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Lunch at Chateau Marmont Hotel Last October, Don and I managed to pull off a quick lunch adventure at this iconic West Hollywood hotel.  The castle-like hotel rising above Sunset Boulevard, opened in 1929. From Hotel to Hotel We were staying at another epic Hollywood hotel. Both have lots of Hollywood history, but the Roosevelt had prices we could afford.  Since we couldn't afford to stay at The Chateau for $700 to $1,400 a night, we decided to make a lunch memory instead. Ubering in Style It was early afternoon on a Tuesday. Don and I stood on Hollywood Boulevard waiting for our Uber. A bright red Tesla pulled up. That felt a little snazzier than our Subaru. (This was before 2024 election...)  It was a short drive. I hoped we'd spot the grand hotel as we approached, but it seemed to be blocked by walls and jungly growth. Suddenly we turned in, beside a valet parking tent.  The neon sign with arrow, was classic. Finding the Entrance I wasn't too sure what we were in for, when the driver dropped us off. I'd read about the strict privacy policies. The hotel has long been considered a haven for the elite. A place where celebrities can relax without being asked for an autograph. At least our Tesla made us look less likely to be one of those celebrity seekers, than if we'd arrived in a car with Texas plates, filled with road trip junk.  There was no grand hotel entrance. In fact it wasn't exactly obvious where we were supposed to go. Luckily we guessed right and didn't have to wander like lost tourists. A Step Back in Time Suddenly we found ourselves in a dim hallway with dark furniture and drapes. No bellhops or greeters. It felt more like a ritzy apartment complex. Maybe that's because it had originally been built to be just that.  The carpets and rugs and plants made me think the interior hadn't been updated since it became a hotel in 1930. Except nothing smelled or felt old. It was the best kind of time warp. Sneaky updating and refinishing, without changing the charm of the past. 1944 As we moved towards the elevator, it felt a little like I was visiting an old and wealthy great aunt... about 80 years ago. I knew it wasn't 1944 though. The drapes probably smelled of cigarette and cigar smoke back then.  The hotel's Bohemian vibe has evidently remained the same over the decades. The celebrities who frequent the place probably preferred it that way. I liked that it wasn't catering to tourists. I was excited (and maybe a tiny bit intimidated) about our 2:00 reservations! The Front Desk When the elevator opened at the ground floor, we casually walked towards the front desk, hoping to look like return guests. (I'm sure we fooled no one.)  But we didn't know what we were doing, so we paused near the lovely desk, with its Gothic designs and brass bell and key boxes! A gentleman wearing many flashy gold pins (and earrings) greeted us. I wondered if this was the same man who answered my call for reservations. "Is this Beth?" the voice asked 2 hours earlier. I laughed and asked how he knew. "I was expecting your call." Hmm?? To the Courtyard Don and I had just that morning, decided we should attempt a visit for lunch. We actually knew nothing about the hotel's restaurant. Was there an inside restaurant? Or was courtyard dining all the hotel offered? We were fine either way. Weather was lovely.  The man with pins and earrings was quite pleasant as he turned us over to a woman holding menus. She guided us through the lovely doorway, into a sunny courtyard.  We stepped out to a stone terrace with a fountain and columns and more plants. We found ourselves in a magical little paradise. Perfect! We were seated at a cafe table on the edge of the courtyard, beneath an elegant canvas tent. The view from our table was ideal.  There was no one behind us to notice my cellphone quickly capturing the yellow umbrellas and checkerboard pavement.  I was glad I'd been discreet, when I glanced at my menu and read a sentence at the bottom, "Please refrain from taking photographs and smoking."  Besides the polite reminder, the menu offered a few lunch items within our budget. We could have enjoyed the most expensive burger in our ordering history. $42. Or maybe Petite Filet for $79. We chose a sandwich and a salad. Fellow Diners We placed our order with a welcoming young server, who did not seem to judge our light lunch order. The folks at nearby tables also didn't seem to judge. But I certainly wanted to stare and maybe judge them. Everyone looked like they could be somebody!  