UMAMI GETS VOLTAGGIO-ED

On the heels of just being named one of the "17 Most Influential Burgers Of All Time" by Time Magazine, Umami Burger has teamed up with Top Chef Alum Michael Voltaggio for their latest Artist Series burger, The Monte Cristo — and perhaps the most insane of any burger anywhere to date— debuts at all Umami locations nationwide on January 28.  

The Monte Cristo is a twist on the Croque Monsieur, or rather the French grilled ham and cheese sandwich. This U.S. hybrid uses the Umami beef burger as a base which is perched between a vanilla custard-soaked deep fried bun and covered with busseto prosciutto and gruyere fondue. It is then dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of maple syrup.  The burger costs $15 and $1 from every burger sold will benefit The Los Angeles Mission.  

Start your diet tomorrow. And don’t forget your favorite antacid.

PRIX FIXE DEALS THIS WEEK WITH DINE LA

Got a bucket list of restaurants you haven’t tried because of cost? If so, they could be participating in Dine LA Restaurant Week.  Take this gastronomic opportunity through January 31 to indulge in a selection of three to four course prix fixe meals for lunch and/or dinner at a special price.

Over  300 restaurants are featured throughout Los Angeles from $15-$25 per person for lunch and $25-$45 for dinner. Prices and meals vary by restaurant and exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.  Standouts in the 818 include Warren’s Blackboard, Sugarfish, Panzanella, Mistral (pictured above), The Six, Loteria Grill, Red Room, Raphael,  Chablis Food  + Wine, The Six, Morton's and Ruth's Chris. 

Thinking to escape with a yen to go “over the hill,” the quality at The Bazaar, Bouchon and Craft can’t be beat.  For the full list,  check out your neighborhood of interest at: DineLA Restaurant Week.