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

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BRIO Tuscan Grille Introduces ‘A Tale of Two Risottos’| @BrioItalian #BrioTuscanGrille

‘A Tale of Two Risottos’ at BRIO Tuscan Grille

By Erin

*I was invited as media to come in and try out the new ‘A Tale of Two Risottos’ for purposes of this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.*

BRIO Tuscan Grille Irvine Spectrum Orange County

There are few dishes as versatile as risotto, and when it’s made right, it’s perfection. BRIO Tuscan Grille at the Irvine Spectrum has introduced its “A Tale of Two Risottos.” A classic tale of old-world meets new, these limited time offered dishes (through March 27th) are a product of BRIO’s love affair with risotto and the finest seafood available. 

Now, of course before jumping to the main course, we had to order some drinks and something from the PRIMI (Appetizer) Menu.

BRIO-Drinks-Wine-Sangria-Peach-Bellini

 A White Peach Sangria and Peach Bellini. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon, even if it was pouring down rain outside!

BRIO-Bruschetta

For an appetizer, our waitress recommended that we try the Bruschetta Quattro– which is a sampling of their four housemade brushettas. Perfect for sharing and getting a little taste of everything.

Lobster-Bisque

I have soft spot for lobster bisque, so if I see this anywhere on a menu, I just have to try it. Plus it was a cold, rainy day outside, so even more reason to try a cup of their delicious, creamy lobster bisque soup! Topped with a sauteed shrimp garnish. 

Lobster-Risotto

Available during both lunch and dinner, the savory risotto dishes include:

Lobster and Shrimp Risotto: Broiled Maine lobster tail served over risotto with shrimp, mushrooms, asparagus, roasted red peppers, basil and Parmesan. This was my favorite of the two risottos.

Brio-Tale-of-Two-Risottos

Sea Scallops with Risotto: Five large, seared sea scallops served over a roasted vegetable ratatouille risotto.

 These decadent risotto creations are available through March 27.

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Enjoy City Tavern’s Seasonal Winter Delights!|#FIGat7th @FIGat7th

Enjoy City Tavern’s Seasonal Winter Delights!

By Erin

Have you been enjoying the holidays? With so many seasonal and holiday goodies out there to choose from, it’s hard to decide what to get or where to go! Well, I have a few more items that you won’t want to miss out on. City Tavern located at FIGat7th in DTLA has some amazing winter and holiday food and drink delights to ring in the new year with.

City-Tavern-DTLA-Fig-AT-7th

FIGat7th is all decked out with pretty lights, snowflakes and a beautiful tree.

City-Tavern-Winter-Spice

It’s been pretty chilly here in LA. Make sure you try one of these to warm up! The Winter Spice: Chai tea and vanilla bean infused spiced rum with ginger, cinnamon and cream. $10 They are amazing…. the perfect winter cocktail. Once you have had one, you might just need to get a second one. They’re just that good. 🙂

City-Tavern-Cheese-Platter-DTLA-Fig-AT-7th

If you have a yummy Winter Spice Cocktail, then you’re going to want to have a charcuterie and cheese slate to go with it. Artisanal cured meats, farmhouse cheeses, crisps, seasonal jam, mustard and more. A very enjoyable and delicious way to sip and savor the flavors of the season.

City-Tavern-Brussels-Sprouts-DTLA

I love my veggies, so when it was recommended to me to try the charred brussels sprouts, I was all for it! Brussels Sprouts topped with Bacon and a sweet chili glaze, made for a heavenly veggie delight!

City-Tavern-DTLA-Ham-Chops

For the holiday season, City Tavern has the grilled ham chop. A cured pork chop, corn cake, crispy poached egg, green beans, with a bourbon glaze. I loved every bite of this one. The ham was so tender and melt in your mouth good and I just love green beans and corn cake. Yum! This is a holiday treat you must try.

City-Tavern-Pineapple-Upside-Down-Cake

All of the desserts here look so tasty, but we decided on one that I’ve always loved having as a child. The pineapple-upside-down-cake. Very moist and creamy topped with lots of fresh pineapple pieces.

City-Tavern-DTLA-Fig-AT-7th

If you’re looking for some seasonal winter treats to sink your teeth into, make sure to stop on by to City Tavern at FIGat7th! You’ll be glad you did. Make sure to have one of those Winter Spice Cocktails for me too! 😉