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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Vampires Beware: It’s Garlic Month at STACKED!|@foodwellbuilt #foodwellbuilt #garlicmonth

Vampires Beware: It’s Garlic Month at STACKED!

By Erin

It’s Garlic Month at Stacked this October! Get ready to enjoy garlic inspired Signature Menu Items all month long. From sandwiches, to burgers, mac & cheese, pizza and more, Stacked has something everyone will love for garlic month (unless you’re a vampire, then probably not)! Of course I had to go and try it out for myself. I approve. 😉

STACKED-Garlic-Month

Before getting started on all the new signature items, we had to start off with an old favorite, The Candied BACON!! It’s so addicting. It’s a Stacked staple and once you’ve had them, you cannot come here and NOT order these! It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Paired with some hard cider, it’s a match made in heaven. Yummmmm.

Candied-Bacon-Cider-Stacked

Ready to see what’s on the line-up for this month?

Garlic Shrimp Mac N Cheese

Garlic Shrimp Mac: Creamy Mac ‘N’ Cheese with shrimp, Fresh Garlic, Roasted Red Pepper, Roma Tomato and green onion, topped with Parmesan Breadcrumbs. What’s not to love about mac ‘n’ cheese? You’ll love this garlic and shrimp version that will leave you craving more.

Stacked-Chicken-Sandwich

Garlic Chicken Sandwich: Grilled Chicken Breast with Swiss Cheese, Tomato, Avocado and green leaf lettuce on a rustic French Roll with a house-made Garlic Aioli. It’s perfect if you want to indulge in something on the lighter side. I would add bacon to this. I love bacon and avocado on anything!

Steak-Salad-Stacked-Cerritos

Steak Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing: Flat Iron Steak, Crispy Bacon, Gouda cheese, red onion, grape tomatoes and roasted garlic on a bed or Romaine Lettuce, tossed with a Creamy Garlic Dressing. This salad is amazing! I think it’s my new favorite. My friend that was with me said the same thing. She LOVES the ‘Cow in the Garden’ salad Stacked has, but now she thinks this one takes the cake as the new favorite. So, it’s not just me that thinks this salad is perfection!

Stacked-Bacon-Chicken-Garlic-Pizza

Garlic Chicken and Bacon Pizza: Hand Stretched Pizza Crust that is topped with a tasty garlic sauce, Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheeses, Roasted Chicken, Bacon, grape tomatoes and green onions. The garlic sauce really helps make this one! So much goodness stacked onto one pizza!

Stacked-Bacon-Parmesan-Burger

Garlic Parmesan Bacon Burger:  a fresh Angus Beef stacked with Applewood Smoked Bacon, roasted garlic, Parmesan Cheese, green leaf lettuce and tomato on a Brioche Bun with a creamy herb dressing. I loved this one, with all the flavor from the barcon, garlic, and parmesan cheese, it’s is sure to make your mouth happy!

Stacked-Garlic-Fries

Garlic Parmesan Fries:  Fries tossed with fresh garlic and topped with fresh parmesan and green onions. Great as an appetizer or to go with your burger or sandwich. I’m always a sucker for some garlic fries!

Stacked-Mint-Pumpkin-Shakes

Don’t forget about Dessert! Cool off and take the edge off all that garlic with one of these special shakes! Choose from either the Pumpkin Pie Shake or the Mint Shake! The Pumpkin Pie Shake shown here is the ‘adult version’ that is called the ‘Jack-O-Lantern.’ Both were a perfect way to end our garlic filled meal. The mint shake is just minty enough, but the mint flavor is not overpowering. The Jack-O-Lantern has a lovely pumpkin spice taste with a kick.

Which Items do you want to try out this month? Get in the Halloween Spirit and fight off some Vampires with these delicious dishes! 😉