The Celiathlete

July 12, 2011

Glutenfreeda hits and misses with oatmeal flavors

Glutenfreeda's Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack

I used to loathe hot cereal. With a passion. I didn’t like the texture or the taste. I didn’t like how it would thicken if you let it sit for a moment. None of it appealed to me.

And then, as I got older, my palate changed. Now, every day for lunch I have a bowl of oatmeal. However, since having to adopt a gluten-free diet, I’ve had to carefully watch the ingredients in some of the oatmeal I buy. So, to bypass this precautionary step, I opted to spend a little extra money and purchase gluten-free oatmeal. My grocery store doesn’t carry much that is gluten-free, but they did have the variety pack of gluten-free oatmeal by Glutenfreeda. The flavors didn’t sound too scary, so I gave in, opened my wallet, and paid the high price for gluten-free reassurance.

Glutenfreeda's Banana Maple with Flax Instant Oatmeal

During the course of that week, I would bring in a pack with me to the office to have as lunch. For my first taste of Glutenfreeda oatmeal, I chose the Banana Maple with Flax. Cooking it up in the microwave, I couldn’t even smell anything that resembled banana or maple. This was unusual to me, because the oatmeal I had previously would smell amazing as it was heating up. Not wanting to cast judgement too quickly, I gathered the bowl out of the microwave and returned to my desk to eat while I finished up some of my work. Giving the cereal a bit of a stir, I immediately noticed that I couldn’t spot any banana chunks. I stirred it again, then gathered up a small spoonful of it, blew across it, and then took my first taste. It tasted like it smelled…like nothing. I gave the oatmeal another stir, then lifted a bigger spoonful from the center and tried again. Same problem. It was bland. No flavor. No hint of banana or maple. Just this strange cardboard-like flavor that was everything oatmeal should not taste like. I was highly disappointed and already regretting my decision to give this brand a try. Convincing myself to give another flavor a try the next day was going to be difficult, because getting this one down was a challenge in and of itself.

Glutenfreeda's Maple Raisin with Flax Instant Oatmeal

The following day, however, I braved the pantry and plucked out a packet of the Maple Raisin with Flax. I was a bit reluctant to head into the kitchen to cook it up that day at lunch, but I did…hoping that it would at least have more flavor than the banana version from the day prior. This time, I detected a hint of maple in the air as the microwave cooked it together. And I was thrilled to actually be able to find the raisins in this one when I stirred it together after it finished heating. With a little hesitation, mostly out of concern that it would be a repeat of the day before, I took my first bite of it. This one was much better. There was flavor. It was subtle, but it was there…the sweetness of the raisins and the maple did come through on this one. And I had an easier time eating this one down before it got cold. I was pleasantly surprised by the Maple Raisin version.

Glutenfreeda's Apple Cinnamon with Flax Instant Oatmeal

So when it came to trying the last flavor in the variety pack, I had mixed feelings. Banana Maple had been a fail; Maple Raisin a win. Where would Apple Cinnamon with Flax fall in the scheme of things? I was hoping it would be an even further step in the right direction. At lunch, I didn’t hesitate when I poured the dry package into a bowl and added the water. I noticed the chunks of dried apple and could spot the cinnamon throughout. This already was a good sign. I heated it up and was delighted by the smell wafting from the microwave. Returning to my desk, I stirred it together and took a bite. And it was good. I actually preferred the Maple Raisin to this one, but this was a close runner-up in the pack. It was blander than it smelled, but the flavor was there. So, it was palatable to say the least. The apple was now soft and the cinnamon was stirred throughout…but it lacked something other apple cinnamon oatmeal I had previously had. The flavor just wasn’t up-to-par.

Banana Maple with Flax done right — Glutenfreeda's Banana Maple with Flax Instant Oatmeal with added chopped fresh ripe banana slices

Since I had two packets of each, I made sure I used up the Banana Maple one first. This time, however, I came more prepared. I chopped up a ripe banana and added it to the oatmeal…which gave it the flavor it had been lacking the previous try. I still couldn’t spot any dried banana, but with the real fruit now infused in it, I could easily stomach the taste. It made a much easier lunch the second time around with my addition to it.

