Culver City Observer -

“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” ~Luciano Pavarotti

“I found this writing assignment to be very useful to me, personally, as my abortive cooking efforts have resulted in one specialty – making reservations.” ~Sandra Coopersmith

======================================

Dine in a Chef’s Paradise at Surfas

For those food lovers who enjoy unique experiences such as dining in a culinary wonderland, Surfas has an on-premises café that is just the place for you.

“Surfas Restaurant Supply & Gourmet Food has been around since 1937,” said Diana Surfas, a co-owner with husband Les and son Steven. “We are in our third generation.”

After opening to the public in the mid 1990s they received many questions about the unusual ingredients and food items they sold. In 2006 the café opened, serving breakfast, lunch, pastries (made in-house) and beverages. In its first year it was declared one of the Top 10 New Restaurants in Los Angeles by Zagat.

Jessica Brewster, Café Manager, described this shopper’s oasis as “a gathering place for the eclectic community around us to enjoy great food. I believe everyone can tell our staff puts their heart into our food and a welcoming environment.”

Signature items include two customer favorites with closely guarded secret recipes: tart, aromatic Lavender Lemon Bars and rich, velvety French Chocolate Valrhona Brownies.

Dishes cited by Surfas as legendary among the customers include the Kobe Burger, the Tomato and Fig Panini and the Ultimate Grilled Cheese. The Asian Soba Noodle Salad made with a Yuzu dressing is her husband’s favorite, while hers is “the Curried Chicken Salad that we make with our own chutney, which we also sell as a sandwich on a freshly baked croissant. Quinoa with Kale and Pine Nuts and Mint Salad is another favorite with our health-conscious fans. We make our own fresh salad dressings at the café. Because of the demand for them we are now bottling them and offering them for purchase.”

Their executive chef created the menu in 2005 with the entire staff having a voice in selecting which dishes would launch the café. Some items are rotated seasonally, with freshness emphasized.

“The food we serve must have the right feeling in the mouth, a taste that is rich and satisfying but ultimately clean and identifiable,” Surfas said. “Too much going on in a dish is as unpleasant as too little. The Goldilocks ‘just right’ lies in the art of preparation and the quality of the ingredients. It is the same standard we strive for with the food, cheeses and ingredients we sell in the store, the amazingly crusty bread we sell and the Test Kitchen recipes we use for the cooking classes we offer.”

Customers can place their orders and shop in the store before being paged, or wait a few minutes at the counter to pick up the meal. There is WiFi throughout for their convenience while waiting.

They can dine indoors or on the large patio shaded by tall trees. “We encourage our neighborhood friends to come over and bring their dogs and children,” Surfas said. “It is a welcoming, quiet place where you can have a delicious cup of our own blend of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of wine, an Italian soda or enjoy a full meal. We want you to take the time to savor good food and drink. It can be the best part of the day.”

Café at Surfas

8777 W. Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232

Phone: (310) 558-1458

Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

======================================================

Creme de la Crepe Bistro: Cuisine plus Community Spirit

For Robert Charney, owner of Creme de La Crepe Bistro in Culver City’s Westfield Mall, being a restaurateur is a sure-fire way to infuse his days with joie de vivre.

“I had been out of the restaurant industry for over 20 years,” he said, “but I always enjoyed the work. There's a sense of camaraderie and fun that is unlike any other work environment I've been in.” So, when he was looking for a new start, Creme de la Crepe Bistro seemed like the perfect fit.

Charney advised that Creme de la Crepe is a small franchise with five locations currently open and some in development. This location opened in 2009, and he’s owned the restaurant for one year. When he purchased it, he obtained permission from the franchise to add Bistro to the name.

He believes that addition “really reflects that we offer more than dessert and breakfast. Sweet and savory crepes are a big part of our menu, but we offer much more. We have wonderful entrees: seafood, steak, pasta, salad, sandwiches, even burgers. We also have a very nice selection of wine and beer. The recipes are developed by the franchise; they focus on authenticity, quality and freshness. We work very hard to maintain those standards.”

Charney loves what he’s doing.

“So far, I've looked forward to every day of work,” he said. “That's not to say that every day is easy. In fact, almost every day presents a new challenge. It's hard work, and sometimes humbling, but it's also very rewarding. I get such a happy feeling when I scan the dining room and watch people enjoying a meal with family and friends. The real treat for me is talking to customers. I am very confident about the quality and flavor of the food and about the restaurant's charm, but I never tire of hearing customers’ compliments.”

