Category Archives: CALIFORNIA

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 […]

EDOBOX MODERN JAPANESE RESTAURANT, SANTA MONICA, CA

Disclaimer: Scott Manlin is my nephew. As far as I can remember, he has always appreciated fine food and good restaurants. When he was barely an adult and living in Chicago, and I was a James Beard Foundation restaurant judge and couldn’t get to all of the nominated Chicago restaurants, I asked Scott for advice. […]

BEAUTIFUL LIVING FROM CAL-A-VIE

I don’t know Terri Havens, but I am astounded by her creations. Everything that Terri touches seems imbedded in splendor.  I love the georgous Cal-a-Vie Health Spa that she and her husband own in the lavender-scented hills of Southern California. I adore the spa’s majestic setting, the flowers, the French antiques, the bedrooms, the public […]

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.

TWO BUNCH PALMS SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Time for a Covid19 break? Time for Two Bunch Palms, an oasis resort in Southern California.

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.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK CAKE–THE BEST

Chocolate buttermilk cake is so easy to make and incredibly delicious. Plus it serves a crowd. Luscious to the max. Here’s the recipe…