DINING REVIEWS - CLICK ON LIN BLOW OR DRP DOWNMN

• Los Angeles Dine Reviews A thru M

  • 101 Cider House
  • AMMO
  • AMMO at the Hammer
  • Artisan House
  • Asiana Grill Yoshinoya
  • Baby’s Badass Burgers
  • Bar Pintxo
  • Barlo
  • Barney’s Beanery
  • Bistrotek
  • Black Star Burger L.A.
  • BLVD 16
  • BOA Steakhouse
  • Bogies Bar & Lounge
  • Bok Bok Chicken
  • Bombay Palace
  • Border Grill
  • Burrata House
  • BRÜ Haus
  • Cafe Fiore
  • Café Midi
  • Calle Tacos
  • Canary
  • Carson House
  • Celestino
  • Chez Jay Santa Monica
  • Chi Dynasty
  • Choppe Choppe
  • Church & State Bistro
  • Currywurst Los Angeles
  • Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar
  • Crustacean Beverly Hills
  • Dakota Lounge
  • Dan Tana’s
  • Deck 33
  • 800 Degrees Pizzeria
  • Delfini Cittá
  • Delfini Cittá (new)
  • Den of Hollywood
  • 3Dog Cantina
  • Eat.Drink.Americano
  • El Cholo
  • El Corazon de CM
  • El Tejano Tex-Mex
  • Fig & Olive
  • Figue Mediterranean
  • Fleming’s Steakhouse
  • Fleming's Beverly Hills
  • Freddy Small’s Bar +
  • Georgia's Restaurant
  • Glow Lounge
  • Gobi BBQ House
  • Hama Sushi Restaurant
  • Heirloom L.A.
  • Highlights Of 2018
  • Highlights Of 2019
  • Hotel Shangrila
  • Islands Burgers
  • JAX Bar & Grill
  • Jean Georges Steakhouse
  • Joe’s Las Vegas
  • Joe's Restaurant
  • Joe's Restuarant II
  • Kazan Beverly Hills
  • Kitchen 24
  • La Cachette Bistro
  • L.A. LIVE Katsuya
  • L.A. LIVE Rock’ N Fish
  • L.A. LIVE Yard House
  • Las Vegas Summer Travel
  • Las Vegas Town Square
  • Las Vegas Tour Guide
  • Lexington Social House
  • Library Alehouse
  • Lilly’s French Café & Bar
  • Link-N-Hops
  • Locals Sports Bar & Grill
  • London West Hollywood
  • Lure Gastro Lounge
  • M Street Kitchen
  • Malibu Inn
  • Mandarette Chinese Cafe
  • Mandarin Oriental, LV
  • Melody Bar & Grill
  • Melody Bar & Grill #2
  • Mexikosher
  • Mezze
  • Mi Piace
  • Michael’s
  • Michael’s On Naples
  • Michael's Santa Monica
  • Mirabelle on Sunset
  • My Vienna Gelato & Café

• Los Angeles Dine Reviews N thru Z

  • Napa Valley Grille
  • Next Door By Josie
  • Nic’s Beverly Hills
  • O.C. Food Trek
  • Osawa
  • Padri Restaurant & Martini
  • Pann’s Restaurant
  • Pink’s
  • Plum Tree Inn
  • Primitivo Wine Bistro
  • Proof Bakery
  • Public School 805
  • Revelator: Bar Avalon
  • RHUMBAR
  • Rolling Stone LA
  • Roof on Wilshire
  • Roy’s Los Angeles
  • Sadie Kitchen & Lounge
  • Shin
  • SIMON L.A
  • Six Taste Food Tours
  • Smokin’ ZZs
  • Soda Pop's
  • Spago
  • Spoon By H
  • Stella Rossa Pizza Bar
  • The Lobster
  • The Oven
  • The Raymond Restaurant
  • The Urban Oven
  • Stefan’s at L.A. Farm
  • STK-LA
  • STREET
  • Supperclub Los Angeles
  • Surah Korean BBQ
  • The Best Fish Taco
  • The Bistro Garden
  • The Capital Grille
  • The Charleston
  • The Gridde Café
  • The Hideout
  • The Hollywood Corner
  • The Hollywood Corner #2
  • The Larchmont
  • The Mint
  • The Palm
  • The Raymond 1886 - 2020
  • The Strand House
  • The Tripel
  • The Veggie Grill
  • The Vintner's Tavern
  • The Yard
  • Tinga
  • Tinga Review #2
  • Trader Vic’s
  • Trejo's Tacos & Cantina
  • True Food Kitchen
  • True Food Kitchen 2
  • TWIST Eatery
  • Urban Masala
  • Weho Bistro
  • Westlake Village Inn
  • Wurstküche
  • Xiomara
  • Yxta Cocina Mexicana
  • Zinc

 

 

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MAYA: THE EXHIBITION
EXPLORE THE MYSTER OF THE MAYA

The Maya civilization is known for its ancient temples and glyphs. Its Maya script is the most sophisticated and highly developed writing system in the pre-Columbian Americas. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

HILLTOP COFFEE + KITCHEN
A CAFÉ FOR CREATORS OF ALL WALKS

Sometimes a restaurant and a bar are just a restaurant and a bar, but other times they are so much more than simply that. Think of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen as way more than just a coffeeshop and/or a restaurant. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DEL MAR OSTIONERIA
SINALOAN SEAFOOD FROM A MIRACLE MILE TRUCK

When it comes to the best of L.A.’s seafood trucks, it’s no secret that Mariscos Jalisco holds the crown—at least when it comes to shrimp tacos. But now there’s a new truck in the fish game serving delicious contemporary Mexican seafood. L.A. foodies really need to get to know Del Mar Ostioneria, which serves sensational seafood from a Miracle Mile truck. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

¡HAY QUE REIRSE! SHOWCASE
San Diego Latino Film Festival

The 30th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival(SDLFF) was a whirlwind of in person events and films . Welcomed after Covid’s required virtual screenings this year’s festival was a landmark occasion. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MY FAVORITE DINNER OF 2021
VESPERTINE AT HOME’S “PARIS”

2021 saw life return closer to normal than the previous year. Thanks to vaccinations we were safer to venture back out and once again visit restaurants and bars. Yet probably my favorite dinner of the year was at home, thanks to posh Vespertine and its At Home takeaway program. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SMOKE CITY CHAR BAR
CRAFT SMOKED BARBECUE COMES TO DLTA

Fans of bold and mouthwatering barbecue, cool cocktails with a nearby TV to watch the big game always within a moment’s glance, get to know Smoke City Char Bar in downtown LA. Consider this your new go-to place for smoked-meats, succulent eats, handcrafted cocktails and craft beer. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DELHI BELLY
ALHAMBRA’S MODERN INDIAN BISTRO

I’m not super familiar with the San Gabriel Valley food scene but I must say that a recent outing to Alhambra did prove to be very eye-opening as I was quite taken with the vibrant atmosphere and energy along West Main Street. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MOTHER TONGUE RESTAURANT
SAY HELLO TO BOOZY BRUNCH HEADQUARTERS

I love a good boozy brunch and one of my main criteria, besides cool cocktails, of course, is a chill and chic setting.  So, say hello to Mother Tongue Restaurant and get ready to elevate your brunch game. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BANANA LEAF DTLA
OFFERING BOLD AND COMFORTING FLAVORS

