Six Taste Blog

socalfood: 12 California Cheeses that Everyone Should Know One...

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:51:02 -0700

12 California Cheeses that Everyone Should Know

One may think of Europe when one thinks of great cheese, but over the past few years California dairy farmers have been stepping up their game, and the Golden State is now home to a wide range of truly excellent cheeses, from cows, sheep and goats. Some of the best are listed below — what are you favorite California cheeses?

Foggy Morning, Nicasio Valley
Tangy and sharp, this spreadable cream cheese-like cow cheese is especially nice on toast with a drizzle of honey or your favorite jam. Its texture is slightly crumbly, but melts on the tongue.

Bandage Cheddar, Fiscalini Farms
For those who like a distinct cheddar, this is a gem. Its geode-like interior has all of the flavor you would expect in a small production farmhouse cheddar. The best part? Finding an occasional pocket of blue mold among the craggles and crannies.

Mezzo Seco Jack, Vella Cheese Co.
This is the godfather of California cheese. A staple among cheese stores up and down California, Vella’s Mezzo Seco is coated in cocoa powder before being sealed in wax. Its firm body is similar in density to a young parmesan and makes for an excellent grating cheese over soup, salad or pasta.

See more here!

Downtown Lobby: 2012 Culture Collie Festival Initial Line Up Announced

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:41:30 -0700

Downtown Lobby: 2012 Culture Collie Festival Initial Line Up Announced:

downtownlobby:

Yet another festival announcement has been made! This time around it’s for the 2012 Culture Collide Festival which is set to take over Los Angeles return in the fall for another massive multi-venue music celebration. The initial line up has just been announced and you can expect to see…

latimes: Pittsburgh cafe offers cuisine from the U.S. conflict...

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:02:22 -0700

latimes:

Pittsburgh cafe offers cuisine from the U.S. conflict du jour: The Conflict Kitchen specializes in dishes and discourse from countries involved in scraps with America. Cuban food is next in line.

Best quote in the story: “The stomach really clears a path.”

Photo: Dawn Weleski, center, talks with passersby at the takeout window of the Conflict Kitchen. Credit: Keith Srakocic / Associated Press

From Jeff's Desk: Seven Must Know Small Businesses For Mother's Day

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:00 -0700

Mother’s Day is less than a week away and if you’re still scrambling to find the perfect present, you should keep reading. We’re sharing a handful of great Los Angeles tastemakers, all of whom will be at Six Taste’s ‘Decadence: Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Party’ on Saturday, May 12th (nothing surprises mom more than showing up a day early).

Tasty Clouds

Nina Rodecker founded Tasty Clouds as a result of her pregnancy craving (very fitting for Mother’s Day). Her cotton-candy cravings became the inspired her unique flavors like Banana Cadabra, Berry Caliente, Asian Ginger, and Citrus Swirl. for her signature light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy. We will be raffling off several tubs of her signature light, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth cotton-candy at our Mother’s Day Events.

Cutie Pie That

Cutie Pie That makes ‘Pies Brought Down to Size’. A favorite at farmer’s markets, avid home baker Tonya Dooley makes these 4-inch pies in a variety of seasonal ingredients. Our favorite is the Meyer Lemon Mojito Pie but guests at our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea will get to sample several of her concoctions.

Mignon

Santos Uy has his own mini French wine empire with Mignon in Downtown LA and his latest venture Papilles, in Hollywood. He has developed a reputation for his ability to serve simple, high-quality ingredient dishes paired with a selection of wines that anyone can enjoy. Santos hand-picked the sparkling wine for Saturday.

Marti Chocolates

These handmade chocolates provide a tropical/Asian twist on artisan chocolate. Chocolatier Tonet Tibay trained as an apprentice at the chocolate and confectionary production facility of the world renowned Lenotre in France. After 15 years in the corporate world, she started Marti Chocolate to pursue her passion to produce quality premium chocolates. The first 60 guests to arrive will receive a set of chocolates made by Tonet to take home.

Cayetano Legacy Collection and Vesterie

Both Cayetano Legacy Collection and Vesterie are recently launched start-ups by young entrepreneurs (full disclosure, Vesterie is owned by Six Taste tour guide, Celeste!). Cayetano Legacy Collections sources materials from the Philippines with genuine, natural stones. Vesterie focuses on statement pieces for the fashion forward through an online accessory boutique. Both CLC and Vesterie will be displaying several of their pieces that will be available online.

