Kay N Daves: The Perfect Spot for Sunday Brunch in Culver City!| @Kayndaves #Kayndaves

Kay N Daves: The Perfect Spot for Sunday Brunch

By Erin

Brunch. Who doesn’t love brunch? It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend morning or afternoon. Sipping on an amazing cocktail and munching on some delicious food while enjoying the good company of friends and family aways makes for a great day in my eyes!

When I was invited to brunch with the Gigasavvy crew, a delightful group of fellow foodies, I couldn’t resist. Hosted by Kay N  Daves Cantina in Culver City, we were in for a special treat! Kay N Daves also has locations in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.

Kay N Daves has been a favorite neighborhood gathering spot since 1991 with their location on Pacific Coast Highway. In 1992 the Pacific Palisades location was opened, followed by Brentwood in 1995 and Culver City in 2009. Owned and operated by Dave and his wife, Jintana. Neither Dave or his wife are chefs, so they brought on Alejo Grijalva to run the kitchens with his two brothers, Ruben and Roberto. They grew up in Oaxaca with a love of food that their great-grandmother taught them, cooking using only the freshest of ingredients. That love and knowledge of food can be seen today at Kay n Daves.

Kay N Daves

We started off our morning at Kay N Daves with a martini shot glass holding a refreshing watermelon shot made with fresh muddled watermelon. Plenty strong, it was the perfect way to get the party started. We were seated around a big round table that had a fire pit in the middle, which really added to the atmosphere, making it a great meeting spot to hang out at for a leisurely Sunday Brunch. Even on a chilly California-winter’s day, you will be kept plenty warm. 😉

Kay N Daves MargaritasThe next drink we tried was the Tamarindo Margarito. Made with Xicaru Mezcal and served with a chili-rimmed glass, this was my least favorite of the drinks we enjoyed. I’m more of a fruity drink girl, so this one isn’t for me like the others were, like the next drink you see below…now THAT I could drink. All. Day. Long….

Blackberry Margarita

Mmmmm don’t those look amazing? My favorite drink of the day, the Blackberry Margarita! Made with fresh muddled blackberries and mint. Topped with chunks of blackberry, lime and mint that mask the tequila well. It is very easy to drink and perfect to quench your thirst, just be careful, it’s one of those drinks you can drink a lot of without realizing just how much alcohol you’ve had until you’ve had 2 or 3 and it catches up to you! 😉 But boy is it good!Kay N Daves Guac

The starter plate was one for all of the senses to enjoy. Beautifully presented, the smells, the tastes, the textures, it was one to delight all of your senses. Starting from the bottom of the plate we had, The Mini Pibil Sope— cochinita pork pibil, oven-roasted in banana leaves with agave leaves. The Ceviche Tostada–sole marinated in fresh lime juice. The Squash Blossom Relleno— fresh blossoms, jack cheese, Mexican Herbs, crema and pico de gallo. The Mini Chicken Mole Taco–mole negro, that is made from scratch. They were all delicious, and I easily could have eaten two of each of these. My favorite of the four, just by a hair though, would be the Squash Blossom Relleno. So. Good. I’m more than ready to go back for more!Kay N Daves Brunch

Continue reading »

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill: Feel Good About Eating @SharkysSocial

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill: Feel Good About Eating

By Erin

Have you been to Sharky’s yet? Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill recently opened its 22nd restaurant in Northridge. At Sharky’s they are all about using innovative and creative recipes and using local, natural and organic ingredients. Their passion for the variety of flavors of Mexico and using organic and natural foods is evident in every bite. I was invited to attend a media lunch sponsored by Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill in Northridge. I made the trek up the 405 to come here from Long Beach, that’s how good it is.

Sharkys-Exterior

Sharky’s is a fresh & modern, fast casual restaurant that serves Mexican cuisine that wants to make you “feel good about eating” again. The visual appearance is also appealing and welcoming. With a sky-high, sloping roofline and outdoor patio with comfortable seating and a communal firepit that is perfect for people watching or to spend time with family and friends.

Sharkys-Feel Good About Eating

The second you step into Sharky’s, you will notice the open and welcoming space. With 20-foot ceilings, cozy booths, a dining bar with prime TV viewing, or a community table, you have many seating options depending on your needs on any particular visit. The Northridge location is at the corner of Nordhoff & Reseda Blvd and is within walking distance from Cal State Northridge. I can totally see this place being packed by students either waiting for classes to start, taking a lunch or dinner break, or after classes to relax and hang-out. I know I would be making this my go-to spot if I were a student at CSUN or worked super close by!
Sharky's Salsa Bar

A couple other things you will notice; the fresh salsa bar and the beautiful bar which serves craft beers, Sangria & kombucha. I loved the Sangria, look at all of the fruit inside!

Sharkys-Sangria

Who would of thought that kombucha would be served at a bar at a Mexican restaurant? The Kombucha has been a successful addition according to David Goldstein, who is Sharky’s COO. I chose to stick with my fruity sangria though. 😛

Continue reading »

Del Taco’s New Turkey Tacos with Jennie-O Turkey & Giveaway! @DelTaco #EatWellWithDel #TurkeyTaco

Del Taco’s New Turkey Tacos with Jennie-O Turkey & Giveaway!

By Erin

Turkey is the perfect way to kick off the New Year. Turkey Tacos are only 150 calories each; which makes for the perfect option when you are in a hurry for lunch or dinner. For Del Taco guests that are wanting to keep their New Year’s resolutions of eating healthier, these make a great better-for-you alternative. I received a gift card to sample the new Turkey Tacos, made with Jennie-O Turkey. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I ended up liking them, as they were filled with bursts of different flavors. 

Del Taco Turkey Taco

Del Taco has teamed up with JENNIE-O®, a recognized leader in turkey worldwide, and have developed a lean, seasoned ground turkey recipe, using a special blend of spices. The turkey has 33 percent less fat, but still maintains that same craveable flavor fans know and love. The menu highlights Del Taco best-sellers: Turkey Taco (only 150 calories), Turkey Combo Burrito, Turkey CrunchTada Tostada and Deluxe Turkey Taco Salad.

Del Taco Turkey Taco

Del Taco’s turkey menu features the following items (price and participation may vary):

  • Turkey Tacos: a crunchy corn or soft flour tortilla layered with lean, seasoned ground turkey, crisp lettuce, and freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese, all topped with hand-made pico de gallo.
  • Turkey Combo Burrito: lean, seasoned ground turkey, with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese, and zesty red sauce, in a warm flour tortilla.
  • Turkey CrunchTada Tostada: a thick, wavy, crunchy corn shell layered with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, signature tangy taco sauce, lean, seasoned ground turkey, crisp lettuce, and freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese.
  • Deluxe Turkey Taco Salad: lean, seasoned ground turkey, with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, hand-grated cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, tangy guacamole, and mild taco sauce, served in a crunchy tortilla bowl.

Del Taco Turkey

Get in on the Turkey talk by using hashtag #eatwellwithdel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Have you tried one of these delicious turkey tacos yet? You now have the chance to try them on me! Enter for a chance to win a $20 Gift Card to Del Taco! 😉 See sweepstakes section for complete list of rules. Ends 2/6/15 at 12AM PST.

GOOD-LUCK!!!! 🙂 <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Del Turkey

While you’re waiting to see who wins the gift card,  why don’t you head on over to Del Taco’s website where you can get a coupon for one free Turkey Taco with any purchase.

Make sure you are following Del Taco on Social!

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

Disclosure: I received a gift card to sample their turkey tacos. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the Gift Card Prize is to be fulfilled by the sponsor. 🙂