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the Indian fare of Banana Leaf, including its Culver City flagship location, so I was very excited to hear about its new Downtown L.A. outpost. In fact, there are now Banana Leaf restaurants in Culver City, Redondo Beach, Downtown L.A. and Santa Monica—with a Torrance location coming soon.. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE CANYON: WAR AND NEW TALENT

The recent show at The Canyon featuring the group War was a packed house. The staff here as in other venues is not at full compliment due to impacts of Covid. This slows things up getting the audience in and seated we hope that the job openings here and elsewhere get filled soon! (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK
UNAUTHORIZED BURLESQUE PARODY RUN EXTENDED

Fans of Star Wars, burlesque or just a damn good time, should get to the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood this month to check out The Empire Strips Back, an unauthorized burlesque parody that really delivers a fun, funny and festive experience.  The current run has been extended through Saturday, January 28. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

EMILIA RISTORANTE
A NEIGHBORHODD RICH GASTRONOMY GEM

It’s always great to have a good go-to spot to dine. And for folks in the posh complex on Burton Way with the Trader Joe’s on the ground floor near San Vicente and La Cienega, fine Italian cuisine is just an elevator ride away. For the rest of us, it’s worth the visit. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MARISCOS JALISCO
SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD SELECTIONS

Los Angeles seafood foodies should be well aware of Mariscos Jalisco, a Boyle Heights institution serving its famous shrimp tacos and other seafood delicacies from its celebrated truck for well over 20 years. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

The term “pop-up” is definitely a buzz word in the hospitality industry when it comes to restaurants and bars. People love something that is hard to come by or only available for a short period of time. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

A neighborhood gem of a market and eatery has set up shop in Santa Monica along residential Ocean Park Boulevard where locals can now get necessary daily items or delicious eats made fresh. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Great dining and drinking destinations are often difficult to find but always worth the effort. A new weekend wonder for fine Italian fare is BG Beverly Hills—secretly located above Nerano.(Story continued click on picture above)

 

What started out as a peppering of in-person events this year is now a landscape of full concert calendars at most venues Hallelujah! The Canyon in Montclair, Ca has wasted no time in building back its audience. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Inspired by the 1985 true story of a drug runner's plane crash, missing cocaine, and the black bear that ate it, this wild dark comedy finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500- pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow… and blood. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Home of the Brave is the name of the debut gender-fluid streetwear collection by award-winning London-born designer and photographer Graham John Bell. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

If you’re looking to enjoy the holidays, since it ‘tis the season, then gander at the below cocktails and punch recipes to get yourself in a merry mood and celebrate in style.  Move over spiked eggnog as there are some better boozy options to imbibe. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Because we can never have enough holiday cocktail recipes, the below dazzling drinks come courtesy of our good friends at Korbel California Champagne and master mixologist Saeed “Hawk” House. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Celebrity chef Keisuke Takeda, the founder of Ramen King Keisuke, is beloved for his world-renowned, award-winning ramen that is fast, casual comfort food at its best. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s something very relaxing and comforting about spending time in a hotel, even if it’s a local one.  Dining and drinking at a posh hotel bar and/or chic restaurant offers the sensation of getting away without really getting away. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

They say music is the soundtrack of our lives and it often evokes the most vivid memories. Life landmarks are often punctuated by music playing in the background or by the music we choose to punctuate the moment. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Foodies as well as fans of history and comfort food should really know the name James Hemings. A former slave of Thomas Jefferson, Hemings is considered the Founding Father of American culinary and is best known for creating the version of mac and cheese for Americans’ taste, as well as introducing French fries, meringue, firm ice cream, and whipped ice cream to America. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

I was over the moon happy when I learned that Los Angeles would be getting its very own Workshop Kitchen + Bar.  And the fact that it would be on La Brea Avenue, walking distance from me, made it even better. But then COVID happened and a very long wait began.(Story continued click on picture above)

 

So, when I say that Hank’s in Pacific Palisades offers elevated American cuisine, you may ask exactly what do I mean by that?  Are we talking meatloaf?  No, we are talking hamburgers. Think badass burgers like you’ve died and gone to Burger Heaven.(Story continued click on picture above)

 

Back in 2008 when New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem launched into the rock scene, people took notice. With the release of band’s seminal record, The ’59 Sound, that year, fans became aplenty. Their sound was definitely modern rock but with a penchant for familiar classic rock. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Fans of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisine, as well as shopping malls, should be well familiar with Massis Kabob—billed as ‘The Original Kabobery’. With locations in numerous SoCal malls, and now with its first standalone restaurant in Glendale, Massis Kabob is a foodie go-to spot for locals who love authentic and awesome Mediterranean fare. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Here is some exciting news for lovers of Taco Tuesday, not to mention fans of Loteria (think a Latino version of Bingo for the uninitiated). (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Westsiders looking for quality Mexican fare don’t need to head east anymore, instead they can dine al fresco and enjoy modern Mexican cuisine at Qué Padre—a comfy and cozy eatery in chic Palisades Village. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

It used to be that music videos were a celebrated art form.  They were daring mini-movies with lauded world premieres (at least for the extravagant ones).  Now, like record sales, they seem to be a thing of the past. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

I recently visited the most southerly western edge of the United States. I was checking out an art installation happening at  Border Field State Park. The 51st anniversary of Friendship Park was being celebrated on the Tijuana B.C. side. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

A longtime gastropub favorite, The Morrison, known for crafted burgers and beers with locations in Atwater Village and Burbank, is now a popular pooch palace after being named best dog-friendly restaurant in L.A. by the likes of USA Today, L.A. Times and Yelp. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Thank God for happy accidents as that’s how I recently discovered the Chained Rabbit. Looking for a place to find a decent drink in Burbank, I stumbled upon a divey looking bar that thoroughly satisfied with both drinks and fare. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

HART HOUSE
KEVIN HART’S NEW VEGAN SPOT OPENS IN WESTCHESTER

Comedian Kevin Hart is now in the plant-based restaurant business with the opening of his Hart House vegan restaurant in Westchester. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

REGENERATION: BLACK CINEMA, 1898–1971
OPENS AT ACADEMY MUSEUM

The newest exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is called Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971. It is an ambitious exhibition, on view through April 9, 2023, that explores the achievements and challenges of Black filmmakers in the U.S. in both independent production and the studio system—in front of the camera and behind it—from cinema’s infancy in the 1890s to the early 1970s. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

KNOX & DOBSON
KILLER READY-TO-DRINK BOTTLED COCKTAILS

One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was to-go and home-delivered cocktails. When we needed quality drinks, we were able to order them from tried and true respected bars and bartenders. One such killer home delivery service is Knox & Dobson—providing superior classic cocktails ready for pouring and enjoying.(Story continued click on picture above)

 

BIRDIE G’S
DAILY HAPPY HOUR WITIH BAR-ONLY SPECIALS

Looking for a good happy hour on the west side?  I suggest you get to know Birdie G’s in Santa Monica.  Located alongside Bergamot Station and art gallery row on industrial Michigan Avenue, the lovely restaurant with cozy outdoor seating is billed as where fine food and good people meet. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CHEF TONY DIM SUM
DIM SUM & THEN SOME COMES TO PASADENA

