Archives for April 2012

Iron Skillet Use

Posted on April 30, 2012 at 12:08 pm by with Leave a Comment
OK, if you are checking this out, I hope you are a proud owner of at least one Cast Iron Skillet.  Hopefully you are lucky enough like myself to own at least one that your Grandmother owned.  Because it's all about the seasoning.  The more you use it, the better they get.  Now I'm not going to go into use and care here in this post, I want to tell you about an amazingly simple delicious way to make mushrooms. Now I use my Skillet for everything.  The flavors of all your past dishes can all
What We Cook

Santa Barbara County – Part II – Wine Country

Posted on April 26, 2012 at 6:29 pm by with Leave a Comment
Well here I will explore some of the spots to go in the Santa Ynez Valley for tasting wines and eating, and tasting more wines.  Being it is so close to LA, most people don't give this area very much thought for having great wines.  Well, I am here to correct that fallacy, because there are some superb wines available right up the road.  And going in person you can cut out a lot overhead costs of wine shops, AND sometimes catch a special.  I've already walked away with cases of wine for pennies
Where We Go

Hirozen Gourmet

Posted on April 11, 2012 at 4:40 pm by with Leave a Comment
I usually don't lose my head over a dinner, especially here in LA, where I tend to have many favorites, but Hirozen is phenomenal.  So please only go if you are a true blue lover of real, authentic, fish.  Go to some simple chain if you want a big picture menu of cut rolls.  Don't bring that weak-ass attitude here.  To a small tiny place in a non-descript strip mall along a non-sushi stretch of Beverly Boulevard. I thought after one trip with a friend who is a regular that maybe we got lucky
Where We Go

Urbano Pizza!

Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:27 pm by with Leave a Comment
Ok, I've just went and the meal still sits fresh in my head. My friend Anne Alderete @TunaToast Went last night to Urbano Pizza Bar www.urbanopizzabar.com and said it was fantastic! So today I just had to go. Tell me about a brand new pizza joint that makes traditional Italian crispy thin crust pizza and I'm all over it! Well it did not disappoint. Not in the bit. Actually took my by surprise. This crust is so flavorful and so perfectly done, I'm at a loss for words. The whole set up is lovely.
Where We Go

Vesper Martini

Posted on April 2, 2012 at 6:16 pm by with Leave a Comment
Yes, I am going to tell you about one of my most favorite, and least known about drinks; the Vesper Martini. As many people know, Ian Flemming wrote about a little spy called James Bond, or 007.  And Mr. Flemming had an affinity for Martinis as did his character, Mr. Bond.  In Casino Royale James asks for a Vesper Martini.  When the bartender does not what it is he replies: "Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet.  Shake it very well until it's ice-cold,
What We Drink

Santa Barbara Wine Country – Part I- Pre Wine Tasting FOOD

Posted on April 2, 2012 at 4:27 pm by with Leave a Comment
One of my favorite get aways from the City of Angels is the Wine Country of Santa Barbara County, aka Santa Ynez Valley.  It is nearly the perfect little day or weekend trip.  I've done both, the day trip and multiple days.  There is as much or as little as you want to do.  But primarily there is a lot of food and wine, and more wine, with some smattering of beer,  if that's your bag.  From LA, it's a little over two hours depending on route and traffic.  Some sections of the 101 gets a bit
Where We Go