Often the best food inspiration for my own cooking comes from my favorite restaurants. Last weekend, the hubs and I were treated to delicious dinner from the in-laws at our favorite Hollywood restaurant, Pace.
Nestled in the hills of Laurel Canyon, this quant little restaurant is known for a serene ambiance and fresh ingredients. Head Chef and Owner Sandy Gendel infuses art, organics, and luxury when creating scrumptiously rustic Italian food. He prides himself on the fact that “each morsel travels from the farm to your mouth in less than three days . . . and is infused with the care afforded by organic cultivation methods.” Diners are surrounded by an ecclectic array of artwork, tastefully graffitied exposed brick, and butcher paper covered tables to inspire your own crayon-composed expression. I especially love the toasted almonds and Calabrase olives served prior to each meal.
Though the full Pace experience is most definitely one to be experienced first hand, the fresh, wholesome simplicity of the food can easily be created in your own kitchen.
Pace-Inspired Food
Pappardelle con astice, porri e zucchine
To make a dish similar to this lobster pasta with white wine truffle cream sauce at home, fresh lobster works best, of course. But it’s also expensive. Frozen lobster does the trick if you’re cooking on a budget. Or, if you really want to save, frozen langostino (just $8.99 at Trader Joe’s) can be a good substitute, just know Langostino isn’t actually real lobster. It’s actually squat lobster, which is more like crab.
What you need: lobster, leek, oregano, zucchini, white wine, garlic, cream, truffle oil, pappardelle pasta (cooked al dente)
Pace’s famous cedar wood grilled salmon
Cedar planks can be used on your own grill, or in your oven, for an incredible rich, woodsy flavor.
What you need: salmon, cedar grilling planks, shallots, extra virgin olive oil (this one is my favorite!), fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs (such as parsley, sage, basil)
THIS looks to die for! Im in love with this pasta dish, with the white truffle oil and of course my fav. salmon. I’ve never tried the cedar plank, I am going to try this! Thanks for sharing!