Gerry Furth-Sides Archives - Page 9 of 82

Two Ethnic Classics to Sweeten Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Primo Donuts and Gourmet Gift Baskets have come to symbolize the best of holiday traditions.

We don’t have to even say, “be still my beating heart, because here are the sweet, serene hearts. And they are all plump and formally dressed with red roses especially and only for Valentine’s Day. And ready to gift and eat any day of the year!

Primo Donuts in LA serves up the most vibrant, gorgeous heart donuts for Valentine’s day

Primo’s Donuts, Original Location: 2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (parking in back lot).

Westwood:10948 Weyburn AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90024

Irresistible Primo Donuts in LA tops its vibrant, gorgeous heart donuts for Valentine’s day

Read the story of the shop at:

//localfoodeater.com/tag/primo-donuts/ and //localfoodeater.com/celebrate-the-world-series-and-more-with-historic-primos-donuts-la-baseballs/

Adding another heart to the holiday, Celia Primo, “Mrs. Primo” celebrates her 90th birthday this month. Ralph Primo Sr. celebrated his 90th birthday during the 2020 World Series when his favorite team, the Dodgers won.

Celia and Ralph Primo, founder-owners of historic Primo Donuts LA celebrate Celia’s 90th birthday this Valentine Day week

Founded in 1956 by this husband and wife team, Los Angeles beloved Primo’s Donuts is consistently ranked as one of the top donut shops in the city. The family run business spans three generations and 63 years in business. “Regulars” and destination customers fill the no-nonsense little place for a traditional donut shop experience of daily fresh-baked donuts including the renowned Buttermilk Bar. www.primosdonuts.com

Read about //localfoodeater.com/tag/primo-donuts/ and //localfoodeater.com/celebrate-the-world-series-and-more-with-historic-primos-donuts-la-baseballs/

Primo Donuts in LA open up at 7 am for Valentine’s day

For all of those foodies looking for last-minute Valentine’s Gifts, GourmetGiftBaskets.com always has several offerings that should delight nearly everyone.

//www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com offers Valentine’s Day gifts boxed in every size and shape

//www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com offers Valentine’s Day blondies and brownies in a snazzy box

Here are just a few of the most-popular gifts this season. To see the entire Valentine’s Day collection, go here.

We served these special treats at a life celebration party and it was perfect //www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com offers Valentine’s Day

Traditions, many of them centuries old, are high on the list of magical things about holiday. One of our favorites is the Valentine cookie gift box. Here it is represented here by Gourmet Gift Basket, complete with a thoughtful gift card. It shows how American entrepreneurial creativity evolved a British Christmas tradition into a year-long custom for all occasions. //www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com

Banana Leaf’s New Performance Cooking: Pulao Rice

January 20, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Pulao Rice, which you may know as pilaf, is a dish with stock as a base, all cooked in one pot and served right away piping hot. Spices and other ingredients such as vegetables or meat are added along the way. Cooks need to use a very special technique while preparing the sumptuous dish so that the grains do not stick to one another.

The special pressure cooker pot for Pulao Rice at **Banana Leaf in DTLA**

At BananaLeaf, Executive chef-owner, Sri Sambangi also had a special pressure cooker pot straight from India. The nutritious rice dish is served piping hot at the table .

The pilaf or pulao may be new to Los Angeles, but this timeless classic goes back to ancient times. It traveled to many parts of the world, where it was always popular. The route extended through central Asia, in the old Persian empire, the Ionian (Greek) world and in the later Ottoman empire and all its parts.

Banana Leaf is so well known for Biryani and now has 20 different versions of it, including dum biryani and mandi biryani. So what’s the difference between Pulao and Biryani?

Pulao is prepared using what is known as the absorption method. This means that water or stock is completely absorbed by the rice and vegetables in the dish. Biryani is prepared using the draining method of cooking. It is par-boiled in water, and then drained, dried and then layered up in the pot and covered.

In India, pulao is a mixture of lentils, vegetables, meat, and rice. It is incorporated with spices like bay leaves, nutmeg, cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon. The entire dish has a parallel to dum biryani because of the cooking method in a sealed put, the pulao in the pressure cooker to make the time so much faster than cooking over the low heat of a stove overnight.

High energy founder-owner Sri Sambangi created a happy and delicious experience both here and the more bustling, tiny Culver City flagship) with this more spacious spot so beautifully managed.

Please read the story about how Banana Leaf added a location to their Culver city flagship in //localfoodeater.com/southern-cuisine-banana-leaf-moves-north/

Banana Leaf, (www.bananaleafla.com)

701 W. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Suite 107, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 372-5590

10408 Venice Blvd Suite: B, Culver City, CA 90232, (310) 838.2130

2302 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, (424) 247-9710

The Modern Hippie Table Book

January 16, 2023 Comments Off

To Lauren, “Modern Hippie means a place where old meets new, simple meets sophisticated, and fancy meets fun. The recipes are simple, elegant and appealing. The definition of “hippie” as “fancy” is puzzling.

Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table and a “hippie” barefoot look

Hippie lifestyle meant and means “homegrown, simple and as back to nature as possible.” The very word takes us to our first meal in San Francisco when we landed from Washington, D.C. It was simple: fantastic Monterrey cheese, chardonnay and sourdough bread, all eaten outdoors. It was heaven. We kicked off our high heels and never went back.

Eating and entertaining the hippie way translated into food as directly from the farm as possible and entertaining as naturally as possible. It was not being complicated, fussy or “hip”

Lauren presents 70 recipes, most with the southern charm of her South Florida home with a twist. The ROASTED RED CABBAGE WITH GORGONZOLA AND HAZELNUTS is original, brilliant and unexpected with a combination of fascinating flavors and textures.

The brilliant, tempting ROASTED RED CABBAGE WITH GORGONZOLA AND HAZELNUTS Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

Most dishes, however, are part of themed menus plus elaborate tablescape ideas, a la Sandra Lee. They can be termed “homemade” if you happen to have a landscaped rose garden.

A perfect, rustic “SIMPLE BOARD” in Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

Our own ethnic verson of the “SIMPLE BOARD” in Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

Our Mediterranean verson of the “SIMPLE BOARD” in Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

In this debut collection, Lauren shares favorite dishes that can be easily prepared for entertaining. They are pared down to allow hosts’ less time in the kitchen and more time with guests. MASON JAR SALAD DRESSING THREE WAYS is a perfect solution to healthy, interesting, delicious and varied dressing for family and parties.

Lauren’s WILD SALMON SALAD, combines shredded carrots, chopped snap peas and scallions and Sesame Ginger Dressing plus chow mein noodles which are mouth watering even from the recipe. It calls for tinned salmon, which we would substitute for the real thing.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts from Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table with the key ingredient, a refined yet rich balsamic glaze. The plate is a gift from Chez Helene’s Rayjean Fontaine

Some of the recipes are made from scratch, while others make creative use of store-bought convenience foods and pre-made products that help save time.

For Lauren, the surroundings of the occasion are as beautiful as the meal is delicious. To this end, along with suggestions for practical flowers, linens, and surfaces there are suggested menus for occasions from intimate date nights to friendly gatherings.

