Get Figgy With It : National Fig Week November 1 - 7
Fig-lovers and the fig-curious will be delighted to know that next week (November 1 - 7) is National Fig Week. Popularly thought of as an aphrodisiac, figs also hold many other important health benefits: they are good sources of calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and have anti-diabetic properties. Figs are also low in calories - only 120 calories in a half cup. Plus, they're a great local food source - California fig production has averaged 28 million pounds over the last five years. All dried figs harvested in the United States are grown in California's Central Valley.
Fig Week is a great opportunity to hit some of SoCal's best restaurants that are "Gettin' Figgy With It" this fall.
Fig and Olive
8490 Melrose Place
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 360-9100
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FIG & OLIVE Melrose Place embodies a passion for the best olive oils, flavors, and cuisine from the Riviera and Coastal regions of the South of France, Italy, and Spain. The special figalicious menu, overseen by Executive Chef Pascal Lorange features:
Warm Goat Cheese in Fig Leaf with Lavender Honey served with Fig Chutney and Black Olive Crackers (pictured)
Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet with Prosciutto, Heirloom Tomatoes, Walnuts, and Arugula on a fine puff pastry
Fig & Olive Tajine with Free Range Chicken marinated with Moroccan Spices served with Fig, Olive, Apricots, Toasted Almond, and a Couscous Salad with Harissa paired with Hojiblanca Olive Oil
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Crunchy Olive Oil Crisp with Thyme Figs
Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-3322
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Napa Valley Grille offers local, seasonal ingredients, artisan products, and a vast array of regional wine in a rustic yet refined setting. Executive Chef Joseph Gillard brings a distinctive touch to the wine country-inspired menu with an emphasis on his farming background and fresh ingredients. The fall menu highlights market-driven figs with:
Heritage Pork Chop and/or Natural Chicken Breast served with Housemade Fig Jam
Pastry Chef Manuel Ortega's Goat Cheese & Brie Flatbread Dessert with Caramel Apple Butter, Honey, and Figs (pictured)
CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills
8471 Alden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 859-8833
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At CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills Executive Chef Harutaka Kishi creates a modern Euro-Asian menu with exotic ingredients and honored culinary traditions from his native French and Japanese roots. Chef Kishi celebrates figs in their most natural state with Roasted Mission Figs with Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, Fruit Breat Crouton, and PX Gastrique.
Osteria La Buca
5210 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 462-1900
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Osteria La Buca represents handmade, whole beast, long braise, and farm fresh traditions celebrating the gift that is Southern California produce and grass-roots Italian cooking. Guests are invited to savor Chef Jason Neroni's menu featuring Italian figs: Braised Pork Cheeks served with Smoked Polenta, Sofrito, and Fig Mostardo.
Cafe Pinot
700 West Fifth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 239-6500
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Café Pinot, adjacent to downtown LA's 1920's landmark public library, presents a contemporary Californian-French menu featuring fresh, sophisticated dishes inspired by the farmers' market, a daily rotisserie, and delightful French cocktails. For fig week they are featuring an inventive Arbre Doux Cocktail with House-infused Fig Vodka, Port, and a squeeze of Lemon, topped with a Champagne Float.
Leatherby's Cafe Rouge
Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
615 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 429-7640
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Leatherby's Café Rouge, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, presents exceptional modern American dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Executive Chef Ross Pangilanan offers: 24 Hour Braised Lamb Shank with Moroccan Spices and Figs with Fig Glaze, Warm Quinoa with Figs, and Garden Vegetables.
Public Kitchen & Bar
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-7000
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Public Kitchen & Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt features a menu of eclectic American fare from Executive Chef Tim Goodell including: Fig Salad with Black Mission Figs, Duck Prosciutto, Whipped Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Saba.
Patina Restaurant
141 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-3331
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Patina restaurant, located at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, is one of only two Los Angeles restaurants to receive a 4-star review from the LA Times, in addition to a Michelin Star. Executive Chef Tony Esnault offers a contemporary French menu showcasing the season's highlights, served in an exceptional fine dining atmosphere that sets the restaurant apart as one of the best in the city.
Duck Foie Gras Terrine, Black Mission Figs - The foie gras is confit and preserved for three weeks to accentuate the maturity, garnished with black mission figs chutney then glazed with a black mission figs gelèe. It is served Napoleon style with marinated figs, duck jus vinaigrette, port reduction and toasted country bread.
Roasted Black Mission Figs - Roasted Figs with butter and sugar, presented in a crumble of pine nut nougatine, served with fig marmalade, pine nut panna cotta, lemon sorbet, and port reduction
Kim Tracy Prince is the features editor of CBS Best of LA and blogs at House of Prince.