La Paella
I know everyone has been anxiously sitting at their computers staring at my website with their hand on the refresh button clicking to see if I have have done another review of one of my great culinary finds….
Well, click no further. Your prayers have been answered.
It was such a difficult decision for me to choose my next spot since it would be so hard to top the pure greatness that Shabu Hachi provided in my first review. It took some great contemplation from the comments left and disscusions with some of my closer dining confidants to come up with the place I choose next. One thing I hope the readers of my site will take from it is that I do not discriminate in my food selections. It is based on what my palate is craving from past experiences or what I am so eager to try for the first time.
I was sitting on the plane (row 27, seat d – in case you wanted to know) during one of our recent road trips, and was watching one of my favorite TV shows “No Reservations” with Anthony Bourdain. It is a food based show where Anthony travels around the world experiencing different cultures and trying the true indigenous cuisine. Through this show, my adventorous appetite has taken off.
This episode was about the many different tastes of Spain, which caught my attention for the lack of me actually knowing what Spanish food really was or tasted like. The search was on.
La Paella, let it sink in a minute….no, it is not a Mexican food restaurant. It is, what I have been told by one of my so-called dining confidants who happenened to live in Spain for six years, the closest thing to authentic Spanish food in LA. Well, I said, if that’s the case, I will not have to go to Spain now to try those mouth-watering dishes I saw while watching the episode of No Reservations.
No pressure Kenji!
So I set a date to go try this place recently after one of our games. Of course, I had a few people accompany me to share in the conquistador’s delights. We arrived at the restaurant, which is located at the intersection of La Cienega and San Vincente. I know, I know. Don’t worry. I didn’t go all Beverly Hills on you. It still sits on the Hollywood side of the road, which, if you weren’t aware of, Hollywood does have some of the best hole-in-the-wall quick-bite places per square mile (not an actual fact) that I have come to find. But that is another review.
Back to Spain.
The restaurant sits in an old converted bungalow house between a couple of other business and from the outside, it resembles nothing like I would have though a Spanish restaurant would look like. Then again, I don’t have any idea what that would be. So, we walked up a few stairs and entered the restaurant and we were greeted instantly by the hoste, who asked if we had a reservation. We did, so he looked us up and went off to prepare our table.
As we stood there for a minute it gave us a chance to look around the place.
There was soft Spanish music playing in the background. The interior walls of the place were all white, adorned with Spanish pictures and paintings and shelves with little nick nacks that represent Spanish lifestyle.
The host rushed back and quickly sat us. We were put in the front of the dining area in a nice quiet corner. This is one of those rare cases in which I was at a restaurant with a group of people and was not familar with anything on the menu, so needless to say, I felt a little out of my element when it came to deciding what to eat.
We sat for a moment and looked over the menu. Each of the items on it were in Spanish which, if you don’t speak Spanish, might cause a problem. But, they also had each dish in English right below the entree. Well, in this case I delegated the ordering to the person who claims to have lived in spain and is familar with Spanish fare.
We sat for a few moments looking over the tapas menus (some of you might already be familiar with Spanish food so you know what that is…if not, keep reading). Kenji made some recommendations and we agreed anxiously, just due to the fact that we were starving and needed some type of nourishment. And of course, we let Kenji order a couple of his favorites that might be a little more intimidating to someone unfamilar with the menu.
After we ordered our tapas selections, me and Kenji got into a very in-depth discusion of his time spent in Spain and the reasons that he went and stayed so long, since he is an LA native. It also provided a great learning experience for me to get to know a little bit of the history of Spain and where some of the dishes might have gotten their influences from. Ten minutes might have gone by and our tapas began to arrive at the table.
Tapas are similar to appetizer portions but many of them can be ordered to be eaten as a meal. Having a few amigos accompany me gave us the chance to try many of them.
First was Champiñones con chorizo (let me get out my Spanish/English dictionary to translate). It is mushrooms with Spanish red sausage. This was a great mix of sausage and mushrooms (a vegetable I can tolerate). The mushrooms soaked up the flavor nicely but unfortunately, the grease too. That would be my only complaint about this dish — that the sausage resembled Mexican chorizo without the spice but with the same grease.
I moved onto the Croquetas de pollo, what can simply be described as ground chicken deep fried in a corn meal. Nothing too special to say about this than other than that they do the job and stopped the hunger pains.
The Patatas Bravas might be the only dish that resembles Mexican food and that is because of the red spicy sauce smotheing the boiled potatoes. The little kick was a nice change from all the rest of the dishes, mainly because of my love for spicy food.
This next one is somewhat of a typical appetizer dish (except that its octopus and not fried, which, on a side note, what’s really the difference between the two? Same taste and chewieness). Pulpo a la Gallega. The octopus was boiled and topped with olive oil.
Well, I did say we let Kenji order for us and he wasn’t afraid to sneak this next one in, since he said it is one of his favorites. Boquerones en Vinagare. There is no disguising this one — it is sardines raised in vinegar from tadpoles to fish. I don’t know about the raised part, but if you like vinegar and that unique sardine flavor…enjoy!
