Foodie Biz
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Consulting
  • Contact

Foodie Biz Blog

Easy to Please, Hard to Impress

The Rockefeller Does Gastro-Americana in the South Bay

8/22/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Rockefeller is exactly what you’d expect to find in a beachside gastropub, making a pleasant addition to both Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. Intriguing spins on American comfort classics, a rustic feel with a beachy undertone, and a price point that reminds you it’s a special occasion without breaking the bank. From the plaid-clad friendly service staff to the fun list of beers both on tap and incorporated in the menu, The Rockefeller beckons for the energetic crowd that pours in through its doors.

The Rockefeller’s largely classic American selections embrace touches from Italy, South of the Border and the Far East. The appetizer selections embody this trait more than anywhere else on the menu. The allagash queso, for instance, which has all the elements of the Tex-Mex favorite but goes a step further with added chorizo for a pleasantly smoky character. The truffle mac ‘n’ cheese is a heavenly, creamy compilation with bacon in tow. Add meatballs, flatbreads and ceviche to the mix and you still don’t have the full list of options available.

Picture

Burgers are certainly the focal point here, and at that epicenter is the Rockefeller burger, the restaurant’s luxurious namesake with ‘wagyu’ beef, truffle bacon jam, taleggio and garlic aioli for a rich, hearty finish. The everyday diner can still relish in the basics, however, with the American prime burger being an excellent [and economic] option. The Rockefeller gets a slap on the wrist for charging extra for fries, but at least the fries come out in heaping portions meant for sharing.

Sadly the rest of the menu doesn’t live up to the level set by apps and burgers. Tacos leave a lot to be desired in both flavor and portion size, as does the lobster stuffed avocado, which doesn’t contain enough seafood to be worthwhile. Dessert falls short, and while the beer list is robust, the housemade Rockefeller blonde doesn’t hold the character desired from a craft brew.

Back to the upside, though, it’s nice to find a higher-end gastropub with entrees starting at $11. 

The Rockefeller has locations in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Hours vary, but each location is open for dinner Mon – Thurs and for brunch, lunch and dinner Fri – Sun. Average out-the-door price for split appetizer, entrée, split side and 1 – 2 drinks is ~$50/person. For more information visit The Rockefeller online.

0 Comments

Ayara Luk Brings New Flavor to Famed LA Hotspot

8/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ayara Lük, the full-service ‘pop-up’ concept for Ayara Thai, which is currently under renovation until late 2017, is way more than a filler during the remodel. Ayara Lük [lük means ‘child’ in Thai] not only serves up many of the renowned family recipes that have made Ayara Thai one of LA’s premiere foodie destinations, but has established itself as the R&D kitchen for the family to test out new flavors and concepts. Foodies, you’re in for a Far East treat.

The menu may only cover one page, but everything is prepared with authentic, organic ingredients and fine execution. Start off with the rustic tom yum soup, which feels like a spa treatment for your mouth with fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime and oyster mushrooms. Move on to the signature pad thai Lük with lobster tail and crab, which boasts heaping portions of each delicacy, or the drunken noodles, with equally bold, albeit intrinsically different character. 

Picture
Curry is a must, of course, and you really can’t go wrong here. The interesting theme that runs through Ayara Lük’s curries is a sense of decadence that doesn’t often come in Thai food—the curries here are thicker and richer, especially when melded with meats that span far beyond the traditional options at other thai establishments. The short rib green curry, mild in color but nearly alfredo-like in consistency, is a true standout, followed by the equally new-age khao soi chicken noodle and lamb panang curries.

A fun drink menu includes wine, Thai beers and of course delicious Thai iced tea. If you’re somehow still hungry and want to end on a sweet note, the coconut ice cream tacos round out a novel evening. 

Located along a nondescript stretch of Sepulveda just north of LAX, Ayara Lük plays home to a modern, expansive atmosphere with an open-air kitchen that may or may not allude to some of the changes we expect to see in the new Ayara Thai. That re-opening is highly anticipated, and there’s a chance that both restaurants may serve side-by-side. In any case, this family-owned legacy is bound for great success moving forward.

Ayara Lük is located at 8740 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045. Average out-the-door price for split appetizer, entrée and 1 – 2 drinks is ~$50/person. For more information call (310) 881-4498 or visit Ayara Lük online.

0 Comments
    Picture

    Author

    Benjamin Brown is a seasoned restaurant writer and hospitality consultant, serving up SoCal's hottest food news and reviews.

    Categories

    All
    American
    Anaheim
    Beer
    Beverly Hills
    Biz
    Biz Tips
    Brunch
    Celebrity Chef
    Cocktails
    Comfort Food
    Consulting
    Downtown
    Economical
    Food Festival
    Glendale
    Hollywood
    Huntington Beach
    Irvine
    Italian
    Japanese
    Koreatown
    Las Vegas
    Long Beach
    Marina Del Rey
    Mexican
    Middle Eastern
    Newport Beach
    Pasadena
    Peruvian
    Pizza
    Rancho Santa Margarita
    San Diego
    Santa Clarita
    Santa Monica
    Seafood
    Small Plates
    South Bay
    Steakhouse
    Studio City
    Thai
    Venice
    Ventura
    Westlake Village
    Westood
    Wine
    Woodland Hills
    Yorba Linda

    Archives

    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    September 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    Instagram

    @Foodie_Biz

    Picture
Home
About
Blog
Consulting Tips
Contact
Legal
Foodie Biz provides restaurant news and reviews for the food community, as well as consulting advice for restaurant owners and other hospitality professionals.
Contact Foodie Biz for media opportunities and freelance consulting projects.

Contact Foodie Biz

Picture
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Consulting
  • Contact