Food

  • Italian Porta Via’s Phenomenal French Pork Chop and Other French Things

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) We recently had a dish,  so unique with a “magnifique” French technique that it deserves a post of its own – along with the rest of the meal and service.  The Porta Via French Cut Pork Chop Porta Via, translates into “take away” in Italian, although Peter Garland’s casual bistro...

  • Mandarette Chinese Café’s Special 35th Anniversary Menu

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Mandarette Chinese Café in West Hollywood celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special menu this winter. The original goal of founder, Philip Chiang, was “offering clean, fresh, delicious traditional Chinese Cuisine with a modern twist.”  Current proprietor Ken Yang’s dad was the origin...

  • The Astonishing Astana Ballet Opens Window to Kazakhstan Cuisine

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, photo courtesy of the Astana Ballet Theatre) The Astana Ballet Theater has toured all over the world with performances in almost every major city, and recently premiered on the West Coast. Astana Ballet Theater is named after the country’s capital city.  It reflects the described as having building t...

  • Lebanese-Armenian Family Inspires Bok Bok Chicken

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) It is really hard for me to hold back from effusive praise for this restaurant that combines Next Generation authentic ethnic food with American technology to serve it up quickly and affordably – in the most warm, inviting setting.  Especially when it is a rare find these days. Step inside family-owned...

  • What Fuels the Astana Ballet of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s LA Performance November 22

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, photo courtesy of the Astana Ballet Theatre) Astana Ballet Theatre Group, one of the top performance theater companies of the Republic of Kazakhstan will premiere on the West Coast, featuring a world class and diverse repertoire.  Though a flowy back curtain is the entire set on tour, compared to the state ...

  • Los Angeles Restaurants Feature International Thanksgivings

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Los Angeles restaurants serving ethnic and regional menus this year offer a variety of truly splendid and festive menus.  These are three exceptional one Le Petit Paris LA’s Thanksgiving Menu will offer options such as Scallops, Crab Cakes, Stuffed Turkey Medallions, Vegan Pie, Smoked Pork Ham, Pecan P...

  • New BAKER’S PASSPORT COOKBOOK Tells An international Story

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Sharing a meal is the best way to become acquainted with a new culture.  Anthony Bourdain made this popular idea visible to an entire new generation by way of his tv show.  And baked goods being everyone’s favorite all over the world strengthens this idea even more.  Think delicate French crepes or S...

  • Historic Dewey’s Moravian Cookies New Regional Americana Flavors

      (Gerry Furth-Sides) Moravian spice cookies made by Dewey’s Bakery are as rich in taste as they are in history.  “The creators of the cookies learned that by rolling the dough until it was whisper-thin and baking it slowly, they could create a cookie with a light, crisp texture and capture the intense flavors,R...

  • International Flavors in the New Raymond AND Raymond 1886 Menus

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) It’s easy to miss the sudden driveway turnoff when you’re driving to the Raymond Restaurant and 1886 Bar.  And it’s easy to miss this extraordinary, low key historic restaurant that is actually the former caretaker’s home of the famous hotel.  Care is given to thoughtful, seasonally ...

  • 101 North Eatery & Bar Brings New International Flavors to Historic California Road

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, restaurant photos courtesy of 101 North Eatery & Bar)  Tucked right into the history highway outside of Westlake Village, and just off the Lindero Canyon exit, at 101 North Eatery & Bar, the welcome is professional and warm from the first phone call.  Stellar service matches the  globally-inspired...