Are Celebrity Chefs Good For Food?

August 16, 2010 – 11:41 am
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Chef Ludo Lefebvre: A Resident Celebrity Chef

It’s been joked that Food Network is the new MTV. Whether personalities matter more than actual cooking skill or music, we all know that the former makes for better reality TV. And what it has yielded, in part, is a chef celebrity culture that hits close to home for Los Angeles and abroad. It’s a culture that reaps rewards that we as diners and consumers personally experience – whether it’s when we are in the cookbook section, watch TV, make local fine dining outings or shop at the grocery store when we compare labels on bottled sauces.

Jonathan Gold, the Pulizer Prize-winning LA Weekly food critic, will be moderating a star chef panel which includes including Nancy Silverton of Mozza and “Top Chef Masters” star Susan Feniger of Street. At this Zocalo Public Square event, find out how famous foodies shape what we cook, how we eat, and the future of high cuisine.

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

7:30 PM

Free to attend, free parking in North Lot (enter at Herscher Way)

Reservations

Zocalo Public Square Discusses: Are Celebrity Chefs Good For food? at
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049

By e*star | Posted in Events, West L.A. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

BlackBerry Goes Hollywood

August 11, 2010 – 10:51 am
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Bubbles Everywhere | © Xomad

There’s something to be said of Steve Jobs’ hatred of buttons by BlackBerry users. All I know is, there’s no app for the alleviation of frustration caused by a 100% visually dependent phone. Nor is there an iPhone app (or my iPod Touch, for that matter) that provides the tactile experience which enables me to type anywhere near my 115 WPM laptop keyboard rate.

Ordering a drink via BBM

Enough with the geek talk. Because BlackBerry has thankfully become local to me since Xomad, who holds these events, pitched me a couple weeks ago on an exclusive party at a location not to be known until the night of (or in my case, a couple of days prior). VIP entry? Sure, I thought. Let’s give it a shot. I relished the invite since it was specified that perks would be available by adding contacts by scanning bar codes or adding PINs…iPhone users need not apply.

It ended up being at Siren Studios, another studio lot in Hollywood, and I was sent via BlackBerry Messenger an image to show to the valet for comped parking. We walked up to and stood for a few minutes in the “VIP” line, but after a few minutes I found my PR contact and we were escorted inside in high style…unbeknownst to me until later, along with LA Snark.

BBM Lounge and Dance Floor | © Xomad

Nevermind that the drinks I ordered by adding a contact with screen name “Beverage Services” never came to our table – and that it was easier to go straight up to the 1-deep open bar for our libations – the concept was still cool. As VIP, we also had access to the green room where there was another bar and gift bags filled with BlackBerry headphones, T-shirts and holsters.

And so maybe I didn’t order any carne asada (just came from dinner) or get a touch-up on my make-up (I had just applied) but all the same, those options plus a VIP bathroom were available via BBM – thus making us BlackBerry users feel pretty special. The beats were also bumpin’ and bootys got down; it was Hollywood’s clubbiest at the clubby-club-club.

Requesting a Touch-up via BBM | © Xomad

And it wouldn’t be a Hollywood party without the unexpected celebrities dropping by…and my failure to recognize any of them. Apparently Spice Girl Mel B, Quinton Aaron (Blind Side) were there – as were both Mark Salling (Glee) and Vienna Girardi (The Bachelor), despite his adamance on their not being together. What say ye? (Don’t ask me – I’ve never seen the Spice Girls Movie, The Blind Side, Glee or The Bachelor!)

The best part of it all is that this was just the kick-off as far as BlackBerry parties in L.A. (and beyond). Stay tuned for another event which will take place in September, where you guys – my readers – will also get VIP entry. I’ll also be hosting a BlackBerry-related giveaway. And don’t worry, even if you have an iPhone, you’ll still get to enjoy open bar.

