SoCal Sage

100 Things

Get To Know Your Restaurant Hunter!

1. My favorite color is pink it makes me happy.
2. I LOVE cold showers, if it is freezing outside I will start a shower with hot water but it has to end with freezing cold water.
3. My worst mood can be instantly lifted with a double tall, non-fat, extra hot, one Splenda and one equal latte and oatmeal raisin cookie from Starbucks.
4. My favorite breakfast is a low-fat apricot blueberry muffin and grande coffee with 2 Splendas and non-fat milk from Starbucks.
5. I LOVE Starbucks.
6. Grey’s Anatomy made me want to be a surgeon, but I hate blood, and science…so that was out—but can Dr. McDreamy still be in!?
7. I love clean houses but hate cleaning my room.
8. I will try on 8 outfits before I go out for an evening and end up wearing trial outfit #1.
9. Kathy Griffin cracks me up.
10. I’m 22 and already get the random gray hair.  Everyone tells me if I pull a gray out 2 more will grow in its place, I yank it out regardless…what can I say, I’m a dare devil.
11. I don’t think it is fair that I have to get gray hair and I am still get the occasional break-out, it’s like a teenager and a senior citizen all in one head.
12. I went to culinary school, but still LOVE take out Thai Food.
13. I get fiercely defensive about my political beliefs.
14. I believe in God but am not a big fan of organized religion.
15. I am counting down the days until the 7^th Harry Potter book.
16. I love planning dates for other people.
17. Ordering wine at a restaurant makes me feel like an adult.
18. I love champagne; it makes me feel girlie and cosmopolitan.
19. I like red licorice but hate black.
20. Fall is my favorite season.
21. My mom is my best friend.
22. I am a huge fan of L’Oreal self-tanner.
23. I fancy myself more like Carrie from ‘Sex in the City,’ but realistically have more Charlotte-like characteristics.
24. I like the smell of gasoline when I fill up my car.
25. My sense of time leaves something to be desired.
26. I would like to be rich and famous,
27. I pass out when I get super nervous and stressed out.  I get hot, dizzy and then the lights just go out.
28. Food tastes better after midnight.
29. I adore pink, fruity cocktails,
30. One of my favorite things to do is curl up on the lounge chair, in the sun with a light-hearted murder mystery, preferably with the heroine being a caterer, florist or badass bounty hunter.
31. I have five favorite places in the world, 1. Mammoth Lakes, CA 2. Venice, Italy 3. San Francisco, CA 4. Home 5. The Beach.
32. I HATE being new, I feel awkward and nervous, and all the while being completely sure that NO ONE else has ever felt the same way.
33. I don’t understand the ‘skinny jeans’ fad.  If you are not 5’10 and 100 pounds they just are not super flattering.
34. I want to change the world.
35. I love to bake, but hate cake.
36. I hate going to the gym but love working out once I am there.
37. I secretly love to watch tear jerker movies when I am home alone, and cry my eyes out.
38. I will never have a scale in my house.
39. I have horrible follow through.
40. I have a horse named Indy; every time I see her she makes me smile and giggle like a little girl with no worries or responsibilities.
41. I want long hair but as soon as my hair starts to grow I get bored and cut it, then I cry.
42. I am vain.
43. Inside my head I am very confident, sure of my abilities and if anyone is rude I have a quick retort.  In all actuality I usually keep mum.
44. I forgive quickly, but don’t forget very easily.
45. I take it incredibly personally when someone is rude.
46. I cry and laugh easily.
47. I hate how jeans never fit the same, even if they are the exact same brand and size.
48. I am INCREDIBLY anal about most things, though I like to pretend I am totally a “go with the flow” kinda gal.
49. I frequently wear a watch that does not work because I think it looks cute.
50. I wish I were genius status.
51. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball and could see into the future.  That way I wouldn’t have to stress about what my career is going to be, I could just see it.
52. If I find out that an incredibly good-looking man cheats on his wife he instantly becomes unattractive in my head.
53. People that don’t like animals make me sad.
54. I would like to be extremely rich so that I could travel all over the world and help other people.
55. I drive a Prius.
56. My favorite number is 9.  It is also my Dad’s favorite number.  That is probably why it is mine, hmmm.
57. I love babies, but I also love to hand them back to their mothers when they start crying incessantly.
58. I love recognition.  Some people say they do things for themselves, and they don’t care if they get any recognition.  Not me, I like it.
59. I hate wrinkles in my clothes, I even iron my jeans.
60. I, like, to, use, commas.
61. I honestly think I have a better family than anyone else.
62. I know when it’s about that time of the month because I start crying at ridiculous things; sappy commercials, my boyfriend looks at me funny…I also take things incredibly personally.
63. If I take a shower but do not wash my hair, I don't feel TRUELY clean.
64. Sometimes I wish I were someone else.
65. I kind of despise video games but try to like them for my boyfriend’s sake.
66. I would love to take dance lessons either ballroom, salsa or swing.
67. I drink things incredibly fast.  Be it diet coke, water, alcohol….whatever.
68. I am addicted to caffeine and get a horrific headache if I don’t start the day with coffee.
69. If I could be remembered for just one thing I would like to be remembered as a loving person. 
70. I use to wish that I could change things about my body; I would be taller, thinner, bigger boobs, etc.  I am working on just loving me.
71. I would like to move to New York City or San Francisco.
72. I think that the movie Wedding Crashers is HiLaRiOuS…”Lock it up!”
73. I have a secret love of reading US weekly. 
74. I was a vegetarian for 4 years.
75. I hate change.
76. I think basketball is incredibly boring to watch.
77. I don’t understand mean people.
78. The smell of new shoes makes me happy.
79. Sharks scare me.
80. It frustrates me when people do not vote.
81. I would like to write for a magazine like Gourmet, Food and Wine or Cooking Light.
82. I want my own cooking show.
83. I hate conflict.
84. I love Coach purses.
85. I am a designer junkie; I just don’t have the cash flow to support my habit.
86. I love wearing dresses.
87. I am very opinionated.
88. The amount of hormones that are being injected into the animals that we humans consume frightens me; it’s a bummer organic food is so darn expensive.
89. I love staying up late and having alone time.
90. I am 5’4 but often say I am 5’5.
91. As a kid birthdays always seemed so far apart, now they seem much to close together.
92. I love the rain.
93. I wish I was tougher than I am…I need to work on that.
94. Getting ready takes to long, I wish I could just snap my fingers and I would be showered, shampooed, my hair and make-up would be done and I would be wearing a fabulous outfit.
95. I eat when I’m bored.
96. I like waking up early; it makes me feel productive before I have even started my day.
97. It irritates me when the person you are spending time with talks on their cell phones.
98. I like to drive with the heater on and the windows down.
99. I like hats but they make my forehead itch.
100. I love cold sheets on hot summer nights.

