FOOD FASHIONISTA

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Apologies for being a bit MIA here on the Food Fashionista site lately, but with SO many exciting (n)online things going on, haven't had that much-needed extra time to catch up on writing, editing, and all that sweet stuff, but do promise to be back in full force very soon.

There are several new and note-worthy restaurants, dishes, and events that I'm thrilled to share with you!

In the meantime, if you have an iPhone, visit Food Fashionista on Instagram aka my new favorite obsession. If you don't have an iPhone (or Instagram), we'll be sure to share some of our fave Instagram shots with you here on the Food Fashionista blog. 

Check out a few from this past week:

"Don't Worry Be Happy" at Trader Joes w/ Project Happiness Wine

                 Feeling the LOVE at Sunset Blvd, Starbucks

 
           Casabalanca at Good Neighbor Restaurant, Studio City

        The VOGUE Stage - Favorite part of Superbowl 2012!

        Japanese Beer & Shishito Peppers - Malt  & Spice  

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the very top photo is a Chiffon Cake with orange curd and meringue from Short Order LA at the Original Farmers' Market. Feast your eyes on that beauty!

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

Celebrate Bouchon Beverly Hills' 2 Year Anniversary with $2 Dollar Champagne!

Bouchon Beverly Hills

235 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills

(310) 271-9910

Morimoto Lunch at WP24 - Los Angeles Food and Wine

Kin Medai Snapper w/Geoduck, Papya, Peanuts & Coconut Foam paired with a Grieve Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 2009

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto hosted an exquisite wine-paired luncheon as part of the Lexus-sponsored Los Angeles Food and Wine festival. The event was held at Wolfgang Puck's WP24 located high above the L.A. skyline at the Ritz Carlton. Although there was no sighting of Wolfgang, WP24 Executive Chef Sara Johannes along with pastry chef Cassie Ballard worked seamlessly with Morimoto to create a lunch one will soon not forget.  

Peking Style Duck Breast, Warm Chantrelle Salad, Ten Spiced Confit Figs, Smoked Duck Cracklin' paired with a Recuerdo Malbec Mendoza, Argentina 2010

Washugyu Flat Iron with Veal Cheek Tempura, Compressed Apple and Chili Soy paired with Blackbird Vineyards, "Arise", Napa Valley 2009

Caramel Roasted Apple, Butterscotch Miso, Sesame Crisp, Edamame Ice Cream paired with Ice House, "Vidal", Niagara Peninsula 2006

 

For more photos from the 2011 Los Angeles Food and Wine Lexus Grand Tasting, visit HERE.

Ram's Gate Winery - Sonoma, California

 

Last Saturday, I attended the opening celebration of a dear friend's winery in Sonoma. The festive, no-expense spared occasion introduced the newest must-visit destination in Northern California's Wine Country. Designed by famed Architect Howard Backen and Interior Designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Ram's Gate is a winery complemented by a strong culinary program led by former Executive Chef Jason Rose and Hospitality Manager, Marc Hartenfels who was formerly the GM of Benu. As for its inception, Ram's Gate is the evolution of four esteemed partners including Jeff O'Neill, Peter Mullin, Michael John and Jeff Gaffner.

 

Ram’s Gate's wines are led by Co-Founder Jeff O’Neill and Winemaker Jeff Gaffner. "The wine offerings will be comprised of small bottlings (average 300 cases or less) of mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling wine (Brut, Blanc de Noirs, and Rose). The wines showcase Sonoma County sites including Durell Vineyard, Hudson Vineyards, Ulises Valdez Vineyard and the winery’s own 30-acre estate vineyard, which is the southernmost planting region in Carneros," says Ram's Gate.

 

 

                Ram's Gate Executive Chef Jason Rose (left)

 

The design is both gorgeous and spacious, blending both contemporary and rustic elements. So, next time you are in the area, "drop in for an impromptu tasting, enjoy a beautiful picnic overlooking the lake, reserve the private wine parlor for a wine and food pairing or celebrate an occasion over a wine dinner with friends," echoes the folks at Ram's Gate. After spending several hours tasting wines, roaming the property, and sampling the cuisine, I'd say cheers to that.

