Outside The South Bay

I’m Cooking For Stir It 28!!

I'm Cooking For Stir It 28!!

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 [...]

Hotel Erwin Hosts Coca-Cola Aluminum Bottle “Mixer”

Hotel Erwin Hosts Coca-Cola Aluminum Bottle CourtneyDecember 1st, 2009

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.

THE NEW WESTFIELD CULVER CITY LAUNCHES “TASTE & TUNES” WEEK

THE NEW WESTFIELD CULVER CITY LAUNCHES “TASTE & TUNES” WEEKMichaelOctober 13th, 2009

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.

Dishing Up Happy Hour At Chaya Brasserie

Dishing Up Happy Hour At Chaya BrasserieMichaelSeptember 16th, 2009

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 [...]

Orange County Restaurant Week: Sept 13-19

Orange County Restaurant Week: Sept 13-19MichaelSeptember 10th, 2009

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 [...]

Big, Fat, Greek Festival

Big, Fat, Greek FestivalKikiSeptember 8th, 2009

An explosion of Greek hospitality ignited Long Beach over the Labor Day weekend, September 5th – 7th 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.

Fuego Brings Mexican Brunch to Long Beach

Fuego Brings Mexican Brunch to Long BeachMichaelSeptember 7th, 2009

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.

Grand Tasting at Cham Korean Bistro

Grand Tasting at Cham Korean BistroMichaelAugust 3rd, 2009

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.

Blogger Prom Takes the (Cheese) Cake

Blogger Prom Takes the (Cheese) CakeMichaelJuly 23rd, 2009

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.

Blogger Prom or Bust!

Blogger Prom or Bust!MichaelJuly 21st, 2009

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.

LA BBQ Festival: The Secret’s in the Sauce!

LA BBQ Festival: The Secret’s in the Sauce!MichaelMay 11th, 2009

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 2nd Annual LA BBQ Festival.  Lots of smoke and sizzle were par for the course for two days of sauce slathering and finger licking goodness.

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 3 of 3

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 3 of 3MichaelApril 28th, 2009

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.

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 2 of 3

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 2 of 3MichaelApril 23rd, 2009

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!

Scoop Out a Free One With Ben and Jerry (Free Scoop Day!)

Scoop Out a Free One With Ben and Jerry (Free Scoop Day!)MichaelApril 21st, 2009

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.

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 1 of 3

Pebble Beach Food and Wine 2009: Part 1 of 3MichaelApril 20th, 2009

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.