Why Did You Eat That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Eat That: South of the Border

By Kirsten|September 20th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

Last week one of my besties came from New York to visit me here in sunny Los Angeles. After launching into a diatribe about the amount of fedoras she had seen with in her first five minutes of being here, she then made a very poignant statement. She said, “Call me crazy, but I feel like everyone here tries really, really hard.” She couldn’t be more right. So, rather than take her to the typical sh*t show restaurants of Hollywood, we opted to take her somewhere a bit more low key.

Since my pal was in dire need of cocktail and craving Mexican, El Compadre seemed like the obvious choice. Modeled after a traditional Mexican hacienda with dim lighting and live entertainment from some muchachos with guitars, it is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious food and great company… not to mention it is home to the famous “Flaming Margarita.”

I really love this restaurant because it is zero glitz and glamour, but serves up totally authentic (and yummy) Mexican (though it will never replace Benny’s Burrito). There’s a reason that El Compadre has been around for thirty plus years and it probably has quite a bit to do with their enchiladas. Most plates are fairly large and could probably be shared between two people (but no one will judge you if you don’t).

El Compadre

7408 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90046

323-874-7924

So what does a girl wear to a laid back dinner in while still looking chic (and leaving enough room for tacos)?

Free People Chiffon and Lace Slip, $68

We the Free Navajo Cardigan, $168

Gianni Bini “Gigi” Cross Body Bag, $59

Frye Melissa Button Boot, $288

Hasta la vista, baby

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Louie Louie

By Kirsten|August 23rd, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Between work all week and apartment hunting on the weekends, I’ve been spending 89% of my time in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). A lot of people would probably frown upon my last statement seeing as downtown is still considered to be “up and coming.” Granted DTLA certainly isn’t as tacky trendy as West Hollywood or as squeaky clean as Beverly Hills, but it’s the only place in Los Angeles that actually resembles a city. Yes, there are some creepy people roaming the streets over here (Um, I’m from New York, kiddos. Bums don’t scare me!) and they could certainly use another Starbucks or Coffee Bean, but there is something sexy about not choosing the obvious. Not to mention the loft spaces you can get here are unrivaled anywhere else in the city.

Anyway, a girl’s gotta eat, right? After a long day at the office, we decided to grab dinner (which may or may not have included cocktails) in the neighborhood. Several people suggested a little place called Bottega Louie. So, off we went.

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Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised (and impressed). Bottega Louie functions as both a restaurant as well as cafe/bakery with some of the most exquisite pastries and desserts I’ve ever seen. The space is large and white. After checking in with the host at the table separating the bakery from the restaurant, we hung near the bar and took in the scene. The clientele was polished. I saw several suits (something I haven’t really seen since being in LA). I’m assuming these were the bankers who work downtown. The Fashion District and the Financial District in the same neighborhood. Finally a city that got it right!

As we were seated the host confirmed the last name, which at first I found peculiar until the waitress came by and addressed us by name. (It’s the little things). We were next to the pizza bar which smelled absolutely divine. Unfortunately, I’d already had pizza the day before, otherwise I would have eaten an entire pizza myself. I ordered the lasagna which turned out to be almost as good as mom’s (almost, mom, almost). My companion opted for the chicken carcioffi (chicken with artichoke hearts, capers, garlic, herbs and white wine sauce). I assume it must have been pretty good because he was done with it before I had the option of asking for a bite.

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We were in a bit of a rush to get out of there, so we skipped dessert, but we did manage to snag some of the amazing and colorful French macaroons on our way out. I would definitely like to go back and try their pizza along with a few hundred other things on the menu. It was almost like being back in New York.

Bottega Louie

700 S. Grand Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90017

866-418-9162

Hey, for the food at Bottega Louie, I’d take the bums in downtown over the freaks in your hood any day!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

By Kirsten|August 16th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

One of the only things I hate as much as leggings worn as pants is moving and apartment hunting. Luckily for me, I spent the entire weekend searching for a new home for me and the pooch. It was a daunting task for sure and I would have much rather spent my time poolside (cocktail in hand. obv), but I suppose this is one of life’s necessary evils.

