Notes from a Napkin LA

  We started off optimistically enough with cocktails, which took so long to arrive that I began to wonder if the bartenders had to distill the gin themselves. Once they landed, we paired them with the onion soup — promised to be savory but instead tasted like French onion’s sugary cousin. Dessert soup, anyone? I ordered a burger, which desperately needed pickles, and fries that were supposed to be crispy but instead arrived lukewarm, like they’d hit snooze on the fryer. My friend lucked out with the branzino and actually enjoyed it, but our husbands weren’t so lucky. Their steaks were clearly switched at birth: Mr. Rare-Only got a well-done hockey puck, while our other friend cut into a steak that was practically still mooing. Watching two grown men swap plates mid-meal was the least appetizing thing I’ve seen since airline food. The service was shaky, with long waits for drinks, and to top it all off, the restroom floor was so slippery I briefly considered lacing up skates. I m...

 Fishbar, bless them, somehow made parking in the city not only possible but easy . I almost thought we were on a hidden-camera show when we found street spaces just sitting there waiting for us. A strong start. We began with cocktails and appetizers: calamari (crispy and gone in 3.4 seconds) and flash-fried Brussels sprouts topped with tiny fried onions—basically like delicious little party hats for vegetables. Both were winners. The Lobster Mac and Cheese arrived looking like it had been designed to feed an entire ship’s crew. Rich, creamy, and basically a dairy-based dare, it could’ve doubled as dinner and lunch the next day. The salmon with loaded baked potato was perfectly cooked and equally indulgent. Seafood skewers were a big hit: shrimp, scallops, and bacon all cozied up together like old friends, while the garlic fries and asparagus tagged along as very welcome sidekicks. The grilled shrimp skewers with coleslaw were also solid, though frankly the coleslaw felt a litt...

Finding Simonette is like joining a secret society. If you miss the discreet entrance to the Pali Hotel, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I half expected to need a password and a special knock to get inside. Once you do manage to infiltrate, though, the vibe is gorgeous. Plants in the back room, chic décor in the front—basically the kind of setting where you instantly wonder if your outfit is underdressed. The service? Flawless. Our server was so helpful and friendly, I briefly considered asking them to come manage my life. Food highlights: the onion soup. Yes, the onion soup. It came in quietly, without flash or drama, then casually stole the whole show like a surprise celebrity cameo. Mussels, salmon, and the Parisian burger all held their own, but that soup is now my Roman Empire. Dessert was a strawberry cheesecake and crème brûlée duo that could easily ruin you for other sweets. The one sour note? Parking. The valet sent us to what can only be described as the Parking Hunger Game...

It's not often that we come to the valley for dinner, but given the company and the restaurant, Casita, in Sherman Oaks, the drive was well worth it! Mr. Picky and I were joined by our friends The Pilot, and his lovely wife, Mrs. Nicest Person Ever for a delightful dinner. We started off with the Casita Margarita made with blanco tequila, lime, and house-made simple syrup. We also enjoyed the Skinny Margarita with tres agaves organic, agave, and citrus. Both cocktails were refreshing and perfect! We decided to try the guacamole with avocado, citrus onion, and chile. It definitely had a little kick and Mr. Picky declared it, "way too spicy" for him. Tortilla chips were fresh and hot so Mr. Picky made do with those! I had the Caesar salad with romaine, spiced pepitas, achiote croutons, and parmesan. I was kind of bummed because they forgot the pepitas but the salad was okay. I was happier with Mrs. Nicest Person Ever's Little Gem salad. She got candied pepitas, tarragon...

I first discovered Belle's Beach House at the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival last year. The Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice was the dish that Belle's presented at the festival. I may or may not have gone back five times to eat what I deem to be the best spicy tuna on crispy rice in the city! Walk in to Belle's, located just steps from the Venice Boardwalk, and you'll feel like you're in a Tiki Room. The island vibes are undeniable and atmosphere is pure chill. The hand-crafted cocktails are outstanding and the Hawaiian Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) cuisine can't be beat! Unwind with friends here over a beautiful cocktail like Remote Paradise (vodka, lime, guava, heirloom pineapple, and coconut water) a glass of wine, or a beer and get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal. Start off with the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice; you must. Tuna is so bright and fresh and topped with spicy aioli and chives. We also love the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls with sweet and sour sauce, and the...

In the former home of Rustic Kitchen lies a hip, new French Bistro, Electric Bleu, led at the helm by Chef Craig Hopson. Hopson hails from Le Cirque in New York, Shirley Brasserie in Hollywood and other amazing eateries. An expert in French cuisine, Hopson brings to the table dishes from a perfect roast chicken to the incredibly delicious Electric Fries with Chicken Salt. And let's talk about Chicken Salt for a minute. Chicken Salt is a contradiction if I've ever heard one; but it's a contradiction that I love! Chicken Salt is a vegan salt from Australia  ken salt is an Australian seasoned salt that adds an umami flavor to savory foods and is made from a blend of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, white pepper, and celery salt. Despite it's name, Chicken Salt is usually vegan! It all makes sense now as Hopson hails from Australia! To start the meal, we had complementary champagne while we waited for our table. There is also a chef's counter where you can wa...

  Yesterday I was joined by two friends for lunch at Thyme Cafe & Market. Thyme is a warm and cozy cafe and market serving seasonal, fresh fare in a laid back comfortable atmosphere. I'm a Joan's On Third fan and this reminds me of a mini version of Joan's. Along with the cafe menu and market, Thyme offers full-service catering and gourmet food to go. We started with the composed Shrimp Salad featuring succulent large shrimp, with red onion, dill and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. We all proclaimed this dish to be "delish!" Next we ventured on to the BLAT sandwich with crispy bacon, butter lettuce, avocado, beef steak tomatoes, and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough. The sandwich was hearty and filling. We also enjoyed the Chinese Chicken Salad composed of romaine lettuce, cabbage, almonds, wonton crisps, carrots, Mandarin oranges, red and yellow peppers, and snow peas tossed in a cilantro and sesame vinaigrette. This salad is huge and bursting with flavor! ...

  Welcome to Notes From a Napkin Los Angeles  Welcome to Notes From a Napkin, my honest, sometimes funny, always sarcastic blog! If you’ve ever left a restaurant wondering whether the chef forgot the salt, the server forgot your order, or the universe simply forgot you exist, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Karen,a Los Angeles–based restaurant critic who believes that life is too short for bad bread baskets and wilted garnishes. My reviews are honest, usually a little sarcastic, and always delivered with a sense of humor—because sometimes the only way to get through a disappointing $28 salad is by laughing about it later. Joining me on this culinary safari is my husband, affectionately (and accurately) nicknamed  Mr. Picky-Eater . He has the palate of a suspicious toddler and the skepticism of a man who still doesn’t trust sushi, which makes him an excellent barometer for the "Would normal people actually like this?" scale. You’ll also meet a rotating cast of fri...