Umami Burger

When I first had Umami Burger, my mind was blown. And as our days in LA decreased, our desperation to eat everything was at record high. We had booked Gjelina for brunch and decided to pop by Umami for a "bite" before our meal. Sadly, I felt that the burger was not as good as the one I had the first time, this could be due to the fact that it was my first time or that it was a different location. It was still yummy, just not amazing (although food porn level is very high for these pics). Tater tots were damn good though. They just opened a branch in New York so I would be down to go try it out.

Umami Burger

Various Locations

Ricky's Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are my newest obsession and Ricky's Fish Tacos is the undisputed place to get the best fish tacos in LA so I knew that no matter what I had to eat here. Ricky's is not opened everyday and it's not set in an actual restaurant setting so remember to check out his twitter to make sure you don't end up empty handed and disappointed! Ricky was super friendly and the food was made fresh to order. I did not care too much for the shrimp taco but the fish taco was the BOMB. The fish was extremely fluffy and was encased in a delicious crunchy and flavorful batter. The cabbage was nice and crunchy and all the sauces were also packed full of flavor and spice. I will definitely hunt down this mecca of fish tacos again the next time I am in LA. SO good.

Lobsta Truck

This day was such a fun and hectic day because we did not have a lot of days left to eat but there was so much to pig out in. Therefore we decided to go to two places for lunch. It was so hard to not overeat because the lobster rolls were gooood. The rolls at Lobsta Truck was definitely not as good at Luke's Lobsters in NYC but we were also quite hungry so it was tempting to just shove our face when we got here. The lobster was cut into large generous chunks and was juicy and sweet. I always prefer the warm version with butter but every sandwich was well seasoned. The crab was also yummy. Luke's Lobster is better because the bread is sweeter and more buttery and rich. The clam chowder was pretty damn good as well. Our next stop was my ultimate favorite: Ricky's Fish Tacos! Stay tuned.

Lobsta Truck

Various Locations (check site for most updated locations)

Ice Cream Lab

After our tasty lunch at Il Tramezzino, we went to check out a ice cream shop opened by J's friend. People from Hong Kong are familiar with Lab Made in Tai Hang and I was excited to see how the nitrogen ice cream of LA compares. The ice cream was delectable and very smooth but I do think that Lab Made has more interesting flavors. Both flavors were expressed well and had yummy condiments to match. The space was full of light and funky and the staff was friendly.

Earl Grey Tea - Earl Grey Tea, Madeleine Cookies 

Salt Lick Crunch - Pretzels, Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt

Ice Cream Lab

9461 S Santa Clara Blvd

Beverly Hills

Los Angeles

CA 90210 

USA

SLS Bazaar

The dinner at SLS Bazaar can easily be one of the highlights of the year. I have been DYING to try this restaurant but was only able to get drinks here last time I was in LA due to time constraints and poor planning. I have heard raving reviews of this place and I made sure that I made it my top priority to eat here this time. The food was everything that I wanted it to be and everyone enjoyed the dinner immensely. The atmosphere was also beautiful and definitely something to remember. I will definitely be back!

Japanese Taco - Grilled Eel, Shisho, Cucumber, Wasabi, Chicharron 
The eel was meaty, juicy and seasoned very well. The thin slice of cucumber was the perfect amount of crunchiness freshness and the chicharron provided another textural element. I would not say this is a MUST order as there is soooo much to eat here but nonetheless a delicious start to the meal. 

American Sturgeon Caviar Cones with Crème Fraîche and Chives
This was such a lovely way to enjoy caviar. The rich caviar flavor went perfectly with the creme fraiche and the crispy cone added that ideal crunch to this luscious dish. 

Tortilla de Patatas “New Way” - Potato foam, Egg 63, Caramelized Onions
This dish was like cashmere for your mouth. The potato foam was very smooth and the egg was silky and smooth. The flavors were also very comforting but the one complaint I would have is for a crunchy or crusty element to offset this intense smoothness.

Fermín platter - Assortment of Jamón Serrano Fermín, Jamón Ibérico Fermín, and Jamón Ibérico de bellota Fermín
High quality meats with well made bread. Excellent.

Sea Urchin - Avocado, Steamed Buns
The buns were light and airy and the sea urchin creamy and sweet. Yum!