Perfect texture and taste pairing in the PEAR GORGONZOLA Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

THE MODERN HIPPIE TABLE offers detailed sections on entertaining followed by chapters organized by course.

Setting the Scene: Creating Intentional Spaces; A Love Affair with Hosting; Planning Ahead for confidence and ease, spending more time with guests);Planning Your Spaces to Entertain (the benefits and fun of changing rooms and locations); Tablescaping; Setting the Move and Groove with music and lighting; (picking the right music and lighting sets the tone for the occasion), and, oddly, Breakfast.

Our own tea versions tea with botanicals inspired by Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

Lauren Thomas began writing her debut lifestyle cookbook, The Modern Hippie Table, after her creative journey as a lifestyle blogger inspired women to feel good in their own skin, reinvent their passion for the home, and to have fun in the kitchen. Whether she’s working with flavors in the kitchen or setting the scene for a beautiful Lauren lives in south Florida with her architect husband, two teenage children, and Shar Pei pup, Simon.

Botanicals of rosé and roses inspired by Lauren Thomas’ The Modern Hippie Table

Follow Lauren on instagram @the.modern.hippie.way & @collectivebookstudio, and on facebook: the.modern.hippie.way and for more information, please see @melissasproduce

Must-Have Faith Kramer’s International “52 Shabbats”

January 16, 2023 Comments Off

Faith Kramer’s **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

In the realm of international and especially Jewish or middle eastern cookbooks, Faith Kramer is as familiar and well-regarded as that of Claudia Roden, Joan Nathan and Faye Levy. Faith is a long-time writer in the field, both authoritative and ready to share and encourage in the most friendly, warm way. And, as expected, 52 Shabbats, Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen does not disappoint.

Faith Kramer is a food writer and recipe developer concentrating on the food ways, history, and customs of the Jewish diaspora. She planned her book for the beginner or well-established cook. With its holistic scope, it also is as engaging for cultural research or just plain bedtime reading for good dreams.

Faith Kramer makes chicken so appealing in **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

Faith tells the story of Shabbat by way of kosher food and the Jewish communities around the world that inspired the recipes. Many feature elaborate spices or spice blends that are typical of places like Ethiopia, India and Mexico. An entire page is devoted to Jews in India and China (p. 91). Meatballs and Jewish cuisine, along with the popular Israeli condiment, amba, each have is ample sidebars.

We were so intrigued by the idea of Shabbat candles in Greece as wicks floating in olive oil minus the wax that we had to call our Greek Sephardic friend, Annetta. She immediately knew of the candles and connection to the Jewish Chanukah celebration of the Jews miraculously defeating the Greeks to regain the temple and the flask of oil lighting the candles for eight days. She also dreamily recounted the marvelous taste of the slow-cooked eggs in onion skins, which we will try soon! (p.64)

A floating candle in olive oil described in **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

A DIY floating candle in olive oil described in **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

A marvelous history of meatballs, both in the initial Sephardic route and then the Eastern European are told by Faith in 52 Shabbats. Lamb was the usual protein before beef, fish or poultry, which makes us want to try these again with the same ingredients! (p.112-113)

A marvelous history of meatballs, both Sephardic and Eastern European, in Faith Kramer’s **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

A tomato sauce plus meatballs add up to a feast in Faith Kramer’s **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

Cinnamon, dried oregano and cayenne pepper are the secret ingredient mix to remember, in Faith Kramer’s **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

Most of the primary 50 meal-anchoring recipes are for main dishes, primarily chicken and pot roasts. Added to this list are over 20 sides, accompaniments and desserts. fish cakes inspired by India and fritters made from leftover challah are excellent for Chanukah (p. 188).

Being carnivores we had try the Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with Preserved Lemon and Green Onion Sauce. Harissa makes up the triumvirate in this dish, a mixture that can be used for other proteins. (p. 146 and 147). We were so lucky to have garden lemons from @tableconversation to use in this item commonly used in Jewish North African dishes.

Grilled Rib Eye Steaks with Preserved Lemon, Green Onion Sauce in Faith Kramer’s **52 Shabbats,** **Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen**

To this end, Author Kramer outlines seasonal recipe pairings in a mix-and-match friendly format, incorporating easy substitutes. The seasons are designated as growing seasons more than climate. The customary gefilte fish and challah, but also berbere lentils, cardamom cheesecakes and a sort of crustless pizza.

Author Kramer can be seen on youtube and in her book presentation we learned so much. Drying herbs with a kitchen towel, seeding and blotting tomato before using, and one that applied to our new gleaming Cuisinart steamer: the crackly, bubbly sound means that there is still water working in the pot!

Follow author Faith Kramer on YouTube and on Instagram, Twitter: @blogappetit,

and on Facebook, @Faith Kramer. More information @Melissasproduce Books are available at the following outlets:

//thecollectivebook.studio/52-s… Or on Amazon: //amzn.to/3VDASil

Maria Provenzano’s Everyday Celebrations from Scratch Book

January 15, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Maria Provenzano’s book, Everyday Celebrations from Scratch feels as though it confirms our own lifestyle. My mom used to laugh at me affectionately because I “make up a tray of food as elaborately as if it was a dinner party of 20.” Yes. And, then, as now, food even tasted better.

Tray Breakfast for one on the patio inspired by Maria Provansano’s book *Everyday Celebrations from Scratch*

“Life’s everyday moments are worthy of connecting people together with food and crafts,” according to the sunny author of Everyday Celebrations from Scratch includes step by step, easy recipes, step-by-step craft tutorials and heartfelt insider tips. Maria became emotional on her YouTube book presentation when she shared that she was doing her best to pass down the beloved recipes of her grandfather to keep alive wonderful food and memories.

The White Wine Artichokes, a favorite of Maria, uses frozen artichokes for convenience. She adds recipe adds shallots, fresh thyme and dry white wine for a more refined version, plus a pop of lemon to brighten it up.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_3130.jpeg — White Wine Artichokes in Maria Provansano’s book *Everyday Celebrations from Scratch*

Our White Wine Artichokes from Maria Provansano’s book *Everyday Celebrations from Scratch*

This is as much a book that inspires as much as it instructs a young mom or wife or college grad to set the scene from scratch on a daily basis. Maria shares the essentials for everyday celebrations, including must-haves for a well-stocked pantry and the basic supplies for craft activities anyone can do.

Our holiday basket inspired by Maria Provansano’s book *Everyday Celebrations from Scratch*. The flower container is a reusable jar that can be used for storage or canning.

Sections include weeknight meals, so even a takeout night is memorable; honoring individual family members; making friends feel special, adding a personal touch to sporting events, and using seasons (and small holidays) to make the days festive the year around.

A spontaneous meal for friends inspired by Maria Provansano’s book *Everyday Celebrations from Scratch*. We made the tablecloth and placemats from whimsical fabric inspired by Edward Gorey

In our home, my dad would tease about “waiting to buy me a wolf ski jacket until it went on sale,” and then toss a grocery bag at me as we sat down to dinner with the treasured jacket rolled inside of it. Valentine’s Day and Easter he would bring home a box of candy for my mom and little boxes for us.