I’m glad the variety pack for the Glutenfreeda oatmeal was what my store had available. Had the Banana Maple with Flax been the only available flavor, I never would consider purchasing this product again. But since I know that the Maple Raisin and Apple Cinnamon versions have flavor and don’t need to be doctored to be enjoyed, I might consider trying Glutenfreeda again…just in the individual flavors so as not to waste my lunch on a flavor I don’t enjoy.

So, it was a mixed bag with Glutenfreeda’s variety pack of oatmeal. Avoid the Banana Maple with Flax and you have a decent product. But, I’d stick with something you know to be good if it doesn’t set off any food allergy…then don’t spend the extra money on a product you might not enjoy.

July 11, 2011

Enjoy Life makes amazing products, just not bagels

I have had quite a few success stories with products made by Enjoy Life. Their dairy-free chocolate chip cookies work well in any dessert…or my gluten-free pancakes I make for breakfast at times. So, when I was still hunting down the perfect gluten-free bagel, I spotted Enjoy Life’s Cinnamon Raisin Bagels on closeout at the grocery store.

Ahhh…a sale! Perfect reason to try out a new product.

So, I purchased it and brought it home with high hopes and expectations. After all, not only am I a fan of the Enjoy Life chocolate chips, but also of their cookies. So the bagels had to be good, right?

The next morning, I tore into the bag and pulled out one of the bagels. Immediately, I felt my excitement wane when I looked at it. This didn’t look like a bagel at all. It looked like a sad doughnut, to be honest. The size and thickness was all wrong. It looked like an anorexic doughnut to be completely honest. There was no depth, no width, no height. Just two very dense halves.

Hoping that the toaster might work some magic on these bagels, I dropped them in and set the level of crunch I wanted. I’ll give Enjoy Life this…these smell amazing as they are browning in the toaster. The entire apartment smelled like a cinnamon roll. And that was a good thing. I might be able to forgive the initial appearance if it tasted as amazing as it smelled.

They popped up from the toaster, but due to their smaller size, I had to unplug the toaster and use a knife to dig them out and set them on my plate. Still, the aroma was amazing. So, I took a bite…

…and disliked it from the start. The flavor was fine. It had the right hint of heat from the cinnamon. And the raisins added that sweetness to counterbalance the spice. But the texture was wrong. Completely wrong. These bagels were far too dense, just as I feared they would be just from holing them. There was no bounce, no moistness. Just a thick texture that reminded me more of a dry cake doughnut than a bagel.

I felt cheated. Here was a company that had done great things with other products. And yet…the bagel disappointed me. This was nothing like the bagels I used to be able to eat. Not in size, texture, taste or appearance. And I felt slighted by the fact that Enjoy Life was marketing these as bagels. Far from it. And there were far better gluten-free versions out there.

I thought about getting the plain bagels from Enjoy Life the other day when I spotted them on closeout at the grocery store, but decided against it in the end. After all, how different could they be from their cinnamon raisin counterparts? I wasn’t going to spend the money to find out. This was a battle Enjoy Life lost out on. I’ll still sample other products…but Enjoy Life bagels fell so far from the real thing, I don’t think I could convince myself to give them another try. Not anytime in the near future, anyway.

July 11, 2011July 11, 2011

Kinnikinnick falls short of New York-style bagel taste…

Kinnikinnic's New York Style Plain Bagels — Kinnikinnick's Tapioca Rice New York Style Plain Bagels

I’m a New Yorker. Bagels mean the world to me. And since having to go gluten-free, I’ve been having to pass on not just toast, but English muffins and bagels too. Do you realize how much it pains me to pass on a bagel with peanut butter after a race? I am a bagel-fiend. I mean, I grew up in New York. New York does bagels right.

