Susan Feniger

Chef Conference at LATTC Goes Global

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) “Chef Con” or Chef Conference is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. But anyone interested in the quality, sustainability and preparation of what they eat, including the most delicious and comprehensive variety of prepared dishes, will find this event fascinating and timely. For details please see: //www.lachefconference.com

The magnificent Los Angeles Trade Tech College setting magnified the already comprehensive day. Chef Conference 2023 already more than fulfilled its mission to provide information, inspiration, delicious food and drinks on a personal basis. Meeting up with industry friends and meeting new ones was another priceless aspect of the event. See how below.

Our host, LATTC foundation member Bonnie Tseng and (top right) Culinary Arts Pathway Department Chair, Jerry Vachon; (botton right) Kate Silberling, Chef Instructor and students on the left with PJ at the top.

The event began in the lobby of the Culinary Arts Building. Signs and students were posted all around the impressive campus to direct you to the building.

The magnificent $100M remodeled LATTC Culinary Arts Building at latte.culinaryarts in DTLA.
The morning welcome started with Coffee from Caffe Luxxe, and Pastries from Bread Artisan Bakery at LATTC. Perfect Kouign Aman (bottom right) and perfect everything including coffees from Caffe Luxxe
A more than welcome addition to any event, C-CAP’s Lisa Fontenesi and Gail Carney. C-CAP student competitions are held at LATTC

Lunch took in place in three entire state-of-the-art classrooms, each with their own work stations. One entire room was filled with the finest beef, lamb, duck and other protein. An entire room was filled with fish and seafood. The commonality was the each dish being prepared by top chefs at their best with flavors, texture and presentation. The food was representative of the finest sourcing and preparation.

Quality, story and value was all in this Chef Conference 2023 prevention

We were in beef heaven. Featured: Cape Grim Grass Fed Beef from Tasmania, Black Opal Wagyu, Pure Black Barley Fed Angus, Gundagi Lamb and Stock Shop Sauces and Stocks.   First up was one of our favorite chefs, Jet Tila and wife Allison. We could not have gotten a warmer welcome. “Come on in over the ropes!” he called out.

The warmest welcome from celebrity chef Jet Tila, here with wife Ali and team
Celebrity Chef/Restaurateur Jet Tia’s Black Opal Wagyu Stripling Tataki
Chef Conference 2023 star.
Pure Black 72 Hr Sous Vide Short Rib: The dish we ate more than one of cat the Chef Conference 2023
Our pick of the day by celebrity Chef/owner Mary Sue Milliken and Co Chef/Co-owner Sarah Stinger who added the final spark to their succulent, tasty Lamb Chop with pepper seeds
Our pick of the day by celebrity Chef/owner Mary Sue Miliken and Co Chef/Co-owner Sarah Stinger who added the final spark to their succulent, tasty Lamb Chop with pepper seeds

Color, texture, refined technique and rich ingredients described the fish and seafood room.

Stock Shop Co. Lobster Congee only one of the roomful of fish and seafood dishes at the Chef Conference 2023
The most creative, original and tasty of the fish and seafood room at the Chef Conference 2023

LATTC students were an integral part of the presenting and the eduction of working with celebrity chefs at Chef Conference 2023, here with Kevin Meehan of CALI restaurant
Porto’s at the Chef Conference 2023 with the most inventive, original savory and sweet treats
Porto’s at the Chef Conference 2023 with the most inventive, original savory and sweet treats

SAMPLES OF THE SEMINARS AT THE CHEF CONFERENCE:
Presented by California Restaurant Association: and followed by a “meet and greet” with CRA President, Jot Connie: IF YOU’RE NOT AT THE TABLE, YOU’RE ON THE MENU – PROACTIVELY PROTECTING YOUR RESTAURANT. Moderator Matthew Sutton and panelists, Madelyn “Maddy” Alfano, Greg Dulan, Joseph Pitruzzelli.

MENTORSHIP: ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S BEST AND MOST ENDURING TRADITIONS
HOSTED BY Andrew Friedman (Moderator), Gavin Kaysen, Travis Swikard and presented by S. Pellegino

A full day at the Chef Conference 2023 at LATTC

The afternoon at the Chef Conference 2023 was filled with even more informative, friendly vendors and international celebrity chefs. The food, the place and comprehensive information and conversation about it, and the people!

