Culina & Vinoteca at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Celebrate Oyster Day August 5th at These Top Ethnic Eateries

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Yes, it is another one of those food holidays without a specific historic origin but  (almost) everyone who loves oysters loves appreciates new versions from chefs, with favorites or new tries.  Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters?  Or that they are typically named after the body of water in which they’re grown because oysters take on the characteristics of the water in which they live.

Other interesting oyster facts:

  • The largest oyster-producing body of water in the world is located in the Chesapeake Bay estuary shared by Maryland and Virginia.  It is in the Mid-Atlantic but separated from the ocean.
  • Almost two billion pounds of oysters are eaten each year in the world.
  • In the U.S., east coast oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. West coast oysters are creamy and sweet.
  • Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

Bone Kettle in the heart of Pasadena, offers a unique Southeast Asian cuisine take on oysters, on August 5.   At Happy Hour the bar pairs a refreshing drink with Partner and Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s refreshing chilled Oysters served with seasonal mignonette and granite specially priced at a $1.25 per Oyster.

Bone Kettle will be open on National Oyster Day, Monday, August 5th, 2019 and offering Happy Hour for Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com

Vinoteca, the Italian-inspired bar adjacent to Culina at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers  $1.00 Oysters and $10.00 Rosé on National Oyster Day.  300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.860.4000, www.CulinaRestaurant.com.  Culina & Vinoteca at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Hours:  Happy Hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm;

The sleek, inviting vinoteca bar area

At HATCH Yakitori + Bar in  DTLA, Executive Chef Daniel Shemtob offers his Chilled, Grilled or Fried Fresh Oysters served with an ume mignotte for just $2.00 each during Happy Hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Oysters can be paired with HATCH Blend Red or HATCH Chenin Blanc wines for $8.00 each.  Also available are a “Half Dozen Oysters  Chilled, Grilled or Fried” all evening after Happy Hour for $20.00 per order, and wash them down the Samurai way with Sake served by the carafe featuring the Bushido: Way of the Warrior as a Draft option for $12.00, or HATCH Yakitori + Bar’s own HATCH Organic and HATCH Nigori Sake.

HATCH Yakitori + Bar. 700 West 7thStreet, Suite G600, Los Angeles, CA 90017; 213.282.9070; www.HATCHYakitori.com Hours: is open on Monday, August 5th, 2019 and will be offering Happy Hour from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 

 www.HATCHYakitori.com

Oysters at HATCH Yakitori + Bar (Photo credit: Anthony Lu)

The wonderful, historic The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena honors this National Oyster Day with buttery Grilled Massachusetts Oysters prepared with salted and herbed French butter on The Raymond 1886 Dinner Menu, or spice things up and enjoy the Micro-Farmed Massachusetts freshly shucked Oysters served with yuzu and fermented jalapeño hot sauce on the 1886 Bar Bites Menu.

The Raymond 1886,  1250 South Fair Oak Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105, 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com.  The Raymond will offer Oysters on the Dinner Menu and on the 1886 Bar Bites Menu during their regular house starting this coming Tues -Sun,  5:30 pm to 10:00 pm;

Oysters at The Raymond in Pasadena

Oysters at The Raymond in Pasadena

 WeHo Bistro in West Hollywood celebrates National Oyster Day with  Fried Oysters served as an order of four with a spicy harissa mayo and house-made ranch, offered all week, day or evening.   the House Red, White, Rosé and Champagne can be paired with  Fried Oysters for $6.00 per glass. Beer drinkers can down either a Palma Louca Lager or Weihenstephaner Pilsner for $5.00, or a Feelin’ Cute IPA for $6.00.

WeHo Bistro, 1040 North La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.657.9696; www.WeHoBistro.com.  Hours: Monday- Sunday from 9:00 am -Midnight daily. WeHo Bistro’s Magic Hour: daily from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and from 10:00 pm to close).

