Well known for its Chardonnay, Grgich Hills also produces several other wines all of which are made from estate grown, certified organic grapes.

Take a peek at the menu that Whole Foods has prepared to compliment the wine!

MENU:
First course
Seared sea scallops with fresh peaches, lemon fillets, Live Gourmet butter lettuce and champagne vinaigrette. Paired with Grgich Hills Fume Blanc

Second course
Smoked salmon pizza with Whole Catch smoked salmon, Cypress Grove “Purple Haze” goat cheese, Bellwether Farms crème fraiche and chives. Paired with Grgich Hills Chardonnay

Third course
Smoked and glazed babyback ribs, fresh shucked and buttered corn and sweet potato fries. Paired with Grgich Hills Zinfandel

Main Course
Filet of beef stuffed with Borough Market Stilton, wrapped with 365 center cut bacon, cabernet sauvignon reduction and sautéed spinach. Paired with Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert Course
Cow Girl Creamery Organic Triple Cream, with cherry merlot reduction, fresh cherries and raisin-walnut toast. Paired with Grgich Hills Merlot

To reserve a spot for this event, send your RSVP to kylethornton@wholefoods.com or call 310-333-1900. The five-course meal — including wine — is $70 per person.

Wine Dinner with Grgich Hills Estate
Whole Foods Market at Plaza El Segundo

Saturday, July 24th at 6pm

760 South Sepulveda Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245

Now, I’m a total omnivore but I was bummed to miss this dinner.  I was looking forward to what the minds at Whole Foods would come up with as they paired wines with each dish in this meal.  I’m thinking red wine goes with beef, right?

Thankfully, the dinner was attended by Shoshana from the vegetarian focused food blog Veggie 101.  She did a great review of each course, complete with pictures.  I’m referring you to her to get the details!  Follow the link below for the complete review.

Restaurant Review: Whole Foods El Segundo Vegetarian (Vegan) Wine Dinner, June 29, 2010

Summer Berry Salad from Whole Food's Vegetarian Wine Dinner (Courtesy of Veggie 101)

I stopped by to grab carry-out for lunch just a few days after they opened and the place was buzzing with customers.  My order — two fish tacos with rice and beans — was taken and filled quickly.  While I waited, I checked out the pleasant decor in the dining room and silently wished I had time to chill on their patio.

Inside the Dining Room.

Back in the office, I dug into the tasty Cajun grilled mahi tacos.  The fish was tender with good seasoning and evenly balanced with toppings.  I hate it when the fish in a fish taco is lacking or dry; these tacos passed that test easily.  Too much cabbage can also be a turn off but the amount was just right.

With California Fish Grill in El Segundo, I’m glad to have a location close to work and home.  But I’m wondering: Will the fresh fish market in El Segundo be over served?  Downtown has the rustic and time tested El Segundo Fish Company, and Malibu Fish Grill is coming soon to the Sepulveda and Grand intersection.

With all the offerings that California Fish Grill has — the tacos only scratch the surface — I’m sure they will do just fine.

California Fish Grill

http://www.cafishgrill.com

Plaza El Segundo
730-H Allied Way
El Segundo, California 90245
Phone: 310-322-1200

Gardena
1425 W. Artesia Boulevard
Gardena, California 90247
Phone: 310-225-2777

Before the guests showed up, I met with Kelly to chat about the business of wine making and other topics.  Being the genuine, easy to talk to person that she is, Kelly and I had a great conversation.  I jotted down her responses to my planned and spontaneous questions while my photographer, Annalise, snapped pictures.  I thought about recording our talk but didn’t set anything up.

I wish I had recorded the interview because I ended up losing my notes!  Bah.  How embarrassing.

Fortunately, the pictures were readily available.  I figured the least I could do is share a couple photos along with thanks to Kelly — for taking the time for me to interview her — and Annalise for taking the pictures.  Cheers!

Kelly Fleming and I pose with a bottle of her 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

For more information on Kelly Flemings Wine, visit their website at http://www.kellyflemingwine.com.