A view from the top at the Chef Conference 2023
Celebrity chefs Susan Fenigar, middle and (left row top to b bottom) Eric Greenspan, Curtis Stone and Kato Chef Jon Yao; Left top to bottom: Jazz of Jittlada; Roy Garcia and Josiah Citrin at the Chef Conference 2023 at LATTC
The afternoon for networkingafter seminars and rooms full of food at the Chef Conference 2023 at LATTC

¡Latin Food Fest! at LA State Historic Park March 29-30

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The 2019 St. Joseph Center ¡Latin Food Fest! will take place March 29 – 30 at the LA State Historic Park, which includes a kick-off party “Chefs Night out,” and ultimate tasting festival “Gran Tasting.”

¡Latin Food Fest! will also takes place at Embarcadero Park at San Diego Bay and includes a high-energy kick-off party, “Spirits of the Americas” on Friday August 16 followed by the ultimate culinary festival, “Gran Tasting” on Saturday August 17, 2019.

Each ¡Latin Food Fest! includes a kick-off party followed by an ultimate tasting festival on the following afternoon so guests have a variety of opportunities to indulge at our 7th annual Hispanic culinary celebration!

So many of our LocalFoodEater.com friends will be there, starting with Alice Maher of El Salvador. Read about her at: //localfoodeater.com/alicia-mahers-family-recipes-in-delicious-el-salvador-book/

Chef Alice Maher at work

Everyone is invited to come and celebrate our 7th annual Hispanic culinary extravaganza!   ¡Latin Food Fest! draws a diversity of attendees while helping to raise awareness and funds for the fight against hunger with the St. Joseph Center

Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill

Chef Ricardo Zarate

Mexicano Chefs Jaime and Ramiro

Important spirits and beverage partners whose commitment to quality pairs perfectly with the food, beverages, beer, wine, and spirits that are tasted at the festival.  ¡Viva la comida latina!.

Avocado Chile and Dark Chocolate Truffles Recipe

  1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until there are no more chunks.
  2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove, and stir until smooth.
  3. Mix together the melted chocolate, avocado, chili powder, vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Stir until well combined.
  4. Place the mixture into the fridge for 1 hour.
  5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form balls with your hand. Roll the balls in the remaining cocoa powder until they are completely covered.

LA First! Martha Stewart WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE December 1

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) Martha Stewart is coming to town with her curated culinary experience for one day.   The Grand Tasting spotlights tastings along with a schedule of wine and beverage seminars and cooking demonstrations.  The iconic culinary expert will be doing a “Meet & Greet” plus a cooking demonstration on the Culinary Stage located within the Grand Tasting for all guests, as will other event chefs.//wineandfood.usatoday.com/losangeles

Martha Stewart Wine & Food Experience presented by USA TODAY takes place on December 1, 2018, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  (VIP ticketholders have early  entry) at the LA Center Studios,  450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017.  This spacious, easily accessible venue is just outside of DTLA.

Restaurants include some of our ethnic favorites, such as:  Border Grill Modern Mexican overseen by the iconic Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.

Long-time key ambassadors of Mexican food and two of the most beloved chefs in Los Angeles history, affectionately known as the “The Two Hot Tamales,” are owner-founder-chefs of Border Grill in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  Among the most popular figures in the entire food industry, they are known for their enthusiasm and promotion of their own Mexican chefs.

Susan Feniger

The irrepressible Susan Feniger

Chef Mary Sue Milliken insists on having a former chef in the photo, too

Community-minded, the Border Grill participates and supports the culinary community locally and globally

Fig & Olive is rarely seen at events and one of our favorites:

//localfoodeater.com/fig-olives-new-world-whole-branzino-feast/

Otium’s Chef Tim Hollingsworth is worth a trip downtown anytime.  He is a neighbor of the Center Sound Stage so this is special.

Otium

Chef Tim Hollingsworth of Otium

Hamasaku’s casual seafood izakaya and sushi offshoot, Umi by Hamasaku in El Segundo comes from partners Jesse Duron, chef  Yoya Takahashi and Hamasaku owner, Michael Ovitz.  You can count on Japanese-American Chef Takahashi to be in his usual party mode, serving refined, rich sushi.