Our take out from Post & Beam at a table inspired by Maria Provansano’s book ***Everyday Celebrations from Scratch***

Everyday celebrations are the foundations of memories that last a lifetime. We use restaurant tableware to make everyday meals special. That a dear friend, Rayjean Fontaine started me off with plates and saucers from Le St. Germain, Le Vallauris and Le Chardonnay, and even a Le Domê saucer lends a historic touch.

**Everyday Celebrations Book** inspires plates from Chez Mimi (top), Le St. Germain, Gulfstream and the Ivy (bottom row) lend a historic, sentimental touch.

Maria is already well known as the creator of the site FromScratchwithMaria.com and has had recipes published in numerous magazines, including Bake from Scratch Magazine, Taste of Home, Luxe Life Magazine, and Focus Magazine. She has also been featured on such sites as The Local Moms Network, LaurenConrad.com, Refinery 29, CafeMoms, and Giada De Laurentiis’s Giada: A Digital Weekly.

On Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, Maria shares her love of homemade crafts, food, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. As a mother, she also loves to inspire families to come together through crafting with kids. A native of the Great Lakes State of Michigan, Maria graduated from Florida State University with a BA in theatre and moved to Los Angeles after completing her degree. She is a wife and a mom to two happy boys, and she loves yoga, a great cup of coffee, and spending time with her family.

Maria is a lover of all things crafty and is obsessed with cooking and feeding those around her. She is self-taught–and mom-taught, taking inspiration from the most imaginative, organized, detail-oriented person she knows: her mom! Her hope is to inspire others to be hands-on in their own lives.

Maria Provensano’s book **Everyday Celebrations Book** (p. 93)

Our Help-Yourself-Salad platter inspired by Maria Provensano’s book **Everyday Celebrations Book** (p. 93)

Follow Maria on Instagram @fromscratchwithmaria

While we aspire to a heavenly DIY workroom like Maria Provensano’s in book **Everyday Celebrations Book**, we use purchased reusable canning jars for homemade sun-dried tomato’s with our secret ingredient, mayo and pesto as holiday gifts.

Kudos to The Japanese Art of the Cocktail Book!

January 10, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos are courtesy of Hanna Lee) Anyone who has written a book knows that the marketing is the hardest part. But Hanna Lee Communications (HLC), a smart award-winning PR agency specializing in hospitality, travel and luxury brands found a handy solution to this problem.

Japanese Art of the cocktail co-authors Michael Anstendig, Masahiro Urushido and Hanna Lee

How It’s Done: The agency first identifies authors among its clients and compelling subjects to bring new hospitality and lifestyle books to life. Then promotional efforts, including PR and digital marketing, are built into every phase of the publishing process.

THE book: Japanese Art of the cocktail by co-authors Michael Anstendig, Masahiro Urushido

A contented Masahiro Urushido creating a cocktail at Katana Kitten

Part Memoir, Part Travelogue, Part Recipe Book – and part drinking guide – , “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail” was co-authored by Katana Kitten’s Masahiro Urushido and the agency’s Editor in Chief/Partner and freelance journalist, Michael Anstendig. It was produced by the agency’s President & Founder Hanna Lee and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, now part of Harper Collins.

A Complex, flavor Kailua Milk Punch by master Masahiro Urushido from the book, **Japanese Art of the Cocktail.** Like many recipes it is inspired by his youth in Japan.

Proud **Japanese Art of the cocktail** book co-authors Michael Anstendig, Masahiro Urushido and Hanna Lee

The book tells Urushido’s epic story of growing up in Japan and becoming a leading bartender, first in Tokyo and later in New York City. The book includes 90 recipes for cocktail and bar snacks from Urushido and 35 bartenders in the U.S. and Japan who work in this style. The stunning photography is by Eric Medsker. Acclaimed author and cocktail historian, David Wondrich wrote the foreword.

Master Masahiro Urushido’s MYOGA FIX cocktail in his book, **Japanese Art of the Cocktail.** Like many recipes it is inspired by his family in Japan, the myoga growing by his grandparents.

And it works. “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail,” won the 2022 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for “Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book.” Add that to the list of accolades for this first HLC Book Media book project:

Earning the Highest Recognition in the Publishing and Cocktail Worlds

The book was also spotlighted in over 100 top media outlets globally from the New York times, Wall Street Journal and Town & Country to Robb Report and prestigious outlets such as The Cocktail Lovers. Co-author Anstendig Anstendig is, in his words “humbled and elated” by this first book’s recognition. “It was a true labor of love! Enjoy!” adds Hanna Lee.

Sell out festival, bookstore and bar events, plus testimonials from leading authors, mixologists and spirts industry luminaries add more weight to the merit of the book.

Masahiro Urushido generously includes friends’ cocktails with fascinating histories in the book Japanese Art of the Cocktail with co-author Michael Anstendig. Here is Erick Castro’s CAT’S PAW, a twist on the Red Hook, itself a Brooklyn variation of the Manhattan.

Tom Lowenburg, Owner, Octavia Books in New Orleans. “We partnered with the festival for more than a decade and were proud to give the book a place of prominence in our display. Needless to say, we sold out.

“Like the New York bar he joyfully presides over, Katana Kitten, a drinking den that effortlessly balances high and low aesthetics, Masahiro Urushido embodies both the precise artistry of Japanese bartending and the sunny generosity of pure hospitality. He is, in other words, both the diamond and the shine. You couldn’t hope for a better guide through the intricacies and delights of Japan’s many contributions to artful drinking.”

—Robert Simonson, The New York Times

“Masahiro is the best bartender I know. Scratch that, he’s the best bartender any of us know. Ask any bartender who their favorite is, and Masa’s name will always come up first

—Jeffrey Morgenthaler, bar manager of Clyde Tavern, co-author of The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique and author of Drinking Distilled

Why it works: Hanna Lee Communications (HLC) is an award-winning PR agency specialized in hospitality, travel and luxury brands. The agency only represents products and companies that it believes in and that have a vision of changing the world.

HLC’s client experience includes Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel and Times Square EDITION, Major Food Group, Giorgio Armani’s Armani Ristorante/Fifth Avenue,

Pioneering initiatives in the series include the “HLC Global Bartender Travel Scholarship,” which provides funds to help bartenders attend the cocktail conference of their choice around the world, the “Hospitality Forward” Apple Podcasts: //apple.co/2Z3CdEQ

For more information, follow us on Instagram @hannaleepr and Twitter @hannaleepr at, “like” us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.

Nflex™ from CleverOne: A Perfect Gift to You

January 9, 2023 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) On a note three years after I began using the Nflex^™ from CleverOne: I love it! Not only is this product paper to be better and better the longer I use it, and I am thankful for it daily, but it is also a backdrop for my food photos!

You almost have to see and feel the Nflex^™ from CleverOne to understand how what it is and how it works. It is pliable and light and much thinner than a substantial cutting board. The underside is non-slip even on a granite counter. Not only that, but you can flip it over and use the silicone as a trivet for hot pans. It is ideal for cooking ethnic food, which often requires extensive vegetable and meat chopping, and is served in the form of a stew or casserole.

