Speakeasy

Speakeasy

Kyle

Green Point & Eagle Rock

A modern-day speakeasy is a hidden establishment that legally sells alcoholic beverages. Usually people will find out about the place by word of mouth. I guess the setting is suppose to be quiet and dim lights to create intimacy between you and your guest(s). There are rules that come across most hidden bars and speakeasies such as no talking loud, no gum chewing, silent phones, Do Not ask for specific drinks, know your palate so you can ask for what cocktail you desire, etc. Usually you are told these rules before walking inside. 

This fine establishment here, have highly skilled bartenders that are ready to serve you. They will question what you like and will strive to create the perfect mix for you. I recommend giving an accurate description of what you want just so it makes things much smoother. There are fresh ingredients right on the bar for mixing purposes such as fruit, hot sauces, liquids, etc. The staff is completely professional and will make your experience worth while. Questions will be answered. This isn't a typical bar, club, pub.. no no this establishment is more of an organized meeting type place with fine drinks that are only specific. It's also a laid back feel rather than an upright 6-star bar. I recommend trying the Green-point old fashioned. It has bitters and a hint of some sweetness honey to the taste. A slice of freshly peeled lemon is dashed inside too! Great choice here. 

So here is my word. Go visit the place below this...

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Single Barrel, San Jose, CA

Taken by: iPhone 5s

HOME

Home, Los Angeles, CA

Front Patio

Breakfast Burrito

Home is where the heart is.. so is food. Here at Home, the atmosphere and the structure of this house creates a comfortable setting for everyone. The outdoor patio has an open bar, open seating, a fountain filled with fish, and most importantly, people. 

As you walk inside, you'll notice people sitting around eating together like family style with food stacked on their plates. The servers are efficient and carry a great attitude especially during the hectic hrs in the morning. Seating is also available inside the house which is called the living room space. There are plenty of tables to sit at so thats perfect.

I ordered the breakfast burrito which is a tomato basil tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, diced smoked bacon, black beans and melted cheese. I also had a side of home fries to along with my dish. The flavors inside the burrito stuck right out from the first bite to the last. The bacon helped put this smoky meat taste to the burrito which created a hardy bite. Portions here at Home is just right and will definitely take care of a heavy appetite. 

Home is truly a gem in the city of Los Angeles. I've never experienced breakfast in such a way where people are incredibly full of joy and eating as a family. The house itself is breath-taking to me; the old vintage look with a garden and fountain. It takes the new place of having breakfast rather than the typical diner/restaurant store. This is a new experience for me!! There is no place like home for sure.

*Tip- I suggest finding parking next door within the neighborhood due to the high volume. Home also serves valet parking just incase too!

Photo by: Allister de Vera

Home, Los Angeles, CA

Taken by: iPhone 5s

The Polo Lounge

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Polo Lounge, Los Angeles, CA

Filet Mignon & Lobster Lasagna

The Polo Lounge bring out the Luxury that LA has to offer. This has been the favorite dining spot for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. The dining experience is accompanied by a musician playing jazz music. According to our server Reaz; he mentions that The Polo Lounge is the 2nd most busiest restaurant of all LA. Reservations are taken by phone or online so I suggest booking a month ahead. The tables have white silk linen draped over with stainless steel silver wear and a soft cloth for the lap.

Guests are treated with high respect and as if you are already a regular. Freshly baked breads and twists are served at the table with rich & creamy butter on the side. I ordered their filet mignon and my friend Weston ordered lobster lasagna. Both were served within just 25 mins and they looked up to par. Just by looking at the dish gives you an idea of how creative the chef's are with the decor and fresh ingredients used for cooking. Portions are what you expect from a high-end restaurant. My steak was thick and buttery with the perfect amount of blood oozing out; I had it medium rare of course. The peppercorn sauce was nicely marinated within the steak and poured over to infuse the flavors along with the glazed cippolini and parsnips. The fingerling potatoes snapped with each bite and had that fresh garden-picked aroma.

From the decor of this lounge, the professional service, the 6-star quality dishes, to the ambience, The Polo Lounge deserves a diamond tag. You feel as if you were a celebrity in your own way when dining here. You are handled with great care here from the servers. The people don't talk as loud here either so the intimacy level is very high. I suggest before coming here, to prepare your find dining manners along with attire that is appropriate for the occasion. Who knows, you might just be dining next to a celebrity just what I experienced. My friend Wes and I ate within just a couple feet away from Rick Caruso! (Owns one of the largest privately held real estates in the U.S. and owner of The Grove).


Photo by: Allister de Vera
The Polo Lounge, Los Angeles, CA
Taken by: iPhone 5s

Bottega Louie

Bottega Louie, Los Angeles, CA

Porchetta sandwich 

Macrons

Bottega Louie is a restaurant that has an upscale & fine dine feel to it. The place is extremely clean. The windows are wiped up, the marbling on the floor brings out a shine, the employees are dressed in clean white suit attire with a black tie, and the aroma from the pastries float in the air. Even the bartenders look like models out of a GQ magazine. 