Chao Krung Restaurant

Other savory Southern California Wine & Food Experience restaurants include:   1212 Santa Monica; 71 Above (featured in VIP Lounge); Air Food; Cal Mare; CAVA; Chateau Hanare; Bäco Mercat; Bar Amá; C.J. Boyd’s Fried Chicken; CUT Beverly Hills; Dama; Free Play; Gwen and Maude by Curtis Stone; Herringbone Santa Monica; Hock + Hoof; Lovely Eats; Makani; Miro; Mrs. fish; Mrs McCartney’s Teas; Noree Thai on Beverly; Orsa & Winston; P.Y.T.; Sotto; The Bazaar by José Andrés; The Restaurant by MBH; Urban Press Winery Restaurant (featured in VIP Lounge)

The Martha Stewart Experience serves as the official event entry and features a tented entrance with a “Celebrating with Martha” theme showcasing Martha-designed products.  

We cannot wait to meet her although Martha Stewart is no stranger to Los Angeles.  She put Quelaguetza Mexican Restaurant on the map when she featured them but once on her TV Show.  These days her shows are strictly focused on teaching, her passion, formatted to be collected into entire courses. We learn from every lesson and we love her for it (Ina Garten and Lydia Bastianich are about the only other teachers).

But wait, there is so much more to Martha, the other “Leo” culinary legend along with Julia Child.  We love Martha for naming , without hesitation, Millet’s “The Gleaners”her favorite artwork during an NPR interview, and for hesitating for an entire TV commercial before answering student Q and A that she wanted to be remembered most after she passed away, “as a teacher.”

Admittedly, we were baffled by Martha’s first (insanely highly anticipated!) TV Show when she offhandedly described how to set your Thanksgiving table mix and match style- ,using as an example her own 15 sets of China!   But the teaching and entertaining Martha won our hearts.  We laughed to watch her carry out a DIY lamp project with tools and materials costing twice the price of a new lamp or repair.   We rolled our eyes at every male TV talk show host’s infantile behavior she has had to put up with over the years.  We wanted Oprah to be quiet and let Martha finish those hospital corners on a sheet.  We laughed with her attempting so hard not to compete with her own mom, or with the Lobel’s owner-butchers.  We followed the drama and cheered during her literal trials and tribulations in a spectacular career.  And, happy she is on top, we are more careful with our own cooking and food presentation.

VIP LOUNGE: In addition, during this event the #LAWFE VIP Lounge is presented byInside Access from Chase. VIP ticketholders have access featuring special wines, food, private facilities and early entry to the Grand Tasting at 12pm.

TICKETS

Tickets at //wineandfood.usatoday.com/losangeles/ticket-packages/

  • Grand Tasting.  $85 in advance. 1pm entry
  • VIP Grand Tasting. $120 in advance.  12pm entry
  • Meet Martha. $250 SOLD OUT. Featuring a private seminar with Martha and a meet & greet.  Includes all benefits of VIP ticket.

*Event tickets at gate are $100 Grand Tasting; $135 VIP

BENEFICIARY

Portion of proceeds benefits Ovarian Cancer Society

SPONSORS

Martha Stewart Wine & Food Experience in Los Angeles is presented by USA TODAY.  The event is sponsored by Inside Access from Chase; as well as Grocery Outlet, Grateful & Co., Thermador/ Universal Kitchen Appliance, Rums of Puerto Rico, Lifeway Foods and Barilla.

About USA TODAY NETWORK.  USA TODAY NETWORK, part of Gannett Co, Inc. (NYSE: GCI), is the largest local-to-national media organization in the country, powered by our award-winning newsrooms and marketing solutions business.  For more information, visit www.Gannett.com

About Martha Stewart. Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur, bestselling author of 90 books, and America’s most trusted lifestyle expert and teacher reaching 100 million consumers monthly across media and merchandising platforms.  Visit MarthaStewart.com and SequentialBrandsGroup.com

About R Entertainment. R Entertainment is an experiential marketing and business development company, producing 200 dates a year, such as the USA TODAY NETWORK Wine & Food Experience, Kentucky Derby Fillies & Lilies Party, Final Four Sponsors Ball, National Taco Tour, Super Bowl events, PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arizona Diamondbacks Evening on the Diamond, The Good Life Festivals by Shea Homes, among others. R Entertainment also books concert entertainment nationwide. Visit www.R-Entertainment.com

Mexican Food Maven Susan Feniger Headlines Westside Food & Wine Festival, July 21,22

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July 10, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA – Boasting gourmet noshes and sips from dozens of local restaurants, food vendors and wine and spirits brands, the 2nd Annual Westside Food & Wine Festival benefiting Culver Palms Meals on Wheels return Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22 with more participating restaurants and vendors added.

