dineLA Winter 2015: Acabar

For food lovers who overindulged over the holidays budget-wise (good eats, you can never have too much of) - dineLA's winter edition has rolled around again to save the day.

If you haven't experienced it already, prix fixe menus are offered at reasonable prices at some of the most popular restaurants around the city, starting today January 19th and running through February 1st.  This year the price tiers are: Lunch: $15, $20, $25 and Dinner: $30, $40, $50.

I was excited to be invited to preview dineLA dinner offerings from Acabar in Hollywood.  This is the sort of 'whole package' restaurant that gets foodies / cocktail enthusiasts / fans of a great night out watching the clock all day counting down to 'GO time'.

The gorgeous, palatial Moroccan decor in itself makes for a great conversation starter from the moment you set foot inside the iconic doors. I'd been a fan of the space before Acabar arrived - back when it was Dar Maghreb and belly dancers were a part of the evening's entertainment.  Acabar brought a more elevated, modern, sexy vibe - a darker den that teases with a glimmering possibility of debauchery (at least of the culinary sort).  On the night of our visit, the opening act was a performance with a scantily-clad dancer sporting giant butterfly wings...(sorry, it was too dArK to capture video!)

Cocktails are not part of the dineLA menu, but the beautiful bar / lounge is definitely a place to make a pit stop on your way to the dining area - especially with a program run by Josh Goldman and Julian Cox. We got to check out a few of the latest concoctions, and a unanimous favorite that night for the fun factor as well as taste was the Zombie.  Made with El Dorado 8 year, lemon hart 151, lime, grapefruit, falernum and pomegranate - topped with a half-lime which is then set on fire: its flames made to dance with a dramatic aerial blast of salt (?) from the mágos-bartender. (At some point I need to write about the ever mesmerizing cocktails on fire...)

In line with the setting, Acabar's regular menu you would expect to be Mediterranean inspired, but really with a more-than-generous dash of 'anything goes'.  While dineLA for many restaurants can be about broad appeal and attracting potential new customers with the safe and just slightly different items - Acabar's event menu thankfully lets its personality belly up to foodies as well.

We got to try every item on the dineLA menu - but these were my favorites:

First course: Beef Carpaccio with bone marrow + black truffle arancini, crispy pulled beef, pickled radish and horseradish.  

Loved the plating, but this one is not just looks.  Tender slices of marbled beef were brilliant paired with arancini with skillfully crafted crusty shells, that crumble open to reveal a piping hot bone marrow and truffle center for super aromatic, 'meat butter' smooth bites. Pink petals of pickled radish added acidity to balance all the richness of other ingredients on the plate.

The kanpachi crudo option is fantastic as well, fresh, fresh fish with nicely balanced sides - that would be a great choice for non-meat eaters and seafood lovers alike.

Second course: Sweet Potato Gnocchi with hen of the woods mushroom, red cow parmesan, and brown butter.

I normally would not opt for the all veggie dish - especially in a prix fixe situation - but it's hard to resist hen of the woods when you see it on the menu. This was a lovely entree with toothsome bites of gnocchi with the slightest hint of sweet, and rich, lightly crisped hen of the wood mushrooms so earthy and robust that it made me not miss the protein.

The scallops and braised short rib are solid options, but not the most memorable - for those looking for something more unique, they would find it with the sweet potato gnocchi.

Third course: Parsnip Split with creme fraiche cremeux, parsnip ice cream, chiffon cake, milk crisp

I have to say this was the first time I believe I'd ever encountered parsnip as the key ingredient in a dessert.  Tasting this made me wonder why I haven't seen it used any place else???  Perhaps I'm ever biased to savory flavors in the course that is expected to be sweet, but I really loved the balance of flavor and textures in this dessert - and would have brought a bag of those airy crunchy delicious milk crisps home with me if I could!

The other dessert options on the dineLA menu are tasty as well: the coconut coulant was like a very robust custard with a flavor that reminded me of the 'coconut milk pudding' that you'd normally see in Cantonese restaurants for OG dim sum.  The Gimme S'more dessert would appeal to chocolate fans.  But neither come close to the Parsnip as far as I was concerned.

And for the grand finale that had my heart at first sight: foie gras macarons.  Foie. Gras. mAcArOnS.  A tray of them.  A perfect celebration of the return of one of my favorite foods ever - now legal to serve, but still generously given freely as a mignardise at the end of this media preview.  The luscious liver flavored filling may not be for everyone - but to the foie lovers out there - BLISS.  I'm currently confirming with the team whether this is actually offered during dineLA or if it was a one-time treat for the preview event...stay tuned.

In any case, the three course menu was fantastic - and a good way to 'taste drive' the restaurant.

[If you have the stomach space for it - check out their oyster selection too - the last time I was there (not during dineLA) they served my fav, Shigokus!]

Kudos to Acabar for stepping it up for dineLA!


*Disclaimer:  this meal was hosted.


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Acabar
1510 N Stanley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
T: 323.876.1400

Parking: Valet or street

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dineLA Winter 2013: Kickin' Off This Monday! 1MB Picks

Overspent during the holidays? Need time to recover and catch up on your bills? Missing the reckless abandon with which you indulged in shameless culinary decadence while on vacation?

Welcome to the club.  While I'm trying to stay in as much as possible to prevent myself from spending money I don't have...the food lover in me is itching to get back out there to do what I love best: live to eat, be inspired, and share my finds.

Just in time to save the day is dineLA - with hundreds of restaurants across the city offering prix fixe menus for lunch ($15, $20, $25) and dinners ($25, $35, $45).

Below are my picks of menus and/or deals that I find exciting. Due to time constraints I have not gone through every last menu of the hundreds posted - check out the bottom of the resto picks section for other disclaimers.  To avoid repetition for regular readers (thank you for reading!), I've listed perennial must stops at the bottom of each section.

Tips for deal stacking as usual are at the bottom of the post!

DINNER                                                                                                                                   

**PRICE TIER: $25**

Lukshon
Menu $25 (3-courses + standard free dessert)
3239 Helms Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 Ph: (310) 202-6808
Why?: If you're in or near Culver City, and (a) have always wanted to check out this place or (b) want to go for a nice night out without blowing a lot of $$$, this may be the time to do it.  Some have described this place as an "Asian tapas" place, and the dineLA dinner does offer up a selection of small plates - you can choose any 3 for $25. Plus, as with every meal at Lukshon, year-round, you get a free dessert.  Where else are you going to get this quality of food in a 'hotspot' place for $25?
Estimated Savings: ~$13pp* depending on what you choose.  Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: Tea Leaf Salad/Pork Ribs $11 + Steamed Cod $15 + Crab Fritters $12 = $38 - $25 = $13