Cheap but Chic

Tip #2

SoCal’s Hyped for Happy Hour

Dating can get expensive.  Movie tickets seem to go up in price daily and dinner either bores the taste buds or bores holes in your wallet; either way not an appealing picture! 

            Finding a happy hour that suits your needs can seem tedious.  It seems like every time I walk into a restaurant happy hour has always just ended, so I have done the legwork for you.  Here is a list of great local happy hours!

·          El Torito, 1474 North Kraemer, Placentia, CA 92870 (714) 996-5350 - Great hours!  Monday through Friday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, El Torito offers Cuervo Gold House Margaritas $3.75, Domestic Draft Beer $2.75, Domestic Grand Draft $3.95, House Chardonnay $3.50 and Well Drinks $2.75.  Instead of two entrees, ordering a few appetizers is a great way to go!

·          Yard House, 160 South Brea Blvd., Brea, CA 92821, (714) 529-9273 - While the hours are not as appealing as others (especially for those who work late), Monday through Friday 3:00pm to 6:00pm the drinks and the good sized appetizers make the hustle from the office worth it.  All pints are $3.25, Well Drinks 4.25 and House Martinis are $5.25 (the Pink Paradise always strikes my fancy).  The Yard House also offers select appetizers at half price, I recommend the Spinach Cheese Dip and the Grilled Artichoke.

·          BJ’s Restaurant and Brew house, 600 Brea Mall Drive, Brea, CA 92821    (714) 990-2095  - In the mood for deep-dish pizza and amazing varieties of Bj’s original beer?  Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 7pm and again from 10pm to midnight, Friday from 4pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 10pm to midnight, this chain brew house offers a happy hour menu that is kinder to the food consumer than that of the liquor lover.  Bj’s mini pizzas are half price, appetizers are $2 off and Bj’s beers and well drinks are $1 off.  The lively sports bar atmosphere is great for a first date, tenth date or just a place to meet up with some friends. 

