Baroo

In 2017, I'm aiming for minimalism.  Less is more.  Because you don't need a ton of things to be accomplished or lead impressive lives.  This is a lesson I learned from Baroo when I dined there over a year ago.  And while this post is long overdue, I have a strong feeling the innovative and creative minds behind Baroo have not changed this theme, even with Chef Kwang Uh on indefinite hiatus in Korea.  

A table of Korean gentlemen appreciating innovative Korean cuisine.

Baroo, now enjoying national acclaim, is located in an unassuming strip mall off of Santa Monica Boulevard.  There is one table and the rest is bar seating, that is, if you can manage to find a free seat in the hole-in-the-wall establishment.  At the time of my visit, they didn't even have a website, but that has since changed.  You'll see many cookbooks and (I'm guessing) vegetables (or is it kombucha?) fermenting in various-sized jars.  Despite the somewhat experimental and minimalist ambience, the food is beautifully presented and even with some unusual pairings, surprisingly refreshing and unique.  Best of all, it felt like high-class dining in a hidden gem -- special, indeed.

Bibim Salad -- grains (oat, bulgar, quinoa), vegetable crudite (thinly shaved fennel, celery, asparagus, baby radish, heirloom carrots), toasted seeds (sunflower and pumpkin), gochujang, tomato dressing, herbs, coulis, Asian pear, passion fruit powder -- $9 (Vegan)

Kimchi Fried Rice -- pineapple-fermented kimchi, amira basmati rice, sous vide egg, gremolata, pineapple jalapeno salsa, purple potato chips, roasted seaweed, toasted buckwheat and quinoa, and micro greens -- $9 (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Baroo's Ragu-Style -- handmade pasta with spicy oxtail faux ragu, tendon puff, gochujang, gremolata with cherry tomatoes, aged parmigiano reggiano -- $15

Classic Shortbread -- 84% butter cacao nibs with citrus bursts -- $2

With each bite, you find yourself recognizing a familiar taste countered by something new.  The ingredients are familiar, but the taste is unique in a way that makes you want to try more.  All this to say, this type of food may not be for everyone, or may be for you when you're in that creative mood/ not ravenously hungry (food is not entirely filling).  But for those who appreciate innovation and can tolerate Korean fusion, visit Baroo.



cuisine: New American with strong Korean influence (fusion)
location: East Hollywood (Wilton + Santa Monica)
hours: Sun-Mon: closed; Tues-Sat: noon-3pm; 5pm-9pm
websites: { Baroo | facebook | instagram | twitter }
attire: Casual
notes: No reservations and no sign.  There's a 7-11 next door and a small parking lot.
other: Bon-Appetit article | JGold review

Hoy Ka

As a LA native, I've learned that there are only two main reasons why one would ever choose to drive to/through Hollywood, LA: (1) to attend a show at the Hollywood Bowl (fun times) and (2) to be an obligatory good host for your out-of-state visitors (true friendship).  Every once in awhile, however, there is a third and valid reason to make the oft-frustrating trek: (3) to eat good food (because I'll drive almost anywhere for good food).

Take Hoy Ka, for example.  Hoy Ka is an authentic Thai restaurant located in what I consider to be the outskirts of Thai Town LA (west of the 101).

Appetizer: Pork Jerky -- deep-fried, sun-dried, marinated pork served with spicy house sauce -- $7.00

Papaya Salad -- shredded green papaya, green beans, tomatoes, dried shrimps seasoned with lime juice, chili and peanuts -- $8.50

Noodle Dish: Large Dry Hoy Ka Pork Noodles -- Noodles with ground pork, BBQ pork, pork meatballs, pork liver and fish cake -- $6.50

Noodle Dish: Individual portion of Rad Na -- stir-fried noodles with chicken, Chinese broccoli in soya bean gravy -- $8.00

Rice Dish: Pad Ka Prao -- stir-fried ground meat with basil, green beans, and red bell peppers, served over rice with a fried egg -- $8.50

I don't hesitate to eat out at Hoy Ka because their reasonable prices, good portions, and flavorful food, help me, at least for a moment, mute the negative markers of Hollywood (horrible parking, crowded streets full of tourists)*.  Also, Hoy Ka holds a special part in my heart because it was introduced to me by some good friends, with whom I got to share the delicious meal pictured above.  Thanks J&J.  :)

So if you're craving some honest, authentic Thai food and you happen to be in Hollywood or the wait at Ruen Pair is unjustifiable, know there is another great option on Sunset Blvd.


* My love/hate relationship with Hollywood is only slightly over-exaggerated.






cuisine: Thai
location: Hollywood, CA
hours: Daily, 11am-11:30pm
websites: { hoyka | yelp | facebook | instagram }
attire: Casual
price range: $10-$20
parking: Tiny parking lot right behind the restaurant and street meters (Carefully read all signs!)

Madera Kitchen

Just like how Manhattanites avoid Times Square, Angelenos avoid Hollywood.  Not because Hollywood is void of interesting characters (far from it), but because its high density of tourists make street-navigating frustrating and parking near impossible.  On the rare occasion that I make a trek to Hwood, it's for a movie at the ArcLight Dome or a show at the Pantages or the Hollywood Bowl.

Yet Madera Kitchen, a restaurant/ event venue located in the heart of Hollywood, manages to stay away from the maddening fray.  In fact, Madera provides an atmosphere that is akin to the laid-back style of West LA.  With abundant natural lighting, open patio space, and cool beats playing in the background, this is a perfect place to enjoy a casual Sunday brunch balanced by the right amount of people-watching.