For just $40, diners will enjoy a four course meal paired with beers from Stone Brewing.  As always, space is limited in the cozy wine bar where they hold these events so get your RSVP in today!  RSVP by email to kyle.thornton@wholefoods.com or by calling 310-333-1900.

THE MENU

First course
Jalapeno and Crab Wonton Purse w/Leeks and Plum Wine Drizzle served with Stone Pale Ale

Photo Credit

Cook a Brunch Mom Would Be Proud Of

Many of our area grocery stores have deals going on. So you know where to go to get what you need, but will you know what you need when you get there?

Fresh & Easy has put together this handy Easter Brunch shopping list to keep you from missing anything. To make the prospect of cooking that much sweeter, it comes with a coupon for $10 off your purchase of $50 or more.

Of course, you can use the list anywhere but the coupon is only good at Fresh & Easy!

South Bay Fresh & Easy Locations » http://www.freshandeasy.com
ROSECRANS & AVIATION, 1700-C Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
PALOS VERDES & WESTERN, 26640 Western Avenue, Harbor City, CA 90710

Plenty of Options for Dining Out

If cooking isn’t part of your Easter plans, here are a few places that have special deals for brunch or dinner.

• Fuego at Hotel Maya » http://www.jdvhotels.com/dining/losangeles/fuego
  700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802, (562) 481-3910

  They’re not technically in the South Bay but the venue alone makes Hotel Maya worth the drive. This Sunday they’re serving a Latin-inspired brunch with a ceviche bar, a taquito station, and plenty of authentic Mexican sweets. You can check out my review of their brunch for for info. Be sure to check out the big umbrella!

The Big Umbrella at The Maya Hotel in Long Beach.

• Ortega 120 » http://www.ortega120.com
  1814 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, (310) 792-4120

  Here’s another option for doing Easter fiesta style. “Back by popular demand, for Easter, Mas y Mas Brunch! $25 for adults & $10 for kids 12 & under. Reservations are in two hour increments & strongly recommended. 9:30am-3pm”

• Chez Melange » http://www.chezmelange.com/
  1611 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, (310) 540-1222

  In addition to a special A La Carte Easter Brunch & Dinner, Chez Melange is offering a gift for ladies who wear Easter bonnets. Put on your big hats!

• Samba Brazilian Steakhouse » http://www.sambaredondo.com/
  207 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA, (310) 374-3411

  If you’re really hungry — or want to see some dancers in feathers and not much else — head over to Samba. They’re offering “all-you-can-eat BBQ meats grilled on open fire, endless salad bar, glass of champagne or orange juice. $40 adults and $20 kids 4-12″.

• Admiral Risty » http://www.admiral-risty.com/
  31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275, (310) 377-0050

  After a month of “fish on Friday”, seafood might not be your first option for Easter. If it is, check out Admiral Risty. Starting at 11 AM on Sunday, they’ll be serving Easter dinner all day. Oh, be sure to check out their menu online. I love their funky old-school website! Its Web 1.0 but totally gets the job done with complete menus and prices.

Photo credit: Fresh & Easy.

On Thursday, March 25, Rob Robertson — general manager of Daily Grill South Bay — announced via email that he and his crew would be packing up and moving from Rosecrans to a new location on Century Blvd. The new location, located inside the Westin LAX, has been under construction for the past few months.

The last day of business at the Rosecrans location will be Sunday, March 28 while the new location on Century is scheduled to open in mid-April.

I have many fond memories of lunches, dinners, and happy hours well spent in the Daily Grill’s Rosecrans location.  I’m wishing them all the best for their move and hope they will continue their tradition of good service and well made beverages over at the Westin.

Cheers, Daily Grill!

Paul Martin's American Bistro

Paul Martin’s American Bistro is offering an exclusive dining experience right here in the South Bay!

On Wednesday, March 24, diners are invited to enjoy a four course meal; each course will be paired with a selection from wine maker Kelly Fleming.  Before the meal, diners will be treated to a selection of tray passed appetizers and sparkling wine along with the opportunity to meet Fleming.

