Review – Page 2

June 15, 2017

Somerset: Restaurant Road Trippin’

With today’s restaurant review, I feel like no intro is necessary except that I went here, loved it, and you should totally add it to your Santa Barbara restaurant bucket list. (we all have a restaurant bucket list, right?? Well I do lol.) With summer vacation in full swing, it’s high time to take a California coastal road trip straight to Santa Barbara! Read further to get the deets on this SB gem.

In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara lies Somerset– no signage except the golden engraved plaque on the white wall out front. Very high-society, almost like an unspoken hideaway for the residents of the American Riviera. The whole restaurant, from design, to menu, to cocktails, breathes old-world European “Grand Cafe” vibes. Somerset is modern- yet-classic fine dining with a 1950’s Parisian twist. Chef Lauren Hermann cooks food within the realm of seasonal, farm-to-table California cuisine. As she puts it, the menu can be described as “being innovative yet rustic and approachable”. Count. Me. IN!

Upon entering the grand doors at the entrance, right off the main downtown street, guests are greeted with an escape to another time and place. From floor to ceiling, Somerset is glamorously art-deco and modern-contemporary in its design and aesthetic. Think golden velvet tufted booths, geometric floor tiles, and marble-flanked walls. Gatsby would pull up at the bar here if he were in Santa Barbara in 2017. The ceilings are high and the windows are large, making the space feel roomy, but the booths are intimate and the lighting once the sun goes down is romantic and moody. If you are need of a good date spot, take note.

The first course was wild mushrooms with coal-roasted leeks, ricotta, and toasted hazelnuts. Perfection!! Earthy, tender mushrooms accompanied by the crunch of the hazelnuts and the creamy, salty undertone of ricotta. If there was a picture under the term “umami” in the dictionary, this dish would be it.

With no shortage of craft cocktails on the menu, I went with a brilliant lime-green Ortega’s Revenge: tequila blanco, smoked citrus, arugula, falernum (a syrup used in tropical drinks containing the flavors of almond, ginger, lime, and vanilla), Thai chile, and wild elderflower. All the flavors were impeccably balanced, hitting the tastebuds with sweet, spicy, and bright notes, then tingling the nose with aromatic floral and smoky hints. It’s vibrant shade made it look as though I were sipping from a peridot jewel. Very ‘gram-worthy.

The entree caught my eye right away. I saw “Santa Barbara uni”-I MEAN!!!! Uni is bae!!!. The dish was housemade spaghetti with Santa Barbara uni, lobster bisque, and nori breadcrumbs. A luxurious fusion of cuisines if there ever was one. Upon first bite, I melted into my seat while the uni melted in my mouth like buttahhh. The nori breadcrumbs added a salty crunch and depth of flavor. Waiter, I’ll have another!

Couldn’t leave ya hanging without dessert! (It was for blog content, right?) We went with a rye-cardamom cake with almond frangipani cherries and oat streusel with toasted almond ice cream. Pure bliss, not too sweet, and no ingredient overpowering the rest. It’s desserts as divine as theses that make all others seem mediocre. You finish your last bite dreaming about the next time you have the chance to dine here!

Somerset is a literal jewel of Santa Barbara. It’s not trendy or touristy, yet it has all the glitz and appeal of a see-and-be-seen restaurant and bar. You walk in feeling like a welcomed old friend, greeted by attentive waitstaff, bartenders, and managers. The food holds up to Santa Barbara’s fine dining scene ( where the bar is set very high and is deeply rooted). It is worth making a trip to dine at Somerset when visiting Santa Barbara. From food to ambience, the experience is like a trip to somewhere back in time yet modern all at once. Get there, ASAP.

PS, officially done with my first year of grad school!! I’m looking forward to the magic and adventure of summer that lies ahead! As always, have fabulous weekend!

XO,

Alexandra

April 14, 2017

Venice Beach Diaries, Part One

A few weeks ago, I took my first day trip to Venice Beach. FINALLY! I have been dying to go for a very long time, and I can say it was one hundred percent worth the wait. If you are a foodie and a wellness-obsessed babe like me, put VB on your list of places to travel.

I only spent a half day there, but still tried to squeeze in as much goodness as possible. I’m breaking down the list of places I highly recommend based off my trip. Another visit is essential, because you really can’t hit all the best places for brunch/lunch/potions/smoothies/elixirs in one day. Let’s talk VB!

Salt Air

The lunch situation at Salt Air has all the airy coastal California vibes you could ask for. The menu focuses on seasonal and coastal cuisine, so naturally I had to go for some oysters (the best I’ve ever had guys!). And since it was a weekend brunch, of course I decided to try the fresh-made mimosa. There is something so romantic about a bartender squeezing the fruit juice right in front of you. I almost wonder if I could have hand-selected my oranges and grapefruits straight from the countertop bowls! Doesn’t get any better than that!

