Papadoble, the office!  Yes, this unassuming place was my evening watering spot so much that I referred to it as “The office”.  You’d walk right by if you hadn’t been warned how good it is.  But don’t skip it, don’t pass it up, and please don’t...

The name couldn’t say it more, what a delicious ice cream.  Jenis splendid ice cream, made from Snowville’s grass fed cows milk and creams.  Hand made American Ice cream bliss. Using ingredients hand picked from all around the globe.  Look for it, search it out, or quite frankly...

Every once in a while I fall into a rut.  A pattern, a habit.  Some I regret, others I don’t.  Lately it seems my weekly habit has been going to the B-Spot for a burger.  I almost instinctively drive there every Saturday afternoon as if on autopilot.  The B-Spot is not your ordinary...

This bright yellow liquor named Liquore Strega, or ‘Witch” as it is known in Italian, dates back to 1860 where it was produced and distilled by the S.A. Distilleria Liquore Strega in Benevento, Campania, Italy.  This saffron and herb concoction is sweet, and bold.  It was called...

The official wineBOTAS from Spain, made by Jesus Blasco is awaiting your party. This vintage and modern BOTA is the traditional wine pouch from Spain often referred to as a wineskin in English.  The wineBOTA is made of two pieces of tanned goat or calfskin which through a process are then...

Ducati Wine??? What?  Wow!!! ...

So grill master, you’ve mastered the seared steak, the slow-cooked dry-rubbed ribs, the wood-plank smoked Salmon, so now what?  What’s the next outdoor cooking challenge?  What will satisfy that caveman urge of making a big fire and cooking meat over it?  The Wood Fire Oven,...

Shhhh, now I don’t want to wind up with my legs broken but I have to let you in on a little secret.  This nondescript door beneath the red light is not what it appears to be.  It’s not a whorehouse either.  No my friends, for my entire Albuquerque visit, this would be the most...

Dandgure’s Classic Southern Cooking is the place for comfort food.  A warm inviting place for “Meat & Three’s”, that’s three veggie’s, not pork chops like I had.  Dandgure’s is what it is, simple southern comfort food.  Perfect on a cool fall...

Tasting Table is exactly what a foodie like myself loves. Lots of credible-edible information on the latest eateries, chefs, foods and drinks in and around town. They specialize in LA/New York/Chicago/San Francisco and Washington D.C., but they also have a generic “Everywhere”...

The Prisoner, this Napa Red Blend from Orin Swift is a must buy. Put this in your cellar and enjoy it. A deep red, with lush berry flavors and dark fruit is complex and delicious. A blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Orin Swift Cellars headed...

My newest favorite restaurant, the Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach, ca, newly opened and at first glance looked full of promise.  It was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly pleased with my dining experience.  Many many times I have been to a new concept restaurant or bistro that tried too...

Newly opened Bottega Louie is one of my new favorites.  An oasis in the middle of sometimes dreary downtown Los Angeles, this polished, marble and brass space is cavernous, light and airy.  The glass cases are filled with delights both sweet and savory.  The bar beckons, if only I was there...

Bar Pintxo, located in Santa Monica, California is well worth the trip.  It certainly beats a flight to Barcelona, which is as far as you’d have to go to get authentic “Tapa’s” dishes.  Bar Pintxo also serves Jamon Iberico, the prized ham from Spain who’s fat is...

Of course you know about the big Barolo’s and Nebbiolo’s to the North, the Super Tuscans’ and Chianti’s and certainly you’ve heard about the Brunello Di Montalcino’s, all fantastic wines, deep reds with hint’s of tobacco, blackberry, vanilla, etc. etc....

Imagine if….. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORC8YSS1WrI

The original Milanese cocktail.  Ramazzotti amaro, was created by Ausano Ramazzotti in 1815.  A herbal doctor, he created this tonic liqueur from herbs and spices including gentian root, rhubarb, cinnamon, and the peel from Sicilian oranges.  Today the ingredients remain unchanged and still...

Many have tried but so few have reached the essence of the Brasserie.  Anisette Brasserie succeeds.  The classic french Brasserie, complete with a “Gouter”  (After school or shopping snack time) from 3 pm to 5 pm daily.  Anisette Brasserie serves up a fantastic menu in a...

This “Layer Cake” Primitivo wine is my new favorite, everyday wine. Fairly inexpensive red wine, this Primitivo is made from 100 year old vines.  Coming directly from Puglia, Italy (The Heel of the boot).  Primitivo is actually the father of  the wine we know as Zinfandel....

Just in time for x-mas, or anytime for that matter.  Mom’s Tamales is the best Tamale joint in Los Angeles, believe me it’s well worth the drive.  Mom’s is located in a brightly painted non-descript building in Highland Park on Pasadena Ave.  Mom’s Tamales makes the...