Shucks, This Oyster Bar is Quite Tasty!

L & E Oyster Bar has been on my "must try" list ever since Urban Daddy's writeup of it a couple days prior to them opening on January 25, 2012  (coincidentally on my birthday).  Since opening, there's been quite a buzz accumulating from food critics,  friends, friends of friends, and my own sister.  This spiked my interest but, at the same time, also made me hesitant about trying it.  A restaurant that has too much hype heightens my expectations and normally results in considerable disappointment.


I am happy to report that L & E Oyster Bar illuminated my night and certainly did not disappoint.  Of course, much of it was attributed to the basics which set the stage for our dining experience:
1. Seated upon arrival
2. Table on the outdoor patio
3. A beautiful evening (Oh Los Angeles, I love thee)
4. Courteous staff and wonderful service
5. Complimentary Corn Hush Puppies

All the oysters were fresh, clean, and delicious.  I am not an oyster connoisseur but I can say that I have had my fair share and these certainly did not fall short.  Out of the four tasted, my favorite was the Shibumi.  Don't let this little guy fool you because bigger isn't always better. 

Daily Dozen $28 - (clockwise starting from the lemon wedge) Kumiai, Marin Miyagi, Shibumi (1pc ordered a la carte) Wild Fire Island (4 pcs each) *Superb deal!!

Okay, ENOUGH about the oysters because the dessert is life altering.  Their ice cream sandwich was so on point that I am still thinking about it nearly a week later.  It is so thoughtfully prepared down to its presentation (who doesn't like gifts?).   

The Ice Cream Sandwich says, "You need me."

This beauty is constructed of smooth chocolate ice cream sandwiched between two almond cookies and rolled in coconut shavings.  I devoured this deliciousness in .2 seconds without any guilt.  DISCLAIMER: If you don't like coconut, chocolate, or almonds... well then obviously you aren't going to like it.  However, if you're like me and have these three ingredients on your list of favorites, then you're good to go!

Last Note: $20 corkage fee, no reservations

Also had the fries and grilled baby gems salad. Equally delectable!

Add to checklist: go back again and again

Mini to the 18th Power

Mini Pick-up Truck

A couple weeks ago we were invited to participate in a pilot being filmed for SPEED TV.  Naturally, we said yes... any reason to be amongst other classic minis.  The premise of the show is to showcase the owners (rather than the cars) and how fanatical they are about their cars.  I found it rather adorable to observe men in their 50's - 60's be so excited and enthusiastic when talking about their beauties.  It was as equally charming to see my boyfriend act in the same manner.  Our mini run began in Dana Point, continued on Ortega Hwy, and came to a conclusion in Temecula. It was certainly a beautiful day to be surrounded by 17 other classic minis.

Photo Op Central

This mini owner certainly wasn't shy... he was a riot.

The Biggest Fanatic award goes to this him.  He kept pulling pictures out of his wallet.

I am King Kong.

Always shopping... even for minis.

More mini travels here.

The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for and I hate very much to leave it. - Ernest Hemingway

It's been quite a busy and insane week.  Every night I found myself face planted on my keyboard from exhaustion.  Thank goodness for Saturdays and beautiful Los Angeles weather.  I've been meaning to post about our mini cooper run a couple weeks ago but I'm too excited about the new jewels I just picked up from Hemingway and Pickett.



 Exhibit 1.
In God We Trust spacer ring in brass

 

Exhibit 2.

trois petits points delicate gold bracelets

Exhibit 3.
trois petits points black enamel post earrings

Hemingway and Pickett does a superb job of merchandising their stock.  The store is very simplistic with a keen balance of homeware, art, and jewelry.  Their use of petri dishes to display jewelry is brilliant and on point with their aesthetic.  Every object possesses their own quirky details and each demands an equal amount of attention from the viewer.  A few other things I fell in love with:

Exhibit 4.
Seletti Ceramics

Exhibit 5.

Chuck Routheier Bent Lamp

Exhibit 6.
Steph Mantis Butt Magnets (GENIUS!)

the END!


photo sources: Hemingway and Pickett, Heal's, Chuck Routheier, In God We Trust, Beklina

must massage octopus for 45 minutes

Joe and I watched this a week ago and are ready for our third filling of sushi.  I feel like we've set out on a great hunt to find the best sushi in Southern California.  This documentary could be void of sound and simply the picture will have your mouth watering.  Every time Jiro sets a piece of sushi on a plate, the fish drapes over the rice with such ease as it settles.  It's undeniable that the quality is so fresh that every bit of it will excite every sensory nerve on your tongue.  They even massage the octopus for 45 minutes!  Jiro must be the best at his craft and his persistence to be better than his own self is an inspiration.

Add to checklist: travel to Ginza, Tokyo and eat at Sukiyabashi Jiro

Spicy or Sweet?

Yesterday I popped into Reform School and spent a good five minutes drooling over this amazing spice rack by Tracy Wilkinson of tw pottery. The jars unscrew to release the spices and the rack also doubles as a shelf. Genius! As soon as we get our house, this will definitely be at the top of our registry list.