Royal/T
Yesterday The Sistah and I had tea. Pinkies up. At this place:
Royal/T in Culver City. It was not nighttime.
Feel free to read with British accent. It whaas quite loveleh. Now I'm just stereotyping. Normal voice.
This place is a three in one - cafe, shop and art exhibit (currently Andy Warhol). AND, get excited boys who don't read this, severs dressed as maids.
Not me.
Royal/T is a Japanese-French fusion and I learned that macarons are nothing more than a sugar ball. But I kinda already knew that.
The Sistah and I split traditional tea with milk and something about it was supposed to be high-high. I assure you I did not get high and was a little disappointed. We also shared the roasted baby beet salad with Spinach, Candied Walnuts, Goat Cheese and a Champagne Tarragon Vinaigrette. Wow, I can't believe I 'remembered' all that. Don't think we stopped there. We also shared a ton of mini sandwiches and desserts but I can't figure out which ones off of their online menu, therefore I don't remember specifics. But this is what they looked like:
There was this cheeseburger thing at the very top but that was devoured quicker than quick.
Feeling like a stuffed cannoli, we walked some of it off in the 10,000 square foot space where I got to snap some pictures and prove, once again, how badly I need to take a photography class.
A Birthday Dinner
images via
I chose to celebrate my birthday at The Little Door. I first found out about this place through one of my favorite food blogs, L.A. in Bloom. Though she didn't necessarily review the food, I thought the name was simply too adorable to pass up.
I was definitely very pleased with my selection as I immediately felt like I was transported to a Mediterranean vacation as soon as I walked through the nondescript doors. Once inside, it was inevitable being greeted by the amazing glow that oozed from candles galore. I suddenly felt my imperfect complexion feel flawless. (Yay Irene, good call). The very French staff (ooh la la) gave us the option of seating either in the Piano Room or Patio. The Patio is where it's at (The Winter Garden would also be a good choice) and I'm glad I chose wisely. Even though this place was booming (on a Wednesday) with people (they must've known it was my birthday), it didn't take away from the romantic, intimate, cozy feel. This experience would be incomplete without great food. And great food we enjoyed.
We started with the:
and
For Entry, I had Lobster. Perfectly seasoned, cooked Lobster with a subtle taste of fennel. It was one of the specials and therefore couldn't gather the exact description from their menu online. But it was goooooo-ooo-oood.
Evan had the:
image via Maison De Reveries
Braised european monk fish with bouillabaisse broth and saffron aioli served with fava beans, baby artichokes, carrots and peewee fingerling potatoes.
I kid you not, I coincidentally found this girl's blog (Maison De Reveries) who dined there just one day before we did and this is her picture of the exact same thing Evan ordered.
I'm still an amateur blogger with a shitty camera, so excuse my lack of pictures. But trust me, this place is worth checking out. And if you're up for a more casual affair try the adjacent partnership, The Little Next Door.
And just in case you're wondering, I wore this:
A vintage dress I bought just hours before we needed to leave. I'm not crazy about the belt but needed a quick fix since the waist was a little loose. And no, I don't typically sip champagne outside our house.
"If you're tired you take a Napa, you don't move to Napa."
Ev and I have tried going wine tasting in Napa for the past four years or so but something always interferes. Alas, we finally took the drive up the California coast to commemorate our four year wedding anniversary. While the Napa Valley thrives in the wine industry, our main objective was to try Thomas Keller's French Laundry, a renown Three Michelin Star restaurant.
![[clip.jpg]](https://biz96.inmotionhosting.com/~desig162/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/clip.jpg?w=300)
image from nosaladasameal
Our first attempt at making a reservation did not fall in our favor due to calling an hour after opening. Tables book within 20 mins - two months in advance. Please have credit card handy. Oh yeah, and if you choose to cancel a reservation please do so in advance so you won't have to pay the $100 per person penalty. With such requirements, we knew, or thought, we were in for an exceptional treat.
I'm by no means a food critic nor do I consider myself a foodie, but I am a food fan and I was a bit disappointed. The 30 minute wait might have put a damper on the experience but nonetheless, I wasn't blown away by either of the nine courses. The Island Creek Oysters were a bit fishy, the froie gras was cliche and everything seemed heavily salted. I'll most likely go to culinary hell for remotely criticizing a legendary establishment and chef, but this critique comes from the experience and service I've received from Two Michelin Star restaurants. I do applaud the Maitre d' who asked the kitchen staff to come up with a soup-type concoction to clear up Evan's stuffy nose and the pastry chef who surprised us with this:
Pictured is Evan's dessert. My dessert had mango-chile relish which was really good, actually. But I didn't enjoy it as much because I was focused about not receiving the coffee and doughnuts that everyone else benefited from. By the time our turn came to try the aforementioned delicacies, the kitchen had run out of dough. And yes, we called ahead of time and asked to make note of saving some for us. Grrrr.
To compensate for not having this additional course, we were given a tour of the kitchen. It was indeed a great kitchen but it didn't come close to sinking our mouths into some cinnamon-sugar doughnuts and frozen mousse cappuccino.
Said reasons detracted from the greatness that is The French Laundry. I'll have to try Bouchon in order to give Thomas Keller the credit he deserves.