Nectar Skincare

Nectar Skincare was developed by Celeste Perez, owner of Vesterie. Nectar Skincare is an all-natural premium skincare line, melding natural remedies with the latest advances in cosmetic chemistry. One of the few aloe vera based lines, Awe Beauty provides gentle healing for all types of skin. Guests will receive a small sample set of some of Nectar’s skincare products.

hyperallergic: The patchwork of photos are quite fitting. They...

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:01:43 -0700

hyperallergic:

The patchwork of photos are quite fitting. They demonstrate how memories of place are always multifaceted.

kpseesee:

Twenty years ago LA erupted in riots. KPSeeSee’s Mae Ryan collaged archival photos taken during the riots with images in the same location today. For an audio mashup check out Shirley Jahad’s piece on KPCC.

starrykitchen: Happy “Uno de MAYO!” Ya know, maybe I haven’t...

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:55:52 -0700

starrykitchen:

Happy “Uno de MAYO!” Ya know, maybe I haven’t talked enough about hte JALAPENO GREEN CURRY TOFU in all this MALAY CHIX CURRY mumbo-jumbo (what, I LOVE IT!!!)

First of all, I’d like to consider my myself a “curry connoisseur” sorts (not a in a snobby uppity way, but in the way that if they made multiple curry lip gloss flavors.. yeah, I’d “use you” to make-out with ya because I love curry SOOOOO much) so I love ALL my curry flavored “children” (which I didn’t even notice until I was typing, I have TWO curry children on the menu right now… WOO HOO!)

So I do love the JALAPENO GREEN CURRY TOFU too.. ESPECIALLY cause it has a nice “hi-ya” KICK to it. LOL Get it now kiddos, and if you need more curry sauce just ask the staff (‘cause that shit is so GOOOOOOOD!) I gotta becareful what I’d promise for on this blog (because one of your 3-4 or even 5 of you readers may hold me to it): but I’d consider giving someone else’s left nut (if offered voluntarily) for the JALAPENO GREEN CURRY TOFU. It really is that kinda tasty goodness, but I assume no one’s gonna volunteer so you’re just gonna have to trust me on this. :)

CINCO DE MAYO???

On a different note, we (or actually YOU) TECHNICALLY are going to miss Cinco de Mayo at SK because it lands on a Saturday. I had a different idea- why don’t we do a nearly pointless (but fun) “Dia de Mayo” celebration every day (which is why I opened up w/ “Uno de Mayo” above for the few of you paying attention- THANKS ;D). I’ll be honest and I didn’t quite get my shit together, so I’m still not sure what we’re going to do today. Check out Facebook / Twitter soon because I do have SOMETHING percolating that could be a great “Uno de Mayo” (because we’re gonna start celebrating NOW ^_^).

“Take THAT Cinco de Mayo!”

Xoxo,

TEAM SK

Your Healthista: The Ten Most Awkward Appetizers

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:55:55 -0700

Your Healthista: The Ten Most Awkward Appetizers:

yourhealthista:

thetangential:

We present this post from the archives as a public service to Justin Bieber, who—according to “Boyfriend”—apparently thinks fondue is sexy. Not so much, Biebs.

10. Bruschetta. No engineer would design an appetizer like bruschetta. You have a little heap of tomatoes…

scanwiches: Urban Lobster Shack Food Truck: Classic Lobster...

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:57:01 -0700

scanwiches:

Urban Lobster Shack Food Truck: Classic Lobster Roll

hyperallergic: The patchwork of photos are quite fitting. They...

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:10:24 -0700

hyperallergic:

The patchwork of photos are quite fitting. They demonstrate how memories of place are always multifaceted.

kpseesee:

Twenty years ago LA erupted in riots. KPSeeSee’s Mae Ryan collaged archival photos taken during the riots with images in the same location today. For an audio mashup check out Shirley Jahad’s piece on KPCC.

hellorenee: Well dang, now I’m just hungry.

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:09:41 -0700

hellorenee:

Well dang, now I’m just hungry.

latimes: Remember this video we posted in August? We’ve got a...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:02:42 -0700

latimes:

Remember this video we posted in August? We’ve got a profile up on Colin Rich today.

Rich considers the film a work of self-expression and, despite several offers from television producers, insists the footage is not for sale.
But its success helped him land new work for the production company he started with Ahmanson last year. He’s been shooting time-lapse images for commercials as well as for “R.I.P.D.,” a film starring Jeff Bridges that is scheduled for release next year.