Salt Air gets a lot of buzz for their pea tartine- talk about the epitome of spring! I love a good toast moment, and this one did not disappoint! Smashed peas, creamy ricotta, lemon, and pea tendrils on a toasty slice of sourdough. Get it. You won’t want to share!

If you are in a seafood/sandwich mood, my brunch date (hey mama) ordered the lobster roll. What more could you want than a mountain of lobster piled into a brioche bun? It tasted nice and light since it was brightened up with fresh herbs and the cooling crunch of celery. Very east coast -meets-west coast.

For a little afternoon pep, we ordered espresso. A strong and simple ending to our fab meal. Salt Air gets busy, so if you can’t nab a table, don’t hesitate to sit at the bar- the light from the skylights is so cheery, and it’s a bit quieter than the tables at the front of the restaurant (perfect for insta-storying your meal).

Erewhon

I could gush on and on about this place for years. Shall I name my firstborn after it? (Or sell my firstborn to pay for the grocery bill, which is probably more likely.) And if I didn’t live in San Diego, Erewhon Market would be my grocery store bae. It’s a true wellness- lover’s paradise. In a word, it is the grocery store mecca for superfoods, elixirs, and the healthiest pre-made deli selections. Picnic #goals would be to pick up some of the various salads and proteins, then hit the beach.

I stocked up on miso-fermented kale chips, pearl powder, coconut rose water, and a reishi-cacao “cappuccino” for the road. Holyyyy cow, if you stop in for one thing, head straight to the elixir bar and order a hot tonic- matcha, turmeric lattes, and cacao with MCT oils- the amazing list goes on.

Zenbunni

In a somewhat hidden “rabbit hole” off of Abbot Kinney lies Zenbunni chocolate. They sell their own handmade, biodynamic, organic, vegan, refined sugar-free (yes, all the things) chocolate creations. You can find everything from drinking chocolates to bite-sized bars. Try the Shiva Rose (like eating chocolate straight from the garden) or the Abuela Azteca chocolate (spicy and smoky, like Mexican hot chocolate).

So, what are the next stops on the VB bucket list? I hope to venture north soon to hit up these beauts, obvi still within the theme of wellness and pure foodie delight:

Moon Juice

I’m an avid user and lover of their “moon dusts”, especially the beauty dust. I would love to try some of their fresh pressed bevvies and maybe their plant protein powder to experiment with at home. Have you tried the Moon Juice products before? Would love to know what you think!

Kreation Juicery

OH MY LANTA, I have been to Kreation one time at the location in Manhattan beach, and it was smoothie/juice heaven. I distinctly remember falling in love with their vegan dessert pots (chocolate and matcha were involved) and the unique variety of green juices they have. The Venice Beach location is a lot larger and boasts a dreamy cafe menu for when you feel like dining in.

Gjelina

Need to get here for dinner! This place will be worthy of a blog post in and of itself. The menu is inventive and artistic, and I can hardly stand the anticipation of someday trying it for myself. Any Gjelina fans out there? I must know how your experience was!

Have you tried any of these glorious stops in Venice Beach? Did I miss any that need to be added to the list? I’m headed to Wanderlust tomorrow, so it will be a day full of running, yoga, mediation, and pure bliss. Can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Saturday!

XO,
Alexandra

January 6, 2017

Mille Fleurs and Resolutions

Happy New Year! I hope that your 2017 is starting off fabulously! The promise of a new year is always so bright, and our energy and motivation are at a major high. I love that feeling! Whether you find yourself setting resolutions or not, there is never a wrong time to set goals to better yourself, be it in the health and wellness sphere or otherwise.

As I delve into a course on self motivation and behavior change in my master’s program, I thought it would be fitting to share a few tips that are scientifically proven to make you more likely to keep any goals or changes you implement. Six months out, less than half of those who make resolutions are still keeping them! (Depressing, right?!) Keep reading so you don’t drop your goals by summer.

Have a clear road map

You cannot get to your destination with only a vague idea of how to get there. Say you want to “get fit” or “lose weight”- great! But do you have a specific plan??? How are you getting there? Without a clearly laid out plan, you can end up wasting time and money meandering around, and may ultimately be frustrated that you are not achieving your goal. Do your research, lay out the when/where/how, and don’t be afraid to consult an expert (such as a dietitian nutritionist, like myself). The experts are there to help you navigate.

Build your support squad

Get friends and family involved- let them know your goals and ask them to hold you accountable. The simple act of telling people out loud automatically makes you more likely to stick it out when things get tough. Plus, studies show that success is significantly increased when you have people cheering you on and standing by you when you need an extra push.