 

For more photos, visit our Ram's Gate Winery album on Facebook.

 

Ram's Gate Winery

28700 Arnold Dr

Sonoma, CA 95476

(707) 721 8700

Joe's Restaurant 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - Venice, California

 

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 20^th year anniversary of Joe’s Restaurant in Venice, California. It was both inspiring and exciting to see a passionate chef, Joe Miller celebrating what many would call an anomaly in this current upscale dining landscape. He, with the assistance of staff, investors, and a devoted clientele have accomplished the fete of creating a time-honored restaurant serving high-end cuisine in a not always, but often fickle  town of diners seeking what’s new and hot rather than what’s consistently good and solid. After 20 years, Joe's has proven itself to be the go-to white tablecloth, French technique culinary experience in a laid back, Southern California beach town. 

 
Local Lettuces, flowers, herbs w/Chickpea mousse, hazelnut, quinoa

 

Chef Miller graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and in the past, has worked in many respected L.A. dining establishments. His own restaurant launched in 1991 with a modest kitchen and a 60-seat dining room in what at the time, was a not-so-popular area in Venice on Abbot Kinney. Throughout the years, the restaurant has morphed into the current Joe’s that now features a larger kitchen, multiple-seating areas, and an address on one of the most well-known destination streets in the area.

 
 
 
Ocean Trout w/Pine needle smoked tea, young shiitake, barley, ogo

 

Many recognizable L.A. Chefs have worked in the Joe’s Restaurant kitchen including Dan Barber (Blue Hill Farm), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), Trey Foshee (Georges At the Cove), Raphael Lunetta (JiRaffe), Jason Travi (Previously of Fraiche), Jason Knibb (NINE-TEN), Mark Gold (Eva Restaurant), Michael Bryant (Palihouse), Rory Herrmann (Bouchon), Philip Wojtowicz (Big Sur Bakery), Tim Cushman (Boston's O Ya), Josef Centeno (Lazy Ox Canteen), Andrew Kirschner (soon to be opening Tar & Roses) and Joshua Gil (Milta).

 
   Celebrating with Chefs Joe Miller, Mark Gold, and Walter Manzke

 

"The chefs that have been through our doors have been incredible contributors to what Joe's is today," says Chef Joe Miller. "The transformation of our space has always been with them, and that's why Joe's menu has always stayed fresh.  Our philosophy has always been to locally source our ingredients and present them in a casual but elegant way.  Everyone who has worked here has always known it's about one plate and one soul, and they've all worked hard to maintain that," notes Miller.

                            Olive Oil Poached Chantam Cod

  

            Cavatelli w/Arkansas Rabbit, Fine herbs, Brioche

 
       Prime Beef Ribeye w/White bean sunchoke, lobster mushrooms

 

Current Chef de Cuisine, Kris Tominaga, Sous Chef Greg Zanotti, and Pastry Chefs Courtney Reed and Glenn Lara were on hand to prepare a wonderfully well balanced, special six-course tasting menu to commemorate Joe’s Anniversary. The staff at Joe’s is dedicated to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and along with close ties to local farmers, they grow their own ingredients at a nearby garden plot.

 
                  Chef de Cuisine Kris Tominaga & team

 
       Plum Tart paired with N.V. Henriot-Brut-Souverain-Reims

 

Dinner included exemplary wine pairings by wine consultant Christopher Keller, which began with a distinct 2003 Schloss Schlonborn Riesling Kabinett, continuing with a 2009 Joe Miller-Grenache Blanc from Santa Barbara, a 2008 Ostata-Crianza-Rioja, followed by a 2007 Emanuel Tres-Tinto Roberto Syrah from Larner Vineyards. And like any worthy celebration would, the Champagne was flowing all four-plus hours long.

