BY KAREN YOUNG
It’s Academy Award weekend and you were left off the list of Elton John’s Oscar bash—what are you supposed to do? Have your own of course! Whether you’re celebrating low key with family or planning a party, here’s a few local places that can provide simple food with a home cooked taste “to go” for a casual celebration. And for some star power, at least you can have the Oscar cookie from Sweet Butter Kitchen that Javier Bardem coveted during an Oscar Nominee luncheon interview with Extra.
Artisan Cheese Gallery — Studio City
The Studio City shop carries a select choice of wine and gourmet items. For your Oscar party, put together sandwich and salad platters — Turkey with Brie and Apples, Duck Confit, Spanish Turkey with Marcona Almonds, the Chopped Salad are just a few faves. Custom made cheese platters are a specialty of the house. There are over 150 types of cheeses available.Try such selections as Tresor de Normandie (French brie), Ossau-Iraty (French sheep’s milk cheese) and Beemster XO (sharp and crunchy Gouda from Holland). Brillat-Savarin Frais (fresh version of a French cow’s milk triple cream), Tomme de Bordeaux (French semi-firm goat’s milk cheese covered in herbs and spices) and Amuse Signature Gouda (aged 2 years from Holland). Platters come beautifully decorated with nuts, fresh and dried fruit, and flowers. You can go as simple or as complex as you desire. Just give a number and a budget. Call ahead to order. 12023 Ventura Blvd Studio City (818) 505-0207
Sweet Butter Kitchen makes this special Oscar Cookie that Javier Bardem coveted. Special order to insure availability.
Blue Table — Agoura and Calabasas
This family owned business started in Calabasas and opened a second location in Agoura Hills last year. A gourmet shop with specialty cheese, wine, charcuterie, salads, sandwiches, soups and more, also has a wonderful catering menu. Perfect for an Oscar Party are any of the platters: Cheese, Antipasto, Pate, Crudite. Make it a bit more sophisticated by adding such hors d’ouerves as Black Truffle & Goat Cheese Puffs, Mini Lamb skewers with yogurt dipping sauce, Stilton & Quince Puff Pastry, Mini Spinach & Ricotta in Phyllo. Warm Buffet dishes include Lasagna Bolognese , Chicken l’ uva (Chicken & sausage cooked with grapes & fresh herbs in a white wine sauce) and Baked Pasta Torte with Seasonal Vegetables. Plus, there’s salads and dessert platters as well. Twenty-four hours notice is needed. Bluetable.net Agoura Hills 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills,Whizin Shopping Center). blue table – 4774 Park Granada #4, Calabasas
Domingos Italian Deli — Encino
This family run Italian deli and grocery is nearly 60 years old and filled with hearty good tasting food. Go a little more rustic and budget conscious with Super Sub sandwiches or finger sandwiches. Or go with platters—antipasto, vegetables, fruit & cheese. Appetizers such as prosciutto with melon, caprese, meatballs, spinach dip in a bread roll and bruschetta cruda. Entrees include a variety of lasagnas, parmagianas, pastas, chicken and veal dishes. House specialties include sfogliatelle (a filled puff pasty with ricotta and dried fruit), biscotti ( a crunchy cookie good for dipping into coffee), giardeniera (a veggie spread used on the sub sandwiches) and ciabatta (known as “slipper bread”). Yes, they make pizza too! Domingo’s Italian Deli and Grocery 17548 Ventura Blvd. Encino 818.981.4466 Fax your order: (818)981-6305
Sweet Butter Kitchen — Sherman Oaks
This Sherman Oaks farmhouse style gourmet market and eatery carries the works. Talking dessert first, they created a special Oscar cookie that Javier Bardiem coveted on Extra, plus an array of cookies, pastries, bars and more. The take out selection changes daily, so on board for this Oscar weekend are dips, including: Hummus. Spinach & Artichoke, Buttermilk Ranch, Creamy Bleu Cheese and Onion. Pair these with Homemade Crostini, Potato Chips and Crudite Baskets. Hors d’oeuvres include Baked Brie en Croute, Deviled Eggs, Pigs n Blankets and Fried Mac n Cheese Bites. Custom order artisan cheese plates with marcona almonds, honeycomb and membrillo quince paste or antipasti plates with salumi, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, olives and artichokes. This weekend’s entrees are Chicken Parmesan & Polenta and the every amazing Sweet Butter Mac n Cheese. Lighten it up with salads, including Tri Colore Salad; Mixed Green Salad with apple, cranberries and candied pecans with dijon vinaigrette; and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with hazelnuts, chives and Parmesan cheese lemon dressing. 13824 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks (818)788-2832
Sweetsalt — Toluca Lake
This gourmet shop owned by Top Chef Season Five contender Alex Eusebio can put together a party order with their daily menu items. Platter a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, such as salami, prosciutto and sopressata with fresh baguette, house olives and fruit. All sandwiches can be made into a “slider” sizes. Some of the best include the Short Rib Roll, BLT, Lavender Shrimp Po Boy and Duck Confit. There’s a variety of salads, such as the Feta and Seasonal Vegetables, Chopped Salad and Champagne Chicken Salad that are perfect for a party. 10218 1/2 Riverside Drive CA (818) 509-7790
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of My Daily Find. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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