knox & dobson

LA Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!

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Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Los Angeles Magazine‘s events have always been in our top five. They know how to throw a party even in the far off Malibu hills. That’s because the team does extensive research all year to find the very best. We know. We’ve been to every one. Photos are below.

This season  Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS celebrates at California Market Center on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The 11th annual BEST NEW RESTAURANTS tasting extravaganza brings the January 2024 Issue of Los Angeles Magazine to life. It tastings from best new restaurants present and past, a special selection of boutique wineries, innovative cocktails plus special experiences.

The BEST NEW RESTAURANTS  lineup of participating chefs and restaurants represent the diverse and vibrant Los Angeles culinary scene including ArdorATLA VeniceBaar Baar Los Angeles,

 Bar ChelouCasa MaderaCasalénaCharcoal SunsetDante Beverly HillsĐiĐiDonna’sEspelette Beverly Hills, Hank’s

Hanks Palisades will be at the Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!
Hanks Palisades is coming to the Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!

Also featured: LAVO RistoranteLoretoLove & SaltMirateMr. T Los AngelesOMG KabobSan Laurel by José Andrés at the Conrad Los AngelesSaucy Chick Goat MafiaThai Central CuisineTenkatori West L.A.Uchi West HollywoodXUNTOS, andYakiya.

2024 Desserts include BAKE SOME NOISEBertha Mae’s Brownie Co.Etoile Filante Patisserie, and I Like Pie Bake Shop.

Bertha Mae and perfect brownies coming to the Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024

Wines from renowned wineries will complement the delectable culiary fare.  The impressive  selection includes Bernardus Winery (Santa Lucia Highlands), Croix Estate (Russian River Valley), Flanagan Wines (Sonoma County), Frey Vineyards (Mendocino).

More wineries include  Innumero Wines (Sonoma County), Lasseter Family Winery (Sonoma Valley), Limerick Lane Cellars (Sonoma Valley), Michael Mondavi Family Estate (Napa), Miner Family Winery (Napa Valley), Mt. Beautiful Winery (North Canterbury, New Zealand), St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery (Napa Valley), and Thibido Winery (Paso Robles).

The event proudly partners with Milagro TequilaKnox & DobsonCaffe LuxxeMezcal 33Mountain Valley Spring WaterAsahi Shuzo, and Dassai Sake along with our non-profit partner Chrysalis whose contributions make this epic culinary and beverage celebration possible.

Knox & Dobson is coming to the Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!

Ticket Information: The 11th annual BEST NEW RESTAURANTS will take place on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at California Market Center in the heart of downtown LA from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and this is a 21+ event. Tickets are on sale now for $125.00 per person. For more information and to get your tickets today, please visit LAMag.com/Tickets.

The fabulous event producer coming to town: Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!

LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE  is the single most powerful media resource in the region, defining L.A. through thought-provoking lifestyle and investigative journalism. Its authoritative voice delivers award-winning content and events that encourage Angelenos to discover and engage in our city in ways that are most meaningful to them. It is the magazine’s mission to support Los Angeles in the endeavor to become one of the most dynamic global cities of the 21st century.

Coming to town and looking for you at the Los Angeles Magazine BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2024!

The publication has chronicled life in the second-largest U.S. city since the magazine’s founding by Geoff Miller in the spring of 1961. The definitive resource for Angelenos, Los Angeles covers the people, food, culture, arts and entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and news that defines Southern California with a signature mix of feature-length writing, service journalism, investigative reporting, and design. Led by editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin, the magazine has been the recipient of four National Magazine Awards in addition to numerous other industry honors. The publication’s full masthead can be found here.

Follow Los Angeles Magazine for the latest updates on Facebook @LosAngelesMag and Instagram @lamagfood

LA Magazine’s The Food Event November 12, 2023

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Los Angeles Magazine‘s 17th annual Los Angeles Magazine The FOOD Event takes place on Sunday, November 12th, 2023,from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The epicurean extravaganza is set amidst the breathtaking landscape of Hummingbird Nest Ranch in the heart of the Santa Susana Mountains.

This annual culinary and beverage festival has become a much-anticipated tradition in Los Angeles, featuring a delectable array of samplings from some of the city’s finest restaurants, live cooking demonstrations lead by renowned top Los Angeles Chef Neal Fraser of RedbirdChef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, and Chef Michael Reed of Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed, a Live Brand Q & A with Co-Founder Oliver Trevena and Strategic Investor Mike Colter of Caliwater, along with select wines, spirits and cocktail tastings, craft beer, live music, and much more!

