Dining

Haute Mess

• By Kymberly Chase

A Hidden Gem! This place is super cute and delicious. Very European artisan deli and market with a huge selection of wines, pasta, olive oil, spreads, olives, cheeses, fresh baked breads, chocolate, a gelato bar, some grab-and-go options, and super adorable and delicious desserts and baked goods. I fell in love with the thinly sliced ham sandwiches in France and was very sad to not be able to find something akin to this in Los Angeles. But now I have an answer! The old fashioned salumi is one of the best sandwiches I have tasted; the premium meat is sliced very thin without breaking apart, finely seasoned and perfect with the other three meats included. The prosciutto here is delicious, and worth trying out also. 

The inside of the store is quite adorable. Two walls are completely covered with boutique wines. In which you can sit inside or outside. Meats and delicious cheeses and desserts on display that will have your mouth watering. A large selection of bread you can imagine from challah to pumpernickel. The charcuterie plates always change depending on the cheesemonger’s preference that day and each plate is better than the last. Yes, I have been several times in one month! Far from a mess! Customer service was friendly and sweet! I love this place.

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RAFFI’S PLACE

• Story / Photo By KYMBERLY CHASE

Raffi’s Place is big, delicious and pure Persian pleasure for your taste buds! The space it’s in, the portions, the flavors, and the wait for a table on weekends. Located a couple blocks from The Americana in the heart of Glendale, Raffi’s Place is a palace of Persian-Armenian delights. 

First starting with Persian stews, Gheimeh Bademjan with chunks of beef, split peas, fried onion and eggplant, and its cousin Ghormesabzi with sautéed parsley, leek and fenugreek leaves, beef chunks, kidney beans, and pierced dehydrated limes. Both are excellent and served on delectably crispy and chewy “rice crusts.”

Then there are the kabobs. It would not be an exaggeration to say they’re the best in the city. There are beef, lamb, salmon and mahi mahi kabobs, but my favorites are the Mahi Mahi and the Chicken Koobideh (also known as luleh or ground meat kabobs), which are expertly seasoned and charbroiled to perfection along with roasted tomatoes and Anaheim peppers. With Persian food, it’s all about the rice and all entrees are served with heaps of fluffy basmati rice with saffron and your choice of either fresh herbs, barberries, lima beans or my favorite — sweet and tart black cherries. 

You can end big was a piece of buttery Baklava and a sweet fragrant scoop of Rosewater Ice Cream

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ARTS DISTRICT BREWERY

• By ASHLEY HALVERSON

Spring has sprung in Los Angeles! I think the rain is finally gone and it’s time to get out!  If you haven’t checked out the bustling Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles lately, start your adventure there. Make your first stop at none other than the Arts District Brewery where you can enjoy a rotating menu of craft beers and classic cocktails.  There’s no doubt you will enjoy exploring the craft menu with offerings such as the dry hopped Saison Dungeon Crawler or Memory Lane rice lager.  Pair it with a sumptuous classic cheeseburger or homemade veggie burger and some tater tots or house made Chipotle Beer Cheese Spinach dip. Soak up some sunshine or some nightlife on the patio and indulge in corn hole or the newest axe throwing craze. Take the party inside where you can catch the big game and play some vintage skee-ball! 

If a more intimate vibe is what you’re seeking simply step all the way through the back of the brewery and stumble into The Study. Dark and discreet, this speakeasy joint is just what you are looking for to cozy up with your date or discover your new favorite cocktail from the impressive selection of spirits. The group behind the bar has curated quite a cool space which also works for a unique special event. DTLA here I come!

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MB GRILLE

• Story / Photo By PAIGE PETRONE

Calling all ladies who lunch! On weekends only, Simi Valley’s MB Grille is the place to be. (They are open for happy hour and dinner daily.) On my recent visit, the joint was jumpin’ as we had an amazing celebratory lunch. The Grille boasts a spacious and hip looking bar, two main dining rooms, and a fabulous outdoor patio space. Besides all the fun cocktails we saw being consumed, the real star to me was the seafood on the menu. Also, think Sex and the City in the valley, as there were groups of ladies sipping martinis all around us. Fun! We started with New England Clam Chowder and Lobster Crab Cakes. Both were decadent and delicious. The crab cakes had a citrus aioli that gave them a kick. Then on to the main event, Surf & Turf. We shared a NY Strip steak and the biggest and juiciest lobster tail I’ve had in a long time, complete with drawn butter on the side for dipping! We were happy campers to say the very least. We also enjoyed sides of crispy fries and slaw. I encourage you to save room for dessert as they offer Lava and Butter Cakes, their signature cheesecake, and seasonal Crème Brûlée. We chose the raspberry. Fabulous! Go.

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