Foraging for Dinner with Dudamel and Lang Lang

Going to the Hollywood Bowl for a show is a good time, but for some, setting up a table and enjoying the meal prior to the show are just as fun and important. Asking Google where to get a Hollywood Bowl Picnic Basket might not land you to Forage, yet knowing who cooks your food and from what farmers they get the ingredients might just win your heart.





Ordered over the phone at 5 and picked up the boxes around 5:30 as Forage just opened for dinner, we had plenty of time to get to the Bowl since it’s not too far away.



For the starter, Forage's large side order (24oz, $12) of Arugula and Kale Salad with Feta and Breadcrumbs, a crowd pleaser, dressed in garlic lemon vinaigrette, was light and tasty. Shareable for four.



The special of the day, Grilled Yellowtail with Shoyu Glaze and Spring Onions With Two Sides ($15), was grilled and seasoned well. It tasted good even on a cold plate given the Los Angeles commute. 





For the protein, Soy and Coca-Cola Marinated Flank Steak (Lg, $20), had a good texture and flavors. The surf and turf with the two small sides of Lime Creamed Corn and Gloria's Broccoli turned out to be a good combination.



Desserts (caramel raisin cookie, chocolate financier & chiffon cake cup) were from Little Tokyo's Frances Bakery, because we knew they were good.  Forage does offer a decent variety of pastries and desserts that looked promising for a re-visit.



At the end of the night, Forage offered a nice meal that touched parts of our hearts, very much like the symphony did.




Forage
foragela.com | 3823 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026-1529 | map | menu | 323.663.6885

Chinatown: Via Cafe

Located conveniently in the festive Chinatown Central Plaza, Via Cafe has recently been expanded and renovated while retaining good selections of Vietnamese staples and International drinks in the menu.




Like Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, Via stepped out of the hole-in-wall mindset and offers a finer Vietnamese dining experience in a casual urban setting that is both pleasing and comforting.



Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls (4.25) are a bite of the protein, vermicelli, lettuce and mint, dipped in the light peanut sauce. The rolls look appetizing and taste good and fresh.



Bun Rieu, the crab meat rice noodle soup (8), with real crab meat in a tomato based soup stock tastes healthy, filling, and flavorful.



Via's rare beef & brisket Pho (7.5) is MSG-free, yet nothing shy of umami. The protein tastes fresh and tender. Portions are generous. Don’t be surprised to see some emptying the soup before touching the noodles.



As the table’s favorite, House Special Chow Fun (8.5), the wide rice noodles with chicken, shrimp, & filet mignon is stir fried and seasoned skillfully. We often ask it to be cooked with less grease and it tastes healthy and better than most other SGV counterparts that offer the same dish.




Hainan Chicken (7.5), easily one of the best versions in town, is served with boneless breast cuts. The soy and ginger condiments add good aromatic flavors. The pickled carrot and radish slices wake your palate with light acidity.



At Via Cafe, the food proves to be consistently fresh and reasonably priced. The place is casual, clean and hip. For those in the neighborhood, Via might just be the place to go whenever (they open everyday!) you don’t feel like cooking.


Via Cafe
viacafechinatown.com | 451 Gin Lin Way Los Angeles, CA 90012 | map | menu | (213) 617-1481