SIP/SAVOR: Artisan House

ARTISAN HOUSE is now open in downtown Los Angeles, and FINALLY, here is another foodie oasis that can rival Bottega Louie ANY day!  OK, so maybe it’s not AS large or as GRAND, and FOR SURE, it’s not even “French” in looks or feel,  BUT…it’s a divine option that damn near exceeds any expectation!

On first glance, it’s a “wine country market” vibe with wood plank floors and a bar that is the main attraction. This place is perfect for conversation where Louie is so loud it’s almost impossible to hear the waiter read the daily specials.

Since Sunday brunch was the fare, we started with the House Bloody Mary which is thick and creamy, with just the right blend of organic spices.  Someone shouted, “It’s a smoothie,” while others concluded it was similar to a savory gazpacho.

Next was the Tuna Tartare (with pistachios) which was whipped up tableside.  Delectable!  The flatbreads were other excellent choices as were the sumptuous sandwiches, including the famous Croque Madame.  All in all, we welcome this newcomer to the ever changing restaurant scene.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTISANHOUSE.NET

SIP/SAVOR: Cookies for a Koz

Roberta Koz Wilson isn’t just interesting because she’s the sister of famed jazz musician, Dave Koz.  She’s fascinating because she took a simple concept, the art of making the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie, and made it her business to GIVE BACK to this crazed world in which we should all be trying to make a difference.

The inspiration to bake came from Roberta’s late mom, Audrey, who was a pharmacist by trade.  She “knew” that the best medicine wasn’t just chicken soup as most of us were taught to believe.  Audrey maintained that a sumptuous, fresh baked cookie would do the trick one step even better! And THAT is the legacy that Roberta wants to not only continue but expand upon. 

Today, COOKIES FOR A KOZ are available in several yummy flavors including Red Velvet, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Raspberry, The Original Chocolate Chip (but of course!) and new to the list, The Lemon Cooler.

And the BEST part of it is that l0% of all proceeds go to the Starlight Foundation, Audrey’s favorite “cause.” Ah, the art of knowing that a sick child is being helped with each delicious bite!  

COOKIES FOR A KOZ come in a cool brown box and can be ordered by the dozen or more.  They come individually wrapped (perfect for school lunches, picnics and party favors) and could soon be found in your favorite local coffee shop! Try them BEFORE they “go public!” Mm, mm GOOD!

ORDER NOW: www.cookiesforakoz.com

SIP/SAVOR: The Eveleigh

While “other” websites alert you to new openings in town, LIVELOVESHOPLA likes to REMIND you about those you may have never even tried!  We sometimes fall into that category and we always want to SHARE our findings with our loyal fans who trust us to never MISS A THING!

A quaint little hideway amidst the hustle and bustle on the famous Sunset Strip?  You probably think we’re kidding! Hell, no, we’re not and welcome to  EVELEIGH (correctly pronounced everly) where a cozy, ultra-cool neighborhood vibe (complete with an utterly CHARMING outdoor patio) focuses on country comforts and local-farm and market food with an old-world European slant.

First start out at the busy bar where lead-man, JOHN, will make you a cocktail to remember!  Though he might appear “aloof and elusive,” once you catch his eye, he’s on top of everything.  Then, move onto either a seat out front in the beautiful garden OR opt for the back room where it’s a chic party scene atmosphere. 

Oh, and make SURE you leave room for the frozen dark chocolate sandwich.  AH, only in LA!

The Eveleigh, 8752 West Sunset Boulevard, at North Sherbourne Drive, West Hollywood (424)-239-1630

SIP/SAVOR: The Market at Santa Monica Place

Just when we thought Santa Monica Place couldn’t get any better, THE MARKET opened its doors. “An ORGANIC, healthy-lifestyle, open-air SHANGRI-LA” is how we choose to describe this delectable destination. Within The Market one can find many small, independently owned shops from MAGICAL BLOOM, a fun spot for floral fanatics to N’ICE CREAM for the sweet tooth in all of us. Not to mention you can EVEN take cooking classes at The GOURMANDISE SCHOOL OF SWEETS AND SAVORIES! With so many irresistable perveyors to choose from it was hard to set our hearts on just one, until we spotted ROCKENWAGNER,  a watch-it-bake soufflé bar. Hans Rockenwagner is a world renown chef who has brought his culinary expertise to Santa Monica in the form of scones, desserts and our personal favorite, PRETZEL BAGUETTES. Don’t just take our word for it, get your tush over to The Market this week and see what all the fuss is about. For more information about the various vendors within The Market click here.

**DISCLAIMER: LiveLoveShopLA is not responsible for your obesssion after visitation of The Market or the potential weight gain from daily grazing of all the amazing food.**

SIP/SAVOR: Mezze

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures combine in an explosion of flavors at MEZZE, the new hip and happening spot on La Cienega just north of Beverly Boulevard. Think EAST meets WEST.  Think GREECE meets TUNISIA.  Think Delicious FLATBREADS that might include everything from merguez sausage and fontina to artichoke and pinenuts.  Our absolute FAVORITE was the grilled (heavy on the crispy side) SCHWARMA.

