Monday, March 26, 2012

Villa Blanca - Beverly Hills

I'd have to say The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is one of my favorite Housewife Shows. I recently took a trip to Los Angeles to visit the Flower and Fashion District for my upcoming wedding with my mom and step sister. We decided to stop by Lisa Vanderpump's restaurant, Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills for lunch. The Pricing was unexpectedly average and the food was absolutely delicious! They gave us Olive Tapenade with bread which is one of my favorite dishes and we started with the Ahi Tuna Tartare and Crispy Calamari. Both were wonderful but the Calamari was probably the best I have ever tasted! Next we had the Fresh Lobster and Crab Salad, Roasted Chicken Flatbread Sandwich and Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and Sweet Peas. We enjoyed every dish we had and can not wait to go back. By the way we happened to run into someone that may look familiar to you :) Lisa's Daughter Pandora and her new Hubby Jason whom were very sweet and just having lunch themselves. You will also find Lisa's new book on display which she signed for us. Enjoy!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Swan Oyster Depot- San Francisco

After having Lunch in Fisherman's Wharf we decided to walk off those Bloody Mary's to downtown San Francisco where our next destination would be, Swan Oyster Depot. We didn't realize it would take us an hour to get there and we also didn't realize all of the inclines there would be. By the time we reached our destination there of course was a line out the door which we expected as Anthony Bourdain went here in August of 2011 and Swan Oyster Depot was Featured on The Layover. We waited in line for about an hour but it was well worth the wait. There are about 13 bar stools to eat at so that doesn't help the waiting situation. We ordered the Clam Chowder which was wonderful and fresh and Oysters to start. The variety of Oysters were abundant and they tasted quite fresh and delicious also. They even had a special Oyster shucker station. We tried the mixed dozen for $26.00 Miyagi, Kumamoto and Blue Point. Blue Point are usually my favorite but in this case the Kumamoto won me over. They have many other dishes to choose from and almost everyone sitting down was eating this Louie Cobb Salad with Smoked Salmon and Bay Shrimp it looked amazing but we were quite full from lunch to eat any more. I hope if you go to San Francisco you try this place out if your a seafood lover like we are. Just be patient, o and if you have a child with you....Good luck.

Pier 23 Cafe-San Francisco

Me and my family recently took a last minute trip to San Francisco and were able to try out two local restaurants that I had been wanting to taste. After taking a morning tour to Alcatraz  Island we decided to walk about a block up to Pier 23 where you will find Pier 23 Cafe. Fisherman's Wharf is known for there seafood so that was definitely on our list of food to try. For an appetizer we tried the Ancho Chile, Tequila and Lime Prawns and they were to die for! They were on a bed of sauteed spinach that were drenched in sauce and lemon zest to garnish. If you like ancho chili this is a must. We also tried their Grilled Fish Tacos with tomato salsa and guacamole. They were delicious and juicy and the salsa's were perfect. I think a tortilla makes the taco and these were great. My son got the Fish and Chips. The only reason I am going to talk about the child menu is because of the chips they were amazing, garlic and parsley on anything count me in. I can't recommend the Clam Chowder because I didn't taste it, but I hear it is the best on Fisherman's Wharf. I don't know about you but I think a Bloody Mary pairs well with seafood. Pier 23 Cafe is average in pricing and I recommend sitting on the patio to see the gorgeous view.