The other tables were too busy to notice the nearby Texas tourists. They were sipping wine and staring at laptops, or leaning over to greet other tables, or conversing quietly about important matters. They were far too busy "working" or socializing to notice my clothes were from Marshall's. I was not fooled by the casual jeans and sneakers I saw. The haircuts, the handbags, the sunglasses... all from fancy-fancy stores, I'm sure. Hollywood Celebs I didn't actually expect to see celebrities. I was content thinking about the classic Hollywood stars (Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo... Paul Newman) who were drawn to The Chateau long ago. It's the stories that go along with the stars that fascinates me. F Scott Fitzgerald wrote here... Tony Randall enjoyed sunbathing nude here... Bette Davis fell asleep with a lit cigarette and almost burned the place down... Sidney Portier was welcomed here in 1950 after being turned away from other Hollywood hotels... Humphrey Bogart hid out here with young Lauren Bacall... Lindsey Lohan lived here until she was kicked out... Beyounce and Jay Z had a big Oscar's bash here... John Belushi died from an overdose here... James Dean stayed here before his fatal car crash.  I was content just knowing stories, but then a couple of celebrities (that we actually recognized) walked into the courtyard. Keegan-Michael Key & Christian Slater joined a young woman for lunch, at a table right in front of us. I was good. My photos are from the internet. Woohoo! A sighting! Quick Dash The service was a bit on the slow side, so I made a trip to the Ladies Room.  Powdering my nose is often an excuse I use, to explore. Especially when visiting an exclusive place where wandering is possibly frowned upon. (Unless you're a hotel guest) I took a quick pic of the lobby lounge, which allowed me to absorb details later. Powder Pink The soft pink and silver gray bathroom was lovely.  I powdered my nose and took my time returning to our table. Small Bar My blurred bar photo shows that I was rushing. One quick snap, before the men seated nearby saw my phone.  Another rushed photo in the corner of the lounge, since the man seated moments before had vacated. That retro piano bar was quiet at that moment.  I wondered if the piano and velvet stools were original? Did Duke Ellington, Britney Spears, Bob Dylan or Led Zeppelin sing here, during their stays? Fancy Tent I returned to Don in our elegant tent and the food still had not arrived.  He looked very relaxed as he gazed over towards our 2 celebrities. Chances are quite good that there were other important people... writers, directors, actors I don't recognize. Food! Food arrived. Don's turkey club for $32.00 was pretty snazzy with marbled bread, pickles and asparagus. I'm not quite sure what he's doing with his fork.  My Greek Salad for $26. was not large, but it was healthy and fresh and tasty.  Until I bit into an un-chewable piece of wilted lettuce, which turned out to be a paper receipt. Our server was as surprised as me. She offered to get me a new salad, but I declined. I was almost done and had sort of lost my appetite. When she brought the check she apologized again and said the salad was removed from the check. Maybe I should have made a big fuss and gotten something more exciting. Wandering Our Way Out We settled up with our server, then took our time leaving the hotel. We took the stairs, for a change of scenery.  We stepped outside and felt pretty pleased with ourselves that we'd had a dining adventure with celebrities and a free salad. As we walked out towards the valet stand, I shook my head laughing. "Do you realize how lucky our server was, that I was the diner who ended up with paper in her salad?!" I've waited tables. I understand it wasn't her fault. But I can picture some of those other diners, not being so easygoing about the incident.  We walked out towards Sunset Boulevard to order an Uber. I told Don we should keep walking until we had a full view of the hotel.  It took a while before we were far enough away to see this fun image. I tried to imagine nearly a century ago, when the hotel was new and Sunset Boulevard was yet to be paved. Instead of Teslas and Subarus, there might have been a Ford Model A or a Packard, traveling along the boulevard, in West Hollywood!
What a fun adventure!
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Royal Hawaiian in 2024 This is how the old Royal Hawaiian looked when Don and I visited last fall!  My quick photo-snap failed to properly spotlight the carved tiki figures. It also didn't capture the giddiness Don and I were both feeling. One click and we rushed inside to see the iconic lounge, where we made good memories 4 decades ago. 2014 This is how Royal Hawaiian looked in 2014, when Don and I were back in Laguna Beach. The business had closed down and we couldn't pop in for Happy Hour, like we did as newlyweds in the '80s, living just blocks away.  The Cabang family still owned the biz. back in the '80s. Francis Cabang and his buddy Hal Hanna, originally opened the Polynesian style lounge in 1947. The Cabangs sold in 2006. Royal Hawaiian went through a few owners in the years that followed. All Fixed Up Our recent visit came a year after new ownership spiffed the place up. Thatched umbrellas and heaters welcomed October guests.  But who would want to sit facing the Coast Highway, when you could enjoy the Tiki decor just inside the door? The open door with the hefty porthole window, invited us in on that late autumn afternoon.
