Must Eat: The Misfit, Santa Monica, CA

Hey everyone! It's been a busy summer and I've actually been cooking a lot of simple meals at home (making lots of the recipes I've posted on this blog -each and every one has been taste tested and approved by J!). I've been a bit slow to post new restaurant reviews, but I have a few to share coming up in the next couple weeks.

Today I'd like to feature "The Misfit" a new gastropub that just opened in our neighborhood here in Santa Monica. J and I tried it last Wednesday and loved everything about it. The bar and ambiance was super cool, the cocktails and white sangria were thirst quenching and delightful. The food was FANTASTIC. We especially loved the roasted shishito peppers that executive chef Bruce Kalman had gotten that morning at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.

Listen: She & Him - In The Sun (2010)

This is so cute! Songs are written by She (Zooey Deschanel) and produced by Him (M Ward)

Happy Music monday!

Fashion: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

Okay, so this is not a recipe or a restaurant review, but it is a very useful and well-done video I wanted to share! :) I had no idea there was so many ways to wear a scarf!

Listen: Dave Brubeck - Take Five

Awesome Awesome Awesome Sax Track....

Cook: Savory Roast Chicken Quarters with Fennel, Thyme and Rosemary

Ever since we first tried roasting chicken (we followed Thomas Keller's tried and true recipe with great success), I have been a big fan of making "roast chicken dinners".  There is nothing like juicy, flavorful, tender chicken and caramelized roast vegetables.

I decided to mix things up a bit and created this recipe with some inspiration from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. Since I didn't feel like trussing a bird, I took a shortcut and bought 4 chicken leg quarters (includes thigh and drumstick) and added potatoes so we had a complete meal.  We like to bring leftovers for lunch, so this recipe serves 4. :)

Listen: Wildcat

An Oldie but goodie. Happy music monday!

Red Velvet: Susiecakes @ Coast in Santa Monica, CA

It's been a while since my last red velvet cake review. Last week, we met up with some good friends for a bite at Coast (in the always lovely Shutters on the Beach hotel) in Santa Monica.  Dinner was great (calamari and burger), but dessert stole the show. The red velvet cake was not made in house, but rather was from Susiecakes Bakery.   One bite led to another and before we knew it, there was none left! This is one of the best pieces of red velvet cake I've had in LA. The cake was moist and flavorful and the frosting decadent and perfectly complimentary. I give it a A. :)

Bake: Delicious LA Strawberry Banana Bread

One of my favorite things to bake is strawberry bread. A close second is banana bread. This week, I thought to myself - why not combine the two! My dad used to always get strawberry banana yogurt for me when I was growing up.  I always liked that flavor combo, so I decided to translate it into my latest recipe! We've been enjoying it for breakfast this past week! 

Delicious LA Strawberry Banana Bread Recipe   (Makes 1 loaf or 12 servings)

Cook: Fig Proscuitto Gorgonzola and Arugula Pizza!

I have been meaning to make homemade pizza for awhile.  Inspired by photos of my friend Monica's pizza feast on facebook, I decided to give pizza making a try this past weekend.  J and I like our crust thin and crispy so I followed the recommendation of reviewers on line and rolled 1/2 a bag of premade pizza dough as thin as I could, rather than the entire ball of dough. I warmed up with a classic margherita pizza and ended up with this gourmet one inspired by a recipe I found on epicurious. This pizza is so easy to make, but sure to wow! 

Listen: The Black Keys - Too Afraid To Love You [Live]

It's monday again and the song of the week is.....

Do: Art in the Streets Exhibit @ Los Angeles MOCA

This is it guys. Your last chance to check out the Art in the Streets exhibit at the MOCA. It closes on Monday, August 8, at 5pm.  Some things to note: On Saturday (today) 8/6, the museum will be open until 9pm. On Monday, 8/8, admission will be free (courtesy of Banksy).

I haven't made it there yet, but am planning on it this weekend. I've heard nothing but rave reviews. More information after the jump from the MOCA website:

Cook: Patatas Bravas

Here is part two of the potatoes two ways series :).  Our friend Shannon made these for a potluck dinner party and they were a huge hit. They would go well with the following recipes on this blog:
- Spanish Tortilla
- Chicken and Chorizo Paella
- Seared Squid, Olives, Tomato and Arugula Salad

Cook: Potato Crisps with chive sour cream dip

This week I'm going to feature two fantastic and deliciously addictive potato recipes shared by our friend Shannon. This one utilizes the skins, whereas the next recipe will feature the rest of the potato. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups canola oil
• thick peelings from 3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes (roughly 1-by-3 inch strips)
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons snipped chives
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. In a large saucepan over moderately high heat, heat oil to 360F
3. Fry potato skins in batches, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp (approx 2-3 min per batch)
4. Using slotted spoon, transfer each batch of potato strips to paper towels to drain, then sprinkle with salt immediately.
5. Transfer the potato strips to a baking sheet and sprinkle them with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake for 3-4 minutes, just until the cheese is metled.
6. Let the crisps cool, then transfer to a bowl.
7. In a blender or processor, puree the sour cream with the chives and a pinch of salt and pepper until the chives are finely chopped. Transfer the dip to a bowl and serve alongside the potato crisps. 

Listen: SBTRKT - Right Thing To Do Ft. Jessie Ware

Heard this on KCRW and had to shazam it. Awesome track. Happy Music Monday!