Posts tagged reviews

After my last cafe review, a friend suggested via twitter (@pangni) that I should check out another spot in North Hollywood: Republic of Pie.

I decided to follow up on her lead because…
a) I’m always open to suggestions and
b) if you haven’t figured it out by now, I will never turn down going to a place with “pie” in the name.

My usual caveat: I know nothing about coffee. In fact, the less my beverage tastes like it, the better. I’m a coffee enthusiast’s worst nightmare. Blended? Caramel? Whipped cream? Yes, please. Although, if I’m ever with someone who actually enjoys a well-brewed cup of joe, I’ll include their thoughts as well.

COFFEE HOUSE: Republic of Pie

LOCATION: 1118 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601

PHONE: 818-308-7990

WEBSITE: www.republicofpie.com

FACEBOOK: Republic of Pie page

YELP: Reviews

TWITTER: @REPUBLICofPIE — They often tweet photos of their delectable offerings fresh from the oven. You’ve been warned.

PARKING: Metered street. Nearby(ish) neighborhood parking. Make sure you look at street signs, some are only 1 hour parking.

OUTDOOR SEATING: Two small tables with accompanying chairs. See above photo.

INDOOR SEATING: Surprisingly large space with multiple writing areas. There’s a community table towards the back as well as other groupings of tables and chairs. Each segment gives off a different vibe. There are two separate “living room” sections. One is seen below.
WIFI: Free! No password required.

TEMPERATURE: Comfortable. A tad cold, nothing a sweater can’t handle.

AMBIANCE/MUSIC: Jazz music channel on Sirius.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Many found throughout. But because of how the seating’s arranged (pulled into the center of the room, not just along the wall), you might have to step over the power cords of those using their laptops.

FOOD:
Pie, pie and more pie.

Both savory (ie: chicken pot pie, vegetable quiche) and sweet (ie: banana coconut cream, devil chocolate caramel pecan). I think they have a few other items, but frankly, I didn’t notice. Did I mention they have pie?

MY DRINK:
A hot mocha with REAL whipped cream.

The barista even pulled a beautiful design in it. Unfortunately, because of my incessant need to add whipped cream to everything, you can’t see it. And while the mocha itself was a little strong for my tastes, I still rather enjoyed it. If I were more of a coffee connoisseur, I bet I would’ve thought this was spectacular.

OVERHEARD: “I’m a big picture guy”

THOUGHTS: I’m quite fond of Republic of Pie. While the street parking took some time to figure out (seriously, read the signs), it has easily accessible (indoor!) bathrooms and I really liked the ambiance. The chairs are even cushioned - perfect for those longer writing sessions. Just be warned, this place is becoming very popular, so I would definitely avoid going during meal times. Unless, you know, you’re going there to have a meal.

And, yes, I did order a piece of pie (like there was a chance I wouldn’t).

Walk into any coffee house in the Hollywood area and you’ll inevitably encounter an annoying writer (or two, or a gaggle) hogging a table next to an electrical outlet while furiously typing away on their laptops.

I’m one of those annoying writers.

Because of this, I know how hard it is to find a spot where
a) they don’t mind you hanging out for a few hours
b) you don’t have to fight or pay for parking
and
c) you don’t have to hover near people you think might be finishing their caffeine fix so you can claim the only table near a power supply.

While I frequent the big chain coffee places, I also like to seek out independent shops. Figuring others out there might be in a similar situation, I decided to take notes.

FYI, I know nothing about coffee. In fact, the less my beverage tastes like it, the better. I’m a coffee enthusiast’s worst nightmare. Blended? Caramel? Whipped cream? Yes, please. Although, if I’m ever with someone who actually enjoys a well-brewed cup of joe, I’ll include their thoughts as well.

COFFEE HOUSE: Moby’s (formerly Green Carrot Café)

LOCATION: 5668 Cahuenga Blvd (one blk north of Burbank Blvd at Collins St.)

HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am – 6pm, Sat 8am – 6pm, Sun 9am – 3pm

PHONE: 818-571-9867

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/mobyscoffeeco

YELP: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mobys-coffee-and-tea-company-north-hollywood

PARKING: Free storefront parking.

OUTDOOR SEATING: Two little round tables with chairs. To me, this place seems to be more of an indoor facility; I will probably never sit outside.

INDOOR SEATING:

Comfy Chairs (upholstered/lounge): There are two modern upholstered couches, as well as four lounge chairs in two separate areas. Nice and comfy.

Plain Chairs w/tables: A handful of small round tables with chairs. Although two or more people can sit at these tables and socialize, for working or writing purposes, there’s really only enough room for one laptop.

WIFI: Free! It’s password protected so make sure you get it from the person behind the counter.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: These can be found throughout the store. Plus, the owners will help you locate one or re-configure the chair set up to make it easier for you.

TEMPERATURE (inside): Mixed. When the air’s on, it works reeeaaaaalllly well, so bring a sweater, but when it’s off, it can get a little stuffy.