The flip side of the C!everOne becomes a trivet

The newNflex^™ from CleverOne^™was designed to eliminate the problems of raditional wooden cutting boards, which of course lack flexibility. They’re hard to fit into your sink. When it comes to washing wood cutting boards, they’re unwieldy. They take up counter and storage space. And they lack pourability.

Flexible hardwood. WoodNflex fuses real, hardwood veneers in maple, oak and walnut with a food-grade silicone backing to create a beautiful, flexible, stable cutting surface. WoodNflex is the world’s first hardwood cutting surface that’s flexible, making it easy to carry and pour chopped items so it hs portability. It is available in both Walnut and Oak hardwood species.

It is super-easy easy to wash because it is flexible and light, bending to fit easily into a sink for easier scrubbing and sanitizing. It must be treated before using the first time with standard linseed oil or mineral oil, as you would a traditional cutting board, to keep the hardwood surface ready to chop. We used olive oil, and it worked just fine.

Small footprint. At just over 1/8” thick and flexible, it stores easily, and doesn’t have to live on your countertop, like some massive hardwood boards. It can tuck away neatly into your cabinets. The Hybrid design ofwoodNflex fuses hardwood veneer with food-grade silicone. This protects your countertop and provides a sanitary, non-slip cutting surface. Chop space. woodNflex is available in two sizes, including 11” x 14” and 14” x 18”, allowing plenty of room for simple or more complex meal preparation.

The company started “in the kitchen” with CleanCutting Sheets, with disposable bamboo cutting sheets. This helped minimize cross-contamination eliminated the spread of bacteria in the kitchen because after meat or veggies were cut, germs were “tossed out” with the sheet. Because they’re steam-pressed, highly renewable, biodegradable bamboo, they’re guiltlessly disposable.

Dedicated to developing innovative new products to make every area of home life safer, simpler and cleaner, CleanCutting Sheets and woodNflex are just the start of CleverOne™ Brands,output. For more information on products, please visit CleanCutting Sheets & woodNflex.

Another light, (shatterproof) gift for the spirit lover “who has everything” is the Shaker33 Cocktail Shaker. (MSRP $39.95) available at Shaker33.com.

It is made of lightweight acrylic and shatterproof BPA-free Tritan™ plastic. The 24 oz. large format easily takes care of mixing large cocktail batches at once. The Shaker 33 is leak-proof and top rack dishwasher safe. An easy-to-open, lockable lid with a Dual Flow strainer allows for a slow or quick pour. And the feature for low condensation- chills drinks eliminates any cold feeling on your hands while its non-slip character allows one-handed mixing capability.

Ring in the New Year with These Ethnic Restaurant Stars!

December 31, 2022 Comments Off

Arth Bar + Kitchen, Culver City’s modern Indian eatery welcomes the New Year with dishes from their Signature Menu which includes Small Plates, Tandoor Starters, Entrées, Handcrafted Tandoor Breads, Accompaniments, Rice, and Desserts. There are also Party Favors, and a performance by DJ Bains. Cocktails from the full bar will be offered. On New Year’s Day Arth Bar + Kitchen offers their full menu and their full list of Cocktails including their special Old Monk’s Manhattan.

Arth Bar + Kitchen, 9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232; 424.503.4155 Details and hours at www.ArthLA.com.

Executive Chef and Owner Calogero Drago celebrate the New Year at Celestino Ristorante with New Year’s Eve Specials Menu, Celestino Ristorante’s Sicilian Signature Dinner Menu complimented by a Specialty Cocktail, Bottle of Wine, or Champagne from Celestino Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List. As Chef Calogero Drago likes to say, “Life is beautiful!”

Celestino Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm; Celestino Ristorante will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.com

EL GRANJERO CANTINA – THE ORGINAL FAMERS MARKET LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

Celebrate Nochevieja or Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina as Executive Chef Jenni Sklar serves up her innovative Mexican menu showcasing Antojitos (Snacks), Ensaladas (Salad), Quesadillas featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion and cheese, Tacos, Los Tazones (Bowls), Burritos, Acompanantes (Sides), and Dessert. El Granjero Cantina will also be serving up their Specialty Holiday Cocktails plus Hot Chocolate served with marshmallows!

Feliz Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina on New Year’s Eve Day features the best people watching at The Original Farmers Market Los Angeles. Executive Chef Jenni Sklar will be cooking up her innovative Mexican menu all day and evening featuring a selection of Antojitos (Snacks), Ensaladas (Salad), Quesadillas, Tacos, Los Tazones (Bowls), Burritos, Acompanantes (Sides), and Dessert. El Granjero Cantina showcases their full beverage menu that includes Wine, Beer, Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Soft Drinks, Espresso, Tea, Specialty List of Tequilas y Mezcal, Mezcal List and Specialty Cocktails created by Tobin Shea

El Granjero Cantina at The Original Famers Market Los Angeles will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm; El Granjero Cantina will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday,

January 1st, 2023, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm; 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.879,9324; www.CantinaLA.com

GEORGIA’S AT THE LONG BEACH PACKING HOUSE & LONG BEACH EXCHANGE (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY): :

NEW YEAR’S Prosperity Meal! Make your last meal of 2022 memorable and set the stage for a prosperous New Year! Did you know that in the South, Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens symbolize wealth? Even folks who aren’t from the South go all in on eating a New Year’s Eve Prosperity Meal featuring Black-Eyed Peas, Leafy Collard Greens and Cornbread for good luck on New Year’s Eve, giving you everything you need to welcome wealth: Pennies, Dollars & Gold.

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm; 440 South Anaheim Boulevard #209A, Anaheim, CA 92805; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Boozy Brunch at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange kicks off 2023 with a bang and the Southern “Soul-delicious” Brunch all day long! Sharing plate-large, the list menu includesthe Fried Egg Sandwich, the Sausage, Bacon and Eggs or Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite, the hearty Steak and Eggs and the Chicken and Waffles, which stars Georgia’s signature fried chicken. The signature Mimosa and Seasonal Sangria are also available.

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange will be open and serving their New Year’s Day Boozy Brunch on Sunday, January 1st , 2023, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and they will serving their signature menu from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; 4104 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE

Happy New Year or any day at Hank’s at Palisades Village this New Year’s Eve to raise a glass and do an NYE East Coast Toast (9:00 pm)!

Or savor New Year’s Brunch by congenial Executive Chef Isaias Peña all with showstopper Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Tableside Martinis.

Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 424.363.7166; www.HanksPalisades.com

KNOX & DOBSON – (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

If you are looking for the perfect way to ring in 2023, order Knox & Dobson’s new Holiday Cocktail Gift Box featuring a premium Gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail made with Maraska Maraschino, and authentic Rye Manhattan ($70 per Gift Box – 2 Servings per each Bottled Cocktail) and be the life of the party of any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day Party and just OPEN, POUR & ENJOY!

Knox & Dobson is offering a special Holiday Promo Code “KDGIFT” to SAVE $10 when you order Knox & Dobson’sHoliday Cocktail Gift Box directly at www.KnoxandDobson.com or please visit the Knox & Dobson Stockists to see where you can walk-in and purchase directly.