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Next BlackBerry party slated for September
Stay tuned for VIP guestlist details
Location to change

Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6434

By e*star | Posted in Celebs, Events, Hollywood, Nerdism, cocktails | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The New Menus – and Experience – at Rivera

August 10, 2010 – 7:01 am
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Chille Relleno | Anaheim chile with Martian Red Corn Salsa, Burrata Cheese, Cherokee Tomatoes

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a blogger dinner held at Rivera in Downtown LA to preview the new menu, a new concept that combines three categories of Chef John Sedlar’s interpretations of Latin cuisines. Sangre encompasses dishes inspired by the Iberian roots of Latin cooking, Samba is comprised of those with South American, Central American, and Caribbean influences and the Playa Bar menu incorporates seafood-themed cuisine inspired by Mexico. Each of them are served in specific dining rooms in Rivera and come complete with “sound bites,” or the explanations and history behind each dish. The Conexiones menu is the main menu that is served throughout the restaurant and, overall, emphasizes the connection between those Latin roots and our city. Local Californian ingredients are used, giving each dish its unique flair and that fresh, home-grown touch.

Post-Columbian Gazpacho | Traditional Cold Heirloom Tomato Soup ($9)

In an interactive spin that’s brand new at Rivera (and probably anywhere), diners who want to know more about particular dishes are directed by the menus to call 1-310-464-6884 and follow the prompts to hear Angeleno Magazine’s 2009 Chef of the Year Chef Sedlar personally explain the history and preparation of each selected dish.

There was a seemingly endless stream of dishes that came in threes this night, and while Chef Sedlar’s cooking is always exciting, I’ll prioritize detailing dishes that topped my list and save you the 15 dish-long play-by-play.

My first and second favorites hail from the small plates menu. I’ve always been a fan of gazpacho, and if this is “traditional” then perhaps I’ve been missing the execution in so many others. I loved that it made with golden tomatoes, decidedly sweeter than any orange variety I’ve had. I really enjoyed this cold but indulgent soup. It was interesting to recall the colors as I learned later (through the press release, but diners will learn by calling the number) that before Columbus, gazpacho was white, not red, because it did not yet contain the fruits of the New World: Tomatoes and peppers. The Flan de Elote ($11) was another elegantly simple – and sweet – dish, with a light corn custard topped by black quinoa and dressed with squash blossom sauce.

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By e*star | Posted in Downtown LA, Food, cocktails, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

L.A. Times Celebration of Food & Wine: September 5, 2010

August 5, 2010 – 2:40 pm
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L.A. Times Wine & Food Festival at Paramount Pictures Studios | Photo credit to isayx3 on Flickr

It’s another culinary bazaar (we here in Los Angeles know how often these come around) but this time, it’s our city-wide flagship publication pulling out all the stops. It looks like the L.A. Times will live up to their name, too, because there are names to be had at this event held at on New York Street (yeah, pretty funny) in the backlot of Paramount Pictures.

Feelin’ a little indie with your wine? There will also be music, as She & Him are scheduled to headline the event with a full set. Angela McClusky will support.

Demonstrations will be taking place for your pleasure and education, as will panels by the following:

  • Michael Voltaggio – Winner, Top Chef Season 6
  • Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo – Animal Restaurant
  • Mark Peel -Campanile, The Tar Pit, Top Chef Masters Seasons 1 & 2
  • Suzanne Goin -AOC, Lucques, Tavern and The Hungry Cat
  • Jimmy Shaw -Loteria Grill
  • Ludo Lefebvre – LudoBites
  • Betty Fraser – Grub, Top Chef Season 2
  • Chris “C.J.” Jacobsen - The Yard, Top Chef Season 3
  • Alex Reznik – Ivan Kane’s Cafe Was, Top Chef Season 7
  • John Sedlar – Rivera
  • Barrie Lynn – The Cheese Impresario
  • Ricardo Zarate – Mo-chica
  • Russ Parsons – Food Editor, Los Angeles Times
  • Noelle Carter – Manager, Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen
  • Rene Lynch – Assistant Food Editor, Los Angeles Times
  • Jessica Gelt – Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times
  • Betty Hallock – Deputy Food Editor, Los Angeles Times
  • Krista Simmons – Associate Editor, Brand X

And of course, high brow or not, it wouldn’t truly be a Los Angeles food event without food trucks present. Don Chow Tacos, Wahoo’s, The Sweets Truck, The Buttermilk Truck, DosaTruck, Coolhaus will all be there if you so prefer your food off a 4-wheeler.