***PRICE TIER: $35***

Rays and Stark Bar
Menu $35 (3-courses)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036 Ph: (323) 857-6180
Why?: Starter options at this Patina Group (need we say more?) resto (at LACMA!!) include octopus with burrata or pig ear kale salad, and an entree that makes my mouth water just reading: agnolotti (with magic word "truffle" rice filled pasta, hen of the woods mushrooms, porcini sauce, hazelnuts and garden arugula), and award winning pastry Chef Josh Graves' desserts - sounds like a great deal for a gourmet meal in an beautiful (cultured) setting and a nice night out.
Estimated Savings: ~$6pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: octopus $14 + agnolotti $17 small portion + chocolate dessert $10 = $41 - $35 = $6

Buffalo Club
Menu $35 (4-courses)
Why?: Starter options are amazing, especially house charcuterie plate (with truffled duck pate, chicken foie gras and rabbit persille) and parmesan crusted farm egg with niman bacon. Entrees include cassoulet and scallop options. Mac & Cheese is its own course.  LOVE their garden courtyard at night when it's all lit up.
Estimated Savings: ~$15pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: appetizers $15 + scallops $15 + mac&cheese $8 + dessert $12 = $50 - $35 = $15

Waterloo & City
Menu $35 (3-courses)
12517 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 391-4222
Why?: One of my fav spots on the Westside for Happy Hour, and reliably tasty food (especially for carnivores). dineLA dinner menu has Salmon Tartare, Chicken Liver Mousse, Sunchoke Soup w/ TRUFFLE and pigs-in-a-blanket, as starter options, and roast prime pork chop for entree choice (with "Cock-a-Leekie" Sausage).
Estimated Savings: ~$12pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: salmon tartare $12 + pork chop $26 + dessert $9 = $47 - $35 = $12 (if you are willing to eat early and order chicken liver mousse/salmon tartare which are both usually offered at HH for $6 and Sticky Toffee Pudding for $5, then you could say you're just saving $2 overall) 


****PRICE TIER: $45****

Caulfield's Bar and Dining Room
Menu $45 (4-courses)
9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212 (310) 388-6860
Why?: This place has been buzzing lately, and the regular menu is 'Beverly Hills pricey', so dineLA may be the time to give it a try. You do get 4 courses, and if you choose wisely you can save $31 per person! Delicious sounding options include Smoked Steelhead Trout in a Jar, rabbit terrine w/ tomato jam, mackerel crudo w/ pear, coconut milk, finger lime and ginger, and scallops as entree option served with clams and chorizo.  The frozen chocolate souffle with blood orange also sounds interesting. Plus you can add a glass of Prosecco for $10.
Estimated Savings: $31pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: trout in jar $12 + Little Angels pasta $24 + skirt steak/scallops $31 + dessert avg $9 = $76 - $45 = $31

Inn of the Seventh Ray
Menu $45 (3-courses)
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd., Topanga, CA 90290 Ph: (310) 455-1311
Why?: Their samplings at past food shows intrigued me, and it sounds like a destination spot that would involve a fun little 'nature' filled mini getaway to Topanga Canyon. What they're offering for dineLA sounds delicious: I always love a 63 degree egg, and their starter option is topped with (magic word) truffle potato foam and toasted bread crumbs. Another option is Smoked Yellowtail Spread which sounds tasty as well.  Second course option of Short Rib mixes Japanese and Korean flavors with miso and kimchee.  Not sure how that would work but interested to try, given the level of skill exhibited even in samples produced for food shows at mass quantities. Panna Cotta is one of my fav desserts and they are serving it up with a twist: gingerbread and vanilla flavor with burnt cinnamon ice cream, persimmon and popcorn.
Estimated Savings: $13pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: potato & egg jar $12 + miso braised short rib $36 + dessert mostly standard price $10 = $58 - $45 = $13 

Piccolo Venice
Menu $45 (5-courses)
5 Dudley Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Ph: (310) 560-3594
Why?: One of the best values during dineLA Summer 2012 with 5 courses , featuring decadent ingredients (including SHAVED TRUFFLE!!!) that had even the most jaded of dineLA diners/foodies excited. This time round they have: the fantastic scallops with parmesan-truffle fondue again, or beef tongue to start. 2nd: gnocchi with lobster sugo, spaghettini with oxtail ragu, garganelli with rabbit ragu. 3rd: ravioli with real shaved truffle and parmesan truffle butter sauce. 4th options include monkfish, veal and kobe steak. 5th: six dessert options!
Estimated Savings: $41pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: scallops $17 + pasta w/ ragu $25 + truffle pasta $25 + australian kobe ny steak $48 + dessert mostly standard price $12 = $127 - $45 = $82 That said, portion sizes are small like a tasting menu so probably not the sizes you would get at full price a la carte - so let's say for estimates' sake it's half portion size: $82/2 = $41.  The next best comparison might be the 4-course tasting menu for $50, but you're saving much more than $5 as you get TRUFFLE and an extra course. And I'm not sure what you would get in the tasting menu so it's hard to know if it really would compare. So your actual savings will fall somewhere in between those two extremes...

Fig & Olive
Menu $45 (3-courses) NOTE: they already extended the deal to run through 2/8 (except not on 1/26)
8490 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Ph: (310) 360-9100 
Why?: Starter options include TRUFFLE mushroom croquette, Northern Italian Mushroom and TRUFFLE soup, and main options include Seafood Paella and TRUFFLE Risotto.  Need I say more?  Yes, love the interior design here. And, the $ you save on dinner can go towards the Jamon Iberico Bellota order as an add-on (yes, I am suffering from jamon iberico withdrawals...)  
Estimated Savings: $13pp* Based on items from regular menu: salmon ceviche crostone $16/truffle croquette $13 + paella del mar $32 + dessert $10 = $58/$55 - $45 = $13/$10

Stefan's at L.A. Farm
Menu $45 (6-courses)
3000 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404 Ph: (310) 449-4000
Why?: SIX courses. Yep.  Plus, any place that has Top Chef klout and puts duck on the dineLA menu is like putting out a 'welcome foodies' sign. The halibut with zatar spice, edamame, chanterelle and shimeji, fingerlings and pancetta sounds fantastic.   
Estimated Savings: $34-$53.50pp* Based on next closest items or course averages from regular menu: cali crudo $15 + ravioli $24 + soup $10 + fish course $27 + duck $28/beef tenderloin $34 + dessert standard price $9 = $113/$119 - $45 = $68/$107 Disclaimer: not sure if portion size would be at all similar to regular menu - assuming half portions due to 6 courses, savings would be $34-$53.50pp

Drago Centro
Menu $45 (3-courses)
525 South Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 Ph: (213) 228.8998 
Why?: Starter options include magic words "lobster", "smoked sturgeon", "caviar"; mains include branzino, guanciale (pork cheek) and rabbit fettuccini. Dessert options like lemon panna cotta with citrus and rosemary puff pastry sound tasty too! Plus, 3 hours free valet parking with validation in structure under building.
Estimated Savings: $12pp at least* Based on items from regular menu / menu course averages: "to begin" dishes mostly $13 (though dineLA options contain seafood while regular menu starters don't) + branzino $34 + dessert $10 = $57 - $45 = $12