From Chef Tony He, better known as Chef Tony, comes his Old Town Pasadena namesake restaurant, which aims to serve reimagined dim sum.  From the chef beloved for his Sea Harbour restaurants—known for its upscale dim sum and Cantonese seafood fare—is a new location that offers modern Chinese dim sum made with quality ingredients. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB
NOW OFFERING WEEKEND BRUNCH

When it comes a celebratory dinner, few places can beat out Lawry’s The Prime Rib, beloved for its generous and tasty prime rib. For me, the Beverly Hills location on La Cienega Boulevard is a great go-to spot to celebrate the holidays, my birthday or any other special occasion. And now, it’s also a destination for weekend brunch. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE RAYMOND 1886
SUMMER’S ‘BEYOND THE STARS’ DRINK MENU SOARS

It has been awhile, but after some bar personnel changes, there’s a new seasonal summertime cocktail menu at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena reminding L.A. area imbibers who is still the ‘top dog’ in the local drinking game.  The new sci-fi themed ‘Beyond the Stars’ menu really soars into quarantine era uncharted territory. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LISA LOEB
‘REALITY BITES’ SINGER TO PLAY THE BOURBON ROOM

Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb had an impressive start to her music career, thanks in part to her No. 1 song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the 1994 film Reality Bites.  At the age of 26 and without a recording contract, she was already blazing quite the trail. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

“THE ENORMITY OF LIFE”
BRECKIN MEYER STARS IN A TENDER DRAMEDY NOW ON-DEMAND

Actor Breckin Meyer has always possessed the quality to be charming, vulnerable and endearing onscreen.  He once joked that he had cornered the market playing “offbeat” characters.  But whether it’s roles as the affable stoner in Clueless or the well-meaning boyfriend in Road Trip or the nice guy with big dreams in the highly underrated film Dancer, Texas Pop. 81, Breckin Meyer is always someone you’re rooting for. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

STARBUCKS TO CLOSE
SIX HIGH INCIDENT LOCATIONS IN LA

Starbucks announced that it will be closing six locations in Los Angeles in the coming weeks due to what the company calls a high frequency of “challenging incidents.” (Story continued click on picture above)

 

PSYCHEDELIC WATER
BOOST YOUR MOOD

What’s the first thing that you think of when you hear “mood-boosting psychedelic water”?  It has to be getting high, right?  There aren’t too many other reactions associated to the word “psychedelic” but it seems that way of thinking is actually getting pretty outdated.  That’s where Psychedelic Water and its mantra Boost Your Mood comes into the picture. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MI RANCHITO VERACRUZ
OFFERING A BOLD BEVY RANGE OF SPICES & FLAVORS

The Mexican cuisine of Veracruz is characterized by indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Cuban influences. While the region stretches over most the country’s coast on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s cuisine’s main ingredients often include native vanilla, corn and seafood, along with rice, spices and tubers. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

Few artists have truly cemented their place in the decadent and inglorious pantheon of rock & roll history the way that Guns N’ Roses, Hollywood’s legendary bad boys, has.  The band, who is currently touring the globe to sold out audiences, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the release of its groundbreaking debut, Appetite for Destruction, this summer. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE CHECCH SPOTLIGHTS GROUNDBREAKING CHICANO ART
“Cheech Collects” installation is in full swing for opening day on June 18

Riverside, CA – One of the nation’s first permanent spaces dedicated to showcasing Chicano art and culture is coming together quickly with the June 18 grand opening within sight. And when the doors open, visitors to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum in Southern California will be treated to the center’s first exhibition, Cheech Collects, which weaves a story of Cheech Marin’s 40-year journey as an art collector. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

STK STEAKHOUSE
WELCOME TO WESTWOOD VIBE DINING

 It’s summertime in SoCal and that means outdoor dining galore—preferably poolside.  And that’s where vibe dining at STK Steakhouse at the Westwood W Hotel truly shines.  The poolside dining area is known as The Hideout and it is one of the city’s coolest spots to dine, drink and mingle. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ART BEYOND THE GLASS X
THE O.G. BARTENDER ART FEST TURNS 10

After a two-year hiatus, Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) returns for its tenth event on Sunday, June 26, at the legendary Catch One nightclub. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

WATCH NEVER BEFORE SEEN FOOTAGE OF ‘GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
PERFORMANCE FROM BLOCKBUSTER TOP GUN: MAVERICK

Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick, produced by and starring Tom Cruise, continues to dominate the global box office and is currently the top-grossing domestic film of 2022. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

AGNES RESTAURANT & CHEESERY
MIDWEST INSPIRED COMFORT FOOD COMES TO PASADENA

Sometimes a dish is so good that it alone is reason enough to visit a restaurant (again and again). That can be said of the delicious Cornbread Éclair at Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery. Available on the dinner menu, this gluten free, out-of-this-world glorious mix of chicken liver mousse with cherries on top is mind-blowing. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BLUE PALMS BREWHOUSE
CRAFT BEER & ELEVATED BAR FOOD COMES TO NORTHRIDGE

A stalwart and popular gastropub on Hollywood Boulevard for over a decade, Blue Palms Brewhouse, which was also distinguished as Hollywood’s first American alehouse, shuttered its original location during the pandemic and has now set up shop in Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DIRTY WEEKEND
CELEBRITY-DRIVEN CHIC CLOTHING LINE

From television personality, actor, model and entrepreneur, Sean Stewart, son of rock legend Rod Stewart, is expanding his brand-building repertoire into the fashion world with the launch of his new LA-based clothing line, Dirty Weekend. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BURRATA HOUSE
THE SECRET IS THE CHEESE

Sometimes it’s the simple things that are indeed the best. Why complicate matters if you don’t have? It’s that concept that propels Burrata House, whose motto is ‘great ingredients make great food’, soar above the competition. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ABILITYFIRST FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
SIP, SAVOR & CELEBRATE

Who’s looking for an outdoor festive time to eat, drink and be merry?  Well, me for starters.  So, come celebrate the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival presented by CHUBB.  This guarantees to be a spectacular outdoor gourmet food and drink in-person festival taking place on Sunday, June 5 from 5pm to 8pm in the stunning gardens at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House in Pasadena. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE MARLOU
CELEBRITY CHEFS TAKE FLIGHT AT THE O HOTEL

The Los Angeles dining landscape is chock full of celebrity chefs. This city is all about stars that shine bright. And it’s that enticing glow that draws in the crowds at restaurant hot spots.  And from the dynamic dining duo of Chefs Marcos Spaziani and Louis Huh comes The Marlou at The O Hotel in Downtown L.A. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

NOSTALGIA BAR & LOUNGE
HIGH TIMES IN SANTA MONICA

There’s something reassuring and comforting about nostalgia. Whether it’s reminiscing about good times from ‘back in the day’ or looking back at the classics, especially when it comes to cuisine and cocktails, the combination of old and new is often a good recipe for success. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

YONATAN CHAITCHIK
CURATES AN IMMERSIVE INSIDERS FOOD EXPERIENCE

Talented young tastemaker Yonatan Chaitchik—of SAGA NYC, a fine dining restaurant in New York’s Financial District—has embarked on a new culinary model in the foodie mecca that is NYC. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘HAPPENING’
SIXTIES ABORTION DRAMA AS TIMELY AS EVER