So, one day while shopping at the grocery store, I discovered Kinnikinnick’s brand of plain bagels. The packaging declares itself to be a Tapioca Rice New York Style bagel of sorts. Since I was familiar with the gluten-free company of Kinnikinnick, and the item was on closeout, I decided to pick up pack of them and give them a try. This would be my first foray into any sort of gluten-free bagel due to the sheer cost of these products. But on a closeout sale, I could totally swing it.

I was quite excited about giving these bagels a try the following morning with my breakfast. So, that morning, I pulled them from the freezer and pulled one out of the package. Immediately I noticed the size was all wrong. These were definitely much smaller than a standard bagel. My heart fell a little at that. I wanted as close to a real bagel experience as I could get…and already I felt slighted. Reminding myself that size doesn’t always matter, I split the bagel and popped each half into my toaster, getting them nice and toasty. When they emerged, they were lightly browned to perfection and I laid them out on a plate and lightly spread each side with a little jam.

Then…the moment of truth. My very first bite.

While it wasn’t a complete disappointment, I was not 100% sold on the texture. While it was certainly puffy with a moist crust, as New York-style bagels are known for…it didn’t really have the right kind of bite to it. And the texture didn’t taste like the heartiness one would expect from a bagel. It wasn’t a complete letdown, but it wasn’t what I really craved either.

All-in-all, the Kinnikinnick plain bagels are okay…if you simply want something bagel-like to satisfy a craving if you are no longer able to consume the real thing. It does its job in a pinch, but it just isn’t quite there yet as far as getting that bagel texture down. It comes right to the brink of getting it right.

Close, Kinnikinnick…you came so close. But this New Yorker needs real New York-style bagels…even gluten-free ones.

July 11, 2011

Springbok Bar & Grill offers up delicious pub grub with South African flair

When you think of pub grub, the first thing that comes to mind is normally something British, Scottish or Irish. Then something American. But in the heart of Los Angeles, South African pub grub reigns supreme at the Springbok Bar & Grill.

I was thrilled to be taken to my friend’s local rugby bar. Owned and operated by South Africans, this rugby bar is the perfect example of pubs done differently, but done right. I wish a rugby game had been going on the night I visited. As it was, only the NBA finals were playing. So, we did have a small wait for a table, but we sipped on Strongbow cider and waited.

Wow…the wait was totally worth it.

My friend Indy and her husband are regulars here, so I already knew the place would be amazing. It was comfortable and clean. The surroundings were quintessential to any pub. Dark wood. Television with sports playing. People cheering while enjoying another round, and perhaps a little food. The entire place held this eclectic vibe, and it was packed with energy from patrons enjoying the games and their food and drink.

South African food isn’t exactly made for vegetarians, but I can find something on any menu. And this held true for Springbok as well. While my friend Cathy ordered her standard pub fare (fish & chips), I ended up with a sampling of a few things. The Soup of the Day was Black Bean, so that seemed like a good choice to start with. To have with it, I got the small Walnut Salad and a side of the fries.

Food arrived at the table after a short while and I could tell it was going to be good. The presentation, while nothing special, was amazing. Everything had such a vibrant color to it. There was nothing wilting or browning. The fries, while steak-cut, looked to be crispy, which was a plus for me. And the soup was this amazing shade of purple.

I was eager to give this soup a try, so that was my first taste of Springbok’s food. Creamy, spicy, and smooth. This is, to this day, the best black bean soup I have ever had. Most are too thick, or too chunky. This was done to perfection, with the right amount of spice to give it the kick it needed so it wouldn’t be bland. I could taste the different components, the beans, the peppers, everything. Delicious down to the last spoonful.

