Cook: Al Forno's Baked Pasta with Five Cheeses, Tomato, Cream, and Corn

Al Forno's in Providence, RI is one of my favorite all-time restaurants, in the world!  In fact, their baked pasta and grilled pizza may very well be amongst my top 10 favorite foods ever!!!   I always enjoyed the opportunity to dine at Al Forno when I lived in Providence. However, since moving to LA, I haven't had a chance to make it back to RI.  Fortunately, Johanne Killeen and George Germon published a cookbook "On top of Spaghetti" that allows me to recreate the delicious baked pasta whenever I have the craving! The following recipe is a definite hit - it has received compliments with everyone who I've shared it with.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Must Eat: Sushistop

The other night, J and I went to watch the documentary - Jiro Dreams of Sushi at the Nuart Theater in Westwood. It was a beautiful film (both in cinematography and in regards to the story) and we highly recommend it!

When the movie was over, quite predictably, we were craving sushi.  Lucky for us, the theater was only a few blocks away from Sawtelle Blvd, also known as "Little Osaka."  Although we were inspired by the 30,000 Yen ($362) per person meal depicted in the film, that is a little over out budget. So we settled for the $2.75 per roll sushi at Sushistop.

Bake: Irish Cream Mocha Dream Cake

 When I was in college, I was known amongst all my friends for my baked goods. One year, they encouraged me to enter the Pillsbury Bake-Off!  That is when I came up with the the recipe for my Irish Cream Mocha Dream Cake. Although I never heard back after I submitted my entry, I've been told this cake is a winner. In honor of St. Patrick's day, I'm sharing the recipe with all my blog readers!

Start off by purchasing your favorite chocolate cake mix and a container of vanilla frosting.  Prepare the cake mix according to directions, but instead of water, add brewed coffee - this is what will create a mocha tasting mix.  Bake in two round cake pans.  In the meantime, prepare the Irish Cream frosting by putting the frosting in a bowl and mixing in Baileys Irish Cream to taste (you don't want it to be too watery so be mindful of the proportions!).  When cake is cool, assemble cake by placing one layer then frosting, then the top layer. Enjoy!

Bake: Irish Soda Bread with Raisins

Happy St Patrick's Day! Today I'm sharing this recipe that always gets rave reviews!  Not only is it super delicious, it is extremely easy to make! It is great served with butter and jam for breakfast.

Must Eat: Tar and Roses, Santa Monica, CA

A few weeks ago, decided to take a break from cooking and explore a new restaurant in our neighborhood. We heard that this fantastic new restaurant by Chef Andrew Kirshner - Tar & Roses - had recently opened and were excited to check it out.  We didn't have reservations, but it was still early, so we took a seat at a bar and enjoyed our tapas style meal!

Must Eat: Father's Office, Santa Monica, CA

This was one of the first places we ate at when we visited LA in May 2010 to search for an apartment in Santa Monica.  Now we are lucky that it is just a few blocks from home!  Father's office is a cozy bar on Montana with many beers on tap, a hipster vibe, and a yummy bar menu.  People rave that they make one of the best burgers in LA - It's one of mine for sure!

The Juicy Burger loaded with deliciousness.   However note - "No substitutions, Modifications, Alterations or Deletions" allowed!

 Shoestring Fries served with Aioli!