Chef Michael Reed of Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE’s The FOOD Event 2023
Georgia’s Restaurant, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE’s The FOOD Event 2023

The FOOD Event 2023 features chefs and restaurants that represent the vibrant Los Angeles culinary scene including 1212 Santa MonicaAyara ThaiCasa Mia Sicilian TrattoriaChampion’s CurryEmporium ThaiEngine Co, No. 28Espelette Beverly HillsEvil Twin LAGeorgia’s RestaurantGuerilla TacosLa BohemeL’Antica Pizzeria da MicheleLAVO RistoranteLunettaLuv2eatMAMA M SUSHIMr. T Los AngelesMiratePoppy + RoseThe Strand House, and Wolfsglen.

Wolfsglen featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023
Wolfsglen’s inventive food of Chef Guzman featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023
Wolfsglen’s inventive food of Chef Guzman featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023

2023 Desserts include Bachan’s Shave IceBertha Mae’s Brownie Co.Hotcakes BakesLark Cake ShopMarsatta ChocolateMs. Rhonda’s Crack-N-PopNY Cake Pops, and more.

Bertha Mae Brownies at Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023

To complement the diverse cuisine, the event will also showcase an impressive selection of Wines from renowned wineries, including Austin Hope (Paso Robles), Bernardus Winery (Santa Lucia Highlands), Bianchi Winery (Paso Robles), Bouchaine Vineyards (Los Carneros), Caymus Vineyards (Napa Valley), Grace & Vine (North Coast), Jaffe Family Wines (Napa Valley), Knights Bridge Winery (Knights Valley), Le Vigne Winery (Paso Robles), Leto Cellars (Napa Valley), Limerick Lane Cellars (Sonoma County), Miner Family Winery (Napa Valley), Moraga Winery (Bel Air Estate), Naidu Wines (Sonoma County), Nectar of the Dogs Wine (Simi Valley), Rails Nap Vineyards and Winery (Paso Robles), New Zealand Wine Navigator (New Zealand), Opolo Vineyards (Paso Robles), Tensley Wines (Central Coast),The 50 by 50 Wines (Sonoma County) and Wiens Cellars (Temecula).

Moraga Winery (Bel Air Estate) at Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023
Moraga Winery (Bel Air Estate) at Los Angeles Magazine’s The FOOD Event 2023

Partnering with Los Angeles Magazine on the event is  Delta AirlinesFontainebleau Las VegasMezcal 33-196Drink Smart,  Mountain Valley Spring WaterKnox & DobsonHOP Water,Don LondresSkorpiosDulce Vida TequilaEl Cristiano TequilaEmpress 1908 GinFat & Happy BeveragesOwls Brew, and Partake Brewing along with our non-profit partner L.A. Works whose contributions make this epic culinary and beverage celebration possible.

Ticket Information: The 17th annual Los Angeles Magazine the Food Event 2023 will take place on Sunday, November 12th, 2023, at Hummingbird Nest Ranch from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and this is a 21+ event. Tickets are $125.00 per person. For more information and to get your tickets today, please visitLAMag.com/Tickets.

About Los Angeles Magazine: Los Angeles magazine is the single most powerful media resource in the region, defining L.A. through thought-provoking lifestyle and investigative journalism. With our authoritative voice, we deliver award-winning content and events that encourage Angelenos to discover and engage in our city in ways that are most meaningful to them. It is our mission to support Los Angeles in the endeavor to become one of the most dynamic global cities of the 21st century.

Los Angeles Magazine was founded by Geoff Miller in the spring of 1961. The resource for Angelenos, Los Angeles covers the people, food, culture, arts and entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and news that defines Southern California. Its distinctive and now familiar categories hold a signature mix of feature-length writing, service journalism, investigative reporting, and design. Led by editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin, the magazine has been the recipient of four National Magazine Awards in addition to numerous other industry honors. The publication’s full masthead can be found here.

Follow Pasadena magazine for the latest updates on Facebook @LosAngelesMag and Instagram @lamagfood

Los Angeles Magazine The FOOD Event, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, 2940 Kuehner Drive. Santa Susana, CA 93063

www.HummingbirdNestRanch.com

Ethnic Food Stars in First taste OF PASADENA!