All of you familiar with Spanish food might have caught on to the name of the restaurant, La Paella, which is a famous Spanish dish. It is truly the reason we came to this place…not for the tapas that everyone raves about. I personally didn’t see the big deal about them. I am going to start a new wave and from now on, start calling them tapatizers.
I didn’t mention before that we ordered this paella dish because I wanted some of you to be suprised that Spanish food is more than this tapatizer stuff! Paella Valenciana was the one that Kenji ordered. It is a dish based on rice and the seasoning of saffron and combines a little surf and turf for the substance. For the turf, it was chicken drumsticks that were boiled then sauteed with the rice and seasonings. For the surf, it was steamed muscles and clams with shrimp done up the same way as the chicken. Mmmm….
The paella was great! It tasted as great as it smelled, which in many cases can be deceiving for food. (I hate when food smell good but lacks the flavor to go with it — a one-punch fighter!) But in this case it delivered.
For my Spanish experience, it was worth the visit and trip to the restaurant. It is definitely a place and cuisine I’m glad that I have tried, even though paella looks kind of like a done-up hamburger helper meal! For this place, if you have not tried a complete Spanish meal then come here to do so. But if you have, you know what it’s about and even though Kenji won’t agree, it’s a one time visit for me.
Andre
P.S. The photos of all the tapas and paella are on my camera back in Arizona so I’m hoping to add them in the next couple of days.
UPDATE: PHOTOS ARE OBVIOUSLY NOW ADDED
Dining with 'Dre 
Wow!!! Andre ~ another fabulous write up!!! You definitely have the palate for international faire. My family had the fortunate opportunity last summer to host two foreign exchange students from Spain. It was a wonderful experience, and part of their being in California they had to cook some of their spanish dishes for us. I do recall a lot of seafood dishes and,of course, the paella. Anyhow, it is wonderful to see another great review by you. You did such an awesome job on the last one, and this one is just as good, if not better. So, if you watch “No Reservations”, do you also watch “Bizarre Foods”? That is one of my favorites. I also like your humor, and yes, I admit, I checked the site daily, not that it would matter, because like I have said, I live in central California. My mom and I are coming out next weekend to see you and the boys play the dbacks so we will try our best to check out one of the two restaurants. Have a wonderful week Andre, and keep fighting the good fight. Your fans are behind you 100%, and those of us over at “Inside the Dodgers” believe in you and are very proud of what you have accomplished so far this season and are so glad you are wearing Dodger Blue. You are one of the reasons we believe in this young team, and we all hope you know that.
Dodger Fan forever ~ Debbie
How exciting to experience new types of cuisine. I could say that Paella is one of my favorite Spanish dishes so far. Growing up in a mexican family i got to experience and cook tradional mexican food from the region my family is from Michoacan, Mexico. I also like to experince new things because i am a culinarian. Well keep on writting more about your lovely tasty travels like anthony bourdain. By the way Good Luck Guys…
Love always…
adriana cervantes
Saffron is something special. Nice review. I’m hungry now. Alyssa would be proud.
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Congratulations on your culinary adventures. We have a suggestion for you to try. It is a mediterranean place called THE GRAPEVINE in LaVerne, California. (about 35 minutes east of Dodger Stadium) I don’t know how many Friday nights you have off but if you go on a Friday night around 8:00 there are belly dancers! (take Loney & Martin) :o) Also, there is an Afgan restaurant in Claremont, California, called WALTER’S, try the Blownies. Also in Claremont if your into Jazz and Fondue there is the HIP KITTY. Well enjoy your future adventures!
Tapatizers!?!?! lol I am so using that…
Good read, dude, and you certainly piqued my interest again!
Go Blue!!
😀
C
Andre- What a great write up! I love reading your blog because it’s not only educational, your use of humor makes me smile. I appreciate knowing what seat you sat in on the plane by the way 🙂
Keep sharing great restaurants with us, may I suggest a nice Italian spot? I live just outside LA now and will be moving closer to the Stadium and would like to know a good Italian spot that would make Tommy proud. Keep up the good work on the field, and like Debbie said, we all love and support you on the ‘Inside the Dodgers Blog.’
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GO DODGERS!!!
.
Love, Amy
You’re a class act. A lesser man would have knocked Torre out by now.
Interesting ! Keep the blog updated Andre 🙂 Thanks.
Roberto
http://baseballislife.mlblogs.com/
thanks for the write-up andre.. i appreciate it. i think what’s great about reading your blog is that while your food reviews are interesting, the best part has to be the insight into your personality. your witty remarks make me smile. keep doing what you’re doing.. and playing hard.. all your fans are outraged that you have been the odd man out in the outfield when clearly you are our best all-around outfielder. don’t let it get you down.. you will rise to the top soon enough.. as you should. i love watching you play, and i will continue to appreciate what you do for our team. GO BLUE! 🙂
Wow nice article.
Thanks for another informative and entertaining review, Andre. Stay positive and don’t give up the fight. Believe in yourself and know that a lot of Dodger fans believe in you too and we’re behind you during the ups and the downs. I think when all is said and done there will be far more ups than downs in your career with the Dodgers.
Bro, great article. I think somewhere down the road you ought to open up a restaurant/ sports bar, or something like that.
