Habana

vegetarian tamale pie

ropa vieja

smoked halibut

paella

osso buco

point reyes blue, a red wine goat cheese, and cheese of the month

spanish flatbread

fried avocado

empanadas  

There's nothing that gives the birthday feeling quite like having my birthday dinner with my family.  Certain things have become ritual: we will overdress (intentionally), we will order cheese, doc will order wine and brian and kristina will sneak some, i will wear flowers in my hair, my family will loudly pass around their plates so that everyone can get a taste. 

This year we went to Habana.  I've been there once before and more than their food, was really taken with their patio area with canvas umbrellas and purple trees and christmas lights.  The food is good but I think the patio is perhaps more interesting.

Not to say that their food isn't solidly good.  Something odd though is that their ropa vieja tasted curiously Korean.

Wien Bakery

filled with  chestnuts, red bean, and other beans of a sweet variety

some sort of melted sugar, honey, pull-apart loaf (this was my favorite)

I have fond memories of visiting Seoul in the Summer and going to Wien Bakery with my aunt and eating one of their coffee flavored ice cream bars.  I've recently discovered that there is a Wien in Koreatown, and the space is actually very nice with an outdoor patio and garden party decor.  Thomas and I sat outside and had our morning coffee, sampling our various purchases.  There were several small birds around and the ground was still wet from the rain.  The whole thing was actually very sweet.  

They have a lot of Asian-European breads and pastries, decent coffee, and some sandwiches (usually slathered in mayo-think tuna salad, egg salad).  What I find interesting about Korean bakeries is their use of rice flour, usually in conjunction with red bean.  Very good.  Is it even a pastry anymore if you're substituting the flour for rice?  In any case, the results are a mochi-like chewiness, but heartier.  I think I'm going to make a habit of going there every Friday on the way to my internship.  

3035 W Olympic Blvd

Los Angeles, 90026