Gerry Furth-Sides Archives - Page 29 of 82

Stonefire Grill’s “Say Thanks” Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers

May 12, 2020 Comments Off

For customers and who want to support local frontline healthcare workers who are risking their lives by tending to Covid-19 patients, Stonefire Grill has launched a “Say Thanks” program. The program is aimed at supporting bringing nourishing and complimentary meals each week to frontline workers, as well as raising funds to do so and passing along messages of gratitude from the public. Each of the fast-casual restaurants’ 13 locations has adopted one or more hospitals in their backyards and will provide these services until the pandemic has subsided.

“So many people are at home wanting to do something for the amazing care providers who are risking their very lives to keep us healthy,” said Stonefire Grill Vice President of Marketing, Justin Lopez. “The Say Thanks program offers our guests an opportunity to join us by making donations and/or expressing their gratitude to these true-life heroes.”

Among the hospitals Stonefire Grill, alongside the public, will be supporting include: Ventura County Medical Center, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, West Hills Hospital and Medical Center, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Panorama City, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Memorial Care Orange Coast Medical Center, Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, Little Company of Mary, Kaiser Permanente Orange County/Irvine Medical, and two Kindred Hospitals in Brea and Rancho Cucamonga.

Learn more about “Say Thanks” by visiting stonefiregrill.com/say-thanks. For health and safety reasons during the current pandemic, all items on the menu are available “to go” and each Stonefire Grill restaurant is designed with a special entrance dedicated to takeout.

A leader in the fast-casual genre, Stonefire Grill’s menu features Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast, Baby Back Ribs, a wide assortment of salads, pizzas and pastas and several new vegetarian options including the Superfood Fiesta Bowl and Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Tahini. Visit StonefireGrill.com for more information and follow the latest on social media @stonefiregrill.

All-Americana Mother’s Day 2020 Stay-at-Home Edition

May 8, 2020 Comments Off

Mother’s Day Boxes at our favorite The Raymond in South Pasadena

Gerry Furth-Sides (all photos courtesy of Georgia’s, Gus’s Barbecue and The Raymond 1886). Mother’s Day at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House andLong Beach Exchange features a Soulful Sunday Brunch with Georgia’s signature Cornmeal-Crusted Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, Mardi Gras Omelet, Grilled French Toast, Steak & Eggs, and Cinnamon-Apple Waffles. Brunch-time Beverages, include stay-at-home welcome Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Georgia’s Sangria, Hurricanes, Wine and Beer.

Georgia’s Chicken & Waffles for Mother’s Day

Georgia’s Mimosa & Bloody Mary

Shrimp & Grits, Steak & Eggs at Georgia’s Restaurant menu

To order Mother’s Day Brunch please call Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange directly at 714.906.1900; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 115, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; for information on Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange offers Takeout, Delivery and Curbside Pickup, please checkwww.Georgias-Restaurant.com

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Mom is treated to a family-favorite, Prime Rib Feast at Gus’s Barbecue in South Pasadena. “Extras” extras” for the entire family includes five pounds of Gus’s Boneless Smoked Prime Rib Roast, Creamed Spinach, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Horseradish Sauce, and Au Jus ($149.95). Guests can call Gus’s Barbecue at 626.799.3251 or email Gus’s Barbecuedirectly at SouthPasadena@GussBBQ.com to order by Friday, May 8^th, 2020 and be given a personal time to come Curbside Pickup on Mother’s Day.

The Prime Rib Feast at Gus’s Barbecue

Sides for a Prime Rib Feast at Gus’s Barbecue

Beverages are also special for the day. The list includes a MOM-OSA Kit (Six Servings – $24). The Gus’s Bottle Barn features Top Shelf Spirits, Wine, Beer, Southern Sangria, and Bottled Cocktails.

Gus’s Barbecue is also a one-stop shop so bring Mom a Half Dozen Roses ($9), or You Name It! and just email Gus’s for pricing and ideas on any additional Sides and Gus’s Barbecue Signature Dishes that you think Mom will love!

