Showing posts with label Locanda Del Lago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Locanda Del Lago. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Little Door in West Hollywood!

Chad and I met just over seven years ago at The Hollywood Prom in February 2008.  Yes, there was a Prom for adults that was an annual event for a couple years.  In typical Prom fashion, it was based on nominations and popularity.  I had gotten nominated by a friend but ended up not making it onto the Court which was a mix of celebrities, Reality TV personality's, Hollywood regulars, and a few normal peeps.  Knowing it would be a fabulous time a bunch of my friends and I decided to go and enjoy the party in full-on Prom style!  It was an absolute blast and I ended up meeting Chad and we hit it off over our love of books, because when you're out in Hollywood, who really discusses what book you happen to be reading?  We do.
Hollywood Prom 2008 with Chad...who was wearing
a skinny tie before it was on trend ;)

We've stayed in touch over the years as he's moved all over LA and I've had multiple long-term roommates that he's met and last week we went to Dinner at Little Door in West Hollywood.  It was a brand new restaurant for me and one of his favorite's.  Our waiter was awesome; I wanted a buttery Chardonnay, while Chad wanted a Pinot Noir, and my Davis Bynum Chardonnay was absolutely delicious, and I was so impressed with Chad's JRC Vineyard Pinot Noir that when it was time for a second glass I swapped to his choice!  They were perfect suggestions. *Brands are listed in case anyone wants to try them and so I don't forget what they are!*

To start we got the Tuna Tartare which was good but not my favorite although the portion size was quite big and that always makes me happy.  Perhaps it was that I was so excited for my Scallops I couldn't think about anything but them.  They came in a beautiful presentation, pistachio-crusted with a preserved lemon sauce, leeks, carrot flan and ginger snap peas.  The dish tasted even better than it looked, which I felt was near impossible but proven true.  The Scallops melted in my mouth, the carrot flan was a sweet compliment, the snap peas were fresh and crisp.  I loved the entire thing!  Chad got the Rack of Lamb which was also something I was looking at ordering, and it came with green lentils and Yukon-Gold mashed potatoes.  It was savory, enough to share, and equally phenomenal.  
Scallops and Rack of Lamb at Little Door in West Hollywood

Now, Dinner is not complete for me until you get dessert and since we couldn't decide on whether to get the Chocolate Souffle or not because I mentioned having it at Locanda Del Lago (a place Chad and I went years ago for Dine LA) and it was the best I have ever had and didn't want to be disappointed after everything had been so awesome up till that point.  I've gone back to Locanda Del Lago over the years just for their Chocolate Lava Cake and an espresso, that's how good it is.  The waiter being a smart man, played it right, said the Chocolate Souffle would be on the house if we ordered something else.  Done and done.  His favorite dessert was the Apple Tartane; (not being an Apple Dessert fan) I took his word and we awaited our desserts.  Chad loved the Chocolate Souffle, I did not, but I was not disappointed with the Apple Tartane that was incredible...what?!  An Apple Dessert over Chocolate Souffle?  It wasn't even close in my opinion :)  So we both enjoyed our very own desserts!

Needless to say, it was quite the dining experience; a quaint restaurant, nearly hidden, with a soft and beautiful ambiance.  It's a little gem and I'm so glad Chad shared this with me and now I have a new wonderful restaurant to share with those special to me!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Pre-Birthday Week with Mom in LA!

While my Mom was out here last we were kept very busy with working at all my jobs, taking walks, shopping, making Dinner, going out for yummy food, and celebrating my Birthday a couple weeks early!

When Mom first arrived on Tuesday evening, we settled in and then got ready for my Birthday Dinner at Houston's in Manhattan Beach!  I was happy to see that she was also getting a steak that night and actually suggested getting a Mango Salmon Sushi Roll.  The sushi was awesome and Mom liked it too!  My steak was cooked perfectly, was tender, and just about one of the best steaks I've ever had.  We brought our own wine in and toasted to spending some time together and having a nice week.
Dinner at Houston's!
We didn't get dessert because I wanted to go to Locanda Del Lago to get the Chocolate Lava Cake because it is the BEST in LA but they close at 10 pm during the week so we would have just missed it since we were driving back from Manhattan Beach.  Mom and I were able to get my Lava Cake on Thursday night after work at Irish Times.  She helped me set up that morning and came in for Dinner later on, and then we went to Santa Monica for Dessert, and Locanda Del Lago comped the Dessert for my Birthday, knowing it was 2 weeks early.  They're so awesome there they said to come back in on my Birthday and they'd comp it again.  Thank you Locanda Del Lago :)

On Wednesday Mom and went for a long walk/run around the neighborhood and rewarded ourselves with Dinner at Olive Garden.  I Hosted Karaoke that night (which you can read about in my previous blog).

Friday afternoon Mom and I spent shopping for our upcoming trip next month to Punta Cana.  She found a lot of fun dresses and outfits for the trip while I picked out a couple items.  We also did some more shopping on Saturday and got a little time in the sun even though the week Mom was here was pretty much June Gloom.  Boo!  I made Dinner for Mom on Friday night and then she came into The Garage on Saturday while I was working so we could have Dinner together and hang out a little bit on our last night.  Since I got off work early we went home and had a mini Birthday Party where I blew out my 3 candles on my Flourless Chocolate Cake we picked up for Friday Night's Dinner.
Birthday Wishes :)
On Sunday we went to Church, took a nice long walk around the neighborhood and then went for an early Dinner at Panera Bread down by LAX so we'd be close to the airport.  When Mom comes to visit the time always flies by and before I know it, it's time for her to go home.  I wish it wouldn't go so quickly, and I wish I lived closer to my family but it makes the time spent together all the more worthwhile.  Plus, I get to cheat a little and eat fresh donuts every morning that Mom picks up before I'm even awake ;)

Thanks for coming to visit me Mom and help me celebrate my Birthday!  I love you.