Pasadena Anthropologie

Such a lovely display at Pasadena Anthropologie.
How much fun would it be to recreate this for a wedding or a party!
Pryor Events are big fans of Anthro.

Flores on Sawtelle

New restaurants seem to open up almost daily in L A. 
Some are decent and many are mediocre.
We had a pleasant surprise when we tried a new one that we really liked - Flores on Sawtelle Blvd. in west L.A. Flores has taken over the Sawtelle Kitchen spot. They have done an amazing job with the remodel which features rustic wood and great surfaces.

Flores is a great space - both inside and out.

The private patio at Flores.

Flores has only been open a week but  we didn't experience any of the typical kinks many new restaurants suffer through. The staff was very welcoming and helpful with the menu. We ordered several menu items and shared them. We went heavy on seafood. There is also salad, roast chicken, steak, charcuterie and  Spanish meat balls on the menu.

Housemade pickles served in a glass jar -
These were actually pickled mini vegetables. They had a  nice vinegar taste.

Cheese Plate - three types of delicious cheese was presented with great bread and a dollop of honey.

Grilled Prawns -
Whole shrimp in the shell with salty-spicy seasoning on top.

Mussels -
Fragrant and delicious. The light curry broth was perfect for dipping the crispy bread.

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich -
Our favorite! Succulent fresh crab with avocado and green tomatoes on just baked bread.

Pryor Events are fans of Flores!

One Kings Lane - unique seating

Such a great piece on today's One Kings Lane.
This Colette tufted bench is a fun addition for home décor or seating for a party.

Connie and Ted's

                                                    

I walked into Connie and Ted's with high expectations.
Connie and Ted's is the brand new seafood restaurant in West Hollywood opened by Michael Cimarusti of Providence.
While L A certainly has more than its share of restaurants, what we have lacked is a place that serves delicious, authentic east coast seafood in a casual setting.
                                                 
                                          

 

 Connie and Ted's is being billed as a seafood shack reminiscent of eateries that dot the east coast. Having eaten my share of seafood  on The Cape, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, The Jersey Shore and The Hamptons I can assure you Connie and Ted's does not resemble a single one. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The restaurant is large, modern and  comfortable. The open kitchen and enormous oyster bar are quite impressive. I sat on the pleasant patio. Finally, someone thought to provide overhead heating for the majority of the outdoor tables.

I was joined by my daughter Christie who has enjoyed seafood since she learned to walk.
The meal began with an appetizing assortment of the three types of chowda that they serve.
New England and Manhattan Chowder were joined by a clear Rhode Island chowder. They were all delicious.
The crab cake was seasoned perfectly and filled with delicious lump crab-meat. My favorite part of the meal were the fried whole belly clams. I rarely eat fried food (French fries don't count, right?) so when I do, it better be good. These did not disappoint. There was just enough breading so that the taste of the clam came through.
The fries were crispy and piping hot.
Even the oyster crackers tasted homemade.

Our waiter Russell and everyone we came in contact with was extremely friendly and professional. They all seemed as if they cared and really wanted to be working at the restaurant.

In addition to a huge selection of raw oysters, they also serve baked oysters three different ways. Lobster is on the menu as well as hot or cold lobster roll, Portuguese Fish Stew, clam and mussel marinara  and Wild Montauk Fluke. Steamers, also known as Ipswich Clams are one of my favorite things to eat. Unfortunately they had not come in on the day I visited but they are listed on the menu. Burgers, steak and salads will keep non seafood lovers happy.
I look forward to visiting again very soon.
Pryor Events are definitely fans of Connie and Ted's.

 

                   The impressive open kitchen at Connie and Ted's