Great Taste Magazine

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive,
CA-92629
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com/LagunaCulinaryDemos

CuisineType : Mexican

Mexicans believe the soul is fed by the aroma of food. Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a mournful commemoration, but a happy and colorful celebration where remembering those who have passed takes a lively, friendly expression. Join us for a fun celebration as our culinary team prepares our favorite high end Mexican cuisine in celebration of the Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos)

Cliff’s Edge
3626 W. Sunset Blvd,
CA-90026
(323) 666-6116
www.cliffsedgecafe.com

CuisineType : American

Join Cliff’s Edge as they present An Evening of Port Cocktails

Lorenzo Bakewell-Stone, Global Ambassador for Croft ‘Pink’ Port, joins Cliff’s Edge in presenting Port cocktails featuring recipes from David Wondrich and Richard Swan, with a menu of small plates from Ben Bailly.

It’s not your grandfather’s Port anymore! Port is making a comeback in the world of cocktails, as an ingredient that can be used to fuse flavors together and impart subtle characteristics of its own. To highlight the versatile nature of this voluptuous ingredient, Cliff’s Edge, and Lorenzo Bakewell-Stone present an evening of Port cocktails.

COST: $50 : Includes, Two Cocktails and Flight of Port, and Two Small Plates from Special Menu, plus Dessert.

Antonello Ristorante
3800 South Plaza Drive,
CA-92704
(714) 751-7153
www.antonello.com

CuisineType : Italian

Join the culinary trio- Fiorella Cagnolo, Salvatore Ferrara, Gino Buonanoce- as they host a cooking demonstration.

It’ll be an evening filled with fun, food and wine!

Cooking Demonstration Menu Includes:

-Insalata Primavera

-Penne Carrettiera

-Sogliola Impanata

-Lamponi e Fragole

Cost of Event: $50

Quattro Caffe
3333 Bristol Street,
CA-92626
(714) 754-0300
www.quattrocaffe.com

CuisineType : Italian

Pre-Mother’s Day Champagne Tasting

Guests will sample unique Cuvées (represents the highest quality) from 4 of the top Champagne houses in the world. Each tasting will be expertly paired with a small plate from recipes offered by each of the Champagne house’s personal chefs and expertly prepared by Quattro Caffe’s Miriam Ramirez.

Event cost: $85

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
2401 Park Avenue,
CA-92782
714-566-1700
www.facebook.com/RAsushi

CuisineType : Japanese, Sushi

Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula on over to RA Sushi for a Spring Luau Party. Sail away to an island paradise with beach themed décor, tropical food and drink specials, and a special playlist that will keep the tiki torches burning all night long. Enjoy great food and drink specials all night long including the Tropical Roll, Pineapple Cheese Wontons, Spicy Pineapple Chicken, Baby Umami Punch, and our seasonal spring cocktails the Bikini Martini and the Pineapple Express.

Taste of Orange County
8800 Irvine Center Drive,
CA-92618
(949) 419-6969
www.tasteofoc.com

CuisineType : American, Winery

The Taste of Orange County is Back!

Enjoy Two days of fun:

June 16th: 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm

June 17th: 12:00pm- 8:00 pm

Event Includes:

-Variety of Entertainment and Music

- 50+ of Orange County’s top restaurants

- 75 Premium Wineries

- Restaurant Tasting

- Wine Tastings

- Wine Auction

– Cooking Demonstrations

Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern,
California-92677
949-493-7107
savannahchophouse.com

CuisineType : American, BBQ, Steak

Tres Sietes Tequila Dinner

Silverlake Wine
2395 Glendale Blvd. #A,
CA-90039
323.662.9024

CuisineType : Asian

WHAT: Common Grains will host a soba-mae sake tasting at Silverlake Wine where guests will have the opportunity to try five varietals of sake and cuisine by Sonoko Sakai and Mutsuko Soma of Common Grains. Five types of sake will be paired with specialty dishes including yakitori with shitake mushrooms, market fresh vegetables with tofu-sesame dipping sauce and mini grilled onigiri. Silverlake Wine’s sake specialist, Kris Elliott, will be on-hand to educate guests on sake during the event.

WHERE: Silverlake Wine is located at 2395 Glendale Blvd. #A Los Angeles, CA 90039

WHEN: Sunday, February 19, 2012 from 3-4:30 p.m.

