LA Bound: Mini Trip Day 4

LA Bound: Mini Trip Day 4
A fancy brunch or should I say lunch since they didn't serve brunch on a Tuesday was saved for our last day in Los Angeles at Bottega Louie.

We ordered from the small plate section and got the portobello fries, ceviche, and harvest risotto. The fries and ceviche were each $13. The risotto is $9.

This was my first time trying out the Portobello fries and my first thoughts were: this is much healthier than regular french fries. The aioli sauce, I assume, that served alongside the portobello fries adds a nice touch to the overall taste factor. This is a must try appetizer if you ever venture in to this Italian restaurant.

Portobello Fries

Next up was the ceviche, there were bits of seafood served with a tangy sauce. I'm always a fan of ceviche.

Ceviche

The risotto was a bit bland for me but after taking a couple more bites and adjusting to the delicate taste, the risotto is actually flavorful. This is a light touch to the meal, similar to a salad. The presentation, itself, deserves an applause.

Harvest Risotto

The clam linguini had Manilla clams and cockles. It was seasoned with white wine, shallots, garlic, red chili pepper, fleur de sel, lemon and extra olive oil. It was a delightful entree.

Clam Linguini

We decided on our pizza choice: the Napoli. Its got white mushrooms, olives, and red onions topped with mozzarella, Grana parmesan, tomoto sauce, and oregano. The pizza was definitely baked in a brick oven by the uneven burnt bottom.

Although this pizza was a joy to be served, I'm not accustomed to one of the ingredients that was added, either one of the cheese or the olives, leaving a bitter ending.

Napoli Pizza

Dessert is just around the corner --- actually not even, it's just a few steps away. Bottega Louie is known for their exquisite desserts.

Many gift-sets to buy

Mmm dessert

More dessert

All the choices!

We bought some more macarons back home. Yes, more macarons to add to my collection.

I had macarons from Bottega before, which is why I wanted to buy again. Unfortunately, the macarons I purchased this time were hard in texture and almost seem like they were leftover macarons that didn't sellout.I guess you have to buy them at the right time.

Left to Right: Earl Grey, Pistachio, Grand Cru, Espresso, Vanilla

Since we still have plenty of time to spare, we drove up to the Griffith Observatory to look at some day stars. They even had a grand view of the sign Hollywood. And of course, to enjoy some science.

In front of the observatory

What is everyone looking at?

The Foucault Pendulum displaying earth's rotation

Stars & Galaxy

A piece of the moon

Albert Einstein

Periodic Table with real elements

Tesla Coils

After the tesla coils, we decided to take a pit-stop at Porto's bakery to grab some snacks before we head for our departure flight.

Porto's Bakery

So much pastries

I'm generally not a big fan for pastries but this place has blown my mind. If you are ever near a Porto's, I highly recommend buying a pastry. I also normally don't like cheese and even hesitated to buy one of their infamous cheese rolls, turned out to be worth the surprise.

I also grab one of their chicken croquette, potato ball, and meat pie. They were all really good. I can now understand why people are obsessed with this place.

My Porto's Bakery Purchase

Cheese Roll

Meat pie, chicken croquette, and potato ball

LA has been a heck of an adventure for me. I'll be back to try more!

Highlights of Day 4:

• Bottega Louie
• Griffith Observatory
• Porto's Bakery

Check out:
LA Bound: Mini Trip Day 1
LA Bound: Mini Trip Day 2
LA Bound: Mini Trip Day 3