CoFax

Guys, take a look at this breakfast burrito.  Doesn't it look mouthwateringly delectable?  Lucky for you, these looks aren't lying.

When I first went to Cofax, it immediately thought of the Dodgers.  It was an odd reference at first, considering Cofax is located on Fairfax, near WeHo and not near Dodgers Stadium.  But it's great to know that the Dodgers get love even west of La Brea Ave.

Proudly brewing Stumptown coffee.

Chorizo Burrito with smoked home fries, scrambled egg, crunchy tortilla stripes (INSIDE THE BURRITO), all wrapped in a warm tortilla -- $7.

Growing up in LA, I've had my share of breakfast burritos (Corner Cottage, Lucky Boy, Jinky's).  But what sets Cofax apart from the rest, at least for me, is the crunchiness found both outside (grilled tortilla) and inside (crispy tortilla strips) the burrito.  The melted cheese melds the fluffy eggs, spicy chorizo, and smoked home fries all together like an encore-demanding concert.  Game-changer.

I also asked for red salsa inside for an inviting spice kick.

And fresh creamy avocado too, of course.

Blue & white; breakfast burrito & coffee.  The perfect combo, especially when you pair Cofax with Stumptown.  In addition to burritos, Cofax has Donut Snob donuts, and in clear LA fashion, kombucha and select pressed juices.

If you like Golden State (burgers) and Bludso's (Texas BBQ), you'll likely enjoy Cofax because they're owned by the same folks.  They're doing a mighty good thing.






cuisine: Breakfast
location: Fairfax
hours: M-Sat: 7am-6pm; Sun: 7am-5pm
websites: {Cofax | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters
price: ~$10
notes: Bfast for champions.
other reviews: LAist | LAMag | The Actor's Diet

République LA

I'll keep this simple because honestly, République already has an arsenal of glowing reviews (some of which can be found here, here, here, here, and here).  The Manzke husband-wife duo has brought yet another successful restaurant to Angelenos.  Not only is the new culinary digs housed in a beautiful space, but it serves French food that reverts you (or at least me) back to Paris in a single bite.  The meal may be pricey, but it's worth your money because as most know, high quality = high satisfaction.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting République during the day for a lovely Sunday brunch.

Chill atmosphere during the day.

Unlike evening service, breakfast and lunch (i.e, brunch) is much more casual.  You stand in a queue (that typically goes out the door) until you reach the cash register to place your order.  The length  of the queue, and the speed in which it moves (slow) are not that suspect, but the placement of the queue -- alongside the alluring display of Margarita Manzke's masterpieces -- is strategically brilliant.  So by the time you reach the register, not only are you salivating, but you'll likely walk with at least two delightful treats.  (Yes, I am victim to this -- one canele and chocolate fudge bundt cake, please).

Window display of various goodies, greeting you upon your arrival.

So... many... things... that... I... want...

Everything looks glorious, doesn't it?

As if we haven't seen enough bread/ baked goods.



Daytime menu.

Walter's Favorite -- soft-boiled eggs, poblano chili, half a baguette, butter, jam, orange juice, and coffee -- $12

Walter (aka - the chef) understands the beauty behind a simple, but fresh breakfast.  The perfectly poached farm eggs swim in what almost seems like a poblano chili soup.  Dip a piece of baguette into the delicious sauce/ soup, which less barbaric than gulping it down (which I may or may not have been tempted to do).

Regular Breakfast -- two eggs (scrambled), bacon steak, fingerling potatoes, and baguette -- $12

Another excellent traditional choice is the Regular Breakfast.  Although the components of the dish is more or less "regular," the tastes that come together with each bite is far from ordinary.  Plus, bacon steak (not just bacon) is involved - yes, yes, yes! 

The desserts (not pictured because we inhaled them) are also delightful.

