Dig Lounge » West LA/Beverly Hills

9th Annual Italian Fest at the Wine House

Matt Mitchell — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:31:18 +0000

Last night the Wine House hosted their 9th Annual Italian Fest at their Upstairs 2 restaurant. I lost count at 10. There were about 60 different wines from all over Italy. But somewhere at around 10 tastings I lost count. The restaurant itself was much smaller than I had imagined. We showed up a little late and the cheese and olives were pretty much gone by that point. Not to mention the passed hors d’oeuvres were a little scarce. We did manage to befriend one of the servers and he gave us a heads up before he entered with a plate of the delicious lamb chops. Which were quickly devoured by the hungry wine tasters as he entered the room.

We managed to make our way up to the tasting tables through the small crowds that slowly died off as the night progressed. The staff was knowledgeable as they dished out info about the grapes and regions along with the wine. There were wines at different price points from $8.99 up to $165. There was a great Colosi Rosso from the island of Sicila for just $8.99 a bottle. Their Rosso is a mix of 90% Nero D`Avola and 10% other local grapes.

The Southern Italian wine Tenuta Le Querce II Viola Aglianico, from 100% Aglianico grapes, was a great wine at $15.99. We also picked up a solid bottle of Chianti from Castello dei Rampolla for $33.99. Plus all attendees got an additional 10% off (no case discounts though).

This was my first Wine House tasting event. I might check out another one, but unless it’s a sit down dinner, make sure to make separate dinner plans. They don’t exactly stuff you with the appetizers.

Italian Fest tonight at the Wine House

Matt Mitchell — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:37:20 +0000

Feeling a bit nostalgic from my trip to the Mediterranean, when I got the email about the Wine House’s Italian Fest at Upstairs 2, I RSVP’d right away. Seems like such a great deal. Italian Wines from 40 different Estates, 60 different wine and hors d’oeuvres, all for only $55. Brunello, Barolo, Amarone, Super-Tuscans, and many more wines from the North of Italy to the South of Italy will be featured. This event is tonight, Tuesday October 21st. Reservations can be made by calling 310-479-3731, Ext. 0.

Marty D’s - Beverly Hills

Matt Mitchell — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:48:13 +0000

I’m on a quest, it’s been slowly going on for a few months. I’m searching for LA’s best hot dog. Beyond the obvious town favorites of Pinks, Carney’s, and love ‘em or hate ‘em, Dodger Dogs, there are several other stand outs. Like the grilled dog at Earlez on Crenshaw, the gourmet Haute Dog at Surfas, or the stand out dogs from the Infield in Sherman Oaks and the all natural dog from Let’s Be Frank. The newcomer to the block is Marty D’s.

Film maker and hot dog griller Marty Davidson’s new hot dog joint and soda fountain is quaint. With its 50’s style dcor and counter top soda fountain. The diner was designed by Marty’s wife Sandy who has been cheered for her designs of Meson G and the Foundry on Melrose. The kosher hot dog ($7.99) is decent. It’s served with yummy grilled onions, pickles, sauerkraut or horseradish coleslaw, all on the side. The wiener itself lacked any real snap to the skin, but had good flavor. Enhanced by the onions, pickles, slaw and some brown mustard, made it ever better. They also have a spicy chicken sausage and veggie dog.

The fries were crispy and hot. I ordered mine with some chili and cheese on top, but the chili lacked any kick and didn’t have much flavor. The dogs come with fries, which annoyed me slightly. I would rather share some fries, than be forced to order them with my hot dog. I wanted to leave room for a shake, but after finishing the dog and the fries I was too full. Other sides include a potato knish, baked beans and corn-on-the-cob.

The authentic soda fountain is the highlight of Marty D’s. (Unfortunately, I drank it down before I could take any pictures for you to enjoy!) The New York Egg Cream made with Fox’s u-bet chocolate syrup was wonderful. Sadly it was my first egg cream soda ever! Can’t wait to have another. They have an extensive list of shakes and malts, sundaes, splits, and even a Frozen Hot Chocolate, made famous by Serendipity in NY. The also carry LAMILL roasted coffee.

It’s a great place if you are looking for an authentic soda fountain experience. You can get a dog and be satisfied but don’t expect to be blown away. It makes the list, but it’s not a stand out for the hot dog.

Marty D’s
230 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 273-7771

Ruth’s Chris - Beverly Hills

Matt Mitchell — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:45:55 +0000

Decided to try out Ruth’s Chris for the first time last night. It just so happened to be on the same weekend of Dine LA. I was set on trying the bone-in Cowboy Ribeye ($41). My friend Angela went with the Dine LA special and got the Petite Filet, Caesar salad, mashed potatoes and bread pudding all for just $34! A good deal, considering the filet costs $34 alone. The ribeye was probably the best steak I’ve had in recent memory. I’ve heard that the bone-in ribeye is tastier than just a plain old ribeye. I have to say I agree whole heartedly. It was juicy, marbled perfectly, not overly flavored, simply delicious.

The service was suburb as well. I didn’t check out the wine list because I had splurged earlier in the afternoon and picked up a bottle of Ch Corbin ‘05 St-Emilion Bordeaux at BevMo. Warning, corkage was a hefty 25 bucks. Next time I want a steak, this is where I am going.

Ruth’s Chris Beverly Hills
224 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 859-8744 (reservations recommended)

Gyu-Kaku - Beverly Hills

Matt Mitchell — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:56:26 +0000

For the timid ones who are too shy to trek into Korea Town for authentic Korean BBQ, you might want to check out Gyu-Kaku in Beverly Hills. It’s “Japanese style” charcoal dining where you cook the food yourself over charcoal grills. Grill up a tasty selection of beef, chicken, pork, duck, fish and vegetables right at the table. Try the Bibimba, a sizzling friend rice dish served in a stone pot. They also serve US Kobe and Japanese Wagyu Steak if you want to step it up a notch. Finish off the night with a s’mores desert and grill your marshmallows over the open flame.

Miso Harami Skirt Steak and Pork-Toro.

It is a chain, but don’t let that scare you away. The food is good and service is friendly. I feel like the prices are just a tad bit high for the portions, but the food is very fresh. They have a plethora of specials, like 50% off appetizers happy hour from 5-6:30 PM everyday, $2 Kirin, and $5 Shochu Cocktails. On Monday get 50% off bottles of cold sake.

I heard rumors of a new menu launching in a week or so, be on the lookout for a new menu.

Gyu-Kaku
163 N.La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-659-5760 (reservations accepted)

JuJu Cereal Bar - Westwood

Matt Mitchell — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:15:06 +0000

Not sure if I’m sold on the idea of paying nearly 6 bucks for a bowl of cereal. But then I started thinking about all the possible combinations that you could create at the new JuJu Cereal Bar in Westwood. Cheerios with strawberries, vanilla wafers and banana milk… Golden Grams with cocoa crispies, chocolate chips, marshmallow and ice cold milk…

At the new JuJu Cereal Bar, your combinations are endless. For $5.75 pick 2 scoops of cereal, 3 toppings and your choice of milk, flavored or not. Or splurge on the Big Bowl, 6 scoops of cereal and 6 toppings for $11.95. It’s sure to be a hit with the college kids and those looking for an alternative treat to Diddy Riese or Pinkberry.