DineLA - Ryan Gosling goes Moroccan

TGIF. Today is my last day at my current job, as I am gearing forward for new opportunities and paving the road to a solid career path (maybe not). As many of us have heard and agreed that the 20s is one hell of a tumultuous, unsteady roller coaster of a ride, one of the many things I've also learned about this chapter is "Expect nothing. Hope for the best." Sounds ironic, but it has been a pretty constant reminder that kept me going and fighting through obstacles and somewhat enjoying/seeking a positive outlook on all the unexpected surprises and occurrences during the past several years of my life. Thus, la vita è bella.. It's all in the way we perceive, what we want to learn, and how we want to understand. And if we want it to be, many things can become "idyllic." Anyways,  I don't divulge into my personal life so much, but I'm currently feeling like this of my last day:

Runyon Canyon - another great L.A. spot. 

With that thought, I will randomly move forward with my second DineLA experience. After reading the rave reviews about Ryan Gosling's hot new Moroccan restaurant, Tagine, my excitement was through the roof (Ryan Gosling - enough said). There is usually a stigma with restaurants' integrity when they're connected to mainstream celebrities, who have nothing to do with the culinary spectrum; however, Tagine received 5-star reviews and had an outstanding reputation of being the only authentic, fine-dining Moroccan restaurant in Southern California. People have even confidently stated that the dishes were very comparable (if not better) as the food in Morocco. Can you feel my anticipation? But..........


I hate to say this (mainly because I adore Ryan Gosling), but I should have applied my motto, "Expect nothing. Hope for the best," in this instance as well. Mind you, not all were disappointing.... just the main entrees. However, I have not had a lot of Moroccan food in my life to give a very solid and confident review, because I do question if it just doesn't fit my palate (even though I personally don't think this is the case, and I'll explain why as I critique). Here goes... 


Atmosphere: If you don't like very intimate crowds, where you will inevitably be eating a few inches from the party next to you, I forwarn you. Personally, I liked the long, plush couch set all along either side of the narrow restaurant instead of having individual seating. The colorful cushions, dim (very dim) lighting, and the proximity to all parties gave it a romantic, Moroccan charm. This place is not for big parties. 


The experience started off with an amuse bouche of warm mini vegetable soup and pastry cigars for dipping and pita, hummus, & marinated olives. It was good but not impressive. You'll hear me mention that many of the dishes might have been on the saltier side. Although the soup was satisfying, it did not taste any more unfamiliar/special than any other creamy vegetable soup. 

Amuse bouche - Vegetable soup & pastry cigars

All in all, the pita, was warm and fresh, the hummus was on-point, and the olives gave a nice salty context. Again, nothing all too unfamiliar to the taste buds.

Pita, Hummus, & Marinated Olives

The first appetizer was the Bastilla, which is a traditional Moroccan dish of layers of phyllo dough stuffed with cornish hen, scrambled eggs, with saffron, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Personally, I appreciate dishes that touch  all senses of taste - salty, savory, sweet, tart - without clashing. It takes a certain amount of good taste, culinary expertise and science to mold all flavors together in a complementary way. If you like full flavors, you'll enjoy this. 

Tagine - Bastilla 

Quefta, marinated grilled ground beef with Shitake mushrooms and roasted asparagus, was our second very traditonal Moroccan appetizer. Honestly, for those who appreciate and have had a lot of Moroccan before would probably appreciate it more, but I thought the meat was on the dry side and a bit salty (I said it, again). I enjoyed the Shitake mushrooms and roasted asparagus more. 

Tagine - Quefta

The first entree was the Tagine farm-raised lemon chicken, marinated in preserved lemon, and served with vegetables and couscous. Okay, I asked for it. The menu indicated that it was "lemon" chicken and marinated in preserved "lemon." Clearly, "lemon" is the key ingredient, and I sure did strongly taste and feel the textures and tartness of the preserved lemon... a bit too much. I almost felt like it was made wrong, because certain bites of the couscous were so drowned and overpowered by the lemon which made my face suck in and eyes squint, and other bites were good. Again, I'm not a Moroccan culinary expertise, so I may be wrong, and it may have all been properly prepared. The chicken could have been more tender as well. Can you tell I wasn't particularly impressed with this dish? And.... it was salty.

Tagine Lemon Chicken with vegetables & couscous

Second entree, the Wild Alaskan King Salmon, was pan roasted with Charmoula sauce, served with honey, caramelized dates, prunes, figs and dried apricots, sprinkled with couscous. Salmon was cooked well (medium-rare), and I loved how they incorporated the best dried fruits in my opinion into the couscous. 

Tagine - WIld Alaskan King salmon with couscous

Now, what I thought was the best part of the whole experience-dessert! Ryan Gosling sure does know how to make delectable, comforting desserts~ After hearing countless stellar reviews on Tagine's famous Chocolate Soup, I couldn't resist. You must get this decadent dessert; it is on-point and is served with mini baklava. The Poach Pear & Cranberry Financier with brown sugar yogurt, almond carmel glass and macaron dust was also warm, buttery and absolutely delightful.

Tagine Chocolate Soup w/ Baklava. The server pours the  Hot Givarra chocolate soup over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dip the baklava, and la vita è bella~

Tagine - Poach Pear & Cranberry Financier with Brown Sugar Yogurt, Almond Carmel Glass, Macaron Dust.

