A birthday weekend with the family could only mean one thing: French Cuisine. And boy, there was no disappointment in that area for my mom’s special day.  My brother, Michael Kay, decided to search YELP for a local joint we had yet to visit and found Bashan; a quaint, Chinese-French fusion spot located on Verdugo Boulevard where Glendale meets Montrose.  Having no idea what we were getting ourselves into, we were quickly impressed by the post-modern eclectic design and spacious feel such a small piece of property gave off.  Starting with an unbelievably friendly and professional staff, it soon became apparent that Bashan was on its way up on our ‘Top Restaurants List.’  The meal started out with an amuse.  A shot of butternut squash soup and grilled red onions, capers, and such.  As a gift from the chef, I have to give thanks and say it was pretty bomb.com.

Im not one for crazy animal parts but this Pork Belly atop two slices of Daikon with Pickled Ginger and Garlic Puree was off the chain.  I didnt try the grilled Shishito pepper but I heard it was yummy.

Again, Im pretty boring so I didnt try the foie gras.  I did hear everyone else at the table compare it to butter and gave the ‘melt in your mouth’ sensation, so it is a do try.  It was paired with a Cherry Puree, Brioche Crouton, Baby Tatsoi & Pickled Cherries.

The best thing about the oysters was probably their presentation.  Although, I do have to say, Im not a rookie with the dropper.  Kitchen12000 uses them in a lot of their passed hors doeuvres.  In this case, they were filled with Apple Mignonette & Cocktail Consommé, which were a different experience than the usual horseradish and Tobasco.  The half shell oysters were sitting on a row of crushed iced and a moist towel.  Still, very happy with the prsentation.

This dish was not a fave at our table and to be honest, I was not impressed by the design either.  Something I am obviously keeping an eye out for.  I don’t eat Duck but living with a duck enthusiast and having one back home, I have shared a table with Donald many times.  In this particular case, the Duck was cut in thicker slices served with Baby Korean Radish, Shitake, Japanese Chives, Mizuna, Satsuma, Walnuts & a Sweet Miso Gochujang Vinaigrette.

Porky Pig over here was actually a Niman Ranch Pork Chop with Apple Puree, Crispy Pig Ear Salad, Crépinette with Wholegrain Mustard Sauce.  My brother may feel otherwise, but I thought this dish was quite delicious.  I rarely eat pigs, never got down with its flavor, so I guess that means a lot coming from me.  The Crépinette was yummy and served as nice company to the pork.

This was the first dish that I felt had a significant part in the “Asian-French fusion” concept.  A French take on Black Cod Soup which was SUPER delicious and definitely a reorder the next time we stop by.  The fish was accompanied by Peppadew Peppers, Pearl Onion, Artichoke, Baby Octopus & a Fennel Broth.

A French and “Fancy” take on the classic Steak and Fries.  At first, I felt there was just too much on the plate but after having tasted it all, I felt pretty satisfied.  The 21 Day Dry Aged New York Steak, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, Crispy Bone Marrow, Onion Ring & Veal Jous was worth every dollar as the most expensive dish on the menu.  Shoot, I would order the marrow as a side dish. ;]

As a fan of custard-like desserts, I had to try the Panna Cotta.  I do have to critique this portion of the meal very critically because I do love me some Panna Cotta and this was definitely NOT gelatinous enough.  It was more like a Parfait than anything topped with a Rasberry Coulis and Puff Pastry Sticks.  This is probably the only thing I would not order again, but hey, who cares when everything else on the menu is euphoric.

Peanut Butter Banana Toffee Cake.  Five of my favorite words in one dish on one spoon with a dollop of Caramel Ice Cream?  Yes, please.

So, with everything said, I am not a food critic.  Just a girl who grew up with a Chef and well, loves a great place to grub.   I would most definitely return to this establishment and I believe everyone at my table would agree.  One of the greatest parts of Bashan is the fact that it is so close to home and in an area not surrounded with hipsters and wannabes.  Just putting that out there.  Thanks for the great night, Bash.  Ill see you soon.

nJOY from nKAY

Eggs Benedict a la Sunday Brunch Menu via iPhone

It’s true.  Sometimes the party doesn’t have to end on Saturday night.  It can keep going on until brunch on Sunday morning, I promise.  That poppin’ after party, my dear friends, is called LIME.  At Lime, Sunday brunch is nothing short of bottomless mimosas, Dj Page Hodel spinning the hottest tracks, dancing, and eating your little tipsy heart out.  Whether it’s Ladies Tuesday night, Romantic Dinner Friday Night, or Sunday Morning Group Brunch, they’ve got your party fix.  With plush, chic décor strait out of a catalog, this joint has got a fun-friendly waiting staff, a hip crowd, and scrumptious menu.  Open late to the public every night, this disco never stops.  Although, without a reservation, it could be nearly impossible to get a table.  I highly recommend this spot for groups you are down to party with, or were already out with the night before.  As for the culinary side of things, I would go with anything you’re craving, you will hit gold with any item off the menu.

nJOY from nKAY