It’s not often that a film set nearly sixty years ago can be so timely and relevant to what’s going on today but that’s exactly the case with French film Happening. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BANANA LEAF
FLAVORFUL INDIAN DISHES COME TO CULVER CITY

Just so that there’s no confusion—as I was originally dumbfounded for a brief minute—there is a Banana Leaf in Culver City that offers extremely flavorful South Indian dishes, and then there’s a Banana Leaf at the Original Farmers Market that offers tasty Far East food from Singapore. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘SEXUAL DRIVE’
SATISFYING CARNAL & CULINARY APPETITES

A crowd-pleasing recipe, whether for a delicious dish or a cool cocktail, comes down to carefully taking care of your essential ingredients.  In this case, add equal parts thriller, sex comedy and gastronomy and you have Japan’s Sexual Drive—an unconventional trilogy that examines the appetites of three couples, both carnal and culinary. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

U.S. VETERANS CHOICE COMEDY AWARDS

It has been said that laughter is the best form of medicine and that mantra was put to the test and passed with flying colors at the first annual U.S. Veterans Choice Comedy Awards, which were held at the Hollywood American Legion Post 43. (Story continued click on picture above - Watch Full Show)

 

COMEDY CLASSICS
FRANK SINATRA, DEAN MARTIN AND JOEY BISHOP

(Continued click on picture above)

 

TAY HO
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE FOOD TO-GO

If we’ve learned anything over the last two years it’s that restaurants that offer quality food to-go as well as delivery options are built for success.  And that’s exactly what San Gabriel’s Tay Ho is counting on. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BIZZY BONE PENS AUTOBIOGRAPHY
“INSIDE A BIZZY MIND” NOW AVAILABLE

Rapper Bizzy Bone, a founding member of Bone thugs-n-harmony, has penned his riveting autobiography aptly titled Inside a Bizzy Mind, soon to be available in stores and online. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SWEETFIN
FUELING LIFE THROUGH FRESHNESS

For the last seven years, Sweetfin has been fulfilling its mission of fueling life through freshness with its scratch-made poke. Thanks to its innovative, healthful poke and plant-based bowls, it’s a go-to destination for quick and healthy eats. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ALASKAN NETS
A SLAM DUNK FOR HOOP FANS

While life as we once knew it is making a comeback, for me, a sense of a return to normalcy definitely meant going back to a movie theater.  But I must confess that I didn’t mind watching films at home over the last two years.  There is a sense of comfort with that experience, but some movies just need to be seen on the big screen. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT
HOME TO HOUSE-BREWED, GERMAN STYLE BEER & PUB FARE

A popular go-to destination for beer lovers, Gordon Biersch has been serving diners and drinkers for over 30 years. Known for combining German precision brewing with American craft beer, each restaurant (there are seven throughout the USA) has an on onsite brewery where local brew-masters brew to the highest German standards and use pure ingredients to create clean, fresh German lagers and fine American craft beer. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE BOURBON ROOM
HOLLYWOOD’S NEWEST HOT SPOT

Hollywood has many famous institutions—havens for live music, grub and drinks. On the Sunset Strip there’s The Rainbow Bar & Grill to drink and dine and do all things debaucherous. Nearby, there’s the Roxy and Whisky A Go Go for live music. Now, in the heart of Hollywood, get to know The Bourbon Room for your dining, drinking and rockin’ pleasure. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MASTERS OF TASTE 2022 RETURNS
APRIL 3 WITH HOST CHEF VANDA ASAPAHU

A mile marker to a return to normalcy that I’ve really been looking forward to is celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Masters of Taste--L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, April 3, 2022, from 3pm to 7pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ELLA
A NEIGHBORHOOD GEM OPENS IN BEVERLY HILLS

Our good friends at Melrose Umbrella Co. have slowly been taking over L.A.’s hospitality scene. During the height of the pandemic the popular Umbrella Co. was a haven for to-go cocktails and quality eats. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

EL GRANJERO CANTINA
COOL COLORFUL CANTINA COMES TO FARMERS MARKET

There’s a new look at an old favorite these days as El Granjero Cantina is the newest addition at The Original Farmers Market, offering contemporary and comforting Mexican classics alongside margaritas, tequilas and mezcals, and cerveza. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

KITCHEN UNITED MIX
WHERE FOODIES WHO LOVE VARIETY MIX IT UP

For foodies who like to have options on what to feast, consider Kitchen United MIX as your casual go-to dining destination. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘A TASTE OF HUNGER’
WHAT WOULD YOU SACRIFICE FOR A MICHELIN STAR?

In the refined restaurant business, it’s all about the mighty Michelin star.  Such a sensational star can make or break a chef’s career and secure a restaurant’s position in the gourmet food world. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

JD’S VEGAN
ALT-MILK VEGAN ICE CREAM BY JERMAINE DUPRI

Producing, penning and crafting hit songs is business as usual for artist Jermaine Dupri—owner of 16 #1 hits on the Billboard charts. But now the hitmaker is hitting it big with his ample array for vegan ice creams. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SUNDOWN
DEPRAVED FUN UNDER THE ACAPULCO SUN

As the well-to-do Bennett family vacations in sunny Acapulco, tragedy strikes back home and the posh Brits must cut their trip short and return to the UK. That is except for patriarch Neil Bennett, who is delayed—and then delayed some more. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE COMMON GOOD
COMFORT FOOD WITH SOUL

Everybody loves a hidden gem. A delicious dining destination that delights while earning you some solid street cred. The Common Good is just such a place. Located at Food Lab (In the Alley), it’s a cool comfort food restaurant located in the alley behind the Yum Yum Donuts parking lot, yes, the same lot where Chef Ludo’s Petit Trois is. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES
GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH MOVIES

In L.A., everyone always cares about box-office numbers. We just have to know if something is a hit or not? (Story continued click on picture above)

 

UNCLE PAULIE’S
NYC-INSPIRED DELI BLOOMS IN L.A.

As a native of Los Angeles, I grew up a fan of delis. And L.A. has some top ones in Bay Cities, Langer’s, and Canter’s to name a few. But just like pizza, New York City has the rep as of doing it better—justified or not. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘THE PIT’
LATVIA’S OSCAR ENTRY FOR BEST FOREIGN FILM

Recently I got to enjoy a lavish lunch with Latvian filmmaker Dace Puce at The Rooftop at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to celebrate her film, The Pit, being her country’s official entry for Best Foreign Film at the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CANNED COCKTAILS
EASY DRINKING…ON THE GO 

If the pandemic has taught us anything, besides the healthy benefits of frequently washing of our hands and keeping a social distance to avoid common illnesses, it’s the convenience and comfort of having readymade cocktails on hand. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019
FAVE FOODIE & BOOZY MOMENTS

A time-honored tradition when looking ahead at the brand-new, upcoming year is looking back at the previous 12 months. While the New Year brings upon endless possibilities, it is fun to look back at highlights of the year gone by. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MOONFALL
WATCH THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES

If you’re a fan of bigger-is-better, than you’ll want to watch Moonfallon IMAX when the film hits theaters on February 4, 2022. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SORRY NOT SORRY
CHEF/OWNER KIM VU SAYS 'THANK YOU'