Oliverio at the Avalon Beverly Hills
Menu $45
9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Ph: (310) 407-7791
Why?: Options sound mouthwatering, from wild mushroom souffle with parmesan fondue, to burrata with caviar and bottarga to start, to spaghetti with langoustine and roasted tomatoes as entree, to a lemon polenta pudding cake w/ lemon sabayon for dessert!
Estimated Savings: Unknown if you get the items listed above (the burrata w/ caviar and bottarga is not on regular menu). $12pp* if you choose the filet mignon - Based on next closest items or course averages from regular menu: cauliflower parmesan truffle fondue $10 + steak (rib eye from regular menu, so not sure how this compares to filet mignon) $38 + dessert standard price $9 = $57 - $45 = $12 

Kiriko
Menu $45 (3-courses)
11301 West Olympic Boulevard #102, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Ph: (310) 478-7769
Why?: Their omakase sashimi is normally $46 on its own even at lunch, and the dineLA menu offers sashimi with WHITE TRUFFLE as a starter (another option is 'chef's choice of 3 delicacies' which sounds exciting, knowing anything the chefs here choose will be fantastic), then entree options that include omakase sashimi or halibut tempura and grilled 'iberico' pork! The only thing that I'm going to stay away from is the Blue Fin Tuna starter, even though I love it and there's truffle involved, as their numbers are getting dangerously low.
Estimated Savings: Unknown since prices are not published online, but given that lunch portion omakase is already $46 normally and did NOT involve truffles, not to mention white truffle which is more expensive...I'm listing this one as a deal. If I go will post on Instagram so you can see what you're getting!

dineLA best deal, every time dinners:

• Craft - THREE appetizers for the table to share AND a take home treat in addition to 3-courses of fabulous, reliably delicious food and first class service.  All for $45. Estimated savings: $22.50pp.  See my recaps from 2012 and 2011
• The Capital Grille - The giant Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin alone is $45 on the regular menu, so it's like getting 2 other courses and sides for free. Estimated savings: $39pp. See my recap from 2012

LUNCH                                                                                                                                 

**PRICE TIER: $20**

One Pico at Shutters on the Beach
Menu $20 (2-courses)
One Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 587-1717
Why?: 3 courses for $20 involving flatbread with prosciutto burrata and padron peppers, seared tuna nicoise with quail egg and mascarpone cheesecake with huckleberries and meyer lemon. AND a ocean view.  What more can you ask for?
Estimated Savings: $28pp* -Based on next closest items from regular menu: flatbread $15 + tuna nicoise $25 + dessert not posted, estimating $8  = $48 - $20 = $28
 
Breeze
Menu $20 (3-courses)
2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (310) 551-3334
Why?: Calamari Po Boy, choice of any dessert on their menu, big savings and eat in fancy Hyatt hotel fine dining setting for $20? In.
Estimated Savings: $20pp* - Based on same items from regular menu: chicken al pastor $16 + calamari po boy $18 + dessert standard $6 = $40 - $20 = $20

Bar | Kitchen
Menu $20 (2-courses)
819 S Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 784-3048
Why?: Shrimp & Grits as one of the entree choices!!!
Estimated Savings: $8pp* -Based on same items from regular menu: butternut squash salad $10 + shrimp & grits $18 = $28 - $20 = $8
 

**PRICE TIER: $25**

Caulfield's Bar and Dining Room
Menu $25 (3-courses)
9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212 (310) 388-6860
Why?: Have seen a lot of buzz around this place lately, and the regular menu can be pricey, so dineLA may be the time to give it a try for those who live/work close by enough to pop in for lunch. You do get 3 courses for $25 at lunch in Beverly Hills, almost half off regular menu pricing*, which is borderline insane. And a lot ofthe same items from the dineLA dinner menu make an appearance on the lunch one, so it's an even less expensive way to check this place out: Smoked Steelhead Trout in a Jar, rabbit terrine, trout. skirt steak with anticucho sauce, and same desserts as dinner. If you like to live like Mad Men once in a while and go for the drinking lunch: you have an option here to add a glass of Prosecco for $10 as well.
Estimated Savings: $21pp* - Based on same or next closest items from regular menu: trout in jar $12 + skirt steak $25 + dessert avg $9 = $46 - $25 = $21

Fig & Olive
Menu $25 (3-courses) NOTE: deal extended through 2/8 (except not served on 1/26)
8490 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Ph: (310) 360-9100
Why?: Some of the same items from dineLA dinner menu are offered for lunch! Starter options include TRUFFLE mushroom croquette, Northern Italian Mushroom and TRUFFLE soup, and main options include Seafood Paella. So you can have the same stuff but much cheaper (obviously at lunch portions though)  
Estimated Savings: $33pp* Based on items from regular menu: salmon ceviche crostone $16/truffle croquette $13 + paella del mar $32 + dessert $10 = $58/$55 - $25 = $33/$30

Oliverio at the Avalon Beverly Hills
Menu $25
9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212 Ph: (310) 407-7791
Why?: Four courses for lunch that involve octopus, ricotta beef ragu ravioli and branzino before you even get o dessert? For $25?  Wish I worked closer.
Estimated Savings: ~$24pp Based on next closest items or course averages from regular menu: pasta first course $12 + fish second course (salmon) $28+Dessert standard price $9 = $49 - $25 = $24 (They also offer a business lunch normally for $30 3-courses - so if compared to that, you'd save $5 on dineLA)


Menu watch: Some restaurants do not have menu prices posted online so I have to double check before assessing whether it's a deal: like Livello at the L'Ermitage BH, Aburiya Toranoko, and Obika Mozzarella Bar.

Honorable mentions: Some restaurants have attractive menus and/or great deals, but were not listed here as they already have regular prix fixe menus you can access outside of dineLA, like FarmShop (3-course dinners averaging $45-$48 nightly), Papilles (whose entire restaurant concept is a single prix fixe dinner menu for $35-$37 every night they're open) and Mo-Chica with lunch special for $15 (main +2 sides and dessert).

Dishonorable mention: The BLVD at Beverly Wilshire Hotel lunch for $25 is only 2 courses, and at first it looks like a great deal to be able to add the caviar pasta for only $10 more (the dish normally runs you $26 on regular menu) - BUT beware if you're going to drink anything besides water (and even then I would double check the price) - I ordered an Arnold Palmer without thinking that I would need to confirm pricing for such a basic drink, and was charged $8.  I did a double take just to make sure maybe it wasn't refillable and they charged me for 2?  Nope, it was $8 for one Arnold Palmer. And don't think you can get free Wi-Fi here for your tablet, just because it's in the lobby level of the hotel - they'll hand you a card with a passcode, but they won't tell you first that there's a $5 charge - the first time you'll become aware of it is when you see it added to your bill. Also, valet parking here even with restaurant validation is $12 - but it is good for all day use, so if you plan to spend the day walking around Rodeo / Beverly and leaving your car there then you may get good use out of that fee.


