Rodeo Drive is Overrated
15 Feb
Rodeo Drive is beautiful. Probably the most recognizable street in the world. The shops are amazing, the people are stunning, and the whole scene looks just like it does in the movies. But just one block over from the glitz and glamour of Rodeo is my absolute favorite street in Beverly Hills – Canon Drive.
Canon Drive is very understated but still beautiful in its own way, and best of all? The street is lined with so many of my favorite restaurants! So when four of my best friends offered to take me out to lunch to celebrate my birthday, I naturally jumped at the chance to visit one of my most favorite places in Los Angeles - Porta Via.
Porta Via Restaurant is a traditional California bistro with delicious food. I have eaten lunch and dinner here numerous times and I haven’t had a bad meal yet. I especially love the fact that the restaurant uses seasonal organic ingredients, wild caught seafood, and all natural meat. The freshness of their food absolutely reflects their cooking philosophy.
Since temperatures were hovering in the 80′s we decided to sit outside.
Thanks to the great weather the restaurant was absolutely packed so we were lucky to score a great table.
We ordered the Porta Via chips as an appetizer:
I am not a big potato chip fan but as far as potato chips go these were good.
For my entrée I ordered the Gulf Shrimp Salad:
Gulf Shrimp, Organic Baby Greens, Green Beans, Tuscan White Beans, Avocado, Tomatoes, and Grapes in a Lemon Vinaigrette.
It was delicious and light. Perfect for the blazing temperatures!
My friend Maliha ordered the Tuna Nicoise:
White Albacore Tuna, Organic Baby Greens, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Capers & Toasted Almonds in a Lemon Vinaigrette.
Nadia ordered the Chicken Salad Sandwich:
Porta Via’s Secret Chicken Salad Recipe, Served on Honey Wheat Roll
And my friends Shahbano and Yasmyne ordered the Asian Chicken Salad and the Grilled Salmon. Sorry I didn’t take pictures but they were sitting on the other side of the table and I had a feeling they wouldn’t appreciate me reaching over to snap a photo.
Once in a while I pretend I have a few manners.
Not only was I excited to see a gluten-free dessert with a candle in it, but I was also excited that I didn’t have to fight Maya for it.
Passion Fruit Sorbet with Whipped Cream and Berries
It only took 34 years and a gluten-intolerance to discover my love for sorbet. This was delicious.
We stayed at the restaurant for at least 3 hours, just chatting and enjoying the sunshine.
There is nothing like catching up with good friends. And my friends are the most loyal, caring, and thoughtful people I know.
Thank you girls, for an amazing afternoon of great food and good conversation. You have no idea how much I appreciate all of you!
