Tag Archives: Beverly Hills

Enjoying Scarpetta Classics at the Chefs Counter

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Scarpetta Spaghetti

If you ever needed a reason to dine at Scarpetta inside the Montage Beverly Hills, I’ve got a few reasons.

After the unexpected exit of Executive Chef Alex Stratta and the re-entry of Freddy Vargas, a Scarpetta veteran, they’ve started offering a rather reasonably priced prix fixe menu featuring the restaurant’s classic dishes in a four-course dinner featuring none other than their famously simple yet delicious spaghetti (that is, if you choose it over the agnolotti, which sounds pretty decadent itself). It costs just $45 per person; the wine pairing option is additional.

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Sotto: An Amaro Wonderland in Los Angeles

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Dux di Lux – Luxardo Bitter, fresh lime, dry vermouth, Luxardo maraschino, egg white, housemade amaro “Sotto-pop”

With amaro cocktails being really popular right now – and with good reason – you can count on there being one to three of them on the menu of any semi-serious bar program. But I can’t think of any other bar that even compares to how Julian Cox’s program at Sotto has really advanced the cocktail classification in Los Angeles.

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The Little Truffle Maker Cocktail Kicks Off 16-Course Black Truffle Dinner at SAAM, The Bazaar

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The Little Truffle Maker: First Course in Saam’s Black Truffle Dinner

Starting tomorrow and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening only for a limited time (until March 2nd), you can taste a 16-course black truffle dinner at SAAM for the ultimate, seasonal private dining experience at José Andres’ The Bazaar. The masterminds behind the dinner are Think Food Group’s research and development Chef Aitor Lozano, Executive Chef Joshua Whigham and Sous Chef Holly Jivin.

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Kate Mantilini Celebrates 25 Years With New Cocktail Menu

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Table 24

There are some restaurants in Los Angeles that have achieved a sort of double-edged iconic status. Their names have been cemented in history due to the decades of their resilience – a resulting longevity which suggests, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Yet. We can all agree that the definition of “ain’t broke,” or “competent,” has evolved in regards to the way we have grown to consider cocktails today, which is in itself a wonderful thing. Kate Mantelini, a place that is all at once regarded as a Beverly Hills ”coffee shop” [Zagat], power lunch hub and pinpoint on every star map in existence, has effectively shed their 1980s-era defunct ways of creating and enjoying cocktails thanks to the new menu by Devon Espinoza.

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My Top dineLA Restaurant Week Picks for Winter, 2013: January 21 – February 1

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Braised Beef Cheek, Taleggio Pureed Potatoes, Chanterelles

Happy Martin Luther King Day! Also, what a joyous second inauguration day. In this case, it also means the very first day of dineLA Restaurant Week. If you haven’t, already, you best be making your reservations right now – or better yet, take advantage of your day off and find your prix fixe destination for lunch today.

I’ve done a bit of perusing the incredibly extensive list of restaurants and their offered menus around the city and came up with a few categories that struck me. With 3-course prix fixe as the standard, here are some standout menu offerings the week starting today, Monday, January 21 – Friday, February 1:

Best Opportunity to Try New Chef at Venue

Not new chefs by any definition (in fact, the tenure of this group is impressive especially by L.A. standards) – just new venues.

I associate my first experiences with potted rillettes, headcheese and pates in L.A. with Remi Lauvand, and he’s now at Le Ka, having just opened last September. Downtown workers can get their feet wet on the $25 lunch menu, but interesting dinner menu items include escargot cavatelli, lamb’s tongue and scallops with lentils and chicken skin – some things that may be too good to pass up.

With Vartan Abgaryan now serving at a venue in possession of one of the most enviable patios in Silver Lake, I can’t help but simply displace the delicious plates he was just serving at Public Kitchen & Bar and imagine them enjoyed in outdoor dim lighting surrounded by foliage. Sure, he’s changed up a few things, but I’ve always been a fan of his octopus.