Happy 20^th Anniversary Joe’s Restaurant and cheers to many, many more…

 

 

Joe's Special Anniversary Offerings:

-September 20^th, 2011 to Wednesday, October 5^th, 2011 - lunch special for $20.00.  Each day at lunch, Joe's will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu with a special amuse from Tominaga, and a complimentary glass of wine from Miller.

-September 20th, 2011 to Friday, September 30^th, 2011 - dinner special includes a four-course prix fixe menu for $48. Each evening at 7:00 and 9pm, Miller and his staff will gift each guest with a surprise beverage and make a special toast as a thank you to everyone who has dined at Joe's. 

 

Joe’s Restaurant

1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Venice, CA  90291

310.399.5811

THE TASTE - Food Noir Downtown L.A.

For my last recap of THE TASTE, I'm sharing pics of the film-inspired Food Noir which took place in Downtown Los Angeles. A number of local restaurants such as Takami, Rivera, and The Raymond served up alcohol-absorbing bites while the jovial crowd, including chef Michael Voltaggio enjoyed a clear, near-perfect L.A. evening adjacent to the bright, colorful, neon lights of the historic Orpheum Theatre. 

Broadway, between 8th and 9th streets were blocked off, and the cocktails flowed for the block party of the Summer. Here are some photos:

 
                 L.A.'s top mixologists were mixing it up

 
                      DTLA + THE TASTE = Happy Angelenos

 

                Notice the Ice Cubes from Cole's & The Varnish

                          Dengue Fever performs for the crowd
 
        Inside the Orpheum Theatre (tiffany rose photo)

 
                                     Caña Rum Bar

 
                         Never a dull moment at Pinches Tacos

 
   Mixologist Joel Black was serving up Moonshine Sours 
 
                 Seven Grand concocting a Ward 8

  

-For more Food Noir and THE TASTE photos, visit our Facebook Page

 

 

        

 

 

Fashion Bites Brunch on Rodeo Drive at The TASTE, Beverly Hills

 
What could make one of the world's most glamorous strips of retail real estate even more attractive than it already is? Well, add some fabulous food, wine, and cocktails to the mix. That is what occurred this past Sunday as Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine's THE TASTE took over posh Rodeo Drive. Brunch bites from many of L.A.'s favorite brunch spots, along with bellinis, mimosas, and Bloody Mary's filled the streets of 90210 and provided a good excuse for a little retail therapy along the way. With a backdrop of Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, YSL, and Brioni paired with a generous sampling of lobster sliders, apple pancakes, quiches, and gazpacho, the Fashion Bites Brunch was just what the Food Fashionista ordered.

  
                    Fashion Bites Brunch +  FENDI  

  

Egg Croissant Sandwich + Pork Belly & Egg + Gazpachos -The Farm
               

             Lobster & Brie Slider from NineThirty at the W Hotel

 
     Ciroc cocktails flowing at Fashion Bites Brunch (tiffany rose )

                    Quiche w/marinated tomato from Breadbar
 
                                Chanel on Rodeo Drive    

 
             Factor's Deli - Bagel & Lox w/tomato & red onion

                                 Wine at THE TASTE 

                        Mini Sprinkles Carrot Cupcake

 
Gordon Ramsay at The London's Chicharron, quail egg & black brioche

                              Cartier & Sprinklesmobile

 
                            THE TASTE & Mont Blanc 
                                             PRADA

 

-For more Fashion Bites Brunch and THE TASTE photos, visit our Photo Albums

-Check back for more photos and features of THE TASTE weekend!

 

 

THE TASTE Los Angeles - Taco Tequila Tryst

  

Leave it to Kogi's Roy Choi, aka the "godfather of the food truck movement" to host an evening of tacos, tequila, and tunes to create an authentic street party at The Studios at Paramount. From red snapper tacos at Loteria Grill, Baja fish tacos at BajaMar, chicken mole tacos at Pinches, and carnitas tacos from Sofiy's Catering, this was the real Hollywood deal. Hornitos supplied partygoers with "to kill ya", oops, I mean tequila galore and horn-shaped shot glasses. For those craving a "healthier" margarita, Skinny Girl was in the house, or rather on the streets. Musician Diego Garcia wowed the crowd and provided good low-cal eye candy for those ladies too full for dessert. Spotted at THE TASTE's Taco Tequila Tryst festivities were chef Steven Fretz, StreetGourmetLA's Bill Esparza, and Food Network's Alex Guarnaschelli.