The owner of Sorry Not Sorry, Kim Vu, tells the story of how the bar was founded in the midst of COVID-19.  (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE 21ST ANNUAL iVIE AWARDS & STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
CALL FOR ENTRIES IN NOW OPEN

Media Arts Center San Diego is excited to announce the 21st Innovative Video in Education (iVIE) Awards & Student Film Festival, presented by SDG&E. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SUGARFISH STUDIO CITY
MOVES TO NEW LOCATION

With a new location to call home, SUGARFISH Studio City is now housed at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge, located at 12833 Ventura Boulevard. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

A THANKSGIVING COMEDY CLASSIC
JOHNNY CARSON & DOC SEVERINSEN TALK TURKEY DAY PLANS

An absolute favorite talk show moment of mine dates back to the November 1979 on the ‘Tonight Show’ when host Johnny Carson and bandleader Doc Severinsen were talking about Thanksgiving Day plans and comedy gold ensued. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

UNDERSTANDING OMICRON
THE NEW COVID-19 VARIANT

The following Q&A with Dr. Shangxin Yang comes courtesy of UCLA Heath. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LULU
FAMED CHEF ALICE WATERS SWINGS AT HAMMER MUSEUM

It was really big L.A. news when chef Alice Waters, famous for helping craft California cuisine with her farm-to-table institution Chez Panisse in Berkeley, announced that she was opening a restaurant in the Southland. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

COQUITO
A PUERTO RICAN HOLIDAY DRINK

This holiday season I was introduced to Coquito—a festive Puerto Rican holiday drink.  I call it a Christmas cocktail, however, it can be made without booze. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE BOYS ARE BACK! NASH BRIDGES

There’s a killer on the loose in the streets of San Francisco and with no leads, it’s time to bring in the big guns and some old-school strategy. Nash Bridges (Don Johnson) returns with his longtime partner, Joe Dominguez (Cheech Marin) (Continued click on picture above)

 

THE WYMAN BAR AT THE BRADBURY
‘BLADE RUNNER’ BAR OPENS IN DTLA

I was very excited to hear about the opening of The Wyman Bar at the Bradbury Building in Downtown L.A. A new drinking spot in a cool setting, come on!  What’s not to love? Sadly, the bar at the Bradbury NeueHouse didn’t meet my expectations. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

PLANT-BASED
FAST FOOD OPTIONS

We’re always looking for healthy food options, so much so that the popularity of plant-based dishes has been on the rise for quite some time now. Impossible, and Beyond Meat, both of which are plant-based meat substitutes, are no longer thought of as some odd fad. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘NIGHTSHOOTERS’
ACTION…HORROR…MARTIAL ARTS & LAUGHS

If you still don’t feel comfortable to go back to a movie theater, then consider watching Nightshooters in the comfort of your own home as it’s the perfect action, laugh-out-loud romp guaranteed for a good time. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

HOT TACOS
TEXAS’ FAVORITE TACOS COMES TO L.A.

Known for having one the best tacos in the USA, the Veracruz All-Natural team from Austin, Texas has set up shop at The LINE Hotel in Koreatown. Rebranded in L.A. as Hot Tacos, owners Reyna and Maritza Vazquez and introducing Angelenos to their beloved migas breakfast tacos, in addition to other tasty menu items such as cauliflower al pastor to grilled steak, fish, and mama’s own cochinita pibil recipe. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

EL TORITO HONORS VETERANS
WITH A FREE MEAL ON VETERANS DAY

To honor military veterans, El Torito will offer complimentary combination plates this Veterans Day. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TAIL O’ THE PUP
RETURNS TO WEHO IN EARLY 2022

One of L.A.’s most famous and beloved hot dogs is making its return to town. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE BREAKFAST CLUB OFFERS
B’FAST BOOZE AND HAPPY HOUR

Hollywood’s The Breakfast Club is a festive go-to spot for all day breakfast and fun breakfast-themed cocktails.  It also offers a standout weekday happy hour and a notable cocktail menu. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
LARGEST GORILLA FOUND IN THE CONGA! - BRAVE MISSION

(Continued click on picture above)

 

‘COMING HOME IN THE DARK’
ONE HELLUVA DARK ROAD TRIP

No one will ever confuse the New Zealand thriller Coming Home in the Dark as a feel-good film.  Instead it is a deeply dark adventure where a school teacher is forced to confront a brutal act from his past when a pair of ruthless drifters take him and his family on a nightmare road-trip. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE BREAKFAST CLUB
BOOZY BREAKFAST SERVED ANYTIME

The concept of boozy breakfast served all day and night, sometimes billed as breakfast for adults, isn’t a new concept but kudos to The Breakfast Club in Hollywood for doing it right.  But just like Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar did it oh so many years ago (and still does it), there’s something so very pleasing and comforting about breakfast with cocktails after the sun goes down. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

U.S.A. FOR AFRICA - WE ARE THE WORLD

(Continued click on picture above)

 

THE MAKING OF "THE EPIC SPLITS" JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME

(Continued click on picture above)

 

L.A. COUNTY TO REQUIRE PROOF OF VACCINATION
AT BARS, NIGHTCLUBS AND MORE

Big props to L.A. County for implementing a new public health order to take effect starting October 7 that will have massive ramifications on the hospitality and events industry by requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test to gain entry to a multitude of public events and spaces, including bars and nightclubs.  All that’s missing is restaurants and movie theaters. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BARFLY INTRODUCES
HOLIDAY THEMED BARWARE

While it may not be the holiday season just yet, tis the season for cool gifts is fast approaching and the folks at Barfly have just introduced cool holiday themed barware to get you and your party in the festive spirit. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SENSORIO PASO ROBLES
STUNNING OUTDOOR EXHIBITS LIGHTS UP WINE COUNTRY

During a recent wine country trip to Paso Robles for my first getaway in 18 months, I was absolutely blown away by Sensorio Paso Robles, a dazzling display of lights that absolutely overwhelms. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH
WHERE ART COMES TO LIFE

While COVID-19 has still not gone away and the Delta variant seemingly running rampant, the question of gathering indoors is tricky and actually somewhat scary these days. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

HEALTHFEST L.A.!
BENEFITTING LATINO COMMUNITIES

Olvera Street welcomes back families when HEALTHFEST L.A.! taking over the historical plaza on Sunday, September 19 for a full day of fun, activities and entertainment. From event producers who brought the biggest street festival (Fiesta Broadway) to Los Angeles, comes a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration like no other. Families are invited to this free, one-day event, designed to get Latino L.A. healthy again while celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture and tradition. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ROOFTOP MOVIES
RETURN TO THE MONTALBAN

Because everything is safer outdoors these days, the popular rooftop movie series is returning to The Montalbán for some outside fun. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM
WHERE THE 818 LIGHTS UP

Depending where in Los Angeles you call home, the perception of the San Fernando Valley varies.  Some laugh it off as the porn capital of the U.S.; to others it’s suburbia away from the Big City; and to many it’s home to studios like Disney and Warner Bros. and is its own mini Hollywood. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

GIRL & THE GOAT
OPENS LOS ANGELES OUTPOST

For local foodies not in the know, Girl & the Goat in Chicago is a dining staple located on the famed Restaurant Row in the West Loop.  Top Chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat Chicago opened in 2010 with a goal of serving bold, global flavors to its local community (and visitors).  So, it was a really big deal when the Girl & the Goat Los Angeles outpost opened recently in the Arts District in Downtown L.A. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ARTH BAR + KITCHEN
MODERN INDIAN RESTAURANT OPENS IN CULVER CITY