Although dinner at République will be a different experience -- one I cannot speak to yet -- daytime dining is highly recommended!






dine-in date: 9/7/14 at 1pm (Sunday brunch)
cuisine: French
location: Mid-City
hours: Bfast/lunch: M-Sat, 8am-3pm; Sun: 8am-4pm. Dinner: M-W: 6pm-10pm, Thu-Sun: 6pm-11pm
websites: { Republique | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Valet ($5) or street meters
attire: Casual
prices: $10-$20 for brunch

bld { a dineLA dinner review }

dineLA Restaurant Week is a biannual event (summer/ winter) that typically spans over the course of two weeks and many courses of delicious dishes made by some of LA's most prominent chefs. For dineLA Summer '14, I decided to check out a restaurant that I've visited many times, but for a meal I've yet to have there.  

bld.  

"b" (breakfast/brunch) and "l" (lunch) I've enjoyed plenty of time, but "d" (dinner") at bld was going to be something new.  Boy, was I in for a treat...

First Course Option #1 -- Maine Lobster Roll with Sriracha aioli, shaved celery, and cilantro 

First Course Option #2 -- Prosciutto & Figs (prosciutto fritters, caramelized figs, brown butter aioli, spiced creme fraiche)

First Course Option #3 -- Tomato Salad (heirloom tomato, pickled cherry tomato, fried green tomato, goat milk feta, arugula, pistachio with opal basil vinaigrette)

Second Course Option #1 -- Duck Ravioli (duck confit, mushrooms, watercress, radicchio, pancetta, yellow pepper coulis (thick sauce)).

Second Course Option #2 -- Pan-Seared Branzino (tomato farro, sauteed pea tendrils, shimeji mushrooms, olive nage).

Dessert Option #1 -- Guinness Caramel Doughnuts

Dessert Option #2 -- Lemon Ripple Ice Cream Pie (with graham cracker crust and strawberries).

All things considered, the dineLA dinner at bld was a smashing hit.  Though the portions were small and none of the dishes are on the regular dinner menu, everything was equally tasty and fulfilling.

My ultimate favorite dish was probably the lemon ice cream pie -- light, yet creamy, refreshing, yet not too lemony -- it's the perfect way to end a pleasant evening out with friends.  The next time bld is participating in dineLA, make that reservation and enjoy each delicious offering.





cuisine: American
location: Mid-City
hours: Sun-Thurs: 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 8am-11pm
websites: { bld | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Valet or Street meters (2 hours max)
notes: They now take reservations for breakfast, lunch and dinner via Opentable! Weekend brunch hours will still be crazy.

Pizza Rev

Pizza Rev is a fast-food chain.  Before some of you judge and dismiss this restaurant on that ground alone, hear me out.

Dubbed as the Chipotle of pizza, you can eat a personal-size oven-fired pizza with unlimited toppings for less than $8 (not including tax).  Not only is it a good deal, the toppings offered are fresh and of great variety.  Whether it be gluten-free crust, meat-lover's delight, or a hearty vegetarian option, Pizza Rev will deliver (not literally).  

Note: If you're not a fan of thin-crust pizza, you probably won't be a fan.  

Fancy Coca-Cola Soda Fountain

Craft-Your-Own - chicken, green bell pepper, red onion, red sauce, mozzarella on regular crust.

Create-Your-Own -- Italian sausage, green bell pepper, tomato, jalapeno, mushroom, basil, mozzarella on GF crust.

If you're not in a creative mood, just pick a pre-selected option.  If you're not in the pizza mood, Pizza Rev also has some limited salad options.  If you have a kid, check out the kids' menu.
So the next time you're craving a quick and convenient meal, consider crafting own pizza at Pizza Rev.  It's simple and delicious.




cuisine: Pizza
locations: Multiple, including Mid-City LA (pictured here).  Also, locations to come in Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah!
hours: Daily; 11am-10pm
websites: { PR | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Free parking lot/ structure
notes: Pizzas are thin-crust; Credit cards accepted; Alcohol served at limited locations.