 

                     Pink Taco's Shrimp Ceviche Tacos

                              The line at Kogi BBQ Truck

                  Red Snapper Taco from Loteria Grill

                              Roy Choi & Food Fashionista

 

                           Pinches Colorful Tacos

 
                                       Diego Rivera     photo credit: tiffany rose

 

              Taberna Mexicana's Slow-roasted cochinita pibil taco

                                                                         photo credit: tiffany rose

 

                           Get ready to get tipsy at Hornitos

 
                  Tofu Tacos with Sriracha at Kogi BBQ

 
              THE TASTE at The Studios at Paramount

 
-For more Taco Tequila Tryst and THE TASTE photos, visit our Facebook Page

-Check back for more photos and features of THE TASTE weekend!

               

THE TASTE Los Angeles - Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar

Couldn't think of a better way to spend a Labor Day Saturday in L.A. than THE TASTE's Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar event presented by Infiniti. The weather was spectacular and the selection of cuisine, libations, panel discussions, and cooking demos were on fire. Yes, I said it...they were hot! Popular events included "An Interview with Chef Ludo and Krissy Lefebvre led by L.A. Times Food Editor Russ Parsons, along with a discussion on "Twitter and Tasting" by renowned food critic Jonathan Gold with chefs Michael Voltaggio, Walter Manzke, and Craig Thornton. Wine seminars included a talk on "Paso Robles Pioneers" and the useful "How to Taste Like a Master Sommelier".

Scott Conant of Scarpetta had the crowd entertained while the Drago brothers (Celestino and Giacomino) kept the assembly of food lovers enthralled with their beet risotto cooking demo. Wineries such as Charles Krug, Justin Vineyards, and Bernardus along with Fiji water helped us beat the heat with hydration to keep the appetite running for a second, third, fourth...and fifteenth helping of favorite bites from many of L.A.'s most beloved and recently introduced restaurants. This was definitely a great day to celebrate the professional kitchens of Los Angeles. Kudos to host L.A. Times and Food & Wine for a job well done.

 
                  Infiniti Chocolates by LA's own Compartes

 
                           Rock Sugar's Pork Belly Bun

 
      Ricardo Zarate and Stephane Bombet of Picca & Mo-Chica

 
Picca/Mo-Chica's Lettuce wrap with beef, quinoa risotto, rocoto sauce

 
           Scott Conant's Cooking Demo at THE TASTE, Beverly Hills

                 with Aarti Sequeira of Food Network's Aarti Party

 
              Chaya Brasserie's Watermelon with Basil Oil

   Haru Kishi (Chaya Brasserie)'s Seaweed Salad w/Chicken

         These TASTE fans were the popular cool-off accessory

 
       Claire Robinson of Food Network's "5 Ingredient Fix" 

 
                Fresh Peach Cocktails...Oh, Yes Please!
         
                                  Chef Celestino Drago

 
Il Pastaio's Baked Spaghetti w/Eggplant, Mozzarella, Tomato Basil Sauce

 
             Krissy and Ludo Lefebrvre with Russ Parsons (center)

 
                                Mr. Chow's Walnut Shrimp

 
                       Kerrygold's Aged Cheddar Cheese

 
Mezze's refreshing Cocktails & Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

 
                     No shortage of vino at The TASTE


         The weather wasn't the only thing was hot that day

 
          It was a day of fun (and food) for the entire family

 

-More photos from The TASTE's Secrets from the Kitchen & Cellar, will be added to our Food Fashionista Facebook page.

-Check back for more photos and features of The TASTE weekend!

 

Infiniti & Lefebvre photos by: Tiffany Rose. All others by Food Fashionista