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Note: I have not dined at all of the places above - picks are based on menu descriptions and pricing info listed. Estimated savings are best guess only based on available info. Does not account for variance in portion sizes etc. Total estimated savings will vary depending on items ordered.


*****I will continue to update this as more menus post. Let me know if you find any good ones I've missed. Follow me on Instagram @onemorebiteblog to check out my latest dineLA meals!*****


Contest alert: Dine. Snap. Win. Instagram Enter for a chance to win a 1-night stay at the Thompson Beverly Hills hotel + dinner for 2 at Caulfield's Bar and Dining Room + weekend use of a 2013 Cadillac ATS. Just capture a picture of your fav Restaurant Week dish and post with the hashtag #dineLA for a chance to win (awesome as this was something I was going to do anyways!). Multiple entries allowed. At the end of dineLA, the 25 most popular eateries with dishes featured on Instagram will win Diner’s Choice. Ends 2/1/13. See official rules here.

Deal alert: Below are some easy ways to stack your deals, most free to sign up (see websites for details):

• OpenTable - register and make reservations online. When you check in at the restaurant, earn points towards a gift certificate redeemable at any OpenTable restaurant!
• Use credit card with a rewards program:
• American Express
• This time, there is no $5 statement credit offer with $21 minim spend.  But you can still register with Amex iDine, then use it to pay for your dineLA meal to get up to 15% statement credit (% differs by restaurant; % back available year round.  See site for details)
• Use airline/hotel credit cards to earn miles/points for every $ spent during dineLA and year round.
• Upromise.com: College students / those saddled with college loans: register credit card with their dining program. Cross check database with your chosen dineLA restaurants, dine, and pay with that card to automatically get up to 8% of your bill towards repayment of student loans!
• United Mileage Plus: register credit card with dining program, get up to 5 miles per $ spent on meals year round including tax and tip
• Mall Rewards - leverage year-round programs during dineLA to stack rewards (bring receipts to mall concierge for registration):
• Westfield Century City Rewards: Accumulate $500 in spending on food, get $25 gift card.
• Americana at Brand / The Grove Loyalty Rewards Program: Spend $500 in single month at restaurants here and get $25 gift card.
• Dine on Sunday 1/27 when street parking is free in most neighborhoods to save on valet.

Got other tips to share? Please post in comments section below!

Bon appetit!

P.S. - In years past some restaurants offered dineLA deals outside official dates, or extended them past official dates.  Check with your favs to see what they're offering!

Where will you be going for dineLA?

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dineLA (Winter 2013)
January 21-February 1, 2013
Lunch: $15,$20 or $25
Dinner: $25, $35 or $45
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1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings & Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week (been way too long since I did one of these)! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Eva Restaurant - $39 for $58 bottomless mimosa brunch for 2 / $99 for $170 dinner for 2 from GiltCity (ends 9/26)
• Fairmont Miramar Lobby Lounge $25 for 4 cocktails/wines up to $144 value from Travelzoo (~8 days left to buy)
• La Cantina at Señor Fish $20 for $36 tequila tasting & mexican buffet for 1 or $36 for $126 for tequila tasting and buffet for 2 (~3 days left to buy)
• Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Sunset and Horn location in West Hollywood only):  'trade up' your old/any coffeemaker for new CBTL Kaldi (worth $179.95) 9/29 11am-5pm 8775 W Sunset Blvd while supplies last!

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Dream Dinner at Animal Sweepstakes - Win $1000 dream dinner for 6 @ Animal (ends 10/5)
• Cathay Pacific Walking on Air Sweepstakes - Win 5 night trip for 2 to Hong Kong (ends 9/24/12 11:59pm ET)

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This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings and Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Scarpetta - $39 for $68 brunch buffet at chef Scott Conant's Scarpetta at the Montage in Beverly Hills.  Also available: $99 for $158 4-course chef's tasting menu dinner for 2.  Deal from Travelzoo (~11 days left to buy)
• Jamba Juice - "Dollar Days of Summer" Happy Hour August 6-10 9am-11am $1 for 16oz smoothie.  No coupon required. Love their all-fruit smoothies!
• Honey's Kettle Chicken Fried Chicken - $7 for $15 of fried chicken and southern fare.  Deal from Google Offers (~5 days left to buy)
• Pinkberry - Free greek yogurt Tuesdays in August 8am-10am at select locations: Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Century City, and South Beverly. (via EaterLA)

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Travel Channel August Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win 6-day trip for 2 to London (ends 8/31/12 11:59pm ET).  Official rules here
• Hawaii magazine Oahu Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win 5-day trip for 2 to Oahu to attend 2012 Aloha Festivals in September (ends 8/21/12 11:59pm Hawaii time). Requires 'like'ing Hawaii magazine Facebook page. Official rules here
• USA Network Covert Affairs Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win 5-day trip for 2 to Barcelona including airfare, hotel, breakfasts and dinners, 2 local trips and $500 spending money (ends 9/11/12 11:59:59pm ET). Official rules here

********

This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings and Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Lazy Ox Canteen - Happy Hour $5 bar bites $3 drafts, select wines, michelada, sangria Sun-Fri 5-7pm Sun-Thurs 10pm-close

• dineLA Summer 2012 - still going, through Friday July 27!  3-course prix fixe lunches and dinners - lunches start from $15 and dinners start from $25! See my picks here!
• Hakata Ramen $3 ramen in honor of Hakta Shin Sen Gumi's 7 year anniversary! via @626Foodettes

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Terranea Luxury Getaway Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win 3 night getaway to Terranea resort + $1000 American Express gift card from Travel + Leisure (ends 8/17/12 11:59pm ET).  Offical rules here
• KCET Pluot, Plums, Apricots Recipe Contest - for those who actually cook ;) enter your best recipe with these ingredients for chance to win prize pack including Farmers Market goodies, fresh pasta from Domenico's and a cool "Hungry Tiger Hot Sauce" tee from Flavour Gallery! (ends 7/27 3pm PT)

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This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

dineLA Summer 2012: 1MB Picks!

dineLA is launching its first Summer promotion starting next week, July 16th, through July 27! With the SoCal focus on seasonal farm to table fare, and a giant list of participating restaurants, I'm excited to see how this may differ from dineLAs past.

For those unfamiliar, dineLA is a citywide event that has great restaurants - at top tier, the caliber of Tavern, AOC, Craft and more - offering 3-course prix fixe meals (some offer supplement food & drink for a nominal price) starting at just $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner.

The promotion is fantastic for foodies or travellers on a budget - great food at some of the cities' most delectable dining spots at affordable prices.

What each person considers 'a good deal' is often deeply personal, especially with food - but as a rule review dineLA menus carefully: unfortunately some 'bad apples' have already turned off many local food lovers in years past by simply 'packaging' regular menu items at the same price; some that normally offer fascinating fine dining may dole out uninspired 'chicken or beef' entrees to meet lower price points.

