Massimo

Italian places in LA are a dime a dozen. S and I hit up this joint last night. It's right on little Santa Monica Blvd and features patio dining. I loved how they have the small lights all lined up on the fence, giving it a romantic ambience.

I was in need of a martini after a rough day at work. Ordered a peach and orange martini which came garnished with a slice of orange. He had the melon martini, green and limey. Peach martini was perfect! Not too strong, but good enought to give me a nice buzz.

Shared the chicken sausage and bean appetizer. Spicy, hearty and hit the spot. The sausages were sliced and not too chewy. I'm not a fan of beans, but these were actually edible.

On to the main courses-

I had the special. Halibut with grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes. Had I known that the special cost $37, I wouldn't have ordered it. It came in a triangular plate and looked pretty, but the halibut itself wasn't the most special fish I've ever tasted. It was actually quite salty and a bit chewy. Meh.. not worth the price.

He had the rissotto with prosciutto and wild mushrooms. So damn good!! And I'm not usually a fan of rissotto cuz of the massive amount of cheese. But, this plate was to die for. I would have much rather ate this instead of my chewy halibut.

I'd come back here to try more of their pastas. But, def dont get the specials! Oh, the service was very good as well. Just don't order the $8 bottled water. Stick to iced water, it really tasted the same. :)

Massimo Restaurant

9513 S Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

Trader Joe's

For my birthday, my good friend B got me a gift card to Trader Joe's. It took me a while to get to the store, but I finally got to spend it today!

My shopping cart was packed with lots of goodies. Just a few items: spinach, celery, hummus, baby carrots, capellini pasta, crimini mushrooms, gyoza, ground turkey, tofu, brie cheese and Riesling.

Mmmmm mmmm mmm! There's nothing like a well stocked fridge to get my creative juices going.

I whipped up a capellini pasta with garlic and olive oil, accompanied by sauteed mushrooms and baby spinach. Delicious! 

Keeping up with the healthiness, I snacked on some baby carrots and spicy hummus.

I'm so satisfied right now. Nothing beats a home cooked meal. This almost makes my shitty day disappear. Almost. Maybe, I should open that Riesling. ;)

California Chicken Cafe

I woke up today with the biggest craving for some melt in your mouth rotisserie chicken.

After convincing my co-workers to get in on the order (so they can go pick it up), I patiently awaited my lunch.

Called in my order at precisely 11:00 am. 3 piece chicken, veggie rice primavera and mashed potatoes... $8.

At 11:45 am, I finally got my chicken fix. And was it worth it? Hells yeah!

My tummy thanks me.. my wallet does too. Now if it only came with more fatty chicken skin.


California Chicken Cafe

2005 Westwood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025