Batali & Silverton's Mozza Near Opening

Here in Los Angeles, our home stomping grounds, we're eagerly awaiting the opening of Mozza, the joint restaurant venture between NY's Mario Batali and LA's Nancy Silverton.  Word has it that the official opening is November 6, and we've got a peek at the menu (.pdf)  More news to follow.  [thanks Josh]

By Robert | October 27, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Six Hours at Ferran Adria's el Bulli

Recently, Chocolate and Zucchini's Clothilde was fortunate enough to secure a reservation at el Bulli, and we read through her dining experience with envy.  Here in the US, it's quite difficult to imagine a dinner that could last over six hours through three "acts", 35 total dishes, and five bottles of wine, so we go along for the ride as she recounts Ferran Adria's unconventional tasting menu extravaganza.  Her account also includes photographs of each dish.

Reservations are filled for the May - September 2006 el Bulli season, and reservation requests for 2007 will begin to be taken in mid-October via email.

Related: 
Pre-order El Bulli's 2003-2004 Cookbook from eCookbooks, which will be shipped in September 2006.

By Robert | August 25, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Frank Gehry Designs His Smallest Project - A Food Stand

Frank Gehry's architecture studio is located in a quietly growing creative industrial area in Playa del Rey, California.  Needless to say, as with most developing industrial districts, there's a lack of eating places.  So attached to his 43,000 square foot studio, Frank Gehry designed a small food stand named Delicious as a place for his people and his creative neighbors to mix and mingle.  The menu was created by his longtime caterer, Lisa Fields, who makes the food offsite in her catering kitchen and transports it in.  Open just a few weeks, time will tell what kind of collaborations spring forth from the mash-up of neighbors that include special effects house, Rhythm & Hues, and ad agency giant, TBWA/Chiat/Day.

See the menu at www.delicious1.com.

Related:  The Tiny Food Stand That Could Change the World

Continue reading "Frank Gehry Designs His Smallest Project - A Food Stand"

By Robert | July 17, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (4)

Is there a dessert-only restaurant coming to your neighborhood?

Global new business spotting website, Springwise, reported recently on the opening of a second New York dessert restaurant, Chikalicious.  After spotting Room 4 Dessert in New York, and Espai Sucre in Barcelona previously, Springwise wonders if a third opening signals a growing trend.  Certainly, Chikalicious owners, Don and Chika Tillman, point out the rationale, "We wanted to create a place that would allow you to go have noodles across the street and then come here for a very nominal price to have a wonderfully treated dessert."

At $12 for a three-course dessert menu, they just might have a captured audience.  Who's up for a burger and a four-star dessert?

[via Springwise] 

By Robert | July 7, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (2)

Blacksteel Raises the Bar in Hollywood

The latest up and coming hot spot to open in Hollywood is called Blacksteel, and the driving force behind the serious work being done in the kitchen is chef Jason Harley, a.k.a. Chef J. This is a guy who knows how to work a room. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, Blacksteel is a little difficult to spot cruising by, but it is right next to the trendy Bella Cucina Restaurant on the corner of Las Palmas. The hustle and bustle and noise of Hollywood Boulevard can be slightly disconcerting, but once you are inside Blacksteel, Chef J will be working his butt off to take you on a culinary journey.

The prices are quite high by Hollywood standards, but for serious gourmands they will find it a welcome addition to the scene. The tasting menu is the way to go, but the A La Carte menu will be a good way to go if the budget is more conservative. The chef abhors the use of cream in his cooking, and this is a place you can eat a fair amount of food, and walk away not feeling bloated.

Continue reading "Blacksteel Raises the Bar in Hollywood"

By Michael Hepworth | June 7, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Citizen Smith Rocking Out in Hollywood

Continue reading "Citizen Smith Rocking Out in Hollywood"

By Michael Hepworth | May 25, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Best Mac and Cheese in NYC

Today New York Magazine posted its 2006 Best of New York issue online. In a previously posted Daily Olive article, we pondered what could be considered great mac and cheese. According to the New York Magazine article, "Cesare Casella's whimisical take on penne a la vodka" is "a mac 'n' cheese for grown-ups". You can taste the "Best Macaroni and Cheese" at Maremma in New York City.

By Michelle Alderson | March 13, 2006 in Cheese, Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Food and Design: Morimoto’s NY Restaurant

In the March 2006 issue of Vanity Fair – on newsstands now – a piece in FANFAIR highlights both the food and design of Morimoto’s newly opened restaurant in Manhattan. The architect, Tadao Ando, is well known for his minimalist designs in Japan. This is his first work in New York City.

An ArchitectsNewspaper.com recent article on Tadao discussed in detail the design.
To read more about Tadao, visit his website at www.andotadao.org.
More information about Morimoto’s new restaurant can be found at www.nyc.com.
Read other articles in FANFAIR at VanityFair.com.