 While the Culver City dining scene has really picked up over the past year with weekend outdoor dining making the downtown area appear chic and cool to be at, the dining scene has elevated with the debut of Arth Bar + Kitchen, a modern Indian restaurant offering classic fare in a completely new way. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SOME L.A. RESTAURANTS ARE
NOW REQUIRING PROOF OF VACCINATION

We recently published a list of L.A. bars that are requiring proof of vaccination in order to drink inside. Well, now local restaurants are also requiring proof of vaccination in order to dine inside. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

INTRODUCING…
THE JONAH MEDAL

“So this is midlife,” singer Bjorn Baillie ponders on the his latest release, “From M to M”. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MICO TEQUILA LAUNCHES
ITS OWN MICO SELTZERS

Mico Tequila recently celebrated National Tequila Day in grand fashion all over L.A. with a cool boozy brunch in Venice Beach and a chic rooftop pool party in downtown to launch its new line of Mico Seltzer. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MASTERS OF TASTE
RETURNS FOR YEAR 5 ON APRIL 3, 2022

I have to say that I was very disappointed at the cancellation of last year’s Masters of Taste food fest due to the pandemic, but I am happy to announce that the Fifth Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival, will return on Sunday, April 3 on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

JOE BELL
A TOUCHING FATHER AND SON STORY

Stories about fathers and sons are often moving and poignant.  Such is the case with Roadside Attractions’ Joe Bell, a true and complicated story about a father who wanted to memorialize his son while spreading an anti-bullying message of acceptance. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

VEGAN SUNDAY SUPPER
PLANT-BASED READY-TO-BAKE LASAGNA

You might question the concept of vegan lasagna and I wouldn’t blame you.  Vegan food has come a long way but I’ve never been a fan of vegans’ failed attempt at replicating cheese.  That is until now.  Say hello to Vegan Sunday Supper and its inspired plant-based ready-to-bake lasagna. (Story continued click on picture above

 

OCEAN PRIME BEVERLY HILLS
NOW OFFERING COCKTAIL KITS TO GO

You may think that it’s a little late to get into the cocktails-to-go game, but, two things come to mind, one, better late than never, and two, with cocktails-to-go apparently here to stay for quite some time, then why not get involved? It’s definitely a win-win situation for local thirsty imbibers. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SUNRIGHT TEA STUDIO INTRODUCES
DO-IT-YOURSELF BOBA MILK TEA KIT

SoCal’s newest bubble tea shop, Sunright Tea Studio, is making it a fun summer with its do-it-yourself Instant Boba Milk Tea Kit to enjoy at home or while back in the office. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SECOND ANNUAL BURGER WEEK
JULY 11 – 17 IN LA, OC, LBC & PASADENA

Calling all burger-heads, get ready to chow down during the Second Annual Burger Week taking place throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach and Pasadena from July 11 – 17. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DODGER DOGS
NOW AVAILABLE AT SO CAL RETAILERS

When it’s time for Dodgers baseball, it’s time for the world-famous Dodger Dog. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LOBO WINES + TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
A GREAT HOME COOKING EXPERIENCE

I must say that while my home bar skills vastly improved during the pandemic, my cooking skills did not. I am no chef, that’s for sure. So when the folks at Lobo Wines and Truffle Shuffle offered the opportunity to cook lemon ricotta gnocchi from home, I wasn’t very confident in my abilities but the end result was some delicious pasta and a damn good time. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DR. SHICA’S BAKERY
SOUTHERN SWEET MAKER TO THE STARS

As the story goes, from the time that Shica Little got her first Easy-Bake Oven, she knew that she loved to bake. Growing up in South Carolina, she baked with her grandma and learned that the best desserts come from using the best ingredients. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BISTRO 1759
PRIVATE TROLLEY DINING AT THE GROVE

Who isn’t a of fancy fine dining?  But who also demands bang for their buck?  I am guilty as charged on both counts, that’s for sure. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DIRTY SUE
BLOODY MARY SPICE MIX

I always say it ain’t brunch unless it’s a boozy brunch, otherwise it’s just a late breakfast or an early weekend lunch.  And a staple of any respectable brunch is a fine Bloody Mary—an absolute classic of a day drink. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE
NEW NORMAL WORKPLACE

With COVID-19 positivity rates hovering just above 1% in Los Angeles County recently, many local businesses are looking to transition away from the remote-work structure dictated by the pandemic and start bringing employees back into offices. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

JUICEFLY WINE & SPIRITS
HIGH-END CULVER CITY LIQUOR STORE THAT DELIVERS

During the pandemic, amidst the turmoil and tension, one moment of relief was that our favorite bars offered cocktails and booze-for-purchase for delivery or takeout. Well now, Juicefly, a high-end liquor store in Culver City, is your new go-to place for quality spirits on the West Side—delivery included. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

GOZEN BISTRO
GET ZEN AT THIS JAPANESE SAKE BISTRO

Let’s give Gozen Bistro a rousing high-five for its outstanding service and presentation. In Japanese, “Go” means “five” and it’s the combination of good water, good sake, good meat, good seafood and good vegetables that creates the great Gozen dining experience. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SUNRIGHT TEA STUDIO
X MARKS THE SPOT WHEN IT’S ‘TEA TIME’

For anyone looking for a caffeine pick-me-up, move over ‘coffee break’ because it’s ‘tea time’ at Sunright Tea Studio—SoCal’s newest bubble tea shop. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

JINYA RAMEN BAR
SERVING SIZZLING & SENSATIONAL COMFORT FOOD

What is comfort food?  Think of it as hearty eats that provides a nostalgic or sentimental value—often characterized by a high caloric and high carb count. And it’s often followed by food coma. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TACOS & BEERS RULE AT
ALL SEASON BREWING

Maybe it was people clamoring from some semblance of normalcy again but when All Season Brewing opened at the corner of La Brea and Eighth Street, it became an instant hot spot.  Nowadays people lineup for 90 minutes of beer, tacos and cocktails. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LANEA COCKTAIL BAR
OFFERS KILLER CINCO DE MAYO SPECIAL

At Lanea, the mission is simple, bring the spirit of Mexico to Santa Monica. And they do so by offering a hand-selection of over 400 tequilas and mezcals and authentic cuisine from the East L.A. family run restaurant Barba Kush.  And that’s exactly the goal for Cinco de Mayo this year. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SORRY NOT SORRY
WOWS WITH WHISKEY WEDNESDAYS

What’s better than happy hour?  How about an entire evening of drink specials that will definitely make you happier for longer than just a single hour?  And that’s exactly the case at West L.A.’s Sorry Not Sorry during its weekly Whiskey Wednesday promotion. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE WATERFRONT
VENICE WATERING HOLE SHINES

They say to never judge a book by its cover and in the case of The Waterfront, a Venice Beach boardwalk watering hole (at least you’d think so from the outside), truer words have never been said. From the outside, The Waterfront looks like any other Venice destination to drink, but step inside and you’ll be wowed by its space and décor. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MARKET TAVERN’S SUNDAY ROAST
A BRITISH TRADITION DELIGHTS AT FARMERS MARKET