The 2018 Westside Food & Wine Festival will be held at West LA College, located at 9000 Overland Avenue in Culver City with the outdoor festival situated on the covered roof of the college south parking structure featuring stunning views of Los Angeles.  Culver City Honda and Culver City Toyota will be showcasing their automobiles. The event takes place Saturday from 2-6pm and Sunday 1-5pm.

Chef Susan Feniger

Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill

Participating restaurant, food and wine vendors include:

  • Border Grill with Susan Feniger appearing
  • LA Gastronomy
  • Truxton’s American Bistro
  • Wildcraft
  • Il Piccolo Verde
  • Panini Kabob
  • Stonefire Grill
  • Rise and Shine Catering
  • Rollin Burger
  • Café Vida
  • Fresh Brothers
  • Smitten Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
  • Fresh Farm to you
  • Luna Olive Oil
  • Red Shoe Cakes
  • Noosa Yogurt
  • Kind Bars
  • My Mochi Ice Cream
  • Ziggy Popcorn
  • Youngs Market
  • Sunora Agave Spirit
  • Suerte Tequila
  • Papaspilar Rum
  • Breckenridge Whiskey
  • Vine Mark Cellars
  • Embajador Tequila
  • ZYR Vodka
  • Paquera Mexcal
  • Boochcraft Alcoholic Kombucha
  • Vina Sympatica Sparkling Wines
  • Boisset Collection Wines
  • Obvious Wines
  • Joya Sangria
  • Wilson Creek Winery
  • Clos du Bois Winery
  • Bai Beverages
  • Kevita Kombucha
  • Icelandic Water
  • Topo Chico Sparkling Water
  • Essential Water
  • Vita Coconut Water
  • Kreation Juices
  • Naked Juice
  • Rebbl Beverages

In addition to unlimited samples from some of the area’s best restaurants and local wine and spirits purveyors, attendees will enjoy an all-inclusive experience that will feature a live music band each day, magic, strolling and stationed entertainment and a silent auction.

“We’re thrilled to offer another delicious weekend experience for attendees at this year’ Westside Food & Wine Festival,” said Elliot. We have over 50 vendors/sponsors each day with an exciting array of food, wine, spirits, and entertainment.”

Tickets range in price from $85 for general admission to $190 for multiple days, VIP ticket (doors open 2 pm Saturday and 1 pm Sunday). VIP ticket holders enjoy entry onto the festival one hour earlier, free parking and other perks. Tickets can be purchased HERE. Ticket holders must be 21 or over with valid ID.

The Westside Food & Wine Festival is presented by Todd Elliot Entertainment and top sponsors include Culver City Toyota and Culver City Honda. Media sponsors include LA Weekly, The Argonaut, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, Culver City News, Culver City Observer and the Culver City Times. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Culver/Palms Meals on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based food delivery program that provides nutritious meals to food insecure seniors and those confined to their homes due to disability or illness.

Early Bird Tickets are also now available for the Fall Westside Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for October 14 at the LA Westside Marriott.

Todd Elliot Entertainment & Planning has provided event planning services since 1990.  For more information visit www.swingentertainment.com or call (310) 827-0873.

 

Ethnic Restaurants + Products Stand Out at PPLA Food Fare 2018

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(Gerry Furth-Sides) New ethnic restaurants, newly renamed ethnic restaurants with expanded authentic menus and classic eateries with ethnic products for sale highlighted the best-ever event PPLA FOOD FARE 2018.   The feeling of genuine hospitality and generosity lent good cheer from beginning to end.

