Memories of Paris!

So recently I got my eat, pray, love on in Paris. I rented an apartment on Ile St Louis and went with one gastronomical mission.....to eat and drink the best there was!  That's right.... I stayed away from all museums, touristy sites, taxis, metros, men, and sadly shopping (I carried on my luggage so there wasn't any room, tear!).  But I did find some incredible places that you must go to when in the city of lights.  Below you will find my ultimate gastronomical itinerary:

Angelina - most famous hot chocolate in Paris right by the Tuileries.  I suggest having a glass of champy with it.  It's so thick, rich, and delicious that you will need to dilute it with hot water (which they serve on the side)

Cafe Ruc - great place by the Louvre for steak frites.  Used to go a lot when I lived there back in the day

Allard - restaurant in St Germain with incredible dover sole and escargots.  I don't even really like escargots but I licked my plate clean!

Auberge de la reine blanche - restaurant on Ile St Louis.  Very small and quaint but extremely busy.  Has been there since my mom first took me when I was 11 years old.  I recommend the dijon chicken and the orange duck. 

Bofinger - most famous brasserie for seafood and french onion soup close to the Marais district

Harrys Bar - great international bar with people from all walks of life.  Met some crazy characters here that had me out til 6 am!

Les Deux Magots - famous brasserie featured in "Midnight in Paris" where all the old literary icons would schmooze.  I recommend sitting outside and watching the craziness of St German des Pres

E. Dehillerin - not a restaurant but Julia Child's favorite kitchen supply store.  This place is insane!! The amount of whisks alone will make you cry

Au Pieds De Couchon - best/most famous French onion soup EVER!

Ritz Carlton Hemingway Bar - tiny little bar also known for their literary icons.  Get there right when they open at 630 to find a spot.  It fills up very quick.  You must have a seat at the bar to order.  If no seat is available, forget about ordering.  They will literally have security remove you.  Some of the best rose champagne in the world is served there.  They serve it with a huge red rose inside as well.  When it looks like that, who cares if you are paying $50 a glass :)

Ritz Carlton Bar Vendome - amazing place for afternoon tea and champagne

Le Bristol - on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, the best shopping street in Paris.  Beautiful hotel and fantasic bar for drinks.

La's du fallafel - most famous falafel in Paris (in the Marais District).  $6 for an entire meal.  Cant beat that!  Only thing annoying is their hours, I went to there 4 times until it was finally open

Le Maurice - gorgeous hotel owned by Dorchester group by the Tuileries.  Very similar to the Ritz Hemingway Bar

Patrick Roger - best/most famous chocolates in paris on St Germain des Pres

Poilane - best/most famous bakery in Paris close to St Germain des Pres.  This is Ina Garten's favorite bakery in Paris as well

Cafe de Flore - right by les deux magots and very similar.  Sit outside and have a glass of champagne and an omelette.  C'est magnifique

New Newport Nummies!

Just wanted to suggest a few new amazing places in Newport to eat.  Pizzeria Mozza on PCH close to Dover has been open for some time now, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be going back over and over again.  Try their meatballs, meat pizza, chopped salad, and butterscotch pudding even though everything is incredible on their menu.  The other new spot is le pain quotidien in fashion island.  It's definitely more of a casual lunch spot to grab when on the go or in a hurry but their open face curry chicken salad salad is the bomb.  I used to get that a lot when I was in la so I am very excited that they finally opened in Orange County!

The Ritz

Sadly The Ritz restaurant will be closing it's doors soon due to them not renewing their lease.  So, this is my suggestion to get in there as soon as possible.  I definitely recommend going at Christmas time because their decorations and food are some of the best in town.  When in Vegas, try their sister restaurant Pieros.  It's off the strip and a combination of The Ritz and Dan Tana's.  Just went last weekend and had an insane meal.  I had the garbage Caesar (caesar with shrimp, cheese, and hearts of palm added), stone crab, and swordfish with a side of pasta.  Yummers!!!  Oh yeah, and don't forget to have a martini!

Feed The Monster

Just wanted to promote my friend's blog!  His name is Sean Robins (my friend Angela's husband) and you can find the blog at feedthemonster.com or feedthemonster.net.  He is an amazingly talented writer and will have you pissing yourself in laughter.  The premise is his quest to eat at every restaurant in Zagat Los Angeles.  This has taken him 14 years since every year he is about to complete the quest, a new Zagat comes out with more restaurants.  He just finished in September and I was there to celebrate at Pink's for his big finale!  It's a fabulous blog that takes you through every moment of his adventure which mostly consists of incredible restaurant reviews and his story behind why he decided to do this in the first place (an extremely heartfelt and inspirational story).  Please enjoy......I believe this is not the last we have heard from "The Monster!"

Secret of An's Garlic Noodles

So, ever wondered why Crustacean's garlic noodles are the most secret recipe in the world?  Well it's because of the simplicity and common ingredients involved.  I think the An family would be embarrassed if people knew the truth.  While in Paris, I met a fabulous woman who has been there and done that all over the world.  She has had private dinners with chefs who personally know the An family and the recipe.  She truly was one of the most inspirational and incredible people I have ever met!  The secret is Heinz ketchup and Kraft Parmesan cheese.  Yes, I have no idea what everything else is but the reason behind the secret are the ingredients that you can find in any old refrigerator from California to Arkansas :).  Who would have thought?!  Certainly not me.

Super Simple Authentic Hot Link Taco Recipe!

This recipe comes from my dear friend/hairdresser in SF, Amanda Ortega.  Her fathers side of the family is Mexican and this is what they serve for appetizers whenever they all get together. 

Hot Link Tacos

Hot Links

Cilantro

Red onion

Corn tortillas

Cut the hot links in half lengthwise and grill flat side down.  Chop cilantro and red onion and heat tortillas.  Serve one half hot link with cilantro and red onion in tortilla.  Cut in half if you like. 

Slaters 50/50 Burger

Huntington Beach is known as one of the worst cities for dining.  So we always welcome new, tasty, popular restaurants when we finally get them.  This is the case with Slaters 50/50 Burger off Beach and Adams.  This new custom burger (following in the footsteps of The Counter, 25 degrees, etc) joint is delicious!  They are best known for their 50 percent beef 50 percent bacon patty and bacon brownie sundae but their turkey burgers, sweet potato fries, fried pickles, regular fries, milkshakes, sauces, and beer and wine selection are all amazing too!  And, the cool thing is that this restaurant is actually going to make it.  Taking over the doomed Tap House/Flight location, who would have thought that the wait would be 45 minutes at 6 pm on a Sunday??!  And the best part is, they serve until 1:30 am and the bar is open til 2 am.