Cali food bliss

Ahh California. How I love thine food. Aside from a nameless Mexican joint in Napa, I haven't had one bad meal here. Unfortunately an infrequent internet connection and the hustle-bustle of weddings and traveling have kept me away from my food log for too long. I'll try and recap the most memorable spots.

At present, we are in L.A. for four days. We arrived yesterday aft. We're spending a couple evenings at the Standard, an ultra hip hotel with rooftop lounge that is reportedly the it spot in L.A. Of course they were filming a movie up there last night (Adam Sandler and David -yes- that David Hasselhoff), so it was closed to the general folk. Buggers. We are about to head up now, as soon as I finish my Bloody Mary, generously poured from our well-stocked mini-bar. Last night we ate here too; at the restaurant downstairs. Started with the edamame with parm, which came with a nice tamari- and miso-tasting dip. Brian had the chicken caesar, which, interstingly came with full romaine hearts and chicken slices laid on top (he claimed it was great), and I the miso black cod. Scrumptious! Had many cocktails (apple martinis, french martinis, white cran cosmos).

We ate a late breakfast this afternoon at the same place and both ordered the Alternate Standard breakfast - OJ, carrot juice, coffee, bacon, eggs, homefries and toast - a steal at $12 a piece. Tummies filled, we headed off for the drive up to Hollywood Hills for a photo with the renowned sign. We did the touristy things we're suuposed to round these parts, then headed for dinner at Wolfgang Puck's Vert at Hollywood-Highland. The bread basket (free!) was a fabulous starter. Flatbread, focaccia, bread stick and baguette with a nice round of goat cheese covered with black olive tapenade. We both ordered the pan-grilled chicken, whihc came with pureed mashed potatoes and green veggies. A hearty taste of a good mom-cooked meal. We split the tangerine granita for dessert but envioulsy eyed our neighbours' pistachio-gelato-filled profiteroles.

At last we are ready to go!

Will write more later, hopefully tonight while it's still fresh, if I'm not too under the influence.