Wood Ranch BBQ

Happy American Chocolate Week, everyone!  (Well, what's left of it).

Whether you choose to celebrate this special week once a week or every week, I promise American Chocolate Week is a real thing.  Even though the week is nearly over, here are a few fun chocolate facts to enjoy:

• The English chocolate company, Cadbury, made the world's first chocolate bar in 1842.
• U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make milk chocolate.
• Hershey's kisses were originally shaped like squares.
• Wood Ranch is celebrating chocolate by infusing it in alcohol and blending it in BBQ which can later be slathered on slabs of juicy meat.  Wait, what?  Yes.  Leave it to Wood Ranch to bring you the best of both worlds.

S'mores Margarita -- chocolate syrup, cream, graham cracker-crusted rim, and TEQUILA!

One BBQ sauce has honeyed; the other is chocolafied -- can you guess which is which?

Co-partner and Executive Chef Alex Benes explaining the wonders of BBQ.

Grilled Veggie Salad (new) -- grilled sweet potato, asparagus, corn, tomato, cabbage, and avocado on a bed of lettuce.

Tuscan Kale Salad -- thinly-sliced watermelon radishes, cauliflower, toasted pumpkin seeds, chives, shaved Parm, kale.

The contraption that injects marinade into big hunks of meat -- scary-lookin'!

Pulled Pork Sliders -- topped with Carolina slaw and on toasted sesame buns.

Tri Tip Sliders with caramelized BBQ sauce.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Housemade Guacamole

Garlic Rolls... 

... that I think is infused with crack-like substances.  Seriously, it's that addictive!

Signature Sides: Peanut Coleslaw; Steamed Broccoli; Mashed Potatoes.

Meat Platter (for event), in all of its meaty glory. Top to bottom: St. Louis Dry-Rub Ribs over All-American Baby Back Ribs over BBQ Half Chicken with a side of Texas-Style Brisket and WR Tri-Tip.

The back view.

Another angle.

The real impressive winner of the night was this: The Giant Short Rib.

Green Beans sauteed and lightly tossed in a fiery Thai-style sweet/sour sauce.

Another winner: Brisket Burger 2.0 -- juice brisket, pickles, tomatoes, fried onions, lettuce, cherry-chipotle BBQ sauce on a toasted sesame brioche bun.

Large enough to share, but good enough to not want to.

Chocolate Week Special: Black & White Cheesecake with 70% Guittard dark cacao.

Flourless Guittard Chocolate Cake with candied pecans, whipped cream, and fresh vanilla ice cream.

Feasting like kings.

Many have told me that if I haven't had barbecue in any of the Southern states, I haven't experienced barbecue at all.  Well, since I haven't visited the South (yet), I may be an ignoramus when it comes to the art of preparing and grilling barbecue, but I can say I've had some mighty good barbecue right here in California, mainly via Texan influence (i.e. Bludso's; Adam Perry Lang; Rudy's by delivery from my Liam).

While I can't say Wood Ranch is my favourite BBQ in LA, Chef Alex Benes delivers solid traditional barbecue while experimenting with innovative options (chocolate-infused BBQ sauce, anyone?)  Undoubtedly, good food will big smiles all around the table.  Another plus about Wood Ranch is that with 14 locations throughout Southern California and with plans to expand, it's a very accessible way of getting your fill of delicious BBQ among many other choice items.

Check out the new chocolate-flavors, but try the St. Louis dry-rub ribs, Brisket Burger 2.0, and/or the short rib.  Delicious!





cuisine: American BBQ
location: multiple, including The Grove
hours: (Grove) 11:30am - 10pm, Daily
websites: { WR | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
parking: Valet (validated); Grove parking, Farmer's Market parking (unvalidated)
attire: Casual
reservations: Yes
notes: The Grove LA location is spacious with both indoor and outdoor patio seating -- great for big groups!