Why Did You Eat That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Eat That: Not Just Another Meatball

By Kirsten|July 19th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

C_LA2-2_1 While in Los Angeles, I have been lucky enough to dine as some of best places the city has to offer. Last Thursday night, we went to Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. My girlfriends had been telling me this was one of their favorite places to eat in LA and upon arrival, I could see why. We passed through the terrace into the bar and main dining area. The room was aesthetically pleasing both with the decor as well as the clientele. I shouldn’t have been surprised seeing as Cecconi’s comes to you from the same folks as Soho House.

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We started with the goat cheese and summer truffle pizza and when I tell you it’s to die for, you’re lucky I’m here to type this. This was no dainty pizza either. It could have easily fed four, but we went ahead and left room for our entrees. By far one of the most delicious white pizzas I have ever had.

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For entrees, we ordered tuna tartare, which they bring to the table so that you can instruct them as to how you’d like it prepared. Also ordered was the halibut with lemon and chili rainbow chard. It isn’t often that a side is even better than the main, but this was one of those instances. I could have eaten an entire bowl of that chard. The crab ravioli with saffron sauce did not disappoint either. I love any type of ravioli, but this one was especially good. The pasta was homemade and the crab was so moist that there was not even need for sauce.

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We didn’t stick around for dessert, but I hear that the wood oven baked pear gratin with cinnamon ice cream is worth saving room for.

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I can certainly say that this will be somewhere I return. Perhaps I will throw a little dinner party in the private Butterfly room. It’s not a cheap night out, but would certainly impress a date and is worth the splurge if you are looking an incredibly delicious meal.

Cecconi’s West Hollywood

8764 Melrose Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90069

310-432-2000

So what does one wear when dining in one of the prettiest places in LA? How about this:

NIGH-WD66_V4 Nightcap Clothing Victorian Dress, $303

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 1.33.36 PM Nicholas Kirkwood Burma Slingbacks, $740

Screen shot 2010-10-12 at 1.38.32 PM Rebecca Minkoff Clutch, $345

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Smooth Operator

By Kirsten|April 24th, 2010|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (obvi), so I try to never skip it. It cranks up your metabolism for the day and keeps you focused until lunch. However, I’m sometimes in such a rush in the morning that it seems like a hassle. That’s when I decided it would be easier for me to just “drink” my breakfast. Why not drink some Ensure? Oh… because I Regina George’d myself. (Remember when she eats all those “health” bars and gets fat?). Yep! I got fattish.

Thankfully, one of my bff’s stepped in and saved me. She sent me the recipes below for a healthy drinkable breakfast… or lunch… or dinner:

All use whey protein,I like vanilla but you can use chocolate too.

1 banana (good for getting rid of extra fluid intake)
A spoonful of almond butter or organic peanut butter
Crushed almonds
Whey powder
Cup of skim milk and ice

Whey protein
1 banana
Flax seed
Cup of frozen blueberries
Cup of strawberries
I even add a handful of spinach…you can’t taste it and its good for you.

Those are my standard smoothies…you can add any of your fav fruits to the second. Even add pineapple. Get crazy.

So I started drinking these basically every day for breakfast and I’m not fat. Phew! When picking out the whey protein, make sure it has little sugar, few carbs, and low calories. I just asked the guy at GNC which one wasn’t going to make me fat.

So grab your blender and a straw. Happy sipping!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Summer Sipping

By Kirsten|July 15th, 2009|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

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I’m like a college kid on summer vacation this year. Needless to say, this has allowed me to hone my cocktail mixing skills. Sad, but true. However, my “adversity” equals your quenched thirst. Below are a few of my favorite summer cocktails sure to be a hit at your next summer soire.

Ginger Pineapple Heaven (seriously is like heaven in a glass)

Canton Ginger

Pineapple juice

Pineapple slice

Mix 1 part Canton Liquer, 2 parts pineapple juice in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and pour. Garnish with a pineapple chunk. Experience heaven.

St. Germain Cocktail

St. Germain

White wine (I suggest something dry)

Club Soda

Fill glass with ice. Add one part St. Germain, 2 parts white wine, and a splash of club soda. Note: Can also be made using prosecco.

The John Daly (Get it??)

Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

Lemonade

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 1/2 Firefly Vodka, 1/2 lemonade. Stir and enjoy. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of club soda.

Kiki’s Special Sangria

**This is a (very) loose take on the sangria from Trata in Water Mill. You can get the recipe for their sangria, but they have some very unique ingredients that are basically impossible to find.