Wine, sake and spirits from various vendors will help you wash down your bites. Blackheart Spiced Rum, Broc Cellars / Broadside Wines, Conway Family Wines, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Evan Williams Hong Reserve Bourbon, Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards, Gekkeikan Sake, Hook & Ladder Winery, Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila, Kook Soon Dang Beer, Michael David Winery, Rideau Vineyard, Sinatra Family Estates, and Venteux Vineyards will all be present during the event.

If you buy in advance, you’ll save $10. The best part is that general admission attendees also get to enjoy a good number of pours (8 to be exact) with their food. But if VIP is more your speed, you’ll get unlimited pours and in addition, you’ll get to taste bites from these participants. Benefiting from ticket sales are Share Our Strength and the Los Angeles Times Family Fund, so you can feel good that you’ve spent your day also supporting worthy causes.

Seems like a it’ll be a great debut. I’ll see you there.

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Sunday, September 5, 2010

12 – 8 PM

$125 VIP Admission ($135 door)
$55 General Admission ($65 door)
$40 Concert Only, advance and door

Tickets

L.A. Times Celebration of Food & Wine at
Paramount Pictures
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

By e*star | Posted in Events, Food, Hollywood, Melrose, Music, beer, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Chinatown Summer Nights Are Here

August 4, 2010 – 12:38 pm
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Go Metro to Chinatown | Photo credit to brianlattaphotography on Flickr

It seems that August is quite the month to experience Los Angeles. And if you need ideas, start with the first ever Chinatown Summer Nights to get a taste of L.A.’s original epicenter of the Chinese American experience. Call it a revival of sorts – because we urbanites are tired of San Gabriel Valley getting all the attention, aren’t we?

This Saturday and every other Saturday in August, Chinatown Summer Nights will showcase cooking demonstrations, the area’s restaurants and bars, stores and art galleries, music, martial arts demonstrations, interactive dance and movement workshops, family workshops and even temporary public art installations. And of course, there will be (OK, non-Chinese) food trucks – specifically Nom Nom Truck, India Jones Chow Truck, Spring Street Smoke House, The Patty Wagon, Papas Tapas and Fry Smith.

One of the best perks of the festival is presented in the form of discounts to the local restaurants in Chinatown. Be sure to print the coupons since you’ll need them to claim your discount (or get your copy at the festival’s info booth). Participating restaurants will include Hop Woo, Golden City, Full House Seafood, New Dragon Seafood and Golden Dragon.

Family workshops will run from 5 – 8 PM and cooking demos will take place in the West Plaza at 5 and 8 PM. Sharon Hoy, a top Chinese chef and cookbook author, and Eddie Lin of Deep End Dining will be the MCs. KCRW DJs Raul Campos, Anthony Valdez, Jeremy Sole and Aaron Byrd will alternate each week to spin tunes for your dancing pleasure in the Central Plaza.

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Saturdays, August 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2010

5 PM – 12 AM

Free admission
Shuttle will be provided to/from Chinatown Gold Line Metro and Central Plaza
Free bike valet

Chinatown Summer Nights
Chinatown, Los Angeles
Between Broadway & Yale Street, from College Street to Bernard Street

By e*star | Posted in Downtown LA, Events, Food | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

“Beats and Bites” – Wednesdays at The Viceroy

August 3, 2010 – 11:37 am
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Poolside at Whist, The Viceroy

For the next eight Wednesdays, it will be hoppin’ poolside at The Viceroy. KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad has teamed up with the venue and Chef Tony DiSalvo (Whist) to showcase four international themes with the launch of “Beats and Bites.” Tomorrow, Garth himself will kick things off with reggae, whereby you’ll enjoy a customized, individual plate of Jamaican and Caribbean bites for $25 each. Plan your visit between 6 – 9 PM each Wednesday in August and September, and you’ll be swinging your hips as your tastebuds are tantalized.

