Food & Lib: Bow & Truss

Bow & Truss on Magnolia Blvd, NoHo Arts District

Just around the corner from our new apartment in the NoHo Arts District, there is a long string of old and new restaurants and bars -- with more opening every week, it seems. After several months of passing what looked like an idyllic courtyard and patio bar, I finally decided it was time to check out Bow & Truss when my sister was in town last weekend.

The patio I speak of sits just inside a large iron gate. A sand pit and granite table surrounded by outdoor loungers, tall bar tables with generous space, and even a fully stocked bar. Market lights glitter at night, and more than once, we've seen film crews parked in front, taking advantage of the unique looking space.

And that's before even going inside. Frankly, it didn't even occur to me that there was an indoor restaurant, since the patio was where most people gathered. But just inside the ornate doors, another massive rectangular bar greets you. Inside is just as spacious as out, and given how hot its been, we opted for cooler, less scorching booth seats.

Our late Saturday lunch may be the very best time to come to Bow & Truss. It is a popular brunch location -- with a full selection of mimosa, sangria, and Bloody Mary day-drinking options, it's not hard to see why. In passing, I usually see the largest crowds congregating in the courtyard well after dinner, so I fully plan on visiting during those times.

But for lunch (around 2 PM), the restaurant was calm and quiet. Just how I like it at that time of day.  The servers were attentive and our waitress could not have been sweeter. Described as "a Spanish Taverna," Bow & Truss has a small but tasty Signature Cocktail menu, that features a slew of spicy and sweet libations.

I opted for the Burnt Pepino (pictured below-left; $12), because, well... jalapeños. I'm kind of obsessed. And it was spicy. Just the right amount (and I appreciated the warning from the waitress, which indicates that some people may have been surprised, and therefore upset, by the heat.) Though I don't pity those people much. Since, you know... it says it's hot on the menu. Base liquor was vodka, my preference, and with the added hint of cucumber, it was perfect for a summer afternoon.

John ordered another spice-fueled drink, named Signal Fire (pictured below-right; $12). This one was gin-based, and the gin was infused with jalapeño rather than muddled (like mine). As a result, it didn't have the same fire, which John preferred. Some sweetness accompanied the peach/cilantro syrup, and it made for quite the satisfying drink. John was happy, so as I result, so was I.

I would recommend either highly for anyone who likes a spicy kick in their cocktails. And those who don't? I dare you to give them a try!

We opted for a lighter lunch, but their lunch/brunch menu wasn't short on options. Everything had the perfect amount of Spanish flare, and I look forward to trying their actual breakfast items. But since I'm a lunch-over-breakfast kind of girl, I opted for their [gluten-free] Chipotle Chicken Salad (not pictured, $12).

I think there was some lettuce in there with my chicken! I can hardly complain though, because the chicken was BBQ-charred perfectly, and the dressing was full of flavor. I mean, it was huge. I was sure I wouldn't be able to finish it, but as I scooped the last bite from my bowl, I realized that it was just too good to save for later. Wow, I'm hungry again just thinking about it.

This may be one of the trendiest new spots in North Hollywood, adding a bit of variety to current dining options in the area. And with a more relaxed and California-weather appropriate atmosphere, Bow & Truss might be the go-to place for these warm summer days - and nights. 

Place:  Bow & Truss

Neighborhood:  NoHo Arts District (North Hollywood)
Food:  Yes
Full Bar:  Yes

Food & Lib: Hopscotch Tavern

This month, my sister, Stacy, and her husband are making the big move from Orange County to the San Francisco Bay Area -- more specifically, Livermore.  This weekend was their final push to load up the last of their things and head north.  John and I made the hour drive from North Hollywood to Orange to give them a hand, and after a sweltering day of (mainly the guys) heavy-lifting, it was time for some delicious grub.

Over the past year, I've been hearing non-stop tales of the burger on the dinner menu at Hopscotch Tavern in Fullerton.  Known for their selection of craft beer and whiskey (get it?? "Hops" and "Scotch"?), it didn't surprise me that my sister and new brother-in-law had been drawn to this place.  During our visit, we were promised a meal at what she describes as one of the best joints in the O.C.

A block away from Downtown Fullerton (an unexpectedly hip and fun stretch of restaurants, tea shops, and vintage furniture & clothing stores), Hopscotch has plenty of outdoor seating for soaking up the warm summer sun.  This current heat wave, however, had us looking for a spot inside.  Guests enter in the main bar area, where there is plenty of high-top seating and a massive, full bar.  If I could call myself a whiskey fan, I would have been in libation heaven.  Alas, I have yet to grow a taste for the stuff (unlike the rest of my family). 

We arrived just around 5 PM, much earlier than when the normal dinner crowd would be there.  I was told that Hopscotch can get insanely crowded, so if you're looking to snag a [comfortable] table for more than 4 people (as we were), getting there early is your best bet.  Not a problem!  I was famished and ready to get eating!

 

Their cocktail and whiskey menu was very extensive, and my sister ordered a classic Old Fashioned -- our waiter (not the bartender!) even impressed us with his orange-peel-garnish-singeing abilities right at the table.  Not often you get to see the drinks garnished table-side.  For myself, however, I ordered probably the best glass-under-$10 Malbec I've ever tasted.  I even passed it around for everyone to try.  Approvals all around from the critical crowd.  Without a doubt, I will be ordering a few bottles to serve at home for my next dinner party.