WeHo Bistro patio (Photo Credit: Velvet Media & Marketing)

WeHo Bistro bar (Photo Credit: Velvet Media & Marketing)

Our Favorite Ethnic Father’s Day Feasts

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(Gerry Furth-Sides, photo credits: Ralph Wolfgang, Acura-Hansen) Father-son managed Bone Kettle’s Father’s Day Specials in  Old Town Pasadena, feature bold Southeast Asian flavors from family-inspired recipes.   Citrus Brine Chicken Wings prepared with fried free-range chicken wings and charred lime start off a meal with a tart twist.  Loco Moco features grass-fed ground beef, duck egg, jasmine white rice, caramelized onions, and fried leek, or go for the sweet and savory Fried Chicken & Ube Waffles, served with black pepper honey sauce and watermelon cubes.  Partner and Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi created a special Lemongrass Pork Belly made with crispy pork belly, garlic infused soy, lemon juice, onions, tomatoes, and watercress cilantro salad – available during both Brunch and Dinner on Father’s Day.   Bone Kettle Sangria has the kick of chipotle pineapple, orange extract, and Pinot Noir.  Habanero lime, soju, cucumber juice, ginger ale, and mint does the same for the Cucumber Habanero Mule.

Loco Moco features grass-fed ground beef, duck egg, jasmine white rice, caramelized onions, and fried leek

Bone Kettle‘s Dinner featured Steak Tartare made with St. Helen’s Ranch hanger steak, chili vinaigrette, lemongrass, and krupuk is a signature dish, along with Executive Chef Erwin’s famous Bone Marrow with scallion confit, grilled baguettes, red endive, baby frisée, mizuna, and apple rhubarb dressing.  Unusual beverages include Ice-cold Beers such as the Ommengang Hennepin Saison or Eagle Rock Amwolf Pilsner.   Entrées for a hearty appetite include the Singaporean Chili Lobster with Maine lobster, confit tomatoes, sweet and spicy egg sauce, fried onions, and herbs; Big Mouth Seabass cooked in a turmeric batter, with pan-fried Okinawa soba noodles, scallions, quail eggs, and fried shallots, and the unique Beef Ribs prepared with bone marrow jus, fried onions and herbs.

Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16th, 2019 for Brunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue; 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com

Celestino Restaurant shares Drago family recipes of the kind that Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago’s their own dad would have loved in Sicily, Italy.  They they feature local, seasonal Start with the flavorful Beef Carpaccio with porcini mushrooms and black truffle, or the classic Zuppetta di Cozze e Vongole Pepate made of mussels and clams with black pepper in a delicate tomato broth.   Chef Drago is preparing something for every Dad with specials like his luxe Linguini with Lobster and Crab, and savory Bistecca alla Fiorentina; a traditional Florentine porterhouse steak perfectly prepared for Dad. The Dinner Menu adds  Specials like the Ossobuco alla Milanese and Coniglio al Forno con Salsa di Olive Nere.  Pair the Father’s Day Dinner with one of Celestino Ristorante’s robust red wines, such as the 2007 Chianti Classico Badiolo Riserva a bottle of the 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Il Poggione.   Chef Drago ‘s presents every dad with a Complimentary Glass of Vin Santo Dessert Wine.

Father’s Day Feast at Celestino Ristorante

Celestino Ristorante‘ Father’s Day Dinner on Sunday, June 16th, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.795.4006;www.CelestinoPasadena.com

 Inspired Chef Luca’s mom visited the kitchen at Culina & Vinoteca – Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills for mother’s day this year, and judging from the adoring kitchen staff,  everyone was inspired by her.  It will show in the Father’s Day Brunch Buffet at Culina & Vinoteca at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, that features novelty activities.

Lawn Games with the kids such as Bocce Ball, Ladder Toss and Corn Hole.  Dad can also show off his best Golf Game to Culina & Vinoteca’s 9-Hole Put-Put as there will be an attendant collecting score cards that will each be entered into Prize Drawings for prizes such as Complimentary Meals at Culina & Vinoteca.