Close your eyes and picture this…
Glendale, Arizona… mere miles from friends and family… mere blocks from the New Dodgertown, you, with the hefty contract you’re sure to get someday (let’s hope it’s from the Dodgers and not any other team), build a kick *** restaurant/bar with all your finishing touches. A menu with your signature on it. Cool ambiance, maybe some nightlfe going on there in the PM hours. Make it a spot the players and the fans go to all year long.
Arizona’s become my new vacation spot, ever since you guys played a few last year. Glendale’s gonna be rocking next Spring!
Go Dodgers, let’s get this thing won!
I can tell you enjoyed Shabu Habi wayyyy more than you did La Paella, either way, nice write-up. You’re doing an awesome job, you’re a heck of a player! Im predicting you go deep tonight :]
I know everyone here is interested in food. I don’t blame any of us. I eat it and love it myself. I haven’t tried a lot of different foods but I have tried Paella de Marisco.
In fact, here is a little web page about the history of Spanish food. Most of the site is just teaching common phrases that you would hear native Spanish speakers use.
Thanks for the review too. It really is inspiring. We all go through something like that in our own way.
wow! yet again you’ve done another great write up!!! very funny and very detailed! yeah i really want to see the pictures cause this food sounds very.. hhmmm… interesting to say the least.. haha but your doing a great job (ON and OFF the field) so keep it up! i’m going to the game tonight so i really hope your playing!! lets keep this winning streak going!! alright man good luck with everything!!
Andre Ethier fan forever!!
Great write-up Andre!!! I’ve never had Spanish food and maybe, like you, I’ll try it some day. But I had to comment on your words; you have a great way with words Andre!!! After your playing days are over (which we know will be a LONG time to come) but you should really consider a career in broadcasting. You sure do have a way with words!!! 🙂
Keep your chin up (I know you are) about your playing time. It’s hard for me to see you sit for someone that is batting 100 points below you. Well, anyways, you’re doing a great job anyways!!! Keep up the great work!!! I’ll be seeing you this Saturday!!! 🙂
Your fan forever,
Carol
Looking forward to meeting you Saturday at AT&T store, and watching you beat the Dbacks this weekend. However, I don’t think I’ll be dining at this restaurant.
Fun write-up, Andre and it also totally made me crave paella, which I haven’t had in some time.
Btw, when you’re up here in San Francisco next month to kick the Giants’ collective butts, may I recommend checking out either Bocadillos on Montgomery Street or Destino on Valencia Street, if you’re craving really good Spanish food and tapas. Good stuff.
You can pretty much eat your way through San Francisco, and I have plenty of other recommendations if you ever need them.
Buena suerte,
Craig
You are truly a great writer, food critic, and an awesome baseball player!! It is very entertaining to read your blog, and thank you for it!! Spanish food sounds like something to try, can’t wait until your next review! Keep up the good work!!!
~Rocio
Andre~
Let me just start by saying what a blast it is watching you do your thing out on that field! You are an excellent ball player and a very witty writer I might add. May I suggest a fabulous little whole in the wall called Ajos y Cebollas in El Monte, CA. It is a favorite of mine and my co-workers. You will RAVE about all of the delicious Mexican entres on the menu. It will definitely entice your taste buds!
P.S. If you’d like some company, let me know. My friends and I would love to take you =)~
Thanks for the tip on this place! I literally work within walking distance of that intersection so I’ll check it out one of these days. Keep up the great reviews.
ok, I literally “LOL”ed at the tapatizers note. Freakin hilarious. I’m a huge tapas (or tapatizers, my bad) fan. The ones this Kenji dude ordered sounded uh… interesting!
Thanks for the blog! And yes, I will sit in front of my comp anxiously awaiting the next installment.
– cynthia
andre’s #1 fan (yes, I was voted by all 13 of my friends) ;o)
I once heard you really like BBQ Ribs, Well someday check out a place called Chris’nPits in Downey, Ca. over on Lakewood//Rosemead, just off the 5 fwy. Ribs to die for, giant size dripping with BBQ sauce, you’ll love it. see ya, Melinda
Andre ~ I tried to get on here this morning, but the system was all haywire and wouldn’t let anyone post anywhere. Anyhow, I just wanted to say what an awesome play that was yesterday at home plate with you and Russell. It was a spectacular throw, and ,of course, a marvelous catch by Russell. You two made history yesterday as being only a few who have closed a shut out game in that fashion – job well done!!
.
To keep with the restaurant theme of this blog, I really enjoy reading other people’s reviews on what they think about your entries as well. You are a great story teller, Andre, and that’s not an easy thing to do. You are very humorous, you allow your own personality to weave in and out of your writing, and you use a lot of detail and description in your writing where you really don’t need pictures. However, when you are dealing with food, it’s always a nice touch.