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Grab your sparklers and stroll over to Emilia Ristorante this New Year’s Eve and sip a Sparkling Wine with savoring Emilia Ristorante’s Signature Menu featuring Al Centro Tavola (Something to Share), Insalate (Salads), Paste & Risotto, I Secondi (Main Dish), I Contorni (Sides), and Desserts, where each dish inspired from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and can also be perfectly paired with a White Wine, Rosé, or Red Wine from Emilia Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List.

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Get ready to roll out of bed and into 2023 by heading to Emilia Ristorante for Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch! Enjoy Emilia Ristorante’s Breakfast & Lunch or Weekend Brunch Menus featuring Uova in Camicia, two organic poached eggs served over sautéed jumbo green asparagus, topped with smoked Guanciale Hollandaise sauce and sliced Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Focaccia da Colazione, flatbread with smoked mozzarella, sliced tomato and crispy Guanciale, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, arugula and sliced Parmigiano, La Piadina di Mattina, an Emilia-Romagna traditional bread roll, filled with two organic scrambled eggs, Fontina cheese, Italian ham, served with side of mixed-green salad, Quiche agli Asparagi e Provolone, traditional Italian-quiche puff pastry with Fontina cheese and asparagus, served with an organic mixed-green salad, Toast Francese, French toast topped with mixed berries, served with organic maple syrup, Salmone Affumicato, King salmon plate, softened cream cheese, topped with shred hard boiled eggs, diced red onion, chives, crispy capers, served with toasted sourdough bread, Uovo alla Benedettina, two organic poached eggs, served over house-made focaccia bread, topped with Italian ham, Provolone cheese, and smoked Guanciale Hollandaise, and much more. Each of these beautiful Breakfast, Lunch and Weekend Brunch dishes can be perfectly paired with an Italian Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Rosé, or Red Wine from Emilia Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List.

Emilia Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Emilia Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, for Brunch and Lunch from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 8500 Burton Way, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 424.999.4755; www.EmiliaLA.com

Photo: Toast Francese, Pastries, Uova al Tegamino Two Eggs, Ravioli de Ricotta e Spinaci, Pappardelle alla Griglia, Eggplant Parmesan, Bread Pudding
Photo Credit: Wonho Photography

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GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE & LONG BEACH EXCHANGE (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY): :

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Prosperity Meal! Make your last meal of 2022 memorable and set the stage for a prosperous New Year! Did you know that in the South, Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens symbolize wealth? Even folks who aren’t from the South go all in on eating a New Year’s Eve Prosperity Meal featuring Black-Eyed Peas, Leafy Collard Greens and Cornbread for good luck on New Year’s Eve, giving you everything you need to welcome wealth: Pennies, Dollars & Gold. Come ring in 2023 right at Georgia’s Restaurant’s at the Anaheim Packing House and Long Beach Exchange on New Year’s Eve to be sure that wealth and prosperity come your way!

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm; 440 South Anaheim Boulevard #209A, Anaheim, CA 92805; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Photos:Sangria & Holiday Hurricane, Prosperity Meal, Cornbread, Gretchen’s Jambalaya, St Louis. BBQ Ribs, Soulful Sides, Cornbread, Sides including Black-Eyed Peas and Leafy Collard Greens
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Georgia’s Restaurant

NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY – GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT AT THE LONG BEACH EXCHANGE:

Come celebrate New Year’s Day with a Boozy Brunch at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange as they are kicking-off 2023 with a bang and serving up a Southern “Soul-delicious” Brunch all day long! Share savories such as the Fried Egg Sandwich, with choice of cooked egg, mayonnaise and bacon, the Sausage, Bacon and Eggs served with blackened country potatoes and toast, or Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite, the hearty Steak and Eggs, featuring top sirloin steak and a side of blackened country potatoes. For those that love a sweet start to their day, there is Grilled French Toast made the old-fashioned way and topped with powdered sugar and strawberries, the Cinnamon Apple Waffle topped with warm sautéed apples in a finger- licking cinnamon syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. Alternatively, guests can also have the best of both the sweet and savory worlds with the Chicken and Waffles, which stars Georgia’s signature fried chicken, a process that begins with Co-Owner Marlon Machado’s Brazilian buttermilk brine and ends with a seasoned crispy cornmeal crust courtesy of Nana Gretchen’s very own grandmother, served on a Belgian waffle with creamy honey butter, and maple syrup. Soul-delicious Southern staples also include the Fish & Grits featuring Creole seasoned cornmeal crusted fried catfish, or the classic Shrimp & Grits made with Creole seasoned shrimp over a bed of savory grits. Get festive with the vegetarian friendly Mardi Gras Omelet, featuring green and red bell peppers, onions, and cheese, indulge Georgia’s new Eggs Benedict.

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A selection of thirst-quenching Beverages is also available and what libation is more appropriate at Brunch than a bright and bubbly Mimosa? Georgia’s Restaurant also features Signature Peach and Seasonal Sangria, Red Wine and White Wine by the glass or bottle, and craft bottled Beer to complement each dish. For those looking for a more full-bodied beverage, the Bloody Mary ought to do the trick.

Photos: Sangria, Holiday Hurricane, Cinnamon Apple Waffle, Chicken & Waffle, Sausage, Bacon & Eggs, Grilled French Toast
Photo Credits: Anne Watson

HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Get ready for a very Happy New Year and head to Hank’s at Palisades Village this New Year’s Eve to raise a glass and do an NYE East Coast Toast (9:00 pm)! Come celebrate during the day while enjoying a very happy New Year’s Eve Brunch or savor Executive Chef Isaias Peña

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Get ready to make your first New Year resolution and head to Hank’s at Palisades Village! Celebrate “Out with the old, in with the new” while enjoying a New Year’s Eve Brunch celebration showcasing Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Tableside Martinis, and Executive Chef Isaias Peña

Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 424.363.7166; www.HanksPalisades.com

Photo: Double Diamond Burger, Hank’s Shake, Hank’s Floats, Hank’s Table Spread, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Hank’s Brunch Table, Martini, Espresso Martini
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hank’s

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Seasonal Salads, Flatbreads, Burgers including Chef

’s Signature Menu featuring elevated American classic Appetizers,

Peña

’s award-wining Hank’s Double Diamond Burger,

Sandwiches, Signature Dishes, Sides, and Desserts. Guests can also toast to 2023 with one (two, or three) Hank’s Tableside Martinis, Coravin poured Wines by the Glass, Draft or Bottled Beers, Boozy Shakes or Floats to make

sure you are ringing in this New Year just right!

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Eggs, The #77 Burrito, Omelette, Strawberry Waffles, Shrimp & Polenta, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Huevos

’s Brunch Menu featuring his New York Steak and

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Rancheros, and Hank’s Classic Breakfast to make sure to toast and ring in the New Year just right!

