Santuari Restaurant

Reviewer: HippieSrirachaGirl

Light, Simple, Fresh-Delectable food…The aroma of the black beans, a fresh stew of tomatoes and just a hint of parsley was the Sharshuka dish served in a mini cast iron skillet. Topped with crumbled feta cheese and sunny side up egg. To the left of skillet, were two slices of bread brushed with olive oil infused with Mediterranean herbs. (Picture 1 Below) As I scooped chunks of tomatoes, eggplant, feta cheese, an egg and black beans, I caught a hint of heat from a green sauce that heightened the flavour profile of the dish. For me, there were huge chunks of tomatoes and I was craving a bit more of the black beans to balance out the rest of the dish. I soaked my toasted bread into the fresh tomato stew.

My epicurean mom had the Vegetable Egg White Frittata. (Picture 2 Below) The thick egg white frittata was topped with fresh fennel, thinly sliced carrots and radish, parsley and arugula. According, to my epicurean mom she need butter with her dish. We were informed that the restaurant does not cook with butter and instead olive oil. For people who do not use butter when they cook, then you would be extremely happy to hear that information. I was extremely happy, unlike my epicurean mom who was disappointed. Th waitress offered her olive oil, which was infused with Mediterranean herbs. Once my epicurean mom took a bite of the frittata drizzled with the olive oil, she was IN AH!

Across from our table, I spotted a fresh fruit dessert. Therefore, I asked the waitress and she said, “that is our Fresh Fruit & Saffron Sabayon and it’s pretty tasty.” (Picture 3 Below) So we ordered one. At the end of our brunch, we both scooped a spoonful of the Fresh Fruit & Saffron Sabayon topped with mint leaves, infused with citrus segments, berries and tarragon, a light sweet refreshment.

Ambiance – We were immediately escorted to the section of the restaurant called the Green Room. (Picture 4 Below) From a distance it was dark because of the gothic archways and the intriguing lighting fixtures. Once we entered we could see the geometric star designs and the vintage medieval gothic torch lights. This created an enchanting romantic surrounding that could have been placed in the city of Dubai.

Without a doubt, I would go back for lunch and dinner to embrace the entire food experience prepared by Chef Brendan Mica at the Santuari Restaurant.

For more information on this restaurant, call at (323) 902-9700.

Santuari Restaurant 6711 Forest Lawn Drive Los Angeles, Ca 90068

Check out my insta @sugaryhipster for other restaurant video coverage.

Cheers,

HippieSrirachaGirl

1. Sharshuka

2. Vegetable Egg White Frittata

3. Fresh Fruit & Saffron Sabayon

4. Green Room

It’s the Summer of 2018 and I’m back to blogging!!!

I know its been a minute but lets be honest its been years since my latest post. A lot has happened in terms of me graduating from school, to going to an additional summer program last summer to enhance my skills in my field of study. I have also traveled to Costa Rica, Scotland, and New York. I have accumulated an array of pictures of food, which I will posting ASAP!! I will definitely highlight my most memorable dishes!

My 2nd favourite Carribean Restaurant!

You have probably passed this restaurant a number of times but DON’T…drive slow but safely because it is located at 3426 W. Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90018. (busy street!)

The restaurant is called the Natraliart Food Restaurant. I ordered Curry Goat. This dish came with small pieces of fresh goat meat marinated in a special blend of Jamaican curry, herbs & spices with a side of rice & beans and my favourite plantains.  The drink was made fresh and it was a Beet Root & Carrot drink. This drink included fresh beets & carrot juice w/ a touch of lemon juice & honey. I was full and very satisfied. The owner of the restaurant has a warm spirit..do visit!

It has been a minute!

This has to be one of my favourite Jamaican restaurants in L.A. called Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine located 4305 Degnan Blvd #100. Los Angeles, CA 90008.

I ordered the Vegetarian Plate w/ Callaloo (Greens) $9.95

Served with Rice & Peas, steamed vegetables, callaloo (greens), plantain & festival bread. As you can see, I had this dish with a fresh coconut.

Delicious I might say 🙂

Marinated a Whole Chicken along with a Dry Rub

This was my first time doing a dry rub with a whole chicken. It was definitely a great experience with my mother.

Add the seasonings that you have a taste for. Before you marinate and do the dry rub make sure the whole chicken has reached room temperature. It is important to let the dry rub settle into the chicken for as long as you can so the flavor can come through the skin, when you begin the baking process, aiming for a crispy outside!

As you can see, I have added red potatoes, a half of a lemon and white onion. You are more than free to add other vegetables to bring out more flavor in your chicken. Explore your pantry and enjoy the journey!

Tacos!! Can you Guess what kind of filling?!

This was my first time going to this restaurant and its called Cactus Taqueria. I was pleased with my two tacos!!! I went exotic with my choice in meat: the first taco was TONGUE and the other was Mexican Chorizo. The tongue was cooked well and the flavour behind it was great. The chorizo had a lil kick to it but I love a lil spice in my bite.

Check out one near you if you are interested:

1. 950 N. Vine St. Hollywood, Ca 90038

2. 4730 W. Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90014

3. 11401 Moorpark St. Studio City, Ca 91602

4. 4378 Woodman Ave. Sherman Oaks, Ca 91423

One of my regular Spots in LA is Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks

Today, I ordered the MAUI turkey burger. It comes with guacamole, swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato and instead of regular fries I got a side of sweet potato fries. The turkey burger was cooked well, there was a nice bit of juiciness against the fresh guacamole. The burger was packed with a lot of lettuce that could have been cut down to half. The sweet potato fries had a light crisp on the outside. I was stuffed at the end of the meal. Plus, this restaurant is having a Margarita special, if you love a little exotic flavour in your life. If there is an ISLANDS near you, do check it out because the restaurant has a chill beach atmosphere.

Zucchini Spaghetti…..Oooouuu

Sunday Night Dinner..Homemade Zucchini Spaghetti with ground turkey and Italian Sausage. The added Italian sausage adds another texture to the dish. Thought I try out a different twist on Spaghetti. Turns out I AM A FAN..the Zucchini strands are much lighter and it does not feel heavy on my stomach such as pasta noodles!

Stuff I Eat! – Inglewood, CA – (SBOB)

This restaurant is located in a small shopping plaza on Market Street (S. La Brea). If you are a Vegan, this is one of many spots to visit when coming to Cali and if you enjoy soul food then stop on by…don’t think twice.  The menu includes, sandwiches, burritos, quesadillas, wild rice, tacos, tofu, salads, smoothies and can’t forgot to mention desserts… raw pies…YUM! Plus they even have take-out 😉 Today I ordered, the Lunch Burrito which came with a side salad and tortilla chips and for a drink I had the Tropical Blend Smoothie – delicious, fresh and the consistency was decent. The size portion of the Lunch Burrito was moderate and I was definitely full. A plus for me was the contemporary, earthy vibe of this restaurant’s ambience and the owner’s interaction with the customers. I will return to this restaurant but I must continue my search for SBOB!

Urth Caffe!!!

This restaurant is located all over: West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Downtown LA and Pasadena.

It was my first time eating at this restaurant. I must say I was a happy customer. I wanted to start off simple, so I ordered the Urth cafe salad which you can order either half or full. I even order a Veggie Juice which include blended beets, ginger and carrots. It was quite refreshing…I should have ordered another one. I would definitely check out Urth Caffe if you love fresh, delectable, simple meals!! I’m going back!!