Fundamental LA for Dine LA

To cap off two fabulous Dinners for Dine LA I knew I had some time to grab one last Dine LA experience at Fundamental LA for Lunch.  Located in Westwood it serves creative food from the farmer's market.  I actually decided on this restaurant based on a picture I saw on Instagram of their Chocolate Chip Cookies.  They looked that good!

Lemonade, Quinoa, and a Shrimp Po'Boy at Fundamental LA

For Dine LA they offered a Sandwich or Salad served with a side, a cookie, and a drink all for $15.  I decided on the Shrimp Po'Boy, the Quinoa with dates, cashews, red pepper, and mint.  It had a sweetness to it and I loved how complex it was and how well everything worked together.  The Shrimp Po'Boy was actually a little bit more difficult to eat since it was Tiger Shrimp and they were battered, so you were either eating the whole shrimp or nothing at all.  The batter felt a little heavy but the shrimp were big and juicy!  I also really liked the spicy aioli that came on the sandwich.  The Lemonade I ordered came in a Mason Jar and they brought me mint, free of charge, so I could fancy up my drink.  The cookie was delicious, gooey, freshly-baked, and a perfect end to the meal.

A bunch of their sides sounded really appetizing, Brussels Sprouts, an Orzo Pasta Salad, and Shishito Peppers.  I also thought the Watermelon Chicken Salad, the Albacore Salad, and Grilled Cheese Sandwich sounded amazing.  They have a Lunch Deal that is a Sandwich or Salad, Side and Cookie for $13 so I'll for sure be back to try that.

They only serve Lunch until 3 pm, and when they say that, they actually mean that.  I literally felt rushed through Lunch even though I had ordered by 2:30 pm.  A few minutes after 3 pm I felt like I was in the way and I'm not a big fan of that but I'd go back to try more of their menu anyway.  Overall, I was really happy with the meal and I liked the lay-out of the restaurant, so I will return :) 

What's for Dinner? Part 15.

I've been practicing a few new recipes lately and last night after a great work-out and deep cleaning of the apartment I wanted to make something light and healthy.  That afternoon I had read a recipe that sounded pretty good but I wanted to use ingredients that I had in my apartment and this was what I came up with.  Hooray for Roommate Night and Healthy Eating!

Minty Lemon Cucumber Quinoa

1 Cup Quinoa

2 Cups Water

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Lemon (Juice & Zest)

1/2 a Cucumber

3 Mint Stalks

1/4 Cup Honey Goat Cheese

Sprinkle of Mozzarella Cheese

Salt & Pepper

Make Quinoa according to package instructions, boiling, and allowing the Quinoa to absorb most of the water.  While my Quinoa was cooking, I chopped my Cucumber, grabbed 3 stalks of Mint and pulled the leaves off.  Then I cut the mint (next time I'll finely chop it so the pieces aren't as big), zested the Lemon and juiced it setting that aside with my Olive Oil.  After my Quinoa had cooled to room temperature I added a dash of Salt & Pepper and then assembled my Dish, adding in the Cucumber, Mint, Lemon & Olive Oil, and crumbled Goat Cheese over the top, coating the Quinoa with the Oil Mixture and softening the Goat Cheese.  Then I sprinkled the Mozzarella on top and gave it one more stir to mix everything together.

This one had lots of Mint!  YUM :)

I was really impressed by how tasty this dish was!  I'm not sure whether to consider it a salad or a side dish but I think next time I may add in some White Grapes or Pomegranate Seeds to give it a hint of sweetness.  I did love how the Mint made it really fresh, and the crunch of the Cucumber was really nice.  The Honey Goat Cheese did make it sweeter and I loved the light taste of the lemon.  Overall, I was so happy with it, I can't stop thinking about it and I wanted to make it again this afternoon!  Now that's a success :)