In the early 1900s people starting arriving in Hollywood, CA to find fame, fortune and success in silent films. It was similar to the 1840s Gold Rush when people from all over streamed into San Francisco to get rich while panning for gold. Unfortunately, there were too many people coming into Hollywood and not enough…
Category: Los Angeles
Celebrity Chef Scott Conant & Freddy Vargas – The Ponte
When Terrine closed last year, Stephane Bombet of Bombet Hospitality Group talked to Scott Conant about helping him change his classic French-inspired restaurant into a contemporary Italian one. Bombet knew Conant from Scarpetta at the Montage Beverly Hills. This celebrity chef attracted foodies from all over to order his iconic $24 spaghetti with tomato and…
After the LA Marathon 2017
On Sunday, March 19 more than 25,000 runners and walkers will take over Los Angeles streets as thousands of spectators cheer them on for one of the largest marathons in the country. Runners from all 50 states and more than 63 countries will set out from Dodger Stadium and run through Los Angeles to the finish line…
10 Ways to Enjoy the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
Los Angeles Food & Wine weekend starts Thursday, August 26 through August 28. It’s presented by Coastal Luxury Management and founding partners FOOD & WINE and Lexus. This three-night, four-day, not-to-miss culinary extravaganza takes place all over Los Angeles from Downtown LA along Grand Avenue next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, to Hollywood, Beverly…
The new Olio – The Crepe Kitchen
A few years ago, I met Yafit Barades, the owner of The Crepe + Kitchen at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. I was struck by the sweet hospitality she extended to every guest. Her charming personality was contagious. New menu items at Olio Crepe Kitchen include the fallafel spinach wrap, served…
Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2014
We have enjoyed some wonderful meals at restaurants throughout Los Angeles. As devoted foodies, our team selected a repertoire of new and old dining establishments that provide creative fare, that is beautifully presented by attentive service, in an inviting atmosphere. Here is our list of honorees from some unique dining venues: #10 Sonoma Wine Garden…
The Legend of Tam O’Shanter
In 1952, my father returned from the Korean War and his family took him to Tam O’Shanter on Los Feliz Blvd. for a celebratory meal. Located in his old stomping grounds, he fondly remembers the storybook tudor-design building filled with knick-knacks and good wholesome food. Now in his 80s, I helped move my dad from…
Wokcano has a Wow Factor
“Want to try Wokcano on Third Street with me?” I asked a fellow restaurant writer. “Sure, I’ve never tried it,” Gerry replied. I told her, “ Wokcano doesn’t only serve sushi and sashimi, they also serve marvelous Chinese food.” The manager Aaron greeted me and led me to a table under a padded white wall….
Andre’s an Italian Institution
“Have you been here before?” asked the affable Aron Celnik as I walked into Andre’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. Shyly, I replied, “No,” even when I lived near Third St. and Poinsettia years ago. Andre’s is tucked in the back of a courtyard between the newer Whole Foods market and K-Mart shopping center. “We’ve been…
Cafe Pinot’s Newest Executive Chef
I was so excited to experience a dinner prepared by Executive Chef Sydney Hunter III at Café Pinot. The seasoned chef began his career at L’Orangerie in 2002. Some may remember him at Bastide on Melrose. Chef Joachim Splichal, founder of the Patina Restaurant Group, recently gave Hunter the coveted white Executive Chef jacket at…
UMAMIcatessen – Another Creative Endeavor for Adam Fleishman
There’s a new deli, groovy bar, gourmet coffee bar, donut shop and Umami burger restaurant located next to the historic Orpheum Theatre. It’s another creation by the innovative Adam Fleischman, Los Angeles based restaurateur and Chief Executive of Umami Restaurant Group. With his mega successful Umami Burger, Fleischman has branched out to pizza with his thriving 800 Degrees in Westwood…
Sushi Roku on Third
Walking into Sushi Roku on Third Street, I noticed cords of rope hanging from the ceiling, called “nawa-noren” which are symbols indicating the establishment is a traditional Japanese restaurant. The lighting enhances the Japanese theme and the long sushi bar. “We have the longest sushi bar of all the Sushi Roku restaurants,” said Joe Ando,…
