Magic Bars and Beefy Burritos

Today I delivered treats to one of the greatest men I have ever met: Dalip Sethi and his co-workers at Rain Management Group.

Per his request, I made Dalip "Magic Bars." Graham cracker crust, flaked coconut, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, toasted pecans and sweetened condensed milk.

Dalip said, and I quote: "Need to package and sell."

Just sayin'.



I also tried a new recipe for Shortbread Crusted White Chocolate Toasted Pecan bars.



For lunch, Dalip took me out to the three Michelin star restaurant Tacos Por Favor, where they offer daily "speacials"...



And where the "storage room" is in the dining room where a fake tree and an out-of-order ATM machine add to the ambiance.



... And where your "side" orders of guacamole could feed a small country:



Dalip could NOT stop raving about how amazing their carne asada burritos are so on his advice, I ordered one...



It was DELICIOUS.

That is, until he told me,
on our walk back to my car,
after devouring this noteworthy burrito filled to the brim with meat and cheese,
that the famed carne asada burritos have a tendency to give one "the squirts."

Thank you Dalip, and thank you, Tacos Por Favor, for helping me loose those last five pounds.

http://www.plancheckbar.com/index.html

Plan Check Kitchen + Bar

On Saturday night, I went to dinner at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, a newish restaurant on Sawtelle... I felt it noteworthy enough to tell you about.

While their meat and cheese plates leave a little to be desired, their drinks are amazing. As you can see from the picture, my standard Kettle is on the right. In the middle is the High and Low (zaya rum, fino sherry, cointreau, grenadine) and on the far left is Sadie's very bold choice of the Tropic Thunder (jalapeno infused kanon vodka, mango, lemon juice, sugar).



Here is the Chef's Favorite Burger (cheese two ways, bacon two ways, ketchup leather, fried egg, hot sauce) which is, if you ask me, the only reason to drive to the West Side and wait, outside, for a table. Lets be honest: I would eat road kill as long as it had a fried egg on top of it.



I decided, however, to order the Southern Fry (smokey fried jidori chicken, spicy green pimento cheese, duck breast ham, pickles).

That's not a typo.

Duck breast ham.

Need I say more?

You're right...

Spicy green pimento cheese.



http://www.plancheckbar.com/index.html

Happy Hump Day!

Today I trekked over to El Segundo to visit Lexus Extraordinaires Trina Banerji and Alex Candia.

I decided to make this week's baking A.A.B.

All About Bars.

(shout out to my fellow mid-west homies who not only appreciate, but understand the importance and relevance of a bar).

Here are Maple Pecan Blondies.



I set out to make Pumpkin bars but alas, the City of Los Angeles seems to be out of pureed pumpkin so I decided to sub in sweet potato puree and I have to say, I personally loved it (and this coming from someone who avoids the yams like crazy). They were topped with a cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans.



Lastly, I made Raspberry Bars... Tart yet sweet...



The best part of this baking experience? My Philly cheese steak Sandwich at RED with Alex and Trina. :-)

Just When You Thought The Fun Was Over...

That's right!

It's me!

I realize I haven't posted anything since 2010, but my lovely and very smart friend Trina suggested that I start blogging again... So here goes...

After a wonderful 15 or so months baking at Brentwood's famed SusieCakes, I have started out on my own on the suggestion of many supportive friends.

I have had a few small jobs but two weeks ago, a very famous, talented and smart actress friend of mine asked me to cater her Oscar party, which I excitedly did, with Gail acting as my Sous Chef:



We made a South-of-the-Border Savory cheesecake with chilies and cheese, salmon crepes, open faced grilled chicken sandwiches with pesto, apples and mozzarella,...



.... Two cheese plates with pate, salami and prosciutto, three different kinds of nuts, fresh strawberries, marinated mushrooms, ....



A huge veggie platter with three dips, lager cheese dip and a few sweets.

Oh, and plenty of wine and Oscar commentary.

All in all, super fun...

Next up? Treats for my friends at Team One!