The abundanza brunch celebration starts with Breakfast & Eggs including a performance Omelet Station; Honey Fried Chicken  with silver dollar waffles and made-to-order Belgium Waffles topped with a choice of dulce de leche, maple syrup, orange marmalade, or whipped butter, cream and preserves.  The Outdoor Grill Station offers  marinated and grilled Bone-In Cowboy Steak, or the “Beer Can” Whole Jidori Chicken.  Complimenting the heartier protein fare is a Farmers Market Salad  Chopped “Wedge” Salad served with blackened Old Bay Shrimp, oven roasted tomato, green onion, white cheddar crisps and buttermilk dressing.  So do the international food stations, including Japanese Sushi & Seafood Station; Hong Kong  Dim Sum Station, and Mexican Station. Pastry Chef Christopher Ford’s Pastries and desserts, a Carving Station andthe Children’s Buffet complete the menu.

The Culina & Vinoteca Carving Station

Culina & Vinoteca at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills‘ Father’s Day Buffet Brunch on Sunday, June 16th, 2019 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for $139.00 (per adult),  $69.00 (children ages 5-12), and complimentary for children 4 and under: 300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.860.4000; www.CulinaRestaurant.com

 At the Raymond 1886 Executive Chef Jon Hung The Raymond 1886’s spacious outdoor patio and historic Craftsman Cottage interior ensure a historic, easy Father’s Day Brunch with such favorites as  the Family Breakfast Platter,Chef Inspired Omelets, and the popular Breakfast Burrito, along with  the Brioche Bread Pudding topped with berries, yuzu curd, and whipped sour cream.   The famous Classic Cheeseburger made with ground Kobe beef, melted cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and “Eva’s Secret Sauce” on a brioche bun is also available, with its perfect accompaniment of the bar’s Bloody Mary with Dirty Sue olive juice and an array of salts and spices.

Bloody Mary with Dirty Sue olive juice and an array of salts and spices.

Father’s Day Dinner options are equally appealing.  Oysters on the Half Shell served with a daily mignonette, or the Tartare, which changes weekly starts off the meal. Baby Gem salad with cherry tomatoes, pickled watermelon radish and green goddess dressing, or the Roasted Cauliflower with chimichurri, hazelnuts, and grated parmesan pairs with any of Executive Chef Jon Hung’s entrees.  Favorites include Seared Sea Trout with Vadouvan lentil, pickled golden raisins, brown butter, yuzu and hazelnuts; Lamb Chops served with fregola, rhubarb, mint and ricotta, and the Porchetta with Vongole and marinated cherry tomatoes.   Dessert from Pastry Chef Alexa Clark included Peanut Butter Mousse with Nutella cremeux, honeycomb, cinnamon condensed milk and lime gel, and Chocolate Bavarois served with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, pink peppercorn graham crumble and caramel.

The Raymond 1886 hours on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16th, 2019.  Brunch:  9:00 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

Photos: Bloody Mary, Breakfast Burrito, Family Breakfast Platter, Patio, Peanut Butter Mousse, Seared Sea Trout

Photo Credit: acuna-hansen

Culina & Vinoteca’s Chef Luca Moriconi Flies In Mama for Mother’s Day Series

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(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos courtesy of Culina) For the second year in a row, Culina & Vinoteca is flying in Chef de Cuisine Luca Moriconi’s very own Mama Grazia for a week-long celebration featuring three marvelous Mom-centric celebrations (Monday, May 6th, 2019 through Sunday, May 12th, 2019). The restaurant’s adjoining private screening room will feature a“Movies Moms Love” Dinner Series; special MAMMA MIA! Dinner Menu featuring Mama Grazia’s authentic Tuscan specialties, and a lavish Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Three special evenings that will all begin with Chef Luca’s Mama Grazia inspired Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu ($59 per person including screening), followed by a showing of three iconic “Movies Moms Love” inside the Four Seasons Culina & Vinoteca movie theater offering Moms a private cinematic experience in the 37-seat private screening room with reclining leather chairs for Mom to literally put her feet up and relax, each seat is accompanied with its own plush blanket for maximum opulence and comfort.