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(Content courtesy of Taste of Pasadena, Gerry Furth-Sides photos) Ethnic food cuisine takes front row and center as Pasadena magazine debuts the Taste of Pasadena 2023. A wide array of carefully curated culinary offerings plus handcrafted cocktails will be offered, along with live music.

The Raymond 1886 brings “old Pasadena sumptuous elegance to Taste of Pasadena 2023
The Raymond 1886 brings “old Pasadena sumptuous elegance to Taste of Pasadena 2023

This inaugural celebration will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C, running from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. With a community as elegant and as welcoming as Pasadena it promises to be perfect.

Pez Cantina will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 
Pez Cantina, famous for fresh fish and vibrant food will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 

Some of this year’s Taste of Pasadena 2023 participating Restaurants include Arth Bar + Kitchen, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine, //Celestino Ristorante, Champion’s Curry, Engine Co. No. 28, Farina Pizza, Granville, Great Maple, Lunasia Modern Dim Sum & Cuisine, KAVIAR,  //Pez Cantina, The Luggage Room Pizzeria & La Grande Orange, The Raymond 1886, Santa Anita Park, Twohey’s

Wildly delicious food and fun to match: The Celestino Ristorante family will be featured at the Taste of Pasadena 2023

2023 Desserts include Beard Papa’s Pasadena, (the super friendly) , //Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. Esther & Olivia BouqCakes, I Like Pike Bakeshop, Marsatta Chocolate, Ms. Rhonda’s Crack-N-Pop, and Nothing Bundt Cakes and more.

Bertha Mae’s Brownie Co. will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023 

Wines will be poured by Adobe Road Winery (Sonoma County), Bernardus Winery (Carmel Valley), Bouchaine Vineyards(Carneros Napa Valley), Defiance Vineyard (Paso Robles), The Mill Keeper by Gamble Family Vineyards (Napa Valley), Tercero Wines (Santa Barbara), Vino Los Angeles (Mexico), Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards (Temecula Valley), and more.

Spirits, CocktailsBeerMusic, and Special Experiences courtesy of Acqua Panna, Cerveceria Del Pueblo, Balcones, Corbin Cash Distillery, Casa Azul Tequila, Dough Ball Whiskey, Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillers, Knox & Dobson, Mezcal 33, Old Hillside Bourbon, Rancho La Gloria Tequila, Shelter Distilling, and many more.

The unique cocktail mix, Knot & Dobson will be featured in the Taste of Pasadena 2023

Ticket Information: The inaugural Taste of Pasadena will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at the Pasadena Convention Center Historic Exhibit Hall C from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm and this is a 21+ event. General ticket prices are $85 ($100 at the door the day of the event). Early Bird Pricing is available for $60 until Friday, September 22nd, 2023. For more information and to get your tickets today, please visit //Pasadenamag.com/taste.

Follow Pasadena magazine for the latest updates on Facebook @PasadenaMagazine and Instagram @pasadenamag

Pasadena Magazine is a bi-monthly lifestyle publication covering the people, institutions, and businesses of Pasadena, and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. The publication covers food, arts, culture, real estate, design, and entertainment.

“The Taste of Pasadena is … a celebration of culinary excellence, culture, and community,” says Malina SavalEditor-In-Chief for Pasadena magazine. “This event promises an unforgettable evening of delectable experiences, featuring unlimited tastings from top chefs and renowned restaurants encompassing the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.”

Special Partners and Sponsors: AbilityFirst, Pasadena Convention Center, Visit Pasadena, Sodexo Live!, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, and Viva LA.

Celebrate An Ethnic Mother’s Day

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Celebrate Mother’s Day the Ethnic Way in the Greater Los Angeles area! From spiffy, contemporary Indian and Mexican fare to traditional soul food and Sicilian Italian, it is all memorably scrumptious and festive.

ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY

Arth Bar & Kitchen’s Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner features the Kitchen’s Small PlatesTandoor StartersEntréesSidesHandcrafted Tandoor BreadsRice,and Dessert. 

ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY (photo by Tonelson)

The Arth Bar will also serving their full list of Cocktails including their special Prem Kahani made of elderflower liqueur, violet liqueur, lemon juice, sparkling wine and a rose petal, or Lychee Martini comprised of vodka or gin, lychee liqueur, lychee juice and elderflower liqueur. 

ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY (photo by LocalfoodEater)
ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY – (photo by Tonelson)

(For our coverage, please see: //localfoodeater.com/how-arth-bar-kitchen-redefines-indian-fare/

Arth Bar + Kitchen Hours: Mother’s Day Mimosa Lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.  Mother’s Day Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232; 424.503.4155; www.ArthLA.com

CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA

Mother’s Day is celebrated in true Sicilian style at Celestino Ristorante where Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago has created a special Tasting Menu for Mama.  

Italian deadpan humor, fantastic food at CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (photo by LocalFoodEater)

The chef and staff invites you to treat Mama to a special dinner on either of Celestino Ristorante’s outdoor garden patios or in the main dining room.

CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA

The  full Classic Menu showcases signature items like the Carpaccio, Insalata Ai Frutti Di Mare, Linguine with Mixed Seafood, Risotto with Red Beets & Goat CheeseOssobucoPollo Alla Parmigiana.

CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (photo by acuna-hansen)
CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (photo by acuna-hansen)
CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (photo by acuna-hansen)

 For a sweet ending, there is  TiramisuPanna Cotta (Vanilla Custard with Strawberries) and the decadent she can indulge in the Torta d’ Arangia (Flourless Chocolate Cake).

CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (photo by LocalFoodEater)

To read more detailed coverage on Celestino Pasadena, please see: //localfoodeater.com/celestino-pasadena-upholds-royal-family-pedigree/

Celestino Ristorante Mother’s Day hours: Dinner  from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoRistorante.com

EL GRANJERO CANTINA – THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET LOS ANGELES

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar  El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with a specially created new “All Day” Breakfast Menu.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar  El Granjero Cantina (photo LocalFoodEater.com)

The Breakfast Menu showcases her signature ChilaquilesFarmer’s Breakfast PlatoHuevos RancherosPapas Y Soyrizo PlatoSteak & Eggs, and Breakfast Burrito.  

EL GRANJERO CANTINA – LOS ANGELES (Photo by Michael Brown)

She will also be cooking up her innovative modern Mexican menu all day and evening for Mom, featuring a selection of For The Table (snacks), SaladsTacosBowlsPlatosQuesadillasBurritos, Sides, and Dessert

El Granjero Cantina’s Specialty List of Tequilas y MezcalMezcal List, and signature Margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to her meal. 

Specialty Cocktails created by Tobin Shea include their Classic Margarita with a choice of tequila or mezcal, Cointreau, fresh lime, and citrus agave, or the Draft Raspberry Hibiscus Cocktail with a choice of spirit, raspberry hibiscus tea, lime, and soda. 

Other options include WineBeerCrisp & Crude Canned CocktailsNon-alcoholic Beverages, and Soft Drinks. So, treat Mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration at El Granjero Cantina, where she can indulge in delicious menu offerings and delectable cocktails in a lively and festive atmosphere.

For LocalFoodEater.com coverage, please see: //localfoodeater.com/el-granjero-cantina-the-farmer-refined-and-still-fun-at-original-farmers-market/

El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles Mother’s Day Hours 10:00 am to 8:30 pm; 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA  90036; 323.879,9324; www.CantinaLA.com

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE

Georgia’s Restaurant will be celebrating Mother’s Day with their Mom-cellent Mother’s Day Brunch! Share classic savories such as the Fried Egg Sandwich,with choice of cooked egg, mayonnaise and bacon, Sausage, Bacon, and Eggs served with blackened country potatoes and toast. 

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE:

Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite remains the decadent Steak and Eggs, featuring top sirloin steak and a side of blackened country potatoes. 

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE:

For Moms that love a sweet start to their day, there is Grilled French Toast made the old-fashioned way and topped with powdered sugar and strawberries.  Their Cinnamon Apple Waffle topped with warm sautéed apples in a cinnamon syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE:

Mom can also have the best of both the sweet and savory worlds with the Chicken and Waffles with Georgia’s Restaurant’s signature fried chicken.  The process begins with Co-Owner Marlon Machado’s Brazilian buttermilk brine and ends with a seasoned crispy cornmeal crust courtesy of Nana Gretchen’s very own Grandmother, served on a Belgian waffle with creamy honey butter, and maple syrup. 

