Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck Definitely Delivers

As the warm summer months roll along, our cravings for cold comfort intensify with the temperature. Just in time to save the day is the Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck, and apparently you don't have to track it down in a scavenger hunt format through Twitter or any other reconnaissance you currently do for a certain Korean barbecue mobile eatery. No, but rather Coolhaus can come to you! More specifically, if you and your workmates have been good, your company can reward you with an office visit. Hey, during tough times like these, it's the little perks that count.

On a warm sunny day in El Segundo, the Coolhaus truck paid my office a lovely little visit. With it came some interesting and delicious ice cream flavors, as well as plenty of smiles. Somewhat of a hybrid old school ice cream truck and a stainless steel refrigerator, the resurfaced mobile ice box comes with shiny chrome and funky signage, and frankly, it just looks, well, cool. It features ice cream flavors with witty names like Frank Bhery, Minimalism and Richard Meyer Lemon Ginger. The ice cream names pay homage to architecture and design. The creators of Coolhaus, Freya Estreller and Natasha Case blended two of their favorite things together to form Coolhaus, and the result is as successful as a chocolate and vanilla swirl.

During my Coolhaus office visit, I was fortunate to have a coworker grab me a variation of the Minimalist ice cream sandwich. (They can make customized sandwiches from the various cookies and flavors they offer as opposed to their already set menu.) My Minimalist version included chocolate ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies (I'm kind of a fan of chocolate). While the cookies weren't the greatest chocolate cookies I had ever had, they were very good at one thing: remaining in tact and serving as a solid top and bottom to the ice cream. The cookies are thick and very dense, which is necessary between wet melty ice cream, which is quite tasty. The chocolate flavor is creamy, very sweet and far from mild. It will make you forget about those pre-packaged ice cream sandwiches in the 7-Eleven freezers that you used to buy for fifty cents as a kid.

Coolhaus also offered a special blood orange ice cream sandwich between sugar cookies. Always using all-natural flavors, this ice cream truck prides itself on serving local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Goodbye high fructose corn syrup - hello whatever the natural counterparts are!! (Organic raw sugar, for example...)

Contact Coolhaus for your next party, or if you're feeling especially generous, reward your employees with a small summer treat outside for a nice break from the office. Just remember, employers: ice cream sandwiches do not equal raises, but you at least might give your employees a happy brain-freeze to forget that fact for a few minutes.

Heaven's Kitchen at Gordon Ramsay

Sometimes people can get a bad rep. Reality TV has done a great job of exponentially proving this to be true. Gordon Ramsay could be one of the best examples of the "bad rep" victims, since when hearing his name, images of people in tears and being cursed at instantly come to mind. However, there is a lot to be said about Gordo's style with food, dining and entertaining in his own turf. A recent visit to The London Hotel's showcase with his namesake changed my perception from a Gordo to be feared to a Gordo to be respected.

Recently even Ramsay hasn't escaped tough financial times like most others. The restaurant bearing his name is in the process of being sold by Ramsay to The London hotel, but after a few questions of the staff, I was assured that Ramsay is actually releasing his stake in the restaurant, but maintaining creative and management oversight. And that's a good thing.

This elegant setting immediately feels extremely warm and welcoming. The very friendly and attentive staff remove any scent of pretentiousness. Our treat for the evening was a five-course tasting menu and wine pairing. We were nestled in a private room that, aside from the extremely dim lighting, was an almost perfect environment for fine dining.

** Apologies for the dark photos, but lighting was a huge issue during our romantic dining...

Our host for the evening was a very friendly and knowledgeable Jeremy whose partner in crime, Sommelier Aaron, were superb hosts with the most. Serving food prepared by Executive Chef Andy Cook, the evening was kicked off with a chilled cherry and watermelon gazpacho topped with a tempura breaded lettuce leaf. It was the perfect beginning for a warm spring or summer evening, refreshing to the palate. Contrary to its name, it was not a sweet bite but quite savory and true to the gazpacho category.