COST: $20 per person for five sake tastings and four food pairings

RESERVATIONS: RSVP to Silverlake Wine at 323.662.9024

Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern,
California-92677
949-493-7107

CuisineType : American, Steak

Savannah Chop House would like to invite you to a 3-course dinner with Tres Sietes tequila pairings.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
3555 Las Vegas Blvd.,
Nevada-89109
CuisineType : Other

Come celebrate National Margarita day at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

The Matador Cantina
111 Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
714.871.8226
www.thematador.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Join us for our special off-menu Vodka pairing dinner by executive chef David Dennis

The 5-course menu will be wonderfully paired with a selection of handcrafted Vodka-based cocktails by lead mixologist David Valiante

By reservation only at 714.871.8226. $55 plus tax & gratuity. Limited to only 30 guests

STARTER

Salad – crab, sweet corn, egg & arugula with roasted beet vinaigrette
Paired with Tangerine Grapefruit Press cocktail – Absolut Ruby Red Grapefruit vodka, fresh tangerine juice, touch of house-made simple syrup, soda water top, and finished with a fresh tarragon garnish

SECOND COURSE

Pork Lentil Soup
Paired with California Sangria – Absolut Grapevine vodka, touch of peach schnapps, pineapple juice, fresh apple & oranges, topped with Moscato wine

THIRD COURSE

Smoked salmon blini with black caviar
Paired with Vineyard Breeze cocktail – Absolut vodka, Acai Berry liqueur, hand-muddled fresh red grapes, lemon juice, house-made simple syrup with a Champagne finish, garnished with a fresh basil leaf

ENTRÉE

Smoked duck breast topped with currant chutney, with wild rice & baby carrots
Paired with Black Mule cocktail – Absolut Kurrant (blackberry infused vodka), fresh lemon juice, orange bitters & finished with an Australian ginger beer, garnished with a fresh lemon zest

DESSERT

House-made lemon curd tart
Paired with Nutty Expression cocktail – Absolut Vanilla vodka, Frangelico, served hot with fresh coffee topped with whip cream, finished with a raw sugar/ lemon zest sprinkle

SOL Mexican Cocina
251 Pacific Coast Highway,
CA-92660
949.675.9800
www.solcocina.com/

CuisineType : Mexican

SOL Mexican Cocina presents an excellent alternative to the usual Oscar Sunday festivities with an award-worthy super premium tequila dinner featuring the legendary Clase Azul Tequila at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Perfect for the novice tequila drinker and the connoisseur, alike, this dinner will introduce guests to learn the intricacies in flavor, aroma and aging processes of one of Mexico’s most celebrated tequilas. During the evening, Executive Chef Deborah Schneider will present a special menu of Coastal Mexican cuisine to complement the flavors of Clase Azul Tequila, beginning with a reception featuring a handcrafted Clase Azul Blanco margarita, followed by a five-course dinner featuring Clase Azul Plata, Reposado and La Pinta tequilas.

Aged in fine oak barrels, Clase Azul possesses distinct, smooth flavors and aromas, as well as an excellent balance over the palate. Produced and bottled in Jalisco, from 100% agave and twice distilled, Clase Azul tequila and SOL Cocina join in harmonious union. Chef Deb’s bold, flavorful award-winning Mexican cuisine is enhanced by this tequila to create an unparalleled experience.

Space is limited for this tequila dinner, offered for $75 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity). Seats must be reserved in advance by 949.675.9800 or emailing Nicole at Events@SolCocina.com.

SOL CLASE AZUL TEQUILA TASTING MENU
Sunday, February 26, 2012
$75 per guest, plus tax & gratuity

6:30 – 7:30 PM Chef's Choice Antojito + Clase Azul Plata Margarita
Pork Pibil with Habanero-Red Onion-Sour Orange Salsa on a Small Flour Tortilla

1st – Clase Azul Plata
Nopales & Arugula Salad, Smoke-Roasted Tomato Dressing, Queso Azul

2nd – Clase Azul Plata
Lobster & Laughing Bird Shrimp Ragout, Tarragon Creamy Butter Sauce, Fresh Corn Cake

3rd – Clase Azul Reposado
Seared Sterling Beef Filet, 5-Chile Mole Sauce, Roasted Sweet Potato

4th – Clase Azul La Pinta (Pomegranate-Infused)
Pan-Roasted Duck Breast with Spice & Fruit

5th – Clase Azul Reposado
Spice-Infused Flan with Brown Sugar Crema & Praline Crumble
Dark Chocolate & Dried Cherries Bark

For more information, menus, hours of operations, online reservations and directions, visit http://www.solcocina.com/.

