jones bar & cafe

Rainy days are more and more a rarity in these parts, so when one comes, it's more tempting to head out into the world to enjoy the elements than it is to curl up in bed with a book.

When I woke to the sound of tires on wet pavement the other day, I knew I wanted to savor every moment of it. Preferably, outdoors, in search of comfort food with my lover. Setting out to run some requisite errands we decided on bbq, but didn't want to take the last drafty table by the door. That's when we realized we were just across the street from Jones. A dark brick lined bar that's a great evening spot and, for me, an even better lunch spot.

Perfect.

After deciding to sit in a cozy red leather booth against one of the exposed brick walls (versus sitting in the bright, airy, gingham checked cafe area where the same menu is available), we brushed the rain from our coats and settled in for some serious grub. Beer ordered the sausage and onion pizza with a bag of chips (literally!) while I opted for a prosciutto-mozzarella panini served with chive topped mashed potatoes in their own mini cast iron terrine. Our server was sweet (in a genuine as opposed to sugary way) and very attentive, as was the busser who made sure our glasses were constantly full and we had everything we needed. The meal was perfect. The only thing I couldn't figure out is why we don't think to come here more often.

Tip - Make sure you wash your hands before you eat. The bathrooms, and their, ahem, wallpaper, are not to be missed ;)



7205 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 850-1727

tatiana

Specialty sausages, cheeses, salted fishes and dairy products abound. Glass cases are stacked and packed to the brim, and it feels like you’ve found yourself in a Russian Dean & Deluca.

There are a number of Russian delis and markets in this West Hollywood neighborhood, but Tatiana remains one of my favorites, both for it's size (it's one of the larger markets in the area) and quality selection.

The deli counter features some of their homemade specialties - marinated mushrooms, garlic mushroom salad, pickled tomatoes, eggplant salad, borscht, beet salad, olivieh (Russian style potato salad with minced meat), cutlets (ground, seasoned, pan fried chicken patties), fresh blini and sala (thin crepes and butter fat) for caviar, even good gefilte fish made fresh in a tomato based broth.

Aside from what’s homemade, you'll find a variety of imported Russian products from newspapers and magazines, black bread and Russian rye, to honey and preserves, crackers and spreads, caviar, sweets, savories and sok (juice). There's also a small area with some fresh produce including Russian style cucumbers and tomatoes which are often eaten with meals. Don't be put off by their unpolished exteriors. They're fresh, flavorful and a bargain.

Whatever you do, don't leave without checking out the sweets! There's a counter area near the corner of the deli covered with small bowls, each overflowing with imported, colorful, individual wrapped Russian chocolates. Favorites include the "squirrel" and "bear" which contain nuts and honeycomb, but there are dozens to choose from. Another good pick is the mak, (pronounced mock), which means poppy seed - pastry with sweet poppy filling that will make a mess of your teeth, but is worth every black toothed bite. If you don't like poppy, try the "alligator" pastry with a maple-like filling and nuts.

The trick to enjoying a trip to Tatiana is to leave your inhibitions at the door. Even though everyone will be speaking Russian, most of them speak English as well and are more than happy to answer questions and help you navigate the selections.

8205 Santa Monica Blvd
W Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-7500

Photo courtesy of Joan S.

cake & art

I got turned onto this inconspicuous bakery on Sta. Monica Blvd. in boys town years ago when I was in need of a wedding cake.

When I first got there, I looked around and thought to myself, 'this place specializes in cock cakes, are you for real?' Well, after a short time with the owner, Tom, I learned that they can bring just about anything you can imagine to life in edible art.

I was able to design my own wedding cake complete with my own hand drawn designs which were done in icing. It was nothing short of perfect. Now here's the kicker - Tom will be the first to tell you pricing cakes by the slice (even quality, artistic cakes) is hogwash. My cake which was given a $1200+ estimate everywhere else I went (anyone who's had a wedding can relate), was $300. (The estimate was actually $250 and Tom apologetically explained it was a little more work than they'd anticipated. I was hardly about to complain.) Since then, the shop has taken on a softer feel with additional cases for the many cupcakes they now do as well.

