Laurel Hardware

If you're like me it's a tough task to hear about a new restaurant that sounds like it's right up your alley and it kills you to wait hours if not days to go check it out. Such was the case with  Laurel Hardware and it pained me to wait about a month to try this place. I wanted to go the second it appeared on my radar. By the time I finally was able to go, I was fully aware that the back bar was the place to be, I knew all to well I'd NEED to try their pizza,and that their cocktails are a must. Burrata is my dairy kryptonite, I really can't not order it if it's on a menu, and I don't see why anyone would want to forgo burrata. Shame on you! In a world of bigger is better, I was pleased to see the size of their pizzas are perfect for sharing for a party of two paired with a few other treats. We opted in for the apple cider glazed pork belly and just the mere mention of this makes me salivate. I'll have to go back another time to try their cocktails and I think I'll revisit this burrata board when I do. Mixed with avocados and heirloom tomatoes, it was probably my stand out of the night.

heirloom tomatoes, burrata, avocado, plums

marherita pizza- those sea salt flakes are an awesome touch!

apple cider glazed pork belly

I remember going into Laurel Hardware when it actually was a hardware store and I'll definitely be back to it's new delicious incarnation. Have you made it over and sampled the fare? What did you think?

Married Couple Seeks Eats in Seattle

Beecher's mac and cheese

 When we went to Seattle in 2009, one of our favorite places was Pike's Place Market. We loved the food, the flowers, and the hustle and bustle of the city. We had to get back there and sample the food we remembered being so amazing. It was! First stop- The Crumpet Shop and then onward to Pike's Place Chowder for some chowder and crab rolls. I was stuffed, but had to pick up some Beecher's mac and cheese just for a taste. Everything was just as we remembered and just as Beecher's claims it to be the "World's Best", it really is the best mac and cheese I think I've ever had.

I could not get enough of all the peonies- seriously impressive!

I apologize now if your lunch is disappointing you, we can't all have crab rolls and mac and cheese everyday. Sigh!

Cheese and Crackers- All Grown Up!

Some nights you want to stay in and relax- watch tv, read, be with your sweet, or have a girls night in. That doesn't mean you should have to eat something boring and in fact, throwing together a beautiful and tasty plate of snacks is one of the easier things you can do. It was rainy this weekend and I planned ahead by picking up just a few special things - a little charcuterie, a little cheese, and some olives paired well with what I had laying around the house. Open a bottle of wine or your favorite beer (my fave) and you really can't go wrong. My husband indulged in March Madness and I spent some time with my pal, Katniss, reading Mockingjay. This is exactly what I needed for a relaxing Saturday night!

For this plate- I served picholine olives, serrano ham, Cypress Grove Purple Haze cheese (their cheeses are my favorite!), duck rillete, whole grain mustard, dates, crackers, cornichons, and some mini rye toasts.

What do you fancy on a snack plate? Totinos Pizza Rolls, Cheese, Charcutterie, Pop Tarts, lunchables- whatever it is, we want to know!

Super Bowl= Super Snacks

If you're like me, you don't really care about football, but you do like a good game day! It's a day to wear something comfortable, drink some beer, hang out with friends, and relax! For Super Bowl this year, we are going to a small gathering at friend's new apartment. While the guys sit in front of the TV screaming and doing all those silly football things guys (and some girls) do, I look forward to hanging out with the girls, watching commercials, and most of all, snacking on football treats! I'm hoping there's some guacamole, something smoothered in wing sauce, an onion dip, and of course something sweet. You have to check out the "Slutty Brownie" down below- it's layers of chocolate chip cookie, brownie, and oreos- HEAVEN! I've been noticing some rather sinfully bites and for this Friday, it only seems appropriate to take a peak at the finger foods we hope to be eating this Super Bowl Sunday!

Sirloin Sliders with Pancetta and Taleggio from Cooking How

Healthy Guacamole Tostadas from Camille Styles

Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese Bites from That's So Michelle

Buffalo Wings from The Hazel Bloom

Mac and Cheese Balls from Style Caster

Brownie Burgers from Cupcakes and Cashmere

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip from Tasty Kitchen Blog

Apple Nachos from Hello Giggles

The Slutty Brownie by The Londoner

Now that I'm drooling all over, I'd love to know what you have planned for game day! Do you have a favorite football snack?

Did someone say burrata?

Burrata...the penultimate cheese- creamy on the center, soft skin on the outside. It's my absolute favorite of the cheese family. So good I could eat it like an apple, but I won't, because that's not ok, and I'd really prefer to eat it carefully to savour it. If you've never had burrata, I beg of you to please do your best to find some and prepare yourself something wonderful and indulge.

Mozza makes a pretty noteworthy caprese salad with roasted tomatoes and burrata. If you've had it, you know just how good it is. If you haven't had it, you should. Can't make it to Mozza, not to worry. The Mozza Cookbook has the recipe and if you can get your hands on good burrata, this is exactly what you should do with it.

My take on the Mozza caprese

Do you love burrata? What's your favorite cheese and your favorite way to eat it? Maybe you should schedule some burrata time this weekend and then come back and tell me all about it post cheese consumption!

Surfas

Surfas is a (not so hidden) Culver City gem. Surfas has everything you need for your kitchen. It's an amazing store and I have the hardest time limiting my purchases, let alone leaving without anything. They carry everything you need from baking molds and fondant to industrial ovens and chef's quality knives and jackets. Surfas also carries a variety of gourmet food featuring fresh bread, pates, specialty ice creams and pastas. Their salts and spices are impressive, and their olive oil selection is not to be missed. God bless Surfas!

They remodeled the store around the end of 2008 and it now not only includes the cafe, but also has a top notch cheese counter. The staff is very helpful and will offer you samples until you've created the cheese board of your dreams! Below is the cheeseboard (literally the board and the cheeses) that I got from Surfas to bring to a friend's New Years Eve bash to ring in 2009!
Extra perk- They accept the KCRW Fringe Benefits card for a discount on non-food items.