Where was the old door decor? The photo I took in 2014, showed a tiki figure.  I spotted this framed photo inside a little later. I guess that might be Francis Cabang standing beside the same door. Look at the palm tree? Only potted plants in front, today. Just inside It was about 4:30 when we entered the dimly lit waiting area.  The rock wall, rattan furniture and plants, helped me recall a few Tiki adventures from 4 decades ago. Conch Shell Seat You'd think I'd remember this crazy thing from back then.  Maybe it's a new addition.  We were way ahead of the TGIF crowds, so I paused for a fine photo. I pictured Tiki Fans, a few hours later, waiting in line to get their Instagram photos. Dining Area It was nice to be early before diners filled the tables. I could snap a few pics of the fresh new interior, without worry.  The built in dividers above the green seating, were impressive. They were created using jade tiles, salvaged from an ancient Chinese Temple! Should have snapped a close up photo. The cozy booths offered comfy seating for folks hoping to enjoy Mochiko Chicken Wings, or Chicken Dumplings or a Pu Pu Platter.  In fact I believe we sat in a similar booth and ordered a Pu Pu Platter in 1995. We were vacationing with young kids and they thought this place was mighty exciting. Colorful Lighting There was a lot to see, looking up towards the ceiling. Lots of bamboo... a ship's wheel and glowing green lamp.
Another light fixture shined red and green colors onto the palm thatched ceiling. Long Bar Don and I had a hard time remembering the old bar set-up. Was this the old location? The recent renovation left the bar looking a lot sleeker. No cluttering plants or TVs.  There were 22 stools at the glowing bar. Only about 6 seats were taken at 4:30. Back Lit Bar We took 2 seats by another couple, visiting for the first time from D.C. It was fun to chat with others who were enthused, like us.  We studied the 20 lit shelves, holding mugs and glassware, bottles liquor. Of course rum!  Above the shelves I spotted a draped skeleton. I was glad they hadn't gotten overly excited about Halloween decor. I'd rather gaze up and see a carved boat or clam shells than ghoulish delights.  And I'm always game for mid-century hula girl lamps. There were 2 and one had swinging hips! Retro Menu The menu design pleased me. I was wearing my 50s era flamingo dress and wanted to absorb as much Retro Tiki as possible.  I'm not sure how much a tropical drink would cost us in 1947, but there were 8 options on the menu, for $18. each.  I was disappointed for a moment that none of the drinks were served in Tiki glasses. But I guess glass allows you to actually see what you're drinking. Mai Tai and Lapu Lapu Our gold and brown drinks were served on the earthy sleek bar. My Mai Tai was half price at happy hour.  We had a full evening ahead and I didn't want to risk ruining it all by drinking the extremely potent Lapu Lapu. That's Royal Hawaiian's signature cocktail from 1947. Don's Lapu Lapu The 2-rum drink, with passion fruit and o.j. has changed a bit. There used to be a strict 2-drink limit. Don ordered just one, with the original recipe, which is not on the menu.  Maybe it was the original recipe, but it appeared to be smaller. Maybe that's a memory thing.  Don wore his bird of paradise shirt, to enjoy his cocktail.  We took a selfie. Which is something we obviously didn't do 40+ years ago. Old Photos Don had a good chat with the manager, when he inquired about t-shirts.  While he shopped, I studied old photos. Mr. and Mrs. Cabang This must be Mr. and Mrs. Cabang, standing near a billboard advertising Royal Hawaiian Charcoal Broiler.  I wish I could have learned more history about Francis and his buddy Hal. Both were born in the Philippines and both were WWII vets. They would be pleased to know their dream business is still delighting folks, 78 years after opening! Off By 5:15 The Happy Hour vibe was picking up by the time we headed out, just after 5. Musicians were arriving and yummy smells were wafting from the kitchen.  But 2 nights in Laguna isn't enough. We had a lot more to do.  I'm so glad this historic Laguna Beach landmark is back in the Tiki Biz!
Sacramento in 2024 In early March, Don and I flew into Sacramento for a long weekend.  We were in town to celebrate 2.5 special people. Our son and daughter-in-law are expecting a baby in May! Hollywood Park We spent a few days in Chali & Scott's wonderfully retro Hollywood Park neighborhood.  We enjoyed some good food at the house, but we didn't have to drive far to enjoy some great Asian food. There are dozens of Asian restaurants within a mile or two. Shower Time Our first gathering that involved food was in Chali & Scott's home. There are always good nibbles at a Baby Shower.
With more family and friends, we enjoyed sandwiches from Selland's! Fruit, salad and a purple cake, hiding beneath a pastel rainbow! 3 Nights It's been 7+ years since Scott and Chali's families have feasted together.