Rich said the most common reaction to “LA Light” from viewers in Southern California was amazement — they’d never seen their city that way before.

“It’s just such a different perspective from being stuck in a car, waiting an hour to go down the road,” said Matthew Givot, a local photographer. “You realize the city has this incredible order and system.”

socalfood: Midnight Snack: Taco Zone with Jonah Bautista and...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:02:26 -0700

socalfood:

Midnight Snack: Taco Zone with Jonah Bautista and Kristin Lorey

At 826LA, I’ve seen field trips where kids create stories through the guidance of 826LA leaders. I’ve seen their excitement when they leave with their very own book. Creating that happiness from achievement might not meet our highfalutin “genius” label because those moments occur in classrooms across the world, but it’s as beautiful as watching “Citizen Kane” and as inspiring as a Horatio Alger story.

This week, I met with two such creators of genius: Jonah Bautista, AmeriCorps VISTA Member and 826LA Volunteer Outreach and Support Assistant, and Kristin Lorey, 826LA Echo Park Programs and Outreach Coordinator. We went to Taco Zone, a taco truck that arrives around 8 p.m. near the corner of Alvarado and Montana in Echo Park next to a Vons parking lot. It is a place where, no doubt, plenty of drunk hipsters have found genius in a well-prepared burrito.

Jason: What is it about Echo Park that you like?

Jonah: Much more so than in any other part of the city, I think it has the most small town vibe. I like running into people who are co-workers or running into our friends whenever we stop by the grocery store, and I feel like that’s not something I would have originally expected of an L.A. life. When I walk down the street I can say hi to all my friends who are also my neighbors.

Kristin: Yeah, totally. We have friends that live right across the street from here and I think that everyone I know in L.A. is in a three-block radius. It became a very fast community here and I think 826LA is a large part of that.

Jonah: And they have Taco Zone.

See more here!

Six Awesome Foodie Infographics

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:45:00 -0700

Who knew making cocktails could be so easy? Although illustrator Fabio Rex isn’t yet selling these in poster-form, every bar and home should blow one of these up as soon as it’s available. I’ve always wondered what was in a ‘salty dog’.

From our own backyard – I’ve always loved Pizzeria Mozza’s use of their menu. I vehemently agree with the infographic about how sad it is that America votes anchovies as their least favorite topping. Have you had an anchovy recently? PUT IT ON EVERYTHING. Try Maximilliano’s Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with anchovy.

For all us caffeine addicts out there. Thanks to designer Lokesh Dhakar, any of us can download this handy guide to coffee drinks for free Now you know that your Americano is a watered down espresso.

This infographic comes from the minds of the people at Small Batch Creative. Even though I have a non-existent sweet tooth, I still like this fun infographic on cupcakes.

I have always wondered what foods were in season. Not only is this an awesome infographic, but you can download a free poster, or use the online, interactive version. Tattoo this infographic to your wrist so you never enter a grocery store or farmers market without it.

See how LA stacks up in other major cities as this infographic tells us where we rank in food and drink spending according to city. Austin tops the chart with a whopping $12,447 spent annual per household. LA doesn’t even rank in the top 10! We have to change this, Angelenos!

latimes: A 50th anniversary at Dodger Stadium, with a sober...

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:47:43 -0700

latimes:

A 50th anniversary at Dodger Stadium, with a sober undertone: Hundreds of LAPD officers provide security at the stadium, a reminder of the opening day beating last year of Giants fan Bryan Stow. Fans have mixed feelings about the police presence.

Photo: The American flag is unfurled during the national anthem on opening day at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

How French Food Works With Korean Ingredients via the Wall Street Journal

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:52:38 -0700

French chef Pierre Gagnaire opened a five-star restaurant in one of Seoul’s biggest hotels, the Lotte in the center city, at the absolute worst time – in 2009, as the country was trying to overcome the global economic crisis.

The Lotte stood by him and he stood by it. And in the three years since, the man who created and whose name is one on of the most praised restaurants in Paris has quietly turned his Seoul outpost into a reflection of Korea.

“For me, the objective is not to be Pierre Gagnaire from Paris. It is to enter into the culture of the city and the country,” he said in an interview.

[Wall Street Journal]

HRH The Prince of Wales has strong feelings on the future of...

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:18:06 -0700

HRH The Prince of Wales has strong feelings on the future of food.