The first course was a spring heirloom lettuce salad with truffle and aged parmesan. The light salad wasn't overpowered by the sometimes overwhelming truffle taste and aroma, but rather had a nice balance of earthiness and acidity in the creamy vinegarette dressing. Paired with a Willamette Valley Argyle Brut, the light crispness of the wine complemented (and complimented!) the tasty starter.

Our second course was a celery root gratin and roasted purple artichoke with pearl onions and creamed spinach. Creamy and smooth, the celery root emulsion and the sweet caramelized potatoes were like a savory custard dancing with flavor. The creamed spinach was nothing if not creamy and delicious. Our sommelier paired an Austrian Salomon-Undhof Gruner Veltliner, a vineyard with cellars that pre-date Christ!! The sweet subtle flavors of the wine are similar to a Guwertziminer, enhancing my already prepped appetite for the main event.

And yet, our main event was yet to come, but not before the tiger prawn ravioli with creamy fennel puree, deep fried basil and a light lobster bisque. If it sounds like a mouthful to say, just imagine the more-than-a-mouthful portion and flavors. The sweet tiger prawns were "stuffed like ravioli pillows of buttery goodness" (this was a direct quote from my table), and the deep fried basil was a pleasant surprise and somewhat shock - it must have been flash fried because basil normally naturally wilts from heat, and yet these leaves were still in tact and crispy. The Pouilly-Fuisse Les Vernays Burgundy was a heavier and richer wine, brightening the seafood and pasta flavors well.

Alas, we were ready for our main course, although at this point, we could have easily stopped and walked away from the table, quite satisfied and happy with our evening thus far. However, they twisted our arms and we stayed for the seared beef fillet with horseradish pomme puree in a braised ox cheek and truffle madeira jus. This tender cut was prepared medium rare, so tender we could cut it with the back of the fork. The potato puree was alive and vibrant with the burst of horseradish, and a warm blanket of truffle jus was the savory icing. A Spanish tempranillo, the most traditional of all Spanish wines, paired perfectly with the beef. The rich and full bodied Ribera del Duero Condado de Haza Alejandro Fernandez sealed the deal for the evening with its ripe berry flavors and smooth finish.

Somehow, we managed to fit in some dessert. With some more arm twisting, we enjoyed a dark chocolate with olive oil gelato, tangerine and lavender. The smooth pudding-esque finish was irresistable, and the sherry-like Madeira opened up the olive, citrus and flowery flavors melded in the gelato.

Gordo may be difficult on camera, but he's smooth as silk on the plate, and the restaurant bearing his namesake proved that. Hopefully during happier economic times, we will get to see more of Gordo's culinary visions in L.A. For now, The London Hotel will keep our anxious stomachs and salivating palates at bay, while "Kitchen Nightmares" and "Hell's Kitchen" will keep our fears in tact.

Golden State Cafe Shines Brightly Among Fairfax Superstars

The recent renaissance of hip fashion and hip eateries emerging onto Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood has brought new life to some ol' faithful dishes. Among the rise of nouveau and pricey gourmet gastrpubs comes Golden State, where your burger doesn't cost more than the couple of beers you drink with it, and it won't leave you angry for splurging on something that you used to buy from a drive-thru line. This burger joint is different, and you can tell the minute you walk through the door.

The simple menu consists of three American staples: burgers, sandwiches and sausages. But these aren't your dad's backyard grilled burgers or dogs. The burger is cooked perfectly medium with plenty of juicy pink beef patty to complement the rest of your colorful plate. Partnered with applewood smoked bacon and Fiscalini Farms white cheddar, fresh arugula, tomato and homemade aioli, the burger looks a bit like a model for how the ideal hamburger should look, but more importantly, taste. The sweet bacon and the creamy cheddar are the savory icing on this burger. You just may have to order two and take one home.

Not to be forgotten are the crisp delicious fries accompanying the burger. These are definitely not the afterthought. And Golden State makes their golden fries also standout by providing Curry Ketchup for those wanting a kick to their taters. It may not be for the traditionalists like me, but combining curry and ketchup will definitely pique the taste buds.