The eclectic indoor and outdoor design & decor immediately sets this place apart from any other restaurant.  Each "room" in the restaurant creates a vibe slightly different from the other, but is overall welcoming.  Clearly, the artistic interior designers of this restaurant know what they're doing.

The Brunch menu, now available on Saturdays and Sundays, is also heavenly.  Amazing combinations of fresh ingredients coupled with very reasonable prices = a memorable meal indeed.

Plus, bottomless mimosas for $14!

The good news?  The food is as good as it sounds on the menu.

Blueberry pancakes, squash blossom frittata, bfast sandwich.

Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes w/ orange curd, berries, and whipped creme fraiche -- $11

Looks decadent, no?  Though drenched in orange curd and topped with a too generous portion of creme fraiche, the pancakes were surprisingly fluffy and not overly dense.  This was a sweet touch to our predominantly savory meal.

Open-face Breakfast Sandwich -- bacon, eggs over easy, cheddar, jalapeno aioli, arugula, tomato -- $10

For just $10, you can appease your appetite with this beauty of a breakfast sandwich.  All of the contributing players are great on their own (hi, bacon), but combine them atop a toasted brioche and you have yourself a very satisfying dish.

Squash Blossom Frittata w/ cherry tomato, zucchini, smoked mozzarella, basil pesto -- $12

Non-meat eaters, rejoice because there is a delicious option for you too.  Neither dry or over-cooked (both of which frittatas can easily be), this veggie frittata packs in a lot more flavor than expected.  Win.

Chicken & Waffles -- buttermilk waffle, herb fried chicken breast, spicy maple syrup -- $13

Ah, yes.  Fried chicken & waffles -- the epitome of comfort food and the ultimate combo of sweet and salty.  Some may prefer Roscoe's, but the crispy, still juicy boneless chicken breast served atop buttery waffles and with a spicy syrup was a highlight to this meal.

In addition to a great brunch, Madera has happy hour from 5:30-8pm.  Yes, 8!  Plus, the happy hour menu features some special deals depending on the day of the week ($2 sliders Tuesdays, $1 oysters Wednesdays, $5 ceviche Thursdays and $5 flatbread Fridays).  Madera, you're definitely tempting me to frequent Hollywood more than I imagined.  See you again soon!






cuisine: American
location: Hollywood
brunch hours: Sat & Sun: 10am-4pm
happy hour(s): Tues-Fri: 5:30pm-8pm
websites: { MK | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
price: $10-$25
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters (read the signs)

Tender Greens Hollywood Beer Garden & Whole Animal Roast

photo courtesy of Zagat.

Tender Greens strives to serve "slow food, done fast." What does that mean?  It means the innovative chefs and their TG team create dishes that embrace the farm-to-fork culture.  It means you get to sample delicious food cooked and prepared from some of the freshest ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans without breaking the bank.  It means casual, fast-food dining gone healthy without compromising taste.  Basically, it means you win.

Speaking of winning, at its Hollywood location, on every third Sunday from May-October, Tender Greens serves up a special treat for beer-drinking carnivores -- hello, Hollywood Beer Garden and Whole Animal Roast! Neither being a carnivore nor a beer drinker is a prerequisite (there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly sides and non-alcoholic beverages), but as you can see below, appreciating both will only enhance the outdoor barbecue experience courtesy of our friends at Tender Greens.  I was fortunate to check out last month's event featuring a whole-roasted lamb from ReRide Ranch and brewskis from El Segundo Brew Co.

Casual, intimate outdoor patio dining with buffet-style set-up.

Whole baby lamb, brined for nearly 48 hours and marinated with rosemary, thyme, and other herbs, and roasted in a La Caja China box.

Cast-Iron Braised Greek Cheese with Lemon.

Eggplant Caponata.

Butter Lettuce and Frisee with Shaved Summer Squash, Carrots, and Champagne Vinaigrette.

Lamb Meatballs with Smoked Tomato and Parmesan.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Greek Lemon and Oregano.

Tabbouleh.

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad with dill.

El Segundo Brew Co.'s Beer Guys.

Bon Appetit! 

The lamb was very tender and the greens complimented the meat quite well.  But the real highlight of the night were the desserts.  They were as delicious as they were beautiful -- I just wish I had saved more room in my stomach!

Traditional Baklava with Pistachios.

Mini Apricot Galettes.

Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake.

Apricot Trifle with Greek Yogurt, Lavender Honey, and Shaved Almonds.

Peach Cobbler.

A healthy sampling. ;)

There are three more Beer Garden events remaining this summer! August: Boar; Strand Brewing Co.  September: Turkey/ Goose; Bootlegger's Brewery; October: Oktoberfest-themed Pig; Smog City Brewing.  

If you want Tender Greens to bring the beer garden barbecue celebration to you or need them to cater your upcoming special event, they'll do so gladly.  [link]  Lastly, if the ticket price are out of your budget and you don't plan on throwing your own backyard beer garden, just visit the Tender Greens restaurant (with its many locations) for you quick, easy, but still healthy lunch or dinner.  You won't be disappointed.

cuisine: American
location(s): Multiple, but the Beer Garden is hosted in Hollywood
hours: Event starts at 5pm.
where: Back patio of the restaurant.
websites: { TG | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Street meters
attire: Casual
cost: $45/ person for unlimited food and beer (or until they run out)
RSVP: email christina.wong@tendergreens.com. Limited to 50 spots, so reserve your ticket soon!