Cast Your Vote

We are going to be seeing a lot of these kinds of cocktails over the next few months. Yes, “election blah, blah” has made its way behind the bar. I promise NOT to feature the multitudes of 'candidate cocktails' already being submitted to me from all around the country. (Let the election be OVER already…)

However, I happen to really like Blue on Blue, which is the retro-swanky bar inside the glamorously historic Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. They were nice enough to let me shoot my first ever YouTube video there. (Thank God I've gotten much better at it since then!)

Also, September is National Bourbon Month so – although I won’t be voting ‘red’ on November 4 (there, I said it) – it makes sense to include a drink featuring Jim Beam.

Not to mention, with the non-stop media coverage of whether Barack ate a sandwich or a salad for lunch, or whether Cindy McCain wears too much expensive jewelry, I think we could all use a drink!

Obamarita
2 oz Patron Silver Tequila
1 oz Blue Curacao
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Dash Simple Syrup
Splash Prosecco

Rim a Shake tequila, curacao, limejuice and simple syrup with ice, then strain over an ice-filled rocks glass. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with a lime wheel.

McCainade
2 oz Jim Beam
1/2 oz Amaretto
1 oz Lemonade
1 oz Iced Tea
healthy dash Grenadine

Shake all ingredients (with ice) and serve on the rocks in a Hurricane or tall Iced Tea glass. Garnish with a lemon twirl.

Gargiulo Vineyard Greets Los Angeles

There is no better way to get to know a newer wine than alongside some delicious food. I love letting the nectar roll around on my tongue – before taking a bite of anything – and then trying it again after a taste of the food. It never ceases to amaze me to experience the impact of food on wine, and wine on food.

I was recently invited to “meet” the wines from Gargiulo Vineyards at Jar, in Los Angeles. Jar is one of those rare L.A. eateries which made a big impact upon opening (at least 8 years ago…) and remains at the “top of the food chain” in our gastronomical landscape. I haven’t been there in ages – but looked forward to seeing if it was still as good as I remembered.

Our evening started with some get-to-know you chit-chat with stylish April Gargiulo, our hostess for the evening. She had formerly worked in big city marketing type jobs, which showed - in a good way. Sometimes winemakers are like other artists … incredibly talented but uncomfortable in social situations. April, who runs the company with her father Jeff, is the perfect person to speak knowledgeably about the wines, while charming the crowd.

Gargiulo Vineyard was founded in California’s Napa Valley in 1992, and presented its first vintages to the world in 2003. It is a small producer (which makes it all the more special, in my mind) and grows a fair amount of Cabernet and Merlot. However, one of the most interesting things about the winery is their environmentally-friendly tasting room (written up in Food & Wine's eco issue). It is constructed from recycled/reused materials, such as reclaimed wood flooring from St Helena high school’s basketball gymnasium and a de-commission bridge in Napa. Recycled barrels and ropes serve as chandeliers and the walls of the tasting room are made from signature red rocks collected around the property.

While mingling with the other writers invited to the tasting dinner, I found refreshment in the 2007 Rosato di Sangiovese, which had a slightly fruity aroma but was dry enough to be a pleasant sipper. As soon as we sat down at the long family-like dining table in a back corner of the restaurant, the server delivered several platters of Crab Deviled Eggs. I happen to have a thing for deviled eggs, and am known to make them for most picnics or as my contribution to a potluck party. The addition of crab is something I had never considered – but will absolutely try to replicate… especially served alongside this kind of wine!

I picked the Crisp Squash Blossoms stuffed with shitake and lobster then drizzled with spicy ponzu dipping sauce as the next course. Luckily, my pal and fellow oeno-phile “Adam the Wine Guy” ordered the other choice, a Mozzerella Salad with burrattta, pine nuts and artichoke so I could have a bite. Both were delicioso sipped along side Gargiulo’s 2005 Aprile Super Oakville Red.

Next up was a hearty main course of either Jar’s Signature Pot Roast or a 14-ounce Rib Eye. If it were winter, I would have gone with the pot roast, so I opted for the awesome hunk-o-meat (and took home half of it for a steak salad the next day!). Best of all, they believed me when I said I wanted my meat “medium RARE” and served it pink in the middle. (Sadly, this is cause for big points for a restaurant in my book, even though it should be a given).