Luckily a lot offer fantastic dishes at a great price. And being the budget foodie, I always look for ways to double or triple dip to get even mileage for my money - check out my list of ways to stack the deals and bonuses at the bottom of this post.

Menus are still being posted; as they become available I will add to my picks and breakdowns here! (Note: I'm only looking at menus that excite me and/or offer great deals)

Oh and btw, I definitely eat faster than I can write - I Instagram my meals same day, so if you want to see photos of dineLA dishes (and other random food porn) check out my IG here - thanks!

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BLT Steak
Dinner $45
Menu
8720 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 Ph: 310.360.1950
Why?: Exciting sounding menu item from Pork Belly Dumplings with endives, fava leaves and soy beurre blanc, to scallops with uni butter, to pork chops with kumquat mostarda.  And I know I'll get the staple fresh out of the oven, beautiful popovers and chicken liver mousse free for the table before the meal.  And I love that they made my job easy by displaying what the items would have cost a la carte, right on the dineLA menu so it's clear how much I'd be saving.  One thing though, I don't actually get steak when I'm here... 
Estimated Savings: $14pp Based on value as displayed on dineLA menu: pork dumplings $15+pork chop$34+Desserts $10=$59 - $45 = $14


Bouchon
Lunch $25 (2-courses) $29 (3-courses)
Menu
235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Ph: 310.271.9910
Why?: When else am I going to be able to afford to eat at Bouchon? My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at first when I saw the word "foie" on the menu - turns out it's not duck or goose, but chicken liver mousse with red wine poached prunes and toast. I do love liver mousse of pretty much any variety - which as a starter is normally $16 on its own on Bouchon's regular menu. And duck leg confit and mussels are entree options!!
Estimated Savings: $21pp Based on items on regular menu: Chicken liver mousse $16+Moules au Safran $28.50+Creme Glacee $5.50=$50 - $29 = $21


Cafe Pinot
Lunch $20 (2-courses)
Menu
700 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles, CA 90071 Ph: 213.239.6500
Why?: Those lucky enough to work close to Cafe Pinot - $20 is a great deal for fine dining in the lovely space (their garden tables overlook LA's skyline).  Items sound mouth-watering to me: Smoked Salmon Veloute, Fried Polenta with dry mole, Fluke with lobster glace, candied kumquats and parsley powder. And the starter and entree choices are same as dinner menu for $15 less (though I'm sure it's portioned accordingly and you don't get dessert).
Estimated Savings: $21pp Based on averages and next closest item on regular menu: starters average ~$13+fish entree $28 =$41 - $20 = $21


Craft
Dinner $45
Menu
10100 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067 Ph: 310.279.4180
Why?: Best dineLA deal in years past.  Always classically great dishes and incredible service. Three starters for the table to share and they include diver sea scallop ceviche with watermelon and basil!!! Entree aren't super exciting sounding this time, but based on past experiences classic dishes are really well executed and will be worth it in quality and taste. Two desserts for the table to share.  (And maybe a take home treat like they did in past years - of housemade granola!) Plus free parking in structure with validation! 
Estimated Savings: ~$22.50pp Based on next closest items or course averages from regular menu Starters (average ~$15)x3/2ppl +Alaskan Salmon $34+Dessert standard price $12 = $68.50 - $45 = $23.50


Culina
Dinner $45
Menu
300 S. Doheny Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph: 310.860.4000
Why?: FOUR courses at the Four Seasons! For $45. Lobster farro risotto. Mussels with shishito peppers and pancetta. Halibut infused with basil and scallops. Bellini granita.  Need I say more? Note: dineLA menu not available on Sunday 7/22
Estimated Savings: ~$25pp Based on next closest items from regular menu salad $13+mussels $14 +halibut $34+dessert standard price $9 = $70 - $45 = $25


Industriel
Lunch $20 Dinner $35
Menu
609 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017 Ph: 213.488.8020
Why?: Haven't tried this place yet, but...intrigued by 'urban farm cuisine' concept and creative menu items like "escargot panini" and pig ear salad with frisee, pickled strawberries and rhubarb vinaigrette, and mussels in absinthe-spiked bouillabaise??? I'm dying to know what that "faux gras terrine" consists of since it does say fattened duck liver mousse?!!! Might as well try it while there's a deal in place?
Estimated Savings: $10pp Lunch Based on items from regular menu starters $11+ salmon entree $19 = $30-$20 = $10
$6pp Dinner Based on items from regular menu pig ear $14+ entrees $19+ dessert $8= $41-$35 = $6

Kiriko
Lunch $25 Dinner $45
Menu
11301 Olympic Blvd #102, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Ph: 310.478.7769
Why?: Love Kiriko for quality sushi in the Olympic Collection.  Their omakase sashimi & sushi lunch with "assorted sashimi" and 5pcs sushi normally goes for $46!! With dineLA you get for lunch a trio of carpaccio and 6pcs of sushi. There isn't an exact comparison in terms of count so hard to say savings, but sounds like it would be a filling lunch of creative yet beautiful, clean, high quality rolls - no sauced up abominations with gimmicky names here - and where else are you going to get that for just $25?  As for dinner, that is what I'm super excited about - as one of the starter choices you get Uni ice cream with spicy momotaro tomato gazpacho!!! And I don't think that's normally on the menu!  Book now while there are still reservations to be had.
Estimated Savings: TBD

La Vecchia
Dinner $35
Menu
2654 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405 Ph: 310.399.7979
Why?: Menu looks like good food at a great savings - 3 hefty courses where others are doing 2 savory plus dessert: including baby lamb chops, lobster ravioli, seafood salad
Estimated Savings: $25pp Dinner Based on regular menu items chilled seafood salad $15+ linguini vongole $17+ baby lamb chops $28 = $60-$35 = $25

Lukshon
Lunch $15
Menu
3239 Helms Ave., Culver City, CA 90232 Ph: 310.202.6808
Why?: If you work in Culver City, this is a good option for lunch at the normally pricey asian fusion eatery - it's almost half off (that is, if you would order alcohol with your lunch...if not you'd be saving ~$6). And the options are ones that I would be interested in, Dan Dan Noodles, Green Papaya Salad and interesting dessert option of beijing yogurt with asian pear in yuzu with blueberry sorbet, basil seeds, citrus puffs (though desserts are normally free anyway)
Estimated Savings: $14pp Lunch Based on regular menu items dan dan noodles $13+green papaya salad $8+ beer $8 (desserts normally free anyway)= $29-$15 = $14


Marrakesh
Dinner $25
Menu
13003 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 Ph: 818.788.6354
Why?: Let me qualify this pick by saying, it's a pick for SFV dwellers only.  Not sure it's worth the drive otherwise. And don't expect any customer service whatsoever - they refused to even give us a printed menu last time we went and recited everything including prices by heart (I'd suggest printing out your own menu before you go).  But it's a fun spot with Moroccan food that I find really tasty FOR THE VALLEY and you're getting FIVE courses for $25 for dinner! I especially LOVE the Bastilla (shredded chicken, eggs, almonds and spices baked in filo dough) and you also get lamb as an entree option - they make it juicy and tender.  Love their fresh moroccan mint tea as well.
Estimated Savings: $5pp Based on items from "Traditional Feast" meal listed on website for $29.95pp

