Great Taste Magazine

Since 2001, Executive Chef, Walter Cotta, has supported L’Opera and Alegria restaurants with his outstanding Latin American and Italian cuisine. Chef Cotta’s delicious dishes and sparkling personality truly ignite the kitchens of both establishments. Chef Cotta visits the local produce markets every morning, providing only the freshest ingredients to his patrons. Cotta’s unique sauces, pairings and beautiful plating provides for the greatest and most memorable dining experiences!

For more on The Restaurant Whisperers, visit www.therestaurantwhisperers.com

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy,
California-90802
(800) 437-2934
westcoastbbqclassic.com/

CuisineType : American

Whose barbecue style reigns supreme? That question will be answered on Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. when the Queen Mary in Long Beach presents the first-ever West Coast BBQ Classic – a full day of finger lickin’ good competition with pitmasters from around the country battling for the title of Ultimate Pitmaster. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural event which will be held at the Queen Mary Event Park and feature over 30 barbecue experts from Memphis, Kansas City, the Carolinas, the Lone Star State and elsewhere. Fun seekers should come hungry and early to taste as many dishes as their appetite can handle before casting their vote for the People’s Choice award.

Taps Fish House and Brewery
101 East Imperial Hwy.,
California-92821
714-257-0101
www.tapsfishhouse.com

CuisineType : Brewery, Seafood

Enjoy meals from around the world at Taps Fish House and Brewery, as they serve up different styles of fish, beef, and dessert.

Primal Alchemy
5101 East Ocean,
California-90803
562.400.5659
www.primalalchemy.com

CuisineType : American, Steak

It’s not too late to join in on the fun! Be a part of this exciting community based, local & sustainable dinner.Reserve your spot today!

Michael’s On Naples
5620 East 2nd St.,
California-90803
562.439.7080
michaelsonnaples.com

CuisineType : American, Steak, Winery

Join us for dinner during the Grand Prix Long Beach this weekendbeginning Friday, April 13th through Sunday, April 15th asExecutive Chef David Coleman salutes the spirit of the race.

Three Seventy Common
370 Glenneyre St.,
California-92651
949/494-8686
370common.com

CuisineType : American, Bar & Grill

Chef/Owner Ryan Adams of six-month-old Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink announces Uncommon Mondays: Almost Every Third Monday – a guest chef series where he will feature a different chef whom he highly respects and wants to showcase at his restaurant on the third Monday of select months.

Hampton Inn and Marriott Are Top Hotel Brands in Customer Experience Ratings, According to New Temkin Group Research. Large-Scale Research Study Rates More Than 200 Companies, Across 18 Industries Based on Feedback Survey of 10,000 U.S. Consumers.

Hampton Inn and Marriott were the top rated hotel brands and the only two to receive “good” ratings. The next seven hotel brands earned “okay” ratings while the bottom three hotel brands in the ratings.

The Temkin Experience Ratings evaluates three dimensions of
customer experience:

Functional: Does the company meet consumers’ needs?

Accessible: How easy is it for consumers to do what
they are trying to do?

Emotional: How do consumers feel about their
interactions with companies?

For more information:
www.temkingroup.com

Posted by Suzanna

Prix Fixe, multi-course wine dinner with Coppola Wines.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
155 5th Street (on Pacific Coast Highway),
CA-92648
714-536-6390
www.facebook.com/RAsushiHuntingtonBeach

CuisineType : Japanese

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.<br

SCE’s Energy Education Center – Irwindale
6090 Irwindale Ave.,
California-91702
(626) 812-7537
SCE.com

CuisineType : Breakfast

Southern California Edison’s Energy Education Center is offering a free seminar. Reservations are required to attend “Hot Rebates and Cool Savings for Foodservice”, taking place at SCE’s Energy Education Center – Irwindale on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Foodservice professionals will learn how to reduce operating costs for their facilities in areas such as lighting, HVAC, food preparation equipment, sanitation, and refrigeration. Topics include new and expanded rebates for Foodservice equipment and a demonstration of qualified equipment by a professional chef will be highlight in the discussion.

Cass Vineyard and Winery
320 South La Brea,
California-90036
323.932.9500
hollywoodwine.net

CuisineType : Winery

The charismatic TED PLEMONS of CASS VINEYARD & WINERYwill be pouring a flight of 7 of his highly-rated Estate-grownwines from Paso Robles.$30 per personWith the flight of wines, enjoy 320 South’s small plate menuof fresh and seasonal dishes designedto perfectly pair with the wines from CASS.

Michael’s On Naples
5620 East 2nd St.,
California-90803
562-439-7080
michaelsonnaples.com

CuisineType : Italian

Join us as Executive Chef David Coleman prepares
a 5-course dinner to celebrate this exceptional delicacy
before the California ban is enacted on July 1st, 2012.

Featured Foie Gras Farms
Each course will feature dishes created with foie gras from
various farms throughout the United States, including New
York’s Hudson Valley Foie Gras and La Belle Foie Gras
as well as Artisan Sonoma, which will be closing
in July as a result of this ban.

