Imperial No. 9

I bet you my Monday night in New York was better than yours ;)

I had such a fun dinner with Marisa and Christine at Imperial No. 9. It's Sam Talbot's -of Top Chef fame- restaurant at the Mondrian in SoHo. On the website, it's called a "sustainable seafood concept", so let's go with that. That being said, we did order some beef and chicken which was really delicious too. Be prepared to share, as the dishes are quite large if you want to try a few things. It's such a beautiful space; we were lucky to get seated in the greenhouse atrium so that made it even better. Check out the website [here] to get better pics of the place!

Funny Ordering Story

P: We don't really know how to order, so we just picked 2 things each, and you tell us what you think

Waiter: Sure, go right ahead

M: We want a,b,c,d,e,f,g

Waiter: Um, that's too much for you ladies

M: Ok - we'll get that then!

Asia de Cuba

The Mondrian on Sunset Blvd was the location for celebrating Dad's last night in Los Angeles. To be more specific: Asia de Cuba. Of course he will be back again, but we like to make occasions out of "last nights." It's just how we do...

Asia de Cuba's new design decor -can you say white-on-white- can be attributed to none other than Philippe Starck, who seems to be dabbling in lots of restaurant interiors for the city of angels. Making for an even more unique dining experience, the Los Angeles skyline is framed by the windows upon entering. A fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine keep the menu interesting and innovative - just know that appetizers and entrees are meant to be shared, "family style" as we like to call it. A few of the highlights were the butterfish and the pork roast. It's a bit ironic because my family has eaten at Asia de Cuba twice before, and the reason we come back is for the beef short ribs... This time, the ribs seemed to have changed. I swear they used to be bigger, meatier and more tender! It's alright though, now's not the time to complain about beef short ribs... Bon Apetit!

Tony & Bebette

Asia de Cuba

Tuna Tataki Special

Asian Pesto Grilled Shrimp / Wok Charred Tropical Fruit, Crisp Lotus Root Chips

Char Sui Beef Short Ribs / Congre Tostones, Chili Orange Mojo

Miso Cured Alaskan Butterfish / Cuban Black Bean & Edamame Salad, Tempura Shishito Peppers

Honey-Rum Glazed Pot Roast of Pork / Sauteed Shanghai Bok Choy, Fried Plantains, Enoki Mushrooms

Lobster Mash

Chocolate Opera Cake / Chocolate Sponge, Coffee Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Espresso Ice-Cream

Pear Tart / Creme Fraiche, Cheesecake Ice-Cream, Sliced Fruit