Latest Posts

  • Canadian Ice Wine – Still Only North of the Border

    (Gerry Furth-Sides)  If absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, so Ice Wine makes it grow warm.  And as both of these treasured spirits are introduced in local stores and bars locally, they are all the more prized. Sophisticated Toronto is still known for its Stratford Shakespeare festival, its treasure trove of multi-cultural c...

  • You Stink – and I Love You Moldy Cheese

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) While the idea of mold on most types of food is not a pleasing one, the story about mold on more complex cheeses can help change your mind, including those with wonderfully wrinkly rinds such as the one below.  A perfect introduction or introduction to new international cheese choices for  Moldy Cheese Day ...

  • The Devil Made Me Do It! Happy Deviled Egg Day Nov 2

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, photos courtesy of Hungry Fan and Chef-author Jenn Segal) Loving bacon and eggs since childhood I have always stood behind, and eaten whole eggs, because they are just so satisfying.  (My hunter cat, Jeremiah Johnson prefers this protein as well).  On one recommended longtime regime, by a psychic-nutrition...

  • LA First! Martha Stewart WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE December 1

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Martha Stewart is coming to town with her curated culinary experience for one day.   The Grand Tasting spotlights tastings along with a schedule of wine and beverage seminars and cooking demonstrations.  The iconic culinary expert will be doing a “Meet & Greet” plus a cooking demonstrati...

  • Unrivaled Gran Hotel Hospitality & New Lunch Menu at BOA STEAKHOUSE

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) A few years back, I dashed into BOA STEAKHOUSE Santa Monica for meter change during the insane lunch hour traffic. The hostess herself ran back to her own purse for the quarters, and I have been telling this story ever since.  BOA STEAKHOUSE bills itself as having “unrivaled hospitality”, along w...

  • Hippocrates Precious Tears: Chios “Mastiha” Comes to America

    (Gerry Furth-Sides, Greek photos courtesy of The Chios Mastiha Growers Association).  Whenever anyone, including me, thought of “mastiha” in the past, chewing gum came to mind.  Its a different story these days since “Healthy” is the new mantra for food and drink these days, and whatever items can  mak...

  • Alicia Maher’s Family Recipes in “Delicious El Salvador” Cook Book

    Alicia Maher has been teaching classes in  traditional, Salvadoran home cooking and street food for close to thirty years whenever she can.  She has tried to give a research background for them whenever possible. She is the author In her cookbook, Alicia offers  75 recipes, these dishes have been passed down from generation ...

  • Seven Surprises at Los Angeles Magazine’s THE Food Event 2018

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Los Angeles magazine’s The Food Event 2018: Its 13th Annual Epicurean Extravaganza is still best described as “leisurely and posh.”  Still, no matter how many times you’ve visited, it’s always startling to arrive at a gate atop Mulholland Drive and be greeted by friendly hosts,...

  • The Brunch Table is Now Set at Cleo Restaurant!

    (Gerry Furth-Sides) Brunch is now being served at Cleo on Third Street. And Chef Danny Elmaleh’s menu boasts all the energy, fun and chic design of the popular walking street. There is always something going on.  The morning we went, light and refreshing Ketel One Botanicals were being featured.  And so was crystal clea...

  • East-West Fusian at Four Hands Dinners, Nov 5 and 6 at Landmark Mandarin Oriental  

    The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Culinary Director, Chef Richard Ekkebus is delighted to announce that Amber’s next exclusive Four Hands Dinners on the 5th and 6th November 2018 feature a fabulous collaboration with Italian chef Luca Fantin of Il Ristorante — Luca Fantin, situated in the Bvlg...