It was 2017, when we last gathered. We were in Thailand, for Chali and Scott's wedding.
We learned on that trip that we all enjoy feasting together. Japanese Sushi First During the long weekend, we enjoyed 3 mini dining adventures, all in the Hollywood Park neighborhood.  Sushi Cafe is just a half mile from the house. It was hopping at 5:30 on a Friday.  We were seated at a corner table, in a less decorated side room. The parking lot view wasn't too lovely, but it worked great for us. We were happy to have our own quiet space.  Charlie loved the crispy cucumber with sesame. She tried the chopsticks for a while. Fingers work better. Cheers! Some of us toasted with sake.  Charlie and Chali toasted with bottles of Ramune Soda. I was intrigued with the funny little bottles, holding marbles in the neck. (Google Ramune!) Sushi Boat Time! The most exciting part of the meal, was the Sushi Boat!  There were 5 boats to choose from on the menu.  We had enough people to order the largest! 13 pieces of nigiri for starts!  The boat was almost empty when we all decided we'd had enough. We ordered just right. Then our very gracious server brought a little sampler of Mochi and placed it in our empty boat!  The cool rice cakes almost tricked me into thinking we were eating ice cream! Chocolate, coffee, mango, strawberry... A nice end to a fun meal! Chinese Meal at Jade Fountain Cafe On another night. we shared a Chinese meal at Jade Fountain Cafe.  Like most of the Asian restaurants along Freeport Blvd, this strip center dining spot was all about the food. Not the atmosphere. Limited Ambience We were seated at a round table beneath bright lights and a TV. No worries about lacking ambience. Our focus was on the Lazy Susan in the middle of the table.  Our server seemed a little fussy when she placed the first dishes on the revolving platter. She pointed to the spoons and reminded us to turn them inwards.  We learned why. Soon our table was filled with dishes. I don't recall any wild spinning...  ...but suddenly one of our diners had a glass of ice water in the lap! Water was easy to mop up, compared to the incident that happened at the New Hong Kong Wok, right next door.  Towards the end of our meal (which was pretty delicious and reasonably priced) we noticed flashing red lights in the parking lot. EMS workers briefly entered Jade Fountain and spoke with a manager. We asked our server and she said the restaurant next door had called for help, after scalding hot tea caused a serious burn. She said Lazy Susan accidents are not uncommon. Especially with playful teens. Home Prepared Thai Food Our third Asian dinner involved Thai food made by Chali's mom.  Linda created 3 fabulous dishes! She's cooked for us in 5 different cities in past years. She adapts to different kitchens and uses whatever ingredients she can find. Her food is mouthwatering wherever we are.  We gathered around the coffee table and devoured the flavors!  The next time our happy group (from California, D.C. and Texas) comes together again, we'll have an extra mouth to feed.  Cheers to Japanese, Chinese and Thai food! Cheers to ice cream! And cheers to future feast with Baby N!
Lunch in June 2023 I'd never heard of Tulelake and I'd never heard of Mike & Wanda's.  But nearly 2 years ago, Don and I somehow found ourselves in the town of less than 1,000 people, at a restaurant that had a homey-western look. Wide Street It was about noon, when we pulled up to Mike & Wanda's, on Modoc Avenue. The street was wide and the wood covered building, seemed to cover the whole block.  There were 3 door options. We passed the door with bars... that said BAR. The door beneath the Restaurant/Lounge sign, said No Trespassing. The last door had a less welcoming sign, but it opened to the cafe. More Wood Right away, I liked the place. Lots of knotty pine!  There were cozy booths, tables and counter seating. Endless Counter The long wooden bar looked as endless and exaggerated as the long wooden building facing the street.  I counted 8 stools at the "bar". The bottles behind the counter had no liquor. They were bottles of flavored syrups. It was summertime and fun to watch 3 kids being served ice cream cones. They looked like they'd just stopped in, on the way to the park across the street.  The woman serving the kids assured us she'd be right with us. But I was in no hurry. I was having fun examining the walls and the framed artwork critters. Entertaining Pine The wood paneling had a lot going on. It was fun to spot all the various cattle brands, here and there.  I'm not sure what kind of pine this was. A very hole-y cypress? But the deep grooves and circular knots, made my imagination run wild. Oh if I'd had a Sharpie and dared. I could have created the best cartoons. This and That I also enjoyed a few decorator accents. A pump/chicken salt & pepper holder!  A vintage radio was wearing a hat, on the back counter. Sweet Critters And I was so curious about the primitive animal paintings, displayed on the walls.  There must have been some story about the artist. Local? Reading and Listening Don and I took a while to study the M & W menu, while the woman who had served the ice cream, tended to tables.  