Why Did You Eat That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Eat That: Can I have a Peace?

By Kirsten|February 7th, 2011|Why Did You Eat That?|

I have had a love/hate (mostly hate) with Los Angeles for the past seven months. Between the traffic, the inflated egos, and plastic appearances, it’s been a tough adjustment for me. Though, I must say the weather here is insane and certainly does make up for what the city lacks in other areas. One of my biggest gripes has been finding a great restaurant that isn’t too trendy and sceney (read: tacky), has great ambience, and actually has delicious food.

This past Friday we went to Pace in Laurel Canyon. I had never heard of it and probably wouldn’t have even noticed it driving by if it hadn’t been pointed out. I was confused at first because I thought we were heading into the local market that is attached to the restaurant (am I a cheap date?), but was relieved when we walked into the outdoor terrace of the restaurant and then inside.

Immediately, I felt as if we had left Los Angeles altogether. The decor was warm and cozy. I’ve never been to Spain, but we could have easily been there (in my head at least). The clientele was attractive, but unassuming and I knew we were in for a treat when I smelled the truffle mac and cheese that was a special for the evening. We were seated at a table in the corner and I was elated to see a glass on the table with crayons in it. Yes, things like that score big with me. Another special we tried was an avocado stuffed with fresh crab that I could have happily spent the rest of my days eating as my only meal. One of the best parts about the restaurant is that the food is all from local farmers and vendors so it is fresh and that absolutely comes through in your meal. While this was absolutely not a “cheap date” we left feeling like we had actually gotten what we’d paid for. The food was worth every penny. Did I mention the warm chocolate cake?

For a dinner at Pace, I would suggest something elegantly dressed down. This is not the place to pour yourself into a Herve bandage dress. I don’t suggest looking like you just rolled out of bed, but think “Oh this? I just threw something on.”

Clockwise: Brian Atwood Studded Multicolor Cutout Pump, $790, Equipment Signature Blouse, $188, Sparkle and Fade Leather Shorts, $128, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag, $412.50, Lilly Pulitzer Basket Case Bangle, $58, Lauren by Ralph Lauren 20 Set Delicate Bangles, $68

Peace out.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Pure Bliss

By Kirsten|January 24th, 2011|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

Yes, birthdays should last longer than just a day. I mean we’ve spent the last 364 building up to just one day? Why not go ahead and spread one’s birthday out over a few days… a week perhaps? Well, thanks to some super spoiling, that’s exactly what I did. After spending the day getting royally pampered at bliss, I was whisked off to an “overnight adventure”- location TBA.

It was a beautiful night and we drove with the windows down until we reached Malibu where we turned into the Malibu Beach Inn. Sheer bliss ensued (for the second time that day).

After checking in and settling in our cozy but well appointed room, we cranked up the fireplace and spent some time out on the balcony which overlooks the ocean. I couldn’t believe that it was the middle of January, yet here I was at the beach. I mean, I know I haven’t been 100% sold on Los Angeles just yet, but this weather certainly does make a strong argument.

Dinner was just downstairs at the hotel’s restaurant, Carbon Beach Club. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, though I can’t really imagine who would want to sit inside when you could be dining almost literally on top of the ocean. Call me crazy. Anyway, while the heaters and fire pit kept us warm, we began to order the spicy tuna tartar and caprese salad. Both were very fresh and delicious. The spicy tuna tartar is a really different and original take on your run of the mill tartar. For dinner we had the three cheese ravioli (um, you had me at ravioli) and the NY steak. Again, both were insanely delicious and I had to stop myself from shoveling every last morsel of the ravioli into my mouth. Clearly, I needed to leave room for dessert: cheesecake with fig and a lemon tart. We left incredibly stuffed and happy. So stuffed that I conveniently slipped into a food coma while listening to the crashing waves.

I also awoke to the sound of crashing waves. And then it was time for brunch. Back downstairs we went. Brunch was also a delight. Huevos rancheros and prosciutto sandwiches are the best way to start your Sunday. Oh- a delicious bloody Mary never hurt anyone either. I really would have stayed there forever, but alas… it was time to depart and return to reality. Goodbye Malibu Beach Inn… goodbye birthday week.

I will leave my bags packed until next time:

(L to R): Fluxus Nomad Scarf, $48, Bear Creek Weekender, $498, Madewell Mae Open Drape Jacket, $88, C & C Triblend Slim Jogger Pant, $26, Ray-Ban Metal Aviator, $129

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That?: Roll Along Lil Doggies

By Kirsten|January 10th, 2011|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

While in the midst of packing up the few final boxes of my New York apartment last week, my packing companion informed me he was craving a New York hot dog. Seems reasonable. So, of course, the first place I thought of was Crif Dogs in the East Village. They claim to be the number one weiner in the city, and I would tend to agree.