While the British may not be known for possessing fine elevated cuisine, their beloved Sunday roast is a highly popular traditional meal that consists of roasted meat, roast potatoes and accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy and mint sauce. And at Market Tavern, a contemporary British put at the famed Original Farmers Market, the Sunday Roast has become a popular scene where Brits and beyond feast on hearty comfort food. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ONO HAWAIIAN BBQ
ALOHA IN EVERY BITE

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, not every meal needs to be a four-star event. Sometimes, hardy comfort food is as good as any fine dining meal. And when it comes to hardy comfort food, a favorite of mine is Ono Hawaiian BBQ – a family owned fast, casual restaurant serving authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunches and other island specialties since 2002. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY
EXPANDS ON APRIL 1

On April 1, any Californian who is 50 or older will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Two weeks later, beginning on April 15, all California residents who are 16 or older will be eligible to book their shots. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

GOZEN JAPANESE SAKE BISTRO & LOUNGE
COMING SOON TO WEST HOLLYWOOD

As life is starting to lean back towards normalcy, new possible hotspots are opening around town. A new one that sounds exciting is Gozen Japanese Sake Bistro & Lounge, which will open on March 31 on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ROBATA JINYA
INTRODUCES PREMIUM TO-GO SUSHI BOXES

A popular dining destination along trendy Third Street in West Hollywood, Robata JINYA has been a foodie favorite for years. Specializing in sushi, sashimi, robata-yaki and ramen, Robata JINYA is a beloved authentic Japanese izakaya style restaurant that has just elevated its game with its new premium to-go sushi boxes. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CATALINA ISLAND REOPENS TO LEISURE TRAVEL
CATALINA EXPRESS EXPANDS DAILY DEPARTURES

As L.A. County reopens to leisure travel, staying close to home and enjoying the great outdoors are key trends according to TripAdvisor. Catalina Island is just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and known for providing visitors an experience that has been compared to the Mediterranean. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE RAYMOND 1886
WINTER 2021 PANDEMIC MENU

The start of a new season is always a special occasion for me as it, for years, has meant the release of a new cocktail menu from the lovely mad scientist bar staff at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

PLAYA TO PARK TRAIL
BUILDING A BRIDGE FROM BALDWIN HILLS TO THE BEACH

After months of Los Angeles residents having limited options for recreation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Park to Playa Trail is complete just in time to offer Angelenos a long-awaited and safe opportunity to explore the outdoors. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MGD KOREAN BBQ EXPRESS
CHINATOWN DRIVE-THRU HITS THE SPOT

The M, the G and the D in MGD Korean BBQ Express stands for Meat, Grill and Drinks. And the concept at this new Chinatown spot is simple, drive-thru for hearty and tasty cuts of grilled meat. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

28th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

28th San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) will open this year’s film festival with a wonderful Drive-In experience at the classic South Bay Drive-In. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TREJO’S COFFEE & DONUTS
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST

What started off as an immediate booming taco empire quickly morphed as actor and now restaurateur Danny Trejo launched a coffee and donuts outpost, and then founded his own cerveza (beer) to sell to the masses. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CULT
THIRD STREET PROMENADE’S NEW COZY CORNER CAFÉ

The Third Street Promenade corner directly across from the mall is prime Santa Monica real estate. For years, it was home to a cool crepe spot that was vacant for some time. Now, from our friends at nearby Lanea, comes Cult—a casual café offering hearty cult classics. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CIRQUE SCHOOL:
PREPARING YOUR MIND & BODY FOR NEW HEIGHTS

Health & Fitness: Tucked very unassumingly on Hollywood Blvd, in a back alley warehouse, Cirque School is like no other gym in town. Actually, founder Aloysia Gavre doesn’t like to use the G-word. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

STRAY
POWERFUL POOCH PIC

Described as the ultimate love letter to dogs, Stray is a powerful documentary about stray dogs living on the streets of Istanbul. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

EXTREME BOOT CAMP
GETTING YOU FIT FROM SILVER LAKE TO WEST HOLLYWOOD

Are you looking to get fit this summer but you need some extra motivation? Look no further than Extreme Boot Camp to get you there. Wanting to try something new and take my workouts to a new level I decided to take the challenge and give their 6-week boot camp a try. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

OSTE
CUCINA ROMANA HITS WEST THIRD STREET

We all love a good old-fashioned pizzeria that serves fab pizza, but what exactly is an Italian “pinsa”?  From the Latin word “pinsere”, it means “to press” and in fact, this ancient style of pizza-making dates back to the Roman Empire. And now, Oste, a truncated version of Osteria and a new pinsa parlor on trendy West Third Street, has modernized the original Roman pinsa recipe. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE GASTRO GARAGE
'MAD MAX' ROOFTOP DINNER THEATER

Foodie fans with a fondness for pyromania and a love for all things Mad Max take note because 'Thunderdome' is coming to the W Hollywood rooftop as the Gastro Garage crew, known for cooking by blowtorch, sets up shop with its latest culinary experience Torched. The 'gastro mechanics' are inviting daring foodies to come get their tank torched. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MARKET TAVERN
CONTEMPOARY BRITISH-CALIF PUB AT FARMERS MARKET

Opening a restaurant during a pandemic is definitely not an ideal situation. In fact, as a record number of restaurants shuttered in L.A. in 2020, it took a lot of hutzpah for business partners Gary Twinn and Brendan Collins to open Market Tavern at LA’s famous Original Farmers Market back in August. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TRAVEL THE WORLD
IN A COCKTAIL GLASS

With COVID-19 related restrictions increasing daily and with holidays plans having to be cancelled in order to prevent further spread of the virus, you’re still free to travel the world—in a glass that is. This holiday season, opt for a liquid vacation. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LONDON’S CONNAUGHT BAR
NAMED THE WORLD’S BEST BAR

London’s lofty Connaught Bar has been named 2020’s World’s Best Bar, according to the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Bars list. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

COQUITO
A PUERTO RICAN HOLIDAY DRINK

This holiday season I was introduced to Coquito—a festive Puerto Rican holiday drink.  I call it a Christmas cocktail, however, it can be made without booze. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE WHITE STRIPES
YULE LOG VIDEO

The White Stripes have released a 90-minute animated yule log video featuring greatest hits songs, acoustic tracks, rare b-sides, and “Candy Cane Children”—an original Christmas song. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TRAVEL THE WORLD
IN A COCKTAIL GLASS

With COVID-19 related restrictions increasing daily and with holidays plans having to be cancelled in order to prevent further spread of the virus, you’re still free to travel the world—in a glass that is. This holiday season, opt for a liquid vacation. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT
COCKTAIL INGREDIENT

What is the important ingredient in any cocktail? (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BATTLE FOR L.A.’S
BEST QUARANTINE COCKTAIL

If there’s one good thing about our current quarantine life is that we can purchase quality cocktails from handcraft bars for pickup or delivery. It doesn’t replace the bar experience we enjoyed pre-COVID-19 but it has allowed us to up our home drinking game while we improve our home bartender skills. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE PERFECT
“DAY DRINKING” DAY IN LONDON

Over the holidays last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas--just before the start of 2020—when life as we now know it was completely different, I spent a week in London—a city that is easily an imbiber’s nirvana. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

UMBRELLA TACO
IT’S TACO TIME!