Gus’s Barbecue South Pasadena offers Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup Gus’s Barbecue’s Mother’s Day Prime Rib Feast can be ordered at Gus’s Barbecue at 626.799.3251 or email Gus’s Barbecue directly at SouthPasadena@GussBBQ.com to order by Friday, May 8^th, 2020 and be given a personal time to come Curbside Pickup on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10^th, 2020; 808 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena; 626.799.3251; www.GussBBQ.com

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Memories of the phenomenal The Raymond Pasadena garden remain while guests enjoy the food to-go (Photo by Gerry Furth-Sides)

The Raymond 1886, Pasadena’s beloved Craftsman Cottage is offering special prepackaged and prepped Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Boxes featuring a Salad, Entrée and Dessert for Takeout and Curbside Pickup (only) for families to assemble and cook at home. The Raymond 1886’sMother’s Day Brunch Box for 4 ($50), featuries an Arugula Salad with radishes and a lemon vinaigrette. Favorite Quiches either the Ham & Cheese Quichewith Black Forest Ham, caramelized onions, and Cheddar cheese, or the Veggie Quiche with Bloomsdale Spinach, tomato, caramelized onions, and mushrooms.

A spread of food fit for a Mother’s Day Queen at The Raymond Restaurant, South Pasadena

For Dessert, The Raymond 1886 bakes a choice of Pastries including either Pain au Chocolat or fresh Cinnamon Rolls. Or for something savory in the early evening, Mom can enjoy The Mother’s Day Box for 4 ($90), startswith the Arugula Salad with radishes and a lemon vinaigrette. Mom can then choose an Entrée of either the House Dry Aged New York Steak or New Zealand Salmon, each accompanied with Fingerling Potatoes, and choice of Pastries, including either Pain au Chocolat or fresh Cinnamon Rolls.

Chef’s instructions on how to perfectly prepare this special Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner at home with each Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Box.

The Raymond 1886 offers incomparable MOM-Osas ($25) that includes a Bottle of Cava and signature Bloody Marys with all the fixin’s! Wine, Beer and Pre-Made Cocktailswill also be offered for Mother’s Day Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup. The three Cocktailsoffered are the 1886 Negroni, , the Remember The Maine or the Fair & Warmer, a blend of rums, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, house curacao, and lemon oil.

The Raymond 1886 – to go!

The Raymond 1886 offers their special Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Boxes for PRE-ORDER ONLY for Takeout and Curbside Pickup on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10^th, 2020 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call The Raymond 1886 at 626.441.3136 or email Info@TheRaymond.com to PRE-ORDER.

1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

The bar at The Raymond 1886 – to go

Regal Cecconi Restaurant Covers Corona Charity

May 7, 2020 Comments Off

Gerry Furth-Sides (charity content and photos courtesy of Cecconi). Superpower Cecconi’s Restaurant in West Hollywood has always lived up to its heritage as the historic Venetian eatery credited with pleasing its guests in whatever way possible, including inventing classic carpaccio for one of them who wanted her meat a certain color!

For the past 4 weeks, SohoHouse and Cecconi’s West Hollywood has been donating approximately 1,000 lunches per week to frontline healthcare workers at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, a network of community health centers serving the medically vulnerable, homeless, and low-income populations in South Los Angeles. A volunteer team made up of friends of the clinic, St. John’s donors, and other community members, has been distributing the meals to 15 sites twice per week. These efforts will continue through the month of May.

“The partnership between St. John’s and Cecconi’s West Hollywood demonstrates our community’s dedication to caring for each other during uncertain times,” said Jim Mangia, President and CEO of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center. “Now more than ever, it’s critical to support our frontline healthcare workers who are working around the clock to keep the rest of us safe.”

“During a pandemic like this, nothing is more important than supporting our community — especially the most vulnerable,” said Andrea Cavaliere, Executive Head Chef for SohoHouse North America.“SohoHouse has been supporting COVID-19 first responders in NY, London, Barcelona and Hong Kong. In LA, we partnered with St John’s and are cooking for their essential health care workers who are taking care of the community. The response has been fulfilling on so many levels. We are very happy to support this amazing organization.”

St. John’s began testing thousands of South Los Angeles residents for COVID-19 on Monday, April 13 at 15 stationary sites throughout South LA. The mobile testing van partnered with the LA Black Worker Center, Park Mesa Heights Community Council, and Amazon Worker Alliance Los Angeles to increase access to COVID-19 testing, reduce racial health and testing disparities and work to provide the same access offered to upper income and white communities across Southern California.

