I ate the Five Major Food Groups.
1) Dessert
Kimochi-LA by Chef Gemma Matsuyama Yamada (formerly the dessert chef at Ototo / Tsubaki)
You know all those to-die-for fruit mochi pieces that Ototo used to offer? Chef Gemma is now doing her own thing and selling them directly - recent pickup locations have been in Studio City and West LA
This last offering included strawberry daifuku mochi with white bean, and a tiramisu mochi; folks are familiar with the former, but the latter is a standout as well; this week she added grape mochi, though I didn’t get a chance to order that
A salted yolk, pork floss cake sold through Holy Basil by Chef Cherry - I think she’s doing this on the side, and the IG is @huahuacherry
This was an interesting savory combo - Not Too Sweet
Egg tarts and pineapple golden lava buns at Capital Seafood - always reliable dim sum
2) Pasta
Finally got to try Horses (thanks @PorkyBelly ) and got the pasta a la Herman
First time back at Osteria Mozza since the beginning of the pandemic, with the garganelli bolognese
Not pasta, but I agree with others that the apps are the standouts - had to get the burrata with anchovy and toast (note the more generous portions of toast) and the Nancy’s (deconstructed) caesar
3) Sushi
Maru-san continues to impress at Mori Sushi
Some highlights include the amadai nigiri and saba with kelp nigiri, though though the biggest highlight was meeting another FTCer for the first time - a great night was had by all.
Shirako
Not strictly sushi, but I’m trying to be too cute in this post, so the below a bento box from Jimmy Sugishita he keeps getting better and better!
4) Pizza
Danny Boy’s - the “traditional” New York slice is great, but I would say you absolutely cannot leave without ordering a Sicilian slice (not pictured)
(dinner plate for scale)
5) Burgers
Horses (again) - this pub burger was a highlight
Apple Pan Hickory Burger and Regular Burger pictured here (don’t sleep on the regular Burger!)
Goldburger perhaps my favorite of the smash-style burgers - there’s lace, but the patty isn’t all lace as it has a nice meaty component in between as well