Dreaming of a streetscape without roll-down security gates

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:05 -0700

Dreaming of a streetscape without roll-down security gates:

From the Washington Post—how roll-down security gates can blight a downtown

"Should Los Angeles New Yorkify? If skyscrapers popped up and mass transit displaced cars, would..."

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:17:06 -0700

“

Should Los Angeles New Yorkify?

If skyscrapers popped up and mass transit displaced cars, would Hollywood lose its charm, or just become more livable?

”

- The New York Times

From Jeff's Desk: Top Five LA Dishes I Could Eat Forever

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:11:13 -0700

I’m excited to share this list. Don’t read expecting a list of the top six trendiest restaurants that experiment with the most obscure molecular gastronomy preparations. Nor does this list contain any marijuana-infused dishes. Instead, it features five simple dishes that I would be more than happy to eat every day for the rest of my life.

Kyochon’s Fried Chicken

Kyochon is the undisputed champion of fried chicken in Los Angeles. Anyone who tells you otherwise hasn’t devoured mounds of it drunk at 2am. Yes, it takes 30-45 minutes to make, but if you peek into the kitchen, someone is hand brushing Kyochon’s garlic soy mixture on every piece of your 50-wing meal. That’s right. Someone’s picking up each individual piece, brushing the glaze on every crack and crevice of your chicken so no bite is left untouched by this magical marinade. It’s this level of attention that leaves the flavors sitting on your palate and smelling up your car for weeks. What more proof could you need? Jonathan Gold loves it.

Din Tai Fung’s Juicy Pork Dumplings

Including Din Tai Fung’s Juicy Pork Dumplings is a little bit of a cop-out. These little savory gushers probably sit on the top 10 of most lists. Until you nibble on the side of these perfectly steamed dumplings, unleashing a delicious broth flecked with oil and umami, you won’t understand that this dish is life changing. If there was only one dish and one restaurant to introduce to someone in LA, Din Tai Fung would be high on my priority list.

The Spice Table’s Lemongrass Bahn Mi

I’ll probably get a lot of flack for this one. Whenever you’re dealing with an ethnic dish that you can get for more than 50% cheaper in the OC or SGV it’s going to have to stand out. Yet, Chef Bryant Ng manages to do something truly special with his food. You’ll always find Chef Ng greeting customers as he stokes the fire on his beloved grill, just behind the counter. Once you bite into your food, you understand why Bryant recently won Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef. I spend a lot of time in Little Tokyo around lunch on Fridays, preparing for weekend tours and can’t help but find myself in the beautiful red-bricked building that is The Spice Table. This hulking sandwich is only $8.00 but could definitely feed you for two meals, if you manage not to inhale it in one sitting. Paired with their homemade shrimp chips, this is one of my favorite lunch spots.

Fisherman’s Outlet Charbroil Sampler

I’ve written about this place before. How can you not love these hulking plates of fresh seafood over a bed of rice? For the price, this is probably one of the best values of seafood you can find. Sure, you can go to The Water Grill for a perfectly seared Rhode Island Flounder, but it will set you back $33 big ones. Instead, spring for a charbroil sampler of giant shrimp, salmon, and tiger shrimp for $15 with garlic butter sauce, and Cajun sauce. Throw away the silverware – this is the kind of meal where you want to get in with your hands.

Jacks N Joe’s Off-Menu Loaded Hashbrowns

This dish is not for the faint of heart. Seriously, you will have a heart attack if you eat this dish too often. This is everything you could ever want for breakfast,

But, Jacks N Joe is not just any brunch place, this place has soul. You can feel it in their food. Eating this warms my body and reminds me of home. It is my ultimate indulgence, but I’m proud of it. Despite the cornucopia of bacon, cheddar cheese, sausage, egg, hashbrowns, green onions, and aioli, I never leave feeling sickened. Perhaps it’s the quality of ingredients they use, or the tenderness of the preparation. I always leave Jacks N Joe’s with a happy face.

Why We Love Grand Central Market

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:01:08 -0700

If you’re looking for something that’s a cross between the village mercats of Catalonia and something out of a Raymond Chandler novel (probably a getaway scene of some sort) that also happens to be the epicenter of downtown foodie-ism, then look no further. Grand Central Market is at once a tourist’s dream with it’s close location to a metro stop and the Angel’s Flight but also a must-see spot for locals who want to get a sense of what they’re missing in Downtown’s increasingly lively food scene. They’re one of our favorite stops on our Downtown LA tour—come and check it out with us next weekend! [Book Now]