Aug 4 & Sept 1: Reggae – Jamaican/Caribbean *Garth Trinidad will host to kick-off series*

black beans, rice and peas, shredded beef, fried plantains, jerk chicken, beef patties, pork curry with rice and beans

Aug 11 & Sept 8: Cajun/Creole – New Orleans

oysters on the half, crawfish etoufee, jambalaya, chicken gumbo, red beans and rice, beignets and iced chicory coffee

Aug 18 & Sept 15: Flamenco – Spanish

gazpacho, assorted chorizos, Spanish cheeses, olives, marcona almonds, pintxos, paella, tortilla de patatas

Aug 25 & Sept 22: Samba – Brazilian

salt cod croquettes; feiojada; churrasco of beef; coxinha-chicken and potato croquettes; hearts of palm salad; caruru-shrimp stew with okra, fresh ginger, peanuts and cashews

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Wednesdays in August and September, 2010

6 – 9 PM

$25 plate of themed bites

Poolside at The Viceroy
1819 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.260.7500

By e*star | Posted in Happy hour, Music, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Bastide: Great Food, Beautiful Atmosphere

August 2, 2010 – 1:39 pm
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Squid, Cucumber, Fennel, Olives, Chickpeas, Chorizo Butter

Welcome to the real Melrose Place. Aaron Spelling is nowhere to be found, and sure, Area – an SBE nightclub – is just a block away, but you’d never have guessed it from inside Bastide’s enclosed, quaint and olive tree and garden lined patio. In fact, dining at Bastide is somewhat like dining at someone’s artistically appointed home, complete with a top personal chef. If it really were someone’s home, you’d leave the dinner party while vowing to get that raise so you could buy the house with the patio that everyone else would envy.

Outdoor patio

You can come to Bastide early on a Monday for their $15, 5 – 7 PM special, when you’ll get to enjoy the patio over passed bites that are perfectly executed. Their yellowtail tartare is refreshing, the pork rillettes topped with cashews and pickled cherry are savory and their corn soup has a surprising twist thanks to curry oil. But since I’m prejudiced against all soju martinis, their wine or bubbly will accompany my bites just fine, thanks. I also enjoyed all the wine pairings that came with each course at dinner. Dario Dell’anno, who doubles as the manager and sommelier of Bastide, has a nice touch.

Watermelon Salad | Fried Chicken, Tomato, Feta, Mache, Aged Sherry Emulsion

When we sat down for our meal at our table, which was appointed not with just salt and pepper, but with Fleur de Sel de Guerande and a peppercorn grinder, I found the house-made butter that accompanied our warm bread so indulgent and yet so light. It was practically gone before our first dish came. The watermelon salad with fried chicken was ever season-appropriate with its tomato, feta, mache and aged sherry emulsion. I never considered fried chicken to be a starter, but here it was. It was paired with a delicious 2008 Éric Texier Condrieu Opâle, which was refreshing with melon notes that went perfectly with our first few entrees.

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By e*star | Posted in Food, West Hollywood, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

SoBe’s Lean Into Summer Party

July 30, 2010 – 2:28 pm
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This is a last-minute one, folks. But hey – it’s free, and it’s at the über-hip De La Barracuda, an art-music-skate venue located in West Hollywood. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another art gallery that also houses a mini skate park, hair salon and tattoo parlor. Hosting you tomorrow will be LA designer Dr. Romanelli and De La Barracuda founder Miguel de la Barracuda. Sip up your SoBe drinks and soak in all the urban culture via ultra-exclusive art, skate decks, and other apparel from Dr. Romanelli.

The Dublab Soundsystem DJs Ty Segall and Very Be Careful will be spinning tunes for your audial sensibilities. It’s all ages, so there will be SoBe flavors for everyone – including mixed drinks for those over 21, so bring your ID. Food trucks will be on-site, cool activities with prizes and giveaways will happen throughout the day. All you have to do is RSVP via email with your name.

See you there.