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE

Soul-delicious Southern staples also include the Fish & Grits featuring Creole seasoned cornmeal crusted fried catfish, or the classic Shrimp & Grits made with Creole seasoned shrimp over a bed of savory grits.A vegetarian friendly Mardi Gras Omelet features green and red bell peppers, onions, and cheese.  Georgia’s new-about-to-become-a staple Eggs Benedict is another option.

Soulful Sides include a healthy and hearty Oatmeal, quintessential Southern Grits served cheesy style.  Blackened Country Potatoes were a favorite of George Shoemaker. 

Brunch libations include a bright and bubbly Mimosa ($5) and the signature Peach Sangria ($5), Hard Lemonade ($5),and Bloody Mary ($7).

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – LONG BEACH EXCHANGE

To read more about our visit to Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange, please see: //localfoodeater.com/eat-authentic-regional-soul-food-in-your-own-backyard/

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange hours for Mother’s Day Brunch from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm; and they will be serving their Georgia’s Restaurant Signature Menu from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm; 4104 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE

Hank’s celebrates Mother’s Day with an offer to each Mom of a Complimentary Strawberry Mimosa and Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s special Mother’s Day Brunch Menu.  Everyone can toast with Hank’s Bellini,MimosaBloody Mary or Tableside Martini 

Chef Peña at HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE
Friendly, resort-like HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE
HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE (photo by Tonelson)

Menu favorite dishes include  Eggs BenedictAvocado Toast, the Hank’s OmeletteThe #77 Burrito and the new  Strawberry WafflesShrimp & Polenta

HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE (photo by Tonelson)

For the story on our visit to inviting Hank’s in Palisades Village, please see: //localfoodeater.com/hanks-double-diamond-burger-deal/

Hank’s Mother’s Day hours:  Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and for Mother’s Day Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA  90272; 424.363.7166; www.HanksPalisades.com

KNOX & DOBSON

We are still so impressed with KNOX & DOBSON, both the product and their sophisticated, gorgeous presention!   So consider this  classic way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Daywith an in person or delivery gift of Knox & Dobson’s new Superior Bottled Cocktail Gift Box.

The box features a premium gin Martini, classic Old FashionedImproved Whiskey Cocktail made with Maraska Maraschino, and authentic Rye Manhattan($70 per Gift Box – 2 Servings per each Bottled Cocktail).

For the story on our stellar Know & Dobson tasting please see: //localfoodeater.com/knox-dobsons-historic-cocktails-in-a-bottle/

Knox & Dobson is now available for home delivery anywhere Nationwide by visiting www.KnoxandDobson.com or visit the Knox & Dobson Stockists to see where you can walk-in and purchase directly.

Masters of Taste 2023!

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) The sixth annual Masters of Taste premier outdoor food and beverage festival is on Sunday, April 2, from 3 to 7 p.m. promises to be as exciting as ever this year! Just look at the Media Preview below!

Please see www.MastersofTasteLA.com for details and tickets. General Admission opens from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $155. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (626)791-6677.

The “priceless” event Rose Bowl venue for Master’s of Taste 2023!

The stage for this one-day event in the historic Rose Bowl stadium features 100 culinary and beverage masters. The hosts for the 2023 Masters of Taste are chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed, known for their two restaurants Poppy + Rose in downtown LA, and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim.

Michael Reed and Kwini Reed of Poppy + Rose in downtown LA, and Poppy & Seed in Anaheim.

The restaurants and wineries are each unique and “put out a spread” to impress and delight guests. Below Chef Richard Archuleta of exciting Alexander’s Steakhouse; Chef Isaias Pena from Hank’s;  Event Host and Chef Michael Reed of Poppy + Rose, DTLA, Poppy + Seed, Anaheim;  Paul Watson of Moraga Winery, Bel Air off the 405, (shown here with Philip Dobard, Center for Culinary Culture

Masters of Taste 2023: Los Angeles’ finest chefs and wineries including chef Michael Reed, David Joyce of Soulmate WeHo, chef Isaias Pena from Hank’s and chef Richard Archuleta of Alexander’s Steakhouse.

Sample culinary delights from Pez Cantina. Owners Lucy and Bret Thompson’s spirits alone are worth the ticket!

Owners Lucy and Bret Thompson of Pez Cantina previewing Masters of Taste 2023

More than 25 spirit brands are participating, and a premier 50-yard-line cocktail bar will offer select wines, local craft beers, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee and live entertainment.