It was fun to sample TWO wines with the meat course. We did a side-by-side tasting of the 2005 Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2005 575 OVX G Major 7 Cabernet Sauvignon. More people at the table seemed to like the Money Road Ranch cab better – but I like the “pow” of the OVX, depite its odd name. It felt more impressive to me, despite it supposedly needing another year or two in the bottle. (I guess I’m what you'd call "a Cabernet cradle robber!")

Finally, for dessert, I opted for the Chocolate Pudding instead of ice cream, which was really more like mousse masquerading as pudding, and I actually preferred Adam’s ice cream - but chocolate in any form is always good with the cabernet left in the wine glass. The perfect last sip to toast a new friend found in Gargiulo wine...

Fast Food with A Conscience – and Beer!

If you have never eaten at Chipotle, let me tell you that it is one of the few “fast food” restaurants where you can get a very tasty meal, maintain a healthy eating regimen and know you are not contributing to animal cruelty. And, you can even wash it down with an adult beverage.

In general, fast food is unhealthy (filled with trans fats, sodium and “fake” cheese, etc.) and it is widely known that the animals raised to supply many large chains are treated inhumanely. (I won’t go near KFC after hearing how cruelly the chickens were treated. Even if it has been corrected now, the fact that they let it happen once has turned me away for-e-ver.)

Chipotle takes a different approach, and its customers are responding favorably. Since 1993, it has opened more than 730 restaurants – with one of its newest in Culver City. That location is committed to serving pork and poultry from animals raised in a humane way, never given antibiotics or added hormones, and fed a pure vegetarian diet with no animal by-products. In June, Chipotle also announced a commitment to serving local produce whenever possible as part of its “Food With Integrity” pledge.

Another cool thing about Chipotle is that it allows grown-ups be free thinkers and enjoy a brew with their burrito. It also has some of the best prices in town! In L.A, Chipotle’s domestic beer is $2.75 and import (Pacifico & Corona) is $3.25. A casual dinner for two can be had for about $20. With everyone on a budget, these days, this is great news.

Yes, Chipotle was once owned by McDonald’s – but became independent in 2006. Still, I'd say it is the one with truly happy meals.

uWink

Playful High Tech Eatery Flirts With Hollywood

We have become accustomed to the digitalized specification of ordering what we want online. Be it dating, searching for a new job or building a social network – we use the computer screen as the porthole to getting what we want. So, what about eating?

Located on the top floor at Hollywood & Highland, uWink’s D.I.Y. ordering system puts the power of picking your meal right in front of your eyes, bypassing the need to wait for a server. And, it is fun! You touch the screen, scroll through the choices and a few minutes later, someone delivers it to you.

In addition to using uWink’s technology for drinks and grub, guests can play individual or group games at the terminal on their table. They can also participate in restaurant-wide trivia games, word games – even Truth or Dare - conducted on large flat screens around the venue, encouraging lively inter-activity between diners.

The food is straightforward American fare ranging from BBQ Bacon Burger to salads to seafood and pasta. There are mounds of popular appetizers and desserts for sharing, and specialty cocktails such as a tasty Razzberry Mojito. Accessible and fun, uWink is equally suitable for families and young professionals.

uWink’s founder, Nolan Bushnell, is the brain behind both the Atari Corporation and Chuck E. Cheese. His proven track record demonstrates an innate talent for both digital entertainment and mass appeal restaurants. uWink brings both together and puts the power of technology into your hungry hands!

Kabuki Sets the Stage for Sake-and-Sushi Pairings

Kabuki is a dramatic form of Japanese theatre. Although it has been around for centuries, it is still thought of as being an avant-garde entertainment. Something out of the ordinary. I wondered if the restaurant hold up to its name...

Let’s face it - there is no shortage of sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, which – for a sushi-a-holic such as myself - is totally fine by me. I could eat sushi for breakfast, lunch and dinner for about 4 months in a row and not get tired of it. If I were getting a jolt in the “electric chair,” sushi would be my last meal request. Finding sushi in L.A. is not difficult. Wading through the tides of mediocre restaurants is the hard part.

I went with an open mind – and rumbling tummy – to Kabuki Japanese Restaurant’s Hollywood location. Fair or not, when a reasonably priced restaurant has 12 locations, it is sometimes easy to let one’s mind slip into thinking that it is some kind of fast food chain. This, however, is not the case with Kabuki.