All of this is being offered for only $75 per person.  Space is limited.  RSVP to Mark Evensvold by email at mark@paulmartinsamericanbistro.com or by phone at 310-444-9558.

You can find additional information, including a complete menu for the event, on the Paul Martin’s American Bistro Blog.

Paul Martin’s American Bistro

2361 Rosecrans Ave.
El Segundo, CA 90245

On Wednesday, March 17, everyone in the South Bay becomes Irish!  From sunrise to sunset, the streets of our beach cities are likely to be packed with green-clad leprechauns chasing rainbows and pots o’ gold.

Here are a few suggestions to get your St. Patty’s Day celebration going.

Harry O’s, El Segundo
http://www.harryoselsegundo.com

“Let out the Irish in you!  If Guinness and Irish Car Bombs are your thing, you’ll feel right at home at Harry O’s. “  Look for St. Patrick’s day specials all week long.  Happy hour all day Monday – Wednesday and 4-7 PM Thursday-Friday.

(310) 322-2255; 226 Standard St, El Segundo, CA

Bluewater Grill, Redondo Beach
http://bluewatergrill.com

Celebrate the luck of the Irish all day Wednesday with these and other specials:  $3 Guinness or Green Draught Beer by the Pint; Guinness Beer Battered Fish & Chips for $12.95 at lunch or $15.25 during dinner; $5 shots of Jameson or Bushmill’s Whiskey.

(310) 318-3474‎;  665 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2004

Daily Grill, El Segundo
http://www.dailygrill.com

All week long, Daily Grill is serving up hand-carved corn beef sandwiches during lunch for $12.95 and any draft beer for $4. On St. Patty’s Day after 4 PM, they’ll be serving the traditional favorite corn beef and cabbage.

(310) 524-0700; 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245

Whole Food’s Market, Plaza El Segundo
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com

If you think there might be too many leprechauns in the streets, have your own celebration at home with St. Patty’s Day goodies from Whole Foods. They have specials on their own including: Plowshare Stout, a “slightly sweet, rich delight of a beer has chocolate and black coffee flavors with a creamy vanilla character”; Beer-Infused Dubliner Irish Cheddar with Stout, a “12-month-aged cheese…double-milled with Irish Stout”; and corned beef briskets ($5.99/lb). Check with the staff for cooking suggestions and receipes.

(310) 333-1900; 760 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo, CA 90245-4717

For a more detailed list of what’s going on at the regular South Bay haunt’s like Hennessey’s, Sharkeez, and Patrick Molloys, check out this page at South Bay Events.

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Photo Credit: marco

Pinkberry — the trendsetting frozen yogurt shop — is adding a new player to its all star line up: Mango.

Los Angeles area Pinkberry stores invite you to come in to try their newest flavor; a refreshing, light and fruity mango.  To kick things up a notch, the flavor introduction is being billed as a “Mad About Mango Happy Hour”.

On Friday, March 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.,  customers can receive a free 3 oz. serving of Pinkberry’s mango or mango swirl with all the toppings that can fit in the cup.  Customers will also be treated to music, in-store games, and giveaways.

To help folks decide how to best use the new flavor, Pinkberry has created a menu offering suggestions for toppings that pair nicely with mango.

“Our customers have told us they love mangoes,” said Ron Graves, CEO, Pinkberry. “It’s also one of our most popular fresh fruit toppings, so we decided to introduce the new fruity, light and refreshing flavor just in time for spring. It’s a perfect blend of authentic mango taste with Pinkberry’s signature tartness.”

Be sure to swing by your local Pinkberry to try out the new flavor!

Pinkberry

http://www.pinkberry.com/

El Segundo
2004 Park Place (in Plaza El Segundo)
El Segundo, CA 90245-4773
(310) 414-9351

Hermosa Beach
900 Pacific Coast Highway
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-5888

Torrance
21157 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 540-5602

Palos Verdes
27 Peninsula Center
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 544-2306