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Charlie Palmer's Burritt Room + Tavern at Mystic Hotel - San Francisco

Originally featured in Citysearch SF's New & Notable

Titled after the infamous Burritt Alley where Sam Spade’s partner was shot in The Maltese Falcon, Burritt Room +Tavern is home to famed East-Coast Chef, Charlie Palmer's much-anticipated San Francisco debut restaurant. On the second floor of the just-off Union Square, Mystic Hotel, you’ll escape into something resembling a speakeasy, bedizened with film-noir flourishes. Intimate booths, natural wood and framed historical snaps of the City by the Bay create a cozy backdrop for Executive Chef Ashley Weaver’s twist on American classics infused with a bountiful selection of local Bay Area ingredients. Offerings include Tomales Bay oyster soup with parsley oil and bacon lardons as well as comforting sides such as a rich creamy polenta with goat cheese and herb parmesan fries. Prepare to eat, and loosen those belts.

                         Interior view of Burritt Tavern

                               Dungeness Crab Salad

        A refreshing Basil Peach Punch at Burritt Room + Tavern

                       36-hour cooked lamb shoulder

                                                           Photo Credit: Aubrie Pick

 

 

Burritt Room + Tavern at Mystic Hotel

417 Stockton St
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-400-0561

 

Friends of James Beard Foundation 25th Anniversary Dinner

Introduction of Chefs at the Friends of James Beard Foundation 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner held at The Venetian/Palazzo, Las Vegas.

  

First Course - Bouchon Chef Jacob Wetherington's Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad Sunchokes, Petite Mache, Black Truflle Vinaigrette paired with a Riesling: Hugel Alsace; 2010

Second Course - B&B/ Carnevino Chef Jason Neve's Hand-Made Orecchiette with local Spring vegetables, Arugulat Pesto & Mangalista Pancetta paired with a Bastianich Vespa Blanco; 2009

Third Course - Table 10/ Delmonico Executive Chef Sean Roe's Roasted Sturgeon with Wild Mushrooms, Fava Beans and Red Wine Sauce paired with a Pinot Noir; Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley; Emeritus; 2009

Fourth Course - Valentino Chef Luciano Pellegrini's Spring Lamb Medallions over a fava bean puree with a Spring Garlic-flavored demiglace, served with white asparagus tips, butter fried potato tourne, wild mushrooms and fava beans paired with a a Catiglion Del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino; 2004

Chef Olivier Dubreuil's Criollo Chocolate dessert - Chocololate Mascarpone cream, Nougatine Tuile, Sweet Amarena Cherries with Balsamic Reduction

For more photos, visit our James Beard Foundation Dinner Photo Album 

James Beard Foundation Awards Brunch - The Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the official press conference announcing the finalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. An invitation-only brunch paired with the highly-anticipated news was held at the The Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas strip. The Venetian houses more James Beard Award winners than any other property worldwide, so it was fitting that both the finalist broadcast and a 25th Anniversary Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit Dinner later that evening were held on premise.

James Beard's Susan Ungaro, Mitchell Davis, Woody Campbell, John Washko

   Spring Pea Agnolotti w/ Crème fraîche & wild morels

Not surprisingly, the brunch menu was plentiful and consisted of liquid wake-me-ups, small plates, live stations and a tempting dessert selection. From a made-to-order House-Smoked Steelhead Buckwheat Crepe with a Fresh Duck Egg, to a basket of European Pastries (I ate three), this brunch was one of those decadent celebrations that Vegas is so good at throwing. Spotted in the crowd were a number of celebrated Las Vegas food and beverage professionals and media including Chef Julian Serrano, Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Ivo Angelov of Le Cirque and Robin Leach who I will always remember as the host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  

The full list of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Award finalists can be found HERE. The James Beard Foundation Awards, often called the "Oscars of the Food World" is a prestigious program honoring professionals in the food and beverage industries. This year's Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and will be hosted by multiple James Beard Award–winning celebrity chef, television personality, and author Alton Brown.

