REVIEW: BACO MERCAT

The Monster loves condiments.  His refrigerator is a United Nations of sauces, dressings, mustards, oils, marinades, ketchups and pastes.  You’ll find Salsa Lizano the insanely addictive national sauce of Costa Rica; Sur Le Quais Moutarde Au Jus De Truffle limited edition truffle mustard imported from France and used sparingly due to its scarcity and cost which rivals that of gold per ounce; Original Anchor Bar Buffalo chicken wing sauce because everything tastes better Buffalo-style; Pickapeppa for days when The Monster yearns to return to his life in Jamaica; Asian Chili Garlic when speaking or breathing within a few feet of anyone is not necessary.

And until The Monster visits Baco Mercat he can’t even conceive it possible to find fault with a dish’s condiment usage.  But alas, the day has come for him to admit that sometimes too much sauce ruins a good thing.

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REVIEW: BATCH

Do you believe in ghosts?

The Monster heads to Batch and feels the presence of one.  It is the ghost of Wilson, some strange Wilson/Mexican restaurant hybrid and Sublime Food Kitchen…all formerly occupied this fine looking indoor outdoor space and quickly thereafter shuttered.  Will Batch be able to excise these demons and flourish?

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HAIKU REVIEW: BAGATELLE

Home of tools galore.

Holy hell, Axe Body Spray.

Avoid at all costs!

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REVIEW: GISH BAC

In a quest for legendary mole negro The Monster heads out to Gish Bac, an unassuming Oaxacan restaurant off Crenshaw Boulevard in historic West Adams.  It’s a neighborhood of contradiction, stately homes gracing side streets and homeless men gracing street corners.

A narrow room with a few tables of hungry folk looking for inexpensive but authentic food and a soundtrack of Mexican pop music is the whole of the ambiance.  On this day The Monster is the only person speaking English.  Good sign.

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HAIKU REVIEW: TASTE

Went to eat at Taste.

Alas, where was it, the taste?

Hiding?  Missing?  Hmmm?

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REVIEW: CITY TAVERN

For a casual Valentine’s Day lunch with Mrs. Monster we head to a packed City Tavern.  Mind you, it’s not exactly the flower and chocolate’s crowd and more the Culver City work day lunch minions that populate the space looking for grub and beer.

It’s a handsome, high energy tavern of dark woods and bright light with a nice patio to enjoy fine Southern California weather.  Sitting at a high chair and it could not be more uncomfortable if they tried.  The Monster’s ass is numbing quickly.  Not enjoyable, get some pads for these chairs pronto City Tavern.

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REVIEW: COOKS COUNTY

The Monster heads over to Cooks County after hearing varying reports.  “It’s fantastic” one person chimes.  “It’s blah” another reports.  “Our table was split, some loved, some hated” comes a last word on the new restaurant.

It’s a menu where The Monster is left scratching his head.  Divided into snacks, appetizers, mains and sides not a whole lot is speaking to The Monster.  Perhaps this is why the reviews are so scattered.  The space itself is attractive enough with an open kitchen and soft lighting though whoever programs the music is flat out in need of therapy.  Schizophrenic with a side of are you kidding?  The Monster loves diversity in his music but this is making him jumpy.   

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REVIEW: BEAST AND THE HARE

It’s brunch in San Francisco and The Monster’s last meal so the call is made for Beast and The Hare.  Tired and hungover it’s a miraculously close walk at two blocks away which is just about one block too far.  There are a few times along the three minute walk The Monster almost gives up.  When he sees a dirty pillow and blanket on the sidewalk the thought does cross his mind to stop and take a quick nap. 

When finally arriving at the restaurant The Monster quickly orders a pomegranate mimosa under the delusion that more alcohol will help stave off the impending headache that’s currently just a small nuisance pressing against his currently incapacitated brain but threatens soon to be a full-blown epidemic.  The drink happens to be wonderfully refreshing and already spirits are lifted.  Score one for hair of the dog.

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REVIEW: RYOKO’S

Late night, The Monster is in need of sustenance.  Enter Ryoko’s.  Looks like a dive bar, jams incredibly loud tunes, clientele sports piercings and purple hair while wearing three piece suits and it is ultimately a sushi bar for the party set open late into the eve. 

Ryoko’s is a spot The Monster has found himself in before while visiting San Francisco and vaguely remembers enjoying.  Vaguely due to the high amounts of alcohol invariably consumed.  Perhaps tonight he’ll remember what he eats.

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HAIKU REVIEW: LOCANDA

Italian tonight.

The Monster picks Locanda.

Proceeds to indulge!

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