In 1917 peanut butter makers Ray and Blanche Magee made their debut at the Grand Central Market, selling high quality nut butters. Soon it became a culinary sensation and they moved in 1934 to the new original Farmers Market along Fairfax and 3rd. With the celebration of Grand Central Market’s 100 anniversary, Christopher Farber, Grand…
Category: Exploring California
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…
Sipping Brander Wines at 71Above
Learn more about one of Santa Ynez finest wineries in my LuxeBeat review of Brander Vineyards. Located in Santa Barbara County, a wine region located along the coastal range of North and South America. The transverse mountain range borders the Pacific Ocean on two sides allowing clouds to roll over the top of the mountains…
Santa Barbara Vintner – Brander Wines
Santa Barbara County wines are the closest backyard wine region to Los Angeles. “It’s one of the most diverse regions to produce some of the best grapes in the world,” said organizer Allison Levine from Please The Palate, welcoming a group of oenophiles to a Santa Barbara Wine Road Trip luncheon. “The wine region is located…
Masters of Taste 2017
Last Sunday at 1:30 p.m., the clouds opened at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena less than two hours before hundreds of people were going to arrive for a 3 p.m., entrance to the second annual Masters of Taste. It was sunny and dry by the time I arrived and strolled the 50-yard line feasting…
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…
Captivating Carlsbad
Driving up to the coastal inspired Cape Rey Carlsbad resort, I noticed the hotel is directly across the street from the beach. It’s California Craftsman design takes full advantage of unobstructed Pacific Ocean views. The hotel opened in June, 2012, and is part of the Hilton Resort family. Walking into the inviting lobby, a friendly…
10 Top Travel Destinations in 2017
The past two years I traveled to some fascinating spots in the world. I’ve complied my 10 favorite trips and included reviews for you to read and get inspired to travel. Take a peek and let me be your guide – Amsterdam – A line of Teslas pull up to the taxi stand outside the Amsterdam…
Santa’s Favorite Volunteer of 2016
I met some of Santa’s favorite helpers yesterday in Los Angeles. Rhonda and her volunteers were in a warehouse one block away from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles collecting gift cards and gifts for families in need. We met thanks to my daughter’s Girl Scout leader Mary Perkins reaching out to The Holidays From the Heart…
Secret Supper Club INTRO – Art, Music, Food
On a nondescript strip of Lankershim Boulevard, next to the former Firenze Osteria, is a dance studio that has been transformed into a secret supper club with a dining room that seats 20 adventurous guests. Michelin-Star Chef Paul Shoemaker is busy in his new kitchen preparing a 12-course elegant dinner every Friday and Saturday evening….
Ventura Harbor HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE
We arrived at the Ventura Harbor just as the sun was setting behind the Channel Islands into the Pacific Ocean. It was one of the best sunsets I have witnessed in a long time. The sky was a robin’s egg blue, the islands were visible and wispy clouds were above the horizon. Across from the…
Citizen in Beverly Hills
CITIZEN Beverly Hills: Casual, comfortable, crafty At the new Citizen in Beverly Hills, paparazzi linger on the sidewalk patio. Next door is Spago and across the street is Georgie at the Montage Beverly Hills. This area is known for celebrity sightings with Mastro’s and The Palm just down the street. The night I dined at…