Know that the path is not straight and smooth

We all hit bumps and get off track. It is part of being human (even the experts are human, so don’t think we have it all together, because that is just.not.true). Be gentle with yourself, and acknowledge from the get-go that there will be times that you stumble.

There are two ways of dealing with falling off the wagon- you stay down and let it run you over (ouch), or you dust yourself off and move the heck on. Devise a plan with techniques of how you will deal with the slip-ups before they happen (which means being real about your triggers and temptations), and you will be prepared to get back up and kick butt again.

I would love to know if you have any goals for this year, and the techniques you will use to get there! On a completely different note, it has been a little while since I have done a restaurant review, so get excited, because today I am sharing a San Diego gem: Mille Fleurs!

Buckwheat blinis with caviar, smoked salmon, shallot creme fraiche, and watercress

Mille Fleurs is nestled in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe, and serves French California cuisine. I love that they hold the farm-to-table philosophy, getting fresh produce daily at Chino Farms. You can absolutely tell how fresh and flavorful the ingredients are, and each dish is composed beautifully.

Duck breast and seared foie gras with celery root potato puree, blood orange-ginger sauce, and fried sage

The interior feels cozy and romantic with an old-money, classy vibe. The service is just right- they meet your every need with a smile and swiftness, while still making you feel that you and your guests are enjoying a private gathering free from interruption.

Four Mushroom Risotto with Burgundy truffles, garlic cloves, curly endive, chervil, and Parmesan

I highly recommend Mille Fleurs for special occasions and celebratory meals. They make the experience feel so special. The chef and his team make food that is impeccably delicious and totally insta-worthy. The food is never too rich or heavy, so even after a 3-course meal, I did not feel overstuffed or uncomfortable. The portions are just right.

Buche de Noel with chocolate, matcha mousse, meringue, and raspberry coulis

No part of my dining experience was less than spectacular. I literally felt like the menu was made for me because all of my favorite foods were incorporated- caviar, salmon, truffles, foie gras, matcha, meringue (I know, my palate is prettyyyy elevated lol). Traditional and adventurous eaters will easily find something they will enjoy. I can’t say enough good things- head to Mille Fleurs for your next special celebration. Valentine’s Day, perhaps? That dinner reservation would win major points with your date. You’re welcome. 🙂

Let me know- Do you have any resolutions this year, and how are you gonna get there? Also, if you go to Mille Fleurs, tag me so I can see (and drool over) what you order. Talk soon!

XO,

Alexandra

October 13, 2016

Healthy Eats in Manhattan Beach

Hello! Happy almost-weekend! I’m sitting here with a cup of cinnamon pear herbal tea (seasonal Republic of Tea flavor-highly recommend!), listening to the French indie pop playlist on Spotify. Random? Yes. But it’s got a really fun vibe! When I want to listen to music and concentrate at the same time, I have to listen to music that has no lyrics or that I don’t know well enough to sing along. Otherwise it turns into a dance party, and dance parties are not conducive for getting *studious* things done.

Anyway, this post has been on the back burner for a bit, but the info is valuable (I hope!) nonetheless. If you are ever lucky enough to visit/live/stop for a bite in Manhattan Beach, I thought I would put together a mini eatery guide of restaurants and cafes that have good food and nutritious options. Let’s dive in!

First up in the heart of downtown, we have Le Pain Quotidian. With French cafe vibes and a relaxed atmosphere, this place is perfect for all of your brunching needs. They have beautiful tartines, a seasonally changing menu, and some simply satisfying salads. I got one of their seasonal special salads with kale, cukes, farro, radishes, sprig peas, chicken, and of course avo! Healthy fats, protein, veggies, and whole grains. What’s not to love?

Next up is a little Japanese sushi restaurant called Rice. It’s an intimate, dimly lit (ahem, pardon the photo quality) restaurant that does not disappoint! I looove their food philosophy: “No chemical preservatives, no artificial color, and no chemical seasonings when we select products. Vegetables and all ingredients are organic whenever possible.” They even have menu items that are vegan-friendly and anything-but-bland. Everyone can find something on the menu they will enjoy.

I ended up ordering some of their specials that night: Uni from Santa Barbara that was so fresh over a cucumber salad, and an octopus carpaccio with yuzu-pepper sauce that I finished in about 2 seconds flat. They have some amazing veggie-centered dishes that should not be missed (shishito peppers or garlic kabocha squash, anyone?). And you didn’t hear it from me, but the house-made gobo root chips are amaze.

For a beachy, lounge-y experience, head to Zinc @ Shade. Shade hotel is a cool boutique hotel in MB with quite the nightlife in their restaurant. Think live music and other fun nighttime events. It is has a relaxed vibe, but don’t let that fool you- they know how to churn out some delicious dishes.

