Category Archives: CALIFORNIA

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…

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DESERT: ODD, OFFBEAT AND WEIRDLY WONDERFUL

Visit the Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, Salvation Mountain, Slab City, East Jesus and Galleta Meadows Estate in the Southern California Desert area to find weirdly wonderful art and other unique attractions.

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.

MAMMOTH EATING IN MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA

Mammoth Lakes offers vast opportunities for outdoor activities. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Lake Basin supplies majestic lakes for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. And the entire region is a scenic playground for hiking, biking, camping, photography and exploring nature. But […]

CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA, AMERICA’S MOST PERFECT DESTINATION SPA

The second I win the lottery, I’m calling Cal-a-Vie and booking an extended stay. Why do I love the spa? Here are just a few of the many reasons: LOCATION Nestled in a valley surrounded by lavender scented hills, Cal-a-Vie sits 40 miles north of San Diego and seven miles inland from the Pacific coast […]

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

Anna Marco is not only a writer with over 800 articles to her credit, but also a magazine editor, film actress, model, professional makeup artist, advertising expert with over 28 years of experience in the entertainment industry, stylist, fashion designer, creator of a cartoon series and an automotive industry spokesperson. Whew! This high octane woman […]

PETIT TROIS IN LOS ANGELES AND FABULOUS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Oh man, I’m hungry. All I can think about is the original Petit Trois in Los Angeles. This restaurant proves the proverb that good things come in small packages. Really good things. Really small packages. Located in a strip mall on Highland just off Melrose, the narrow French-focused bistro seats only 21 lucky folks on […]

Watts Towers of Simon Rodia

Call it what you will, folk art, naive art, outsider art, or simply a magnificent achievement of a poor immigrant, Simon Rodia’s Watts Towers stake a forever claim in the history of art and serve as a stunning tribute to man’s powers of dedication and persistence. A treasure trove and must-see stop for anyone headed to Los Angeles.