Los Angeles is a very different kind of city. It is in fact a tapestry of neighborhoods weaved together by major boulevards and freeways, each neighborhood having its own special identity. The most well-known are, of course, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and the West Side, Beverly Hills and Silver Lake.
From my 37thfloor hotel room, I look out over the concrete horizon that is Tokyo and am awed and intimidated by the vastness of this city – yet at the same time I am enticed by the culinary treasures it hides among its bustling neighborhoods and hidden alleyways.
I always like to have something sweet around the kitchen but that isn’t too high calorie count. This lovely Olive Oil Cake is just the right bite – to accompany a cup of coffee, a late morning cappuccino or a midnight raid on the kitchen – not too sweet, fresh and fluffy and with a subtle flavors of olive oil, lemon and spice.
Tradizione! Tradition! The cornerstone upon which Italian cooking is based – no matter the region, city or village throughout the country of Italy, tradition is what drives the dishes you eat, the ingredients that are used and the techniques implemented. This is what has given Italian food it’s beloved position in the world as the globe’s favorite cuisine.
I had been avoiding going to Bestia for several reasons – first and foremost it was impossible to get in without booking a table two months in advance. This was a source of enormous frustration and irritation, the suspicion that the restaurant was “saving” its tables for “special clientele” only – the Kardashian crowd in other words.
I discovered this delicious brisket recipe and did not hesitate to make it for this years Christmas Eve dinner. The intense flavor is created in the initial browning phase – do not be afraid to let meat brown over high heat for the required 4-5 minutes per side – you will be rewarded with a delicious, brawny and caramelized flavor.