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I am sure you already know through the many letters, comments and now songs that have come your way, I am a HUGE fan of yours, and for a very good reason. I am a first grade teacher, and three years ago I had a little boy in my class who was a diehard A’s fan at the age of 6. He was a very active little boy, and the one thing we had in common was baseball( me Dodgers, him A’s), so I took that concept and ran with it. I looked up information for him everyday about the A’s throughout the year in exchange for good behavior and getting his work done. To make a long story short, one day he comes running into the classroom and tells me the A’s just traded Milton Bradley for Andre Ethier, and the rest is history. So, a six year old (at the time) is responsible for getting baseball into the classroom for one (It’s becoming a bigger part every year),and for the reason I claim to be one of your biggest fans. I think you are one of the classiest ball players to be playing the game right now, and I hope you are a Dodger forever, but even if not, I will always be a fan of yours. Keep up the spectacular work you are doing out there, and I look forward to seeing you and the Dodgers playing this weekend (live) against the dbacks.
Dodger Fan Forever ~ Debbie
Hi there. I didn’t know you were such a foodie. I could have recommended a lot of good places. For a phenomenal bite, stop by El Taurino on Hoover, near Olympic (if you haven’t already). Nothing fancy, but the best torta in L.A. As a Mexican in Los Angeles, it’s your obligation. 😉
Andre- Great write up once again! I just love reading your blog because it’s interesting but what makes it better is your sense of humor. Oh yea, I appreciate you letting us know what seat you sat on. =D This entry actually makes me want to try the tapas. I’ve always wanted to try paella but I never knew where to go. But now I do, gracias a ti (thanks to you). You should try to do a write up on mexican food. As a mexican I recommend you trying Birria. Theres so many options of how you can have this dish. I’m pretty sure Garciaparra can help you out in chosing the right mexican restaurant.
By the way I saw your “Before the Bigs” last night and I thought it was amazing. I have been waiting to watch it ever since they announced it. I enjoyed watchin pictures and footage of you as a little kid. It’s nice knowing what you had to go trough to be in the place that you are in now, and it just by far shows that if someone puts there mind into doing something and working hard, they could actually achieve it. I’ve actually gone to Phoenix, Arizona and I think it’s really beautiful out there and I could see why is it that you love it so much. I noticed that where you took the cameras around is near where my uncle lives at, which I stayed at when I was out there. Keep up the good work and we’re behind you 100%.
Luvin #16,
Sandra
Andre- I hope your signing went well today. I know a lot of fans who were able to make it out and meeting you sure brought them joy. Thank you are adding the pictures. Seeing the food that you enjoyed describing really complimented the article well.
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And finally, I wanted to let you know that I, and all of L.A are so happy that you weren’t traded. We all love that you are a Dodger and a great addition to this team 🙂 Enjoy having Manny on the team and I hope going forward, the outfielders who deserve to play will get the appropriate starts!
Take Care,
Go Blue,
Lets win the West!!
Love,
Amy
Those sardines look pretty intense.
It’s awesome that you’re doing a food review blog; it’s always cool to see another side of professional athletes. I haven’t had spanish food but there isn’t too much spanish food here in Indiana. I used to live in LA but unfortunately I was young and don’t remember too many restaurants (all I remember is Wolfburger).
Hopefully I’ll be able to come see a game in LA and try one of these restaurants sometime soon. Keep up the great work in outfield and at the plate!Ryan
Either,
Great blog…. I have a rule and that is that each time I visit a new City, State or country I should eat and try something new. I try to stay away from the chain restaurants when I’m visiting a new City. Good job. I have not tried the Shabu Shabu, but I have tried the Paella. Love it, but I just think that (at least from the place I had it) it is so much like Chinese fried rice with chicken and shrimp and other sea creatures. Don’t get me wrong…I still loved it.
Also I wanted to add, that I am very bumbed out that you will not have more game playing time. I do believe that you are way way way way better than Jones and he should of been the one to be bumped out. I was happy with my trio Pierre, Kemp & Either. Manny is doing a great job, but I think that you should be out there playing next to him. I’m glad for the Dodgers that you were not traded, but I sad that you are not going to be playing as much and doing what you love to do.
P.S. Hope your dreams come true!
Andre,
I don’t know about anxiously waiting by the computer…but I sure do enjoy reading about your adventures in cuisine! I would love to share with others my food finds, but I doubt anyone would be hitting the refresh button waiting for my latest entry!
How do you feel about Indian food? I know there are many reputable places in the L.A. area to experience authentic Indian food…maybe you should try that!
Good luck!
After you try the Indian Cuisine…mention several Mexican restaurant….I mean Authentic Mexican Restaurant. I am Mexican-American, but the best Mexican Restaurants that I’ve experience have been the hole-in-the-wall restaurants owned by moms & pops, were the mom’s are doing the cooking and the daughters are making tortillas…..but I really don’t know one in L.A. so Andre you can add Mexican to your list and I’m sure that there are several out there.
Hi Andre,
We met at The Panda Inn, You a were a sweetheart and made my Year! Please know your kind words turned my thoughts around. (My two boys took a picture with you, too!) On to food- So glad you are a “Foodie”. Your blog allows those of us who are experiencing “Andre-deficiency” to spend some time with You. So, I got this place for you, It’ s basically a BBQ joint with a cowboy flair, it’s great if you are in the mood for a big, juicy steak. It’s called “Pinnacle Pete’s” and it’s in San Dimas, about 40 minutes east of Dodger Stadium, 210 Fwy, exit San Dimas Ave- N, Foothill Blvd. W. It’s only open for Dinner. Huge Steaks, baked potatoes, and try the salsa verde with the cowboy beans. Oh, take Martin and Kemp, wear funky ties, since they are not allowed, the hostess will “Cut It Off” at the door, and hang it amongst the many that encompass the restaurant. (Pretty fun-take pictures!) PS-Hope you know how many fans you have out here rooting for you, and hoping for more play time. You are a great example of what the organization has been lacking for years, talent, personality and community involvement!
