Pizza Per Tutti - Pizza for All!

So sorry for the long break in posting dear foodies!!  After posting my blog about feel better foods, I actually ended up needing them for about a week.  Stupid head cold turned ugly and all I wanted was chicken coconut soup and the couch.  But now I'm back, just in time for this amazing weather in LA!  So here goes.

When I lived overseas in Germany, my college dorm actually happened to be right in the heart of the Turkish/Italian ghetto.  Lots of low income housing, with tons of people crammed into them.  But the food...oh the food in that neighborhood was amazing!  I had an amazing pizza joint called Pizza bei Gianni, which was 100% authentic Italian style pizza.  Thin crust, bare minimum of sauce, amazing cheese and really great toppings left you satisfied, but not bloated or with heartburn like you tend to get after a night of Pizza Hut.  Simply amazing.  One of the greatest moments in my study abroad was the night I was able to call and order my pizza in German without messing it up.  It's the little things I guess.  I really miss this place.

But I think I might have found a place very near to the beloved pizza dive in my memories.  Located on Lankershim Blvd in Noho is a tiny Italian pizza parlor, Pizza per Tutti which is Italian for Pizza for Everyone!  They have an good sized menu with everything from pizza to sandwiches to a full pasta menu.  But the pizza is simply amazing.

My favorite is their Pizza Margherita.  So light and delicious, and completely satisfying.  It has an olive oil based, with tomatoes and basil...ugh ah.maz.ing.  I added goat cheese to it, and it really added something to the texture.  I wish I had gotten a picture, but I was so hungry the last time I ordered it, there was no chance!  But my husband and I recently went back for our Saturday college football gameday meal.  We ordered the pepperoni, which was equally tasty.

Couldn't Wait...again lol.

The pepperoni can get a little greasy, but what great pizza isn't?  The 14" shown above is more than enough to feed two people, but would order more if you have more people.  They offer tons of options, and even a "build it yourself" pizza that you find in most places.  My favorite thing about Pizza per Tutti is the crust.  It is nice and thin, crunchy, not fatty or greasy at all.  Just the perfect base for their fresh ingredients.  If you enjoy a more authentic style pizza, this is a must try place.  We will certainly be back.

Until next time my foodies,

Guten Appetit!

"Feel Better" Food

Well it was inevitable.  I usually get a head cold at least once of twice a year, and so I guess it was about time.  But this one was thanks to my husband, who caught it from the coughing guy a few rows back on his last trip to Georgia.  With a sore throat, I figured it was a great night to blog.  So, as most of you know, with the best of colds comes comfy pjs, lots of tea with honey and what I call "feel better" foods.

I know what really makes me feel better with a head cold.  But I wanted to pose this questions to a few friends to see what they thought.  What makes people feel good is a bit subjective, so I thought it was interesting to hear some of their answers.  But the thing I noticed in everything was of course warm, hearty comfort foods.

Since the seasons are *crosses fingers* about to change here in LA, here are a few "Feel Better" foods in case you too find yourself needing some comfort food.

My "Feel Better" - Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Coconut-Chicken-Soup-5412

I love this recipe.  It has a ton of flavor.  The coconut milk is creamy and smooth on my sore throat.  And the spice from the chilies and other spices help to clear up my sinus...at least for a few minutes.  Of course, a quick call to your favorite Thai place is easier.  But just in case you wanted to try for yourself, here you go.

Ultimate Comfort "Feel Better" - Chicken and Dumplings

http://www.food.com/recipe/chicken-and-dumplings-72963

An obviously great comfort food.  Lots of chicken, creamy dumplings and just a few veggies to make you feel a little better.  But who cares, comfort food is about comfort.  Of course, this southern dish might be hard to find here in LA.  Trust me though, this is deep down "feel better" so give it a try!

Most Unique "Feel Better" - Spaghetti Sandwich

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/spaghetti-sandwich-recipe/index.html

So I've never really heard about this one, but I found it so interesting I had to put in down.  The recipe above got a great rating, but it looks pretty complicated.  I'm pretty sure you can get away with your favorite spaghetti between two slices of garlic bread and some parm.  Either way, sounds tasty, if not slightly odd.

Of course some close runners-up were the classic "feel-better" chicken noodle soup, and a japanese version called udon.  Another was mashed potatoes and I had one vote for 13-bean soup.  All suggestions were great.  Thanks so much.  For those of you who didn't get to chime in, I would love to hear your favorite comfort foods.

Until Next Time, Guten Appetit!

Dr. Atkins Dream Restaurant

This post is dedicated to my Korean cousin, not sure if she wants me to name names, so I won't.  She helped me(the white chick in the family) to understand the finer points of Korean BBQ, such as what the different side items were, how to use them, and what to expect from the servers.  Some of my favorite memories from Atlanta are when we would get all the cousins together to enjoy hours of KBBQ followed by our favorite asian bakery for dessert.  Ah, memories!  I usually had to be rolled home after the food coma ensued.  So I knew of course, that I would need some Korean BBQ in my life once we moved to LA, and I think we found a great spot!