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Saturday, July 31, 2010

3 – 9 PM

RSVP: rsvpnightmoves [at] gmail [dot] com

De La Barracuda
7769 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.852.7179‎

By e*star | Posted in Deals, Events, Melrose, West Hollywood | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Go Green With Cube LA’s Gardening Classes

July 30, 2010 – 8:47 am
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Photo credit to Amy Sheridan

Urbanite Angelenos, rejoice. Especially if you have that little patch of soil in that planter outside your door or are even fortunate enough to live in a building or a house with a dedicated garden. It’s time to get out that green thumb (or grow one) and attend one or both of Cube LA‘s garden classes downtown.

The next installment is on Saturday, August 14th, 2010. Get ready for your fall vegetable garden – and remember to invite me to your October dinner party so I can test the fruits (vegetables) of your labor. And if you fix me a cocktail with a garnish from your herb garden, that counts, too.

Further incentive to attend will be provided by Chef Ludo Lefebvre and The Ludo Bites Fried Chicken Truck and Coolhaus with their delicious ice cream sandwiches. You didn’t think they’d let you go hungry, did you?

The Fall Vegetable Garden
10:30 AM - 12 PM
$35 per person

This class will introduce strategies for year-round food production for Southern California gardeners. Cool season gardens can provide a bounty of fresh produce. August is a great time for planning fall gardens and to start planting seeds for broccoli, cauliflower, root vegetables and a variety of delicious leafy greens.

This class will cover the basics of planting seeds and seedlings, choosing appropriate varieties to plant, understanding day length and temperature and how they affect the growth of your fall garden.

Using Garden Herbs
1:30 – 3 PM
$40 per person

This class will offer fresh ideas for ways to use herbs from your garden. We will make use of common garden herbs such as rosemary, sage, lemon verbena, mint, etc. and use them to make flavored salts, herbal vinegar, butter, tea and several bath and beauty products. Participants will get to sample a variety of herbal products and get to take home an item that they make in class. Recipes will be provided.

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Saturday, August 14, 2010

10:30 AM – 12 PM, 1:30 – 3 PM

Tickets

Cube Marketplace Downtown
550 Ceres Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.542.3316

By e*star | Posted in Downtown LA, Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

A Graceful Gathering: La Fenêtre Winery and Neal Fraser Team Up at Learn About Wine

July 29, 2010 – 11:19 am
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La Fenêtre 2008 Vintage

In celebration of their fifth vintage, La Fenêtre winery will be hosting a wine and food pairing in downtown Los Angeles on August 14th, 2010 at the Learn About Wine Loft. Sommelier-turned-winemaker Joshua Klapper will be on hand to launch the release of his 2008 vintage, which consists of eight small-lot Santa Barbara County wines. Chef Neal Fraser (BLD/Grace) will prepare a small plate to complement each of the wines’ unique flavor profile.

Eight wines will be showcased, including a first-ever rosé – of which only 24 cases have been produced, three chardonnays, three single-vineyard sourced pinot noirs and a syrah. Founded in 2004, La Fenêtre focuses on expressing classic Old World style and technique with modern sensibilities. Klapper aims to select grapes of the highest quality. Amongst his vineyard sources is Bien Nacido Vineyard, recently named California Vineyard of the Year by the California State Fair.

Chef Neal Fraser will prepare the following dishes* for the tasting:

Chilean Shellfish Ceviche
Crab Salad, lemon vinaigrette, mint
Salmon Tartare, chive blini, American caviar
Bay Scallops, peas, aged goat cheese, risotto
Squab Crostini, liver mousse, rare breast, confit leg, crostini
Grilled NY Steak, farro, red wine gelee

*final menu TBD based on market availability

What better way to try beautiful wines and get your Grace fix before they re-open downtown?

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Saturday, August 14, 2010

Tickets: $39 in advance or 2 for $70

5 PM, 6:30 PM, 8 PM

Street parking

Learn About Wine Loft
530 Molino St, Loft 218
Los Angeles, CA 90013
310.451.7600

By e*star | Posted in Downtown LA, Events, Food, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)