Food Art in August -2014

While most in Southern California vacation during August, most also stay in because it is said to be the hottest month of the year. We found while inside enjoying the AC, why not enjoy a little art- food art that is. Enjoying culinary art is the best thing to do to avoid summer heat waves. We have listed 5 of our August 2014 culinary crushes for the month. Culinarians, better known as chefs are required to have knowledge of food science, nutrition and presentation. They are responsible for preparing meals that are as pleasing to the eye as well as to the palate. When dining out, it is not only entertaining to your taste buds to have bursts of flavor in your mouth, but also entertaining when food is prepared in a fun and playful way.

Saint Martha Restaurant-

Located in the heart of Koreatown, in a very unassuming location, Saint Martha Restaurant- gives off that vibe of “a local’s culinary art hot spot”. Modern in design, fresh in architecture, clean and minimal in design- one who walks in thinking they are in Korea Town stepping foot into Saint Martha would understand that they are going to get food art. Chef Nick Erven is the executive chef cooking Modern American cuisine rooted in European tradition at Saint Martha and the best part is one who dines here will see him every night. He is approachable, nice, and a mad genius when it comes to culinary art. A good chef to his patrons and craft always gives a “chefs taste” to their masses, chef Nick Erven gives treats throughout your ordered meal. Chef Erven is a food artist; a chef at his caliber will continue to shock and surprise his local following. Sit at the chef counter, and watch his team prepare you a meal that will keep you entertained. We feasted on the below and had not one complaint!

Chicken liver mousse with mushroom, hazelnut praline, pickled blueberries and toast
Santa Barbara spot prawn tartar with market melons, burnt orange oil and pink salt (pictured)
Asparagus with deviled egg purée, fried oyster and black bread (pictured)
Pecan wood smoked brisket with hoisin, tiny lettuce and root vegetables – BEST BITE (pictured)
Duck leg confit with beets, lavender granola and parsnip milk

http://www.saintmartharestaurant.com/

Saint Martha
740 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Koreatown, Wilshire Center

Scratch Bar-

Scratch Bar located on S La Cienega is right next door to Foga De Chao, some may call it restaurant row. I would call this high end cuisine. Those who like true culinary craftsmanship will appreciate Scratch Bar. Known for their tasting menus, one must sit chef counter side to watch Chef Phillip Frankland Lee prepare and present all 14 courses on Mondays- http://www.scratchbarla.com/chef-s-counter.html

Dare not to dine at Scratch Bar with someone who is not open to unique and honest food preparations, for this may not be there style. Scratch Bar has exquisite food pairing,

However- each dish, each bite, all service is excellent. We enjoyed the following:

Green Mussel and Sea Urchin Sake Shooter Green Mussel and Sea Urchin Sake Shooter
Pork Belly & Raw Oysters Pork Belly & Raw Oysters
Blackened Cauliflower Blackened Cauliflower
Crispy Skin Pacific Salmon (pictured)
Smoking Goat’s Milk Cheese (pictured)
Vanilla Ice Cream W/ Rainbow Sprinkles

http://www.scratchbarla.com/

Scratch Bar
111 N. La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, Ca. 90211

Barton G-

New to Los Angeles, Barton G Restaurant has arrived. Located in West Hollywood on La Cienega, and brought to you by Barton G. Weiss. Barton, known for his famous Miami location has decided to bring his theatrical recipes to LA. “Go Big or Go Home”- is the first thing that comes to mind when dining at Barton G. This is the perfect place to take a group of family and friends, because there could never be a dull conversation at the table. Not one dish is served without a novelty. The napkin as you sit down is in the shape of a shirt, instead of a bread basket they serve you donuts. Our waiter said “Here at Barton G we combine fine dining with fun dining”. Fun and attractive dishes such as a Caesar salad brought out to you with a mini cheese grater, or their Lobster Tarts served in a toaster. Every table in the room, every corner you stared at- had some large object with food surrounding it.

There was not a table without “oohs, ahhhs, or flashing camera light”. I enjoyed the popcorn shrimp, which literally came to you in a popcorn machine, the garden salad which was presented in a wheel barrel with gardening tools surrounding it. However- the dishes most requested due to its over the top presentation would be the steak which came with a fork as tall as I am, and the Marie Antoinette Cotton Candy platter too big to eat. Barton G is definitely a place to visit before the summer has ended. Go with a group of friends, memories will be created.

http://bartongtherestaurantla.com/

Barton G. The Restaurant
Address: 861 N. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90069

Red Medicine

Acclaimed food critic Jonathan Gold has Red Medicine listed as one of his 101 top restaurants of Los Angeles. Located in Beverly Hills, just off La Cienega and San Vicente. Chef Jordan Kahn brings you

“A non-traditional Vietnamese cuisine”. I am not really sure how to describe Red Medicine- you almost need to try it. If I try and explain it- Jonathan Gold explains it perfectly… “It is a little punk rock”. Red Medicine has a Modern style, fresh ingredients overflowing with flavor in every bite, and a visually striking presentation with all dishes. We ordered the duck liver, which appeared like a log of wood, with roughage around the dish. The chicken dumplings were perfect, complete with pickles, mint, garlic chips, and shaved lime. One can wrap the chicken dumpling in a butter lettuce cup, top it off with Kahn’s special dipping sauce, and boom! A bite you will never forget. Lastly- we had the Alaskan halibut, although $27.00 dollars- it is so worth it. The halibut is wrapped and prepared in seaweed leaves, caramelized onions, and spices I have never tasted. The server will pour over a buttery broth and the leaves will open and present a delicate serving of fish. It was delicious. Red Medicine- try it! It is pretty legit. If you do not believe me, see a great article written up by Mr. Gold himself, http://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-gold-redmedicine-20140426-story.html