Multi-generations at the food fare. Sophy Cohen with dad, Alain (top) and the absolutely terrific volunteer crew (bottom)

And it all started with a cheerful, helpful and welcoming head valet from Chuck Pic’s valet service.  Even the lady driver in this grab shot is smiling!

FoodFare is the time to meet a number of Los Angeles legendary chefs who are ethnic cuisine masters.  It was so crowded this year that we did not get back to their booths!

LA legendary executive chefs! Left to Right: Olivier Rouselle of the LUXE HOTEL, Josiah Citrin of Melisse and Charcoal Venice and Hamasaku’s Yoja Takahashi,who recently opened UMI in El Segundo.

The first Foodfare honoree in 2010, Chef Alain Giraud, helped his wife, Catherine Giraud’s company, Lavender Blue, with her booth this year!

The youngest volunteer participants, now “veterans” stand out each year.  Dedicated and still exuberant, they are often the third generation in their family to help out.

All dressed up to taste in the morning and now ready to work in the evening

And then there is the food!  (We did not even get a chance to look at the wine and beer samplings plus the silent wine auction – a full event in and of itself!

The silent auction table filled with local and international wines

Longtime favorites include Angelini Osteria with their signature spinach lasagna.  We are so honored to have a corner piece!  This was at the beginning of the evening because long lines quickly formed.

spinach lasagna

Angelini Osteria with their signature spinach lasagna

This year’s news is the new products now being sold by restaurants.  Famous chef Gino Angeleni has tomato sauces, olive oil, and dressings.

Gino Angelini's

Chef Gino Angelini’s new products

//localfoodeater.com/39th-annual-ppla-food-fare-2017-is-best-yet/

mushroom soup

The Drago family’s signature wild mushroom soup

Celestino Drago was a PPLA Food Fare honoree in 2014 and The Drago family of restaurants are always well represented throughout the city and Pasadena.  They brought their mushroom soup, always a favorite bite.

This year they also brought their newest product from Drago’s Cantina:  Cucumber Jalapeño cocktails – in a box.

Drago’s Cantina’s cocktails – in a box.

Other Italian restaurants include the Italian-inspired Porta Via in Beverly Hills and our own California-inspired Rosti Tuscan Kitchen serves up signature chicken and salads.  Rao’s Hollywood made famous in New York is always a draw.  RAOS sauces are also found in markets now.

meatballs

RAOS famous meatballs coming up! (above and below)

 

The eastern European cuisine new restaurant DOMA in the marina area also served succulent meatballs, these made of chicken.  The dish was from a family recipe, made from scratch and excellent.

Chef Christina of Doma Kitchen

Asian cuisine was ready at the opening with Takami Sushi, one of the annual returning restaurants.

Takami Chefs ready to go at the opening

 

chips

Takami refined, flavorful ceviche and “chips”

From Latino kitchens comes Border Grill, Petty Cash Taqueria, and Pinches Tacos, inspired by Chef Toribio Prado.

//localfoodeater.com/chefspotlight/star-chef-toribio-prados-meteoric-career/

Border Grill’s beloved other half, Susan Feniger

 

Got Kosher? Bakery introduces their newly renamed HARISSA RESTAURANT to the event.  Chef Alain Cohen has participated for the past ten years in PPLA food fare.  //localfoodeater.com/tempting-summer-sandwiches-the-got-kosher-restaurant-style/

French-Tunisian Chef Alain Cohen and daughter Sophy

Halal and Kosher were represented at PPLA FOOD FARE  2018. Kosher is Halal (following all of their rules) but Halal is not Kosher because there are more rules in Kosher!

roamed the room

The Halal Guys “roamed the room” with trays serving food

The best California cuisine classic restaurant, Michael’s, had an Asian inspired dish this year.  Their Grilled Broccoli was served with yuzu kosho aioli + blood orange.  It was thoughtfully paired with a Malibu Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir, from our Semlar family friends.

Jeni’s Ice Cream, a community-minded company new to Los Angeles is a first-time participant.  Jeni’s is the best of American regional.

Ice Cream

Jeni’s Ice Cream

New restaurants and restaurants not even open yet were welcome additions.

Chef Jonathan Aviles of the New Salazar in the Los Feliz area

A delicious bite with the tenderest octopus we’ve ever had by Chef/Partner Jessica Largey of Simone in the Arts District downtown.  The restaurant will open later this spring.

