Restaurant Preview: Eating Guide to Comic-Con International 2009 – San Diego

This week begins possibly the biggest annual event of the summer, Comic-Con International 2009. I will be joining the insane crowds of comic, sci-fi, film and tv fans from around the world, all in the little town of San Diego. Yes, I will be totally geeking it up, full-throttle style this week.
Since I’m a total newbie to Comic-Con, I’ve been doing some research in preparation for my visit by creating a list of places for good nearby eating potential in any situation – bagging it, take-out, fine dining, delivery, drive-by etc. What other kind of list did you expect from me? This is really important! This event is known for crazy massive crowds, amazing programs and showcases, but definitely not good food. I’m not sure what to expect or where I’ll be going, but at least I’m armed with my handy list [...]

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Restaurant Review: Gjelina – Venice, CA

Someone asked me how I like living in Los Angeles and I realized I never really think about that. Most people tell me what they love about L.A. is how nice the weather is all year round. Last Sunday was one of those sun-filled beach weather days that made me feel like a lucky girl. It was the perfect weekend to be in Venice Beach, so that’s where I went for lunch. Abbott Kinney is a 4 -5 block street filled with art galleries, boutiques, and some of the best eateries around. Gjelina is a nondescript dark brown restaurant on the corner that is easily passed by unnoticed. I’ve actually walked by this place several times while looking for it! After constantly seeing many people sitting by the windows, happily chatting and eating away, I thought I should check the place out.
The interior [...]

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Restaurant Review: BoHo – Hollywood, CA

I’m so excited to find a good new dinner place within minutes from the movie theater – 2 minutes away. I feel complete. BoHo is adjacent to the Arclight Dome and directly across from Amoeba Records. They’ve got a menu that will satisfy the indecisive craving of a mixed crowd. Like I said, if you can’t decide, order both. That’s what the theme seems to be at this place. The menu items are arranged for sharing and the atmosphere is designed for all night socializing. I had no problems getting a last-minute table for 4. We were even seated earlier and it wasn’t because the place was empty. The interior is eclectic but homey, all warm-tones with mismatched furniture and tall tree planters. It kind of reminded me of a more low-key version of XIV.
Here’s the order: Farro Salad, Ratatouille, [...]

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Grocery Bag: Organic 3 Cheese Pizza

Almost every time I see pizza on the menu, that’s what I order. Delivery pizza just isn’t as good – not even the ones that cost as much or even more. Here is a frozen pizza I love that’s better than all the delivery pizzas and three times cheaper. The Trader Giotto’s Organic 3 Cheese Pizza is an item I always stock up in my freezer.

It’s got a thin crust, not super thin but thin enough, three quality cheeses that hasn’t lost any flavor in the packaging, and tangy fresh marinara sauce. Not only are the ingredients organic, but the entire pizza was cooked in a woodburning oven in Italy! I love my pizza simple so I can savor the individual ingredients, but this one can easily be topped with pepperoni or prosciutto. I recommend baking this for 7 minutes on the top rack [...]

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