The menu has a good amount of food that caters to breakfast & brunch along with late lunch around 3pm. I ordered the Porchetta which is a burger with diced roasted pork, caramelized onions, peppers, a rugula & brined caper aioli. This burger/sandwich is def in my top 10 list for sure! Even the fries were lightly salted with a nice crispy bite to them. 

Going straight to the pastry section; the pies and tarts is a bit pricey but they had unique ingredients to them. The decor of each pastry is out of this world! the colors, the gloss on top of each dessert, the 5-star look to it was just everything. I bought a 5-pack macaron set that includes earl grey, salted caramel, pistachio, and two dark chocolates. The macaron isn’t anything too special. The shell on the outside is fragile; it can snap and crumble quick if pressed hard enough. Otherwise the flavors are there, the color is there and texture is there, but like I said, it’s nothing special here (I’ve had better). 


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Bottega Louie, Los Angeles, CA
Taken by: iPhone 5s

Brite Spot

Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Belgium Waffle: Pecans, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

Plain Belgium Waffle

Brite Spot is a diner that has an upscale feel to it. The diner is busy with late-night crowds coming in for food to cure their hangovers. As I sat on the bar, I noticed the different crowds coming too; different age groups and different style types.

The food is prepared fresh and right from the grill/kitchen and is served in bulk. I ordered the Belgium waffle with pecans, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The size of the waffle is about the same size of the plate itself so that is great. The texture was caky; it has this moist and thick bite to it. Each bite is sweet and has the griddle crunch to it. The batter is thick and rich so it may take a while to put down a bite-size portion. What I find to be unique is the melted butter inside a tin cup on the side. It's a must to pour this over the ice cream and waffle along with drizzled maple syrup all over. Here you have a fully-stacked dessert that'll wake you up and fulfill your late-night sweet cravings!



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Brite Spot, Los Angeles, CA

Bäco Mercat

bäco mercat, Los Angeles, CA

"the toron" bäco

The term “bäco” is derived from the signature flatbread sandwich that was created by chef Josef Centeno. This invention later became a staple for poultry, pork, and seafood sandwiches. 

As I walked inside the restaurant, I automatically get this busy LA nightlife vibe. People are having a great time talking and eating. The bar from the front entrance is packed full of young adults taking on unique cocktails, servers are busy walking around the floor, and the lighting of this place fits the mood. I noticed the modern rustic Tuscan furniture that were set up for eating which gives off this LA loft look.

I ordered “the toron” which is this fluffy breaded chalupa-shaped sandwich that contained oxtail hash, cheddar tater, and horseradish-yogurt. The portion was just right! it took two hands to grasp it. As you pick up the bäco, the juices from the meat and yogurt mixed and dripped off to the tip of the sandwich. The aroma was fresh and had this roast-pork scent to it with a hint of sweet pepper. Each bite was smooth due to the moist and creamy-like texture. The flavors are all there for sure! 

I definitely recommend coming here with a group of friends for a nice dinner and ordering their cocktails along with their famous bäco. The menu has variety so theres lots to choose from with a description of what’s in it. I also suggest asking the waiter/waitress what the special is. 



Photo by: Allister de Vera
Bäco Mercat, Los Angeles, CA

Scoop Microcreamery

Scoop Microcreamery, Palo Alto, CA.

Biscoff, Turkish Coffee, and Bourbon Vanilla Caramel 

Right in the heart of downtown Palo Alto is an ice cream shop that is one of it's own category in the game. Scoop is a mom & pop shop that opened about 4.5 months ago and is already making noise in the downtown region. The unique idea of using liquid Nitrogen to make their ice cream is a one-of-a-kind experience. The texture is much different than your typical grocery store or local chain ice cream shop (ex. Baskin Robbins). It's much more creamier, richer with a dense weight. This is the key to their secret! and guess what??? It works! I haven't seen or tasted anything like this.

Another unique part of this shop are the flavors of the ice cream. They serve creations such as: Biscoff cookie, Bourbon vanilla caramel, Turkish Coffee, Cardamon, and more! Their toppings are great too and not like the usual boring type stuff at Cold Stone. A couple toppings include Biscoff crumbles and Caramelized cocoa nibs. Oh they also make their own waffle cones inside the shop! Most of everything is made directly within the shop. Scoop sells its own homemade sauce for ice cream at home.

My experience was truly amazing. I am so happy the downtown area now has a dessert spot for everybody. Its not just a typical ice cream shop; like mentioned above, it is a category of it's own. Please come and visit the shop and enjoy all the wonderful and unique creations they have to offer. The Bourbon Vanilla Caramel is the most popular flavor as of right now*

Please go visit Sara and Vanessa too! They are amazing and outgoing employees that will give you a sample of whatever your want to try and they have great knowledge of the way their ice cream is made. Also, let them know Allister sent you! I am honestly trying to push more customers to visit Scoop and have real good ice cream like never before. Satisfaction guaranteed!!


Photo by: Allister de Vera
Scoop Microcreamery, Palo Alto, CA,
Taken from: iPhone 5s