Monday, April 28, 2008

Hatfield's | Croque Madame

SoG Score: Food: A- | Ambiance: A-
Type: California/French
Address: 7458 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Price: $$$
For our one-year anniversary, Amy and I got to try one of the best up-and-coming restaurants in Los Angeles: Hatfield's. Rated 28/30 in the most recent Zagat Survey. The most memorable dish that we had was the Croque Madame: Hamachi (yellowtail tuna) on grilled brioche (special French bread) with prosciutto (Italian cured ham) and a quail egg (quail egg) on top.
Literally, it was heaven in your mouth. You could eat this dish by using your tongue only and that's exactly what we did. Mmm, definitely worth returning for.

amy's take:
definitely share jeff's enthusiasm about the croque madame and loved the panna cotta
the good: fresh ingredients from local farmer's markets, creative menu, tasty amuse bouche, good value for the high quality of food and service, also has a 3 course daily market menu for $46 and a 7 course tasting menu for $79.
the not so good: no cheese plate, skip the branzino as it was way too salty and was paired with an even saltier and overly buttered swiss chard.
Overall: definitely recommended: fine dining in a relaxed socal atmosphere


Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Boony Doon Ca' del Solo Big House Red 2003

Price: $9.99
SoG Score: 87

User Score: --

Region: Central Coast, California


Big House Red is like the perfect pair of jeans (or for me the perfect pleated skirt)- it goes well with anything you pair it with and it's great for almost any occasion. It makes a great everyday table wine and the screw cap is just an added bonus for convenience.
It may not cause fireworks to go off, but it's a solid, dependable wine that never tires and I just might be tempted to buy a case.

the ideal meal: enjoy a glass with a juicy bleu-cheese burger