While in college Charney worked as floor manager and kitchen manager for Souplantation, and later as store manager for Humphrey Yogart Cafe – and that’s where he met his wife, Anne, an unexpected bonus for which he will always be grateful to the food industry. “December 31st will be our 20th anniversary,” he proudly proclaimed. “We have two daughters: Miranda, 15 and Molly-Jo, 12.”

The family attends First Southern Baptist Church of Culver City together. “My wife is very active in the Culver City PTA,” he added, “and my older daughter is active in the high school's AVPA Strings and Dance programs. The restaurant has participated in fundraising for those programs, the middle school's Music in the Park, and Culver City Education Foundation's Tribute to the Stars. It's very much a family affair, and a community affair.”

Charney lauds Culver City for being “a great place to live. I want the restaurant to be part of what makes it great, both in terms of what we offer in the restaurant but also what we bring to the community. I strongly believe that God exists, and he wants us to bring as much good into the world as we can. The restaurant gives me some nice opportunities to act on that belief.”

Creme de la Crepe Bistro

Westfield Mall

6000 Sepulveda Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90230

(entrance outside near Forever 21)

(310) 391-8818

Daily 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Happy Hour 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

======================================================

Pizza with Pizzazz at Mama’s

Conrado Aviles, owner and chef at Mama’s Original Pizza and Pasta, a family enterprise that prizes its patrons, wants everyone to know that so far as he’s concerned, when you walk through the door you are family, coming to enjoy many recipes that date back generations. The huge menu, which also includes selections sure to satisfy those seeking light and healthy cuisine, can be found at http://www.mamasoriginalpizza.com.

And the surroundings are special as well.

Constructed in 1924, the building originally served as a firehouse and the site of several Laurel and Hardy movies. The dining room appeared in the 1994 film, “Threesome.” Original and rare advertising art is on display, together with several large, intriguing antique pieces circa the early 1900s.

A feast for the eyes and body with great food in unique surroundings – Mama’s delivers in more ways than one.

Mama’s Original Pizza & Pasta

3311 Motor Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 204-6262, (310) 837-3003

Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

======================================================

Olga’s Naturally Satisfies with Healthy Mexican Cuisine

When Max Cruz and his wife, Olga, decided to open a restaurant in November of 2009, selecting a name with a health-conscious twist for the Mexican cocina posed no challenge. Given the all natural organic Mexican and vegan cuisine he planned to offer, Olga’s Naturally was a natural.

“I’ve loved food and cooking since a very young age,” said Cruz, who is chef as well as owner. “I come from a family that worked in restaurants, so this is basically part of my upbringing.”

In 1985 his culinary journey commenced when he started working in various restaurants. In 1997 he transferred his skills to the largest natural foods market in the U.S., giving him an excellent opportunity to venture into natural and organic foods and leading him to create recipes that were used by that organization.

A visit to http://www.olgasnaturallymex.com reveals an impressive menu that is sure to get taste buds tingling with anticipation. Cruz believes diners’ expectations will be happily met because “our recipes are authentic and time-tested. We use only fresh ingredients, no preservatives, and over 90% of our produce is Certified Organic.”

He explained that although his cuisine is Mexican, it’s lighter than what people are usually accustomed to in Mexican food. “We are very health-oriented,” he added. “We use free range chickens and grass-fed beef. Our sauces are vegan, which may come as a surprise to our non-vegan diners. We make our own mole sauce here in the restaurant, and we boil ours. We don’t fry it in pork lard, as is typical in many Mexican restaurants. Instead of chocolate we use organic cocoa and other organic ingredients. And people love it!”

There is an extensive vegan menu, and certain other dishes can be optionally prepared to please the vegan palate. Diners craving meat dishes will not leave disappointed. They have several delectable choices, such as the Portobello Burrito, a signature dish that can be prepared with chicken, shrimp or salmon.

The freshly squeezed juices are made to order and come in different combinations, with ice blended also available. Several vegan smoothies sweetened with organic agave nectar, with lyrical combinations evoking mellow images and balmy breezes, are also an option.

“We have plans in the future to serve organic coffee and be open for breakfast,” Cruz said, “and then our hours will change to Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Sunday. We will be getting new menus printed.”

