Here’s another chance to join the ranks of Stephanie, Hung and Ilan. “Top Chef” is recruiting contestants for its season six, including here in L.A.:
Sunday, March 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Craft Restaurant
Just do us a favor: Ask Padma why her critiques all seem to basically be echoes of others. (Tom: “That dish is too spicy.” Padma: “Yes, it is too spicy!” Guest judge: “I thought the presentation was off.” Padma: “The presentation was off!”)
At the NBC “Experience” event: NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman… and COOLIO! That’s right — Mr. Gangsta’s Paradise, now the star of an Internet cooking show, in da house!
Also at the NBC event: Last season’s “Top Chef” winner, Hung.
Walking down Jerry Orbach Way.
Dunkin’ Donuts, baby!
American Gladiators and their giant Q-Tips.
At the NBC “Experience” event: NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman… and COOLIO! That’s right — Mr. Gangsta’s Paradise, now the star of an Internet cooking show, in da house!
Also at the NBC event: Last season’s “Top Chef” winner, Hung.
Walking down Jerry Orbach Way.
Dunkin’ Donuts, baby!
American Gladiators and their giant Q-Tips.
Oinkster burger; Flickr pic by Jeremy Okai.
1. Where’s your favorite place to get a burger in L.A.? For me, the burger at Oinkster is pretty top-notch and what I usually get when we go. My friend Andrea likes to get one at The York. This is not necessarily a best-burger-in-L.A. question but where do you like go for a burger in Los Angeles?
2. Woot.com – Has anyone ordered anything from this site? They offer daily electronic deals on $5 shipping, and the savings are good, really good. The descriptions are a hoot and the customer reviews guide you as you consider a product. I also like the wine and t-shirt deals; I’m most likely to buy a shirt first ($10, free shipping!) if I ever get to one before it’s sold out.
3. I have to post about Top Chef since last night was the season finale: Casey faltered, Dale shined but was spotty and Hung came through perfectly. Last night’s highlight was the sous chef surprise: Rocco DiSpirito (who assisted Hung), Michelle Bernstein (Casey), and Todd English (Dale)– the pairings were exciting to watch. The lowlight was seeing losing contestant Brian at the dining table — I took offense to the fact that he was suddenly on the other side of the table critiquing the dishes. Just a few days ago, he was a contestant, and it seems unfair that he was given a voice at the judges’ table. It would’ve been fine if he was there to observe as a prize perhaps for making it that far on the competition. But shush-it! I did not want to hear what he had to say about the food.
Oinkster burger; Flickr pic by Jeremy Okai.
1. Where’s your favorite place to get a burger in L.A.? For me, the burger at Oinkster is pretty top-notch and what I usually get when we go. My friend Andrea likes to get one at The York. This is not necessarily a best-burger-in-L.A. question but where do you like go for a burger in Los Angeles?
2. Woot.com – Has anyone ordered anything from this site? They offer daily electronic deals on $5 shipping, and the savings are good, really good. The descriptions are a hoot and the customer reviews guide you as you consider a product. I also like the wine and t-shirt deals; I’m most likely to buy a shirt first ($10, free shipping!) if I ever get to one before it’s sold out.
3. I have to post about Top Chef since last night was the season finale: Casey faltered, Dale shined but was spotty and Hung came through perfectly. Last night’s highlight was the sous chef surprise: Rocco DiSpirito (who assisted Hung), Michelle Bernstein (Casey), and Todd English (Dale)– the pairings were exciting to watch. The lowlight was seeing losing contestant Brian at the dining table — I took offense to the fact that he was suddenly on the other side of the table critiquing the dishes. Just a few days ago, he was a contestant, and it seems unfair that he was given a voice at the judges’ table. It would’ve been fine if he was there to observe as a prize perhaps for making it that far on the competition. But shush-it! I did not want to hear what he had to say about the food.
It's apparently still 1998, and "The Rachel" is still all the rage, at "Top Chef" contestant Casey's hair salon.
1. Really happy that the final three on Top Chef are Casey, Dale and Hung. Hung has gotten likeable in the later episodes and you got to give him props for his skills. Dale has the knowledge and Casey has the heart. I’m especially happy for Casey as she’s proven herself to be a real contender in the kitchen. Plus (above), she’s in a much better place now after Brad left her for Angelina.
2. Can’t wait to check out Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park, which is a hop, skip and jump from our house. Verdugo Bar, 3408 North Verdugo Road, between West Avenues 34 and 35.
3. The frozen pie crust from Trader Joe’s is my new best friend. There have been many, many frustrating moments in our kitchen with me trying my hand at making pie crusts. As far as store-bought crusts are concerned, the crust from TJ’s is the best.
It's apparently still 1998, and "The Rachel" is still all the rage, at "Top Chef" contestant Casey's hair salon.
1. Really happy that the final three on Top Chef are Casey, Dale and Hung. Hung has gotten likeable in the later episodes and you got to give him props for his skills. Dale has the knowledge and Casey has the heart. I’m especially happy for Casey as she’s proven herself to be a real contender in the kitchen. Plus (above), she’s in a much better place now after Brad left her for Angelina.
2. Can’t wait to check out Verdugo Bar in Glassell Park, which is a hop, skip and jump from our house. Verdugo Bar, 3408 North Verdugo Road, between West Avenues 34 and 35.
3. The frozen pie crust from Trader Joe’s is my new best friend. There have been many, many frustrating moments in our kitchen with me trying my hand at making pie crusts. As far as store-bought crusts are concerned, the crust from TJ’s is the best.
1. One of my favorite Los Angeles bands, Division Day are re-releasing their album Beartrap Island on iTunes September 18th and to stores on October 2nd. Not a lot of new music excites me these days but Division Day is an exception and this album is on my iPod playlist. Go here to hear some of their songs but if you really want to see a cool show, check them out live at The Echo on October 2nd.
2. Last night was a new episode of Top Chef but what excites me more is reading Bourdain’s Blog the next day.
3. The South Pasadena Farmer’s Market on Meridian Avenue & Mission Street starts at 4 pm and ends at 8 pm every Thursday. I took Evan there a few weeks ago and it’s what you’d expect from any other Farmer’s Market but the draw for a two-year-old? It’s right by the Gold Line and trains are always a plus.
