Sabor's margaritas as big as your head...

Hola mi amigos and welcome to #Sabor Cocina Mexicana in #Thousand Oaks, California! The first time I entered this cantina I was enamored with its stunningly beautiful decor. In the bar, there are  "star" lights glowing overhead, adding ambient warmth to an already inviting and vibrant room - the restaurant feels majestic and is striking with it's unique, glass chandeliers, impressive rustic furnishings, and decorator touches throughout. This gourmet Mexican restaurant has a  courteous, fun, and friendly staff and offers delicious twists on traditional Mexican cuisine with a farm to table approach - and yes, and most importantly...the #margaritas really are as as big as your head!

Try one of their seasonal, muy fantastico, margaritas.

Guacamole beautifully presented - the perfect pairing with my ginormous margarita!

Chicken crepes with a subtle roasted yellow pepper sauce. Deliciously unexpected. 

Chile Chocolate Creme Brulee with Valhrona Chocolate and Guajillo. Incredible!

I'm on top of the world! Takami elevates happy hour -- DTLA oh yeah...

Ok, I'm may have embellished slightly--Takami Sushi's outdoor lounge is more of a penthouse view--breathtaking nonetheless! As you exit the 21st floor into the restaurant, be prepared to fall in love with the spectacular panorama. It has (on a smaller scale) the vibe of a New York rooftop bar nestled amidst two of the tallest skyscrapers in Los Angeles. Downtown's got it goin' on!

 

Now, get ready to fall in love with everything else! Takami exceeded my expectations in all areas,(and for those who know me well--that's no easy feat!) Seriously, it has it all--ambiance, cuisine, libations, great service, and stunning happy hour prices--$4? 7 days a week? WTFun--I am so hooked!

Sushi Trio with Pepper Tuna, Salmon, & Albacore
Tuna Tataki sans avocado (not my doing-my brother is allergic). So FRESH and DELICIOUS!

 

Calamari Arare, coated in Japanese Rice Crackers and served with a Curry Aioli
Popcorn Shrimp with Wasabi Sauce.

The calamari and shrimp were perfectly cooked--so tender and deliciously seasoned. I'm most definitely addicted!--I started craving them immediately after I popped the last one in my mouth!

               811 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2100. Los Angeles, CA 90017. tel. 213.236.9600

 

Looking forward to the next time we meet-- AKross The Table!

Cheers!

乾杯; Kanpai (Dry the glass)

Let's go and have some craic...

...in the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day ( March 17 ) -  Slainte!

AKross Dublin - Castles and Cocktails

At #Finnegan's of Dalkey enjoying a Hot Whiskey. The perfect spirit to ward off the cold on a drizzly Irish afternoon!

Finnegan's of Dalkey and Malahide Castle

One of the oldest castles in Ireland, 12th century #Malahide Castle. Only a quick train ride, just 9 miles north of Dublin.


Dalkey Castle has living guided tours that you won't want to miss. It was one of the highlights on my adventures in Dublin!

#Dalkey Castle, Hot Whiskey and #Guinness of course. Oh and a mysterious hand in the upper right corner...haunted perhaps?

Irish Hot Whiskey

1 measure of Irish Whiskey

2 teaspoons of white or brown sugar

8 ounces (or less) of boiling water

2 slices of freshly cut lemon

6 cloves

Pour whiskey and sugar into a strong heatproof glass.
Add the boiling water and stir until the sugar has dissolved
Embed 3 cloves into each lemon slice and place in glass. Serve immediately.

Sláinte