Just a week ago, IDG’s RivaBella just started serving dinner in its brand-new, 8,000 square foot space, basically the antithesis of Angelini Osteria. You’ll have to settle for lunch if you want to do Restaurant Week here, but if Gino Angelini’s pasta (such as a green pappardelle in ragu) is part of the 3-course offering, that will always do.

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Get Out the Vote: Election Day Food & Drink Specials Around Los Angeles

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Tavern Red State Burger – Pork, pork, pork, Manchego, Romesco

As November 6th rolls up, we’re reminded, again and again, that the best reason to vote is to realize our civic duty. We, as a society, have been preparing for next Tuesday for a long time (Californians, with all our propositions, you know what I’m talking about). Decisions will be made as a collective whether or not we decide to personally participate, so why not embrace it?

Whether you take-away a savory dinner to enjoy at home or await the returns in camaraderie at one of the viewing parties, your “I Voted” sticker will score some points with your taste buds and your wallet anywhere around town. If you voted absentee, perhaps you’ll want to carry your stub or some other proof with you so you can make your case. Check below for a deal near you:

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Summer Hotel Rooftop Bites and Sips Around Los Angeles

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Dark & Stormy, Thompson Beverly Hills

Who doesn’t love a good rooftop in the summer? Fortunately, there are a few hotels around Los Angeles that are holding special events designed especially for the high peaks from which we can enjoy our Southern California sun … or sundown. At night, the city lights make for a beautiful view. Why not watch a movie against the outdoor backdrop, high in the sky?

Blues & BBQ (Photo credit: Mi & Mo Photography)

The ION at JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE is hosting Blues & BBQ event every Sunday through September 2, 2012 from 12  – 4 PM at the outdoor poolside deck. Blues and soul musical guests like George Dez Blues Band and Gregg Wright “King of the Rockin’ Blues will be performing. For $18, you get one main entrée with side dish accompaniments

  • BBQ Chicken brined in fresh herbs
  • Grilled Skirt Steak with brown sugar spice rub
  • boneless Baby Back Ribs with pineapple-bbq sauce wash
  • slow-cooked baked beans, corn cobettes

If you’re more into Taco Tuesdays, they’re also offering $3 tacos, $3 tortilla chips and salsa with specially priced margaritas and Mexican beer from 5 – 8 PM.

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BierBeisl Ushers Fresh, Austrian Fare into Beverly Hills

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Veal Schnitzel, Lingonberry & Mustard

BierBeisl, a charming little outpost in Beverly Hills serving Austrian food with Austrian, German and Czech draft beers on tap, is founded and helmed by former Patina Chef de Cuisine Bernhard Mairinger. An honoree on Zagat’s recent 30 Under 30 Los Angeles list, Chef Mairinger looks to be realizing his dream of both creating and curating an Austrian restaurant he can call all his own.

Käsekrainer

With his formal culinary training beginning at four-star Austrian Classic Hotel Aichinger at the age of 15, his work took him through hotels in Switzerland and London, then Da Gianni in Germany before landing in Los Angeles at Nick & Stef’s and Patina.

But at BierBeisl, with its modest yet adequate furnishings and finish, it’s clear that 6’7″ Chef Mairinger is happiest in probably the smallest kitchen he’s ever worked in. He brings a refinement to each of his dishes that will debunk the “rich and heavy” stigma people often attach to Austrian food.

The Käsekrainer comes luciously infused with swiss and laid atop tarragon mustard. A fresh grating of horseradish is just the kick needed for this punchy bite. The Veal Schnitzel, fried in clarified butter, was also perfectly breaded and seasoned.

Kaiserschmarrn

And don’t forget the dessert. The Apfelstrudel is so delicate that it could only have been handcut – and made - with enormous care. And if you’ve never had Kaiserschmarrn, BierBiesl would be the place to conduct your initiation. German for “emperor nonsense,” this strictly Austrian treat has such fun texture and flavor (think wet-dry pancake fluff – but better) with which to dip in a delicious plum compot.

BierBeisl also features a schnapps bar – the first that I’ve noticed in L.A. Made from the fermentation of pure fruits at carefully controlled temperatures with no added sugar or fragrances, schnapps is something that Bierbeisl hopes to share with Angelenos through tastings and pairings.