AMBIANCE/MUSIC: There’s music the people working listen to, but it’s not too loud. I’m sure they’ll accommodate you if it bothers you. Or do what most people do: bring earphones.

MY DRINK:
.
Ice blended nonfat mocha with whipped cream
Their blended mochas are made with dark chocolate and a few espresso beans thrown in. Normally, I’m not a fan of dark chocolate, but holy-shut-the-front-door was this thing delicious. Seriously, it was like drinking a caffeinated shake. I know, for true coffee aficionados this is blasphemy, but for me, it’s perfection.

Nonfat mocha latte with whipped cream
Another day I went back and had their hot mocha. It was good, but I definitely prefer the frozen concoction better. I know, heaven forbid a coffee drink taste like coffee (what? I already admitted to being a wuss in this department).

FOOD: If gluten’s your friend, there’s a small selection of bagel/muffin/croissant items.

THOUGHTS: I adore this place. The organic coffee beans they use are roasted two blocks away. If you’re a tea fan, they’re acquiring more and more loose-leaf teas, including white tea, in the upcoming weeks. Plus the new owners, Jen and Patrick, are pretty nifty.

Keep in mind that Moby’s is in an up-and-coming neighborhood in North Hollywood. A bit out of the way, although not too far for those living/working in Burbank or Toluca Lake. The other downside — depending on how you feel about these things, possibly a HUGE downside — there’s NO restroom inside the store. You have to ask for the key and use the one behind a gate a couple of doors down.

So if you find yourself wandering in the Valley needing a caffeine pick-me-up, give Moby’s a try. They even tables with unfinished puzzles on them so you can feel all smart and stuff while waiting for your drink.

Armed with my food truck review guidelines —

a) I have to order a truck’s signature/most popular dish.
b) the bill can’t total more than $10.

— I decided to try:

Mossie Lee’s Southern Cuisine: Tastes so good, makes you wanna kiss ya mama!

website: www.mossielees.com
twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/mossielees/
facebook page

They accept Mastercard/Visa
$10 minimum credit card charge.

According to their menu, they provide “Food for the soul with your heart in mind.” And that they are “professionals from families with Down Home Southern Roots.”

Their most popular dishes:
BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich
Mac N Cheese
Peach Cobbler

My order: BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich w/a side of potato salad
Total: $ 9

Keep in mind that while I do consider myself a somewhat Southern gal (with an Asian flair), I also know that Southern cuisine varies greatly from region to region. So even though I grew up in Texas, the hubs in New Orleans, my Dad’s family in South Carolina, and the hubs’ family in Mississippi, our definitions of barbeque differ. Wildly (wet. dry. don’t even get me started on North Carolina’s version).

Mossie Lee’s? They hail from Arkansas.

Overall:
While I enjoyed everything, I just wished it had more… oomph.

Considering how DIVINE everything smelled coming from the truck, this surprised me. Seriously, the sandwich almost didn’t make it home in one piece.

Don’t get me wrong, the food was pretty darn tasty. The flavors just didn’t linger.

The brisket sandwich possessed so many tantalizing components: incredibly tender meat, savory fatty pieces, smokey charred bits… I kept hoping the sauce would pull it all together. Instead, it was a tad thin and lightweight (again, this could just be a regional thing).

Even the potato salad had the same effect: where I enjoyed the initial bite, only to be left wanting. Then again, everyone seems to have their own favorite version of potato salad. For instance, the way I like mine makes the hubs cringe. What? I like pickles.

Will I go back?
Yes. Because I HAVE to try the peach cobbler and the hubs has already let it be known that he’ll gladly help me dispose of the mac n cheese.

So now I’m curious. Knowing that people can be so passionate and vocal about their style of barbeque and accompanying sides, what are your preferences?

A couple of weeks ago I attended a nearby food truck festival. That’s right. A festival. With nothing but FOOD TRUCKS.

Yes, I did a happy dance. No, I don’t have it on video.

Because of the plethora of choices, I decided this would be the best place to try out my new food truck review guidelines:
a) I have to order a truck’s signature/most popular dish.
b) the bill can’t total more than $10.

First up?

Bool BBQ: Korean Tacos & Pastels

website: www.boolbbq.com
twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/boolbbq/
Cash only.

How they describe their food: “The perfect marriage of asian flavors with staples of central and south american culinary history. Bool is what fusion should be.”

My order: Short Rib Burrito
Total: $ 8

I’d been leaning towards the tacos, but when the guy said the short rib burrito was their most popular item… one of those, please!

Overall, I liked it.

I’m a huge fan of kalbi (Korean BBQ short ribs) and this was like having it, along with some cabbage fixin’s, wrapped up in a flour tortilla. I chickened out on the heat level, though, and got it medium/less spicy than how it’s normally prepared. Not the smartest move. Because I had held back, the dish suffered. I think the flavors would’ve stood out more with that extra kick.

