This Week's Appetizing News - Hope you're Hungry!

We hope you all enjoyed our March e-newsletter, which is posted now on our Facebook Fan page in case you missed it.

This week's post is a little delayed but, that is no accident ... I like to believe that delays are good and our having discovered a brand-new dining gem is what this one yielded today. So! Without further ado, let's get right in to this week's ...

We recommend ...

Sophy’s Cambodian and Thai Cuisine, Long Beach
Eyes-roll-back-in-your-head delicious! Sophy came here as a young refugee from Cambodia and finally has her own exquisite and spacious haven, where she proudly serves over 100 fresh, authentic menu items. I tried (and loved) the Asian crepes (Banh Cheo; pictured in photo), and Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork. Tons of vegetarian and wheat/gluten-free selections (crepes, wraps, and noodles made of rice flour). Heads up: entrance at back parking lot! Open 9am - 10pm, 7 days.

TODAY's GEM: Canteen Burger Bar and Grill, Redondo Beach
Trish, our fabulous Melting Pot Food Tours leader and I, so couldn't wait to devour our burgers dressed with fig-balsamic aioli, arugula, and a Parmesan crisp 'slice' ... that we, mmm, don't have a photo to show you (same for the fries, sorry) but, we promise that they were beyond fantastic!! We collectively, definitely recommend you run, not walk, to this brand-new pearl near Riviera Village in deep south Redondo. Their site is only their menu at the moment, but note that non-carnivores might really enjoy their vegetarian falafel burger. Half-price burgers through tonight (11 March) to celebrate their grand opening!

Holy Cow Indian Express, West 3rd Street near LaCienega, LA
This little sister restaurant of the former Surya on 3rd Street is some of our favorite Indian in town. Brothers Sheel and Neel take tremendous pride in their fresh and innovative offerings. Here we love the Paprichat (like Indian nachos) and the chicken tikka masala, which will have you looking for either more fabulous naan to mop up the last of its sauce or, a straw to just slurp it up! Free parking while dining. Open at 11:30am weekdays, at 3pm on weekends. 8474 W. 3rd Street, LA 90048 323.852.8900

In other news, the annual Spring Wine Fest event is taking place in the upper dining deck of the LA Farmers Market next Saturday, March 20 from 1-4pm. $30 ($25 for paid reservations by March 17th) is quite the fair ticket price for tastings of 40 wines and wine cocktails, plus gourmet cheeses from Monsieur Marcel. Quite possibly the main event will be samples from Chef Steven Brown's brand-new "small plates" menu at Ulysses Voyage restaurant, which promise to be spectacular.

Please remember that this Saturday is the night to change your clocks before sleeping! We spring forward Sunday at 2am, and have an extra hour of daylight to look forward to that evening and from now on!

That will do it for this week, food fans ... next week I promise a very special "St Patty's Day" Salute to GREEN issue, including the perfect cupcake recipe to sweeten your favorite leprechaun's tooth!

Wishing you and yours a fabulous week of dining well, especially at the table with those you love!

Til next time, I remain ...

Diane Scalia
Your Tour Maestra