Ceconni’s Restaurant offers pick-up and delivery. For more information please see: . For more information, please see: www.cecconiswesthollywood.com or Phone: (310) 432-2000

Cecconi restaurant’s version of a green salad with avocado, perfectly dressed and arugula below

Calamari Fritti seafood with lemon & chili aioli at Cecconi Restaurant (above) and pasta with rapini below

Italian Cecconi Restaurant serves up its generous portion of meatballs in a copper pan to retain the heat. Like the restaurant itself, the meatballs with tomato sauce and basil are pretty to look at and develop a wallop of refined spiciness.

Cecconi Restaurant’s Italian meatballs stay piping hot in their own copper serving pan

Festive Cinco de Mayo at Home Edition 2020

May 4, 2020 Comments Off

Tommy Bahama’s festive, tropical pineapple creme brûlée and dishes to go with it, below! Info at tommybahama.com

(Gerry Furth-Sides, content at-home party courtesy Tommy Bahama)

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s 1862 victory at the Battle of Puebla over the French Empire. In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle that Cinco de Mayo celebrates continues to be mostly ceremonial, with strutting military parades or battle reenactments. The city of Puebla marks the event with an arts festival, a festival of local cuisine, and re-enactments of the battle. Cinco de Mayo is a perfect reason to rerun the Netflix TV show or reread Paco Ignacio Taibo II’s book that traces Mexico’s revolutionary history from 1854-1867, a period he considers foundational to the country.

Tommy Bahama Baja Margarita, Blood Orange Margarita For more information visit www.tommybahama.com

In the US a drinking party with lots of people is the rule. This year with everyone at home, Cinco de Mayo parties require some creative thinking. One LIVE “Cocktail Club” with Tommy Bahama. on Cinco de Mayo features a festive island flare with a Margarita and Guacamole class hosted by lifestyle expert Gretchen Connelie.

Tommy Bahama Baja Margarita showcase features a Mango Habanero Margarita

Tommy Bahama Baja Margarita, Blood Orange Margarita, Mango Habanero Margarita, Spicy Kumquat Margarita and Spiked Guacamole star at this party. Gretchen will walk viewers through a simple 6-ingredient guacamole anyone can do.

The secret to the special Tommy Bahama margaritas are freshly squeezed juices and scratch sour mixes. For the heat, the Mango Habanero Margarita adds a couple drops of Bittermens® Hellfire Habanero Shrub Bitters to the tequila and sour adds spice to the mix that includes mango puree and Orange Curaçao.

Tommy Bahama’s Cinco de Mayo margarita that turns up the heat:Mango Habanero Margarita.

Srira-cha-cha Snack Mix features the snap of sriracha peanuts in sweet, salty and spicy mix with coconut flakes and cashews.

Srira-cha-cha Snack Mix by Tommy Bahaha

Tommy Bahama Baja Margarita

2 parts Sauza® Conmemorativo® Tequila
1 part Cointreau®
2 parts scratch sour mix
½ part lime juice
½ part Grand Marnier®

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice except Grand Marnier. Shake well and strain over fresh ice. Top with Grand Marnier.

Scratch Sour Mix:
(Recipe makes 1/2 gallon. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)

3 oz. egg whites, pasteurized
2 cups sugar
4 cups water
3 ½ cups fresh lemon juice
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice

Whisk egg whites in a large bowl until frothy. Stir in the sugar and mix until incorporated. Add water and fresh juices and mix thoroughly.

Tommy Bahama Mango Habanero Margarita

1 ¾ parts Milagro® Silver tequila
¾ parts orange Curaçao liqueur
1 part The Perfect Purée® Mango Purée (diluted with equal parts water)
1 part scratch sour mix (see recipe above)
2 slices fresh habanero
4 drops Bittermens® Hellfire Habanero Shrub Bitters

Build in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain over fresh ice.

Tommy Bahama Blood Orange Margarita

2 parts Sauza® Gold

1 part Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

½ part blood orange juice

1 part sour mix (See recipe above)

Build in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain over fresh ice.

For more information visit www.tommybahama.com

The Netflix documentary of it, showing Taibo trace the route with other historians is worth the watch, and is as entertaining as it is informative.