Supporting C.H.E.F.S.

Your participation will help support C.H.E.F.S.,
the Coalition for Humane and Ethical Farming Standards,
with 50% of the proceeds from the dinner
donated to the organization.

To raise additional funds for C.H.E.F.S., the evening will
feature a raffle and auction with dinners from participating
C.H.E.F.S like Ken Frank of La Toque Restaurant in Napa.

Foie Gras Dinner

L’Insalata con Prosciutto

Salt cured foie gras with duck prosciutto, kumquat jam,

farro and chicories.

La Pasta in Brodo

Foie gras and rhubarb tortellini in Liberty Farm duck tounge broth with micro celery and beech brown mushroom.

La Salsiccia di Fegato

Ciabatta encrusted white sausage (Foie gras, Jidori chicken and Kurabuta pork) with great Northern beans and asparagus mostarda.

Il Pesce Involtini

Monkfish roulade stuffed with foie gras in a pickled beet puree and lemon confit.

La Bistecca

Grilled foie gras steak with cipollini onions and fava beans.

Il Sorbetto

House made huckleberry and strawberry sorbet

$100/per person + tax & gratuity

Executive Chef: David Coleman                                       General Manager: Massimo Aronne

3Twenty Wine Lounge
320 South La Brea,
CA-90036
(323) 932-9500
www.320southwine.com

CuisineType : Winery

Join 3Twenty for Wine Tasting

The charismatic TED PLEMONS of CASS VINEYARD & WINERYwill be pouring a flight of 7 of his highly-rated Estate-grown wines from Paso Robles.

$30 per person with the flight of wines, enjoy 320 South’s small plate menuof fresh and seasonal dishes designedto perfectly pair with the wines from CASS.

Featuring:

2010 Sparkling Grenache

2010 Viognier

2009 Grenache

2009 Mourvedre

2009 Syrah

2009 Rockin’ One Red

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

RESERVATIONS are suggested

.Please call 323.932.9500

http://www.320southwine.com

Roy’s Restaurant
453 Newport Center Drive,
CA-92660
(949) 640-7697
www.roysrestaurant.com

CuisineType : Hawaiian

Prix Fixe Mondays Are Back!

Enjoy any Appetizer, Entree and Dessert for $36.95.

*For a limited of time

McKenna’s on the Bay, a seafood restaurant, offers spectacular water views and an amazing Long Beach fine dining experience. Situated on Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay, the restaurant serves an array of fresh seafood, sushi, sashimi and oysters as well as natural organic steaks.
Enjoy a Peligroso Sparkler at happy hour! Read more »

Pinot Provence
686 Anton Blvd.,
California-92626
714-444-5900

CuisineType : French

Truffle fans will delight in Pinot Provence’s week long celebration of this time honored delicacy. Located at the Westin South Coast Plaza in the heart of Costa Mesa, Chef Jason Petrie presents a limited time only six course menu featuring Black Truffle Week’s star ingredient. Available from February 12-18, 2012, the dinner only menu boasts Périgord black truffles paired with scallops, squab and pork belly among others.Additionally, Pinot Provence will be adding truffles to popular items such as the JP burger and the mushroom risotto for lunch and brunch menus.

Fido’s Kitchen
661 North Harper Ave.,
California-90048
323-302-9876

CuisineType : Other

Come enjoy dinner and a movie with your four-legged friend with our special Fido’s Kitchen menu.

Sage Creative American Cuisine
2531 Eastbluff,
California-92660
949-718-9650
www.sagerestaurant.com

CuisineType : Other

Join us for tea, fresh scones, cookies, chicken, and more this Thursday.

One of North Hollywood's favorite hang outs, The Federal Bar's parent company, Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE), the 360-degree entertainment company best known for its legendary musical heritage, has signed an agreement with IBE (Intelligent Brand Extension) to launch a global entertainment lifestyle collection. This collection will boast unique and original pieces in many categories, such as apparel; footwear; accessories and leather goods; audio and electronic equipment; skate decks and snowboards. The collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage to create a uniquely American collection made in America. It will feature home-grown collaborations and pieces made exclusively in the United States.
 
Among the first categories to look for in Knitting Factory Entertainment products are apparel—hoodies, tees and accessories—featuring original designs and imagery from iconic shows held at Knitting Factory Entertainment venues. A first selection will be sold at Knitting Factory venues across the US as well as at www.theknittingfactory.com .  Other categories where deals have closed include iPhone skins, with Ecotekaworld a US manufacturer using only 100% US grown and forested wood from Sustainable Forest regions.
 
Morgan Margolis, CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment commented: “We’ve been off the grid for a long time as an independent promoter and operator. Today, we have music venues in five states, a restaurant division, consultation group, record labels, management companies, partnerships with theatrical, film and distribution entities. Now we’re making an extensive push to brand our company domestically  and worldwide.”
 
Tatiana J. Whytelord, Founder and President of IBE also commented: “We are delighted to work with Morgan Margolis and his team, and to represent such an iconic and avant-garde brand. Knitting Factory Entertainment is one of few organizations that are truly looking to differentiate themselves on many levels and we are here to help make that happen.
 
