Outside The South Bay

By Michael • February 11th, 2010

About a month ago, I wrote a post with links to charitable organizations that were working to help the people of Haiti.  My friend and fellow blogger Chrystal of The Duo Dishes commented to the effect of “We’ve got something cooking; hope you’ll help!”  I wasn’t surprised; Chrystal and Amir always [...]

Coca-Cola has a new outfit: this refreshing beverage is now being served in a chic aluminum bottle that’s designed to keep your beverage cool 15% longer…and make you look cool while sipping it.

This week, KCRW and Radio Disney are joining our Culver City neighbors to celebrate the opening of Westfield Culver City.  The Westfield Group’s $180 Million remodel of the old Fox Hills mall brings a totally new look to the corner of Sepulveda and Slauson.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending happy hour at Chaya Brasserie, a quaint but trendy Asian-fusion bistro in Beverly Hills.  The occasion? A gathering of foodies and food bloggers called together by none other than Chrystal and Amir, the tenacious twosome also known as The Duo Dishes.  They put the call [...]

OC is back with another exciting week of discounted fine dining at more than 100 restaurants.  This is the second restaurant week for OC this year.  My guess is they couldn’t be outdone by LA County which also has a round two restaurant week coming up in October.
With a wide array of cuisines to choose from and great deals on [...]

An explosion of Greek hospitality ignited Long Beach over the Labor Day weekend, September 5^th – 7^th with the annual Greek Festival hosted by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Colorado St.  Celebrating 60 years as host of the ”Festival by the Sea”, the Assumption Church opened its doors to the community to share food, drink, entertainment, and their rich Hellenic culture.

If you’re looking for an intriguing place for brunch, consider Fuego at The Mayan Hotel in Long Beach.  The food is commendable and the setting alone is worth the visit.  The restaurant is open to the Long Beach harbor and has views from the skyline to the Queen Mary.  With a band just outside the dining room playing live salsa music, the mood is that of a relaxing day on the Mexican Rivera.

Today Pasadena is getting a great new restaurant serving up fresh, affordable Korean food.  I was able to get a sneak peek last week during their Grand Tasting event, a soft opening that allowed participants to sample items from their innovative menu.

After weeks of anticipation, Blogger Prom has risen to a climax and is settling into rosy memories of polyester, big wigs, and good eats.  The crew that put this thing together did a great job executing it and the attendees did their part by enjoying every minute.

They’ve blogged about it, Tweeted about it, they’ve agonized-over-what-to-wear about it.  And now, the day dozens of LA bloggers have been waiting for is finally here: Blogger Prom!  This sponsor heavy, invite only party is being billed as the most exclusive blogger  event of the summer.

On Mother’s Day weekend, BBQ pitmasters from far, wide and around the corner crowded into the parking lot at the Santa Monica Pier for the 2^nd Annual LA BBQ Festival.  Lots of smoke and sizzle were par for the course for two days of sauce slathering and finger licking goodness.

Yes, even a couple weeks later, the food world is still salivating over the phenomenal foodie event, Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009. I’m sure its because the bloggers that covered the event came back with so much material, its taken this long just to get it all sorted out! That’s my excuse anyway.

In Part 1 of my review on Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009, I described the setting, sights, and sounds of this amazing event.  In part 2, I highlight the stars of the show: the food and beverages!

To show appreciation for their loyal customers (and maybe pull in some new ones!), Ben and Jerry’s is once again offering a free cone.  Today(April 21, 2009) from noon to 8 PM, customers can try something new or one of their old favorites.

Wow.  In a word, that pretty much sums up the event.  If I had to be as concise as possible in describing the food and the experience, “wow” would pretty much do it.  I’ve been to some very nice food/wine tastings and PBFW – at least the Sunday afternoon Lexus Grand Tasting Tent which was the only event I attended – pretty much trumped them all.