I had been to Simpang Asia once before but back then, more than half of the space was a grocery store and a small portion was a restaurant. I don’t recall what I ate, but I was not very well versed in southeast Asian cuisine at the time. Now that we have traveled to various parts of Asia, our palates have been sufficiently educated to appreciate the variety of food that Simpang Asia had to offer. Full disclaimer: we did not realize how large the portions were so we took all the entrees home after eating a few bites.
For starters, we ordered the roti paratha. There were four servings of a delicious, crispy, flaky wrapped bread roll which came with a savory chicken curry dipping sauce.
We also ordered the lemper which were sticky coconut rice rolls wrapped around tender juicy shreds of chicken.
The soto ayam arrived next which was a chicken turmeric soup with noodles, soft boiled eggs, cabbage and bean sprouts. The broth had a a bit of an oily layer on the surface indicating that it had been cooking with the various ingredients for a long period of time.
Next was the seafood laksa soup which was a curry broth with noodles, shrimp, squid, fish cake, boiled egg and bean sprouts. It had a creaminess to it with a bit of heat, tempered by a hint of lemon.
We followed that with the nasi goreng with salted fish. The rice dish was exquisite as teeny bits of the fish were interspersed throughout and the fried egg on top helped to subdue the intense flavor. We also ordered a savory chicken skewer with the dish.
The nasi mantep, a combination platter of chicken curry, egg curry, beef chili, kale curry and green chili relish was served next. The chicken was so incredibly tender, the meat practically fell off the bone.
Last to arrive was one of their seasonal specials, the ayam goreng kremes, an Indonesian fried chicken with rice, vegetables, tofu and tempeh. Simpang Asia’s version was surprisingly light and had a layer of crunchy tempura flake batter giving it a doubly crispy texture.
I was quite pleased at how each dish was executed and the service was exemplary. As the evening went on, the restaurant continued to fill up with predominantly Asian customers which was a true sign of an Asian restaurant’s legitimacy. We thoroughly enjoyed our feast from the “southeast” and have every intention of sampling more of Simpang Asia’s other offerings.
Simpang Asia
10433 National Blvd, #2
Los Angeles, CA 90034
http://simpangasia.com
As I’m prone to do on weekends for lunch, I explore and sample different ethnic restaurants that are in close proximity to home. I initially looked for Turkish or Persian food after discovering that Shawarma Land in front of the Turkish grocery had been replaced by a not-yet-opened Hot Nashville Chicken Restaurant. Nothing struck my fancy so I researched the adjoining restaurants to the unopened space.
I had passed by Coppelia’s several times on my previous jaunts to Shawarma Land and recalled that their breakfasts and Lomo Saltado looked interesting. Surprisingly, Coppelia’s has a much more vibrant interior than its previous neighbor. The walls are painted in mustard and pumpkin hues with framed artwork and photos of what I can only assume is a representation of Peruvian towns and life in Peru. The fans seem to cool the space quite a bit so it’s very comfortable dining in as opposed to necessitating takeout.
Fernando quickly greeted me with a menu after I seated myself. I ordered the half Peruvian rotisserie chicken with crispy fries and black beans. It took about ten minutes or so before I received my entree. It was piping hot. I started with the thigh as all foodies do because if that’s not tender and moist, all hope is lost for the white meat portion of the chicken.
It did not disappoint. The meat practically fell off the bone. The chicken had a unique tangy marinade mixed with black pepper and a hint of citrus. The skin was slightly crispy and savory. Surprisingly, the breast was equally tender though obviously not as moist since it’s a leaner and denser part of the chicken. The beans and rice combo seems like it would have been better suited for the roast chicken rather than the fries that I ordered but I still enjoyed them.
All in all, for the amount of food, it’s definitely a good value. I’ve eaten at other Peruvian restaurants like El Pollo Inka and Lonzo’s Restaurant as well as a few other Peruvian pop-ups at Farmers Markets. What I’ve discovered is they each offer a unique take on the cuisine. Coppelia’s rotisserie chicken is quite delicious so I will definitely be back to sample more from their menu. Stay tuned!!
Coppelia’s Bakery & Cafe
10825 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
http://www.coppeliasbakery.club/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Coppelias%20Bakery%20&%20Restaurant&utm_term=5c991267eea1da0001a9301a
If Barbara Jean was a real woman, she would be saucy, a bit edgy and complex but composed and well put together. Chef Jason Fullilove offered a bit of sassy mixed with a flavor explosion of sumptuous goodness.
We started off with the chicken and egg salad which was a ying and yang of crisp fresh shaved cabbage contrasted with the chewy cranberry and the moist shredded chicken. It had a light citrusy dressing which was perfect for the mixed textures of the dish.
The buttermilk biscuits were dense, a bit gritty and grainy but combined with the sweet warm honey and the softened butter they whisked you back to home, to your childhood at your mom’s kitchen after she had given you a pat on the back for a job well done at school.
After that “Ratatouille” moment, our experience was followed with the orecchiette pasta which had a tart but tasty tomato emulsion at the base of the plate giving it another layer of flavor on top of the already delicious combo of mushrooms, peas and pecorino. It was an Italian Mother’s dream.
In direct contrast was the shrimp and grits which is what I imagine southern dreams are made of because the shrimp were quite large, sweet on the outside but juicy and tangy in the inside. The grits were perfectly cooked and subtly flavored.
My favorite part of the meal, the star of the show, was the fried chicken. As my husband said, it was far superior to Honey’s Kettle which is mass produced. Clearly, these are fighting words but I would have to second his opinion. It was evident that great care and respect was paid to memorialize what fried chicken should taste like. The batter and the skin were light, crispy and seasoned with herbs which were visible with each bite. The meat was ridiculously tender and juicy. I was in fried chicken heaven. If I could choose my last meal, the fried chicken by Chef Jason Fullilove would be it.
Not to be outdone by this 5 Star meal at a 2 Star location was the dessert which had a bit of cream cheese frosting combined with a bit of fruit bread and sweet nut layers mixed into each bite.
Everybody should sprint through the door at this new Culver City eats because it’s ridiculously delicious, inexpensive considering the quality of the food and Chef Jason Fullilove is an absolute dream, so talented, cool and collected. We are so happy Barbara Jean moved into town and hope that Chef Jason will want to make Culver City his home.
Madly in love with @barbarajeaneats and @cheffullilove! The BEST food and chef in Culver City!! A 5 star foodie experience for 2 star price!!
Barbara Jean,
4114 Sepulveda Blvd, Ste E
Culver City, CA 90230
Grace Gambin
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