The Walnut Salad was also a burst of flavor. It was a simple tossing of mixed greens with tomato, red onion, cucumbers, feta cheese and walnuts. The dressing was a homemade balsamic Greek dressing. Meshed together, every flavor in there tasted like it belonged. The walnuts gave the salad a much-needed crunch, since I can’t have croutons. And the sweet feta cheese blended not only with the bitter bite of the balsamic dressing, but played to the mild flavors of the vegetables and greens in the salad. There is a salad, and then there is a salad done well. This was full of flavor and crisp. This was the ideal pub salad.

As for the fries…steak fries are the bane of my fried-potato loving heart. Normally they are not crisp enough and just tend to fall apart when dipped in ketchup. I dislike mushy fries and the biggest culprits are these thick-cut versions. But at Springbok Bar & Grill, they surprised me. These fries had a bit of a crisp outside, with the soft inside that steak fries offer. Crisp. They didn’t fall apart in your hand or on your fork. They weren’t laden down with oil and wilting. These were steak fries done right. I was shocked. I didn’t finish off the side of fries, as the soup and salad were quite filling, but I don’t regret ordering them. They were the salty side I needed to balance everything out. And they were done right and tasted great. I didn’t even need to dip them in ketchup to enjoy them. That’s an amazing first for me as I’m a ketchup fiend. I never thought I would rave about steak fries, but Springbok earned it.

Good food. Good atmosphere. Good drinks. This is what a pub should be. But what makes the Springbok stand on its own against all the British, Scottish and Irish pubs out there, is that it offers up pub fare from the region its owners hail from. This is South African pub grub. And it tasted better than what the Isles offered. Next time…I go to California during rugby season! Because this is a definite stop when it comes to food. I was beyond impressed.

July 11, 2011

The Aroma of delicious coffee

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company, Studio City, California

Coffee is an important part of any day. The trouble, at times, especially while traveling, is finding a decent place that serves it up. Sure, you can usually track down a Starbucks on a street corner, but why settle for a chain? Independent coffee houses are out there…everywhere…you just need to know where to look. In my case…I know someone who is passionate about her coffee and suggested Aroma Coffee & Tea Company prior to my visit. When everyone needed an afternoon pick-me-up, this was our go-to coffee joint. I was not disappointed.

Aroma is one of those eclectic little places that you fall in love with at first sight. Without even tasting the coffee, I was enamored with surroundings. It was very quaint, and in the initial café part of the restaurant, very crowded. That…is a good sign. Two counters were open, so we didn’t do a lot of standing around. When it came to my turn, I ordered a ice-blended soy mocha. And, of course, after the fact, I noticed they also offered almond and rice milk instead of soy. I totally would have preferred either of those. I’m just not used to a coffee place offering something other than soy milk. Now I know. Ah, California…always one step ahead of the rest of the country.

While waiting for our drinks to come up, my friends and I took a glance over at the pastry case. It was stuffed full with epic cakes and pastries. I mean…Mad Hatter style cakes. Large, towering sweet treats that looked professionally decorated. I was in awe. And I only wish I could have sampled them. If they ever bake or offer something gluten-free in that pastry case…I just might end up getting something next time.

In short order, our drinks were ready. Taking my cup, we went around the corner to the backyard patio where many patrons were enjoying a brunch. The food looked awesome, so I think, perhaps, next time we visit, we might take in an entire meal here. Everything looked and smelled so good. But my focus then was on my coffee.

My first sip and I was in love. Cold, smooth, blended to perfection. The espresso flavor permeated the rich mocha flavor perfectly. I was in caffeinated bliss. I think I actually smiled after my first sip and offered a taste to my friends. It was an epic coffee win for me. This sort of flavor and taste is exactly why I seek out independent coffee houses when possible. Starbucks and other chains have their place and their cost. But when something this amazing exists, why pay for over-roasted and unappreciated coffee, when you can find a place that will pride itself on every drink and every cup it serves to every patron. That’s how it felt inside Aroma.

We lingered with our drinks, checking out the attached bookstore and then wandering outside to people-watch for a bit. After that, we took a stroll around the neighborhood, looking at the beautiful houses, ambling past the lively park, savoring each sip until it was gone.

