by Christina | Oct 15, 2015 | Recipes, Wellness
Today is apparently National Dessert Day, which means it’s basically a holiday created specifically for me. (Who even gets to decide it’s National Dessert Day…?) I didn’t know today was such a wonderful holiday until the world of Instagram and Twitter informed me, but it worked out perfectly because I coincidentally made my roommates a decadent chocolate lava cake last night right at midnight! So I’m either psychic or dessert is in my blood. Moving on.
In honor of National Dessert Day, let’s talk about…ICE CREAM LAB!
If you live in the LA area but haven’t been here yet, HOP ON IT GIRL! Especially if you’ve never tried liquid nitrogen ice cream. I love this place.
I’ve been to a few ice cream parlors that serve liquid nitrogen ice cream, but Ice Cream Lab is #1 on my list. The flavors are bomb. Blue Velvet, Butella, Cookies and Cream, and Banilla are some of my faves. Blue velvet cupcake, Nilla wafers, and Nutella – can you go wrong?
Liquid nitrogen ice cream is not the same as regular ice cream – I promise! It has a way better texture because it’s sooo much smoother than normal ice cream. I’m all about textures. It tastes fresher, creamier, and just real. The ingredients are all natural with no artificial coloring or preservatives, and they’re all Kosher (in case you were curious). You can taste the difference. They also have vegan options, so don’t let that stop you from the creamy goodness! This place has totally spoiled me & turned me into an ice cream snob. Baskin Robbins tastes like a pile of stale rocks compared to the real deal at Ice Cream Lab. If I can taste juicy, fresh strawberry chunks in my ice cream, I know I’m in the right spot. None of that artificial syrup crap.
I also adore liquid nitrogen ice cream because it’s just so much more exciting to watch your dessert created on the spot, right in front of your face. The little machine they use to freeze the ingredients emits a huge cloud of smoke, and you feel like a mad scientist is concocting a secret dessert just for you. Nom. Who doesn’t love some potion-making?
Ice Cream Lab keeps some flavors on the menu consistently, but they also rotate others in and out so there’s always a delicious new option. You won’t get bored here. Sidenote: I’m also slightly obsessed with their milkshakes. They’re so heavenly.
Tonight’s choices were Midsummer Night’s Dream, Chocolate, and Salt Lick Crunch!
Salt Lick Crunch: Vanilla Ice Cream with Pretzels, Caramel, and Sea Salt
Midsummer Night’s Dream: Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberries, Nilla Wafers, and Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate. ‘Nuff said.
Beary Cinnful Horchata is currently on the menu and I have a burning desire to go try it. Ugh. #Lust
Verdict: Get your butt over to Ice Cream Lab – it is National Dessert Day, after all! Besides, it’s way too hot out to turn down ice cream, and it’s good to treat yourself every once in a while. 🙂
How did you celebrate National Dessert Day?! I would love to see pictures! XX
by Christina | Sep 8, 2015 | Wellness
Part 2 of my NY diary is here (finally) and it’s my favorite part. FOOD! No shame – I’m a total foodie. I researched and planned our restaurant choices waaaay ahead of time because I was not going to waste a perfectly good New York excursion on a boring meal at Olive Garden. Aaaaand my planning was well worth it – the food was incredible. A combination of my own research and some fab recommendations from friends allowed me to experience the best foodie trip I could’ve asked for. There was a slight hiccup… I’m a total brunch babe, and NY isn’t exactly up to par with LA brunchin’. I’m sorry I said it! Don’t get me wrong, we ate at some incredible places. But overall, if I’m being the harsh critic that I am, I would give Los Angeles an A+ on the trendy, yummy brunch spots, whereas New York was kicking ass in the dinner department (which LA is slackin’ on)! So the two evened out. I’m tough to please, I know, but I know what I like! Bottom line though – NY is the place for a food lover, and I was oh-so-satisfied with my experience. And now, the pics. (asldfa;ksldjf;lksjdfa;sdjk EXCITEMENT!)
Lunch at the Boathouse
The chickpea puree had me falling off my chair. That good.
Am I in 27 Dresses yet?
Little Italy had me drowning in pastries.
What’s Little Italy without a latte?
If people can die from it, you know it must be good.
Coconut sorbet with strawberries after a divine dinner at Due
Some quick brunchin’ post Empire State Building at Friedman’s
Embracing my inner Scottish vibes with a pre-Broadway meal at St. Andrews
Soaking up allllll the Good-ness. That almond coconut bread was too good to be legal.