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway,
CA-90802
(800) 437-2934
www.queenmaryscottish.com

CuisineType : Cal Coast

Annual Scottish Festival & Games Return to the Queen Mary Feb 18-19

Navigate through a sea of Scottish plaid and entertainment as the ship honors its heritage during one of Southern California’s largest celebrations of all things Scottish

With bagpipe bands, Scottish clans, Highland dancing, athletic games, sheepherding, evening concerts and much more, the Queen Mary will celebrate its heritage during the 19th annual Scottish Festival & Games on Feb. 18 and 19 in Long Beach. Scottish Fest BagpipeBand

The most famous ship built on the River Clyde, the iconic Queen Mary exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of Scotland.

The two-day Scottish extravaganza features sheepherding demonstrations, Highland athletics and dancing competitions, dart tournament, full pipe band, historical reenactments, firing demonstrations, as well as Scotch whisky tastings and plenty of authentic Scottish foods and ales.

A colorful grand parade on both Saturday and Sunday will include Scottish clans, massed pipes and drums, as well as special guest Grand Marshals.

During the outdoor festival, visitors can not only walk the decks of the Queen Mary, they can talk ancestral history with members of more than 40 Scottish clans and browse Scottish and Celtic merchandise. An interactive kids’ zone will provide wee lads and lassies the opportunity to get acquainted with Border Collies and other sheepherding breeds.

Ticket Prices:
One-Day Pass: Adult – $18 online / $22 at the event; Seniors/Military – $16 online / $20 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $12 online / $15 at the event
Two-Day Pass: Adult – $24 online / $28 at the event; Seniors/Military – $22 online / $26 at the event; Child (age 5-11) – $16 online / $20 at the event

Admission includes a Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour and access to the ship’s historic exhibits. Parking is an additional charge. Regular festival hours are Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Outside of regular hours additional activities abound. On Friday, Feb. 17, festival goers 21 and up can join Scotch master Ray Pearson for a single-malt Scotch whisky tasting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Also on Friday, guests may enjoy a concert featuring the Scottish and Irish music and humor of Men of Worth. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $15 per person. On Saturday, Plaidpalooza featuring the Los Angeles Scots Pipe Band will commence at 8 p.m. in the Queen's Salon. This event is free to the public. On Sunday evening, stop by the ship’s famed Observation Bar for a cocktail and informal Ceilidh Piping Competition. Starting at 8 p.m., this is when pipers let down their hair after the formalities of the weekend!

Scottish Festival overnight packages are available for those who wish to stay aboard the Queen Mary for a night or the weekend. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For more information, visit www.queenmaryscottish.com or call (800) 437-2934.

The Matador Cantina
111 Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
714.871.8226
www.thematador.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Description Join us for a special evening of artfully prepared, gourmet tacos and premium 100% pure agave sipping Tequila, Saturday, Feb 4 at 7:30

Presented by executive chef David Dennis, the 5-course menu will be wonderfully paired with Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Blanco varietals by Avión Tequila and Clase Azul

By reservation only at 714.871.8226. $40 plus tax & gratuity. Limited to only 30 guests

FIRST COURSE
Shrimp Ceviche Taco
Served with Avión Silver

SECOND COURSE
Duck Taco with Roasted Apple Salsa
Served with Avión Reposado

THIRD COURSE
El Pastor Taco with Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Served with Avión Añejo

FOURTH COURSE
Short Rib Taco with Pickled Red Onions
Served with Clase Azul Blanco

FIFTH COURSE
Dessert Nachos
Served with Clase Azul Reposado

Starfish Laguna
30832 So. Pacific Coast Hwy.,
CA-92651
949.715.9200
www.Starfishlaguna.com

Cuisine Type : Asian, Fusion

Come celebrate the Year-of-the-Dragon with 4 days of special food & drink offerings beginning Monday, Jan. 23. Guest Mixologist, Dan Oliver will be hosting our celebration finale Thursday, Jan. 26. Enjoy his exotic cocktails along with our tasting menu featuring a delicious sampling of our entire Dragon Menu, $40 per person. This is a Starfish celebration you won't want to miss!

The Matador Cantina
111 Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
(714) 871-8226
www.thematador.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Join us for our first dinner pairing of 2012! We kick off our monthly pairings, scheduled every third Thursday, with a celebration of small batch bourbons and a specialty menu by executive chef David Dennis

The 5-course menu will be wonderfully paired with a selection of the finest aged small batch bourbons in the world including Maker's Mark, Maker's "46" and Knob Creek

By reservation only at 714.871.8226.

$55 plus tax & gratuity.

