Best of

  • Just in Time: The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) We call the book, The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles “Just in Time” because of the publicity that Bangladesh received as the final Jeopardy question that toppled a long reigning champion this month. So the name “Bangladesh” is on many people’s mind these days. And it is about time...

  • The Brandy in Glendale: “Come for a Meal, Stay the Night”

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) The Brandy in Glendale more than makes good on their motto: “Come for a meal.  Stay for a night.’  This is true even if you are not a guest coming for the main attraction of the hookah lounge. Hardly more noticeable than a modest entrance set back off the wide street, a surprise awaits [&he...

  • How Mr. C Beverly Hills Updates Old-World Cipriani Style

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) From Head Valet, Jason on our arrival, to the friendly hotel guests waving us goodbye, Mr. C in Beverly Hills does the fourth generation Cipriani Restaurant family proud.  Mr. C’s made a controversial splash when it opened a decade ago on a site that had previously been changed hands often. But it ...

  • Beloved Akbar Returns to Pasadena

    Pasadena food devotees have a reason to rejoice as Akbar returns to Pasadena at 404 Arroyo Parkway this month under the ownership of Avinash Kapoor and Sri Sambangi.  The new location will feature an update of its stylish contemporary Indian cuisine.  The site  across from Whole Foods is not far from the one Chef Avi left f...

  • Makar Sankranti and How to Celebrate It!

    Happy Makar Sankranti with very special food! This holiday celebrates the sun’s calendar transition from fall to winter. Also known as the winter solstice with the longest night of the year, it marked the astrological transition of Sagittarious to Capricorn. This festival is one of the few Hindu festivals aligned with the ...

  • Liven Up Sun in Capricorn with the Best Goat Dishes!

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Celebrate sun in CAPRICORN with us.  Capricorn is symbolized by the sea goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and tail of a fish. The figure comes from the shape of the constellations in the sky determined in ancient times. The hardworking and loyal Mountain Goat that rules...

  • Dare to Do a Classic Danish Holiday Dinner

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Let’s share a meal with friends on the fourth day of day of Christmas, with our Danish friend, @tableconversation. We tried to make it worthy of her luminous xmas tree and treasure trove of holiday decorations that fill the living room.  And this simple, yet elegant and tasty meal would warm the heart of ...

  • Theía Greek Restaurant Lives Up to Its “Divine” Name

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Brava. Theía means divine. And it is. Theía already won me over when I just DM-ed the place with a question about outdoor dining and the utmost care was taken to answer. This starts at the top with young French entrepreneur, Max Simon, who followed a girlfriend to Santorini and was so won […]...

  • Tracing the Marvelous, Mysterious Mantacada

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) If you shop in Mexican markets here in the United States, you know the smart little Mantecada as a muffin snuggled in its gaily colored red wrapper.  So popular, the smart packages of six usually merit a display shelf of their own in the bakery section or near the door.  Batter poured...

  • A New Favorite American Export: The Breakfast Club

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) The friendly American restaurant export of themed restaurants is becoming as popular as hamburgers and hot dogs. One of the newest in the category that is gaining popularity is the all-day (and night) breakfast. Breakfast, including dinner-style dishes, is served in lively The Breakfast Club in Hollywood from...