4 bottles Sauvignon Blanc

1 bottle White Zinfandel

10 oz. Triple Sec

6 oz. 7 Star Brandy

1 cup sugar

6 oz. Pomegranate juice

6 oz. 7Up

Fresh fruit cut into cubes or small slices. You can use whatever you like, but realize it will effect the way your sangria tastes. Apples, pears, grapes, pineapple, mango all work well.

Combine all wine, liquor and sugar in a large glass container. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add fruit, pomegranate juice, and 7up and stir again. Refrigerate over night for flavors to combine. (If you can’t wait that long- it’s still fine to drink right away).

Cheers!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Down (South) and Dirty

By Kirsten|June 3rd, 2009|Why Did You Eat That?|

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I have been completely MIA and I’m sorry. I was on a “down south” road trip with my bf. We flew from Laguardia to Norfolk, Virginia and then drove two more hours to Waves, North Carolina. The whole purpose of our trip was for my bf to practice his kitesurfing (which is a post all in itself- and it’s coming soon). Anyway, we stayed at this beautiful “retreat” down there. Unfortunately, the wind during that week blew- or actually it wasn’t blowing. We did some exploring while there. We headed to Nag’s Head and Cape Hatteras to see the lighthouses (which we also have a theory on) and we took the ferry over to Ocracoke (the man in the picture above was also on the ferry with us). You can’t kite surf with no wind, so we decided to head south and explore some more.

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Next stop- Charleston, SC. I remembered touring the College of Charleston when I was eighteen, but I didn’t remember how beautiful it really is. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel called Charleston Place (which turns out to be dog friendly- kinda would have been good to know before we were shoving our poor pooch in his bag every time we left the room). Not only is it a charming city with lots of great restaurants and bars, the people are incredibly sweet and hospitable (it was voted the Most Mannerly City eleven times). We took a tour (I know, very parently/grandparently of us) because there is so much history and beautiful architecture. I started to regret not going to college there. I would have made a wonderful southern belle. I really didn’t want to leave, but eventually we had to.

Some of the other highlights of Charleston included the discovery of something amazing called Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, the oyster shooters at Pearlz, glass ceiling on the kitchen at Cypress so you can watch them prepare your meal, unbelievably good martinis at Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.), the very South Beach rooftop bar at the Pavillion Hotel, the amazing tacos at Taco Boy in Folly Beach, and the amount of kitesurfers at Isle of Palms.

The last stop was Virginia Beach (it is near the airport in Norfolk). There isn’t really much to write about there except they made a great mojito at the place we stayed, the Ocean Beach Club. Then it was back to good ol’ New York City. Thankfully, the weather was nice on Monday and I didn’t go through UV withdrawal.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Barrio Chino

By Kirsten|March 7th, 2009|Guest Blogger, New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

She may be new to New York, but Miss Scene It is always able to find the real hidden gems. She found me the perfect spot for my birthday dinner (I’ll let her tell you about that one) and always discovers fun new places to try. Unlike me, she’s not a neighborhood snob and can be found gallivanting all over the city from the Upper East Side to Tribeca.

She’s like the modern day Christopher Columbus, sometimes stumbling upon foreign lands on a whim. However, she does keep some of her secret hide outs secret (good thing I’m her friend!). Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Scene It!!!

Even though I’m still rather new to the city, one thing I know for sure is a great place to eat. I may actually be the small 30% of girls who eat in this city. My love for Mexican food runs deep and I could probably eat it everyday for the rest of my life (sometimes I wonder if my mom didn’t have a torrid love affair with a man named Juan Carlo). So if you are looking for great atmosphere, great drinks and food, and relatively cheap eats, this is for you. I’m a little nervous to share it with you because it is my go to spot and I don’t want to increase the wait for my table. But I’m feeling generous so here goes…

Barrio Chino on the LES is a small dig with no sign on the door; you’ll know it by the Chinese lanterns hanging inside. They don’t take reservations so I suggest catching a spot early because they are always packed. Their margaritas are to die for, but beware those little guys are strong! I’m a fan of the elderflower margarita or if you are feeling a little sassy, go for the jalapeno grapefruit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, that sucker is spicy!

On to my favorite part, the food. Always start with the guacamole and fresh chips. I usually order the same thing on the menu and I’m kinda in love- the chorizo quesadilla. I am a girl who rarely eats red meat or anything besides fish but it combines the perfect combo of cheese and spice. Also, try the enchiladas verdes or the bistek a la casa (for all you manly men).

You won’t walk away hungry or with a hole in your pocket. At times they are a little short on staff so service can become a bit slow (not optimal for a “quick” meal). Don’t be surprised when you become a regular after one visit. I’ll save you a seat at the bar!

xx,

SceneIt

Barrio Chino

253 Broome Street (b/t Orchard and Ludlow)

212-228-6710

www.barriochinonyc.com

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