Outside The South Bay

By Michael • April 21st, 2010

This weekend is full of events that will please foodies all over town.  From LA, to the South Bay, to OC, there’s something for everyone!

While many restaurants come and go, there are a few that stand the test — and tastes! — of time.  The Chaya chain of restaurants is one that has built its staying power on a reputation of good food and good service. To celebrate 20 years of business at its Venice location and 10 years [...]

The organizers of the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival are telling the absolute truth when they say its the “culinary event of a lifetime”.  Good thing its an annual event!

I could easily write this review in three words: BEST SOUP EVER!

Specifically, I’m talking about the Spicy Pumpkin Butternut Squash Soup featured at The Terrace Restaurant located inside the amazingly posh Langham Hotel in Pasadena.

Your cooking is terrible.  The upside?  You could be on TV.

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 have something cooking, literally [...]

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 [...]

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.