Taibo at the statue of Juarez in Mexico City (Netflix documentary above and below)

The Battle of Puebla is important in Mexican history as in inspiration for freedom and overcoming the odds for it. This is true despite a second battle that ended differently with the French overtaking Mexico City and Napoleon the III eventually establishing his second Mexican empire outpost that lasted a few years (to replace the land his uncle sold to Thomas Jefferson in the Louisiana Purchase). First, although considerably outnumbered in this last stand to take over Mexico City, the ragtag assortment of 4000 Mexican soldiers defeated a much better-equipped, over-confident French army twice the size that had not been defeated for almost 50 years. Credit goes to a young General Zaragoza who inspired them, calling them, “the best children of Mexico.”

They came equipped with 200,000 rations of food and 8,000 rations of wine! Second, since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has been invaded by any other European military force. And third, even though the French army continued to pour in men and arms for the next few years to overtake Mexico, it did not stop the Mexican Revolution of guerillas, that came to be known as chinakas, literally meaning “without underwear” and that came to define the common people who fight for freedom, “the best children of Mexico.”

Prieto came up with the phrases that inspired the revolution to continue(Netflix documentary above and below)

This engaging host is a world-renowned, social activist, historian, professor, journalist, union organizer and author of over 51 books, published in 29 countries and over a dozen languages.

San Pedro Fish Market Feeds First Responders

April 28, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) We were heartened to learn the San Pedro Fish Market is donating World Famous Shrimp Trays to first responders across Los Angeles County. To date, San Pedro Fish Market has donated over 1,200 meals to front line healthcare responders across Long Beach, San Pedro and Los Angeles communities as a part of their continuous effort to provide support to those affected by COVID-19.

The Ungaro family owned and operated market is also offering World Famous Shrimp Trays for four people for just $20 now through May 3. Affordable nutritious, protein-packed meals from San Pedro Fish Market at also available for local delivery via Grubhub, enjoy home.

San Pedro Fish Market’s World Famous Shrimp Tray for two people

First Responders and organizations who have received donated Shrimp Tray meals include Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, LA Fire Stations 36, 40, 48, 101, 110, 111 and 112, Long Beach Police, Long Beach Police Marine Patrol, Long Beach SWAT, Little Co Of Mary Hospital, Little Sisters of the Poor, Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center, Memorial Hospital Of Gardena, St Mary’s Medical Center ER and VA Medical Center. Both San Pedro and Long Beach Fish Markets are gearing up for additional meal donations throughout the community.

The World Famous Shrimp Tray is a mound of fresh shrimp piled high with fajita bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and potatoes tossed with San Pedro’s signature savory seafood seasoning and soybean butter. Served with fresh, house-made garlic bread, the World Famous Shrimp Tray is a deeply satisfying seafood meal.

San Pedro Fish Market and Grille at the very end of Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro usually fills close to 400 outside seats every week-end. The rustic tables and waterfront view reminded us of eating outside on the wharf in Greece.

The outside restaurant seating that is camp-packedon week-ends are now empty.

The restaurant claims the crowd comes for their high quality, fresh shrimp, delivered fresh daily from the San Pedro Fish Market. The Shrimp Platter for Two and the shrimp Tacos are signature items. We look forward to the days when you can again pick your own from a counter and have them cook it (grilled or sautéed) and then eat outside in the fresh air overlooking the water. The restaurant usually offers inside dining, with a small bar, and the few week-day customers there between lunch and dinner seemed to be having such a leisurely good time they would be there for supper, too.

World Famous Shrimp Tray Donations will be ongoing. The
$20 Four Person World Famous Shrimp Tray
Available now through May 3, 2020.

WHERE:

San Pedro Fish Market Locations:

1190 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731

6550 E Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803

Local delivery is available via GrubHub
Nationwide delivery is available on amazon.com and via Goldbely

Open San Pedro Fish Market Grille Locations:

120 West G Street, Wilmington, CA 90744

1313 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Harbor City, CA

About San Pedro Fish Market:

Founded by Mackey Ungaro, his son Henry, and his nephew Tommy Amalfitano, San Pedro Fish Market opened the doors to its first location in 1956, originally called Vista Seafood. In the early 60’s, Vista Seafood was relocated to the beautiful waterfront location which would later become the Ports O’ Call Village. This waterfront site, rebuilt in 1982 and renamed the San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant. San Pedro Fish Market has become one of the top ten most Instagrammed restaurants in the country highlighting their World Famous Shrimp Tray. Much of it has been documented with their award-winning web series Kings of Fi$h, which showcases the San Pedro-based family entrepreneurs and their four-time Guinness Book of World Record restaurants. Nearly four generations later, the families continue the tradition of serving fresh seafood to the waterfront community and beyond. For more information, visit www.sanpedrofish.com and www.spfishgrille.com/location.