 

Chef/Partner, Jessica Llargey of SIMONE in DTLA

Other restaurants include: HomeState, Kato, Pedaler’s Fork, Playa Provisions / Hudson House / The Tripel / Small Batch/Da KikoKiko, Poke 2 Go,  Ray’s and Stark Bar, SOCA, Sumo Dog, Sweet & Savory, The Bel-Air, Tuck Room Tavern, Upper West Restaurant, Vucacious Catering,  and Wokstar Catering (Sweet & Sour Chronicles), AR Cucina, Baltaire, Boneyard Bistro, Castle’s Catering,  Clementine, Cookie Good, Craft Los Angeles and Factor’s Famous Deli.

Engaging and genuine as he is talented and supportive,  Foodfare 2018 honoree Chef Chris Phelps, chef/owner of salt’s cure + breakfast by salt’s cure, talking with Bonnie Levin (far right), past event chair on this year’s decor & space planning (which was as roomy as possible) and a PPLA guild member.

Top California- Inspired Ethnic Cuisine Ambassadors

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Chef Jet Tila, a native of Los Angeles, has been the “official Thai Food Ambassador” since 2013.  We applaud him for adding his own definition to his role as  Ambassador of representing Thai food and culture at food events and in media around the world.   Chef Jet also believes that it means, ” rallying everyone to create an extensive community.

pastry

Jet Tila and friend, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, who spreads the word about Czech pastry learned from her grandmother

Jet Tila with mom, Mary on the left and writer Barbara Hansen who first wrote about Jet for the LA Times

//localfoodeater.com/jet-tilas-enticing-first-cookbook-101-asian-dishes-need-cook-die/

Long-time key ambassadors of Mexican food and two of the most beloved chefs in Los Angeles history are “The Two Hot Tamales,” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.  Owner-founder-chefs of Border Grill in Los Angeles (three locations at one time) and Las Vegas, “the girls” are among the most popular in the entire food industry for their enthusiasm and promotion of their own Mexican chefs.

Susan Feniger

The irrepressible Susan Feniger

Chef Susan Feniger at Bon Appetit Las Vegas

Chef Mary Sue Milliken insists on having a former chef in the photo, too

Community-minded, the Border Grill has participated in, and been honored at, Planned Parenthood Food Fare for 25 years. (above and below)

At Market City Cafe chef-owners, Chipper Pastron and Sal Casola, Jr., have been translating the authentic recipes of Sal’s family into consistent, appealing fare for a quarter of a century.

They have also experienced bringing authentic food from Italian – Roman square pizza, the top Italian charcuterie, cheeses and freshly made pasta to Pasadena and it was a “no-go” replaced by Jakes Burgers.

New Market City Caffe Holiday Menu Celebrates A Quarter Century

 

 

Frida Mexican Restaurant, Spaghettini, and India’s Tandoori Brentwood earn top marks for introducing California-inspired ethnic cuisines with special authentic dishes sprinkled in the menu.

 

Frida Mexican Restaurant: New California-inspired Menu, Old-fashioned Latino Hospitality

 

 

New Italian-Inspired Spaghettini Restaurant Cookbook and Ancient Hospitality

Last but not least the consummate host at the most popular gathering place on the westside, India’s Tandoor, Brentwood, Matin Shah is always on the lookout to please his guests and the first choice for events, such as the fundraiser below.

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This is the “go-to” place where you always feel at home and know you will be treated in a special way.  Nothing is too much for him to do for his customers.

Matin takes care to introduce dishes from his own region of Bangladesh to his guests.  In 2017 he even created a special Off-the-menu feast of a number of these dishes.  So far they have been a success.

New Special Off-Menu Feast at India’s Tandoor, Brentwood

When I thought that another restaurant owner was alone on her birthday, of course, I phoned up Matin and welcomed us over.  He prepared a little dinner and dessert.  And when I looked at the photo of him and the guest, I could see he had fallen asleep he was so tired!

Usually, Matin prepares or purchases a favorite cake to celebrate each and every guest he knows by name.  This year he was startled to be presented with a cake of this own to celebrate his birthday! 

The 11th Annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit Event, April 27-29!

