La Puente is Home to LA's Newest Underground BBQ

La Puente is not know for much. A vaguely Hispanic suburb of Los Angeles for most. So coming out to a random street in La Puente at 9pm may feel odd. Standing around you may notice that Sunset is pretty much deserted at this time save for a few taco trucks looking for customers.

You see it first and then the smell hits you. Eric has arrived. Coming in his truck with a hitch carrying his custom BBQ platform, Eric is part of LA's changing street food demo. It's not all about tacos anymore. 

Get up.close to the action and it's a sensory overload. Oak Wood Smoke has big lit up BBQ letters cutting through the darkness. It's not quiet near the stand with orders and hustling going around. At the center is Eric the owner who quit his car salesman job to do BBQ full time. The man never stops moving, pulling briskets, chopping ribs, or scooping sides from his huge smoker. 

This is clearly a work of passion and Eric has devoted fans despite being pretty new to the game. Customers will.ask if it's your first time and make recommendations. The BBQ itself doesn't fallow a particular style. The brisket is fatty and the ribs are served dry. Who knows you may see Oak Wood Smoke in a fancy food hall soon. 

GIVEAWAY Islands Has Brought Back Golden Ale!

Islands Restaurants is reintroducing its Golden Ale for the Summer! 

This light hoppy beer is a great choice to go with Islands chili cheese fries (which are my favorite thing at Islands.)

To celebrate Golden Ale being back Islands is partnering with us to give dinner away to one lucky reader! Enter on our Facebook page! 

BALEEN Kitchen May Be Redondo Beach's Most Instagramable Restaurant

BALEEN Kitchen has been around for a while. It's the signature restaurant for the  Portofino Hotel overlooking the Redondo Beach marina. 

 After extensive repairs and renovations BALEEN Kitchen has reopened with a new tight menu and a new Exe Chef the dishes at Baleen are going to make your Facebook friends jealous. 

From everything to the charcuterie plate to the duck crepes is Instagramable. 

Looks aren't everything so how does everything taste? 

They kept their famous duck carnitas (shredded duck in a chocolate sauce served with crepes) which some people go crazy for. The cioppino is loaded with fish and has some beautiful seared scallops for a nice touch. Overall not any real duds on the menu. 

If you go tag us in your pictures!

260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

charcuterie

flank steak

lobster mac and cheese

Bar in action 

cioppino (Italian American fish stew)

duck carnitas 

brick chicken 

shrimp and grits 

the marina 

clam chowder 

Apple croissant 

Some of LA's best meatballs are coming from a Rotisserie in Eagle Rock

Turningfire  is a small semi new space in Eagle Rock that's the brainchild of Michael Riboli a man who visibly gets excited talking about his food and how Turningfire came to be.

Turningfire has a lot of great dishes. You should try some stuff when you go (I would check out the elote fries) but this is about a new addition to their menu meatballs.

Meatballs are not edgy sexy food that drives restaurants. Its not something people mention like grabbing a slice of pizza. A friend recently said that she doesn't think of meatballs because they are boring.

Turningfire changed her mind.

The meatballs here are a bit modern. They are topped with ricotta salata (dry sheep milk cheese) a new school touch for sure. The meat is a blend between pork and beef. Add crushed fresh tomatoes to the mix and you have meatballs that can rival some of LA's best Italian spots.

Give them a try and let us know what you think!








                                          2146 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Celebrate Summer with Macy’s Chef Takashi! Free Macy's Gift Card!

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own

Join me in seeing Macy's Chef Takashi on July 29th! Watch him make amazing dishes, share stories, and best of all get to eat!

Its all happening at Macy’s Valley Fair in Santa Clara, Ca July 29 at 1pm

Not only is the event FREE but you get a gift card for going!

Tickets are in the link below