Bilinski Natural Sausages Arrive for Delicious, Healthy Summer Fun Eats

April 25, 2020 Comments Off

Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage with only natural ingredients

(Gerry Furth-Sides0 Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage and their new company, High Peaks Plant-Based Sausage, arrive just in time for summer, fun meals. They are also ideal for a quick yet healthful dinner. They are made with whole, organic ingredients to keep everyone in the family on track to meet health goals as we weather the quarantine – and the warm weather coming up, too. Bilinski’s and High Peaks can also be developed into creative recipes, examples for Bilinski here: //bilinski.com/our-recipes/.

Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage with only natural ingredients fit right into a salad with farmers market lettuce, and Melissa’s Produce cherry heirloom tomato salad

Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage with only natural ingredients

Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage and Spinach Sausage arrived with all the care possible to keep it fresh

Family owned and female run, Bilinski’s has been in the sausage making business for three generations and understands that food ingredients “as a matter of the lands and hands that bring them to your plate – matter.” This year, Bilinski’s launched High Peaks to fill the growing need for plant-based options that taste delicious.

Bilinski’s Spinach and Spring Greens Sausage is organic

A thoughtful use-by or freeze date is stamped on every package of Bilinski’s Sausage

INGREDIENTS: Skinless chicken, water, red and green dried peppers, sea salt, paprika, fennel seed, black pepper, dried onions.

Bilinski’s Chicken Sausage lists every one of its natural ingredients on the package

Bilinski’s prides itself on transparency, only using whole ingredients and never use any artificial ingredients or preservatives. There are no hidden ingredients disguised as “spices” or “flavorings”, and every single ingredient is listed by name. They are right when they say, “simple, real ingredients just taste better. Gluten-free, Sugar-Free and Paleo-friendly. The entire array is on the website.

The company only uses chicken that has been raised with transparency and animal welfare as a priority. That’s why we support the Global Animal Partnership, and only use free-range chickens that have been raised without antibiotics.

Food is a journey, not a destination. Ingredients– and the lands and hands that bring them to your plate– matter. From the ground up, our simple ingredients are sourced and grown with integrity. By buying Bilinski’s, you are helping us to support farmers that are doing things right, raising better, healthier chickens that are free range, antibiotic-free, spend time outdoors, and are treated with respect.

Bilinski’s is also proud to be certified by GAP, a non-profit alliance of producers, retailers, animal advocates and scientists dedicated to improving farm animal welfare. All of organic chickens are raised to Step 3 standards or higher, with a goal is to help and support all participating farmers reach Step 4, where chickens are fully pasture-raised.

The vast majority of antibiotics administered to chickens are given as growth promoters, to help grow more chickens larger and faster, many times in crowded and unhealthy conditions. By using only antibiotic- free chicken, Bilinski’s supports healthy raising conditions, where chickens have enough clean living space to act like chickens, natural sunlight and access to the outdoors.

Products contain no GMO ingredients, and are non-GMO Project Verified. Organic is always GMO-free.

The Better Chicken Commitment confirms the care and compassionate treatment of animals. That’s why chicken sausages are already certified by Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Level 3 – a certification program recognized by the ASPCA® Shop With Your Heart program. The family also supports the wider movement to improve the lives of broiler chicken by adopting the Better Chicken Commitment: by 2024, 100% of the chickens will be GAP-certified as GAP evolves its standards in breed health and animal housing; and require that our birds are processed using multi-step CAS processing, which is widely considered more humane.

Mary’s Gone Crackers – Perfect Update to an Ancient Classic

April 23, 2020 Comments Off

Mary’s Gone Crackers ready for a close up: all filled with whole grain brown rice, seeds, quinoa and sea salt. They are indeed Baked Whole Grains & Seeds.

(Gerry Furth-Sides) A photo of Mary’s Gone Crackers immediately got my attention because I have already fallen in love with Scandanavian ground stone crackers at Trader Joe’s. And they are made right here in the U.S. Mary’s Gone Crackers turned out to be just as wonderful, if not more interesting, healthy and less expensive. These remind me of the stars in the posh Spago Restaurant’s bread basket. These have the same fun snap plus satisfying taste and texture that does not lead to hunger soon after with snacks that contain sugar.