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(All photos courtesy of Vegas Uncork’d) The countdown is on for the 11th annual Vegas Uncork’d presented by sponsor Chase Sapphire®.  Tickets are selling quickly and 12 events are sold out.  Tickets  and event information can be found at   //www.vegasuncorked.com

LocalFoodEater’s Roberta Deen will be covering the event for us – as a former recipe tester for Bon Appétit, Roberta has an insider’s view.

One of the country’s top food, wine and spirits festivals hits the Las Vegas Strip, with both intimate and large-scale extravaganzas at Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas.

The event includes world’s most sought-after chefs, sommeliers and mixologists including Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, Charlie Palmer, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, José Andrés, Julian Serrano, Lorena Garcia, Shawn McClain, Nobu Matsuhisa, Wolfgang Puck and newly added to Picnic in The Park – the venerable Tom Colicchio and Rick Moonen.

-Three-Kitchen Tasting at SUGARCANE raw bar grill with Chef Timon Balloo (The Venetian) takes place Thursday, April 27  at SUGARCANE raw bar grill.   Signature cocktails the event feature rum from all over the world.

Award-winning Executive Chef & Partner Timon Balloo will present a selection of SUGARCANE’s globally inspired small plates.   Chef Timon Balloo’s signature style – the juxtaposition of bold flavors made for sharing – will be prepared using three kitchen concepts.  The list includes the open fire grill; raw bar dishes and traditional kitchen dishes.


– #FoodPorn Cooking Demo & Luncheon with The Too Hot Tamales (Forum Shops at Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28. The up close and personal live cooking demonstration stars chef duo, Mary Sue Milliken, and Susan Feniger.  The entertaining “Too Hot Tamales” fix a “feast for the eyes and shake up creative cocktails.”

Guests will learn the dynamic duo’s innovative recipes and cooking techniques and also get the lowdown on how to shoot epic food porn photos with expert tips and tricks from Bon Appétit magazine’s social media gurus.   A takeaway recipe booklet is part of the package.

A multi-course lunch with specialty cocktails follows the demos and photo tip session.  Afterward comes a chance to purchase personalized cookbooks.

– Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at Jaleo (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), Friday, April 28:  Guests experience a taste of Spain with internationally acclaimed culinary pioneer and innovator, Chef José Andrés. José  prepares lobster paella over their renowned live fire pit in a dish-and-tell session, and shares his favorite stories behind the unique restaurant’s menu items, such as José’s Taco, a slice of jamón ibérico de bellota topped with osetra caviar and gold flakes; Coca con Erizas del Mar, crusty Spanish cristal bread topped with sea urchin, ibérico bacon and butter; their renowned Gin and Tonic program, and more.

– Robin Leach & Gary Selesner Invite You to a Culinary Journey Around the World at Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28:  Guests join “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” host Robin Leach and Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner for a culinary adventure at Bacchanal Buffet—named the #1 buffet in Las Vegas. The renowned chef team will present an around the world culinary journey that showcases dishes from different countries and cuisines, paired with premier global wines, as Leach and Selesner recount their worldly travels.

The Grand Tasting (Caesars Palace), (Friday, April 28)  At this signature event of Vegas Uncork’d, over 2,500 food enthusiasts enjoy a staggering variety of signature dishes prepared by over 50 of the world’s most celebrated chefs and over 100 of the best wines and spirits from around the world.

– The Hog in the Henhouse: Yardbird Presents A Potbelly Brunch (The Venetian), Friday, April 28:  Yardbird’s exclusive Pot Belly Brunch will be hog heaven for lovers of all things bacon and pork belly.

– Brunch at GIADA: An Italian Inspired Feast (The Cromwell), Saturday, April 29:  Guests join chef Giada De Laurentiis for brunch and a photo with the chef at her award-winning first and only namesake restaurant.

Picnic in The Park features Alain Ducasse among a number of top celebrity chefs on April 29.  Live music and many of the MGM Resorts’ most notable chefs offer up creative twists on classic picnic dishes.

Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bonbons & Booze (The Palazzo), Saturday, April 29: Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro hosts an evening with Chefs of The Venetian and The Palazzo, each preparing a unique take on beignets or bonbons.

For information about the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, please see www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.

EARLY ACCESS tickets include special perks including a meet and greet with chefs.

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