For those of you who don't know, Korean BBQ is basically large plates of marinated raw meat brought to your table, that you cook on your own stove which is usually located in the middle of your table.  This is accompanied by a plethora of side dishes that tends to change from place to place.  But you can usually count on some type of pickled radish, rice paper, jalapenos and garlic and a salad.  So tasty!  

Which leads me to the restaurant we found.  Located on Wilshire Blvd is the Tahoe Galbi Korean BBQ Restaurant.  Pretty typical of what you would expect from a KBBQ place.  Lots of family style seating, most tables can hold up to 8 people.  Pretty large facility, including private dining areas for reservation.  But we usually just show up and enjoy.  I would suggest going with a group of at least 3-4 people to make the experience fun.  And don't go on a Saturday unless you are ok with a good long wait.  It is PACKED on the weekends.  One good thing?  Valet parking in a secured lot.  Very nice!

There are a ton of meat choices.  From seafood, to your typical pork and beef, to the more exotic tripe and tongue, you can find plenty of options here.  My personal favorite is the bbq pork.  It has a really great flavor to the marinate, and is just the right balance of marbling and meat.  So savory!  The other great thing they do, which my cousin taught us they should ALWAYS do, is regularly change out the grill plate for you.  Makes sense, since most people don't want to cook new meat on greasy caked on old meat that is now stuck to your grill. 

 My only complaint with this place, is that service can be really really slow sometimes.  I understand that it is a large restaurant, and there usually isn't one dedicated waiter for your table.  There is a door bell that rings and flashes your table number on a screen in the servers area.  Whenever you need something you just ring that bell, and they should come right over.  Sometimes you have to ring several times.  But, when the conversation is going strong, and there is plenty of soju on the table this is easy to overlook.  

All in all, a great price for all you can eat BBQ, plenty of meat and seafood choices, and a generally fun atmosphere.  I really enjoy going to Tahoe Galbi, but we usually reserve it for when we have guests in town and want to take them somewhere special.  If you are curious and have never had KBBQ before, be adventurous!  It is truly a delicious experience.  For those of you who know, check out Tahoe Galbi, I think you would be pleasantly surprised.  For those of you know REALLY know your KBBQ, do you have a place to you really enjoy?  I would love to hear your feedback on the local carnivore scene.  

Until next time, Guten Appetit!

A little slice of Europe

So since we moved to LA, a friend has raved about the Aroma Cafe.  It sounded like a place I would enjoy, but it took me over two months to get there!  Finally, the same friend suggested we go for a late lunch last week, so all of us took a trip down to Tujunga Ave.

Wow, this place is in a word... adorable!  The outdoor seating on the street and around the back is extremely eclectic and unique.  We chose a cozy spot under the trees and enjoyed some interesting conversation while waiting for our food.

I ordered the Brie Plate, which was full of fresh and dried fruits, crostini and of course a huge slice of warmerd Brie cheese.  I mean, the picture speaks for itself.

The brie was delicious, and the fruits and nuts were a perfect compliment to the cheese.  But my favorite part of this plate was the honey drizzled all over the entire thing, which you can't really see in the picture, but it was there and amazing!  All in all a successful brie plate which is great if you are looking for something light and refreshing as a change from the usual heavy, greasy American food.  My husband had a tuna melt that he assures me he will order again, and that came with a huge mound of fries.  Our friend enjoyed a Cobb salad that came in a bowl the size of his head.  Everyone was very satisfied with their lunch choices.  The prices were a little high, but for the portion size and quality of food it was well worth it in my opinion.

I will definitely be back, as I am craving some of the delicious looking desserts I saw in their front cabinet where you order.  One friend from out of town has requested I find her a cute outdoor cafe to enjoy when she comes to visit.  I think I have hit the nail on the head.  Really looking forward to a long relationship with the Aroma cafe.

Bratkartoffeln

So what could be better than sweet onions and potatoes cooked to perfection in bacon fat, and then bacon crumbled on top?  If this sounds amazing to you, then you should definitely check out Bratkartoffeln.  This is a german dish that I have loved for many many years.  And it is super easy to make.  With a few of the ingredients that I picked up at the farmer's market yesterday, this was one tasty dinner.  But you could make it as a side dish as well.

Ingredients
4 slices thick cut bacon(or your favorite)
1 med. sweet onion, chopped or sliced your favorite way
4-6 red potatoes, chopped or sliced your favorite way

Directions

In a large skillet, brown bacon until crispy and remove to paper towel to drain, leaving bacon fat in pan
Pour onions into skillet, letting them sweat in the bacon fat until soft
Pour potatoes on top of the onions, and cook down together until potatoes are soft
Before serving, crumble bacon and place back in skillet, giving all ingredients a good toss to combine.

Super easy, super tasty!  Give it a try and let me know what you think?