YOUR NUMBER 1 FAN ALWAYS!, Paula
pbriseno08@aol.com
Andre….yeah BABY you are playing…Good luck and hit a home run for all of us your fans. Dodgers Rule!
I’m also your #1 fan,
Rose
ps….you just have lots of #1 fans….
Andre ~
During tonight’s rain delay, they showed your “Before the Bigs” special. Those of us living in nor-cal don’t have the luxury of seeing a lot of Dodger specials. We get to see all the Giants versions of those shows, but who wants to watch those. Well, my family does. I am the only Dodger fan in the house. Anyhow, what a heart warming story that was. It is so impressive to see how important family is to you, and it makes it really clear why fans love you so much. My mom and I went to all the games this past weekend against the Diamondbacks, and by chance it happened to be the same weekend you had your autograph day at AT&T. I don’t know if you know this little bit of information, but we got there at 8:30 in the morning, and we were not the first ones in line. There were people there 4 hours before your arrival. What a statement that was to see how many people truly admire you for what you bring to the Dodgers. Thank you for giving us fans of yours an opportunity to meet you, and thank you for signing my classroom bear “Ethierbear”. You are a cherised member of this Dodger team, and we know this playing time issue has got to be frustrating for you (it’s frustrating for us and we are just the fans). We know how it should be, and I hope you know your fans are behind you 100%.
Have a wonderful week Andre!!!
Debbie ~
Dodger Fan forever
Andre,
I’m sorry you didn’t play today’s game, but I’m sure you’ll play soon. You are great and keep up the good work. I am a mother and my son, who is only 3, recognizes your name and cheers for you when we watch the game. Please stay a positive role for the children that admire you. You will get bigger as a baseball player and just want to wish you the best and don’t let fame change the way you are or the man you are.
Your fan, Rose
P.S. so what restaurant are we hitting next?
Hello Andre, This is your red headed friend, Kristy. (I hope you remember me, im always at the games.)
I love your blog, it always gives me a new restuarant to try. I hate eating at chains and like to adventure around. I know of a lot of really cool places in burbank if you are ever interested in coming this way. 😉
Good luck against the Giants.
You probably don’t remember me, as I said before we came face to face outside Shea Stadium this summer. Again thanks for the autograph.
I see you’re doing fantastic with this blog.
I only wish you can get back in the line-up more often.
………………………………Yours Truly
…………………………..Joe Pierre— Bklyn, NY.
Ethier… Love your blog… love you out on the field!
I’ve had my share of “tapatizers” and some you mention, haven’t tried but will now!!
If you ever hear some crazy girl out in Dodgers Stadium say “Go Boyfriend…wooohooo Ethier!!!” thats me!! = )
?,
Marcela
Ohhh and as we were waiting for the game to start up again during the rain delay in St. Louis this past week… I watched your special on “Before the Biggs”.
I enjoyed your story! Loved that your mom became an assistant coach in order for you to play at age 3!! How adorable and what dedication & support from your family.
Very touching story… especially about your grandfather. I’m sure he is proud!!!! = )
Andre,
Thanks for the pictures!! and thanks so much for signing my Ethier shirt last weekend at your “autograph day”!! i was there very early and i ended up being really far back in the line cause they let people with AT&T phones go to the front of the line.. but hey i still got to see you and got my shirt signed so it’s totally fine with me!!! haha! I was right behind the girl with the teddy bear who you kinda played “tug-of-war” with the bear cause she was trying to take a picture with you then she almost forgot her baseball after you signed it!! i wanted to tell you how much i love your blog but when i asked you to sign my shirt the lady was like “next in line!” so i kinda hurried and you couldn’t get the cap back on my pen so i was just trying to hurry up and forgot what i was gunna say! haha!! and i loved how you were still taking pictures with people even though they said no more pictures! that was great! well keep up the good work! you are very loved and appreciated over in the “inside the dodgers” blog!! there are a lot of upset fans about you not getting very much playing time! but your fans still love you and support you all the way!! keep it up!
your fan forever!
~amy~
(p.s. i absolutely love the blog! keep it up!)
Andre ~
Fabulous game tonight!! Yes, the ball was fair, and even the Giants announcers, who I am forced to listen to because of where I live, said it was a fair ball. They also said you are a scary hitter in their park. They said you act like you play there everyday the way you hit the ball. It really is kind of a scary thought thinking of you wearing orange and black. Anyhow, the Giants announcers always have wonderful things to say about you and the way you approach the plate, and their announcers don’t talk about the Dodgers too kindly most of the time as I am sure you are aware. Well, I just thought I would let you in on a little information we here living up here in the nor-Cal area.
Have a spectacular day tomorrow, Andre!!
Your fans love what you are doing, so keep it up!!!
