One of the Best Dessert I’ve ever had…

The rain in venice was really nice today. the air felt cool as we walked with the gray clouds that hovered along side the buildings. It was that time a year again…. the mood moves to calm, we begin to reflect and catch up with friends we haven’t seen since the beginning of the summer. How was your summer..?

Perla and I decided to grab some dessert and wine and caught up at Gjelina, our neighborhood hot spot. It’s been a while since I dropped in.. I forget how long the wait is? but remembered once that if you’re a local, either go early or often.. so we went early (6ish)!  you can grab a community table which has a lot of ambience, and chairs high enough to do some good people watching. it’s perfect situation for two or three…

We ordered the Warm Strawberry & Rhubarb Crisp with Almond Gelato and Butterscotch Pot de Crème with Salted Caramel w/ Crème Fraiche. The Strawberry & Rhubarb was tasty, but it was The Butterscotch Pot de Crème with Salted Caramel w/ Crème that sent my sweet buds screaming inside. I’ve had it once before, and as soon as I tasted the creamy delight again, it reminded me, that this desserts was off the hook… so damm good!!  I found myself slowly savoring each bite one delicious creamy spoonful after the other. If I weren’t being so mindful of all the yumminess out there… I’d be there once a month, as this REALLY was a treat. It’s that good!!

If you like creamy, smooth, bold, buttery, burnt sweet flavorings, with a hint of salt with another dollip of creamy goodness. then you too will love this dessert. 

Honestly, it’s a great way to catch up with a girlfriend!  I hope your day was just as good.   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Sidenote: just as Perla arrived at my house it was announced Steve Jobs died ( RIP).. Here’s a quote to commemorate his legacy.

“almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart”. SJ

its all about makin that G.T.A.

… coz the boys in the hood are always hard.

Gjelina’s new spot next door called GTA ( Gjelina Take Away… hmmm clever?!),  has been quietly serving up some yumminess for the last couple months, but I am not sure if everyone knows they’re open for breakfast…? take away that is.

Hot Tip : I finally tried what everyone’s been raving about.  The GTA Egg Sandwich ( $6.50) on their homemade english muffin with a sweet thick slice of bacon and  Kale stewed in tangy spices! Anything with Kale I love, and a bit of healthy and savory will kickstart your day. their home-made granola and scones are a must too!

Note: Gjelina is a no substitutions place ( a serious european attitude).  a patron asked the cashier to take out the bacon. which she kindly replied, No.

Socially Recouping

After last weeks magnificent Lightning in a Bottle Festival I needed some down-time to recoup.. I was so WOWED by LIB’s talented artist and kick ass Dj’s, that it left me in a bit of a daze, so much so that I hadn’t written much the entire week. Instead, i’ve been jotting down ideas that inspired me through-out the festival and cutting a short video of my experience ( more on that later in the week). But, I knew I needed to come up for air at some point, and what better way to get back to my norm, than by going for a  walk around my hip venice neighborhood block.  Here’s what I did…

Impromptu Brunch at Gjelina…

By far the busiest restaurant on the block.. it’s packed 24/7, has plenty of magazine write ups and gets noted facebook check-ins on the REG. regardless of it’s popularity one thing is for sure.. Gjelina’s food is delicious!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          also try: Gjelina’s newly opened to-go cafe next door. 

                                                                                                                    white beans with poached eggs & fingerlicking taters… mmm.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Winter clothes on sale & super cute t-’s at Principessa.

there are baskets of $10-$20 goodies. Maybe shopping for winter wear isn’t on your radar, but who knows what gems you might find ? Sometimes being prepared for next winter’s wardrobe can be good thing.

Custom made Jewelry by Ferramenta Utensileria

There something to be said about men who make jewelry. Since discovering my husbands talent at hand-making jewelry, lately every where I go I’ve been running into men who make jewelry. Now I am fascinated by their process, and from what I’ve learned, each piece to them is like a sculpted piece of art. Check out Ferramenta Utensileria on Abbott Kinney Sundays at the tiny open air market next to Topo Ranch or his facebook page.

Finding the Abstract Art of Chad Attie

 K A N A MANGLAPUS gallery is showing the works of Chad Attie’s The Girl with the Golden Eyes. His abstract take on Brigdet Bardot is like candy; colorful, shiny and layered with flavor that entices your taste-buds.  Attie’s work will also be featured in the upcoming book “Gaga Stigmata: Critical Writings and Art About Lady Gaga.” 

Later, I felt dreamy with Midnight in Paris, a film by Woody Allen.

If you are a fan of Woody Allen than you’ll love his latest flick. a delightful romantic comedy with his ever so witty yet inquisitive dialogue in full force.