The fresh ceviche is a fresh, zesty option that is nice and light with citrus-marinated fish and pico de gallo. How festive does that look?!

Their menu shifts to reflect what is in season, but you can’t go wrong with one of their salad options. You can add avocado and your choice of protein, which I love. Not on the menu at this time of the year, but I had an asparagus-farro risotto with seared scallops and a perfectly poached egg. Who else is in the #PutAnEggOnIt camp? I just can’t get enough!

A few other great options while cruising around MB:

The Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Paradise Bowls- yummy acai bowls
Kreation Juice- may all of your juice and healthy snack dreams come true! I could drop a pretty penny in this place. It’s the best for unique juices!
The Strand House- Upscale menu. Highly recommended by locals. Honey, if you are going to dine, then diiiiiine.

There you have it! Are there any places I’ve missed? I’m always looking for new restaurants to try! We’ve almost made it through the week- have a great weekend!

PS- listen to this French indie pop playlist with me. Tell me what you think lol.

XO,

Alexandra

April 18, 2016

El Encanto- Enchanted, Indeed

Hello!! It’s been awhile since I’ve done a full-on restaurant review, and since I had the most incredible meal recently at The Dining Room at the Belmond El Encanto, this post is much needed. Honestly, I feel like it would be rude of me not to share my experience, because it was just that good. Santa Barbara has a gem in the hills, people!!

Hands-down this is the best view you can get while dining in SB. If you dine al fresco (which you should), you are blessed with panoramic views of all of SB and the ocean. It’s pretty breathtaking.

If you aren’t enchanted enough by the views, the seasonal menus will do the trick. I love a restaurant that does the local/sustainable/seasonal thing, and The Dining Room has that on lock. Each dish is created with seasonal and local produce. Herbs and greens that end up on your plate are freshly picked from the chef’s garden, and they even make their own cheese from the milk of Ellie, the resort’s cow. A cute little resort cow?! I die. PS- her milk makes such amazing cheese!!

Beets with mache, citrus, and cheese. I’m a sucker for edible flowers, too.

Quick tip- when dining out, try to fit in veggies. I always either order an app with veggies (salad, beets, gazpacho), or make sure to get some with my entree. That way you fill up on the nutrient-dense foods and get all the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals veggies have to offer.

Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Panna Cotta with Caviar and Fresh Cheese

This appetizer was an all-around winner in my book. Presentation on point, fresh, local, and delicious. It was some of the best uni (sea urchin) I have ever had. Plus, caviar and brioche toast points are two of my favorite food groups. 😉 If you can nab fresh sea urchin at your local fish market, do not hesitate to try it. Uni is light, slightly sweet, and tastes ever-so-slightly of the ocean in the best way possible. And it melts in your mouth like buttahhhh.

Sea Bass with Gnocchi and Burst Tomatoes

My dining partner (aka my lil sis) let me try a bite of her gnocchi, and it was superb. I have never met a gnocchi that I didn’t like. And apparently she hasn’t either, because this was devoured in 3.5 seconds. I kid, I kid. But she said the fish was cooked to perfection, and that she could eat this dish every night and never get tired of it, so we will take her word.

Branzino with Brussels Sprouts and Carrots with Lemon Olive Oil

Just being real here: these were my favorite Brussels sprouts ever. The trick is that they were prepared in a way that allowed them to develop that gorgeous crispy exterior and toasty flavor. No bitterness or rubberiness here! (If you are not a Brussels sprouts fan, try roasting them or grilling them. Don’t steam ’em, because nobody likes a soggy sprout.) Let them crisp up and you will fall in love, promise.

Branzino is a delicious fish that makes a perfect “gateway fish” for those who are not seafood lovers. It is anything-but-fishy in flavor, so whip up this fish at home for those who don’t have a love for fish yet. This entree was so simple, yet so divine. Well done, El Encanto.

Enchanted Floating Island

This dessert was floating island perfection. We all know I am meringue obsessed, so it’s a no-brainer that I just wanted to take up residence on the little floating meringue island. Get this- El Encanto has been serving this dessert since 1929! It’s their signature dessert, and the love runs deep. No trip to The Dining Room is complete without it.

Naturally, this is the perfect place for celebrations. How did they know pink is my favorite color?

After dinner peppermint tea

Always get peppermint tea after dinner. It is so soothing after a heavy meal, and helps to ease any tummy woes you may have. Ginger or fennel tea would do the trick, too.

If you are ever looking to experience a beautiful, mouth-watering meal for a special celebration, give The Dining Room at Belmont El Encanto a try. They just rolled out their amazing new Spring menu (which I have not tried…yet), so please go, and let me know what you try!!

As always, have a fab week!

XO,

Alexandra

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