Dodger Fan Forever!
Debbie ~
Ethier,
You played an excellent game yesterday vs. the Giants. Hopefully Torre knows who should be playing next to Manny & Kemp. Hey you & Kemp need to teach Manny that jump-turn-bump thing you and Kemp do all the time at the end of each winning game. And yes everyone from “Inside the Dodgers” love ya’ so much and are always cheering for you. Good luck for the next game and hope to see you play.
Rose
Andre;
sitting by the computer waiting- what’s up? What have you ate latley? Did you have a chance to try clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf?- Hpefully the reason you have not updated is the increased play time. Good job, You are the best. Continue to show them all-there is a difference playing for the love of the game and playing for money. Hey dodger fans- sign the petition at ipetitions.com- Let Torre know “WE WANT ANDRE TO PLAY-EVERYDAY!”
Love, Paula
Hey dre i like the blog, just wanted to say im a big fan and im gald ur getting ur play time back, joe is finally seeing how talented u really are, also i wanted to let u know about a place called Poquito Mas there is some really great tacos there i think you will really appreciate the great taste. There is many locations in the LA area so google it when you can and see which location is best for you, hope you try it and enjoy = )
Andre:
Congratulations on having the game winning hit tonight. It was such a clutch at bat. The guys on Dodgers Live were saying they couldn’t watch the replay enough times and I agree. Martin looked like Pete Rose diving across home plate. Be careful not to rush too fast towards the Bison next time, lol. We need you healthy. May it be the first of many such moments for you and the Dodgers.
Andre……last night was sooooooo amazing…I started screaming when I saw that ball go over the short stops head and I seen Martin run soooooo fast. YOU TWO ARE MY DREAM TEAM……the two of you always do amazing plays together. CONGRATULATIONS! It was a well deserved WON!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!
Rose – ETHIERaholic
(Oh yeah you have a bunch of girl fans in Inside The Dodgers, and we are all ETHIERaholics)
Andre you are AMAZING!!! i went to last night’s game and i still have butterflies in my stomach from that hit!!! i screamed SOOO loud!!! i couldn’t have asked to go to a better game!!!! i was even wearing my Ethier shirt that you signed!!!! and i had a sign that said “ETHIERaholic” (like dodgersrule said its what your fans call ourselves over in the inside the dodgers blog) everyone around me was cheering when i held up my sign!!! man it was SOOO AWSOME!!!!! you are very loved and appreciated by A LOT of fans!!!! we support you 100% and HATE to see you on the bench!!! what a way to come in the game late and pull off a hit like that!!!! you are just so amazing!!! i’m so lucky to have been there at the game cheering you on!! BTW i also got some guys behind me (who i could tell weren’t big dodger fans) cheering for you!! haha i also had a big group of people screaming “ANDRE ANDRE ANDRE!!!) haha it was just awsome (what can i say?… i’m an ETHIERaholic!!! lol) you are awsome and you will always be my favorite!!! CONGRATS ON THE WIN!!! GO DODGERS!!!!
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your fan ~amy = ETHIERaholic!!
Andre great game last night! if that doesnt catch joes attention i dont no what will, you were great it kinda seemed like you called it because of your comments on dodgers live. I was really happy you guys were able to pull out the win. careful with matt it looked like he was gonna tackle you 🙂 . good luck on todays game peace!
what’s up bro….
Shout outs from the Study Group !!!!!! Don’t forget the Gardens of Taxco great Mexican food.
Eth, congrats on the walk off Tuesday, I dented the ceiling from jumping so high in celebration.
I sould like to suggest Furaibo in Gardena, CA, they have the best f-ing tebasaki chicken wings ever. Also, the fried tofu and eggplant make it seem like there’s a party in your mouth and everyone’s invited. But seriously, the chicken wings….mmm…chicken wings.
P.S. You were my #1 pick in fantasy baseball so hopefully this motivates you to slug about 30 more HRs for the rest of the season. Thanks bud.
Cookin’ smukin, Let’s talk baseball, ‘Dre
You’re doing a great job keeping yourself in the starting line-up.
Congrats on your walk-off the other night.
………………A kid from Brooklyn.
Great writeup Andre! I just read about this blog in Sporting News magazine, and thought I’d check it out. I don’t live in the L.A. area but I vacation out there a lot and I will have to read through all your reviews before finding a place to go to dinner! I love all the pictures! Good luck the rest of this season.
Tessa
Andre, i feel like a broken record saying this but… you are AMAZING!!!! WHAT A WAY TO WIN THE GAME!!! (you ALMOST won it last night too!) i really wish i could have been there!! but i have it recorded on my TV so i can watch it over and over!! haha! i went to the game tuesday when you got that walk-off single/double to get Russy in!!! man that was great!!! i posted a comment about it on here a couple days ago!! but man you are just awsome!! again i feel like a broken record but you are the #1 player talked about over in the “Inside the Dodgers” blog!! you are the favorite to A LOT of fans (we call ourselves “ETHIERaholics” lol) but we support you and appreciate everything you do for our beloved team!!! i hope we don’t EVER lose you to ANY team!!! you are my favorite and i would LOVE to see you wearing dodger blue for YEARS to come!!! oh yeah and i loved your “before the bigs” it was very inspiring! you didn’t give up on your dream to play for ASU and it paid off! you are a genuine hard working person and i respect that! that’s one reason why your my favorite! your on fire so keep it up!!! i’ll be coming to a game soon and i’ll have my Ethier shirt that you signed!! thanks again for signing my shirt!! good luck with the rest of the season!!
