A Sausagefest (That Guys Actually Want)

     

The Chew		The View
The Sausagefest		Beer Models

You've caught me at a great time -- in the midst of graduation festivities comes food. And lots of it. Beer too.

The reason that I was privvy to even starting an international food blog was because of my International Exchange coordinator, Sean (O'Conn as we dub him). Somehow, after years of annoying questions about credit transfers, calls from concerned parents, and our missed deadlines and pleadings to submit paperwork, this man STILL wants to buy us a meal. 

Did I mention the beer? Wurstkuche (vurst-koo-sha, I think) is a solid sausage and beer self-service bar and restaurant in Downtown's hidden Arts District.

After bumping into a fellow Six Taste co-worker, I began with a La Chouffe Belgian Golden Ale. A light beer with a high alcohol content -- definitely my thing.

Let's not downplay the reason we came here: sausage speak. Seriously, a whole new flavor palette dedicated to the mystery meat in mystery casing. Not so mysterious at Wurstkuche:

• Duck & Bacon with Jalapeno 
• Rabbit, Veal and Prok
• Alligator & Pork
• Vegetarian Mexican Chipotle
• Bratwurst (psh, boring)

My choice was the Vegetarian Smoked Apple Sage. Typically, the problem with fake meat is the lack of moisture -- and I'll admit Wurstkuche still grapples with that problem. But, dear god, the toppings of Sweet Peppers & Caramelized Onions could have been stuffed alone between the buns, and I would call it a savory meal. The sweet robust flavors of the toppings were accentuated by the punchy Chipotle Ketchup.

So while the (fake) meat was too dry for me, somehow the beer and toppings kept me mighty distracted.

The post-dinner wine at Bacaro LA certainly kept me hydrated. Thanks you crazy business kids

Wurstkuche
800 E. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

EPIC Return: The Capital Grille

     

The Chew		The View
Fresh Strawberries Capital Grille		A Boozy Welcome

After a year of putting my writing cap aside on focusing on my final year in college and building a business, I want a return. A justification for annoying fellow diners with close up food photos. A reason to mark things off my LA dining bucket list. And something fun to do now that graduation is looming (and apparently life's all downhill from here - not a theory I prescribe to).

I have 2 muses that drew me out of writer's hibernation: my food blogger and friend, Marilyn Chiu (read her tasty escapades at The Nomlog) and the wonderful staff at The Capital Grille :)

Marilyn brought me out to The CG (my name for it, unofficially) and their first blogger event several weeks ago, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes. By "Master" he truly falls into league with Master Jedis, Ninjas, and the like (you try tasting a wine blind-folded and identifying the type of rock soil the vines were grown in). I couldn't resist when Marilyn brought me back for a full-on dinner in the gorgeous inside space).

Walking into the dining room of The Capital Grille makes me feel like I should be dressed to play a role in film noir. Dark lipstick, blond curls -- neither of which I have, or are required here. The dark wood panels are enlivened by a crowd of Westside foodies, and a staff well-versed in wine. Just as any good story begins, I was greeted with a bottle of wine.

A Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon: I only wish Marilyn and I weren't driving. Our exceptional waiter patiently walked us through each menu item -- you'd be lucky to have him when you go! (Thanks, Josh)

Wasabi-Encrusted Ahi Tuna on Caramelized Mushrooms with Soy Honey Vinaigrette


A sweet way to get your palate ready for the main course -- though it is Hollywood, and for some this might be the main course...

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Arugula and Lemon Vinaigrette


Oh so thinly sliced, lightly cooked beef. Why do people fear this dish? Live on the edge... life certainly tastes better that way.


The pepper-encrusted beef was a definite contrast to the sweet amuse. But Marilyn and I love sweet and savory combos (hence my fascination with the Maple Bacon Donut at Nickel Diner).

Lobster & Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Lightly breaded. Quickly devoured. This is going to be problematic for me being a good vegetarian (though I guess I was screwed the moment I walked into a steakhouse).


The tomato-based sauce didn't drown the shrimp -- as if you could drown any sea creature. Nonetheless, well-portioned saucing.

Marilyn had the Delmonico Steak cooked in the grindings of mushroom with a 12-year aged balsamic vinaigrette. Choosing this house favorite after false starts at other tasty cuts of meat took her quite a bite of time :)

"The Convert" Coconut Cream Pie

Marilyn doesn't even like coconut -- but Josh recommended it as a "convert" dish, and I had to see if it would stand the test. 

The chewy wafer base housed a cream base that swirled up to support coconut shavings and a caramel rum sauce. 

Marilyn didn't stand a chance.



But you're on a budget, you cry? As a fresh-grad, I gotcha. Which is why I scoped the Happy Hour offerings. Sit at the front or upstairs bar and treat yourself to $6 Plates that range from Mini Lobster and Crab Burgers to Parmesan Truffle Fries. 

The Capital Grille (or The CP if you're prone to abbreves like me) 
8614 Beverly Blvd
(Beverly Center)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.358.0650