enjoy!






The great thing about making these rolls at home is you can add anything of your choice! Perhaps, make a berry spring roll with mixed berries, mild cheese (goat) and basil?!?  It definitely is a nutritiously delicious meal, side or snack!! Yum!

*Also, to store left over Kelp Noodles. The unused/not washed Kelp Noodles, place in a container with about 2  cm of water. Then store in the fridge, last about 6 weeks. If you have left over avocado Kelp Noodles, store in a container and eat within the next few days.

it's a Turtle's Race!

Brennan's Pub - Famous Turtle Race!

Brennan's Pub is home to the original turtle races. The turtle races are held every Thursday, twice a night!! You can bring your own turtle or rent one of theirs. Its pretty simple, the turtles are placed in middle of a circle then released. Once released they are free to run towards the outside of the circle, first one to hit the outside circle line wins! There are a few rules while watching and participating in the turtle races, the main rule to know is "Don't Point at the Turtles!" And well if you break the rule, you pay. Literally you pay, I think when I was there it is a starting fine of $10 dollars for pointing. It was quite funny, even though people knew the rule or perhaps they were a bit tipsy they still pointed. All laughed it off and all paid up! 

On the particular thursday night I had gone, there was quite the crowd. No seats were to be found around the turtle races. Not only does Brennan make the race exciting and interesting but also it makes placing the turtles exciting (mainly for the men). Usually ladies were the ones to place the turtles and they had to in a 'sexy' lean over fashion. If they did it wrong, one of the turtle referees flagged them to repeat the placing of the turtles. 

What more could you want out of a local bar? The drinks were reasonably priced (for LA) and there are many different beers to choose from. Oh and on this and other nights they have local bands performing. Beer, Music, and Turtles makes for a fun local bar!

The LA Beer Fest!

New York City back lot, Food Trucks, Studios... oh and BEER!!!

The Los Angeles Beer Festival was held at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood. I'm a fan of beer and experiencing LA, so this was the perfect evening!

Los Angeles puts on a Beer Festival Yearly (this was their fourth), and yearly it sells out! I happen to have a friend in town who has never been to LA, so this was perfect way to explore LA. We were able to hang out enjoy some great local craft and national beers and explore Hollywood. We opted for the evening session, yes there are TWO session of this festival! It was great because we started while it was day light then the sun set within the 'New York City' streets. You receive a 4 ounce glass and parade around the streets trying all the beers, there were so many we definitely did not have time to try all! I was amazed that while there were so many people, the lines to get a beer were a minute or less! Love it! 

There was all sorts of entertainment offered. From Photo Booths to a Live Band. Also, at different sections of the streets radio stations were promoting and having a party as well! I didn't get a chance to visit, but Howl at the Moon's dueling pianos were part of the entertainment! Amazing! 

At the entrance of the festival they had a caravan of 15 Food Trucks. I love food trucks because it is a great way to try local food. We weren't starving so we grabbed fries, Truffle Fries and Gravy Fries. Yum! The Truffle Fries were delicious of course. Truffle on anything is delicious. Now for the Gravy Truck's Gravy Fries, first off I wish it had Tater Tots and Brown Gravy. That said, we decided to try its original Gravy Fires. The gravy had bacon grease in it, which some people do add meat grease for a base. However, the bacon grease did not help this gravy. Either did the cheese curd. I am not too familiar with cheese curd but its not your normal cheese for sure. We snacked on most of the gravy fries, but in all I am not sure I'd try Gravy Truck again. :(

Besides the Gravy Fries, the LA Beer Festival lived up to the hype and was a bunch of fun! I would recommend going if you live or are in the LA area next April. It is definitely worth a beer lovers time. Looking back, I now wish I could remember all the amazing beer I tried, I guess I will just have to go next year!! Until then, Cheers!!

Kerri, Lynda, Me, Natalie

it's an ice cream sandwich!

Diddy Riese

Since the first day of opening its door, Diddy Riese has baked delicious treats and has made enjoying its baked treats affordable for anyone and everyone! The famous Diddy Riese 's signature item is its custom-made ice cream sandwich. If you are lucky, you will not have to wait in a long line that curves around the street corner, as it is known to get a line just as long as Pink's Hot Dog. Crazy! 

Menu. 

Fresh Baked Cookies. 

Dreyer's Ice Cream. 