But alas, it was not a complete and utter loss. One amazing thing that came out of this weekend’s hunt was stumbling upon Cole’s French Dip. After receiving a history lesson from one of the building’s leasing agents, I headed over to check out this so called “originator of the French Dip.” Apparently, Cole’s is Los Angeles’s oldest public houses (dating back to 1908). It was recently renovated to reflect its heritage including the original bar.

The menu is pretty straightforward as you can imagine. You obviously should go ahead and order the French dip. You can get beef, turkey, or pastrami and can add several different cheeses to jazz it up. This is all well and good, but you better save room for dessert. The chocolate pie is hands down the BEST thing I have ever put in my mouth. I would have eaten an entire pie MYSELF.

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This is a definite must try if you are in downtown LA. I know this is short, but there are really only two things on the menu worth eating.

Happy dipping.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Cha Cha Chicken

By Kirsten|August 9th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

What does one need more after a grueling day at the beach than some delicious food and serious refreshment? Okay, maybe some aloe, but probably much more of the former. I was delighted to be introduced to Cha Cha Chicken in Santa Monica a couple of weekends ago. Not only is it totally adorable, the food is a refreshing change from your average beach eats.

It is true to the beach feel serving up Caribbean fare, so there is no need to gussy up or make a reservation. Just stroll up, take a gander at the menu, order, and find a table to enjoy. I am partial to the jerk chicken enchiladas with beans and rice and fried plantains. It’s just spicy enough without needing to call the fire department.

You can not forget to wash it down with their fresh juices. I am a huge fan of the watermelon or strawberry ginger lemonade. We actually ended up combining both for an even more delightful drink.

Cha Cha Chicken

1906 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90405

310-581-1684

Dress Code:

This is a beach crowd, so easy, breezy, beautiful would be my suggestion. Feel free to toss on a cute cover up over your ‘kini.

MIKOH Swimwear Rylie Top, $90 and Hunter Bottom, $90

Alexis Lennon drawstring coverup, $148.50

Steve Madden Simmple sandal, $59.95

Why Did You Eat That: Just Another Restaurant

By Kirsten|July 26th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Before heading down to Temecula for our early Saturday morning adventure (more to come on that), we stopped at The Grove to pick up some essentials (read: Kiehl’s). Seeing as I haven’t been to a “mall” in quite some time, I had forgotten the type of people who frequent malls on a Friday nights. That being said, we opted not to dine in The Grove and headed to a place suggested by a friend called Jar.

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When we walked in, I hadn’t been sure what to expect being as I’m not from Los Angeles and I really never know what the hell to expect here. I was pleasantly surprised to see a warm and sexy room that had a Boogie Nights (sans mass amounts of drugs and girls on rollerskates). I felt a little underdressed because I’d just planned on being in a car for two hours and had just thrown on a jersey maxi dress and flip flops. The room was large and surprisingly empty for a Friday night.

We were seated at a nice table along the wall and our waiter came over promptly with the cocktail menu and a smile. It seemed possible that he would break into song and dance at any moment, but thankfully I appreciate overzealousness. We started off with the crab deviled eggs which were absolutely unbelievable. You had me at deviled eggs, but adding the crab really took them over the top. There were a lot of them for just two people, but since they were so delish, we had no trouble polishing them off.

slide_02 For our main, we shared a porterhouse steak with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes as sides. The meat was sliced for us upon serving and was cooked to our specification. The meat was juicy and delish and they offered several different sauces, but they really weren’t even necessary. The asparagus was fine, but unremarkable. The mashed potatoes were creamy and pure, not overly seasoned. There was more than enough food for two (which is good news for Smitty who was stashed in his bag below the table).

Despite being totally stuffed, we couldn’t resist the brownie and ice cream for dessert. Luckily, it was the perfect size after gorging yourself on steak. It was just enough to get a taste of chocolate without combusting onto our singing waiter.

I would certainly go back again for a good, quiet dinner with friends or date with a cute boy. (This is not a “scene” if that’s what you are looking for). So trade in your sequin mini for your elastic waist pants and head over to Jar for your next special occasion.

Jar

8225 Beverly Boulevard

323-655-6566

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 2.01.23 PM Splendid Cotton Racerback Maxi Dress, $125