This is how we do appetizers. Just a little hungry.
I felt classy when the whole fish came out, but also a little nervous because I generally don’t like eyeballs on my plate.
“Dessert, compliments of the kitchen.”
If anyone can explain the above scenario to me, I would gladly appreciate it.
Has there ever been such a perfect crab cake benedict?
Sarabeth’s did not disappoint. Gettin’ a head start on pumpkin muffins for fall!
Dining at The Butcher’s Daughter was probably my favorite meal of the entire trip. The food was so fresh, flavorful, and delectable. Plus the ambiance was adorable. Bright flowers and inviting wooden tables on a warm summer night? Yes please!
The remnants of the MOST INCREDIBLE DESSERT I HAVE EVER HAD. I wish I had taken a photo of the entire thing, but I was too eager to devour most of it before remembering to snap a pic. Ice cream sandwich comprised of two soft, warm chocolate chip scones, creamy banana-walnut ice cream, homemade raspberry preserves, and fresh fruit. I never thought I would feel this way about an “ice cream sandwich,” but this was the king of all kings. My tongue almost fell off from satisfaction.
Alice’s Tea Cup was heaven for a tea addict like myself. The extensive tea menu was almost too good to be true. My personal favorite was the Vanilla Coconut Chai Blend – gave me those warm, tingly holiday feelings and soothed my soul. Is there anything more adorable than mismatched tea sets and freshly made scones?
Roasted pears with asparagus? That’s how you brunch.
The Spotted Pig’s decor was on point. There was a moment where I fantasized I was entering the Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade…
Photos don’t do it justice, but this was the best fish I have ever been served. Black Bass for the win!
To order the Zillion Dollar Frittata or not… #DifficultDecisions
I amend my previous statement – my meal at ABC Kitchen was also at the top of my list for best NYC dinner. Can we just appreciate how perfect the crab toast looks? And I don’t even have words for the toasted almond sorbet. #DiedandGonetoHeaven
All my fellow foodies – let me know your favorite spots to dine! XX
by Christina | Jul 22, 2015 | Wellness
There are few things I enjoy more than great food and fabulous company. Last night I met up with a friend of mine for dinner in West Hollywood to celebrate her birthday and new job (so proud!). Things have been craaaazy busy for both of us lately, so catching up was a must, and she suggested Zinque for the occasion!
Side note: Not sure if it’s technically just Zinque or if the official name is Le Zinque… the sign says Zinque but the website says Le Zinque so I’m slightly confused. Moving on.
I had no idea what Zinque was, so obviously I needed to try it. This particular friend of mine is my go-to girl for trendy restaurant recommendations – she’s like a living Yelp app with all the right filters and no biased, ranting comments. When I got there, I immediately knew it was my kinda place. Quaint yet chic, with an understated upscale vibe but a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The weather was absolutely gorgeous – perfect for enjoying a warm summer night over a delicious dinner. The outside fireplace and patio lights were romantic and inviting, creating just the right ambiance for a classy girl’s night or an elegant dinner date. Not tooooo fancy, but definitely not a burger joint.
I got the Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Avocado added, so basically I got the Avocado-Arugula-Tomato salad with added chicken. I just wanted to be tricky and order it in the most confusing way possible.
My friend got “Le Bowl,” (brown rice, avo, tomato, arugula, comte, parmesan, cilantro, siracha) with the egg white frittata. One of us needed to get Le Bowl because it seemed like “the thing” to get there. Does anyone else feel obligated to order certain things on menus just because they sound important, or is that just me…?
Anyways, my salad tasted as divine as it looked. The warm rotisserie chicken was cooked to perfection and practically melted in my mouth. That combined with the juicy tomatoes, soft avocado, and yummy arugula made it a complete winner in my book, and I am very particular about my salads. While I can’t speak for my friend’s taste buds, Le Bowl seemed to be pretttttty tasty as well. I might try one next time if I’m feeling adventurous, but the warm chicken satisfied all my cravings that particular evening as we discussed life transitions and pursuing our passions. I also thought a lot about how my waitress looked exactly like Jennifer Connelly, and I think she caught me staring at her a few times.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Zinque and would love to go back. I have my eye on the grilled prawns with herbs and the smoked salmon carpaccio. Yummmm.
If anyone else enjoys (Le?) Zinque, let me know what to try next on the menu! Also, if you have restaurant recommendations in the LA area – you know where to leave them. (cough cough, comments.)