Four of the 15 flavors of the snappy, nutritious, delicious Mary’s Gone Crackers

In a stone ground product, nothing is added to the organically grown kernel of ground wheat when it made into shore wheat flour. Here nothing is added, not even wheat to the ground seeds. But here Mary’s Gone Crackers start with a base of whole grain brown rice and quinoa, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt and brown flax seeds. For the classic SUPER SEED, for example, poppy seeds, seaweed, black pepper and herbs are added. They pair perfectly with any sharp cheesed cheese because they complement the texture and flavor.

Mary’s Gone Crackers ready for a close up: all filled with whole grain brown rice, seeds, quinoa and sea salt. They complement any kind of hard or medium cheese.

These organic, gluten-free and vegan crackers are outstanding in the current “shelter-at-home” snack craze. Mary’s can be paired with cheese, fruit, hummus and other dips. They are perfect with soups or salads, as well. This is not a snack that is “not unhealthy” but one that is both healthy and nutritious. Each cracker offers a hearty source of protein to keep you full longer. For the 15 varieties and where you can find them, check:Mary’s Gone Crackers.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Lemon Dill adds dill weed, a hint of garlic, lemon oil and herbs. It pairs beautifully with vegetable soups, here asparagus (below)

Mary’s own story: I was a practicing psychotherapist, helping others to manifest their truest selves so they could live full, happy lives. But it took a chiropractor to help me realize mine. When I was 43, my chiropractor figured out I had celiac disease. It causes an inflammatory response when ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat (and all its cousins), barley, rye and most oats. No wonder I had felt so bad for so long! Armed with this knowledge, I set to reclaiming my vitality and my life.

Added to the classic base, Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Rosemary includes rosemary, garlic powder and herbs. The crackers add just the right touch to salads, here one of red oak lettuce, dried Cherries, gorgonzola and hazelnuts from Melissa’s Produce

“After cutting out all gluten, I was happier and more energetic than I had ever felt. To make my dietary transition easier, I began baking gluten-free goodies so I’d never feel deprived. (I’d always loved baking!) They had to be organic and gluten free. But if they didn’t taste indulgent, that was a deal-breaker. So I hit the kitchen and began baking crackers for myself – at first. Neighbors liked them. Friends did, too. Then many others who weren’t gluten intolerant (count this writer in!). Along the way, I realized my crackers also fed people’s hunger for something authentic and truthful in this processed and fortified world. I decided it was important to share what I had to offer and founded Mary’s Gone Crackers. We are happy she did. Ideas can be found on the boxes and on the website:

Mary’s Gone Cracker boxes provide a wealth of information and ideas

Mary’s Gone Crackers star on any fruit and cheese board, such as Shelia Doloukani’s Cheese to Board here.

Mary’s Gone Crackers star on any fruit and cheese board, such as Shelia Doloukani’s Cheese to Board here.

Flavor development changed with as the company evolved. Mary developed the Original, Herb, Black Pepper from the Legacy line flavors, tending “to lean into her Jewish heritage in flavor development.” The newer Super Seed flavors and RTC lines came from Alex and Diane, R&D directors.

Mary’s Gone Crackers boxes are packed with information about the founder and the ingredients

Mary’s Gone Crackers are”Conscious Eating” movements advocates, and support various organizations that ensure the safety of both food and water, federal regulations for healthy school lunches, organic farming practices, and more. The company’s “Taking Action” is on the website.

Mary’s Gone Crackers REAL THIN CRACKERS in Onion flavor for those who like most of a subtle bread-like cracker

Mary’s Stone Ground Crackers boxes have ideas for serving, and they can star on any fruit and cheese board, such as Shelia Doloukani’s Cheese to Board here.

New Woodridge Southeast Asian Street Food Snacks

April 15, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Who can resist salty, textured Southeast Asian street food snacks when they already bagged and on the market shelves AND also be delivered right to your door. Woodridge Snacks recently came out with a new line of crackly, intensely seasoned chips. They sent us four packages to try and they all lived up to their promise of being a convenient, fun, practically priced new snack still filled with nostalgia.