·          TAPS Fish House and Brewery, 101 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821 (714) 257-0101- Taps offers the ‘early bird’ of happy hours.  From 2pm to 4pm Monday through Friday only, Well Drinks $4.25, Wines $4.25, House Beers $3.25, Signature Martinis $5.25 and Selected Appetizers are $5.00.

·          Claim Jumper, 3935 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA (949) 851-5085- When BIG portions meet BIG prices the Jumper’s happy hour comes to the rescue.  Relax in the Saloon Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm and enjoy Well Drinks, $3.25; Wine by the glass, Mixed Drinks, Draft and Pitchers, $1 off; Select Appetizers, about $2-$4 each.

·          Dave and Busters, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA (949) 727-0555- For those of you who prefer a joy stick with your beer rather than chicken drum-sticks during happy hour, Dave and Busters is for you!  Monday through Friday from 4:30pm to 7pm and again Sunday through Thursday from 10pm to closing time Mix Drinks are half-off, and both Wine By The Glass and Draft Beers are both $1 off!

·          Border Grill, 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401- Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken serve up upscale Mexican food with a hip modern edge.  Not only is the feel of the restaurant edgy, Border Grill’s Happy Hour pulsates with energy!  Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm and Friday through Saturday from 10pm to midnight Appetizers are available at discounted prices, Margaritas, Sangria and Draft Beers are $3.50.

So there they are, and of course…make sure you remain “happy” and drink responsibly! J

Cheap yet Chic

     As most young people, just out of college and embarking on life's great journey -minus the weekly allowance from mom and dad- the in-flow of cash is just not what I would like it to be.  That said I have composed a list of ideas for cheap but chic dinner dates and will be posting them every week, so keep checking back for more ideas! Hope this helps!

Tip #1- Dinner for two:

1.  Pizza and Wine Night:  Rather the the mundane take out pizza (thank you Round Table, Papa John and Pizza Hut) that consists of too much dough, slapped with tomato sauce and topped of with greasy cheese -which after being consumed will inevitably journey down to sit as a heavy clump in your stomach and therefore not make you feel remotely romantic- why not try making your own?  The steps are simple, can be as moderately or exorbidantly priced as you wish and minus garlic can make your romantic date far more enjoyable! 

     For a crispy yet tender crust follow this tried and true recipe:

3/4 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
1 envelope active dry yeast

2 cups (or more) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

Pour 3/4 cup warm water into small bowl; stir in yeast. Let stand until yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Brush large bowl lightly with olive oil. Mix 2 cups flour, sugar, and salt in processor. Add yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons oil; process until dough forms a sticky ball. Transfer to lightly floured surface. KNEAD dough until smooth, adding more flour by tablespoonfuls if dough is very sticky, about 1 minute. Transfer to prepared bowl; turn dough in bowl to coat with oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. PUNCH down dough. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. ROLL out dough according to recipe instructions. (Start in center of dough, working outward toward edges but not rolling over them.)

     The topping combinations are limitless and really just depend on your budget and tastebuds.  A few of my favorites under ten dollars are as follows:

• Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion- for this culinary delight forget the standard tomato sauce!  I either use a light smear of pesto or leave my dough naked! 
• Toasted Walnuts and Blue Cheese Crumbles- don't cover the dough with a sauce, simply toast some walnuts and sprinkle dough with the nuts and blue cheese crumbles.  Bake until the crust is golden!
• Fajita Fun- A bit more indepth than the previous odes to pizza night.  Simply cut one chicken breast into slices and saute in a bit of olive oil with chopped garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper.  Then spread a fine layer of your favorite salsa and top with cut chicken onto the unbaked crust along with sauteed onion, red bell pepper, and a few springs of coarsly chopped cilantro. 

Get Hot with Culinary Ingredients!

What’s Hot and What’s Not

Shea Estanislau

     Just as fashion trends come in and out of vogue, as do the styles of the culinary world.  Walk into any restaurant, fine dining to chain based establishments, and nine times out of ten Ahi tuna will be holding court on the appetizer menu; most likely residing along with a foie gras inspired “delicacy.”  As recent big screen star Borat would say these two ingredients are “NOT hot.” 