The sign of a good coffee house rests not only in the flavor, service, and ambiance, but also with the people who frequent there. Aroma Coffee & Tea Company offered up a good selection of drink options, so there really was something for everyone. And I applaud their addition of either rice or almond milk for those who can’t do soy and can’t do dairy. Because of them, I check menus at other local haunts in hopes that somewhere in the Midwest will pick that up and start doing it.

This was the ultimate coffee experience. Walking around the Los Angeles area with friends, sipping on a delicious coffee, taking in my surroundings while enjoying every bit of the flavor. This was top-of-the-line for me. And if I lived in the area, I would become a regular.

Make it a point, next time you venture down to Los Angeles, to seek out Aroma Coffee & Tea Company and see for yourself why this place is the one to beat for the best coffee anywhere…hands down. Take a seat outside. Sip slowly. Drink in the Aroma.

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company's Ice Blended Soy Mocha

July 11, 2011

Nat’s may look like a dive, but this diner serves up one hell of a breakfast!

Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop and Diner in Van Nuys, California was just what my friends and I needed to start off our Sunday morning right. My friend Indy and her husband Evan are regulars there, and when they suggested giving this place a try, I was excited about it. Anywhere described as a dive with amazing food is okay in my book. Looks are deceiving and the best food usually comes out of these hole-in-the-wall places that most people would just drive by without batting an eye.

An interesting feature of Nat’s is that it has a vintage toy store attached to it. As there is normally a wait for a table (always a good sign), this is a good place to go and reminisce about your childhood and the toys you used to own and play with…because I guarantee if you were born in before 1990, your toys are showcased here. It was a trip down memory lane for me as we waited for our party to be called.

When it was, we were shown to a booth in this diner and given menus to look over. We all placed our drink orders and discussed possible options for our brunch. Once again, we all ordered something different from everyone else. For me, I went with my usual standby at restaurants when it comes to brunch, because I know it’s safe. What I liked about Nat’s version of my usual Vegetarian Omelet was that it was done California style. Which means…avocado! Oh yeah! In fact, they cooked it up with egg whites only per my request and stuffed it full with mushrooms, tomatoes, Jack cheese and topped it off with avocado. The delectable taste was only taken to the next level with the addition of Cholula hot sauce (aka: best hot sauce ever!). This came with a side of home fries.

Filling…but awesome. My friends were amazed that I ate everything on my plate. In fact, I was the only person at the table to completely polish off the food that was served. But I don’t believe in wasting good food and I had a long day ahead of me. Fortification was key. It was worth polishing off every bite. Diner food is amazing when done right and Nat’s knows how to serve it up and serve it up well.

The omelet was fantastic. Cooked to perfection and stuffed with the right amount of vegetables. It was light, but filling. And the home fries…soft, with a bit of a crunch on the outside. It’s not easy to cook up a perfect batch of home fries, but they do it right at Nats.

Honestly, this is the kind of place I expect to see Guy Fieri filming his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show in. Amazing food. And a menu that hasn’t changed since it was established…any additions are done as daily specials. You can’t beat that level of commitment from the owners and the regulars.

Filling and fantastic food is everywhere in California. But these little gems are best found with friends who know the area. I’m so glad I was given the chance to eat here. I’d go back in a heartbeat. This is my kind of dive-y diner. And when the locals are regulars, you know this place is doing something right.

July 11, 2011

Unleash your inner animal at In-N-Out Burger

I know…I know. It’s a chain. Kind of.

Where I come from, In-N-Out Burger is like folklore. You hear friends in California talk about it all the time. You hear about how they go their for lunch or dinner, what they eat, the strange orders that they get to feast on. And it’s all foreign…because you do not live in California.

