Please The Palate |

Nuevo Rancho Cuisine at Sausal El Segundo

El Segundo is the small beach community just south of LAX. I accidentally ended up there once when I missed a turn off of Sepulveda on the way to the airport. But recently I made a point of going there to check out Sausal, a restaurant featuring Nuevo Rancho cuisine. In fact, I hopped off a flight to LAX and was there in less than ten minutes.

Sausal is named after Rancho Sausal Redondo, the vast farmstead that once encompassed El Segundo and most of the South Bay. It offers a modern take on rancho-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on wood-fired, slow-roasted cooking. This Nuevo Rancho cuisine melds the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the essential flavors of citrus, olives and figs that were brought by the Spanish missionaries and with the fresh California vegetables and produce.

At the head of the restaurant is Chef Anne Conness, who has worked for Michael Cimarusti at Water Grill, Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton at Campanile, Mako Tanaka at Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main and Alex Scrimgeour at Saddlepeak Lodge and ALEX.

05 August, 2016

The Springs LA: A Calming Oasis in the Heart of the DTLA Arts District

In the middle of the day, I sat in traffic to get across the city from the westside of Los Angeles to the downtown LA Arts District. It was a rather frustrating drive considering it was not during rush hour and I was stuck behind a lot of trucks.

When I entered The Springs, a sense of serenity came over me. Perhaps it is because it is a yoga and wellness center that lends a calmness to the space. But, perhaps it is the massive open space with high ceilings and the bright color chairs and accents against the slate-gray, industrial base that has a calming effect.

As you walk into the space, the restaurant is in the front. Yes, the menu is generally gluten-free, free of refined sugar and uses organic, local and sustainable produce. And it is vegan, except for the sustainable eggs that are responsibly sourced from Petaluma Farms. After all, remember that The Springs is a yoga and wellness center.

01 August, 2016

Ramen? Poke? A Burger? Whichever you are craving, K Ramen has it.

K Ramen is one of SBE's newest ventures. Located on the second floor of Katsuya Glendale at the Americana at Brand Mall, K Ramen is a casual dining experience that can be enjoyed before or after a movie or during a day of shopping.

As you wander up the winding stairs, you will enter a large open space with a bar off to the side and a large bar in the center of the room. This used to be a nightclub and still retains the dark, empty feel during the day. But head to the outdoor covered terrace and take a seat where you can watch people walk around Americana and view the dancing musical water fountain.

25 July, 2016