During the months of March through May, the seaside community of Carlsbad in Southern California celebrates with their famous blooming ranuculus. Near the center of town is a field ablaze with a kaleidoscope of flowers. Restaurants, hotels and spas incorporate flowers into their wellness programs, cocktails and special dining menus. Here are 10 Petal to…
Category: Fine Dining
Lunch in Sixty at Jean Georges Beverly Hills at the Waldorf Astoria
While the esteemed Michelin Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten was in Beverly Hills for 24 hours to debut his new “Lunch in Sixty” at the Waldorf Astoria, I met the chef while dining inside his elegant Jean-Georges dining room. Jean Georges grew up in Alsace, France, and developed a passion for cooking and food, while studying…
Ricado Zarate’s Newest Peruvian Restaurant
Years ago, I met three-time James Beard Foundation award nominee Chef Ricardo Zarate at his urban Peruvian restaurant, Mo-Chica. Later, he opened Picca, near Century City, and Paiche, in Marina del Rey, introducing Peruvian flavors fused with Asian and European ingredients. Enchanted by his culinary creations, I followed him to Santa Barbara to Blue Tavern…
Meeting Filmmaker Eleanor Coppola
When the movie Paris Can Wait opened in theaters on May 12, I took a girlfriend to see the delightful romantic comedy about a Hollywood producer’s wife who takes an unexpected romp through France. The trip reawakens her sense of self and joie de vivre. We both agreed the movie was cast beautifully with the lead actress…
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…
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…
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….
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…
New Chef Rockin the menu at Cavatina
The first review I wrote in 2016 was about my memorable dinner at Cavatina at the Sunset Marquis Hotel. The hotel sits in a 3.5-acre oasis of gardens and is a home-away-from-home to rock legends, filmmakers, writers, actors and discerning guests from around the world. Recently, James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Schlow, the owner and…