Now, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to hot dogs, but Crif Dogs really outdid themselves in order to make sure they would not disappoint. The chihuahua (bacon wrapped dog with avocado and sour cream) is my personal fave. Couple that with some tater tots and cheese dipping sauce and you’ve got a meal made in heaven. So, let’s say you’re ready to kick it up a notch… Well, you’re in luck. It just so happens that Crif Dogs houses a “secret” bar. That way if your hot dog has you ready for a little more excitement, you can enter through the phonebooth located on the left wall to a little place called PDT (Please Don’t Tell). Now, while this is probably not news to most of you, I’m going to go ahead and spell it out for those of you who aren’t familiar:

So, you go into said “phonebooth,” pick up the receiver to get the hostess on the line and ask to be seated. If you have reservations, this shouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, the hostess will give you the once over and decide whether or not there is any room for you inside.

Once inside, you will have a few rules to follow, but they are totally worth it when it comes to the delicious concoctions from the bartenders (mixologists?). Don’t bother ordering something average. You will be snubbed. If you’d like to just cut to the chase or you get a little snacky at the bar, you can order the same hot dogs from Crif Dogs.

Crif Dogs/PDT

113 St. Marks Place

New York, NY 10009

While munching on hot dogs sounds like a pretty casual outing, you may want to spruce up a little if you want to stand a chance of getting in next door. Try a little bit of casual, elegance with a touch of East Village hipster. (Fellas, don’t even bother coming in your suits- We saw more than a handful of rejects).

Forever 21 Trad Plaid Flannel Shirt, $12.50

Diane von Furstenberg Sequin Dax Shorts, $113

Hue Ribbed Sweater Tights, $22

Dolce Vita Hawk Lace Up Clog Booties, $265

Where my dogs at?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Musical Chairs

By Kirsten|January 3rd, 2011|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

Once upon a time, I was gallivanting through the West Village when I stumbled upon a big wooden door. Being the ever curious girl that I am, I went ahead and entered said wooden door to see what kind of magic it held inside. Magic was right. I entered a room that looked like it didn’t even belong in New York City. It was old and quaint and had twinkling chandeliers dangling from its soaring ceilings.

I still didn’t know where I was until I asked the bartender. He informed me that I was at One If By Land Two If By Sea. I had heard of it, but had never gone. It was supposed to be one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and now I could see why. I bid the bartender adieu and vowed that some day I would return to this magical place with my very own Prince Charming.

Flash forward seven months, and I returned to One If By Land Two If By Sea this past weekend for their Sunday Jazz Brunch. I couldn’t imagine anything more “old” New York than listening to jazz over bellinis in such a beautiful place. They have several delightful options on their brunch menu (served from 11:30am-2:00pm). I ordered the brioche French toast (with carmelized bananas, toasted pistachios, and creme anglaise) and my handsome companion ordered the leek and bacon quiche. Both were delightful in two very different ways. While his was hearty and savory, mine was like eating dessert for breakfast. I must say that the combination of delicious food, great music, and overall ambience was exactly the way a Sunday should be spent.

One If By Land Two If By Sea

17 Barrow Street

New York, NY 10014

347-706-3072

How does a curious girl get dressed for a magical brunch with her very own Prince Charming? For a place like this, I would suggest elegantly casual with a touch of feminine romance.

Billabong October Beanie, $22

Madison Marcus Long Sleeve Lace Blouse, $238

J Brand 901 Low-Rise Skinny Velvet Jeans, $185

Black Rooster Vienne Bootie, $125

Juicy Couture Alice Plaid Coat, $448

Happily ever after…

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Meet the Parents

By Kirsten|December 27th, 2010|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

During the holiday season, there is a lot of meet and greet with family members. For some this may be the first meeting. For others it is round two, three, or four with the in laws. In either case, it can be quite overwhelming.

Last week, my fiance met my mother for the first time. While the pressure wasn’t really on me, I did want to have an enjoyable experience. For a night out on the town, I chose to take my mom and fiance to Morandi. It’s a great place for your parents to get the “New York experience” without overwhelming them with bottle popping and rail thin model types. Not to mention, the food is pretty delicious.

The staff is very knowledgable about wine and helped us choose a bottle everyone would enjoy. We ordered the olive ascalone (fried green olives stuffed with sausage) and the carciofi alla giude (fried artichokes with lemon). My fiance ordered the guinea hen, I had the gnocchi special, and my mom noshed on pappardelle integrali con pancetta (whole wheat pasta with pancetta, broccoli rabe, and radicchi). Everything was delightful and we were happily stuffed. Seeing as everyone was getting along swimmingly and my mom was a few glasses of wine in, we headed over to Soho House to really get the party started.

So what should a young lady wear when going to meet her future in laws? There is no need for a turtleneck and pearls. No one believes you are that innocent, but covering up a bit and coming across more wholesome than your normal Saturday night tube top won’t hurt. Try a warm and cozy sweater and patterned pants. Looking pulled together and sophisticated will put your future mother in law at ease. No one will ever be good enough for her baby boy, but at least you’ll come close.