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KNOX & DOBSON – (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

Photo: Knox & Dobson Holiday Cocktail Gift Box Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman

MI PIACE – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with a decadent Italian feast, with Live Music, Party Favors, and Champagne Toast at Mi Piace! Guests will enjoy Executive Chef Gil Saulnier’s Mi Piace Signature Menu & Specials with items such as the Ravioli con Salsiccia with sautéed mild Italian sausage, wilted broccolini, sundried tomatoes, sliced garlic and white wine finished with Pecorino cheese; Grilled Double Lamb Chops prepared with a Port wine demi- glace and roasted Yukon potatoes, or the decadent Spaghetti Aragosta comprised of sautéed diced lobster tail tossed with spaghetti in a San Marzano smokey chipotle cream sauce. Even those on Santa’s naughty list can indulge in Mi Piace’s decadent Desserts which are a big part of Mi Piace’s New Year’s Eve celebration, so do not miss any delectable delights such as the Midnight Fantasy, a chocolate cake with Swiss bittersweet chocolate fudge and raspberry purée, Tiramisu, or New York Cheesecake with a creamy graham cracker crust and fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Raise a glass as you ring in 2022 by pairing these delicious dishes with any one of Mi Piace’s award-winning wines or try Mi Piace’s Ciao Bello cocktail comprised of Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, Galliano Liqueur, almond milk, and espresso and then head over to the Mi Piace Lounge for Live Music from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am with Party Favors, countdown to the New Year, and a Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight as guests can dance the night away!

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Welcome 2023 by watching the iconic 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade and then head to Mi Piace located on Colorado Boulevard after viewing the many magnificent floral floats, marching bands, and equestrians to carry on and continue the celebration! This iconic Italian eatery opens its doors to all parade-goers for a festive day welcoming the New Year! Being that New Year’s Day is also National Bloody Mary Day, it is only right to kick things off by enjoying a Mi Piace Classic Bloody Mary comprised of Absolut vodka, house-made spicy Bloody Mary mix, celery salted rim, and crisp celery stalk garnish. Celebrate the first meal of the New Year with Homemade Ricotta con Crostini – 2 Ways served with a SWEET organic lavender honey and Tahitian vanilla and a SAVORY lemon zest with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, fleur de Sel, served with grilled ciabatta, or the Carpaccio, made

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of paper thin sliced raw prime beef filet mignon topped with arugula, shaved Reggiano, capers, and honey dry mustard vinaigrette. Enjoy and share a handmade pasta like the Pappardelle Bolognese, prepared with natural skirt steak, seasoned pancetta, Porcini mushroom, vegetable mirepoix, San Marzano tomatoes and touch of cream, or the Gnocchi, made with potato, spinach, and goat cheese gnocchi with roasted ricotta in a caramelized garlic and basil marinara sauce. For something savory, try the Milanese, which is a breaded, pounded, sautéed 16-ounce veal chop with a demi-glace lemon parsley sauce, served with arugula salad with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, tossed in an Italian dressing, or the Pollo al Prezzemolo, with Mary’s Free-Range organic grilled chicken stuffed with fresh herbs in a caramelized garlic, parsley, lemon, butter sauce, accompanied with whipped potatoes and fresh vegetables. The first day of the New Year would not be complete without something sweet from the Mi Piace Bakery, so come celebrate New Year’s Day the delectably delicious Italian way at Mi Piace!

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Photo: Native Son Beer, Nativity Son, Avocado Toast, Eggs Photo Credit: Courtesy of Native Some LA

NERANO – BEVERLY HILLS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at Nerano Beverly Hills as Executive Chef Michele Lisi serves seven New Year’s Eve Specials including the Antipasti – Vellutata di Topinambur, a Jerusalem artichoke soup with rustic croutons and chives, and the Primi showcases the Risotto Champagne e Caviale Ossetra, Veuve Clicquot risotto, chives, and lemon zest topped with Royal Imperial Ossetra Caviar, and Ravioli di Burrata Bugliese, Gamberi Rossi, Pistacchi di Bronte, home-made ravioli filled with Apulian Burrata, red shrimp, toasted pistachios, and chives.The Secondi specials feature Merluzzo pelle Nera, pan roasted Alaskan black cod, saffron potato purée, and crispy artichokes, and Costine di Manzo Brasate al Chianti, braised beef short ribs in a Chianti wine sauce, over truffle mashed potatoes, and crispy spinach. For the final finish, Chef Lisi’s Dolce will not disappoint with Sorbetto agli agrumi, house-Spun winter citrus sorbet, and Millefoglie Scomposta, a deconstructed mille-feuille with French vanilla Chantilly cream, strawberries, and toasted hazelnut crunch.

For those that want to decadently indulge this New Year’s Eve, Executive Chef Michele Lisi also presents his White Truffle Tasting Menu featuring three delectable courses starting with the antipasto which spotlights Chef Lisi’s Burrata con Tartufo Bianco prepared with imported Apulian Burrata, San Danielle Prosciutto, and rosemary focaccina. The primo course showcases a choice of the Tagliolini al Tartufo Bianco with handmade tagliolini pasta, butter emulsion, Parmigiano Reggiano “Vacche Rosse” 36 months, or Risotto al Tartufo Bianco made of Acquerello Carnaroli risotto, mantecato with Parmigiano Reggiano 24 months. Chef Lisi’s Dolce is the perfect finish spotlighting his Panna Cotta con Miele al Tartufo, vanilla panna cotta, truffle infused honey, and hazelnut granella. Each course is delicately curated to be enhanced by the flavor of freshly shaved White Truffle from Alba, Italy and is offered with a suggested Optional Wine Pairing to ring in 2023 right!

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Before you make any resolutions, come enjoy a celebratory New Year’s Day Dinner at Nerano! Let Executive Chef Michele Lisi, Bar Director Jacki Smith, and Wine Director David Gary help you ring in 2023 just right by enjoying Chef Lisi’s Signature Menu, Smith’s Craft Cocktails, and specially selected Wines curated by David Gary while sitting at a beautifully lit table inside or on Nerano’s stunning garden patio.

Nerano will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Nerano will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 9960 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.405.0155; www.NeranoBH.com

Photo: Exterior, Pasta with Truffles, Pizza with Truffles, Bianca Pizza, Burrata Caprese, Coppa d’Oro, Our Hot Toddy, Crudo di Tonno
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nerano

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QUE PADRE – PACIFIC PALISADES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

It’s New Year’s Eve and time to celebrate at Qué Padre! Executive Chef Isaias Peña is counting down the clock by offering up his Signature Menu featuring Starters, Signature Tacos, Mains, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Bowls, Ensalada Mexicana, Ceviche Tostadas, Sides, Desserts, and Kid’s Combo. Guests can also get the party started by enjoying any one of Qué Padre’s handcrafted Margaritas, Frozen Cocktails, Cocktails, Tequila Flights, Tequila, Mezcal, Wine or Beer while ringing in the New Year!

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

This New Year’s Day take some time to get away at Qué Padre! Executive Chef Isaias Peña is serving up his full Signature Menu featuring Starters, Signature Tacos, Mains, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Bowls, Ensalada Mexicana, Ceviche Tostadas, Sides, Desserts, and Kid’s Combo and guests can gather, and people watch while enjoying a handcrafted Margarita, Cocktail, Frozen Cocktail, Tequila Flight, Tequila, Mezcal, Wine or Beer.

