When Executive chef Bruce Kalman left his restaurant Union, I wondered what would happen to this Old Pasadena favorite. Kalman made Union a star, and in return his culinary career took off launching him into Bravo’s Season 15 Top Chef contention. After four years at Union, he decided to focus on some new projects. Owner…
Catalina Island’s Hotel Atwater is better than ever
There are three ways to arrive on Catalina Island – helicopter, airplane and boat. The most economical mode of transportation is taking one of the high speed Catalina Express boats from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point. Within one hour, your will be transported to a more laid back vibe, rich in history, and abundant…
10 Things to See & Do in San Pedro, CA
The waterfront area of San Pedro offers a multitude of fun things to see and do. One of my favorite experiences is boarding and taking a self-guided tour the Battleship IOWA, enjoying brunch at the new French Bistro La Buvette Bistro, strolling through CRAFTED and taking a two-hour whale watching trip along the coast in search…
Sophisticated Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Staying at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a cosmopoliatan experience inside the ten story hotel that blends Hollywood glamour with European elegance and French style. Now through the end of September 2019, the hotel is at the crossroads of the vibrant West Hollywood and the iconic Beverly Hills. It’s located directly across the street…
My Little Dumpling
Taking over the former Italian Gusto space on Third Street, My Little Dumpling is a newer upscale dim sum dining experience in the Beverly Grove neighborhood. The menu features classic American fare with a global Asian twist. Robert Mandler, the owner along with his son Anthony, is a successful Los Angeles restauranteur, since he founded…
Mercado LA wins Michelin Bib Gourmand award
Innovative margaritas and classic Mexican cuisine with a contemporary flair earned Mercado Los Angeles a prestigious Michelin “Bib Gourmand” designation earlier this year. Michelin inspectors recognized the quality of the food and menu affordability. To qualify, a restaurant needs to be a step above the rest, while offering two courses and a glass of wine…
Deal of the Day: “Maisel Day” on Aug. 15
Here’s a clever marketing idea – Amazon Prime is celebrating 20 Emmy nominations with “Maisel Day” in Los Angeles on August 15. Businesses in the Greater L.A.-area will offer “take a trip back in time to 1959” with food, drink and even hotel prices from that time period. Go early on Thursday because these deals…
Castaway offers sensational views of Los Angeles & The Valley
Some of my fondest summer dining experiences are sitting on the patio at Castaway in Burbank overlooking the city of Los Angeles. At the newly renovated restaurant, guests can create memories of their own at the country club-style restaurant, which offers 180-degree views of downtown and the San Fernando Valley, including a perfect view of…
PALI WINE TASTING ROOM IN SANTA BARBARA
Walking along The Urban Wine Trail in Santa Barbara into the Funk Zone, you soon come upon 10 blocks filled with an eclectic mix of galleries, shops, restaurants, wineries, and breweries. Converted warehouses are decked out as wine tasting rooms for local wineries in the Santa Barbara County and Central California. We stopped inside the…
