Mike Riboli is a master of spices and rubs, food and wine. His family owns Los Angeles’ oldest winery – San Antonio Winery. With his knowledge in hospitality, food and wine, Riboli recently opened his first restaurant – Turningfire in Eagle Rock. With the help of Chef Chris Stagliano, they serve rotisserie meat plates, wraps,…
Category: Comfort Food
Winning Watermelon Dishes in LA
What is the quintessential summer fruit? My vote is watermelon! Some of my favorite chefs are preparing watermelon in fun ways onto their menus this summer. Since National Watermelon Day is on August 3, here is a list of 6 restaurants and bars that feature watermelon on the menu in innovative ways. 1. True Food Kitchen…
Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro
A few years ago while exploring Napa Valley, I visited Thomas Keller’s Michelin star awarded Bouchon Bistro in Yountville for lunch. The menu featured Keller’s roasted chicken, regarded by some as the best in the world. I still remember how I thoroughly enjoyed the crispy skin and moist meat paired with a glass of dry…
85 C Bakery & Cafe Opens in Koreatown
Last week 85°C Bakery Cafe opened on Wilshire Blvd., to an enthusiastic crowd of locals, business people and some tourists. As I approached the new bakery cafe, I noticed a line of fans winding around the corner. There are almost 1000 worldwide. The idea of 85°C Bakery Cafe began as Taiwanese businessman Wu Cheng-Hsueh was…
Hot Hot Food: Fusion fried rice and more in Virgil Village
One of the latest culinary trends is fusion fried rice, creatively mixing fried rice with street taco ingredients. It’s the brainchild of Coly Den Haan, a third-generation restaurateur, and Dean Harada of the restaurant Earl’s Mar Vista. While looking for a location for a new dining venue, they discovered a neglected turquoise, stand-alone restaurant in…
Avocado. Margarita. Cinco de Mayo
Everyday is a Cinco de Mayo celebration when you sip a margarita and nibble on tortilla chips and guacamole. I learned from registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade working with the Hass Avocado Board some fun facts about avocados. Here’s what I learned – Avocado is a fruit that contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it…
Enjoying Lompoc – Flowers. Art. Wine. Dine
Santa Barbara County is one of the most beautiful destinations in California. The city of Lompoc is just above the city of Santa Barbara and closer to the beach than the towns of Solvang or Los Olivos. It’s also one of the most affordable areas in the county for locals and visitors to get more…
Hollywood Glamour at The BLVD.
Walking into the elegant Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, you never know who you might see. This restaurant is known for attracting an A-list crowd visiting or living in Los Angeles. Stories have been told that Elvis lived here back in the late 1950’s, while making movies in Hollywood. Beatles sensation John Lennon stayed…
A Special Wine & Dine Dinner at The Larchmont
Come Meet winemaker Bill Hawley and learn about his estate-grown, handcrafted Random Ridge wines on Wednesday, March 22 starting at 7 p.m., at The Larchmont. Located in the Mt. Veeder AVA Napa Valley, the Random Ridge red and white wines you will be tasting are selectively paired with a multi-course dinner. The grapes grown in…
Mardi – Pretty Dishes at Palihouse
Upon my first taste of avocado toast with pickled garlic and thinly sliced red onions, I immediately knew my lunch at Mardi was going to be a pleasing experience. Located at the Palihouse West Hollywood boutique hotel, Kris Tominaga, formerly of Cadet and Hart and the Hunter, is group executive chef of the Paligroup. He…
Valentine’s Cocktails at True Food Kitchen
Exploring the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, my husband and I wandered into True Food Kitchen for an early evening drink after witnessing a spectacular sunset. The manager Serene Murray welcomed us and escorted us to the bar. She introduced us to bartender Renn Hershey and asked him to make us a few of…
Globally Terrific Dishes at Terra Cotta
Walking into Terra Cotta located in the historic Pellissier building, next to The Wiltern Theatre, I recognized the pretty General Manager Susie Moon. She used to work at Otis and Penelope, and is now running this newly opened restaurant smoothly. As she walked us to a table, I asked why the restaurant is named Terra…