To purchase tickets for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards, visit HERE

For more info on dining at The Venetian and The Palazzo, visit HERE

For more photos, visit our James Beard at The Venetian/Palazzo Photo Album.

A Slice of Italy (and James Beard) at Palazzo/Venetian Las Vegas

Stay tuned for the James Beard finalist announcements live today at 11am from the Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas! There will also be a Friends of James Beard 25th Anniversary Benefit dinner featuring some of Vegas' most acclaimed chefs and restaurants tonight on property. A few tickets for this highly anticipated event are still available via the Palazzo/Venetian website (click on image above).

I'll be posting pics via Instagram, Twitter and our Food Fashionista Facebook page along with a full recap of the festivities here on the blog as soon as I return back to Cali.

Ciao for now...

Cleo Restaurant at The Redbury Hotel - Hollywood & Vine

Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately, but as expected for a retailer, it's one of the busiest, no sleep kind of months. I did gleefully get to finally escape for a bit last night to Cleo Restaurant at SBE's Redbury Hotel. The chic (but unpretentious) spot in Hollywood is host to one of my favorite made-to-order pita breads which I just can't get enough of. Pair with Babaganoush and Lebaneh and you are good to go. Well, at least for the starter. Everything on the food menu is ideal to share, and it's reminiscent of experiencing a comforting Mediterranean feast in the midst of hip Hollywood. I like it.

     Lebaneh and Feta with Cleo's Flatbread - an obsession.

These Brussels Sprouts aren't the ones from your childhood

A few other must haves are the Brussels Sprouts with capers, almonds and red wine vinaigrette and the Mushrooms with hazelnuts, dates, and puffed wild rice - absolutely to die for! We also enjoyed the Chicken Tagine, along with the Mushroom Flatbread (pictured above) and a couple orders of the refreshing Greek Salad. Pair with a glass of vino or one of their signature cocktails, and you'll be a satisfied believer that appetizing and affordable cuisine with a Hollywood vibe actually can and does exist.

   because sometimes you just want to stare at the ceiling...

 

Cleo is the smart L.A. choice for that night on the town -unique, stylish, and most of all...flavorfully delicious.

 

Cleo at The Redbury

1717 VINE STREET 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90028 

TEL 323.962.1711

The Langham Farm to Table Dinner with Craftsman Brewing Company

Wine-pairing dinners are heavily prevalent in the fine-dining world, with beer pairings being less common. So it was with excitement and curiosity, that I recently attended a five-course “Farm to Table” dinner at the luxurious Langham Pasadena hotel with cuisine prepared by The Terrace restaurant Chef de Cuisine Erik Schuster with beer pairings by Pasadena's own Craftsman Brewing Company.  In addition to the Ale and Lager served, The Langham's own Chef Schuster incorporated the diverse beers into his cooking and preparation of the dishes. And while it is now already November, you can celebrate Oktoberfest year round with a cold glass of Craftsman Beer at Langham's own The Tap Room.

Amuse Bouche- Fried Chicken "Oyster"

1903 Steam Clams & Pork Chicharron paired with Craftsman 1903 Lager

"Beer & Cheddar Soup" with Sunchoke Triple Sage Bisque, Pretzel Crostini paired with Craftsman Triple Sage

Craftsman Brewing Company

Baby Swiss Chard with Golden Raisin Puree, Sour Grape "Raisin", Peanut Butter Powder, Peanut Oil paired with Crafstman Sour Grape

Roasted Monkfish with Spiced Plantain Polenta, Braised Tuscan Kale, Prosciutto Heavenly Hef Jus paired with Craftsman Heavenly Hef

Braised Beef Ribeye Cap with Brown Butter Carrot Puree, Chatrelles, Smoked Black Lager Onion Jam paired with Craftsman Smoked Black Lager

Harvest Saison Cake with Pineapple, Coconut Coulis paired with Crafstman Harvest Saison

Cafe Latte Gateau with Rice Pudding, RIP Ice Cream, Marsala Gelee paired with Craftsman RIP

It's feeling a lot like Fall at The Terrace

 

The Langham, Pasadena

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue,
Pasadena, California 91106, USA
T (+1) 626 568 3900

Win 2 Tickets to Fashion Bites Brunch at THE TASTE - Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Congratulations to our randomly selected winner, Tiara Henry who won 2 tickets to this weekend's Fashion Bites Brunch at The TASTE. Thank you to all who entered and please check back for more fabulous giveaways in the near future. Cheers!