Limited to only 30 guests

STARTER

Bibb lettuce, smoked pecans, fennel with black berry vinaigrette

Paired with Blackberry Sour cocktail

SECOND COURSE

Smoked salmon and leek chowder

Paired with Maker’s “46” neat. Rich, creamy, seared oak flavors. Caramel and vanilla notes, with a crusty, bread-like wheat undertone. Nice, welcome cinnamon spice balance with welcome Oaky finish

THIRD COURSE

Bacon wrapped scallops with a mango bourbon chutney

Paired with Knob Creek aged 9 years, neat. Features nutty, fruity nose, vanilla-orange-caramel sweetness, and balance of rye spice

ENTRÉE

Venison with a cherry bourbon glaze served with Brussels sprouts and celery root mash potatoes

Paired with Manhattan Shuffle cocktail

DESSERT

Fresh apple pear bourbon crisp

Paired with Spiced Apple Toddy, house-infused apple cinnamon Maker's Mark

Long Beach Convention Center
300 East Ocean Boulevard,
CA-90802
203-878-2577
www.latravelshow.com

The 7th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure ShowTM Packs Heat with an International Fiery Foods ChallengeNew demos and competitions at the Culinary Stage announced Any travel experience would be far from complete without exploring the destination’s cuisine. Accordingly, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show TM, taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center on January 14-15, will feature delicious, interactive demonstrations at the Culinary Stage. The International Fiery Foods Challenge invites guests to take their taste buds to the limit, sampling mouth-watering recipes from around the world. Guests can also participate in a high-stakes cooking competition and learn travel tips for foodies.

The International Fiery Foods Challenge brings together local chefs representing destinations found at the show. From familiar cuisine to the exotic, all dishes will have a delightful kick. The demonstrated foods are Frikadelle (a sort of German meatball), Spicy Tequila Marinated Prawns, Rendang Padang (Indonesian Caramelized Beef Curry), and Medjool Dates with chorizo, mascarpone and Tunisian harissa (a chili sauce). Participating chefs are Kai Loebach of CurryWurst, Amir Thomas of Duo Dishes, SriAdriani 'Jenny' Martono of Indonesia Tourism, and Tracey Augustine of Cashmere Bites. After tasting, guests can vote for their favorites and take home the recipes to recreate them.

The Mark DeCarlo Interactive Cooking Class and Competition will follow the Fiery Foods Challenge. Three lucky audience members will be picked from a drawing to prove their kitchen skills right on the spot, recreating a dish of Mark’s choosing. The audience will vote for the best cook, who will win an all-inclusive Yucatan vacation. The Culinary Stage has good eats for Sunday’s show-goers as well. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau will hold a “Taiwan Popcorn Chicken” demonstration with Chef Frances Lee of the Mighty Boba Truck. Then, Ventura based Chef Jason Collis will host “Farm to Table—Luscious Lemon and Avocado Taste Sensations from 120-year-old, Sustainable Limoneira Ranch.” And, see a top Herradura Tequila ambassador demonstrate Tequila pairing tips. Following this demo, attendees can meet the brand ambassador and taste samples at the Herradura Tequila bar next to the Los Angeles magazine booth. Also not to be missed is “Travel for Foodies – Tips, Trends, and Tools for the Culinary Traveler,” with food and travel experts Michael Cervin, Linda Kissam, Dr. Kathy Gruver, and Chef Allan Cragg.

In addition, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show will feature talks by some of the world’s most beloved travel personalities, including Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern, Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, Mark DeCarlo, and Patricia Schultz. Attendees can enjoy cultural performances and participate in a variety of activities including scuba lessons from Beadiver.com, a 25’ rock climbing wall, zip line, and children’s activities area. The five-acre show floor will be packed with more than 400 destinations, tour operators and travel professionals providing one-on-one consultations on visiting destinations as near as Catalina Island and as far as Indonesia.

The 2012 Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show’sTM Presenting Sponsor is the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Supporting Sponsors include Air Berlin/Visit Berlin, Guam Visitors Bureau, Indonesia Tourism, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office. Los Angeles Magazine, NBC4 LA, Los Angeles Consortium of Online Travel (LACOT), Press-Telegram, KABC-AM and KLOS-FM are the flagship Media Sponsors. The event, produced by Unicomm, LLC, will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center Saturday, January 14th and Sunday, January 15th, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; travel trade may enter the show on Saturday, January 14th at 9:30am for an advance preview or attend during regular show hours. Tickets are $12 at the door or $9 online in advance with Promo Code: LAPR; children age 16 and below admitted free with paid adult. Ticket purchase information, a current schedule of speakers and more details are available at www.latravelshow.com.

SIP Lounge
111 East Ocean Blvd,
CA-90802
(562) 437-5900
www.siplongbeach.com

CuisineType : Beer Only

Join SIP Lounge This New Year's

Enjoy music, dancing, incredible drink specials.

