Rosti's Tuscan Kitchen

Heading home from the spa on a Tuesday night, my friend Marvin and I had thought of Crazy Fish. As we passed Robertson with no people outside this Japanese joint, we were doomed to having Mcdonald's. Then I swerved right onto Beverly as I remember an old place we used to go too, Rosti's.

An Italian chain restaurant serving made to order meals. Marvin almost always orders Risotto in any Italian place we eat at, and tonight is no exception, made with spinach, chicken and cheese. I went for the pasta special, rigattoni, artichokes and chicken sausage. We were the last to order, after some day old bread, our food came within 10 minutes...hot, fresh and tasty.

Under $15 per entree, Rosti's is a quick stop for tasty palates. Walk after dinner at this modest commercial area in the middle of Beverly Hills, and you would feel like you belong.

http://www.rostituscankitchen.com/

Sushi Nozawa

Transferred from cyblogue (August 26, 2005):

Last night I had sushi with my recruiter and friend, Cindy, from Robert Half. I got there around 6:30 and the small restaurant, located in a mini-mall along Ventura Blvd had only 1 customer at the sushi bar. The Sushi Nazi, as he is infamously referred to, amongst 4 or 5 assistants, was in his usual self, non-smiling, arms crossed and eyes almost glaring at me as I entered. We opted to have a table by the window so we can order what we want, instead of the Trust Me special.

I heard customers getting kicked out of the restaurant for ordering food at the bar. Cold sake in a hot summer night and the delicious sushi as it should be made, cold fish over warm rice. Yellow tail, salmon, sweet shrimp, albacore, giant clam, tuna, crab roll, unagi, salmon skin, etc. served one after a very few minutes upon ordering, often times by the sweet Mrs. Nozawa. There was no toro and sea urchin, probly coz it was reserved for the special, or maybe both didn't pass Nozawa-san's strict freshness standards.

Paid for by Robert Half, I didn't bother checking the bill, but surely we must have spent at least $50 each. A truly delightful evening worth blogging. Google Sushi Nozawa for more reviews.

http://www.google.com

The Four Seasons Hotel - Los Angeles

If you haven't had brunch at the Four Season, please do, at least once in your life! I used to go once every 6 months with my friends, Sam and Ken, but haven't been back since last September right before Sam left for Michigan. We always request for a table by the patio, close to the entrance, as we see people come and go. Regulars are Larry Flint, riding a new Bentley with his 24K Gold Wheelchair, and Tom Arnold arriving in his Victory bike. The best time to go is during a Hollywood event like the Oscars and Emmys. If you like waiting along with famous people, valet park, but be warned it may take you more than 30 minutes on a busy Sunday afternoon.

This time though, we have observed:

• the Sugar in the Raw packets doesn't have the Four Seasons logo anymore
• the bathroom coconut scented towels have been replaced
• there was only one server in the whole patio (we miss Chucky and Caroline who knew our names and gave us a hug everytime we were there)
• the valet parking seemed disorganized with a few clients pissed
• of course, the food is excellent as usual, except for the tough bacon

Try the waffles, half portion only, the salads, the prime rib and leave some for the scrumptious desserts.

Bill for 2 plus tip: $150.00 (excluding valet because I parked right across the street for free and Ken had to park his 2005 Harley "Deuce" at the garage himself).

http://www.fourseasons.com/losangeles/