Picca
Dinner $45
Menu
9575 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 Ph: 310.277.0133
Why?: Chef Ricardo Zarate serves up some amazing Peruvian dishes at Picca and dineLA's the time to try them - with 10 options for first course (you get to choose two!) and 10 choices for entree (again you choose two per person!) plus dessert, AND these are not the 'slow mover' dishes - you get to be as full on adventurous as you dare with anticucho corazon (signature beef heart) on the dineLA menu as an option as well as exciting preparations of lamb, fish, steak to cuts of offal like tripe.
Estimated Savings: $10pp at least Based on same items from regular menu: ceviche criollo $14+tres leches de tigres shooters $9+bisteck $16+arroz chaufas de mariscos $16+dessert??? (not sure pricing, not posted on site)=$55-$45=$10


Piccolo Venice
Dinner $45
Menu
5 Dudley Ave., Venice, CA 90291 Ph: 310.560.3594
Why?: May be the best deal of this dineLA if dishes are served regular menu-sized. FIVE courses and four of them feature options with the magic word 'truffle' in them!! And the menu looks really exciting, even the non-truffle options!! From lamb carpaccio, to scallops with parmesan-truffle fondue, to squid ink spaghettini with lobster emulsion, to berkshire pork chop with porcini-tahitian vanilla bean sauce, to a dessert made with mascarpone cream and ganache - I hope it's all as good as it sounds, as the words on the webpage alone are making me hungry.  (Though, I've never been and a friend said that portions are small here and the location is 'very Venice' in a not so good way.  Will let you know when I go!)
Estimated Savings: $65pp Based on same and similar items from regular menu: lamb carpaccio/scallops $17+beets filled ravioli $23+closest ravioli dish $23 (without truffle shavings)+pork chop $38+desserts standard price $9=$110-$45=$65 Again without having eaten there before, the estimate does not account for differences in portion size etc.

Raphael
Lunch $20 Dinner $45
Menu
11616 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 Ph: 818.505.3337
Why?: Two starters!! And menu more massive than most other dineLA ones with 11 choices of starters and 12 (twelve!!!) choices of entrees, and 5 choices of dessert. Entrees include bay scallops with uni english pea and black garlic! And 48 hour rib steak! And an asian inspired preparation of snapper! In a gorgeously designed space that's one of the rare fine dining rooms on that stretch of Ventura in Studio City. And big savings for lunch - almost half off!
Estimated Savings: $18pp Lunch Based on same items from regular menu: kale/apple salad $12+almost all burgers/linguini $13+sides standard price $4+desserts standard price $9=$38-$20=$18
$10pp Dinner Based on same items from regular menu: beef tartare $13+northern thai noodles $14+48 hour rib steak $19+desserts standard price $9=$55-$45=$10


Ray's & Stark Bar
Dinner $35
Menu
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Ph: 323.857.6180
Why?: Octopus as starter option and squid ink pasta with bottarga as entree option (though both are 'firsts' courses on regular menu). A dessert by chef Josh Graves is always a pleasure. And it's in a lovely chic space on the plaza at LACMA!
Estimated Savings: $14pp Based on items from regular menu octopus $14+ squid ink pasta w/ bottarga $25+$10 dessert = $49-$35 = $14


Rivera
Dinner $45
Menu
1050 S. FLOWER ST #102 LOS ANGELES CA, 90015 Ph: 213.749.1460
Why?: Menu items like Snails with Iberico Ham, Herbs and Agave-roasted Duck with Tequila, Chicos sound exciting!!! Savings aren't huge and you can find some items on regular menu, but you do save a few bucks so might be the time to try for those like me who haven't been!
Estimated Savings: $8pp Based on same or similar items also on regular menu: sevilla-style salad $13+ribeye steak $32+desserts standard price $8=$53 - $45 = $8


Scarpetta
Dinner $45
Menu
225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Ph: 310.860.7970
Why?: When else are you going to walk out of Scarpetta after a full meal at less than $50 a head? The location is fantastic - an open park that is even more beautiful at night, sandwiched between two wings of the Montage Beverly Hills. LOVE the creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms and budino from last dineLA and nice to see the trusty choices on the menu again. Also like the sound of Halibut Crudo as starter option, Branzino and Spiced Duck Breast as entree options as well as the tropical sounding coconut panna cotta with guava soup and caramelized pineapple for dessert.
Estimated Savings: $20pp Based on items also on regular menu: polenta $20+branzino $34+ desserts standarad price $11= $65-$45 = $20 

Sunny Spot
Dinner $35
Menu
822 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292 Ph: 310.448.8884
Why?: Because I still somehow haven't made it to this place and the dineLA menu looks pretty mouth-watering: double-coated, double-fried jerk wings? pan roasted SKATE (love!!!) with coconut? jamaican oxtail stew? COUNT ME IN, MAN.  Plus, they were the only ones I've seen so far who took the time to have a polished, totally designed dineLA menu for their post - like the attention to detail there, thinking they're not going to do things half-assed here.
Estimated Savings: $19pp Based on same or similar items on regular menu: jerk wings $12+whole roasted fish $35+tart/sundae ~$7 = $54 - $35 = $19


The Capital Grille
Dinner $35
Menu
8614 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph: 310.358.0650
Why?: Don't normally like / crave steak, but their steak is pretty fantastic. A good friend 'Lindyhopper' - a steak lover - loves this place and sees it as the best deal - the Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter alone is $45 on the regular menu.  Don't know about any difference in portion size from regular menu, but the last dineLA steak was so huge I had half and had to call time out and bag the rest. And you can add a lobster tail for just $10 (though we heard it was small - we didn't have enough room after steak to try ourselves last time!)
Estimated Savings: $39!!!! Based on similar items from full menu back in Feb 2012, which may have variance in portion size - clam chowder $10+Kona crusted sirloin $45+creamed spinach $10+dessert assuming at least $8=$73-$34=$39 FYI Filet Mignon is $41 on regular menu but 10 oz serving - dineLA dinner entree is 8 oz


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Note: I have not dined at all of the places above - picks are based on menu descriptions and pricing info listed. Estimated savings are best guess only based on available info. Does not account for variance in portion sizes etc.


