Eye on L.A. finds foods in the city from around the globe

Monday, May 15, 2017
Eye on L.A.
Eye on L.A.'s Tina Malave and Chef Marcel Cocit cook with American Beauty pasta.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Eye on L.A. shows you how easy it is to find authentic foods from all over the world without leaving L.A. There's no passport needed for this trip around the globe!

The Bronzed Aussie, Downtown L.A.

For a taste of Australia, just head to Bronzed Aussie in Downtown L.A. for their traditional Australian meat pies. Similar to the hot dog here in the U.S., meat pies are the go-to food at Australian sporting events and a lunch staple down under. At the Bronzed Aussie, you can enjoy these 5" pies made from scratch in the traditional Australian way, with your hands, for breakfast or lunch!

http://bronzedaussie.us/

Traditional Australian meat pies are one of the favorite dishes at the Bronzed Aussie in downtown Los Angeles.

Ninong's Pastries and Café, Granada Hills

Eye on L.A. Facebook fan Fran Hibbs suggested that we visit Ninong's Pastries and Café in Granada Hills for their authentic Filipino food. Ninong's is known for their ube pancakes (ube is a bright purple yam), and they bake everything fresh, from their ube pastries to silongs, a Filipino rice, egg and meat dish. Don't forget to try their coffee Barako, which is directly imported from the Philippines and sure to give you that morning boost.

http://www.ninongspastries.com/

Ninong's Pastries and Cafe in Granada Hills serves up tasty goodies.

Necco, Westwood

A trip over to Westwood brings us to Necco and a new style of Japanese cuisine. Necco is a Japanese tapas restaurant where sharing is caring. They specialize in small, unique dishes that are best when paired together. The word "necco" in Japanese means root, and this restaurant lives up to that name by using a variety of root vegetables such as ginger, lotus root, and carrot. They are also health conscious, and don't use MSG or refined sugar.

http://necco-restaurant.com/

Japanese restaurant Necco in Westwood serves small dishes that use root vegetables like ginger, lotus root and carrot.

Shaolin Temple Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks

We headed over the hill to the Shaolin Temple Los Angeles in Sherman Oaks for a truly unique experience. It's a temple with an espresso bar, and a full training studio which offers Dharma Meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Tea and Philosophy, Chan Buddhism, Shaolin Kung Fu, weapons training, performance training, and more. Established by the Italian born Venerable Abbot Shi Yanfan in 2008, Shaolin Temple Los Angeles allows members to enjoy house-made, authentic Italian coffee. This vibrant mix of Chinese, Italian and L.A. cultures is best represented by the cappuccino, made in a meditation style with real Italian coffee. Learn how to sign up for one of their classes:

http://www.shaolintemplela.org/Welcome.html

Shaolin Temple Los Angeles in Sherman Oaks offers a full training studio for meditation and martial arts, along with an espresso bar.

Apey Kade, Tarzana

Looking to add a little spice to your life? Then head over to Apey Kade in Tarzana for authentic Sri Lankan food, where they can curry almost anything. Apey Kade is one of very few places in Los Angeles that serves real Sri Lankan food, and because they're family-owned, they understand the importance of family and a home-cooked meal.

https://www.facebook.com/Apey-Kade-146500275463867/

Apey Kade in Tarzana offers authentic Sri Lankan dishes.

Officine Brera, Downtown L.A.

For a bit of Northern Italian cuisine, check out Officine Brera, located in the Arts District of Downtown L.A. Inspired by Cucina Povera, or peasant style cooking typical of the countryside along the River Po'Valley in Northern Italy, Officine Brera combines contemporary techniques with Italian traditions. A great spot for a romantic dinner, Brera also offers two private dining rooms and outdoor dining. Of course nothing pairs better with Italian food than a good wine. You can enjoy the best that Italy has to offer from their extensive wine list.

http://officinebrera.com/

Officine Brea in downtown Los Angeles offers peasant-style cooking from Northern Italy.

Garden Pasta Salad with American Beauty Pasta
We teamed up with Chef Marcel Cocit, celebrity chef and caterer to many of Hollywood's biggest names, including Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Maya Rudolph and George Clooney, to create our American Beauty Garden Pasta Salad. Chef Marcel, along with his wife, Jeannie can be seen cooking up delicious dishes and sweet treats on their popular YouTube Channel, "Love At First Bite." http://www.chefmarcelcocit.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/LoveatFirstBiteMC

American Beauty pasta is made with American wheat grown here in California, and is non-GMO project verified. American Beauty is easy to work with and deliciously perfect for this recipe with fresh, local vegetables.

Garden Pasta Salad Recipe:

Cook American Beauty Pasta elbow macaroni al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and let chill. In a large bowl add all ingredients to cold elbow macaroni. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top. Serves 8-10. Toss and enjoy!

16 oz. package of American Beauty Pasta elbow macaroni

1 cup diced red pepper

1 cup diced yellow peppers

1 cup chopped zucchini

1 cup chopped yellow squash

2 cups chopped broccoli

18 cherry tomatoes cut in half

8 oz. cubed mozzarella

8 oz. prosciutto sliced

Fresh basil

Fresh Italian parsley

Italian Dressing

Grated Parmesan

Salt & Pepper

Find more recipes here: American Beauty

You can find American Beauty pasta in many local supermarkets: American Beauty stores

Eye on L.A.'s Tina Malave and Chef Marcel Cocit cook with American Beauty pasta.

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Redondo Beach

For an all-around Brazilian experience, we headed to Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in Redondo Beach. Enjoy all-you-can-eat steak and meat, as well as salad, with carvers bringing meats right to your table until you flip a salt-shaker like object from green to red, telling them to stop. The dancers make it even more fun, with traditional samba dancing, including big feathers and all.

http://www.sambabraziliansteakhouse.com/

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in Redondo Beach offers all-you-can-eat meat as well as salad and other dishes.

Sattdown Jamaican Grill

For those wanting to try Jamaican cuisine, you've gotta try Sattdown Jamaican Grill in Studio City. The jerk here is the real deal, as long as you can handle some spice. Chef Tony prides himself on creating healthy dishes with simple ingredients to make bold flavors. You can enjoy your meal with a traditional Jamaican ginger and hibiscus flower punch beverage. Once you "sattdown," Chef Tony says, "you be back."

http://www.sattdownjamaicangrillca.com/

Sattdown Jamaican Grill in Studio City offers spicy, healthy island dishes.

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