New chef Michelangelo Aliaga at Los Balcones in Hollywood incorporates proteins with Peruvian staple ingredients – corn, potatoes, peppers, quinoa, rice and beans to create authentic and hearty South American fare. Raised in Peru by Italian parents who immigrated to South America, I learned that Chef Michelangelo’s grandfather inspired him to become a chef. After…
Category: Fun dining
Robata Fun at INKO NITO
Following the success of Inko Nito’s first location in downtown’s Arts District, the Zuma group-owned eatery has opened its second location in Los Angeles in the former Bianconi space on Third Street. What makes eating at this modern robatayaki restaurant particularly fun is the open robata grill kitchen in the middle of the eatery. Diners…
More Than Fine – Wood & Vine
In 2011, I gave the newly opened restaurant Wood & Vine a stellar review. The talented Executive chef Gavin Mills was very creative in the small kitchen (I’ve been told it might be the smallest restaurant kitchen in LA). Originally it was built as a gathering space for friends and neighboring locals to come enjoy…
Become a Master of Taste on April 3, 2016
I’ve been on the field of the historic Rose Bowl for a fundraising event and it is really cool. Especially if you are a UCLA Bruin and have sat in the stadium multiple times to watch a home football game. You get that certain thrill standing on the field imagining what the football players are…
Mexican flavors with modernist techniques – Dia de Campo
Sitting in a spacious wooden booth next to a window at Día de Campo, we watched two middle-aged surfers walk back to their car after a day at the beach. After putting their boards on car racks, they changed into dry clothes, flipped their hair a few times and walked inside Día de Campo for…
Honoring Veterans with Free Wine, Food & Movie Tickets on Nov. 11
To show appreciation and gratitude for those who have served our country, iPic Theaters, Major Dave’s Chicken, Sammy’s Pizza, Rock & Brews, Andaz and a few others are giving these men and women a special treat on November 11, 2015. Here’s some special perks for our Retired Veterans and Active Duty Military – IPIC THEATERS…
Clifton’s Cafeteria Quickly Losing It’s Luster
I almost dropped my tray at Clifton’s Cafeteria when I learned that the esteemed chef Jason Fullilove left Clifton’s last Monday! After a three-year renovation, the new Clifton’s Cafeteria opened with a media blitz a little over one month ago. NPR had a great piece about the beloved spot that originally opened in 1932. When…
World Vegan Day on Nov. 1
This Sunday is World Vegan Day! Here are 8 culinary spots in the Los Angeles to celebrate with healthy and delicious vegan dishes. Chavela Plant-based Executive Chef Rachel Carr uses Latin inspiration in all of her vegan dishes. One of her signature dishes includes pumpkin blue corn tamales with spicy, organic blue corn tamale stuffed…
Rooftop Skyline Dining at WP24
I have a secret to share. I found the ideal al fresco summer dining spot in downtown Los Angeles. Not only does this outdoor venue serve an upscale, a la carte, Asian-inspired menu and seasonal cocktails, it’s now open for the first time to the public. Last Friday, we handed our keys to the valet…