A selection of Woodridge Snacks now on the market in Southeast Asian flavors

Woodridge Snacks are sourced from around the world with the highest quality ingredients. They contain no artificial flavors or colors, and are vegan, low fat, low calorie, and Gluten-Free, with the exception of the Tempura Seaweed Chips). Woodridge Snacks are available online and for immediate delivery with free shipping on www.woodridgesnacks.com.

Woodridge Snacks in Southeast Asian flavors

Tempura Seaweed Chips – Dipped in light batter, then gently tempura fried to a crisp, and available in Sea Salt, Sriracha and Hickory BBQ. These work perfectly as a slightly salty, crunchy and interesting salad topping.

Tempura Seaweed Chips (GF) part of the line of Woodridge Snacks in Southeast Asian flavors

Ginger Chews (GF) – Sesame Seed and Chia Seed enrobe the tanginess of freshly cut ginger.

Mochi Rice Nuggets (GF) – Sweet sticky rice baked to a crisp in Teriyaki, Tom Yum and Curry Rice flavors are filling and satisfying. Short grain, slightly sweet white rice baked to a crisp is complemented by mild heat and tangy sourness that makes Tom Yum soup so popular (see below).

Nochi Rice Nuggets (GF) part of the line of Woodridge Snacks in Southeast Asian flavors

Sticky Rice Chips (GF) – Whole grain rice popped to a crisp and seasoned in Seaweed, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic + Pepper and Sriracha flavors. The chips are man-made with whole grain rice harvested from sustainable fields right in the heart of Thailand. These also pair with hot or cold tea.

Sticky Rice Chips (GF) part of the line of Woodridge Snacks in Southeast Asian flavors

Some street foods are regional, but many have spread beyond their region of origin, carrying with it into different parts of the world the flavors and cuisine. Most street foods are in the category of as finger foods and fast food, and are popular for their lower prices than an average restaurant.

Bangkok Street food, often considered the best anywhere, is packed with a variety of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruits and drinks. Popular street offerings includes pad thai (stir fried rice noodle), som tam (green papaya salad), sour tom yum soup, various selection of Thai curries, to sticky rice mango

One of the most popular street dishes is hot and sour Tom yum soup sold in the street by hawkers or vendors at food stalls or food carts on Bangkok streets. The famous soup usually originated in Thailand. The 1997 financial crisis in Asia, which started in Thailand, is sometimes referred to as the “Tom Yam Kung Crisis”.

The words “tom yam” are derived from two Thai words: Tom referring to the boiling process, and yam refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad. Tom yum, cooked with shrimp (large prawns), is known for its distinct hot and sour flavors, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth. The soup is prepared with fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed red chili peppers.

Support Little Tokyo Business During the Current Crisis – Don’t Repeat History

April 13, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides, Content from Go Little Tokyo) What a wonderful opportunity the current crisis is to change social history by supporting Japanese American business in downtown Los Angeles during the pandemic. The record in World War II for treatment of Asian Americans needs to be changed, and can be now. The first thing we happened to do just before restaurants closed for in-door dining the last day of February was eat at an Asian restaurant in DTLA, and it turned out to be one of the most hospitable and delicious dining experiences we have ever had.

Historic and family-owned restaurants and businesses in Little Tokyo continue to operate for delivery, takeout, or online shopping to provide for the community while giving back to those in need and frontline workers. At 135-years-old, Little Tokyo is the second oldest neighborhood in Los Angeles and the largest of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States. There are a number of ways to show how you #LoveLT by eating local and supporting Little Tokyo businesses while practicing social distancing and contributing to the giveback programs.

Wake up at home with Cafe Dulce’s most popular drinks now available in half gallons to-go including blueberry matcha lattes, milk teas, and cold brew. Pair the morning drinks with its limited-time crispy, fluffy, sausage donuts or a comfort meal of authentic Japanese cuisine from Suehiro Cafe, a family business in its 48th year. Follow @golittletokyo on Instagram for details on the limited releases of sausage donuts.

Support the community from home by donating to Little Tokyo’s Community Feeding Community program. The program provides meals for hospitality workers whose jobs were impacted by COVID-19 while supporting small businesses in Little Tokyo/Arts District. For those who are not local to Little Tokyo, donating a meal for $15 online at littletokyola.org/loveLT is a great way to show your support. 100 percent of all donations go directly to purchasing meals from small businesses.