Over the past five years many customers have made this casual family dining restaurant a repeat destination, and that’s hardly surprising given the healthfully prepared delicious food and warm atmosphere. Cruz chuckled as he shared a typical comment: “New customers say the food is Tex-Mex and I say no, we’re in California so you should say Cal-Mex, Olga style!”

There is a Spanish saying that translates as “full stomach, happy heart” and Cruz, with his concentration on fresh, wholesome ingredients and quality cuisine, aims to keep his patrons satisfied and their hearts not only happy but healthy as well.

Olga’s Naturally

3560 S La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90016

(323) 965-0269

Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m .; closed Sunday

===============================

Global Flavors Featured at Signature Burger

“I didn’t learn to cook until I got married,” Shahnaz Virani reminisced, “and then my husband and mother-in-law taught me.”

They taught her very well indeed, igniting a passion that is reflected in the innovative menu of Signature Burger.

“I love to cook,” she continued. Her daughter, who is also into cooking and is away at college, even emails Virani photos of dishes she prepares. Her son, who is younger, is at home. “He’s not a cook but he loves to eat!” she laughed. Holidays bring large family gatherings and “at home it’s cook, cook, cook, feed, feed, feed!”

When her children were small her new culinary passion propelled her into the restaurant business. Her approach to being a restaurateur was creative.

“Every day, Monday through Friday, there was a different theme,” Virani said. “One day the food would be Mexican, another day it would be Italian, and so on.” A version of that concept is reflected in the menu of Signature Burger where a globally diverse variety of flavors is always available.

So what led her to focus on burgers?

“That was my kids’ idea,” Virani responded, and patrons now know whom to credit for Signature Burger, a café that has presented diners from Culver City and beyond with international versions of the traditional burger and fries since its opening in May, 2013, sating their appetites with an enticing array of selections that generate repeat visits. One repeat customer in particular was responsible for an experience that no restaurateur would be likely to forget.

“Shortly after we opened last year a man who was visiting from Florida came in around 11 a.m.,” Virani recalled. “He was sightseeing Main Street and other downtown areas, and I remember he ordered the Aloha plate with a side of Kimchi fries. He loved it and ate it all, and that’s a lot of food. To my surprise he came back at 1 p.m. with someone else and had another meal! Every day that week he came back, bringing someone, and ended up having every burger on the menu.”

In elevating the burger to gourmet status, they are obviously doing something deliciously right.

Customers range from near and far, and there are regulars who make the trip every week from Orange County. While that’s not exactly the other side of the world, for many who are distance-conscious it might as well be – but the taste of those specialty burgers and fries is a powerful enticement.

This October was a very special month for Virani. Not only did she celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary, she embarked upon a three-week trip overseas that may well result in new flavors being added to an already alluring menu offering meat that is never frozen, gourmet fries, sauces and breads that are freshly made, salads, wraps, sandwiches, desserts and beverages, all as described in http://www.signatureburgerculvercity.com.

In Signature Burger, residents of Culver City and neighboring communities have a readily accessible destination highlighting globally influenced gourmet burger plates that include a choice of French fries, green salad or pasta salad – and visitors don’t even need a passport.

Signature Burger

3835 Main St.

Culver City, CA 90232

(310) 559-5222

Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m .; closed Sunday

======================================================

Artisan Cheese Sure to Please at Wheel House

There’s a moment in Monty Python’s movie, Life of Brian, when one of the characters mishears “Blessed are the peacemakers . . . ” and says, “I think it was ‘Blessed are the cheesemakers.’”

That sentiment undoubtedly prevails with patrons of Wheel House, an artisan cheese and gourmet shop that opened on West Washington almost five months ago offering an eclectic array of cheeses from around the world along with a great selection of cured meats, charcuterie and assorted accompaniments and accessories.

“I've always loved cheese and I always thought it would be great to open a little place where people could come and taste, learn about and buy different types of cheeses and cured meats,” said Alex Josef, the convivial owner. ”I used to drive on weekends to go pick up cheeses and meats to put together a nice board to enjoy with friends. Finally, I decided it was time to open something up in my neighborhood and have a place where other cheese lovers could come as well, hang out, taste great cheeses and cured meats and build their knowledge and affinity for cheese.”

