Like Water for Milkshakes

I'll just get right down to it; I've tried a lot of milkshakes in my day and the one that tops them all is (drum-roll please):


The OREO COOKIE MILKSHAKE from MEL'S DINER


It's fabulous.  It's the perfect, rich and creamy blend of vanilla soft serve ice cream and smushed (not a word, I know, but it is the exact word I need!) up Oreo cookie bits with a full Oreo cookie at the bottom and whipped cream and a cherry on top.  Ahh, sweet dairy bliss.  And at most Mel's locations, you can get one anytime you have an inkling, day or night! Heaven for a night-owl like me!  Plus, for any tourists out there, the Mel's Diner on Hollywood and Highland (or the one on Sunset Blvd.) is a must-see Hollywood landmark destination!

On another note, I found my new favorite bottled water: 

Boxed Water is Better

It's refreshing, portable and philanthropic.  Let's hear a big "YAY!!" for using less plastic!!

And on a completely other note, have you read Like Water for Chocolate? (hint: it inspired my title ;-D ) If you haven't, it should go on your reading list.  And while I'm at it, let's all try to go and use the public libraries more often, they are such a wonderful resource!  

Eat well and read well!

      

Delectable Hideaway

Hello!


Last night I was taken to a delightfully quaint, romantic spot that you would never think to be in Los Angeles.  It felt like a homey cottage that you happened upon while you were frolicking through the forest.  Hidden by a wall of dark green foliage, you enter Cafe des Artistes and find an outdoor patio with spacious tables lit by twinkle lights.  Inside, the front room is warm and inviting; a fire place, comfy seats, and old French portraits and mirrors adorn the walls.  The main dining room is actually far back in a magical looking courtyard filled with intimate tables, candles, and the air of someplace far, far away.


Even though it was the last night in March in Southern California, it was an unusually cold evening and we settled in next to the cheerful fire place to soak in some warmth and enjoy our night out.  Now, for the food (and wine!).  We shared toasted pita and hummus to start, grilled salmon, macaroni and cheese, and a glass of Syrah from the  Hahn Winery. Everything was perfect, complemented each piece of the meal and the macaroni and cheese was recommended on the Food Network TV show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and it more than lived up to expectation.  So much so, that if you don't order anything else but that you'll be extremely happy! The way the tangy and sharp cheese bubbles on top and melts down among the noodles is absolutely perfect.  Yum!


(FYI -- Cafe des Artistes is a FANTASTIC date spot. Put it on your list!)

P.S. Stay tuned for my next article on my favorite milkshake in all of LA!!