*****I will continue to update this as more menus post. Let me know if there are any good ones I've totally missed!

Below are some easy ways to stack your deals, most free to sign up (see websites for details):

• OpenTable - register and make reservations through their site. When you check in at the restaurant, earn points towards a gift certificate redeemable at any OpenTable restaurant!
• Use a credit card with a rewards program:
• American Express
• Register your Amex card here, BEFORE you visit a dineLA restaurant, then spend $21 or more and pay with that Amex to get $5 statement credit ($21 per person minimum, one credit per restaurant per person).
• Register with Amex iDine, then use that card to get up to 15% off your bill at participating restaurants year-round (STACKS on top of the $5 credit!).
• Use any credit card attached to an airline or hotel to earn miles/points for every $ spent during dineLA and year round.
• Upromise.com: College students / folks with college loans: register credit card with their dining program. Cross check their database with your chosen dineLA restaurants, then dine and pay with that card to automatically get up to 8% of your bill back towards student loans!
• United Mileage Plus: register credit card with their dining program, get up to 5 miles per $ spent on meals year round!
• Mall Rewards - leverage year-round programs during dineLA to stack rewards:
• Westfield Century City Rewards: Bring receipts from mall eateries, including Obika Mozzarella Bar and RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen, to the concierge for registration. Accumulate $500 in spending on food, get $25 gift card.
• Americana at Brand / The Grove Loyalty Rewards Program: Spend $500 in single month at restaurants here and get $25 gift card (register receipts with mall concierge).
• Dine on Sunday 7/22 when street parking is free in most neighborhoods to save on valet.

Got any other tips? Do share!

Bon appetit!

P.S. - So many dineLA restaurants, so little time? Check to see if your favs are offering dineLA outside official dates!

Where will you go for dineLA?

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dineLA (Summer 2012)
July 16-27, 2012
Lunch: $15,$20 or $25
Dinner: $25, $35 or $45
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1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings and Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Gyu-kaku - great deal for people who work on the Westside! AYCE charcoal grill Japanese BBQ lunch $15.95, choose from 13 bbq items including garlic shrimp, toro beef, spicy pork and calamari, plus 6 appetizers/sides - served daily 12-5pm. At West LA location: 10925 W. Pico Blvd. 
• Extravaganza for the Sense (Food Event) - 20% off tickets (save $25 off admission)! Text the word  clinic  to 28748 to receive the discount code only valid for online purchases through July 20th at 3:00pm PST.  Fun and delicious night out for a good cause - portion of proceed benefit The Saban Free Clinic providing healthcare, dental and social services to those who can't afford it.  See my recap of last year's event here.
• dineLA Summer 2012 - July 16-27!  3-course prix fixe lunches and dinners - lunches start from $15 and dinners start from $25! I'll be doing my write-up of my picks as a separate post here soon!
• La Cuevita - $24 for $48 worth of cocktails (4 drinks) @ La Cuevita Deal via Daily Candy http:/ Da/ (ends 7/10)
• GO Burger - Free small friesat GO Burger for National French Fry Day 7/13 w/ free coupon on their Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/goburgerla
• A-Frame - AYCE fried chicken for $18 per person including potato salad and coleslaw, on Saturdays and Sundays starting 7/14!  via Eater LA (and for beer drinkers, $10 mugs of bottomless Hite as well) 

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Cosmopolitan Sally Hansen Miami Beach Getaway Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win beach getaway for two to Miami Beach + $1000 spending money from Cosmopolitan and Sally Hansen (No purchase necessary to enter sweepstakes, but MAKE SURE you click the link at bottom of page that takes you to the page where you are not signing up for a magazine subscription). Ends 7/9/12 11:59pm ET.  Offical rules here

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This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings and Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Loteria Grill - 10 tacos for $10 at all locations in LA July 1st only!!!
• Beso - $30 for $60 of food and drink at Eva Longoria & Todd English's restaurant.  It's Hollywood, but they do have good flatbreads.  Deal at Google Offers (~5 days left to buy)
• Comme Ca - $45 for $85 2-course bottomless mimosa brunch for two. Deal at GiltCity LA (~1 day left to buy)

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Visa Olympic Games for Life Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win trip to ALL summer Olympic games, wherever they may be, for the rest of your life starting 2016, by using your Visa card (ends 8/31/12 11:59:59pm PT).  Official rules here
• Travel Channel July Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win 6-day trip for two to Miami (I'd love to go to check out the latest location of The Bazaar, Jose Andres' restaurant at the new SLS Miami!!!). (Ends 7/30/12) Official rules here (sorry Californians, for some reason we're not eligible to enter this one).

********

This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

1MB Savvy Saveurs: Savings & Sweepstakes

Deals and sweepstakes uncovered this week! Click here to follow me on Twitter for instant updates on the latest discoveries :) Happy grazing!

FOODIE FINDS:

• Providence LA - by popular demand, they have extended their anniversary deal! $75 per person for 5-course dinner! Ends 7/31/12
• LIVELLO - $100 for 4-course tasting for two at the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills restaurant with two glasses of wine. Deal from GiltCity (ends 6/27)
• R23 - $69 for $116 4-course sushi dinner for two with drinks. Deal at Travelzoo (~1 day left to buy)
• Fig & Olive - summer aperitivo hour Mondays-Thursdays 5-7pm $8 wine & cocktail specials plus free tasting boards (usually flatbreads and small bites!)
• Not food, still delish:
• Levitated Mass art exhibit opens at LACMA today! Admission to the exhibit is free at anytime, but from 6/24-7/1 residents of select zip codes can get free admission to other galleries of the museum with proof of residency in the zip codes along the boulder's route of travel.  See list here.
•  FREE Summer Pass to LACMA - buy general admission to LACMA any day from now til June 30 and sign up for a free summer pass to get free admission for 3 months to any of their galleries!

SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS:

• Hilton HHonors Seven Tickets to Your Paradise Sweepstakes - enter for chance to win one of seven themed dream getaways. Theme unlocks at designated weeks but so far the unlocked (and open for entry) prizes include a trip to Bali! (enter daily, ends 8/31/12 11:59pm ET)  Official rules here.

********

This is meant to be an easily digestible (yes, I did) report of third party offers - I am not the sponsor. I do not receive any payment for these listings. Please read offer details / official rules carefully before deciding whether to submit your information.

********

To get more mileage for your money everyday - see Get More Bites Outta Your Budget. Check out my Sweepstakes Page "Win Your Next Bite" - for more foodie promotions!

Providence LA: Happy 7th Anniversary!!

Is there anniversary in the city more moving than that of Providence?  Not for lovers of fine dining, I'd say.  The deal that comes around just once a year, is enough to move self-professed gourmands to tears.  Of bliss.
A meal at the Michelin-starred haven helmed by the inimitable Chef Michael Cimarusti is normally special occasion dining, with prices to match.  But once a year, during the month of June, they celebrate their anniversary with a 5-course prix fixe dinner that makes it much more affordable while keeping the same high standards.

This year, the deal was $75 per person and again runs the entire month of June!  Worth toasting for sure - I can't name another Michelin-starred dinner deal in the city better than thsi one.  We started with two cocktails: I had the kipling's experience ($15) with beefeater 24, bergamot, riesling, yellow chartreuse, litchi.  A refreshing, delicious and original (mixing dessert wine into a cocktail? awesome!) drink.  Unfortunately I didn't write down what friend 'YZ' had, will have to check back with her!

