Best of

  • New Banana Leaf Menu Stars in Redondo Beach

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, Cathy Arkle ) Guests and writers are singing the praises of Banana Leaf Restaurants newest location in Redondo Beach. It is fitting that the restaurant was inspired by our good friend, pioneer ethnic food reporter, Barbara Hansen. The story is in //localfoodeater.com/beach-cities-social-brings-cooking-c...

  • Omelettes: The Best of French-Indian Wares

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) The appealing egg, delicious and nutritious on its own, can be augmented in an omelette with cheeses and fresh vegetables. Served with any number of side dishes it make a very satisfying if light meal. (Actually one of Martha Stewart’s late night go-to ones). “The classic French is made with (lots...

  • The Best Hatch Chili Cookbooks 2023

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) The recipes are so tempting it’s hard to know what to cook first from Melissa’s newest HATCH PEPPER COOKBOOKS. Hatch peppers are filled with flavor and a supple heat, from mild to spicy, without the prickly or acrid sensation of other peppers. So the answer is just picking a new appetizer or side,...

  • Hatch Chili Season 2023: All You Need to Know

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Once you hear about the “Hatch Chili,” it seems you see them everywhere. At one time, the short harvest season was focused on the Labor Day roastings in Hatch, New Mexico. Huell Howser’s California Gold TV show showcased the roasting, and the attendees there that included devoted Los Angelen...

  • Zapien’s Salsa Grill Previews Hatch Chilie Season!

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) We were so fortunate to “taste a preview” of hatch pepper dishes Chef Marco’s sensational dishes with demos. The event co-hosted with Melissa’s Produce, major supplier of hatch chilis and products, who introduced the peppers decades ago.  It was fitting that Marketing Director and co-...

  • Your Very Italian Table for Three or 30 at Italian Celestino’s Pasadena

    (Gerry Furth-Sides)When I was asked to an arrange a birthday party in Pasadena, Celestino owner Calogero Drago and GM Mario were out of the country. Each of them still contacted me immediately: “Ciao, Bella! No problem.” Thirty guests for lunch? Order off the menu and let us know what we can do. When questioned about [&helli...

  • A Real “Uncle Matt” Makes Uncle Matt’s Organic® The Best

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) There really is an “Uncle Matt” behind the Uncle Matt’s Organic® brand. And it shows in the product. This family story has its ups and downs and a happy ending due to the fruit grower and company owner who persisted in developing a healthy, delicious product. (Gerry Furth-Sides) The real-life &...

  • Marino Ristorante Menu Honors Barbara Hansen

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) The name of the meal is: “ A Love Affair of food, plates and friends.” Barbara and Marino shared a Hancock Park neighborhood address and a love of authentic ethnic food. Chef Sal Marino creates the special menu. Brother-partner, Mario, sets the updated classic table. Guests opting for this special men...

  • Celebrate Tequila Day July 24

    Cheers to celebrating National Tequila Day on July 24th with the best of all our collection ranging from Mexico’s luxe Velas Resort to local barkeep recipes.  You'll find cocktail recipes, tips for drinking the spirit, and food pairing suggestions. ...