To keep things interesting and meet his goal of ensuring that customers have a great experience and come away looking forward to their next visit, Wheel House is constantly adding new cheeses and other products to its shelves. “We're always happy to hear feedback from our customers,” Josef said. “We are big supporters of local business as well and try to include as many local products on our shelves as possible.”

Plans are underway to educate cheese lovers in an environment of camaraderie, and their first Cheese 101 class will be on November 12. Additionally, starting November 20, monthly ‘Third Thursday Cheese Happy Hour’ events will enable customers to sample cheeses, meats and other items off the shelves and enjoy some appropriate beverages. “This is a great opportunity for people to hang out and meet each other and have a good time tasting cheese with us,” Josef said. Wheel House is in the process of applying for a beer/wine license and hopes to have it after the end of the year. In the interim, many opt to bring a beverage along to enjoy with their food.

“We've been really lucky to have such a warm and welcoming community,” he said. “Our customers are by far some of the best people in LA! Maybe cheese just brings that out in people, but we've had so much support from everyone and we're all really thankful for that.”

Knowledgeable cheese mongers are happy to help select the perfect cheese to take home or help build a delectable cheese plate to be enjoyed on the back patio.

There are to-go platters and picnic bags for outdoor concerts, the beach or backyard barbecues. Cheese boards, meat boards, picnic baskets, sandwich platters for holiday parties and other events, even catering or “mobile monger” capability where they set up a cheese table at your site – just ask, because this is one place where saying “Cheese!” will cause you to lick your lips and genuinely smile.

Wheel House

12954 W. Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90066

(424) 289-9167

Tuesday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

===============================================

Spice Up Your Life at Shalimar

The journey of Durga Khattri, chef and owner of Shalimar Cuisine of India, began in India and led to Culver City, where he achieved his ultimate dream.

Born in the small country of Nepal, he had always wanted to explore the world. At the young age of 14 he headed for India where friends lived who had told him that country was globally known for its food. His culinary journey started as dishwasher in a small restaurant, watching and learning as the chef prepared the spices and food.

“When I was ready I asked the chef to teach me, so he agreed and I learned cooking,” Khattri said. Almost four years passed, during which time he perfected his skills. He obtained a visa to come to the U.S., where he found his qualifications would enable him to pursue his dream of being a chef. “My good luck stroked me!” he said.

After working as a chef at Kamal Palace, Gaylord, and several other restaurants in Los Angeles and gaining increasing knowledge, “I finally decided to open a restaurant, and I always had a dream of opening a restaurant in Culver City.” This year that dream came true.

Khattri’s cuisine can be as mild as a whisper or hot enough for a fire hose.

“Indian food is all about the combination of spices and hot recipes,” he said, “but depending on customers’ wishes, I make it as mild or as spicy as they request. All the curry items can be made super spicy to mild. However, in all cream-based items, that dominates the spicy hot so they are medium, but we have a special recipe that can even make those items spicy.”

Although every dish on Shalimar’s extensive and enticing menu provides a special culinary adventure, customer favorites for which the restaurant is known are Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Makhni, Karahi Gosht, Goat Curry or Biryani, Chicken or Lamb Jalfrezi, Masala Dosa, Shahi Paneer, Malai Kofta, Eggplant Bharta, Saag Paneer, and Chicken or Mutton Sekuwa, the last being Khattri’s personal favorite..

“One day I was preparing Uttapam, a south Indian dish, but it looked like a mini pizza with all the veggie topping,” the creative chef recalled, “so then I put a topping of shrimp and chicken and discovered a new dish, which is Shrimp Uttapam and Chicken Uttapam.”

Khattri is “a customer health conscious chef who likes to prepare dishes according to customers’ instructions, and will prepare anything they ask. I don't say I am the best but come try my food and you will not be disappointed. My restaurant loves serving customers so we promise to serve you with all our heart and make your experience an outstanding one.”

That experience may well have health benefits.

Medical studies have found that the curcumin in turmeric, a major curry ingredient, provides anti-inflammatory properties that may have the potential to treat certain diseases, describing it as an excellent source of antioxidant benefits to protect the body from free radicals that damage healthy cells.

Delicious food in hospitable surroundings may turn out to be the best medicine and, at the very least, Shalimar certainly fills the prescription for enjoyable dining.