This was my third visit to Diddy Riese and it is always a wonderful indulgence. I stick to the Ice Cream Sandwich, especially since it's the signature item and I can choose two different cookies! After waiting in a short line that day, I got to choose my top and bottom cookie along with my ice cream filling. I decided upon Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies with Strawberry Ice Cream, oh my sweet goodness! 

My friend who introduced me to Diddy Riese mentioned that the prices have not changed since she was a young girl, Ice Cream Sandwich was only $1.50. To her surprise this past visit they increased the price to $1.75. Hey, that is not bad! Over 20 years and only a quarter increase, amazing! Not only are the cookies great, but the staff has always been friendly and never rush you on your important cookie sandwich making decisions. If you are ever in the Westwood Village, near UCLA, this is a must stop and then pop over to watch a movie at the Bruin Theaters. Enjoy! 

Below are what my friends ordered: 

White Choc Macadamia & Candy Cookies with Cookie & Cream Ice Cream. 

Double Chocolate Cookies with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Tastes like a thin mint!

Los Liones Hike

View from vantage point of the Pacific Ocean.

One of my new favorite ways to get exercise is to hike up a Los Angeles Mountain. It is not only a workout, but it also a way to enjoy the great scenery LA has to offer. This past weekend a friend and I decided to hike the Los Liones Trail.


The trail begins at the end of Los Liones Drive, just north of Sunset Boulevard. There is plenty of parking at the beginning of the trail and it is free!! At the entrance there is a warning sign that there have been sightings of mountain lions and coyotes. Oh My! But what is a hike without some dangerous adventure anyway.

The hike is full of switchbacks, which gives you a feeling that you are not getting anywhere. The first mile is full of shade, lots of tree coverings to go under. Along with the winding there are some steep hills. The great thing about this hike is that going and coming gives you an equal workout.

My friend, Kerri

This hike leads to an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. After a bit of a hilly workout one can sit and relax and take in the view! It is a great spot to chill and relax before getting back onto the trail.

Los Liones Trail is not one of the 'scene' hikes within in Los Angeles, but it definitely has great scenery. Unless you are truly adventure seeking, I recommend going on this hike with a pal. Either way, anyone is sure to get a great workout! Cannot wait for my next LA hiking adventure!

Raw Carrot Cake!

it's Raw Carrot Cake.

Raw Carrot Cake is AMAZING!!! Now the raw brownie was worth a try, but it does not compare at all to this delicious raw carrot cake. Trying to keep up with this "health town" I decided to once again try a sweet raw recipe. I love carrot cake so figured might as well make a raw rendition. This recipe is also Vegan, for you vegans out there I'm sure you'll love this recipe. At first bite, you taste the carrots but then with the frosting you get this full on spiced carrot cake taste!  Yum!!

Recipe: 

Frosting ~ 

1 cup of Cashews (soaked for an hour)

6 pitted Dates (soaked with cashews)

1 tsp of Lemon Juice

dash of Salt

Soaking Cashews & Dates in Jar

Cake ~

1 cup of Walnuts

2 cups of Carrot Pulp (left over carrot pulp from morning juice can be used, or grated carrots)

1 cup of Dates (pitted)

1 tsp of Cinnamon 

1/2 tsp of Ginger

dash of Nutmeg

1/8 tsp of Salt

3/4 dried cranberries

Carrot Pulp 

Ever wonder what to do with the unused Carrot Pulp from your morning juice? After juicing about 8-10 carrots, take the carrot pulp and measure 2 cups and set aside. If you do not have a juicer, you can finely chop or grate the carrots. If you do so, then wrap chopped carrots in a paper towel and try to remove most of the moisture and then set carrots aside. Next, combine Walnuts and pitted Dates and process until mixture starts to stick together.

Walnuts processed with Dates & Spices

Add all spices into the mixture and process for another minutes combining all ingredients. Remove 'dough' from processor and mix in dried cranberries. I had cranberries on hand, but raisins can also be used.

Finished 'dough'

Once mixture sticks together, pack 'dough' into cupcake holders or cupcake tin. Chill carrot cake in refrigerator for about an hour.

Raw Carrot Cake

Drain Cashews and Dates and rinse with clean water. Place Cashews and Dates in food processor. Add Lemon Juice and Salt. Process until mixture is smooth and resembles frosting texture. Frost and Enjoy!

Frosted Raw Carrot Cake