 

Greetings Food lovers and Fashionistas! Here's your chance to win a coveted pair (2) of tickets ($300 value) to the ultra-chic and tasty Fashion Bites Brunch this coming Sunday on world-famous Rodeo Drive. The stylish, cuisine-filled happening is part of the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine's THE TASTE event taking place over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.

 

 

For your chance to win, follow the simple instructions below:

 

1) Follow us on twitter @FoodFashionista or Facebook page at Food Fashionista (one is fine, both are fantastic)

 

2) Let us know who your ultimate favorite fashion designer/ brand is along with your favorite food by doing one or all (more chances to win) of the following.  

 

- comment on our blog below

-tweet us with hashtag #taste

-comment on our Facebook page with hashtag #taste 

 

Twitter Example: " @foodfashionista @thetasteLA Can't get enough of Azzedine Alaia and Apple pie a la mode. #taste  

Facebook Example: Azzedine Alaia and Apple Pie a la mode are my food and fashion favorites #taste

  

*Contest closes on 9/1 at 4pm. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced Thursday, September 1st at 5pm

 

 

 

Fashion Bites Brunch

 

Presented by Ciroc and Infiniti

Experience unparalleled brunch tastings on the famous Rodeo Drive. Los Angeles’ hottest brunch spots will serve up signature dishes alongside free-flowing Bloody Marys, Bellinis and mimosas. Try a dish from The Farm of Beverly Hills. And from The Blvd at the Beverly Wilshire. Check out the latest from Chef Richard Sandoval’s Zengo. Between bites, shop for some of the most fashionable accessories and clothes in the world on Rodeo Drive. See below for an A-list of L.A.’s restaurants as well as wineries, breweries and distilleries that will be at this event.

Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr. | 10 am-2 pm | $150
Your all-inclusive ticket offers:
• Unlimited tastings from over 30 of L.A.’s top brunch destinations/chefs
• Unlimited samples from over 30 of your favorite wineries, breweries and spirits
• An opportunity to shop and dine in L.A.’s most famous ZIP

 •Kids 14 and under FREE

Ticket includes unlimited wine, spirits, beer and food tastings. Processing fees and a donation to charity are included as well.

Project Open Hand's Dessert First Event 8/14 - San Francisco

 

Some of the Bay Area’s most talented pastry chefs will assemble at the InterContinental San Francisco for Project Open Hand's Eleventh Annual Dessert First: Don't Delay Pleasure. In addition to delectable desserts, there will also be hors d’oeuvres, wine, port, signature cocktails and silent and live auctions. There will also be a VIP reception from 4-5 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds go to Project Open Hand.

100% of the proceeds from Dessert First will benefit Project Open Hand, a nutrition-services agency that provides meals with love to people living with HIV/AIDS, the homebound critically ill, and seniors.

The following Bay Area pastry chefs will be preparing decadent dessert creations for your indulgence:

 

Patti Dellamonica-Bauler | One Market Restaurant

Devin Alper | American Cupcake

Elizabeth Falkner | Citizen Cake and Orson

Sara Spearin | Dynamo Donuts & Coffee

Terri Wu | Farallon

Francis Ang | Fifth Floor

Robert Hac | FIVE Restaurant and Bar    

Jessica Miller | Grand Café

Jake Godby | Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream

Daniel Corey | InterContinental San Francisco

Pascal Rigo | La Boulange

Janine Fong | Meritage at the Claremont

Ethan Howard | Murray Circle

Suzanne LaFleur | Perbacco

Michelle Polzine | Range

Tim Nugent | Scala’s Bistro

 

Purchase TICKETS for Project Open Hand's Dessert First HERE

Oysters & Champagne Happy Hour at Grand Cafe, San Francisco

 
 

Usually when you think of happy-hour cuisine, the mind conjures up visions of discounted fried dishes or second-rate menu items priced at 1/2 off. Well, what if I told you that there's a happy hour involving freshly-shucked oysters and chilled champagne. You'd think I was kidding, right!? Well, when I first heard of this deal, I thought I was day dreaming too, but lucky for all of us, it is a reality.