Know & Dobson front and center at Masters of Taste 2023!

In the last five years Masters of Taste has raised over $2.7 million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs. The event continues to provide 100% of the proceeds to Union Station Homeless Services to help rebuild homeless lives and provide housing.

The pied piper who sparks the media get the Masters of Taste 2023 word out, Lawrence Moore.  

Guests will receive their own utensils and hand sanitizers will be provided throughout the event. This 21+ event has a VIP Power Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. General Admission opens from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets start at $155 at mastersoftastela.com. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (626)791-6677.

Knox & Dobson’s Historic Cocktails in a Bottle

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Making cocktails properly has always been a considerable skill. These days it is considered an art. Knox & Dobson President Rob Levy and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones, who is the formulation and product development director, agree. They would know, being involved with highly esteemed bars, (The Raymond 1886Everson Royce Bar). So they found a way to create the perfect pre-mixed drinks in Knox & Dobson’s new bottled cocktail collection. Please check the website for vendors at //www.knoxanddobson.com. Each 200 ml bottle easily contains two servings. Each bottle costs $15 and the set is $70.

It starts with the shape and look of the bottles. The indigo, translucent color is an instant classic. At our tasting, everyone was so impressed with the hexagon-shaped shape of the bottle and flat sides that makes it easy to hold and almost impossible to roll around if it tips over. “This is absolutely perfect to take to events, such as the Hollywood Bowl,” emphasized guest, Ingrid Day. “It even feels so good in the hand.”

The secure, easy to hold, flat-sided shape of the Knox & Dobson bottle

We did our tasting with well-experienced catering company bartender, Donald Herman. He advised chilling the glasses for the Martini. We worked out way from cocktails with the least amount of ingredients to the most, additionally from the least sweet to the sweetest. Bartender Herman praised each and every one of the cocktails because they were “made with integrity and accuracy.” I add that this is the perfect way to learn how to make a cocktail at home with Knox & Dobson setting the standard for taste.

Bartender for the Day, Donald Herman
The Knox & Dobson gift set arrive in a rustic bedding to prevent breakage during shipping

A “proper” martini in its original form contain gin and vermouth. Liquor historian David Wondrich writes that bartenders have always referred to a martini made according to the original recipe as a “silver bullet” or a “crisp cocktail” because of its incredibly clean and fresh flavor.

Donald garnished each martini with imported Spanish queen olives. They added to the somewhat herbal flavors of the gin. Perfection. When serving the cocktail at home, it’s easy to make variations such as a “dirty Martini” with olive juice. It also zings with a lemon twist, or even without an olive for a dry taste.

A “proper” martini from Knox & Dobson
The Knox & Dobson Martini without an olive with a “cleaner taste”

The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail is rightfully labeled “improved.” It is straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and Angostura bitters.  This cocktail has a spiced flavor profile, including American oak, citrus, along with bright and deep cherry notes.

The Knox & Dobson “improved” Whiskey Cocktail

Even though a recognized “cousin’ of the Martini, origins of the Manhattan cocktail are not as well known. They seem to lead to the Manhattan Club, a social organization for Democrats in New York. More specifically, Lady Randolph Churchill, Sir Winston’s mother, ordering a combination of rye and vermouth for a toast during a visit to the club.

The Knox & Dobson Manhattan

The Manhattan is prepared with spicy rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and two dashes of Angostura, stirred with ice to chill, and then strained into a Martini glass. Farnish with a brandied cherry makes it upper class.

The Knox & Dobson Rye Manhattan with classic Italian cherries

We loved the Old Fashioned with its amber color. Knox & Dobson advises popping a Luxardo Maraschino cherry into it. The cherry works to balance the big citrus flavor and turn it bright, fresh and fruity. Our group agreed that we loved it with and without cherries.

The detailed aromas and flavors of the Old Fashioned to look for are freshly expressed orange peel, caramelized citrus, peppered almonds, raisins, and toffee with a supple, sweet medium body and a warm, intricate, long finish suggesting hints of licorice, violet, and sweet oak.

The Knox & Dobson Old-fashioned with Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and ice cubes
Our perfect cocktail tasting setting for Knox & Dobson
Fun accompaniments to the Know & Dobson bottled cocktail for on-the-go
Our more elaborate at-home cocktail enticements