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your fan,
Amy
ETHIERaholic!
.
(p.s. i have a suggestion for your next restaurant… its a LITTLE (when i say little i mean whole in the wall! no joke) place called “Pagliacci’s” and it has some of the BEST pasta i’ve ever had!!! check it out its on the corner of Ventura Blv. and Vantage. Its behind a starbucks and a T-mobile (my brother works at the T-mobile thats how i found the place) theres a big sign above it that says Pagliacci’s)
Andre~
What a spectacular week you have had, and that’s probably an understatement. You have impressed your fans so much by the way you have handled these last few weeks, and to see you ignite like this is absolutely incredible. The fans that have been with you since day one have always been impressed with you for the things you have done on and off the field, but you have made thousands and thousands more fans by not only your remarkable accomplishments on the field, but how wonderful of a person you are. Your fans are very proud of you and the rest of this Dodgers team. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
Dodger Fan Forever ~
Debbie
P.S. I have to admit, I am part of the Ethieraholics group, and some would probably say I am the leader of the group. We may be a little (and sometimes alot) crazy at times, but it’s because we truly love the way you play Dodger baseball. We all think you are Ethieriffic!!!
Congradulatins Andre on you’re walkoff HR.
Us fans knew all the while, the talent you had and it seemed that only management is slow to recognize it.
With every HR this season, 15 at this writing, you make a monkey out of Colletti.
Juan Pierre has his talent, but it’s not as valuable to the team as yours. Then why Andruw?
Mistakes, not to have the forsight to see what they had in you.
Keep it up and pressure the corrections of the above.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Joe Pierre,,,,,,,,,,,,B’klyn N.Y.
Andre,
Congratulations on all your accomplishments of the weekend. You are just amazing all the Dodger fans and everyone in BASEBALL WORLD!. You have done sooooo much for the Dodger this past week. YOU ARE ETHIERRIFICT (one of our many Ethier terminology, list is growing, LOL). And yes I totally agree on what Debbie (Ethieraholic team leader) says about you, every single word. Your fans admire you cause of how great you play, but specially cause of what kind of person you are.
The ETHIERaholics over at Inside The Dodgers support you all the way. Keep up the great work and stay positive.
ROSE
Dodger’s Fan &
ETHIERaholic member!
P.S. Your smile is contagious, so always keep smiling.
Forget about food… what about this walk-off drama?
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
Great pictures Andre!!! I said it before and I’ll say it again.
I’ve been on vacation for the past week, but I’ve heard about your play this week!!! Great job; especially the walk-off homer on Sunday!!! 🙂 It was a pleasure to meet you at the AT&T store on 8/2. I’ve told my Inside The Dodgers buddies that I was kinda awe/star struck and I didn’t say what I really wanted to. But you are a class individual and I’m thrilled that you’re playing more lately! Keep up the great work!!! 🙂
Carol
“Great pictures Andre!!! I said it before and I’ll say it again.”
Sorry Andre – I must really be tired after my trip. Don’t ask me what “I said before” that I was going to “… say it again.” 🙂
Andre,
I have not had a chance to congratulate you on your Walkoff-HR. Last year I ran into you at the hotel in SF and told you that you deserved to play everyday. I am a season ticket holder at Our Lady of Chavez Ravine and I have missed only two games but I’ve made up for it on road games + going to Vero Beach. I was in AZ for two games and I got your batting gloves! How about a review of local restaurants in L.A. Yang Chow in Chinatown has good slippery shrimp. How about the San Antonio Winery? Try also Portos bakery for great Cuban food and great pastries. The fruit tart there is great, so are the chiken pies and potato balls. -Emma
Hey Andre,
Great idea for a blog, so your fans could get to know you a little better. I share the same enthusiam for ethnic cuisine as you do (not to say i’m an expert, but i like different types of food). i personally have never tried Spanish food, but i have tried Shabu Shabu a while back and i fell in love with it. Just a couple of suggestions of new places to try. 1 – Mariscos Moni – 4820 W Century Blvd Lennox, CA 90304 – They have the best seafood cocktail i have ever tried, this is a little different because not cold like what most people are used to, but it’s REALLY good. 2 – GYU-KAKU – 24631 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance – I think you will love this place; It’s kinda like Shabu, where you cook your own food, but it’s mainly meat, and it’s on a grill – They give you tons of little side dishes, but the meat is where it’s at. if you’ve never had Korean BBQ, this is a great place to try, or maybe you can get Hong-Chi Kuo to take you to one of his favorate spots.