Grand Cafe now offers a Champagne and Oyster Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. For just $1 a piece for oysters and $5 for a glass of champagne, you can celebrate happy hour in high style with your friends and colleagues. Other fantastic offers include $3 beer and additional food items including baked oysters for $1.50 each, baked clams for $2 each and “Frog & Fries”, lightly fried frog legs, for $7. And it doesn't stop there. All-night specials include the “Beer and Oyster Combo”, ½ dozen fresh oysters and your choice of a pint of Sam Adams or Kronenbourg 1664 for $10; “Bubbly and Oyster Combo”, ½ dozen fresh oysters and a glass of Domaine St Michelle, also for only $10.  

 

Although the oyster and champagne happy hour are only offered on Fridays and Saturdays, the adjoining Petit Café’ features a Monday through Friday happy hour, from 3-7 p.m. During these hours, select drinks and appetizers are priced at a low $3-$7 each.

For all you jazz lovers, Petit Café offers complimentary entertainment for its guests from 9:30 p.m. by local jazz artist Q Mauro. And if you don't have Bastille Day plans quite yet, keep Grand Cafe in mind. The restaurant will have a Marie Antoinette look-alike walking around the restaurant passing out cake bites for people (get it? “Let them eat cake!”).  An accordian player will also be adding to the restaurant’s festive atmosphere by playing traditional Parisian music throughout the night. The restaurant will pass out glasses of champagne, and in the Petit Café, there’ll be a beef bourguignon and glass of red wine special (for $19).

Look forward to seeing you all at the Grand Cafe very soon...

 

Grand Cafe

501 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 292-0101

Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit's Grand Tasting 5/6 - FEW TICKETS Still Available

 

A few tickets are still left for Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit’s Garden of the Gods Grand Tasting—Las Vegas’ premier citywide culinary extravaganza—on Friday, May 6, at Caesars Palace. Just added to the already impressive 2011 line up of chefs, mixologists and wineries are Michel Richard of Central 24/7 and Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu—both of newly announced but yet-to-open restaurants at Caesars Palace—and Scott Conant (Scarpetta & D.O.C.G.), Bruce and Eric Bromberg (Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill), Stephen Hopcraft (STK) and David Myers (Comme Ça) of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. They will be joining Vegas Uncork'd veterans Paul Bartolotta, Hubert Keller, Joël Robuchon, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Shawn McClain, Mary Sue Milliken, Rick Moonen, Francois Payard, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano and Jet Tila.

     RM Seafood - Marinated Octopus w/sweet peppers, basil, chorizo oil

 

"The Grand Tasting offers an unmatched opportunity to mingle with the world’s top culinary talent from resorts such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Wynn|Encore, ARIA, The Venetian|The Palazzo and, for the first time, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Guests indulge in an incomparably festive atmosphere while sampling a staggering variety of signature dishes prepared by the city’s roster of award-winning chefs."

 

                         Chocoholics Rejoice...at the Grand Tasting

 

               We were thrilled to see Lotus of Siam at the Grand Tasting

 

 
           Craftsteak - Scallop Crudo, Sea Urchin, Morel & Ramps

“Each year’s Grand Tasting lineup manages to be more exciting than the last,” said Rob O’Keefe, executive director, Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit.  “What makes this event so special is not only the chance it offers guests to sample such an enormous variety of elite culinary creations, but also the opportunity it provides them to get up-close-and-personal with their most beloved chefs.”

Purchase your Grand Tasting tickets HERE