The Foundry on Melrose - West Hollywood, California

Address: 7465 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Items Ordered:

• Foundry tots: fried potato, cheese fondue, violet mustard
  
• Steamed black mussels: harissa broth, chickpeas, spiced yogurt
  
• Grilled cheese: taleggio, raisin bread, apricot-caper puree w/ short ribs
• Roasted hanger steak: creamed spinach, crispy potatoes, brown butter bernaise
• Halibut: spring vegetable, bacon, watermelon radish
• Assortment of breads: "pizza" bread, foccacia, cornbread w/ herb butter spread
  

Looking back, I thought the food at the Foundry was delicious, and even more so cuz it was free (!) since my roomies brought me here for my birthday. The restaurant has been on my list of places to visit for awhile and their grilled cheese with short ribs was featured on the "Simply Irresistible" episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate. However, I think the grilled cheese might have been the least favorite of the night for me since it was too sweet tasting for an entree. The tater tots were soft, crunchy, and delicious, and purple mustard just looks cool. My medium-rare hanger steak was cooked impeccably and the creamed spinach helped cut the saltiness of the bernaise sauce. The mussels were flavorful, but ever since having my favorite mussels ever at The Tasting Kitchen, these mussels didn't seem as fresh :(. Connie wants everyone to know that her favorite part of the meal were the miniature breads that they kept bringing out, especially the cornbread w/ herb butter spread. The tiny breads were super cute and delicious, and I might have to return just to have them again or steal their recipes. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and while the grilled cheese seems a tad overhyped, the delicious food and service is what will bring me back to The Foundry for another visit.

--y

Tart Restaurant - West Los Angeles, California

Address: 115 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Items Ordered:

• California scramble with egg whites: pico de gallo, chicken andoullie sausage, green chili, cheddar cheese, topped with avocado
• Tomato, spinach, and mushroom egg white scramble
• Biscuit, hash browns
• Vanilla latte
  

I've driven by TART many times and the sign outside is so intriguing that it always catches my eye. On a Sunday around 11:30, the restaurant was not very crowded, and we found parking and seating easily. Justin Walker (Dave Annable) from Brothers and Sisters and his wife sauntered into the restaurant right after us and were seated right in Connie's line of sight. Thus, I had a lot of free time that morning to concentrate on my food since Connie was too busy drooling over the hot actor instead of our food or conversation ;).

The vanilla latte tasted creamy and was a great pick-me up for the morning. I requested the California scramble made into an egg white omelette, and I loved the bounty of ingredients included in the omelette. The hash browns were grease-free and tasted like delicious carbohydrate-y goodness. I managed to refrain from ordering the Chicken 'n Waffles on this visit, but I vowed to return to try that dish at some point in time farther away from swimsuit season... Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere at TART, the fresh ingredients, and unique dishes. Maybe next time I return, I'll also be starstruck by someone I actually recognize.

--y

Porto's Bakery - Downey, California

Address: 8233 Firestone Boulevard, Downey, CA

Items Ordered:

• Meat Pie
• Ropa Vieja Sandwich
• Pork Tamale
• Ham Croquette
• Chicken Croquette
• Potato Ball
• Fresh Mango Juice
  

I’ve been to all 3 locations now – Downey, Glendale and Burbank. They are all DELICIOUS. I usually just eat the savory items because I am not big on dessert. I blame it on the small size and cheap prices, but every time I come here, I can’t seem to control my orders. It gets out of control! My favorite are the Potato Balls – a fried ball with mashed potatoes and ground beef inside. My favorite stuff all in one! This was the first time I ordered a sandwich and I would have to say I enjoyed it a lot. Can never pass up on the Croquettes and Tamales though! Mmmm. I love this place.

--v