John spotted a plethora of mouth-watering options on the "Smalls" appetizer menu and insisted we try the Blue Crab Tots (pictured, above-left; $9) before tackling our burgers.  These are a meal in and of themselves!  The tater tot mixture doesn't skimp on the blue crab, which was flaky and moist on the inside, and the large portion comes with a flavorful cilantro chimichurri and spicy aioli for dipping.  Highly recommend these -- they would be particularly satisfying when just having drinks.  An full plate for the table will help quell anyone's munchies.

Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for.  THE BURGER.  Specifically, the Bradley Burger (pictured, above-right; $13).  But warning:  This bad-boy is only served on the dinner menu, available after 4 PM.  If you want the burger, be sure to go at the right time.

And man, is this mutha juicy!  Our entire table (6 people) ordered the burger.  The bun was soft and fluffy.  The pork belly was thick and flavorful, and how can you not love a huge portion of pork belly on anything?  Some unique flavors popped up, as well, and it took me some time to figure out what it was.  The burger includes Hopscotch's house-made pickles, which tend to have entire peppercorns.  I wasn't a huge fan of the peppercorns being ON the burger, so I quickly shook them off the pickle and proceeded to devour the rest of my plate.  The hand-cut fries were perfect, as well, and came with a house-made ketchup.

Fullerton is a ways away from Los Angeles, and not a place I had previously considered a "must visit" location.  But after seeing Hopscotch and the surrounding area, I know I will have to come back for a full day excursion.  There is just too much to see, and many of the adorable little shops close at or before 6 PM (so quaint!).  But Hopscotch is definitely a "must" on any visit to Downtown Fullerton -- especially if you're a burger and/or whiskey fan.  Oh.  And they also have a Cigar Patio.  For those so inclined. 

Have any of you been to Fullerton?  If so, where are some places I should hit up on my next visit?

Place:  Hopscotch Tavern

Neighborhood:  Downtown Fullerton (Orange County)

Food:  Yes | dinner menu

Full Bar:  Yes | whiskey | beer | cocktails | wine

Food & Lib: The Local Peasant

Basil Pepper Martini // The Local Peasant

On a busy stretch of Ventura Blvd. in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood, there is - hidden away behind an unfortunately placed bus stop - a pub by the name of The Local Peasant.  Easy to miss due to its lack of visible signage, its large, wall-size open air windows give passersby a glimpse of the lively crowd inside.  I've frequented this fair establishment a handful of times over the past few years, and its become one of my favorite places to celebrate events with friends (birthdays, Bachelorette brunches, reunions with high school friends, etc.)  Or even a good place to mingle and meet new people - maybe even spot a celebrity or two having a low-key Sunday brunch away from the Hollywood crowds.

Last night, the event happened to be for the birthday of my dear friend, Heather.  What better time to take a look at the food and libations that have become staples for me during each of my visits?

Now, before I get into my favorite menu items, I must say first:  The Local Peasant is one of the only brunch locations in the San Fernando Valley that serves alcohol brunches.  In fact, they have an immensely popular Bloody Mary bar, and fantastic Red Sangria.  Highly recommend.

Now, for some evening fare.  My drink of choice is the Basil Pepper Martini ($10) (above-pictured).  Featured on their "Post-Prohibition Cocktail" list, this vodka-based martini is light and delicious, and the only drink I've ever had garnished with a crunchy yellow (or orange) bell pepper slice.  Basil is a common garnish, but no less effective in making this martini almost too easy to drink.  Pair with a few of their appetizers, and you'll be in for a very satisfying night.

    

Speaking of apps, or as the Local P's menu calls them, "Bar Snacks"... by far the most enjoyable snack option is the decadent Cheddar Cheese and Bacon-covered Pretzel ($7) (above-pictured, left).  Do yourself a favor:  Stop reading this blog, and drive over to Sherman Oaks right now.  I'll wait.  Order this pretzel, and be sure to ask for the side of White Chocolate Peanut Butter dipping sauce.  Believe me, you won't regret it.  You'll even probably get a "Oh yeah, eating it right!" from the waiter (as the wait staff will likely give this recommendation if you don't choose it yourself). 

The saltiness of the pretzel mixed with the salty-sweet creaminess of the sauce... it's just downright sinful.  And this is no shy portion!  The pretzel is easily the size of a normal person's face, and can absolutely be shared between two or more people.  Just be aware, you might fight a little over who gets the last bite.  Oh and that poor standard grain mustard that accompanies the order? ... yummy as you may have been on your own, you just can't compete.

After that pretzel, you will probably be satisfied enough to end your food exploration right there.  But if you're not, there is always a way to feed that salty bacon habit by trying the Bacon & Eggs ($7), the Local P's take on deviled eggs (above-pictured, right).  Topped with a tangy, almost spicy smoked bacon, these eggs are creamy and gone way too quickly.  The only downside is that, with four to a plate, you'd have to place a few more orders to really appease the whole table.  But they're worth it, and one of the better deviled egg options I've discovered in the Valley.

Their "Main Grub" is not to be missed, if you are also partaking in lunch or dinner.  The burgers are top-notch, but it's certainly worth foregoing beef for a taste of their Crispy Chicken Sandwich, newly added to the menu (not pictured).

The Local P has a second location in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, which I have yet to try.  I can't imagine the food & lib is any less to-die-for over there, though considering Sherman Oaks' proximity to other entertainment and bustling neighborhoods, this locale is probably your best bet for a good night out.  Smaller, more intimate tables in the front section, and a back room with a projector screening movies or events with long wooden tables to fit all your friends.

Place:  The Local Peasant

Neighborhood:  Sherman Oaks

Food:  Yes | menu

Full Bar:  Yes | menu