Outdoor Movie Picnic

This past weekend I headed to Hollywood Cemetery's outdoor movie. A group of us grabbed sandwiches from Mendocino Farms, some of LA's best beer, and some blankets to join tons of fellow movie watchers. It was the perfect summer way to enjoy good company, tasty food and drinks, and a movie.

Interested in checking it out? Get advanced tickets and a parking pass to avoid the long line. Get there as early as you can to get a good view of the film. 

Food Fair by Diego

Sides:
Tomato Salad-simple, full of fresh basil flavor
Roasted Beets-our server's suggestion

Al Fresco Pizza:
Sauce-less with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Arugula, Roasted Garlic
and an AMAZINGLY crispy crust

 Delicious sides to share, crispy crust fresh pizza, $10 bill per person...I'll take it! Food Fair by Diego was perfect for a weeknight BYOB girls' date. The sandwiches and menu entrees also looked (and smelled) worth-trying, so this is definitely one I will repeat. 

Fresh Pick of the Week: Pluot

Pluots (pronounced ploo-aught) are in season! This fruit, also called "Dinosaur Eggs", grows from July-September in California. Pluots are a plum-apricot hybrid and have a smooth, plum-like skin with a sweet, red, juicy (delicious!) interior. Great on their own, sliced in yogurt or salads, or used for baking or jamming. Pick some up at your farmers market or grocery store and enjoy.

Racion Restaurant-Pasadena

Last weekend I stumbled upon this gem in Old Town Pasadena. Racion serves Spanish style tapas with Spanish wines, all delicious and well worth the trip to Pasadena. This competes for the best restaurant I have been to since moving to Los Angeles! With food to share that is to die for and friendly yet classy service, Racion is a perfect spot for a date night or an evening with close friends. Next time, I'm looking forward to checking out their outdoor patio seating :) 

Here's what I enjoyed on my date night to Racion (in addition to the not-pictured bottle of Temperanillo!): 

Amuse-Bouche:
Parmesan Crisp w/ Blueberry and Goat Cheese

Salted Cod Fritters (front)
Beef Tongue Crostini (back)

Roasted Vegetables w/ UNBELIEVABLE Garlic Sauce(we almost licked the plate!) 

Squid Ink Pasta
with Mussels and Poached Egg 

Dessert and (delicious) Coffee:
Pound Cake with Fresh Whipped Cream
and Stone Fruit (seasonal fruit?! yes please!)

Dietitian's Guide to Bacon

No denying it...bacon is one of the most delicious foods imaginable. Most of us know it's also not the healthiest. Bacon is mostly fat (the saturated, unhealthy kind) packed with sodium and additives. The sodium and fat in just one slice might not break the bank (see nutrition facts below), but how often does anyone have just one slice? 


I'm a big believer though that all foods, even bacon, can be part of a balanced diet. Here are a few tips to true enjoyment in moderation:

1. Go Natural. Bacon is cured, meaning that salt, spices, and other additives are used to give it the flavor and stay-power it has. Choose a bacon that uses minimal additives. Avoid potentially harmful food additives, like nitrites, by choose a brand like Applegate Organic and Natural Bacon instead of, say, Oscar Mayer.  Not picking on Oscar Mayer, here. Many brands use the same additives. Avoid ingredients lists with things like, "SODIUM PHOSPHATES, SODIUM ASCORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE."


2. Treat it like a condiment. And not like the fist-sized pile of ketchup you put next to your fries. Don't think of bacon as your meat option. Because bacon, even more natural varieties, is full of salt and fat, use it sparingly. Try it sprinkled on top of salads (like I did, pictured) or use a strip to add flavor to an omelet. The key here is to use the delicious FLAVOR in your meal and to avoid popping it piece by piece until the whole package is gone before breakfast has even begun. 


3. Enjoy it. Take the time to really taste your bacon (and all your food). Let your brain register that you've eaten and enjoyed it, and you'll be less inclined to mindlessly go back for more.  


Nutrition Facts for 1 piece of bacon:
43 Calories
3.3g Total Fat
1.1g Saturated Fat
8.8mg Cholesterol
184.8mg Sodium (this is a lot!)
0.1g Carbs
3g Protein