Shalimar Cuisine of India

10708 Jefferson Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90230

(310) 839-2841

Daily 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Creativity a Key Ingredient at LA Spice Café

Avocados for dessert? Who would ever guess the addictive chocolate pudding at LA Spice Café is made with avocado and cocoa powder, with a little maple syrup included for sweetening?

That’s just one of the amazing offerings of this café, which opened in Culver City in February of 2013 and has been delighting patrons with an eclectic seasonal menu that concentrates on fresh, quality ingredients and an adventurous approach. It includes selections suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those with other needs, such as gluten sensitivity.

Its owner, LeAnne Schwartz, says she “grew up in the kitchen,” baking and cooking with her mother since childhood. In 1988 she created LA Spice Catering, a repeat winner of the prestigious Daily News Readers Best Choice designation. The catered events have ranged from six guests to 2,000.

When she decided to move her company to Culver City, she realized that the location on Sepulveda Blvd. would give her the flexibility to run the business aspect of the catering company upstairs and install a café in the extra space downstairs, “a perfect opportunity to expand the business with a café and offer daily dishes of what can sometimes be found on our catering menu.” Local café diners could then experience those highly lauded selections.

Jessica Schnyder, manager of LA Spice, advised that the fall breakfast and lunch menus were just changed last month, keeping with their desire to present the best of what is seasonably available. “We are also still offering our amazing weekend brunch,” she said. “We have bottomless mimosas, beer, and wine by the glass.”

Asked about customer favorites, she cited two dishes: the LA Spice Benedict (poached eggs on house made biscuits, oven-roasted tomatoes, goat cheese and avocado Hollandaise, served with a spinach and Italian bacon garnish) and the Grilled Chicken Panini (pumpkin seed and sage pesto, Jack cheese, and sautéed Swish chard on sourdough). A server mentioned that another very popular dish right now is the Turkey Wrap (roasted turkey breast, cranberry Dijon aioli, arugula, butternut squash, mozzarella, and toasted pecans in a spinach tortilla).

Schnyder, who welcomes calls from anyone seeking more information about the café or catering service, added that “with regard to catering, we are now taking orders off our holiday menus which are available at http://www.lasppicecatering.com. Additionally, we are also offering a Thanksgiving menu for pick-up, as the restaurant will be closed for Thanksgiving.”

This all keeps Executive Chef Chris DeVillier, whose culinary magic is evident in both the catering menu and the café, very busy indeed.

Like Schwartz, childhood was his training ground. Beginning at the age of eight he would help his Cajun French grandfather prepare crawfish etouffee for large family gatherings. DeVillier, the former lead culinary consultant and associate producer for Master Chef USA, had considerable training in the U.S. and internationally that included attendance at Seattle Central Culinary College, Corporate Management Training at Tom Douglas Restaurants, various classes regarding safe serving and sanitation, and many hands-on cultural food courses in homes and restaurants in Spain, Ireland and France.

And he still uses his grandmother’s recipe for the incredible biscuits served at the café.

LA Spice Café

4357 Sepulveda Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90230

(424) 500-2125

Daily 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Homestyle Italian At Cantalini’s Express

Cantalini’s Express offers ”The Best In Traditional Italian Cuisine ~ To Go!

Whether it’s Take-Out, Delivery, and Catering! Cantalini’s Express is your corporate drop-off and catering expert. Recently Voted ‘Best Caterer’ by the 2014 Hometown News reader poll.

The Cantalini’s Express restaurant on the Westside offers the same great homestyle Italian dishes made at Cantalini's Salerno Beach Restaurant in Playa del Rey. Quick service lunch menu, homemade pastas, New York style Hand-Tossed Pizza, Calzone, garden fresh salads, delicious Italian Sandwiches, and homemade desserts are made fresh daily! Our customer favorites are our made to order Fettuccini Alfredo and Eggplant Parmigiana and of course our homemade Ravioli!

Visit us or call for fast and friendly service or order Online at http://www.CantalinisExpress.com For catering services please contact us and we'll customize the perfect menu just for your event!

We’re open late serving 7 Days a week: Sun - Thurs 11:30a – 10p,

Fri & Sat 11:30a – 11p

Cantalini’s Express

11736 Washington Place

Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 572-9157

http://www.CantalinisExpress.com for menus & online ordering

https://www.facebook.com/CantalinisExpress