There are a lot of other things I’ve yet to try – including pairings – at BierBeisl. Beer and sausage tastings are available: 3 course + 3 beers for $32 or 5 course + 5 beers for $42. Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Polish, Wiener, Bier Cabanossi are the classic sausage offerings on the menu, whereas Stiegl is the Austrian beer on tap currently.

Also, with late closing times – especially in comparison with its upscale retail environment – BierBeisl looks to be a destination for late night chef grub and post-Troubadour concert fare. It’s a welcome upstart to a neighborhood that can benefit from a varied, younger energy – unrelated to a certain cupcake ATM, that is.

All food and drink were hosted.

Mon – Tue, Thu – Fri

12 PM – 12 AM

Closed Wednesdays

Saturday

5 PM – 1 AM

Sunday is reservation only

Bierbeisl
9669 S. Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA
310.271.7274

St. Vincent Meals On Wheels & Miss Lilly’s Trading Company Holiday Extravaganza at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills | Photo courtesy of Donna Grayson on Flickr

I hope everyone’s having a great holiday season! I’m checking back in (with a New Year’s resolution to update regularly come the…you’ve guessed it…new year) since I’m super excited to be live-blogging tonight from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.

St. Vincent’s famous food truck, Cart for a Cause, has launched a cookbook featuring 40 of Los Angeles’ acclaimed chefs. Four of them – Mark Gold (Eva Restaurant), Alex Becker (NOBU Los Angeles), Bebe Flynn (Miss Lilly’s Trading Company) and Michael Fiorelli (mar’sel at Terranea) – will be on-hand at the VIP reception at 5 PM today. For $25, you’ll get bites straight from the cookbook and get to take home your own signed copy (call 213.484.7128 to RSVP). You’ll be taking home some delicious recipes while knowing that 100% of the proceeds from your cookbook purchase benefits Meals on Wheels.

At 6 PM, tonight, is the main holiday shopping event. You can expect lots of treats! Not only will Cart for a Cause be serving up food at the valet, every sponsor will have something special to offer every attendee. Plus, free Pisco Porton cocktails and glitter tattoos. The Guerlain lash bar will be open as will the Frederic Fekkai counter. Check below for what everyone’s got in store:

  • Free glitter tattoos
  • Feed with Fashion Social T-shirt from JUNK FOOD CLOTHING
  • Longer lashes at the GUERLAIN lash bar
  • A hair analysis at FREDERIC FEKKAI
  • The 30-second facelift at CELLCOSMET
  • Hand and arm massages from LA MER and JO MALONE
  • Mini facials at SK-II
  • A chance to enter and win a PENHALIGON’S fragrance gift basket, valued at $385.
  • Makeovers and artistry from ARMANI, BOBBI BROWN, CHANEL, CLARINS, ESTEE LAUDER, LANCOME, LAURA MERCIER, NARS and YSL
  • A special gift with your BOBBI BROWN, CELLCOSMET, CLARINS, DIOR, DOLCE & GABBANA, ESTEE LAUDER, FREDERIC FEKKAI, IOMA, LAURA MERCIER and SK-II purchases.*
  • A complimentary makeup sample when you meet with a CLE DE PEAU or SHISEIDO consultant*
  • Customization of your ESTEE LAUDER purchase by their engraver*
  • With your SISLEY purchase, get your future foretold by renowned psychic Dora Blacman*

*denotes one per purchase

Also, don’t forget to visit me in the Blogger’s Hub! I’ll be live-blogging and tweeting the event.

And, if you decide to do some holiday shopping (for others or yourself, natch), you’ll feel great that during the hours of 6 – 8 PM tonight, 5% will benefit Miss Lilly’s Trading Company, which goes towards feeding pets belonging to homebound seniors, while 5% more will go towards St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, which help feed the seniors themselves.

See you tonight!

 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

VIP Reception: 5 – 6 PM

Holiday shopping event: 6 – 8 PM

On One in Saks Fifth Avenue East
9600 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
RSVP: 213.484.7128

What’s Cooking at The Taste This Weekend?

