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…
Category: Fine Dining
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…
Montage Beverly Hills Welcomes Zakarian’s Georgie
I was saddened to learn that Scott Conant’s Scarpetta at the Montage Beverly Hills, closed its doors earlier this year. I have fond memories of twirling strands of the most expensive bowl of spaghetti pomodoro around my fork, and seeing Conant walk into the kitchen to prepare a special Montage anniversary dinner. But sadness gave…
Best Dining View Spot in LA – 71Above
The skyline in downtown Los Angeles has been transformed over the past few years. The US Bank Tower, erected in 1990, didn’t move or add more floors, but took things outside. OUE Skyspace opened the LA Skyslide in June, a 45 foot plunge outside of the building. The four-inch thick, clear glass slide, affixed 1,000…