By Michelle Alderson | February 21, 2006 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ben Ford's New Los Angeles Restaurant to Open

To find out more information about Culver City, California, dining go to www.downtownculvercity.com.

By Michelle Alderson | February 3, 2006 in Restaurant News, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (2)

Gourmet Magazine's 2005 All-American Restaurant Issue Contents Released

Released September 27th, the October Gourmet Restaurant Issue features split covers: the newsstand cover highlights America's most famous chef, Emeril Lagasse, and the subscriber cover features chefs from the 20th Anniversary of the Chefs' Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels--Wolfgang Puck, Larry Forgione, Joachim Splichal, Daniel Boulud, and Nancy Silverton.

Gourmet Restaurant Guide October 2005 Contents

-- Where to Eat Now in 18 American Cities
-- Profiles: Emeril Lagasse (newsstand cover)
-- David Myers: Team Bonding at Sona, in Los Angeles
-- Citymeals-on-Wheels 20th Anniversary: Star Chefs of Tomorrow
-- Two Views on the Las Vegas Restaurant Boom by Caroline Bates and Anthony Bourdain
-- Menus: Ruth Reichl's Favorite Dishes
-- Jonathan Waxman's Menu from New York's Barbuto
-- Robert Sietsema on African Restaurants in the U.S.
-- Roadfood: The Sterns Eat at Diners in Maine
-- Daring Chicago Chefs at Alinea and Moto
-- Chef Tools
-- Mail Order Food Gifts
-- Celebrity Chef-Designed Kitchenware

Continue reading "Gourmet Magazine's 2005 All-American Restaurant Issue Contents Released"

By Robert | September 27, 2005 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (3)

Sushi on Martha Stewart's Apprentice

On Martha Stewart's first week of The Apprentice, the winning team was treated to sushi made by the hand of Tadashi Ono of Masuri.  With this being the first celebration by the winning team, Daily Olive got the feeling that not everyone was totally comfortable with each other or appreciated the beautiful sushi.  They may have "ooohed and aahhed" the presentation, but not sure if everyone enjoyed the meal.  Seemed like a shame.  Plus, who thought Martha seemed too polite and on her best behavior in this first episode?

Read Matsuri  Restaurant Review via NYMag.com.

Technorati Tags: Martha | Apprentice

By Robert | September 22, 2005 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Best New Asian Restaurants

Try one of these new Asian restaurants as reviewed by Food and Wine Magazine.  Has anyone been to these new restaurants?--from  New York, to Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco to Atlanta, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Seattle, and all the way out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

They've certainly found our two recent favorites in Los Angeles--Beacon and Orris.

Best New Asian Restaurants via Food and Wine Magazine

By Robert | September 2, 2005 in New Food Trends, Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Survey: What's Your Favorite Restaurant in Napa Valley?

Here's our first reader survey!

If you have a favorite Napa Valley restaurant you love, share your experiences with other Daily Olive readers.  Leave your comments below.

By Robert | September 1, 2005 in All Things Wine, Food & Wine Reader Surveys, Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 80 Hottest Tables Around the World

Conde Nast's Traveler Magazine features its 2005 Hottest Tables List with restaurants from far away countries including Argentina, Australia, China, Czech Republic, India, Morocco, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.  Of course, there's a always your fair selection from Europe, Asia, and the US.

Read 2005 Hot Tables via Concierge.com.

By Robert | August 2, 2005 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ordering Omakase at Los Angeles Sushi Bars

Get an insider's look at ordering "omakase" at your local sushi bar and restaurant.  This recent Los Angeles Times article features the etiquette ins and outs of getting the best sushi experience when deciding to leave your dinner up to the chef's choice.  Restaurants mentioned are in the local Los Angeles area. 

"To have a transcendent experience at one of L.A.'s extraordinary sushi bars, you just have to know a few tricks."

Read the full article: Advanced sushi.

By Robert | February 15, 2005 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Gourmet Magazine's 2004 Restaurant Guide

Did your favorite restaurant make Gourmet Magazine's 2004 Restaurant Guide? If not, maybe this guide will inspire a visit to a restaurant you take for granted in your city. Or it's a good guide to help you find a restaurant while you're traveling to a new city.

By Robert | October 19, 2004 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Save 50% with Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

Restaurant.com offers 50% off gift certificates to 1000's of restaurants across the country. Available in $25 or $50 amounts, give these certificates as gifts for friends or buy them to use yourself. Restaurants are easily searched and include brief information on menu and wine lists. After purchasing your certificate, you easily print them on your home computer.

Visit Restaurant.com to see the cities and their member restaurants.

By Robert | October 29, 2003 in A Food & Wine Gift Guide, Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Restaurants We Love (Around the World)

Travel with Gourmet Magazine around the world and read about "the hippest, the weirdest, and the just-plain most delicious" restaurants they loved. From Shanghai to Texas, St. Bart's to the Italian Alps, here's a read that'll spread your wings and appetite.

Read the full story - Restaurants We Love.

By Robert | October 9, 2003 in Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)