I did a little eavesdropping. A group of men behind Don seemed to be taking a break from working on a ranch. An elderly couple in a booth chatted with the "Ice Cream Woman", who graciously took her time with them, even though she clearly was working the entire restaurant herself. Other Rooms Our room seemed to be quiet, compared to the noise I heard coming from a nearby doorway. Lots of laughter. A party?  After we placed our order I went exploring and found the Rotary Club Room. No one there. The Bar I stepped into the bar and spotted at least 5 deer heads and 6 men in various hats.  But they weren't making noise. They were all focused on the TV while they ate. Busy Server I found another room with 2 private groups. The ice cream serving woman was rushing to serve one large group. There was a lot of laughter and teasing, yet the woman was professional and efficient. I chose not to intrude with my camera and returned to find my salad waiting.  My 5-dollar side salad was actually pretty tasty. I felt a little guilty not ordering more, but I knew I'd be helping Don... Don ordered a tuna melt, which came with fries and dipping sauce.  I was a good helper and ate about half those yummy fries. The sandwich was pretty darn good and nice and hot. Checking Out After finishing our meal, we finally had a moment to chat with the woman we'd watched serving and busing and even tending to a young barefoot daughter, who came in looking for a toy behind the counter.  As we paid up at the counter, I told her I'd watched her juggling so many customers during our lunch visit. She laughed with good humor, that she was indeed understaffed that day. I then asked who was behind the name of the restaurant. "My parents." She answered with a funny smile. "My dad died a couple years ago and my mom has Alzheimer's. And here I am." She added that they'd had the business for over 40 years. Then she laughed again, "They could have just left me a lake house." Ice Cream to Go I never got the name of the very hardworking and gracious woman who now owns the business. But I did get to tell her how much we enjoyed the food and appreciated her service. I told her I'd watched her serving the kids ice cream and it had made me nostalgic for a good old fashioned cone.  She lit up with enthusiasm when I ordered a cone. "We just got the machine! It seems to be a big hit!" Ice Cream We stepped outside and I enjoyed my cone while wandering over to the little park across the street. Hearing the young woman talk about her parents made me pull out my cellphone one more time.  I snapped a photo of the street and water tower, then dialed up my 94 year old Dad. He answered on his landline back in Missouri. "Hi Dad. I'm having an ice cream cone right now, in the town of Tulelake..."
We had a nice chat. Mysterious Building In late October Don and I enjoyed a Persian dining adventure, with our good friends. We were in San Diego, far from the Middle East.  It was 5:00 when we arrived in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. This curious and windowless building, already had a line at the door. Ready to Go! We weren't worried about the line. Cliff and Rhona had made reservations exactly a month before. Pretty much the only way to get a table at this new and popular place!  Rhona and I posed in the dramatic entrance, with glowing red lamps. We were ready for the evening, but in no hurry. There was a lot to take in, on the outside. In We Go The mysterious doors opened every minute or so. A host greeted the next in line. (all had reservations) It felt a little like a speakeasy.  Once inside, our eyes had to adjust to the dark, space. 4,800 thousand square feet. Across the arched bridge, I spotted a bar with glowing green rabbits! I think they were rabbits.
I snapped photos quickly, knowing there would soon be crowds filling the space. To the left of the bar, I spotted some cozy booth seating.  I snapped another photo, even though the lighting was so dim it was impossible to capture. Trees and Sky We followed the hostess through the dazzling main dining room. The round table caught my eye... beside a glowing tree and beneath a ceiling of tiny white stars!  Arsalun Tafazoli is the name behind this spectacular, almost movie set interior. Although born in the U.S., Tafazoli's parents were from Iran. Growing up, he frequently visited the Middle East and grew to love the ancient beauty and regional foods, from Morocco to Iran. The spectacular atmosphere of Leila, was inspired by the night markets of Marrakesh. Room in Back We followed our hostess into a small room with 4 tables. There were arched windows looking into the main dining room.  Each table was lit by an oil lamp. An amazing mix of fabrics and textures and designs, surrounded each sitting area. Nearby Fountain We didn't have any glowing trees or bridges in our room.  But we slid into our booth, right beside this sweet tile fountain. It truly felt like we'd take a trip to a place that I've only seen in photos. Fabric Fort Rhona took this photo of Don and me, getting ready to enjoy the evening.