The sushi is good. Have I had “better?” Yeah. Have I had sushi in a more “exclusive” environment? Sure. But, what I like about Kabuki is that it does not merely rest on its ever-expanding laurels. The doors only recently opened to its latest Las Vegas venue, but the restaurant group continues to strive to give guests better and more intriguing choices. However, there was one element that really took Kabuki from “very adequate” to “outstanding,” for me, and that is Yuji Matsumoto, the Sake Sommelier.

Matsumoto oversees the sake list and creates Asian-inspired cocktails employing both Japanese sake (rice wine) and Korean soju (distilled rice wine) for all of the restaurants across Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. And, what I enjoyed the most was trying his suggestions for pairing Executive Chef Masa Kurihara’s newest creations with selected flights from the sake menu.

For example,Yuji suggested tasting Chef Kurihara’s spicy new “Lotus on Fire Roll” (Spicy Tuna, Lotus Root, and Jalapeño) with a slightly floral sake. The innate sweetness of the Japanese elixir cooled the tongue, balancing the chili’s “heat.” I also particularly liked the unfiltered (cloudy looking) sake alongside another new roll, the “Hamachi Sake Box Sushi.” The dish gets its name from its square shape and made from layers of rice, salmon, crab and yellowtail, and the sake rounded out each tasty bite.

The cocktails were quite nice, as well, although I prefer them either before the food or after. I find that even sake cocktails overpower the delicate taste of raw fish because of the various juices and other sugary ingredients. When dining and drinking at Kabuki, my suggestions are as follows:

Before dinner: The Lychee Tokyo Mojito, made with both sake and soju, is a refreshing apetite opener.

During dinner: if you are lucky enough to have Yuji in the house, ask his suggestions for pairing sake with the food. If he is not there, try a flight of three and let your tastebuds help you discover which combinations you like.

For dessert: Indulge in a Creamy Peach Saketini. It is like an alcoholic Asian creamsicle in a glass.

I am definitely heading back to Kabuki – particularly if I know that Yuji will be present. I found the idea of a sake sommelier a rather cutting edge even here in Tinsel Town, which has everything one could wish for. And, like watching a Kabuki theatre performance, isn’t a little razzle dazzle what we seek when dining out?

Happy Easter!

Blessing of the Animals...

Since 1930, the beautiful tradition of blessing the little critters has taken place on historic Olvera Street, in downtown Los Angeles.

This ceremony is held in honor of the animal-loving Saint, San Antonio de Abad (St. Anthony of the Desert). On his Feast Day, the Catholic Church would allow animals to enter the church for a fertilty blessing. The ceremony also expresses grateful recognition of the tremendous services given to the human race by animals. Whether it be companionship, labor or a food source, animals continue to be integral to the survival and comfort of individuals and societies.

San Antonio's actual Feast Day is January 17, however the festival was moved to Easter weekend to help ensure good weather. (Something we don't generally worry about in LA... but why take a chance?)

Furry, scaled and feathered friends from all walks of life, and all corners of Southern California life, and beyond, were in attendance. Farm animals, zoo animals, puppies, kitties, rabbits, reptiles were driven, carried, walked and rolled in to the plaza (town square) and mixed and mingled with the fellow faithful.

Being around so many animal lovers offered a great opportunity for children to learn compassion for all creatures and to acquaint themselves with otherwise unfamiliar faces from the animal world and to learn to respect rather than fear or abuse them.

I have been dying to see this festival for myself since I first learned about it when working a project for National Geographic Traveler, a few months ago. I was sent down to get photos of the location and fell in love with this mural, located just of the plaza and depicts the event. I've had the animal blessing on my calendar ever since, so there was no way I was going to miss all the action when the special day rolled around! I would have loved to bring my roley poley fat kitties down to get blessed but I know they would not have been down with lining up in the hot sun with a bunch of other pets. My little street rescues are way too high-maintenance for that!

The petting zoo was filled with baby animals. Billy goats, ducklings and my favorite baby pot belly pig. It is moments like this that make me regret that I like sausage so damn much!