Andre,
I just found out about your blog from Alyssa Milano’s MLBlog. That’s great what you’re doing! There is an awesome restaurant in South Pasadena right off the 110 FWY called Carmines. It’s on Fair Oaks Ave. The BEST Italian food I have ever had. Here’s the irony: It’s location is the old “Tommy Lasorda’s” Restaurant. Let us know what you think. Take care and I’ll see you at the next home game. (9/1/08)
Janet
Hi Andre,
I really enjoyed reading your new post. You have a wonderful sense of humor. Some of the “tapatizers” (nice word you coined there) looked really delicious. So we have something in common – we like trying different types of food. You have been doing great so far in regard to playing out there! Keep up the good work! I’m rooting for you and the Dodgers (I’ve been a fan since I was 9 – I’m 27 now). I’m going to the game on Mon. 9/1 – COMPLETELY excited. I’m ready with a Dodgers shirt and all (Russel Martin shirt, in fact – I love Martin, he’s great!). See you at the game! :).
-Ceci
Hey Andre,
Love the reviews… But, i must say that some of the best dishes you will find in the mom and pop restaurants, heck, some of them arent even considered restaurants. I can give you a list of the many wonderful small places that I know of rght in the heart of East L.A.
Oh, and btw, I have a four year old brother, his name is Angel, and he adores you.
-Cristina
17 Homeruns and counting.
Thanks Andre.
Andre,
I love your blog. Its awesome. I tried out La Paella, and it was really good. I had the Croquetas de pollo. And you should check out this Italian restaurant at Venice Beach called C & O Trattoria, they’re located at 31 Washington Boulevard, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, by the Venice Boardwalk. Its really good, and if you go, order the Pappardelle Pasta with Wild Mushrooms & Chicken Apple Sausage. And there garlic rolls are to die for. Keep hitting those homers.
-Bronte
Andre ~
This has nothing to do with food, but I just wanted to stop in and say good luck this weekend in Arizona. I know it’s been a rough road trip for the Dodgers, and my heart goes out to all of you. If it’s this hard for the fans, I can only imagine how some of you must feel. Hopefully things will turn around in Arizona. I know it probably doesn’t matter when the team doesn’t win, but you have had some fabulous at-bats in the series against the Nationals.
.
Also, I have mentioned that I am a teacher before, but I am doing a new geography unit this year using all the ball parks in the MLB. I focus on one ball park each week and the city and state where that ball park is located. Well, since I am doing the unit alphabetically by team name, I had to start with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix, Arizona. My students and I are learning a great deal about your home town and state, and it’s been really fun!! The only hard part is having all the Diamondbacks information up as well.
.
Anyhow, once again, I wish you and the Dodgers the best this weekend. I will be cheering for you and the Dodgers until the end, whether it be the end of September or into October. I am looking forward to your next restaurant review. Have a wonderful weekend Andre. Hopefully, you will get to spend time with your family while you are home in Phoenix.
.
Debbie ~
Dodger Fan Forever
I guess I have to admit that I am a member of the Ethieraholic Fan Club, and to add to the craziness, I was the one who purchased your signed jersey for the Think Cure Auction. However, the money was well spent on a wonderful cause and a spectacular ball player 🙂
Great win tonight. The curse has finally been lifted. Even though it was a rough night tonight for you and Russell, I look for you both to rebound big against Webb tomorrow. Just relax, wait for your pitches to hit and trust that sweet text book swing. Best of luck the rest of the season and looking forward to your next blog entry.
There is a really good authentic Spanish restaurant in Riverside. It is called Cafe Sevilla.
Here is the location and hour information:
3252 Mission Inn
Riverside, CA 92507
(951)778-0611
Mon-Thu: 11:30-11 p.m.
Fri: 11:30-Midnight
Sat: 5p.m.-Midnight
Sun: 10a.m.-11p.m.
Mario Batali, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and Anthony Bourdain all have given Cafe Sevilla exceptional reviews. And their tapas are likewise exceptional!
My father is the chef in Cafe Sevilla; it doesn’t hurt for me to give some publicity for the restaurant.
CafeSevilla.com
I’ve been to the Sevilla’s at Riverside and it is good. And hey they have a live music on weekends to enjoy the atmosphere a little better.
Andre,
Congratulations on your future bundle of joy. The best gift God can ever give you. I am sure that you will make an excellent father. Wish you and your family the best and lots of blessings.
Rose, Ethieraholic Member…we are always there to support you….
Andre, keep up the good work. After spending a few years in Spain it has been difficult to find quality spanish cuisine here in the States. Thanks for the review.
For you and any who follow your blog…
Best place I’ve found so far is Viva Madrid in downtown Claremont. I guess thats a far drive from L.A. but for those closer to the Inland Empire it would be hard to beat. It is very crowded in the evenings, but well worth the wait. They don’t cook to order since most of their dishes take all day, so if you get there too late they may be out of some of them.
The honey roasted lamb dish with spinach is excellent and of course, the paella.
Andre – thanks for the tip for good paella in Los Angeles. Now I will share – the Columbia Family Restaurant, in Tampa and Celebration Florida. 1905 Salad (named for the year they started), sangria and paella. It’s a beautiful thing!!!!
Wow. The dishes look delicious. That is a nice restaurant that I ever seen before.
http://ibuzzs.com
I’ve been to the Sevilla’s at Riverside and it is good. And hey they have a live music on weekends to enjoy the atmosphere a little better. free movie
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