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Michael Voltaggio & Co. Cooking Demo at The Taste of Beverly Hills, 2010

Hello, Labor Day Weekend!

So many events, so little time. So many events within events, as well. Such as with The Taste, which has been revamped since last year’s The Taste of Beverly Hills 3-day event ran concurrent with L.A. Times’ own cooking, food truck and tasting debut.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, as they say. And so the 4-day, 3-location extravaganza, a collaboration between L.A. Times and Food & Wine, begins today. Through Monday, nine 3- and 4-hour events will span The Beverly Hills Hilton, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood’s Paramount Studios and a block of Downtown Los Angeles.

So, which The Taste sessions will I be attending? If I weren’t hampered by a LudoBites 7.0 reservation tonight and FYF Fest (to see friends OFF! and others) tomorrow, I would pick these:

Burgers & Beer (Tonight/Friday, 7 – 10 PM)

With quality restaurant participants like Rustic Canyon, Blue Palms Brewhouse, Osteria La Buca, The Spice Table, City Tavern, The Gorbals and Westside Tavern – it’s a lineup that easily coaxes me out of my burger-hype-averse funk. With The Beer Chicks curating the beer list at this event, it’s a definite shoe-in. Check the full participant list, which also includes breweries.

Secrets From The Kitchen & Cellar (Saturday, 11 AM – 3 PM)

This is the session with intriguing demos, sure-to-be entertaining panels and top-notch restaurants all bundled in one. Get the inside take on Ludo and Krissy Lefebvre’s LudoBites operation and the first season of Ludo Bites America. Listen to Jonathan Gold, Michael Voltaggio, Craig Thornton (Wolvesmouth) and Walter Manzke talk about the industry in the age of tweeting. Learn insider tips on farmers’ markets from Russ Parsons. The cooking demos by Celestino Drago and Scarpetta’s Scott Conant are sure to be educational and interesting.

…And, while you’re at it, sneak some bites and sips in from my personal favorites of the session: Black Market, Ray’s and Stark Bar, Chaya, Craft, Cafe del Rey, Locanda del Lago, Osteria La Buca, Scarpetta, Sotto and Wood & Vine.

Taco Tryst (Saturday, 7 – 10 PM)

Need I say more? Nouveau and O.G. tacos collide, here. Yes, the Kogi King, Roy Choi, will be host on this night. But the real tastes I’d look forward to are brought to you by Antojitos Carmen, Guelaguetza, Loteria Grill, Mariscos Chentes and Yamashiro.

Street Eats (Sunday, 4 – 8 PM)

The panel led by Betty Hallock will be the main event for this session as she leads Roy Choi, Sang Yoon (Father’s Office, Lukshon), Jet Tila (Wazuzu) and Mario Alberto (Chimu) through a discussion about Los Angeles as a (the best) food city.

While you’re there, don’t miss bites from Akasha, Cast Iron Gourmet, Coolhaus, Jitlada, Osteria La Buca, Pitfire, STREET, The Foundry on Melrose and The Grilled Cheese Truck.

Desserts After Dark (Sunday, 8 – 11 PM)

This is pretty self-explanatory, and though it may be after dark, I’m thinking that dessert on Sunday may also be my dinner. Look for sweet treats from the brand-new Fonuts by Waylynn Lucas, Craft, Farmshop, Oliverio, Pazzo Gelato, Simplethings and Sweet Rose Creamery.

***

I wish I had time to list all the wines and spirits that are also participating, but you’ll have to see the individual event pages for those. Don’t forget the 40% off code (WEB) when you buy your tickets. The all-inclusive price of $125 and $150 gets knocked down to $75 and $90.

Have fun this weekend, whatever you do. Enjoy the long one, and see you on the flipside.

The Taste: Friday – Monday, September 2 – 5, 2011

Tickets

40% off code: WEB

9900 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Paramount Pictures
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Broadway Blvd.
Between 8th and 9th
Los Angeles, CA