Order a variety of TASTE THRILLS on SMALL PLATES, as you sit back and take it all in, slowly but surely…AH…the potted Olive Trees (a new design element showing up at several other notables, especially from heavy weight designer Waldo Fernandez  who put his stamp here and also at Soho House on Sunset), the chic young crowd, the Lebanese wood finishes that complement the Moroccan tiles AND the cool and collected team of young owners (all young, all gorgeous) who take it all so seriously, but seamlessly!

SIP/SAVOR: Playa

Leave it to culinary genius, John Sedlar (of Rivera, downtown Los Angeles) to come up with a spirited neighborhood haunt that is a recipe for FUN and FOOD.  His newest venture is called PLAYA and it sits in what locals once knew as Grace.  Think LATINO inspired small plates that will stimulate the senses and tantalize the taste buds, all of which make the trendy crowd cry out for MORE. Since Playa means “beach,” it’s no wonder the multitude of  overhead chandeliers resemble giant sea creatures and that patrons at the bar feel like they’re on vacation, throwing all caution to the wind…even though most of them have to report the very next day!

BEST BITES by FAR include:

Maize Cake Gambas

mojito-poached shrimp, braised nappa cabbage,
mustard ice cream

Octo-Palm

grilled octopus, palm hearts, scallions,
oven-dried cherry tomatoes, oven-dried red onion

Tamalli Chipotle

wild-mushroom duxelles dumpling,
filet mignon, chipotle béarnaise

Enjoy PLAYA, one of the most fabulous FOODIE beaches in all of LA!

SIP/SAVOR: Fig & Olive

ANOTHER NY namesake restaurant headed WEST last week in all of its 8,000 square foot glory!  Fig & Olive has landed in its new home on the corner of La Cienega and quaint little Melrose Place where Riviera and Coastal cuisine inspired by Italy, Spain and the South of France is the major message, not to mention OLIVE OIL infused in just about everything! CROSTINIS are the specialty ITEM (there are at least nine different ones, but the shrimp/avocado and manchego/fig were our personal favorites).  Main courses like Mediterranean Branzino and Rosemary Lamb Chops are the perfect choice for dinner while Saturday lunches or Sunday brunches on the inside/outside patio couldn’t be more intoxicating.  For more sexy pleasures, head up to the champagne bar where a dj spins the latest and greatest mood music!

SIP/SAVOR: Son of a Gun

THIRD STREET CORRIDOR has a new “SHINING STAR”

SEAFOOD LOVERS BEWARE…The creative duo behind ANIMAL, one of L.A.’s most “gourmet” hot spots, has finally debuted their second restaurant, this one called SON OF A GUN.  Cooking up dishes like Shrimp Toast, King Crab Legs drenched in Tabasco butter, Linguini with Clams (ahh, it was melodic and perfectly sized),chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo definitely have another WINNER on their hands.

The quaint little place, decorated with a kitch Nautica motif, sits in what once was Cynthia’s and locals couldn’t be happier she’s long gone!  Make sure to reserve in advance or be prepared to WAIT.  Seating at the bar is limited, but there is a long communal table for walk-ins.  Judging from the looks of it on a Monday night, we highly suggest booking ahead!

8370 West 3rd Street, L.A., CA

(323) 782-9033

SIP/SAVOR: Public Kitchen & Bar

Hollywood has just gotten even “hotter!” Now with so many more choices than ever before, it’s time to really get to know this landmark area we in Los Angeles commonly refer to as Tinseltown! Public Kitchen & Bar within the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is the perfect place for dinner with friends or business colleagues.  Guys will especially LOVE the place with its, cozy, almost “manly” feel.  Too bad cigar smoking isn’t allowed in restaurants these days as THIS dining room would be THE Place to puff on a good Cuban or two. Under oversized antique gold chandeliers and a sumptious wood bar as the room’s glorious backdrop, our Girls Night Out group sampled two different “glass jar” appetizers….Buratta with creamy pesto over Vine Tomatoes and Chicken Liver Pate, complete with Apricot jam. For entries the six of us opted to share three different hearty options…the  Lamb Porterhouse, Beef Brisket and even the oversized Burger on a freshly baked Brioche Bun.  The food was actually delicious all around and the birthday girl loved it!

SIP/SAVOR: Gjelina

GJELINA is probably one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles! Meander inside, put your name on a list and ask to be called on your hand held device, whatever your pleasure. Slide out of the line and take a long walk around ABBOT KINNEY, a little street in Venice that’s known by all the locals. But, tourists are also discovering the area, and why not?  It’s chic, trendy and loaded with foodies who stroll up and down the street, saying hi to their friends…both old and new ones they’ve just happen to have met while shopping at PRINCIPESSA or having a drink at PRIMITIVO, another popular WINE and TAPAS bar doors away.