My only real criticism: the meat’s a little too fatty. And this is from a person who likes fat (http://bit.ly/qXJCMU). That said, I still couldn’t wait to devour the other half of my burrito — did you see the size of that thing? — the next day.

Will I go back?
Definitely. Except next time I’d try the tacos — to see if a different meat, lettuce, tortilla ratio makes a difference — as well as accept whatever I order at the suggested spiciness level. They don’t call it a kick for nothing.

Meet the truck that started it all… No, not the one that launched the current explosion of gourmet specialty food trucks, but the one that triggered the craze for me:

FOOD TRUCK:
The Mighty Boba Truck
WEBSITE:
www.mightyboba.com
TWITTER PAGE:
http://twitter.com/#!/mightyboba

What on earth is boba? Sweet, chewy balls made of tapioca.
Why would anyone put a bunch of them into a drink? Beats me, but we can blame someone in Taiwan for creating the madness (or, awesomeness, as I like to think of it).

Because of my boba addiction, I’ve tried boba milk teas all over the LA area, and had resigned myself to having to make the 45 minute drive to the San Gabriel Valley in order to get the real deal.

No more.

The folks at The Mighty Boba Truck (or TMBT) had me at the first sip. Their teas are brewed — not from a powder like you find at some chains — and the boba? I had no idea they could be so soft and yummy. It’s because TMBT makes a fresh batch for each shift. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

People seem to either love boba or hate it. The hubs isn’t a fan, and luckily for him, the Mighty Boba folks make drinks without boba all the time. In fact, they pride themselves in allowing you to “TASTE-omize” your beverage.

Regular milk tea with boba

PRICE:
Drinks: Reg. $ 4
Lrg. +.50
Add boba +.50
Make sure you get a frequency card, so you can earn a stamp for every drink purchase. 10 stamps = 1 free reg. drink.

And it’s not just their teas we’re fond of… they have food! Taiwanese street style. Check out their full menu here: www.mightyboba.com/boba/?page_id=5

Most items are $4 a la carte, but if you get the hungry man meal, like we do, you get 2 entree (aka “mighty hero”) choices along with rice and veggies for $8.

L: popcorn chicken & Taiwanese sausage w/rice, R: popcorn chicken & marinated tofu, no rice

While I’m a huge fan of their tofu (and its sweet, soy sauce savoriness) there’s a reason the popcorn chicken is their most popular dish: crunchy, tasty, fiery. Don’t worry, you get to choose the spice level (1-10). I find “3” gives me a dash of heat without overpowering the flavor. I’ve been told there are some brave souls who go for “10” and have lived to tell the tale… barely.

PROS
Real, brewed teas.
Fresh boba.
Delicious buttermilk popcorn chicken.
Accepts credit cards.

CONS
Drinks pricier than those you find in San Gabriel Valley.
.50 surcharge when using credit card

WILL I GO BACK?
I do. Almost weekly.

*For a limited time, when you purchase a drink from TMBT and say, “the kid sent me,” they’ll give you an extra stamp on your frequency card.

I have a sweet tooth. Well, more like a sweet mouth (wait, that sounds a bit pornish… sweet teeth?). At restaurants, l decide my entree based on the dessert I know I’m having later — because there is always dessert later.

So when I discovered the existence of a WAFFLE FOOD TRUCK (?!!)… I couldn’t stalk their tweets fast enough.

FOOD TRUCK:
Waffles de Liege
WEBSITE:
www.wafflesdeliege.com/
TWITTER PAGE:
http://twitter.com/#!/wafflesdeliege

Keep in mind, these aren’t the usual breakfast fare served at most diners. These are Liege waffles. According to their website: “…Liege waffles are made from a richer, more sweet dough, compared to the traditional batter used to make Brussels waffles. “

PRICE:
Plain waffle $ 4.00 each (introductory price)
Each additional topping $.50 each

Add 1 scoop of ice cream for $2.50 
Double scoop it for $ 4.00

Check out their full menu here: www.wafflesdeliege.com/menu/

After wrangling some friends - as well as the hubs and the kid - to meet me at the truck, I next had to figure out how I wanted to order my golden, doughy goodness. After much waffling (oh, like you didn’t see that coming), I finally settled on one topped with Nutella, banana and whipped cream. The result?

Heaven on a plate. Just the right crunchy-cakey ratio.

While my friend thoroughly enjoyed his plain waffle, I delighted in my fluffy, gooey confection. I even shared it with the hubs (who, for reasons I can’t comprehend, can live without sugar). He not only liked it - he appreciated the subtle sweetness of the waffle itself - but he even had multiple bites. Of MY waffle.

Next time, he’s on his own.

PROS
Heaven on a plate.

CONS
Cash only.
Can be pricey. Especially if you’re ordering this in addition to lunch.

WILL I GO BACK?
If you have to ask, clearly, you don’t know me.