Custom is the name of the game here. They do a variety of standard cake flavors and fillings, but another little known secret is that Tom makes a mean carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. (I'm talkin' mean enough to rival my other fave baker, Sweet Lady Jane). It's THAT good and can be made with or w/out nuts - just like the cock cakes! If you have something in mind that isn't in their repertoire, bring in the recipe and they'll make it so. No kidding - they've done an amazing red velvet cake for me from a friend's recipe.

Since then I've been here for just about every occasion, including a b-day party he did a mad hatter cake for and a friend's baby shower for Beatrix Potter baby block cakes - the delicate, detailed images were screen printed in sugar - they were AMAZING and AFFORDABLE.

Tip: If you want to recreate an original design, make sure you have pictures or drawings and be very explicit in exactly what you have in mind. The one time I just described what I wanted, was the one time I wasn't completely in love with the cake. Every time I came armed with a visual, it was perfection.

Oh, and if you're in the market for a naughty cock, I mean, cake (you can choose race, size, cut, uncut, and with or w/out money shot - though this is one time I'd suggest you pass on bringing a photo) or t&a cake for a bachelor(ette) party, look no further. They do 'em like no one else!

8709 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-8694

here comes the grocery store!

Grocery delivery isn't just for late night cigarettes and the lazy anymore!

A friend turned me on to this service and I've been hooked ever since. You name it, they've got ya covered. They have everything from fresh produce, meats, herbs and pantry basics to baked goodness from La Brea Bakery, artisanal cheeses, and even paper goods, cleaning supplies, pet stuff, and, um "feminine hygiene" products. And of course, a full range of booze, smokes, mixers and ice to round out the experience.

You go online, browse and place your order, then you have the option of choosing immediate delivery (within 30 minutes - no joke), or setting a future time or date (I've ordered an 8:30am delivery at 2am the night before knowing it'll be a good wake up call). That simple.

The delivery fee is just $3.99 and if you spend more than $75 (which most of us do when we're at the market), the delivery is free. At first, I felt indulgent having my groceries delivered, but when you've worked a string of 12 hour days or have last minute company on the way and need to clean house, it's a blessing. Oddly, I've found we actually spend less on Yummy than we would at the store because it seems to preclude us from doing all the impulse shopping we normally would. Go figure ..

Note: Yummy.com delivers to WeHo, Hollywood, Park La Brea (aka the white projects), Hancock Park, Beverly Ctr. and the vicinity. If you're further west, check out HomeGrocer.com (Yummy is the parent company) which offers the same service and rates.

Tip: Try the hand made giant S'Mores and their deli Chicken Curry Salad. Good stuff. Oh, and the delivery boys are cute. Never hurts ;)

o-bar

Beer and I first fell into O-Bar walking down the Blvd. after a long night out last Halloween. It's so beautifully designed that it's like stepping into an oasis. I was recently there again and reminded of what a great local joint this truly is.

Don't be put off by the boystown location. This is actually a very straight friendly place. (Do check to make sure you're not going on a "special event" night - unless of course, you're up for a surprise donkey drag show).

As for the cocktail hour and lounge menu, Stephy S. was on the mark in her review. O-Bar is a sure thing for meeting up with friends either at the beginning, or end, of an evening out.

The private dining areas that line the perimeter of the restaurant (the bar is located front and center) are inviting and perfect for a group or party, though, as other Yelpers have noted, the dining experience can be spotty at times.

Happy hour isn't all these boys have in the bag.. Something not to miss is their SUGAR RUSH HOUR. Every night from 10:30p-1:30a they offer a bevy of desserts with drink specials. This can be busy, especially weekends, so do call for a special Sugar Rush reservation if it's not a weeknight.

On a budget? They just launched TICKLE ME WEDNESDAYS where they offer a prix fixe, three-course dinner accompanied by a glass of champagne, starting at $24.95.

Tip: If you're not up for the bar scene check out the "forbidden garden" in the back. It's beautiful this time of year.

8279 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 822-3300

Photo courtesy of Stephy S.