From our good friends at Melrose Umbrella Co. comes Umbrella Taco, a new joint that aims to satisfy foodies in the same fashion that the popular bar is a mecca for local imbibers. For months the powers that be, in particular Austin Melrose and Zach Patterson, have been promising to open a taco shop next door to Melrose Umbrella Co. Now that dream is a reality. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

PETTY CASH TAQUERIA & BAR
A LETTER FROM CHEF WALTER MANZKE

The following a letter penned by Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar chef and owner Walter Manzke.  This is regards to the rather large (block-long) outdoor patio he set up along Beverly Boulevard. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DODGER STADIUM FOOD
AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY VIA POSTMATES

With no fans allowed to watch the Dodgers play at Dodgers Stadium this season, fans can still get their baseball grub fix with delivery from Home Plates via Postmates. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

ART BEYOND THE GLASS 2020
A VIRTUAL TELETHON FOR COVID-19 RELIEF

The Ninth Annual Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) bartender benefit was held on Sunday, May 3rd as an all-day virtual telethon to serve as a COVID-19 relief effort. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

A GUIDE WHERE TO ORDER
BOOZE TO GO IN L.A.

Because it will only take you so long to watch every episode of Tiger King on Netflix, there is a real need to live a well-balanced life during our ‘Stay at Home’ quarantine. And that definitely includes enjoying cocktails, beer and wine just like we did before when “normal” was, well, normal. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

LANEA CELEBRATES NATIONAL TACO DAY
OCTOBER 4 WITH DRIVE-THRU TACO STAND 

Voted “Best Mexican Food on the Westside” and “Best Cocktail Bar in L.A.”, Lanea Cocktail and Taco Bar is spicing it up for National Taco Day and making their to-go options that much easier to pick up to celebrate. From 12 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, October 4, Lanea will be hosting a Drive-Thru Taco Stand to raise funds for the Santa Monica Firefighters Relief Fund. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
A TOUR OF SILVER LAKE’S PAINTED STAIRWAYS

Nowadays what can be better than an Instagram-inspired workout? Getting your cardio on in the great outdoors while posting popular social media pics is what it’s all about these days. And taking on the Silver Lake painted stairways is just the way to do it. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SORRY NOT SORRY
COCKTAILS…FOOD…ROSÉ

Owning and operating a restaurant in Los Angeles has always been a challenging endeavor. But during a global pandemic, during this current COVID-19 era, it seems like running uphill with heavy weights strapped to you. It’s tough. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

COVID-19 FUNDRAISER
FOR BARTENDERS

A Go Fund Me campaign has been started to raise funds for bartenders affected by COVID-19 (AKA Corona Virus). (Story continued click on picture above)

 

 TREJO’S TACOS & TREJO’S CANTINA
UNVEILS BEYOND ASADA TACO & BURRITO

The new wave of meatless options is picking up even more steam as Danny Trejo and his Trejo’s Tacos and his Trejo’s Cantina have added even more vegan menu items with the Beyond Asada Taco and Beyond Asada Burrito. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CINEMAUTO
IMMERSIVE DRIVE-IN MOVIE EXPERIENCE HITS L.A.

Drive-in movie theaters made a splashy comeback during COVID quarantine and Cinemauto aims to take the experience up a notch. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘BEAST WITHIN’
CHECK OUT THE NEW TRAILER

New horror film Beast Within is billed as a “game with no players, only prey.” The trailer looks like a must watch.  The film is currently available on VOD + digital. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SUMMER COCKTAILS AT THE RAYMOND 1886
A ‘SOMEWHAT’ BOOZY RETURN TO NORMALCY

For the past ‘oh so many years’, I have always looked forward to the change of seasons because that guaranteed that a new cocktail menu from The Raymond 1886, SoCal’s leading bar for ingenious and dazzling cocktails, was guaranteed to delight imbibers. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MR LEE’S NOODLES
QUICK & EASY COMFORT FOOD

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, every meal doesn’t need to be some extravagant feast. Sometimes quick and easy gets the job done. And this summer, I discovered Mr Lee’s Noodles, which offer a new meaning to instant cup of noodles. (Story continued click on pictureabove)

 

RAPPER WIZ KHALIFA
TO LAUNCH DELIVERY-ONLY RESTAURANT

Rapper Wiz Khalifa is getting into the restaurant business with the launching of HotBot by Wiz, a delivery-only restaurant that will launch on October 1 in Los Angeles, San Diego, and other cities, including Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., Houston, New York City, as Pittsburgh, offering comfort and stoner-friendly dishes. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CHEF CELESTINO DRAGO WELCOMES
RESTAURATEUR PIERO SELVAGGIO TO DRAGO CENTRO

For over 40 years, restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Valentino fame has been close friends, colleagues, and a healthy competitor with fellow restaurateur Chef Celestino Drago of the famed Drago Brothers. Now, Piero has come onboard as Managing Partner at Chef Celestino’s Drago Centro. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

L’ORIGINAL PETIT TROIS
REOPENS FOR OUTDOOR DINING

Just as news that Chef Ludo’s Trois Mec restaurant has permanently closed because of COVID-19, news that his L’Original Petit Trois, located next door to Trois Mec on Highland Avenue, is reopening and will offer outdoor dining on their new parking lot patio. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

TROIS MEC
SAYS GOODBYE

A popular dining destination since it first opened in 2013, Chef Ludo’s Trois Mec on Highland Avenue in Hollywood has permanently closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

YOU CANNOT KILL
DAVID ARQUETTE

Branded as the most hated man in wrestling after winning a highly controversial WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 2000, actor David Arquette attempts a rocky return to the sport that supposedly stalled his acting career. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MUSSO & FRANK GRILL
NOW OFFERING TO-GO & DELIVERY SERVICES

For the very first time in its storied century-plus history, the iconic Musso and Frank Grill has introduced a bold new “Musso’s To You” program enabling patrons to place to-go orders and enjoy delivery service seven days a week. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

SHOTS BOX
A MONTHLY COCKTAIL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

As it is getting more and more difficult and unsafe to return to our previous “normal life,” which included being able to enjoy cool craft cocktails in a fun bar setting, at-home drinking has really surged since the pandemic began. I know I’ve been playing home bartender trying my very best not to have to settle for ho-hum or mediocre cocktails. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

‘UNHINGED’
NEW RUSSELL CROWE THRILLER IN THEATERS AUGUST 21

I don’t know what’s scarier right now, a first-rate rollercoaster thriller or going to see a movie inside a movie theater. Stepping inside a movie theater, now that sounds like the making of a real-life horror movie. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MOBY
WATCH NEW ANIMATED VIDEO FOR “MY ONLY LOVE”

In support of his new release All Visible Objects, Moby has released a powerful animated video for his new single “My Only Love?” (Story continued click on picture above)

 

KÖE ORGANIC KOMBUCHA COCKTAILS
REFRESHING DRINKS PERFECT FOR SUMMERTIME

I recently wrote about KÖE Organic Kombucha, pointing out that I’ve never been a big fan of kombucha, but that I found this particular organic, fruit-forward beverage to be extremely tasty and refreshing. I also noted that it would be ideal to mix for summertime cocktails. (Story continued click on picture above)