That was why it was a necessity to visit In-N-Out Burger while in Los Angeles. For dinner one night, this was just what we did. My friends I was with were not aware of a veggie burger on the menu (which you can only find online, as the original menu is the only thing posted at the restaurant), so my order was easy. Now that I know one exists, I know what I’m getting next time. Veggie Burger…protein style. That means a veggie burger in a lettuce wrap. No bun. Yeah…I was given a crash course in In-N-Out lingo!

So what did this vegetarian have at In-N-Out Burger? Their fries. Animal style. What is animal style you ask? That means the fries are served up with a topping of melted cheese, grilled onions, and “spread,” which is a Thousand Island dressing of sorts. I mean…I wanted something authentically In-N-Out Burger-ish. So, that’s what I got.

Oh yeah…this was fried potato taken to the next level of greasy-spoon goodness. The institution that is In-N-Out Burger is still in existence today because of combinations like this. I downed not just my order of fries, but half of my friend Indy’s as well. And now that I know there is more out there for a vegetarian, I can’t wait to return to California and try something else from the unlisted menu…but with the fries…animal style. Always.

When in California, feast on something the natives call their own. Treat yourself to fast food goodness. This isn’t Burger King or McDonalds. This goes above and beyond that. This is In-N-Out Burger. So get your fix…animal style…protein style…3 x 3, 4 x 4, or however you like it…but do it. It’s a must for anyone visiting California. Even vegetarians!

July 11, 2011July 11, 2011

Top Chef serves up amazing Italian food at Cafe Firenze

Top Chef. It’s one of my guilty pleasures. Any food show is, naturally. Celeb chef cooking shows on Food Network, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Adam Richman’s Man v. Food, Gordan Ramsay’s The F-Word, Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. So, yes…I enjoy watching chefs from every level and every walk of life duke it out on Top Chef as much as the next person.

And that was how I found Fabio Viviani. First seen on Top Chef: Season 5 – New York, Viviani was one of my personal favorites to cheer for. He ended up in the top four before being cast off, but he returned and won fan favorite. Anyone who watched would understand why. So, when I was making plans with my friends for a good place to eat Saturday afternoon, we all agreed that Viviani’s restaurant in Moorpark, California, Cafe Firenze, would be an ideal place to dine.

Cafe Firenze's Bowl of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino

We arrived for our reservation right when the restaurant opened. We were seated in a booth in the back, where I had a fine view of the kitchen, which only added to my excitement. We settled in with water and perused the menu for a moment. I already had an idea of what I wanted, but an appetizer was in question. We decided to split an order of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino. This was one of my friend’s first experience with mussels…and now she is addicted to them. If a restaurant has them…she wants them. But nothing has equaled Cafe Firenze’s version. Especially with the sauce they were served in. Light, but full of flavor. It was the perfect compliment to the seafood bite of the mussels. In fact, I think my three friends set themselves to mopping up every bit of that sauce with the complimentary bread that had been brought to the table.

The entrees were next. And each of us ordered something different. Tawn ordered the Fettuccini Four Cheese and Sausage; Indy ordered the Penne alla Vodka, Cathy won the prize for best deal with her “personal” Margherita Pizza, which was the size of a regular pizza pan; and I got the Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta. We had good conversation and good photo ops while we awaited our food. And I had the chance to watch the chefs in the kitchen prepare each meal from scratch…including the pasta. Yes…I loved where we were seated!

Cafe Firenze's Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta

When our meals arrived, none of us were disappointed. Cathy indulged in every bite of her pizza. Indy’s penne was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing. Tawn enjoyed her fettuccini so much, she swore she saw Jesus in her plate. And as for me…the gnocchi was out of this world. Soft, delicate, and served with a sauce that was packed with bold flavor. The ricotta was the perfect match to the sweet tomato sauce. It was topped off with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which only served to enhance the dish. I savored each bite and shared it with my friends. Just awesome food. Fresh, delicious, and made to order. It doesn’t get better than that.