Qué Padre will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm; Qué Padre will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm; 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 310.461.8226; www.QuePadreTacos.com

Photo: Margarita and Taco, Burrito, Fajitas, Guacamole, Beef Birria Taco, Tacos Photo Credit: Photography by Tonelson

SMOKE CITY CHAR BAR – ARTS DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Savor the last day of 2022 and head to Smoke City Char Bar in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles this New Year’s Eve where you can celebrate by enjoying slow smoked and succulent barbecue while sipping Salvador’s Sangria or Handcrafted Cocktails like Van Gogh’s Flask comprised of house-aged Woodford Reserve, Amaro, Aperol, Cherry Heering and Bogart Bitters while ringing in 2023! Guests can start with the Brisket Deviled Eggs or Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese Bites for Appetizers, then enjoy an Artisan Salad before you Choose Your Smoked Meats or create your own Meat Combination Plate choosing between Beef Tri-Tip, Beef Brisket, Turkey Breast, Sausage Link, Pulled Pork, Pacific Salmon, or Jackfruit for vegetarians, then select The Sauces and your Sharable Sides such as Napa Cabbage Slaw, Truffle French Fries, Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread, Smoke City Baked Beans, Southern Style Collard Greens, Smoke House Chili, and more. Guests can celebrate and make some noise while indulging in Smoke City Char Bar’s Dessert while savoring the Strawberry Shortcake on a homemade buttermilk biscuit with strawberry curd, Chantilly cream, fresh strawberries and Fosselman’s ice cream, or Smokehouse S’mores made with a toasted scratch marshmallow with Nutella and graham crackers with orange zest.

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NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Resolve to make better New Year’s resolutions this year and add Smoke City Char Bar to your list! This New Year’s Day, head to downtown L.A.’s newest smokehouse for a delectable New Year’s Day Brunch featuring Buttermilk Biscuit Eggs Benedict, Beef Tri-Tip Steak & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Toast, Smoked Brisket Hash, and much more while toasting the New Year with Mimosas and Pork Belly Bloody Marys!

Smoke City Char Bar will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:00 Midnight; Smoke City Char Bar will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; 899 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.935.8194; www.SmokeCityCharbar.com

Photo: Smoke City Char Bar Table Spread, Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese Bites, Crisp Fried Smoked Pork Belly, Salvador’s Sangria, Van Gogh’s Flask, Strawberry Shortcake, Smokehouse S’mores
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo

SO.PA AT L’HORIZON – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SO.PA at L’Horizon in Palm Springs and enjoy Executive Chef Michael Hung’s Five- Course Tasting Menu ($135.00 per person) st

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, and for the Main, the Grilled Petite Filet Mignon with potato and Parmigiano Reggiano gratin, and sauce au poivre. Each course can also be enjoyed with one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, or Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from SO.PA’s award-winning Wine List by the glass or the bottle, and for the final finishing touch, Chef Hung will be presenting a Ginger Toffee Pudding Cake with Whipped Creme Fraiche.

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Welcome 2023 by enjoying New Year’s Day Dinner at SO.PA and experience Executive Chef Michael Hung’s progressive and refined New American Dinner Menu spotlighting global influences while enjoying one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, and then toasting the New Year with some Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from SO.PA’s award-winning Wine List.

SO.PA at L’Horizon will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; SO.PA at L’Horizon will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264; 760.323.1858; www.LHorizonPalmSprings.com

Photo: SO.PA Cocktail on Cactus, Cocktail by Cactus, Cocktail by Pool, Duck Confit, Seasonal Gazpacho, Roasted Chicken Mole, SO.PA Interior
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo

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starting with a Classic Gougere

uffed with local Medjool dates and

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Blue de Basque,

Osetra Caviar.

Icelandic King Salmon Crudo

variations of celery, pickled mustard seed, and Siberian

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Lacinato kale, brown and wild rice

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with a black truffle coulis

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THE COLONY CLUB AT THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

The countdown to New Year’s Eve is on at The Colony Club in Palm Springs as Executive Chef Michael is celebrating with three New Year’s Eve Specials featuring Ocean Trout Caviar with Potato Latkes with a hard cooked egg, crème fraiche and Chives, Honey Baked Pork Loin Ham served with roasted Brussels sprouts, pineapple compote, and natural Jus, and Ginger Toffee Pudding Cake with market apples, and whipped crème fraiche. Each New Year’s Eve Special can be enjoyed with one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, glass, or bottle of Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from The Colony Club’s award-winning Wine List.

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Ring in the first day of the New Year by enjoying Executive Chef Michael Hung’s innovative California Fare for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner this New Year’s Day. Guests of The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying the modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains while sipping one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, Mimosa, Michelada, Bloody Mary or savoring some Champagne, Red, White or Rosé from The Colony Club’s award-winning Wine List.

The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm; 572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760.969.1818; www.ColonyPalmsHotel.com

Photo: Cocktail, Dessert, Entrance, Main Dining Room & Bar, Prime Filet of Rib Eye, Salmon Carpaccio, Sausage Pork Loin, Spicy Deviled Eggs, Tablescape
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo

THE RAYMOND 1886 – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Kick-off this New Year’s Eve with an early celebration at The Raymond 1886! This special holiday calls for a very special meal and The Raymond 1886 will be offering a Three-Course New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu ($155.00 per person). This festive feast begins with the First Course featuring a choice of Scallop Rockefeller, sea scallop, garlic breadcrumbs, spinach, and Champagne butter, or Grape & Prosciutto Salad with prosciutto di parma, frisée, red grapes and gorgonzola dolce. The savory Second Course offers a choice Cornish Game Hen served with cranberry orange harissa and roasted root vegetables, Branzino, Mediterranean Sea Bass served roasted bell pepper purée, lentils and fennel, Chateau Briand, filet mignon, pommes purée, crispy Brussels sprouts leaves, and bone marrow

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bordelaise, or Stuffed Eggplant with Moroccan spiced lentils, baby heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers, and romesco. The Dessert course offers a choice of either the Chocolate Lava Cake or Pumpkin Spice Panna Cotta. The Raymond 1886’s New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu is meant to pair perfectly with a bottle of wine from The Raymond 1886’s award-winning Wine List or full 1886 Cocktail List, along with a Complimentary Champagne Toast making dining at The Raymond 1886 a great way to ring in 2023!

The Raymond 1886 will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; The Raymond 1886 will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

QUE PADRE – PACIFIC PALISADES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Photo: Margarita and Taco, Burrito, Fajitas, Guacamole, Beef Birria Taco, Tacos Photo Credit: Photography by Tonelson

SMOKE CITY CHAR BAR – ARTS DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

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NEW YEAR’S DAY:

SO.PA AT L’HORIZON – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):NEW YEAR’S EVE:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SO.PA at L’Horizon in Palm Springs and enjoy Executive Chef Michael Hung’s Five- Course Tasting Menu ($135.00 per person) st

then with
For the Third Course, guests will enjoy page11image34805856 page11image34814592 ,

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Photo: SO.PA Cocktail on Cactus, Cocktail by Cactus, Cocktail by Pool, Duck Confit, Seasonal Gazpacho, Roasted Chicken Mole, SO.PA Interior
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo

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starting with a Classic Gougere

uffed with local Medjool dates and

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Blue de Basque,

Osetra Caviar.