Little Tokyo hand-crafted vegan doughnut hotspot Donatsu is offering its uplifting heart-shaped doughnuts in a variety of favorite flavors for weekend curbside pick-up including matcha-pistachio rose, vanilla bean, and creme brulee. Purchases made to Donatsu directly support their efforts to provide fresh coffee and doughnuts to our healthcare heroes working in Los Angeles hospitals every weekend for the full month of April. Additional donations to support Donatsu’s efforts can be made online here.

For a sweet treat pick-me-up, recreate a favorite boba drink at-home with MILK+T DIY boba kits available for delivery while supporting the store’s efforts to provide free lunches to the community and boba donations and deliveries to first responders. For a full list of Little Tokyo restaurants offering online or delivery services, click here.

In addition to delivery and to-go orders, support local favorites by purchasing a gift card to be used at a later date, follow @GoLittleTokyo on Instagram or Facebook to like and share posts on social media, sign up for a business’ newsletter to receive details, updates, and deals, or shop online if the merchant has that option available. Visit littletokyola.org/loveLT for the latest resources and information and how to continue to support Little Tokyo businesses during this time.

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ABOUT GO LITTLE TOKYO
Go Little Tokyo is a community-led effort aimed at highlighting the unique cultural programs, community events, and dining and shopping experiences found in Little Tokyo. As one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural hubs, there is an abundance of destinations and landmarks in and around this historic walkable neighborhood and Go Little Tokyo will help you uncover them. Go Little Tokyo is a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) project developed and produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and made possible with support from Metro. For more information, visit golittletokyo.com.

Bake or Eat A Happy Easter at Home with Bunnie Cakes

April 9, 2020 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides, all photos are courtesy of Bunnie Cakes) Bunnie Cakes knows it’s important to celebrate the little things now more than ever. It helps to bring smiles and laughter to those around us. So the popular bakery is committed to pushing forward in order to help families celebrate their special occasions during this challenging quarantine. So as everyone still welcomes the newness of springtime, Bunnie Cakes wants to everyone to help celebrate upcoming birthdays, graduations and milestones that are even more special during this time.

(photo courtesy of Bunnie Cakes)

This allows customers to elebrate safely at home with deliveries. Bunny Cakes is still baking-to-order because #birthdaysdontstop. My own favorite birthday memories is eating buttercream frosted cakes from Sanders Bakery for breakfast — because our family celebrated at midnight the day before!

(photo courtesy of Bunnie Cakes)

Bunnie Cakes helps you bake your own delicious vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies at home with a Cookie Making Kit. Their photos alone send the message of sunny Miami energy. Cookie Making Kits are a fun date-night-in idea, lively and satisfying fun activity for the kids or any home baker. Order at bunniecakes.com by noon to receive next-day delivery.

Bunnie Cakes Studio offers customers their DIY Cupcake Decorating Kits and our Cookie Making Kits. The complete activity kits provide everything needed to create a special moment at home because it is set to support limited resources in quarantined circumstances. You can place orders for next-day delivery by 12 p.m. noon to celebrate with cakes, cute cupcakes, savory vegan empanadas and our fun DIY Cupcake Decorating Kits! To help you plan ahead, you can also schedule future deliveries for your convenience. Scroll down for more details!

(photo courtesy of Bunnie Cakes)

Each vegan and gluten-free Cookie Making DIY Kit ($30) includes:
– Ingredients for 12 cookies
– Recipe and instructions
– 1 parchment paper
– 2 aprons
– 2 surprises for kids

(photo courtesy of Bunnie Cakes)

The Bunnie Cakes DIY Cupcake Decorating Kits also include a Vegan DIY kit ($30) and vegan + gluten-free kits ($34) include:

– 6 large cupcakes (3 vanilla / 3 chocolate)
– 1 buttercream frosting color piping bag
– 1 buttercream frosting color, 3 fondant balls

– 2 aprons
– 2 spatulas
– 2 Bunnie Cakes Chef stickers
– Lots of sprinkles!

(photo courtesy of Bunnie Cakes)

The staff at Bunnie Cakes adds, ” know that our customers value the experience of visiting our stores, and regret any inconvenience that these temporary changes may cause. ⁣

⁣As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation develops, Bunnie Cakes will continue to closely monitor the actions and recommendations of local, state, and national public health authorities and may further adjust our business operations as needed to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. They are not open to the public at this time and look forward to resuming our normal business operations as soon as it is safe to do so.”