Culina & Vinoteca’s “Movies Moms Love Dinner Series with Dinner at 6:00 pm followed by Movie at 8:00 pm  Schedule:  “The First Wives Club” (May 8); “Sex and the City” (May 9); “Bad Moms” (May 9)

 Chef Luca’s Mama Grazia inspired Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner begins with the First Course including a choice of the Crostini di Fegatini featuring chicken liver pate, fried crostini, caper berries, and parsley; the Zuppa di Farro e Fagioli, a Spelt and Borlotti bean soup with lardo and rosemary, or the Insalata Panzanella with Ciabatta bread, red wine vinegar, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Mom will then have her choice of Entrée beginning with the Pasta al Salvietto, a spinach and ricotta roll made from fresh pasta, butter and sage sauce; the Pollo Alla Cacciatora, organic boneless Jidori chicken with San Marzano tomatoes, green olives, white wine, rosemary and white onions, or the Baccala in Umido, comprised of braised Baccala cod, leeks, Swiss chard, San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and shallots. Lastly, Mom can choose her very own Dessert, from a selection of Le Torte con I Becchi, traditional Lucchesia pies.

A very special MAMMA MIA! Dinner Menu inspired by Chef de Cuisine Luca Moriconi’s mom runs from Monday, May 6th, 2019 through Sunday, May 12th, 2019.  The menu features Mama Grazia’s authentic Tuscan recipes as she works side by side to collaborate on dishes like the Carpaccio di Manzo al Limone comprised of beef carpaccio, Pecorino Toscano, lemon and arugula salad, or the Zuppa Ribollita, a seasonal vegetable and bean soup served with a crispy Ciabatta bread.  Pasta selections include  Mama Grazia’s Tordelli; a roasted beef and prosciutto ravioli served with rustic beef sugo and thyme, and the Pallette di Polenta e Funghi made with polenta, sautéed mixed mushrooms, garlic, San Marzano tomatoes and parsley.

Savory selections include  Cotolette d`Agnello with breaded and fried lamb chops, butter lettuce, lemon, artichoke flan, or the succulent Cinghiale in Umido Con Polenta made with braised wild boar, polenta gialla, and Taggiasca black olives.

Desserts include  Le Torte con I Becchi, a traditional Lucchesia pie with fillings such as Ricotta & Dark Chocolate Chips, Marinated Strawberries & Lemon Whipped Cream, and Amaretti Cookies & Custard Cream.

In addition to the always extraordinary Sunday Brunch, Mama Grazia will be on site at a special station with  her Fresh Rolled Pasta and specialties.  Thelavish Mother’s Day Buffet Style Brunch on Sunday, May 12th, 2019  Breakfast and Eggs including freshly made Omelets with a choice of condiments, Canadian Bacon Benedict with Hollandaise, Salmon Cakes with poached egg and Béarnaise, and Organic Hen Eggs cooked any style.  Other choices include Ricotta Cheese Blintzes with Fresh Berry Compote, the Honey Fried Chicken with Silver Dollar Waffles, or made-to-order Vanilla Belgium Waffles with choice of toppings include dulce de leche, maple syrup, orange marmalade, whipped butter and cream, or preserves.

Fresh and seasonal salad selections include the trendy  Tuscan Kale with pistachio, pumpkin seed, blueberries, goji berries, bee pollen, and aged balsamic; Compressed Watermelon with torn mint, grilled halloumi and Taggiasca olives, and Greek Pasta Salad with farfalle, Feta cheese, piquillo peppers, pepperoncini and Kalamata olives.

The Sushi & Seafood Station offers  Nigiri Sushi and Rolls, Alaskan King Crab Claws, Spicy Tuna Cones, Oysters, Green Lip Mussels, and more.  Entrées include specialties such as the  Red Beet Glazed Atlantic Salmon with cauliflower rice and pickled cherries; Fava Bean & Ricotta Ravioli with braised Swiss chard and aged balsamic, and the Veal Shoulder with white beans, pancetta and salsa verde. A Hong Kong Dim Sum Station adds to the Asian offerings.

Dessert includes House Made Doughnuts with assorted toppings; House-Made Gelato and Sorbets with sugar cones; selection of delicious Mini French Pastries, and Holiday Desserts..   Culina & Vinoteca’s Children’s Buffet  serves up Mini Cheese Burgers, Cheese & Tomato Grilled Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Veggies with Pesto Hummus, Turkey “Kid’s Club” Finger Sandwiches on whole wheat bread, along with Watermelon Pops and assorted Cupcakes and Cookies.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.CulinaRestaurant.comor call Culina & Vinoteca at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills directly at 310.860.4000.

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