Although I had mixed thoughts about the various Moroccan dishes, I definitely recommend this as a go-to spot. I would personally stray away from the Lemon Chicken and Quefta; however, these were not their signature dishes. The other entrees (not included in the DineLA menu) seemed more enticing, so I was limited in choices. Either way, the ambiance led me to see an even more charming side to Ryan Gosling. It's different, romantic, and electic. Totally idyllic!

My next post will be my third & last DineLA experience of this year. I've been here before, and I'll probably go again... and again. Until next time.

DineLA 2012 @ Locanda Veneta

Backtrack about a month. I finally found the opportunity to experience DineLA this year. I'm very passionate about all aspects of food. As I'm not a picky eater, I also definitely do not confine myself solely to fine-dining experiences. I want the best of both worlds.. or all worlds as a matter of fact. As mentioned in my previous post, complaints about smoggy, traffic-congested Los Angeles are countless; however, L.A. is filled with various cultures which I absolutely adore about this city. Whether you want to soak up cultures/food from East Asia, Morocco, India, American, Ethiopia, and anything fusion, you can get a glimpse of their authentic flavors and customs here. On top of that, you can really experience and indulge your taste buds from super  affordable food trucks and local hole-in-the-walls (where I've discovered some of my favorite spots) to upscale, posh fine-dining. All places come with their own charm & beauty. For today's post, I will focus on the fine dining I've experienced through DineLA, along with my own opinions & critique. 

Locanda Veneta, Beverly Hills

Located about a block from the Beverly Shopping Center, it is a small, intimate restaurant. Dinner reservations were set early, so we were sat at a cozy corner booth. The bread and spinach tapenade were good, because I'm a bread-a-holic. The tapenade was a nice tease to begin a charming dining experience.

Locanda Veneta - bread & spinach tapenade

Appetizers were the grilled calamari and beef carpaccio. The grilled calamari is a must! It was tender and super flavorful, and I've been craving it ever since. I would come here just for this.

Locanda Veneta - Grilled Calamari (my favorite dish!)

The beef carpaccio was just as good as any other good quality, properly prepared carpaccio. I wouldn't necessarily order again. 

Locanda Veneta - beef carpaccio

The first entree was chicken hen-stuffed, tri-colored ravioli with wild pheasant ragout. If you like meaty dishes, this one's for you! It's packed with flavor, and the lean meat complement the heavy ragout. They definitely don't skimp on the filling, and you can really taste the individual ingredients. Although I'm not a huge pasta fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Locanda Veneta - Chicken hen-stuffed, tri-colored ravioli with wild pheasant ragout

Squid ink & potato gnocchi with a lobster pink sauce was the second entree. I love the soft, doughy consistency and textures of gnocchi, and you can tell the pasta was super fresh. The lobster pink sauce was on point. Personally, this entree was a winner (well.. aside from the calamari)!

Locanda Veneta - Squid Ink & White Potato Gnocchi w/ Lobster Pink Sauce. 

Dessert: The Italian Amaretto ricotta cheesecake was simple and delicious. The ricotta made it a lighter cheesecake, which I love. Great ending to a great place~

Locanda Veneta - Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake

Mood and atmosphere is a huge deal to me. My enjoyment is not only reliant on the food but also in what mood I'm in and atmosphere I want to be in at the time. Locanda Veneta is upscale, but intimate, romantic, and cozy. I'd say it's a good date place or a place to enjoy authentic Italian food and have good conversations. The servers and waiters have thick Italian accents, which adds to the charm and authenticity of the restaurant!


I've had 2 more fine-dining experiences, which were quite interesting. Stay tuned. 

With the suggestion of my good friend, A.K., and awesome compliments/encouragement from many, I have started this blog.  I haven’t gained the confidence nor captured the concept to confirm what category this specifically goes under. Hopefully, this personal project will gradually make its own identity and become whatever it takes it to be. It is just a basic blog with my unprofessional/inexperienced yet personal and passionate interest into anything I perceive beautiful - the lense through my perspective on people, companions, fashion, food, atmosphere, cultures, and inspirations. 


Again, I would like to reiterate and emphasize that my perspective does not follow any guidelines and rules, follow or keep up-to-date with the mainstream, and is not always in alignment with many of the trends. It is just an interpretation of me, my lifestyle, and what I find “beautiful” regardless of others’ perceptions. It may seem dull/boring and unappealing to some, but I like what I like, I wear what I like to wear, eat what i like to eat, go where I like to go, and I do strongly believe it is an interpretation of my personality and mood. I welcome and hope to gain positive feedback, constructive criticism, and advice from varied personalities! Whether you hate it or love it, as long as there is some factor that attracts you to my blog, I will take it as a compliment. All are welcome~ With that said, let it begin.

DTLA - gorgeous winter weather

DTLA Financial District

Tory Burch flats - only flats i own

 There is an endless number of things we can always complain about Los Angeles. Yes, I'm a victim of it, too - complaining about the unfriendly people, the smog, the infamous traffic, the image, etc... but let's face it. You can hate all you want, but the weather here is absolutely  gorgeous. Who can wander about DTLA during lunch break and soak up the afternoon sun in the middle of winter? If you take a moment to sit back (in Tory Burch flats) and look at the bigger picture through a different perspective, you begin to see its beauty. Tory Burches are my only flats, and I love it's comfort, style, and versatility. When in business attire, it's difficult to look super sharp without heels; however, Tory Burch- you definitely made things a bit happier and easier for me as a working girl.