The entertainment lifestyle collection will allow the current fans to connect even further with the brand, whilst offering the wider audience the opportunity to experience the long standing tradition and Handcrafted Legacies of the Knitting Factory Entertainment brand.”
 
KFE owns the hip Knitting Factory venue in Brooklyn, alongside concert houses in the Pacific Northwest (Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Washington), and Reno, Nevada. It also presents tours and concerts at other venues throughout the nation, ranking number 15 in the Pollstar 2011 Year End National Top 100 Promoters Ticket Sales, and number 28 in the 2011 Year End Worldwide Top 100 Promoters Ticket Sales. KFE also owns a record label which has successfully reissued the entire catalog of Afrobeat godfather Fela Kuti (and co-produced the Tony nominated Broadway musical FELA!), and the recently Grammy-nominated Femi Kuti release, to name but a few.  The label has also partnered with Partisan Records, a Brooklyn-based indie label with renowned artists such as Deer Tick, Mountain Man, Middle Brother and the new Heartless Bastards release. Recently, KFE added artist management to their enterprises by opening KFM – Knitting Factory Management.
 
Over the last 12 months, the company has partnered with Van Johnson (of VJC) to start a film and TV division and opened its first gastro pub, The Federal Bar in North Hollywood, in 2011.
 
The synergy of these endeavors, from the recording studio to the stage to Broadway to Brooklyn, to the burgeoning North Hollywood bar and restaurant scene, and now to an entertainment lifestyle collection points to a company with the creative leadership to continue to grow and provide endless high-quality entertainment options.

Posted by Suzanna

The Golden Truffle
1767 Newport Blvd.,
CA-92647
(949) 645-9858
www.goldentruffle.com/

CuisineType : Breakfast, Eclectic

(Jan. 2012) Breakfast
Saturday, January 28, 2012

Menu Items

• Toasted Bagel Italian Style
• Fried Chicken Breast Biscuit with Country Gravy
• Smoked White Tuna Spread with Bagel
• House Made Corned Beef Hash & 2 Poached Eggs with Potatoes
• Heirloom Tomato & Gruyere Pie with Poached Eggs & Hollandaise
• Maine Lobster BenedictTwo Egg Blue Crab Avocado Benedict
• Texas Straight Chili Three Egg Omelette
• Wild Blueberry Raspberry Pancakes/Irish Butter and Real Maple Syrup
• Reservations Recommended

James Beard award-winning pastry chef Michel Richard's signature creation, the Snowman Vacherin has been available from Christmas through into January 31st. Having been a success on his Christmas pre-fixe menu, $2 of this $12 ice cream filled French meringue dessert will be available until January 31st will go towards benefiting St.Jude's Children's Research Hospital. If you're in Vegas for New Year's and have a hankering for a winter-inspired treat, please stop by Central Michel Richard at Caesar's Palace for a Snowman Vacherin!

posted by: Suzanna 12/29

Christmas Dinner From Sapphire Pantry   

Pre-Order your Christmas dinner today.

You can select an entire meal, or choose items to complement your own dinner creations.

Entree Selection Includes:

Rosemary- Crusted Prime Rib

Roasted Colorado Lamb Rack

House-Smoked Salmon

Whole Herb-Roasted Diestel Hen Turkey

Desert Selection Includes:

Pies

Cookies

Stollen

Don't forget to choose one of the many delicious side dishes.

All orders must be placed before December 22nd, orders can be picked up on December 24th between 10am-6pm.

For more information visit:

The Old Potters Place

1200 South Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651
 

www.sapphirellc.com

(949) 715- 9889

j

Thanksgiving Dinner Simplified

November 24, 2011

(Orders must be placed no later then November 18th)

Menu by: Cathy Pavlos

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner:

Free-Range Turkey

Apple-Pork Sausage, Fennel and Sage Stuffing

Rich Turkey Graving

Cranberry-Orange Chutney

Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Parsnips with Parmesan Cheese

Fire-In-The-Sky Yams with Candied Walnuts

Farmer Market Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Fresh Oregano

LUCCA Salad: Organic Mesclun Greens, Market Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers, Kalamata Olives and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Assorted Silver-Dollar Dinner Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner:

Free Range Turkey

Pomegranate Molasses-Maple Syrup Reduction Glaze

Wild Rice, Orange, Almond and Goat Cheese Stuffing

Rich Turkey Gravy

Caramelized Apple-Cranberry Chutney

Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Cilantro, Yogurt, and Roasted Garlic

Roasted Yams and Carrots with Rosemary

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Fresh Arugula and Butter Lettuce Salad with Shaved Fennel, Blackberries, Feta and Poppyseed Dressing

Assorted Dollar Dinner Rolls

Pumpkin Custard Profiteroles with Maple Caramel

Attended by: This is an order-out event to cater to your family's Thanksgiving needs, so you don't have to.

For more information visit: www.LUCCACafe.com