Wednesday, December 24, 2008

phoenix - chandler: tortas el guerro

tommy tries the tortas at tortas el guerro in phoenix...


bistec torta and carne torta

tommy says: the bistec was ok and could've used more meat and flavor. the carne torta was quite tasty. the creaminess of the mayo and avacado contrasted so nicely with a spritz of tart lime and a kick from the salsa verde; the lettuce added a nice lil crunch. torta = spanish for tasty mexican sandwich!

tortas el guero
611 n arizona ave
chandler, az 85225
(480) 963-2633

beverly hills: cut

tommy dines with some famous faces at cut...


parmesan bread sticks and warm gruyere cheese bread


austrian oxtail bouillon, chive blossoms, chervil, bone marrow dumplings


bone marrow flan, mushroom marmalade, parsley salad


8 oz + 2 oz of rib eye, true japanese 100% wagyu beef from kagoshima prefecture, kyushu, japan


kobe beef short ribs “indian spiced”, curried cauliflower puree, slowly cooked for eight hours


sautéed autumn greens, garlic


soft polenta with parmesan


nougat semifreddo, strawberry sorbet, wild strawberries


valrhona chocolate soufflé, milk chocolate hazelnut glacé


complimentary petit fours

tommy says: an amazing meal from start to finish. though difficult to choose, favorites were the bone marrow flan, wagyu steak, short-ribs, polenta, and the soufflé. the bone marrow flan is hauntingly good, silky smooth, rich, and amazing flavor. the steak was incredibly tender and each bite tasted buttery without feeling too heavy or greasy. the short-ribs had bold flavors and the meat fell apart so easily. polenta was out of this world as well, the texture was perfect. the chocolate soufflé was a true soufflé, not a molten cake like most places serve even though their menu reads soufflé, and was light and rich at the same time, fantastically chocolaty. simply heaven... except for the damage to the wallet.

cut steakhouse
beverly wilshire hotel
9500 wilshire blvd
beverly hills, 90212
(310) 276-8500
http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/finedining/cut/beverlyhills/

Friday, December 19, 2008

west la: nizam of india

tommy tries another indian joint, nizam of india, in wla...


vegetable samosas


chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and lamb vindaloo

tommy says: tolerable... samosas, tikka masala, and the saag were edible, but kinda bland. lamb vindaloo had an ok kick to it. the hunt for good indian food in la continues... sigh...

nizam of india
10871 w pico blvd
los angeles, ca 90064
(310) 470-1441

west la: purenaked yogurt

tommy strips down for some purenaked yogurt at the century city mall in wla...


plain yogurt with raspberries, blackberries, and captain crunch

tommy says: pretty good. they only offer one flavor, but the fruit was really fresh. located by the fancy food court.

purenaked yogurt
10250 santa monica blvd
los angeles, ca 90067
(310) 553-8733
http://www.purenakedyogurt.com/

west la: pink taco

tommy tries the trendy pink taco at the century city mall in west la...


burrito mojado with carne asada


carne asada and pork soft taco

tommy says: eh. not really sure what all the fuss is about. food was edible, but not much else. feels like a trendy chili's...

pink taco
10250 santa monica blvd
los angeles, ca 90067
(310) 789-1000