The Griddle Cafe @ Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Breakfast goes all day at Griddle Cafe, but be sure to arrive early because this restaurant will be packed the moment they open their doors for business. You will be surprised by Griddle Cafe's creative menu with indulgence pancakes, soulful eggs and screaming tacos as their specialities. 

The Griddle Cafe's Maple Syrup

Busy Sunday Morning

The Griddle Cappuccino 

Mocha O'Latte - Maras irish cream liquor, espresso, streamed milk, and chocolate

The Small Salad (not exactly that small) - mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, avocado, mushrooms, red onions and scallions

Kicking And Screaming Breakfast Tacos - Scrambled eggs, jack cheese, pico de gallo and chipotle cream sauce stuffed inside corn tortillas topped with avocado and served with refried beans.

Addicted To Noisella - Stuffed French Toast can't live without chocolaty hazelnut spread stuffed between a stack of its mind- blowing mom's french toast

The Chocolate French Toast, Screaming Tacos and Small Salad were absolutely delicious. Even though the portions were huge, we managed to finish everything. Breakfast doesn't get any more splendid than the Griddle Cafe.
Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN

Ruth's Chris Steak House @ Los Angeles

After a long walk at Santa Monica, Uncle Alex brought us to one of his favorite steak house in L.A - Ruth's Chris Steak House. This New Orleans heritage restaurant offers a broad selection of USDA Prime Grade steaks and other premium offerings such as lamb, veal, fish, chicken and lobster. USDA Prime Grade has the highest rating of a combined high ratio of marbling with youngest maturity of beef. Of all the beef produced in the U.S., less than 2% are certified as USDA Prime.

This upscale steak house features decor of dark woods, cushy chairs and huge picture windows.

I was the only alcoholic on the table, enjoying my Raspberry Rosemary Cosmo, which comprises of absolute raspberry vodka, cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice cranberry juice and garnished with a fresh raspberry and rosemary.

My Mum's salmon was palatable.

The T-Bone arrived in sizzling butter on 500-degree plate.

Family-style mashed potatoes.

My Filet Mignon

The steak was very generous in size, however it didn't give me "Woah" factor I was looking for. It wasn't as tender or as juicy as I expected.

Black Coffee

Chocolate cake

Creamy homemade cheesecake served with fresh berries

A celebration of natural flavors and colors.

Verdict : SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Gramecy Tavern @ New York

Background - Before Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern was run by chef Tom Colicchio (one of Top Chef judge). Initially, many food critics were skeptical about the new chef ability to fill the big shoes, but chef Anthony was more than up for the job, his culinary skills and understanding of seasonal & local ingredients have set him on par, if not beyond chef Colicchio.

Surroundings - The Pottery Barn style decor coupled with some bright flower arrangements and paintings set a welcoming note to all the customers at Gramecy Tavern. The restaurant offers diners both casual and elegant dining rooms.

The Chilled Zucchini Soup will pique you appetite for some Fried Oysters and fortify your palate before digging into the main event

The Sea Scallops was a success with Champagne Grapes, Basil and Lemon Oil, hinging on the natural sea flavor of the Scallops

Veal Loin & Deckle served with Heirloom Beans and Shiitake Mushrooms are worth selfish hogging!!!!

The Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding mingles perfectly with the Cacao Nib Ice Cream, leading to a luxurious texture

A Chocolate Macaroon has all the cult appeal, but serious chef like Nancy Olson knows that for filling, nothing beats a fat slab of Peanut Butter Semifreddo! This is the Best macaroon everrrr~

Overall - This is probably the best restaurant I have tasted so far during my stay in New York. The food here are straightforward, using only the freshest ingredients. Both Danny Meyer and Michael Anthony have certainly make their mark in the culinary world.

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN

Per Se @ Columbus Circle, New York

When you acknowledge as you must, that there is no such thing as perfect food, only the idea of it, then the real purpose of striving toward perfection become clear; to make people happy. That’s what cooking is all about. ~ Thomas Keller

Background - Per Se opens its door in 16 Feb 2004 and it has since become one of New York most reputable and sought after restaurant, with a 3 Michelin Star rating. One will not miss to mentioned its sister restaurant - The French Laundry, in Yountville, California, which I'm looking forward to try this Dec.

Surroundings - The restaurant setting was very formal with plush upholstery, fire place and wine cellar around the waiting area. Jackets are required for both lunch and dinner. What caught my eyes were the enormous picture windows, showcasing the impressive view of Central Park and Columbus Circle. The view is picture perfect, if you are lucky, you might catch Donald Trump stepping out from the Trump Tower.

Menu - Per Se only offers a 9 course Chef’s tasting menu and a vegetable tasting menu that changes everyday, costing US$ 275 (service included) per person and a 5 course menu during lunch for US$ 175 (service included) per pax. There are no a la carte menu, so be prepared to savor all the Chef selections.

Its such a beautiful day in New York

Thomas Keller signature dish - Amuse Bouche

Tiny sesame cone filled with creme fraiche and topped with salmon tartare

Chilled Summer Melon Soup - The soup was flavorful and silky. The combination of olives oil gives a very beautiful finishing.

Herb Roasted Four Story Hill Farm’s Poussin

Black Mission Figs, Fennel Bulb Batons and Celery Branch Salad with Aged Balsamic Vinegar.

Potato Crusted Florida Frog’s Leg

Cauliflower Florettes, Parsley Shoots and Garlic “Royale”

Portuguese Cuttlefish “Poêlé”

Aji Dulce Peppers, Caramelized Globe Artichokes and Garden Mint with Rouille

The Creamy Herb Roasted Four Story Hill Farm’s Poussin

Black Mission Figs, Fennel Bulb Batons and Celery Branch Salad with Aged Balsamic Vinegar.

M & M’s

Pretzel Chips, Candied Peanuts and Madagascar Vanilla Mousse with Mast Brothers’ Chocolate Ice Cream

The meal ended with an assortments of mignardises, truffles, macaroons and cookies packed to-go.

I do agree with some reviews that the food here is less exciting for the price you pay for. But I must say every dish is delicious with each ingredients harmonizing flawless when being served. Saucing and seasoning is light, therefore the main ingredients of the dish is usually not hidden or ovwerwhelmed.The presentation was simple and elegant and the wait staffs were hyper attentive and down to earth. When I asked for some sea salt, they brought me two different types to suit my taste buds. If you feel like splurging (or even better, someone else is paying for it) and ready to spend at least 2 to 3 hours for lunch, Per Se is worth every penny. Please keep in mind that, there are only 16 tables available in the main dining room, booking 1- 2 month ahead is advisable.

Verdict : Totally Smitten