Some of the animals waiting to be blessed were rescues, like the mom and baby turtle duo. I learned that many families get turtles or tortoises not realizing that how big they can get. Once they grow out of the initial container, the family may not want the creature anymore.

In addition to animal entertainers (aren't they all just naturals?), there were singing and dancing groups. The tiniest of those were, of course, the most adorable. The one little caballero amid the swirling, twirling girls in colorful skirts just melted my heart!

These little girls saw me whip out my camera and immediately did like Madonna and "struck a pose" and big smiles. (We are in L.A., afterall. Everyone wants to be a star.)

And, this polished dance troupe was every bit as professional as they look. They took this all very seriously, thank you very much.

Days like this remind me how lucky I am to live in a city filled with cultural diversity and colorful personality.

Viva Los Angeles. And, may you be blessed, too!

Dia de Los Muertos

The only thing better than Halloween is the next day. In Mexican culture, Dia de Los Muertos honors loved ones who’ve passed to the other side. It is not a sad holiday but rather one which celebrates the colorful art of living.

I was in downtown LA, this weekend, and maneuvered the crowds on Olvera Street, one of our historic neighborhoods. The Mexican settlers who founded a pueblo in this spot, in 1781, helped shape the identity of Los Angeles.

Today, twenty-seven buildings (including the oldest house in Los Angeles) house shops selling traditional crafts, and restaurants serving enchiladas, margaritas and other typical specialties.

Strolling Mariachis set a festive mood along the street, while folkloric dance performances take place in a Mexican-style plaza on the weekends. These Indian dancers livened up the crowd.

Across the street from the plaza, people lit candles and paid homage to the deceased in an old church dedicated to Our Lady. And, I was excited to catch a glimpse of one of the famous murals painted by local artists on the side of old buildings.

One of the most popular attractions was the juice guy selling watermelon, pineapple and other fruity delights.

In honor of Dia de Los Muertos, I’ve created a cocktail called La Muerte:

1 ounce rum 2 1/2 ounces Horchata (milky rice drink) 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon splash of Kahlua Fill a tall glass with ice. Add rum and horchata, then top with a splash of Kahlua and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Amaranta Spices Up the Valley!

Wondering where to indulge north of the 101?

Amaranta is a tequileria-meets-high-end-Mexican-restaurant which boasts nearly 400 kinds of 100% blue agave tequilas. From smoky to floral, blanco to anejo, there is something to suit every tequila-loving palate.

The Margarita Menu features 15 staples, in addition to several more which rotate with the seasons. During its July opening, watermelon margaritas were a popular item. For fall, a tamarind margarita hits the spot. All the drinks are made with fresh juices, not bottled sweet-n-sour, and it shows. (I recently tried the cantaloupe margarita and loved it!)

The Cazuela Margarita comes in a pottery bowl with two straws. (What better way to “get friendly” on a first date?) It is made with Casadores tequila, wedges of lime, lemon and grapefruit and a splash of Squirt (Mexico’s most popular soft drink!)

Instead of chips, house-made corn tortillas are brought to every table, along with three kinds of salsas. Definitely order the guacamole, made to taste, tableside. (Extra cilantro, hold the onion, not-too-hot? You can have it your way!)

Amaranta takes pride in the quality of its succulent entrees, and doesn’t cut corners. For example, the pork carnitas and the lamb (Cordero en Barbacoa) are each marinated for 20 hours, then slow cooked for 4. I tried the sweet and savory chicken enchiladas in mole (chili chocolate) sauce.

The Coconut Flan is a creamy little piece of heaven and the Dulce de Leche "crepas" with ice cream are great to share.

Happy Hour happens DAILY – even weekends – from 3 – 7 with drink and food specials. Every other Wednesday listen to live music from 7 – 10, and a DJ spins every other Friday.

Become a Tequila Connoisseur! Monthly tequila classes feature several kinds of tequila and are limited to a dozen people, so make a reservation! (Cost $35)

Try the Tequila Kiss (something between a Margarita and a Bloody Maria) at brunch, served from 11:30 – 3:00 pm.

Take It To Go! Not only is there a fine selection of tamales, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos and meat off the grill but also a selection of Mexican handicrafts, imported directly from around the country. Buy your family dinner, and a little gift for yourself! (As if that yummy meal is not present enough!)

Photo Credit: Howard Wise