I was invited to the preview of this year’s culinary and beverage program led by James Beard Award winning Chef Suzanne Goin and this year’s James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year, Caroline Styne. I learned that the Hollywood Bowl is one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity…
Category: Exploring California
A Culinary Jewel in Los Angeles
Out with the old and in with the new. When Executive Chef Jasmine Shimoda left downtown Los Angeles’ vegan oasis, The Springs, she and Gjelina alum Sharkey McGee dreamed of opening an affordable, plant-based casual dining spot in or near Sliver Lake. Their friend Coly Den Haan opened Hot Hot Food last year, and then…
10 Ways to Enjoy The Museum of Selfies
Why do people take selfies? Is it vanity? Pride? Posing with a celebrity? Over a million selfies are uploaded to social media every day. Why? The roots of documenting a feeling, accomplishment or event to share with others dates back thousands of years ago. Created by Tair Mamedov (stand-up comedian, writer, director, and game designer) Tommy…
The Oasis Death Valley
With the recent rain, desert wildflowers are rising from the parched ground at the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska. While the density of wildflowers varies each year, the fact that wildflowers bloom in one of the driest destinations in the world, defies logic and reason. With a population under 300 people during spring, Death…
Candytopia is OPEN in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place is better than ever, now that Candytopia opened near Bloomingdales. Attendees can nibble their way through a dozen different unique rooms as they explore an imaginative confectionary wonderland. Each room offers a large container of candy to sample as you admire larger-than-life art installations, colossal candy creations and discover candy facts.This creative Sabine…
Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
This is the 25th year that Duane and Kelly Roberts, the owners of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, have created the nations largest holiday light collections. USA TODAY voted the display the “Best Public Lights Display.” This year’s theme is a Candy Spectacular. Every year the historic Inn ushers in an increasing number of…
Cheese Please during the Holidays
What better gift to give or receive, than Marin French Cheese. I recently received a gift box filled with different varieties that I have been enjoying nightly for the past two weeks. California is known for many contributions to the world, including cheese. Since 1865 the 700-acre Hicks Valley Ranch has provided fresh cow and…
Exploring Oxnard & the Channel Islands
Touring the Presidential Suite at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard, I admired the 1,600-square-foot space that includes a spacious master bedroom complete with a king size bed and balcony looking out to the Pacific Ocean. There is an adjoining bathroom with a large, inviting whirlpool soaking tub. The second bedroom…
10 Halloween Treats at Disneyland & Disney’s California Adventure
Every visit to Disneyland is memorable, however during Halloween Time, it’s extra special. The spell is cast and the magic of Happy Hauntings is now at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Be on the look out for Disney characters including Goofy, Cruella de Vil, Daisy, Mickey and Minnie Mouse cloaked in frightfully delightful Halloween-themed attire. What’s…