     For the past few seasons Portobello mushrooms seem to have spread (pardon my pun) like fungi, popping up all over the culinary board, regardless of whether or not they are indigenous to certain regions.  They have been grilled, stuffed, roasted and baked into gratins.  The over exposure of this mushroom has landed it on the Not list along with our next passé mushroom ingredient, white truffle oil. 

     White truffle oil became commercially produced in the twentieth century, though Italians have been infusing olive oil with what some refer to as nature’s culinary gold for centuries.  As the infused oil is an inexpensive way of obtaining the exorbitantly priced truffle’s flavor it has sadly been used to the point of boredom.   

     So lets get Hot. When one thinks of pepper, images of tall grinders filled with black peppercorns or even small paper packets enveloping a dismal amount of fine black “powder” usually come to mind, when really, the different types of peppercorns is quite vast.  Pink peppercorns are next up on the Hot list.  Reminiscent of citrus rinds, this pink berry has a fresh, semisweet peppery flavor, which is extraordinary in fruit sauces, desserts and vinaigrettes.  A light vinaigrette perhaps for our next Hot ingredient, Micro greens. 

     As we glide past the freezes of winter, conquer the ides of March and trot into the bosom of spring we encounter Micro greens and the joy that they bring.  These delicate sprouts come in varieties such as; the peppery arugula and cress and the fresh mildness produced by the pak choi.

     An unknown author once wrote; “To give caviar is to honor the recipient.  To serve caviar is to honor the guest.”  Let us now honor the history, tradition and hope for a future of caviar with the next item on our Hot list, American caviar.  As of January 2006, the United Nations banned export of beluga sturgeon caviar from the Caspian Sea region, because the traditional source of the sought-after roe, reached the brink of extinction.  American varieties are a tasty alternative to the endangered beluga caviar. 

     In the same mindset of helping to preserve health and nature we encounter number four on our Hot list, organic beef.  Richer in flavor it is definitely worth the increased price.  The Organic Trade Association philosophy is to provide conditions that meet the health needs and natural behavior of the animal, thus providing the consumer with a more healthful and safe product.

     What better way to round out a Hot list (whether it be celebrity looks or food) than with a little passion?  Passion fruit is next up!  Many outside the professional kitchen do not know the diversity of this tropical jewel.   Whereas some ingredients are clearly stars of either the dessert realm or the savory and cannot produce even a substandard costarring role in the other (picture Will Ferrell in a dramatic performance) passion fruit is noteworthy contender for either.  This Brazilian native is superb in vinaigrettes, salads, sauces, mousses, cakes… the ideas are endless!

     So as we say goodbye to our old tiresome culinary accoutrements and say hello to exciting new flavors let us remember, if it’s not Hot it should not be bought!

Sage Advice for SoCal Restaurant Picks!

Craving Chinese? Salivating for steak?  Dying for Dim Sum?  The phenomenal thing about Southern California is that deluge of culinary experiences are ripe for the picking.  With such a diverse population we have been granted the gift of restaurants serving authentic dishes, not confined to the world of Tex-Mex and Barbecue (not that barbecue isn't a "rarin' good time"-especially if you are in the mood for mid-scale BBQ with great taste, and head to Wood Ranch in Anaheim Hills).  You can go from up-scale to low-scale within a 2 mile radius, from burger to Kobe with a short walk down the street. 

For some sage advice when searching for your next succulent experience:

Wood Ranch- Named "Best Barbecue" by the Los Angeles Daily News and the 1997-2006 Zaggat declared it, "Top Barbecue spot in Southern California."

Wood Ranch operates ten moderately priced restaurants.  They boast a creative menu featuring slow roasted Premium American baby back ribs, Certified Angus Beef tri-tip roasts, prime rib and whole and half chickens, grilled over a mesquite fire and dripping with savory sauce.

       If the house is busy -which is pretty much a sure thing, especially on Friday and Saturday nights- do not fret!  Simply pull out a stool and relax with a cocktail and appetizer (i strongly recommend the spinach- artichoke dip) at the full service bar. 

     Though high-energy, the restaurant is not noisy to the point of obnoxious.  Just remember, as most good barbecue, the portions are large (as are the drinks), so unless you are a large eater or famished, remember what mom always said and share...the food anyways!