Last Friday, Mayor Villaraigosa, Wolfgang Puck, and a score of chefs met up to take the first bite out of Dine LA’s upcoming Restaurant Week. The relaxed ceremony was held in Wolgang’s new-ish Bar and Grill at LA Live, which the owner was happy to show off.
“California cuisine has inspired me throughout my entire career and Los Angeles has never stopped stimulating my passion and creativity,” Wolfie said. “Today, the world looks to L.A. not only for the latest in entertainment and fashion trends, but I believe it now looks to us for the next great trends in cooking and dining too. I’m happy to be hosting this event in my new restaurant, and I’m excited to be part of dineLA Restaurant Week’s first Fall event.”
After a few more sound bytes, pleasantries, and photo ops, the chefs and journalists lounged as Puck’s staff got to work showing off his wine selection and appetizer menu. First up was a delightful carbernet sauvignon jockeying for position against a crisp sauvignon blanc.
Various pizzas followed but the heartiest of the tray passed apps was a yummy cheeseburger slider with roasted tomatoes and pickles. It was served on a pretzel style bun that I just knew was going to be to tough to bite. Instead I was totally blown away by the soft texture of the bun; it was perfect!
A corn soup and ultra-mini crab cake followed as the endless waves of apps were delivered from the kitchen. Until…yes!…they finally started serving deserts. Among them were a delicious orange sherbet, served in a mini cup and topped with what very well could have been Pop Rocks! Fresh baked goods were next. Among them were a tantalizing chocolate chip cookie and a lip-smacking vanilla cupcake topped with a wild berry.
The Mayor and Wolfgang might have taken the official first bite of Restaurant Week, but I was glad to do my part!
You represented well too. How were the crab cakes? 🙂
Thanks! The crab cakes were tasty but…greasy. I picked one off a platter and set it on a napkin while I was taking pics and tweeting. I came back to find the napkin with a big grease spot under the crab cake. Yes, I still ate it and it was good, but good ‘n’ greasy.
i am sooo mad that i couldn’t make this. darn my selflessness in scouting out hotels for our formal. arghhh!
yeah i was bummed i had no South Bay homies to represent with me, but its all good. your selflessness is and will be appreciated!