Category Archives: LOS ANGELES

Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy Los Angeles

Once in a blue moon, an art exhibit offers such magic as Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy in Los Angeles. The exhibit showcases a collection of artist-made carnival fun that first operated in Germany in 1987. Lost, rediscovered, restored, the exhibit will enchant the entire family.

BUTTER LETTUCE SALAD AND HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKET

The salad was freshness itself. Crispy and sweetly tender butter lettuce leaves wearing a light dressing that glistened like dew. I sampled the salad as a first course at a Sunday night dinner prepared by Scott Manlin (influencer, restaurateur, and my nephew). Scott credited the salad’s perfection to the Hollywood Farmers Market, where he shops […]

SPARTINA, STEPHEN KALT, BREAD PUDDING

I’m crazy about Stephen Kalt. At least I love his L.A. restaurant, Spartina, especially at happy hour when the prices are discounted. Apparently, I’m not the one and only. Critics rave. Influencers gush. Stephen and his restaurants have been called the best by such prestigious publications as Esquire, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure. He […]

Ta-eem Grill, Hummus Fava Beans

Ta-eem Grill in Los Angeles draws a crowd for It’s kosher Mediterranean dishes. Owner Sylvie Kraizberger shares the recipe for authentic Hummus Fava Beans (Ful).

DOSA AND MAYURA INDIAN RESTAURANT

Dr. Aniyan, or Padmini as her friends call her, greets guests at the door of her south Indian restaurant with a smile as brilliant as the gold trimmed sari that she explains is her “work” uniform. The Ph.D professor of business management and accounting and her restauranteur husband, Aniyan Puthanpurayil, immigrated to the United States […]

PORTO’S BAKERY & CAFE AND ROPA VIEJA

California’s iconic Porto’s Bakery & Cafes are now selling frozen goodies nationwide. These Bake at Home treats delight and we are grateful to have them available when not able to get to the bakery in person. On the other hand, the favorite Cuban dish, Ropa Vieja is only available in the cafe, but you can also make it at home as Porto’s gave us the recipe.

KOBEE FACTORY’S KOBEE THREE WAYS

Wafa Ghreir, owner of Kobee Factory & Syrian Kitchen in Los Angeles, CA, shares her recipe for kobee (aka Kibbee, kibbeh, jubba) made three ways.

YUCA’S HUT COCHINITA PIBIL

    IMMIGRANT CHEF: SOCORRO HERRERA Yuca’s Hut Los Angeles, California Socorro Herrera was born in Mérida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State. Both ancient Mayas and Spanish conquistadors settled in Mérida leaving behind rich cultural characteristics that influenced Socorro as she grew up, married and started a family.  Seeking a “better education for her […]

A PERFECT MEZZE MEAL

Great ideas and recipes for a snazzy brunch or family dinner mezze meal. Concept copied from Toast Bakery Cafe and Ta-eem Grill in Los Angeles.

MELROSE UMBRELLA COMPANY AND MEZCALI ME BANANA COCKTAIL

The recipe for a luscious mezcal based cocktail from the Melrose Umbrella Company cocktail bar/restaurant on Melrose Ave. In Los Angeles.