After we polished off our meals, we allowed food to settle. Tawn, Indy and I settled in for a round of cappuccinos. Interesting thing about this cappuccino was that the longer it sit, the more delicious it was. All three of us noticed that, so we didn’t down it quickly. We sipped it slowly, discussing desserts. And just in time too…as the dessert menu was brought out to us.

Once again, we all decided to get something different. Tawn ordered the Tiramisu; Indy ordered the Panna Cotta; Cathy got her usual at Italian restaurants, the Cannoli; as for me…I went with the gluten-free option: the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

As we waited for our desserts we were blessed with an even better surprise. Fabio Viviani was in the restaurant. He had the day off, but had stopped in and delivered our desserts to us. What an amazing surprise. The best moment of the entire time at the restaurant was when he came around that corner and all four of us blinked up at him and in the girliest tone all said, in unison: “FABIO!” It was…epic! He was very nice, asking how we enjoyed our meals and being kind enough to take pictures with us. We eventually let him get back to what he was doing, but it was the topper of the day. Honestly! I was floating on a Foodie Cloud Nine. Meeting a chef hero…cross that one off the bucket list!

Desserts were now in front of us, and I managed to come down from my chef high and take my first bite of the chocolate cake. It was moist and rich, melting against my tongue. It was topped with a vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce and coffee cream. Yes…it was as amazing as it sounds. It was completely different texture and taste from the flourless cake I had at Nobu in Vegas. But this stood on its own. The flavors came alive in my mouth, every bit of chocolate, vanilla, and coffee meshing in perfect harmony and drawing me into another heavenly food coma. If gluten-free desserts meant more flourless chocolate cakes like this, then I’m one happy allergic foodie. I still dream of this dessert.

Cafe Firenze was at a level all its own. The Italian ambiance was authentic. The food was beyond all expectations. The desserts were one step closer to heaven. And the opportunity to meet Fabio Viviani topped off the experience. Nothing could ever compare to this level of Italian goodness outside of Italy itself. Then again, Fabio hails from Florence, Italy. If the food was anything but authentic, I would have been disappointed. This isn’t a Buca di Beppo or Olive Garden. This is a state of Italy in California. And oh…it tastes so good!

Me and Fabio — Top Chef Fabio Viviani with me at his restaurant, Cafe Firenze, Moorpark, California

July 11, 2011

Vegan tacos make a stand in California…

The best way to do Los Angeles is with locals. Seriously. No one knows of better places to eat than those who live somewhere and have ventured out of the usual food comfort zone. In Los Angeles, it’s easy to step away from the fast food joints and chain restaurants. New food experiences abound around every corner. Every flavor. Every culture. It’s all there…somewhere…just waiting for you to step inside and give it a try.

When I ventured to Los Angeles, I let my friend Indy and her husband Evan take the reins and show me good places to eat. We all know I’m a bit of a challenge when it comes to eating out. But not in Los Angeles. California is a different beast.

After arriving in Los Angeles, it was already time for lunch and I was famished. We had tossed around ideas of where to eat prior to the trip, but that all went to the wayside. Mexican was the overall feeling of the group, and since I ditched my Mexican restaurant plans in Vegas the night before, this was just what I craved. Their suggestion: Hugo’s Tacos.

It was a short drive from their home in The Valley to this little taco stand. It looked a bit shady from the outside, but that’s part of the thrill of these little eateries. No indoor seating…it’s all done outside. Perfect, because the weather that day was beautiful, sunny, and ideal for a meal on the deck.

It took me a moment to peruse the menu board, but I finally decided on my meal of choice. Since this was a taco stand, I figured I would go with the tacos…which on the menu are labeled gluten-free. Better yet…they can be done vegan-style. Yeah…I was one happy diner.

I decided on two different types of tacos: a Mixed Veggies and Herbs with Jalapeño and Tomatillo Salsa and a Soy Chorizo, Potato and Zucchini with Jalapeno and Tomatillo Salsa. I made it a combo, which included chips and salsa plus a drink. Diet Coke for this girl, please!