The special of the day (and a frequent and popular special, according to co-owner Jason Bernstein) was the Ale Battered Fish and Chips. The light Atlantic cod was fried in a tangy crisp batter and served over the same great fries (see above). The sweet flavor of the fish will make you forget the malt vinegar - well, I did at least, while the homemade tartar brings the whole dish together. There's no question as to why this is such a popular special among customers.

I possibly fed my eyes before my stomach during my visit, but there's something about a colorful plate of potato salad near burgers and beer that makes it irresistible. The bright red diced bell pepper and the green fresh parsley and chives please both the eyes and the palate. It just may inspire you to go home and reinvent mom's boring potato salad recipe... just don't tell her. And the plentiful portion is enough to split or take home (with that second burger you ordered).

Finally, for those familiar with the reinvention of gelato headed by Tai Kim's Scoops in Silverlake, knowing that Golden State has a distribution partnership with Scoops is music to their ears and gas in the tank. For those not familiar with Scoops, try one of the unique gelato flavors and experience seemingly clashing ingredients that meld so well together, you'll wonder why you can't buy a gallon of Lavender Chocolate or Peanut Butter Oreo at your local grocery store.

I would be amiss if I didn't mention the variety of local beers and ales Golden State offers. My visit was alcohol-free but the options were tempting and will certainly bring me back for a great burger and beer.

Golden State brings a warm neighborhood vibe to a fun neighborhood. Opening a restaurant during the Great Recession is not just risky but ridiculous to most. But great burgers and beer have survived tough times before. Here's to not just surviving, but thriving.

The First Harvest of the Urban Garden!

It has officially been two months and 20 days since the first seeds were planted into my small plot of dirt outside my back door in my urban garden. It was a bit slow at first, but I am happy to say I had a first harvest last Sunday from the aromatic and happy small bundle of cilantro. It didn't take very long for the first sprouts to appear from the ground, but it did patiently take it's time to grow up big enough to be cut.

The aroma from the freshly cut bundle filled the entire kitchen, and I couldn't get it off my hands after handling it. It made some of the tastiest salsa I have ever made from scratch, and I know it is all thanks to the home-grown care and love.

A further update on the garden:

FOUR potato plants
SIX tomato sprouts
lots of shallots
lots of chives
FOUR serrano chile sprigs
lots of thyme
FINALLY a small sprout of basil

Stay tuned for more pictures and updates!!!

Happy Urban Gardening!!

Soft Opening of Bottlerock Downtown Tonight!

For those of you familiar with the recent Culver City renaissance, you surely know about Bottlerock. Sitting quietly (well, not really "quietly" on busy nights...) and unassumingly along a side street to the hustling and bustling Culver/Washington gateway, this wine bar has probably titillated your wine-loving taste buds a number of times.

This little establishment has just grown up so fast right before our eyes!! Within just a few years of opening up on the westside, a new eastside sister is soft opening tonight in Downtown. The official sign will be lit and ready for business on Friday the 15th. So make the more than worthy drive to 1050 S. Flower Street and find the second installment of a not-so-quiet busy and palate tempting purveyor for some great little bites, cheese and a bottle of your favorite whatever. You'll never be so happy to drive around the one-way streets looking for a parking meter.

Haute Cuisine at LA County Courthouse

Our tax dollars can't afford decent snacks for the jury??

And yes, that's a half drunk bottle of water in the display case presumably for sale. I'm hoping the sandwich is half-eaten too... What a treat...

For the people, by the people...
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Bring the Kentucky Derby Party to Your Home!!

It's that time of year again when the big beautiful hats and ensembles appear on parade, the bourbon and mint juleps flow freely, and the thoroughbreds capture an audience of millions. Why not join in the fun and have a Louiseville-style party of your own with friends tomorrow? The folks from Churchill Downs have partnered with Bobby Flay to create the ultimate destination for your own Derby party, including recipes, games and even a portal for wagers on the race.

At the very least, you can brighten up your weekend with some real Southern cooking and imbibe like the audience in Louiseville. And you should DEFINITELY pull out your big hat for the day!!