At Providence, they don't just plop any old basket of bread down at your table, a server comes around offering all the seaweed bread and bacon roll you can handle (there were other breads too, but we didn't hear what they were after those two set off fireworks in our eyes and minds). 

Then came the first of three sets of amuse bouche: this one I've had on previous visits and is a light, palate cleansing start to the meal - one frozen mojito shaped into a bite-sized cube, one screwdriver cocktail, spherified to resemble a raw egg yolk, each served on a spoon.

The second set of amuse came on a lovely carved wood platter that was rustic and playful at the same time - love the presentation on this.  Oh right, I should also talk about the food: sunchoke puree with port wine reduction and creme fraiche, in a shot glass, and a gougere on the side. Love the shot of 'soup', which was rich in flavor but light in texture.  The gougere also came at just the right temperature, a warm, comforting bite that melts away in your mouth.

The third and last course was one of my favorite bites of the night: Crispy Salmon Skin and Trout Cheese. BEST reinvention of the classic chip and dip, EVER.  If you died just reading that, then you have the beginning of an idea of how amazing this tasted.  The trout cheese was like the Ivy-educated, perpetual society-page gracing cousin of Cheese Whiz. That is to say, no resemblance whatsoever beyond the barest superficial traits - they're both roughly orange in color, and a creamy cheesy spread. Providence's is made with trout for a uniquely intriguing flavor, a bit lighter in consistency, and served with little crisp bits of chives on top for counterbalancing crunch and herb-y goodness to cut through the thick, rich cheese.  Pair that with crispy salmon skin chips, and you have the most perfect, inspired chip and dip ever.  I would buy and stock my entire fridge with this, if they would ever sell it. And because I clearly haven't raved enough about this, I want to say that this kind of represents one of the main reasons I love Providence so much - they are definitely top of the line, fine dining to the power of fine dining in terms of food quality, service etc., but they don't take themselves too seriously, and their love of, creativity and playfulness with food comes through in their inventions like this one.

Course #1: Kompachi this first dish was simple, but with the freshest and tastiest cuts of fish I've had outside of Tsukiji market.  Maybe because it's flown in from Japan?  So amazing, I could still taste it in my mind days later.

Added course: Santa Barbara Spot Prawns though the anniversary tasting menu would be more than enough to fill us, since we were there we decided to add on one more course. We originally chose Saute Foie Gras (knowing it may be our last here thanks to the ridiculous law passed by the state of California), but our server somehow heard 'Spot Prawn' instead.  It turned out to be a happy accident, as the spot prawn was amazing - an experience not to be missed.  The prawns are served tableside - they wheel out a cart with a copper pan filled to the brim with salt and rosemary - which filled the room with their delicious scent - then, like hidden treasure, the prawns are 'extracted' from the giant mound of salt,

scraped clean, then split straight down the middle sideways.

I haven't really seen prawns served this way (love love love it!!!) outside of Cantonese seafood restaurants, where they are split and served with garlic! The great thing about cutting prawns up this way is that, like split lobster tails, it makes it easier to lift the juicy, sweet meat clean out of the shell.  AND, you get to have all the luscious prawn 'tomalley' and roe that's inside the head! Providence's preparation has the meat infused with the flavors of salt and rosemary, so that when served up it is free of distracting bits of seasoning - you taste it without having to feel it.  And of course, a wedge of meyer lemon is provided for those so inclined.

Course #2: Day Boat Sea Scallops with bergamot, pistachio, blood orange and fava beans.  How does Chef Cimarusti come up with such creative ingredient combinations that have such intriguing yet clean flavor profiles?  How does he present such original work without being 'showy' or 'fussy' with the food? This course was crazy good - perfectly seared scallop whose natural sweetness is elevated by citrus in the sauce, and whose tenderness is perfectly counterbalanced by the soft crunch of crushed pistachios and fava beans.  Loved this.

Course #3: Foie Gras Ravioli with Italian Summer Truffles, Aromatics, Parmesan. Another simple yet beautiful dish - a pasta classic made incredible with buttery foie gras filling and summer truffles (might have been even better with more fragrant black truffles for $30 extra, but we were on a budget here), and instead of drenching in the usual thick / creamy sauce, Providence's ravioli is lightly bathed in parmesan foam.  Another lovely dish.

Course #4: Dutch Valley Farms Veal Tenderloin (Holland, IL) with spring onion, roasted zuckerman farms jumbo asparagus, king oyster mushrooms.  Though I'm more of a seafood girl, not so much red meat - I loved this veal: it was cooked sous vide for two hours, and just melts away in your mouth.  On the side is an earthy, meaty 'filet' of king oyster mushrom that is grilled to perfection, with the asparagus and some ground up, crisped mushroom bits for contrasting crunch.  A solid course!

Course #5: Manjari 64% espresso, sweetened condensed milk, gianduia, ube.  This was the only course of the night that was utterly disappointing. It hurts to have anything bad to say about my favorite place in LA, but...this one was ugly, felt slapped together last minute, unsophisticated in flavor and had unpleasant textures. The 'block' was too sticky and overwhelmingly sweet, and the little pebble-like blobs were schizophrenic: they couldn't decide if they were crunchy or soft, and landed somewhere in between, while tasting completely bland - we thought it was tofu gone wild (by sticking to the side of chocolate).  I think we might have actually hated this, a first for anything we've ever put in our mouths at Providence.

While trying to eat as many bites of the dessert as we could, a futile exercise in hopeless optimism (maybe we'll 'get it' with the next bite...), we longingly eyed the beautiful cheese cart that was wheeled to the table next to ours, wishing we had received cuts of loveliness from that instead.

As with previous meals, to close out dinner Providence provides a plate of mignardises - bergamet gelee, eucalyptus macaron and chocolate caramel.  I've loved these in the past but for some reason (was the regular pastry chef out sick that night?!) these were also overly sweet with unrefined textures.

Dessert and mignardises aside, dinner at Providence was as incredible as ever - the few times that I could afford to experience it anyways.  The anniversary menu is definitely one that I most look forward to each year. 

So, to fine dining / seafood lovers / those who have always wanted to check out Providence - the $75 prix fixe meal goes through the end of June (dinner only).  Reservations with credit card only.  Bon appetit! (And, congrats, Providence on another successful year in the art of food!)

On a 7 point scale:
Flavor - 6.5 bites
Presentation - 6.5 bites
Originality - 6.5 bites
Ambience - 6 stars
Service - 6.5 stars
Overall experience - 6.5 bites
Price - $$$$ (4 bite marks regular menu)
Probability of return visit - 100% 

[To find more awesome dining deals, check out my Daily Specials (dining deals for every night of the week) page, and follow me on Twitter for up to the minute finds!]

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Providence
5955 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Ph: 323.460.4170
Website: providencela.com
Look for reservations (and points!): Opentable.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Providence_LA
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