Your Life Will Change Dashi Linguine - Parmesan, Quail Egg, Basil
Although this was a excellently executed dish, the name causes one to have unrealistic expectations. It was good yes, but did my life change? Don't think so. It was visually stunning though and the flavors were distinct, yet I was not blown away.

Brussels Sprouts - Lemon Purée, Apricots, Grapes, Lemon Air 
Perfectly cooked brussels sprouts dressed in a delectable dressing which highlighted the natural flavor of the vegetable. Beautifully presented like a mountain of green gems. 

Eggplant Tempura - Local Honey, Buttermilk
The batter was crunchy and light and the slightly sweet glaze was quite unique. 

Not Your Everyday Caprésé - Cherry Tomatoes, Liquid Mozzarella
This is one of the Bazaar's most famous dishes. The deconstruction of the traditional caprese salad is just genius and you all know that I am usually not a massive fan of innovation molecular gastronomy cooking. The adorable cheesy balls burst in your mouth to result in a flow of creamy cheesy goodness and the tomatoes are so sweet and all the flavors just melt together oh so gloriously. EAT THIS.

"Philly Cheesesteak" - Air Bread, Cheddar, Wagyu Beef
Ok this dish is the real deal. This is amazing. THIS is the truly life changing dish. The bread is extremely thin but still able to hold its own. The wagyu beef is fatty and flavorful and when you bite through the tender beef you will then taste the crunchy bread and then... amazingly smooth cheese. This is the food of champions. 

Heaven.

Just Shrimp Cocktail - Yeah Right!
This shrimp cocktail was pretty interesting and the cocktail in the pipette tube was nice and tangy and went well with the shrimp. I would not say this is a must order but worth a try especially if you like shrimp cocktail.

Seared Scallops - Romesco Sauce 
Perfectly seared scalloped with a robustly flavored sauce. I did not think this dish was very creative as compared to the other dishes I tried but it was also very delicious. 

Seared Mary’s Farm Chicken with Honey Dates, Mustard Caviar, Mustard Greens
Doesn't this look like pork belly? The chicken was so tender and well flavored throughout you can instantly tell it was marinated perfectly. The skin is crispy the sweetness from the honey dates and the spicy tang from the mustard caviar just results in a beautiful medley of flavors. 

Hot Chocolate Mousse - Pear Sorbet and Salty Hazelnut Praline
A rich and intense chocolate mousse. Good for chocolate lovers!

Red Velvet Cupcake
This was unfortunately the one dish we did not like. C commented that it tasted a bit salty... a bit like shrimp? I am unsure what resulted in this strange flavor but it was not the best red velvet I've had.

Apples "Carlota" - Bread Pudding with Saffron Sauce
DELISH. Soft, gooey, crispy on the outside bread pudding. Perfect ending.

The Bazaar

SLS Hotel 

465 S La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills
Los Angeles
CA 90048
USA

Il Tramezzino

M went to school in USC and therefore I knew that he would have a good list of yummy places to visit. I had a bunch of "must eats" that I was eager to try but the place that M chose was pretty satisfying. The croissant panini was particularly delicious and made for a instagram worthy shot :) I don't think I would make a point to come here if I was in LA as there are so many interesting places to go to but if I lived here I would love to come here for a very solid panini.

454 N Canon Drive

Beverly Hills

CA 90210

USA

Serendipity

A short and sweet post of the crazy delectable treat I got in Vegas :D

Serendipity 

Caesar's Palace

3570 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas

NV 89109

USA

Milk

The house we lived in was right by the Grove which was super convenient and also really close to the amazing Milk. J has posted a picture of a red velvet macaron sandwich before on instagram and I have been dying to try this so I was so happy to find out that Milk was only down the street (road to obesity). Milk is a cute little shop serving delicious desserts and has both a ice cream parlour and a bake shop. I was unfortunately unable to try everything (perhaps would not be able to fit into my clothes if I did), but everything that I did try was deliciousss. Milk desserts for breakfast = the true breakfast of champions. Make sure you go and satisfy your sweet tooth when you are in LA!

GIMMMEE

Red Velvet Ice Cream Bar... heaven.

Milk

7290 Beverly Boulevard 

Los Angeles

CA 90036

USA