Goods and Gadgets Alert

***WARNING UPDATE***
FYI, these containers are subject to recall. Apparently there was a risk of glass getting into the contents of the bottle. I can't seem to let mine go and am just very delicate when handling mine. Yes it is that serious! I just can't stand the taste of plastic.

Watch out Sigg, there is a new canteen in town. 2009 has ushered in with the rise of the glass water canteen. They are washable, reusable and maintain the flavor integrity of their contents. I found two reasonably priced versions:

Pier 1 Imports ($8.99 each)...looks just like a plastic water bottle. FYI, Neiman Marcus is selling these/something similar for over 10 times this price.













Aquasana (six for $29.99)...clearly inspired by Voss.

The Plastic Water Bottle/Cancer Conspiracy

My favorite about.com writer David Emery has gotten to the bottom of yet another food related and Internet promoted conspiracy. I am sure many of you have received the email or heard about the reported Cheryl Crow interviews that link heated bottled water with development of cancer. According to David's story "Don't Drink Bottled Water Left in Car" this theory is questionable, if not completely false. Either way I drink my water out of glass or metal and will continue to do so. I'll admit my resolution is partially based on paranoia but it is further fortified because I can taste the plastic from plastic containers...ech!

Yummy Cupcakes

I just had to stop by this place. Yummy is a old college nickname of mine and who doesn't love a cupcake. I opted to try the red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting and the vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting. Being that I have Southern roots, please know that red velvet runs in my veins. I have to say that Yummy's version was luscious, moist and decadent. They are generous with the frosting, which has that "Krispy Kreme effect", razor thin crisp layer and a creamy smooth interior. The vanilla cupcake was delicious too. The chocolate frosting was a lightly whipped indulgence. I do have to mention that although the cupcakes lived up to the name "Yummy", the ambiance left room to be desired. I mean the space is cute enough but I expected the smell of vanilla and bakery goods to flood the air. This was NOT the case. I took it upon myself to lean over to the employee at the register and say "I have to tell you something. It smells in here". I then took it the Super Bowl of truth and informed her that it "smells like vomit". I felt like The Grinch in the midst of this fluffy sugar laden Wonderland but someone had to say something. Their product is too good to be soured by some feral aromatic mishap of unknown origin. Either way I'm going back for more, more, more.
Yummy Cupcakes
313 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-8283
www.yummycupcakes.com

Huckleberry

On a weekend morning breakfast run I opted to go to Huckleberry in Santa Monica. This establishment opened in February. The owners are made up of the husband and wife team of Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen owner Josh Loeb and pastry chef Zoe Nathan. Nathan has been named as a James Beard semifinalist in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category. Needless to say my expectations were pretty high. The decor is minimalist rustic-modern. The staff was friendly but I could barely hear them since it was so loud. The presentation was abundant. Every table was packed. Most items on the menu were about $12 and it featured the current LA restaurant staple of Niman Ranch meat items.

I ordered a caramelized onion frittata. It was gorgeous in appearance. It was pleasant enough but not love at first bite nor was it at any bite after the first. I also ordered a round cinnamon sugar doughnut and a chocolate croissant. Both were scrumdeliumptious. The croissant was crispy and buttery. The doughnut was not overly sweet and was nicely balanced with the sugar cinnamon dusting. Clearly the pastries were the highlight. I love that Huckleberry sources their products from local vendors. I also have an appreciation for simplicity in food but when I'm paying for it (especially when it's a egg dish) I like to have some level of culinary wizardry unleashed. The wizard needs a new wand.

Huckleberry

1014 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: (310) 451-2311
www.huckleberrybakery.com

The KFC "Mutant Chicken" Consipracy

You may have heard the rumor that KFC, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken was forced to switch to its new name because they use genetically altered chickens, thus legally rendering them powerless to use the word "chicken" in their business name. Well the story is false according to David Emery, a contributing writer for about.com. (I love the title of his story). Check out his story titled The Curse of Frankenchicken

Animal. This Carnivore's Dream Actualized

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are the primal chefs who founded the catering company Carmelized Productions, stars of the Food Network show, "Two Dudes Catering," and creators of the restaurant that goes by the name Animal. So I was a little hesitant and turned off by the quirky name but my curiosity got the best of me. After reading mostly good reviews I opted to check out the restaurant know as Animal. The waiter Jon was amazing and led me in all the right directions. I placed the order and Jon sent the items out in pairings. My selections for the evening were:
1) young kale salad, lemon vinaigrette, pecorino- I was not excited about this until I tasted it and my taste buds exploded. Very simple and subtly layered with flavor.
2) poutine, ox-tail gravy, Vermont cheddar- the rich man's chili cheese fries. The chunks of meat were so tender, the fries were blazing hot and crisp...definitely a top contender for a post-midnight indulgence. (We had to order it just for the name alone. I mean who doesn't like a little Poutine in the late night hours? I know crass and very 9th grade of me. Ces't la vie.)
3) pork belly, kimchi, peanuts, chili soy, scallion-so crisp, so flavorful and surprisingly light. Hands down the winner for the evening. The kimchi was not traditional but was "off the chain"...ummm so good. I could seriously eat this morning, noon and night. Pig love!

4) melted petit basque, chorizo, garlic bread-A fondue served with perfectly toasted bread. It had a flavoring similar to French Onion Soup. Comfort food sinfulness.
5) balsamic pork ribs, sunchoke, artichoke & English pea hash- The meat was so tender that I was able to eat them with a fork and knife. The flavor of the meat was a little gamey but the sauce was luscious.

6) joe’s doughnuts, caramel- Crisp on the outside, lightly cakey on the inside. A satisfying sweet "somethin, somethin" to follow up and evening of savory tastiness.
They have a nice wine list and of course I indulged there too. Meat is a featured item in each dish but the balance is appropriate so there is no over powering awareness of meat meat meat! I walked out full and not feeling like I was going to have a heart attack, to my surprise. Each dish is a small plate...so think tapas. I will definitely be going back and hosting a party there. Check out their food and wine menus http://animalmenu.wordpress.com/
Animal Restaurant
435 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036.
(323) 782-9225.
Open Seven Days A Week. Sunday - Thursday. 6pm-11pm. Friday - Saturday. 6pm-2am
www.animalrestaurant.com