Champagne toast at midnight!

Coast of Event: $15

(Dec. 2011) The biggest celebration invades Los Angeles.Times Square New Year's Eve

• World Famous Ball Drop at Midnight
• NYC Food Carts
• GLOW
• Doors open at 8:00 p.m. – 21 & Up
• All-star cast of DJ
• Surprise special guest appearances: Johnny James, Junior Costa, Steve Elektro, Muri

Glow Lounge
4100 Admiralty Way,
CA-90292
310-448-4815
www.glow-bar.com

CuisineType : Food Trucks

Cigars Under the Stars Returns for Our Final Smoke of 2011

Wednesday, December 28th at 6:00PM

$59.95* per person

You are invited to ascend the stairs of The Cellar to the second floor terrace of the historic Villa Del Sol as we celebrate a night of good living with a selection of Scotches by Glenrothes Scotch and cigars by Hoyo De Monterrey.

Dinner includes tastes of four scotches, a four course meal, and two cigars each.

The Cellar
305 N. Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
(714) 525-5682
www.cellardining.com

CuisineType : Winery, Other

Kettle One Vodka Tasting

Canyon Restaurant

Thursday, December 8th at 6:30

(714) 283-1062

Please join us at the bar on Thursday, December 8th from 6:30 – 8:00pm for a special Ketel One Vodka tasting event. Ketel One Spokeswomen will be on hand pouring Ketel One Premium Citron and Orange flavors. This is a free event and great way to escape the holiday crush. Hope to see you there.

Canyon Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar
5775 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road,
CA-92807
714-283-1062
www.canyonrestaurantoc.com/

CuisineType : Other

Glow Lounge housed at the Marriott Marina del Rey has teamed up with Whisky connoisseur Johnnie Mundell, West Coast Ambassador of Skyy Spirits to curate a 5-course dinner menu in which each dish is paired with a different Single Malt Scotch Whisky that derive from distilleries world-wide. At $75.00 a head – Executive Chef, Chad Roldan and his culinary team will be preparing the meal in an outdoor kitchen table side providing diners with experience and an understanding of each Single Malt Scotch Whisky on Thursday, December 8th starting at 7:00pm.

Glow Lounge
1111 N. Las Palmas Ave.,
CA-90038
323.658.8700
www.glow-bar.com/

CuisineType : Bar & Grill

Fast becoming a yearly tradition, the 3rd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is set for Saturday, December 17, 2011. The Holiday Spirit prevailed last year with over 3,000 participants raising enough food for 21,000 meals. Throughout the night, over 20 bars and restaurants will come together to raise money for those in need during the holidays through a partnership with the Westside Food Bank. Participating locations will offer drink and food specials as part of the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl festivities. To sign up, crawlers can go to www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

This year, crawlers are asked to pay a $10 donation/entrance fee for a special wristband, which allows them access to the drink and food specials at each official location, entrance to the Official After Party (to be announced) and enters them into a massive raffle to win dozens of amazing prizes. They are also encouraged to drop off canned food items throughout the month of December at the Westside Food Bank where they can collect their wristbands in advance (1710 22nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90404) to avoid delays the night of the event. SANTA Monica Pub Crawl participants must dress in Santa/Holiday attire so the streets of Santa Monica will be filled with merry cheer.

The Pub Crawl will include bars on Wilshire, 4th St., Broadway, Main St, the Pier and the Third Street Promenade. This year, there will be a SANTA Monica Pub Crawl Mobile App that people can download to get a complete list of bars, routes, specials, pub crawl updates and more. The Big Blue Bus will also be selling unlimited bus passes for $4.00 on the pub crawl Web site.

The SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is a community event and encourages responsible drinking by participants. When taking part in any events that involve drinking, always keep safety first. Don't DRINK and DRIVE and assign a designated driver at the beginning of the night, call a taxi, or use public transportation. For a complete list of bars, pub crawl maps, routes, bus stops, updates, or to download the mobile app, please visit the official SMPC Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

2011 BARS: Rusty's Surf Ranch, Big Dean's, Old Kings Head, Pourtal Wine Bar, Brittania, Harvelle's, W. 4th Jane, Wokcano, Main on Main, Yankee Doodles, Cabo Cantina, Renee's, V Lounge, Angel's Piano Bar, Sonny McCleans, SOUTH, O'Briens Irish Pub on Main, Circle Bar, O'Briens on Wilshire, Joe's Pizza

2011 SPONSORS: Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Buy Local, Jack FM, Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Big Blue Bus, Yellow Cab, Yelp.com, MenusGoMobile, Skuuzi, VivaLAFoodies.com