Many livelihoods changed once COVID hit. In early 2020, José Morales Jr. was fired from his job due to the pandemic and instead followed in his father’s footsteps and became a full-time taquero. Previously, he worked part-time with his father on a food cart called Tacos La Carreta on Sundays. There they prepared Mazatlán favorites…
Cento Delivers Exceptional Pasta Creations
In 2015 Cento caught LA’s food enthusiasts’ attention when it opened inside a downtown wine bar. Owner Avner Lavi operated as a one-person operation, dazzling diners as he prepared unique pasta offerings. There Lavi operated as a weekday daytime pop-up. Lavi (formerly from Bestia and Sotto) perfected his pasta-making skills at Bestia. Thru social media,…
Mama Shelter Features Eclectic Weekend Brunch
Mama Shelter is an upscale boutique hotel chain with locations in Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. Hollywood is their sole North American location, and I recently had an opportunity to experience weekend brunch at Mama Shelter Downstairs. LA’s pandemic health guidelines have loosened up, and most Angelenos have returned to dining…
Four by Brother Luck Delivers Exceptional Southwest Cuisine
When someone mentions Bobby Flay’s name, emotions ranging from dislike to hatred often follow. Yet, his TV series is currently in season 31! I haven’t watched many episodes, but Flay beat his competitor each time. One chef that beat Flay was Chef Brother Luck. He is the chef and owner of Four by Brother Luck…
Hokkaido Fair Returns to Mitsuwa Marketplace
From Fri. Sep 2 through Mon. Sep 12, Mitsuwa Marketplace will host its annual Hokkaido Fair. This 11-day celebration features the best food the Japanese island offers and takes place at all Mitsuwa Marketplace locations. Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and is the northernmost prefecture. The cold ocean waters are ideal for seafood such as king…
Jame Enoteca – Top Chef Jackson Kalb Makes South Bay Proud
Earlier this year, chef Jackson Kalb competed in season 19 of Top Chef. He dazzled the judges by making an Italian three-course Italian meal within the 45-minute competition. Kalb made fresh pasta sheets, an eggplant side dish, and chicken salsa verde. Due to post-COVID after effects, he could not smell or taste; somehow, he prepared…
Blue Zones Project Restaurant Week Debuts Aug 21-27
From Aug 21 – 27, 2022, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) will sponsor the first-ever Blue Zones Project Restaurant Week. This year’s event highlights select South Bay restaurants offering discounts that week. Each restaurant is a certified Blue Zones restaurant. “Blue Zone” is a non-scientific term for geographic regions home to some of the world’s oldest people. Author Dan Buettner studied…
Alma Delivers True Mexico Experience
Mexico City’s powerhouse restaurant company Grupo Hunan recently opened Alma in The Grove. Grupo Hunan operates many high-profile restaurants in Mexico City, and Alma is their first foray into the US market. Grupo Hunan completely transformed the space where Dominique Ansel resided into a stylish restaurant you might visit in Mexico City. At ground level,…
What’s New with Bettolino Kitchen
Co-owner Andreanna Liquore grew up at the family restaurant in Gaetano’s, and in 2015, she spread her wings by opening Bettolino Kitchen with her husband, Sean Liquore. Their freshly made pasta dishes became an instant hit with the local community. During the pandemic, their customers adapted to take-out service and enjoyed alfresco dining on their…
Proudly Serving and Bee Taqueria Create The BEErria Burger
Thanks to businesses such as Teddy’s Red Tacos and Tacos Y Birria La Unica, birria is one of the hottest trends in LA. The owners of Proudly Serving and Bee Taqueria recently collaborated to create the BEErria Burger, an orgasmic mashup between the two chefs. On Fri. Aug 5, you’ll have the one-time opportunity to…