 We were absolutely surrounded by woven designs. It was cozy and romantic and playful all at once. It felt like a circus one moment and a childhood fort made of sheets & blankets, the next. I'm pretty sure that is not what Tafazoli had in mind with this design. But I loved it! Upstairs I only sat for a moment before I had to be "let out" of my corner. A trip to the Ladies Room was my excuse.  There actually was no Ladies Room, or Mens Room. This was the common area where all guests could wash their hands, or slip into one of the "water closets", behind a few beautifully carved doors.
Worthy of 2 photos!! This might have been the most lovely toilet I've ever seen! I wanted to peek in the other doors to see if the designs varied. But I was a little timid, in case someone failed to lock their door. Up & Down My trip to the restroom was sort of an excuse, to peek around quickly, before the crowds.  I just had to go up that pretty stairway, surrounded by rock walls and lamp-holding lions! The festive bar was even cozier than downstairs bar.  And the view from the second level, was worth the trip!  So many curves! So many glowing lanterns!  My attempts at showing the starry sky and the rocky wall, were quite lame. Better to just look with your eyes sometimes. Down I took a quick photo before dashing back to the table. Then I decided not to dash at all. There was no railing and my glasses were on the table. Man, this is dark. They are not catering to oldsters here. I squinted like an old granny and chuckled as I imagined myself... a slow (Carol Burnette-style) tumble, landing by the lions.  I'm being dramatic. I don't ever worry about stairs. But I did use my old rock-climbing skills and feel for a crevice or 2 as I walked (not dashed) all the way down. Kitchen No drama on the stairs, but I did see some flame excitement when I turned towards the open kitchen island, near the bottom of the stairs.  There was a lot going on with wood logs and flickering flames and massive skewers. A happy and busy staff was attending. Bread! The smells of fresh breads alerted me as well! Naan, pita, Khobz, Za'atar!  I believe the circular opening, was part of the custom made, clay tabun oven I'd read about. Similar to the tandoor ovens used for cooking Indian naan. Menu Honestly, I wasn't gone long. Our menus had just arrived. The design on the cover had just as many intricate designs as we had on and around our table.  We were encouraged by our server, to enjoy sharing many dishes. Salatim Platter We began with an amazing platter of breads and spreads and "dips". I'm sure dip is not the term to use. But we did lots of dipping.  Hummus, muhammara, cucumber yogurt, green tahini, shallot yogurt, pickles, olives, all served with 3 kinds of bread. The flavors were amazing. Cocktails Don and I haven't been to Iran or any of the Arab countries, that inspired the foods in the menu. But we've had quite a few Sazeracs, in New Orleans. Don was pretty curious to try Leila's Saz'arak.  This was quite an interesting version of the famous New Orleans cocktail! Bourbon arak, apricot, flaernum, peychaud's bitters!  Don was given some special instructions about how to go about this. I was was too busy with my own drink and foods, to see how he tackled this! Ready to Enjoy Cliff and Rhona lived in Azerbaijan, for a number of years. They've dined in Middle East. They've served us Turkish feasts. I knew if they were impressed, it would be a good thing.  They were! They seemed just as eager about taking in the atmosphere and enjoying all the flavors, as Don and me! Cheers to dining adventures with these 2!  And I must mention my drink, as well! Azizam! Rum, arak, cardamom, banana, coconut, pineapple, lime!  I was giddy over the wild list of tropical ingredients in my drink. I'd say it went well with my goodies from the platter! Main Dishes The photo below, shows that we possibly ordered too much for the size of our table!  Luckily the oval plate did not land in my lap. The flaming lamp did not fall over either!
The food arrived swiftly with a number of servers. 3 kinds of kabob, (chicken, beef veggie) were skillfully de-skewered onto large plates. I wish my camera skills had been faster. That scene was very fun!  The aromas wafting up from that table, were just amazing. So many flavors and spices. Saffron, turmeric, tahini, onion. The roasted tomatoes and sumac onions, were just perfect along with the tender meats!  The fire roasted cauliflower (above) was actually one of my favorites! Sun dried tomato, preserved lemon, cumin, dukkah... Just mouthwatering! Heading Off By the time the last plate was carried away, we were delightfully stuffed.  The restaurant was crowded and loud by the time we headed outside. The restaurant on 30th Street, looked fun with the dramatic lighting.  We had a short walk to our car, which was probably good. We needed to move a little, after that extraordinary feast!
What a memorable dinner, with the best of friends. So hope to return! |
The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
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