I settled in with friends and waited for my order to come up. When it did, I totally understood why they were so excited about taking me to this place. Not only was it friendly to my food allergies…but it also catered to the vegetarian part of me. How many places can do that successfully. And, to top it all off, the food was amazing.

I tried the Soy Chorizo, Potato and Zucchini taco first. The soy sausage had the right hint of spice, and the salsa was the perfect compliment to it. I never would have thought of putting potato or zucchini in a taco, but these were the perfect match for the soy chorizo. Honestly. The cool texture of the sauteed vegetables meshed perfectly with the bite of the vegan sausage. The Mixed Veggies and Herbs taco was next. I loved this. The veggies alone would have been bland, but mixed with the herbs, they took on a new flavor level. The hint of heat from the salsa was the perfect pairing with this taco. Again, not something I normally would have thought to put in a corn tortilla, but it worked. It was a taco experience like no other.

The chips and salsa were the perfect compliment to this taco fiesta. The cool pico de gallo mixed with the corn tortilla chips gave the right mix of salty and sweet. Just what you would expect from proper chips and salsa. Not what you would expect from a tiny taco stand in Los Angeles. But they say the best things come in small packages. I couldn’t agree more.

I left more than satisfied with my lunch that day. It was the ideal place to eat in a city that never ceases to amaze me with it’s culinary culture. I wish more places like this existed in the Midwest where I live. I guess for now, I’ll just have to return to Los Angeles for more treats like this.

Good things really do come in small packages. If you don’t believe me, get to Los Angeles and try this little taco stand out. Hugo’s Tacos may be small, but they serve up big flavor in a big way!

VEGAN TACOS — Hugo's Tacos vegan tacos: (left) Mixed Veggies and Herbs taco and (right) Soy Chorizo, Potato & Zucchini taco

July 10, 2011

A banana split before we split…

Everything comes full-circle at the end of a trip. And my culinary adventures through Las Vegas came to an end with a sweet treat instead of a fine dining establishment. I found myself back in familiar ground. After all, the convenience of being in the resort I’m staying at merits one more visit…but this time for dessert…not breakfast.

That’s one of the best qualities of Mr. Lucky’s 24-7. As a diner-like establishment that is open every hour of every day, it has quite the selection on its menu. And dessert is what I was craving this time.

For weeks I had wanted nothing but a banana split. I love the exciting mix of flavors that comes in a good banana split…and coming from Indiana, finding someone who does this particular dessert well is not easy. My hopes all came to rest on the shoulders of the staff at Mr. Lucky’s once more.

What I received lived up to every expectation and then proceeded to exceed them. The dessert itself was a proper banana split, made with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry…and served with strawberries and crushed pineapple. Every flavor that should come in this particular dessert was present, and my first bite came with the ripe banana split in half and buried beneath the scoops of cold, delicious ice cream.

Dessert heaven!

My friend had never had a banana split in her life. And she was blown away by this one. Good way to start when it comes to first experiences with a new dessert. Me…I grew up on banana splits and had some of the best (and biggest) in some unexpected places. I wasn’t sure this would measure up to my childhood memories of summer treats of larger-than-life banana splits from the Lincoln Del in Minnesota…but it was just as good. The portion was sizable, more than what I anticipated for the price. And the assortment of flavors, the way they mixed and mingled and tasted as the ice cream melted and the different fruits were scooped up with each bite. Yes…this was the perfect banana split and just what I needed after craving one for so long.

Mr. Lucky’s 24-7 did it again, and this time with something other than their epic breakfast foods. They serve up one hell of a banana split…and gave me my last delicious taste of Las Vegas before I departed the following morning.

I wonder if anywhere else will make one as good as this. A banana covered in three flavors of ice cream and topped with every topping imaginable never tasted so damn sweet.

Lucky me!

DESSERT EPICNESS! — Mr. Lucky's 24-7's Banana Split