Virginal Eggs...

Happy Easter everyone. I popped over to Katrina’s tonight to work on our very own Chowbellas and she suggested that we dye some Easter Eggs. I was immediately intrigued, being a non-American and having never dyed an egg in my life. ‘So fun,’ I thought.

When I arrived, Katrina and her roommate had already commenced the festivities. Colored eggs strewn all over the table. Jars of colored liquids. Pools of bright colors. And a variety of dipped eggs decorated meticulously by the girls. They couldn’t believe that I had never-ever, in my entire life, colored eggs. They sat in shock as I asked how to begin and what to do. 

 Some of Katrina and Jaime's better looking eggs...

Picking out my favorite color of aqua blue, I began a great new life experience. Look at what I produced! How fun… and you can eat them too!?

Jean's first Easter egg... EVER.

A new Easter tradition has begun for me for sure.

-Jean

Deal or No Deal?

Groupon, Travelzoo Local, Living Social, Blackboard Eats, Open Table Spotlight, Bloomspot… All deals of the day. But are they really deals?

I guess it depends on what you are looking for. Sometimes, I am wowed by a complimentary bottle of wine and dessert platter with purchase of entrée, such as past offers I have taken advantage of at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main in Santa Monica or STK in West Hollywood. Other deals have been even better, such as a five-course meal paired with champagne at Whist in the Viceroy Hotel. Others, such as a Groupon for custom framing are less than desirable.

When Blackboard Eats decided to tack on a $1 charge for every deal in 2011, I was immediately turned off. But then as the deals flowed into my in-box for restaurants I have been dying to try, some seemed very worthy of the spend.

Though the number of online sites these days are excessive and varied, one really must pick through the trash to find the gem. Regardless, these sites are valid and there are deals are out there to be had. It just depends on your opinion of trash versus gems.

-Jean

Obsessed with Oysters

This is a new obsession. About a year ago, I can honestly say that I had only eaten three raw oysters in my life. In the last month alone, I have probably eaten over two dozen. I’m not sure what brought on this need to feed on these critters on the half-shell. Maybe I just liked the idea of the decadence. Maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me I needed more aphrodisiacs in my life. Or maybe I just really wanted to force myself into liking oysters. In any case, I’m hooked.

 
Now, let me just say, I am no expert. I am learning, but by no means am I an oyster connoisseur. I do know that I like west coast oysters far better than east coast oysters. A knowledgeable server once told me that oysters from the coasts are like the people. East coast oysters are harsher and more hardened; they live in the rougher of the two oceans (The Atlantic) and are generally brinier (read: ocean-y and fishy). West coast oysters are more laid-back and mellow; they live in the calmer Pacific and are generally sweeter and gentler on the palate.

Where have I gone on this oyster binge you ask? Well, let’s see. There’s Santa Monica Seafood, where I’ve enjoyed their Kusshi, Kumomoto and Fanny Bay varieties. Then there is Ocean Avenue Seafood, with their oyster and wine flight happy hour special. I have also indulged at Delphine in the W Hollywood, the Tasting Kitchen in Venice and Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica.

Although I have only uncovered the tip of the iceberg, the world is my oyster for this new fixation. You never know where I may discover my next pearl.

Father's Office Part II??

Lukshon in Culver City is Sang Yoon's (of Father's Office fame) lastest creation. Overrated? Yes.

Although people are all talk about Yoon's newest culinary dining experience, Lukshon hasn’t received the best ratings. Yet everyone wants to check it out.

So off I went with a fellow foodie and beaus in tow to check out this new local creation.

“Haute cuisine,” someone recently commented on a blog- doubtful I think.

Impeccable was also a word used to describe this new restaurant. I would certainly agree on the service element, however, the food has a long way to go. The eggplant side dish tasted more like an old cardboard box and the raw scallop appetizer was less than average .

That said, the black heirloom rice dish was tasty and creative, utilizing the forbidden rice of Nepal.

Although tasty and well cooked, the Lamb entrée dish for $36 consisted of three tiny chops, more appropriately sized as a small tapas plate and certainly not entrée worthy.

Our main peeve was the fact that once we finished our bottle of French Gamay, we were in the mood for just a sip more of wine. When we asked our server to see the list of red wines by the glass, she told us that they had no red wines by the glass, but had rose or white wine selections. I mean, what restaurant in this day and age doesn’t offer a red wine by the glass? Completely ludicrous.

The only redeeming quality was the fact that the service was impeccable and the sommelier was both professional and friendly. The restaurant décor consists of clean crisp lines, both bright and fresh.

Although I can see the patio being a sought after spot in the summertime, I will not be returning to Lukshon anytime soon.

www.lukshon.com

- Jean