Icelandic King Salmon Crudo

variations of celery, pickled mustard seed, and Siberian

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Lacinato kale, brown and wild rice

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with a black truffle coulis

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THE COLONY CLUB AT THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Photo: Cocktail, Dessert, Entrance, Main Dining Room & Bar, Prime Filet of Rib Eye, Salmon Carpaccio, Sausage Pork Loin, Spicy Deviled Eggs, Tablescape
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo

THE RAYMOND 1886 – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE):

NEW YEAR’S EVE:

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Banana Leaf’s Expanded DTLA Menu

December 23, 2022 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) One, two, three, four –here’s why THE perfect score for food and service at Banana Leaf DTLA, one month-old today. It makes me so 🥰 because the owner is the publisher of LocalFoodEater.

BananaLeaf owner and LocalFoodEater.com publisher, Sri Sambangi at BananaLeafLA

Please read the story about how the restaurant added a location to their Culver city flagship in //localfoodeater.com/southern-cuisine-banana-leaf-moves-north/

Toasting at Kapoor’s Akbar with former owner Avi and new owner Sri (front left and right),
writers Cathy Arkle and Barbara Hansen (back left and right)

(1) First off, two samosas( $4.99), always made from scratch here, are so big that one order could make a meal with a side. Plump with a potato mash, bright peas and mint combination snugly packaged into each substantial triangle, the firm crust is more pie than pastry. Please slide to see.

The gorgeous samosa made in house at the new Banana LeafLA in downtown Los Angeles

The second item for the new Banana Leaf score and my “reason” for ordering Banana Leaf Saag Paneer for the nth time even from this extensive menu of untried dishes: it is prepared by Chef “Cha Cha” in the northern style with cream. And it is sublime, with just the right measured, experienced touch of seasonings in the minced fresh spinach (saag).

Northern style Saag Paneer at Banana LeafLA in DTLA

Wonderful server Ani suggested the customary garlic naan fresh from the tandoor oven to go along with it. Please slide to see although this photo doesn’t begin to capture its deep color and playful puffiness.

Naan right out of the tandoori oven at Banana LeafLA in downtown LA

I asked Ani if the saag was popular and she herself ate it. Answer to both “yes, a lot.” She added, “but I am a vegetarian.” For me, a carnivore by DNA, Banana Leaf southern and now northern saag can mysteriously make up an entire satisfying meal for me… day after day 😋 actually it’s so healthy, why question it!

Ani helps us find new dishes from the BananaLeafLA in downtown LA

Reasons 3 and 4 for my Banana Leaf DTLA score: The front and back of the house!

Even as an unknown American customer to the new, young and yet old-school South Indian crew, I was treated warmly and guided to a meal of new dishes to me – and had my tons of questions answered thoughtfully and completely.

Friendly Ani at Banana Leafla in Downtown Los Angeles

High energy founder-owner Sri Sambangi created a happy and delicious experience both here and the more bustling, tiny Culver City flagship) with this more spacious spot so beautifully managed.

Here the aura of dignified Chef de Cusine, affectionately called, “Cha Cha,” seems to ripple through the place, even in the well-organized menu.

Chef recognized me from Banana Leaf Culver City and phoned the chef there to see that I was not ordering dishes they might have on the westside Southern-only menu!

The extensive menu reflects the most popular of Akbar’s most popular northern classics and Banana Leaf’s focus on South Indian food. The Akbar menu will still be available online.

Here is the beautifully packaged Biryani and Gitti Vankaya (stuffed eggplant), exclusive to DTLA.

Biryani and Gitti Vankaya from Banana LeafLA in downtown LA

Banana Leaf IS ready even though the pandemic craziness means the sign on the front still reads Kapoor’s Akbar, the restaurant that most recently occupied the site, as does the interior and wine list, all in transition.

The addresses are:

701 W. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Suite 107, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 372-5590.

10408 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, (310) 838-2130.

Hank’s Double Diamond Burger Deal

December 6, 2022 Comments Off

(Gerry Furth-Sides) It’s more than enough to just be at Hank’s resort-like restaurant in Pacific Palisades on a sunny afternoon any day of the year. Everyone seems be on holiday and with the sun overhead, you feel like you are in “Charade” at Megeve in the Swiss Alps with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.

Even the kids behave, and these were there for hours with their dads at Hank’s, Pacific Palisades

But this is the month to go: Hank’s restaurant’s celebrates its Double Diamond burger’s honor of being named the “best burger” in the Best of the Southland 2022 readers’ choice poll.

To celebrate you can enjoy Chef award-winning burger with a special side and beverage for $25 all month. Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. 1033 N. Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades. hankspalisades.co. Hank’s, named in honor of Owner Rick Caruso’s father Hank is located at Palisades Village on Swarthmore. One of the original anchor buildings in the constructed village, its remodeled still holds class and atmosphere, including a wonderful old classic black and white tile floor inside.

Hank’s, Palisades Village with its original tile floor

The old-school service matches, not only the phenomenal servers but General Manager Edgar Fernandez is on hand to see that everything runs smoothly. It all makes for a lot of fun.

General Manager Edgar Fernandez at Hank’s in Pacific Village

The idea behind it was to offer guests elevated American classics, handcrafted classic cocktails, draft and bottle craft beers and premium wines served by Coravin offering something for everyone.

We’ll drink to that with Hank’s Gourmet Root Beer and Piggy Back Rye Whiskey at Hank’s in Pacific Village

Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s Hank’s Double Diamond Burger is his beef blend of wagyu, brisket and short rib layered with Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, butter lettuce, Roma tomatoes and Hank’s special sauce on potato bun.

The Double Diamond burger Special with a Side of Onion Rings at Hank’s, Pacific Palisades

To celebrate this exciting honor Chef Peña will be offering a Los Angeles Times “BEST BURGER” Winner “Best of the Southland” Hank’s Double Diamond Burger Special which will include a Hank’s Double Diamond Burger, Choice of Side (Fries, Onion Rings, or Salad), and Beverage(Wine, Draft Beer, or Non-Alcoholic Drink) for $25.00 per person through the month.

Executive Chef Isaias *Peña’s* who created the *Hank’s Double Diamond Burger*

“The Hank’s Team and I are honored by this award and many, many thanks to everyone that voted,” says Peña. “We take great pride in the making of our burgers atHank’s, and we also have a new menu that has something for everyone featuring steaks, seafood, and a selection of small and shared plates, so we invite you all to come enjoy!”

Start off with a Caesar Salad at Hank’s Pacific Palisades

Unctuous Mac n’ Cheese as a side at the table at Hank’s Pacific Palisades

Hank’s is open every Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 9:00pm, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm.For more information about Hank’s or to make reservations,please call 424.363.7166 directly or visit www.HanksPalisades.com.

Like The Grove at the Original Farmer’s Market, there is holiday entertainment in addition to beautiful shops for window shopping to walk off that burger after a meal.