A Culinary Milestone for Vietnam: Claiming a Spot at the Prestigious Bocuse d’Or Grand Final
For the first time in history, Vietnam’s culinary prowess has earned its place among the world’s gastronomic elite, with Team Vietnam advancing to the Bocuse d’Or 2025 Grand Final in Lyon, France.
This landmark achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the nation but also heralds its arrival on the global culinary stage.
For the first time in history, Vietnam’s culinary prowess has earned its place among the world’s gastronomic elite, with Team Vietnam advancing to the Bocuse d’Or 2025 Grand Final in Lyon, France. This landmark achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the nation but also heralds its arrival on the global culinary stage.
In honor of this triumph, a formal press conference was convened at the Residence of France in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, October 25, 2024. The gathering, hosted by Mrs. Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, the Consul General of France, united culinary luminaries, media representatives, and supporters to celebrate Team Vietnam’s triumph and discuss their plans for the upcoming Grand Final. “This exceptional success highlights the culinary talents of Vietnamese chefs and promises exciting prospects for our national cuisine on a global platform,” she noted, emphasizing the weight of this achievement.
The Bocuse d’Or, a revered culinary competition named after the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, has been challenging the world’s top chefs for over three decades. This January, Vietnam will debut on this prestigious global stage, led by Chef Vu Xuan Truong and his commis, Nguyen Quang Tam. The duo is set to present a dish that encapsulates Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage and their innovative gastronomic vision.
Chef Vu Xuan Truong shared his feelings on this historic opportunity, “It’s a victory for Vietnamese cuisine and the heritage we proudly represent. Competing in Lyon is both an honor and a formidable challenge. We carry the pride of our nation and invite everyone to support us as we showcase our culinary excellence on the world stage.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Chef Sakal Phoeung, President of Bocuse d’Or Vietnam, said, “What Team Vietnam has accomplished is unprecedented. For the first time, Vietnam will stand among the world’s top chefs at the Bocuse d’Or Grand Final. Chef Truong and his team have shown immense creativity and dedication, proving that Vietnam is a rising force in global gastronomy. This win is a victory for the entire Vietnamese culinary community.”
The inspiration behind their winning dish, a creative interpretation of the legendary Vietnamese tale of the Dragon and the Fairy, symbolizes the harmonious blend of land and water, a core aspect of Vietnamese culture. Featuring elements reminiscent of the Mekong River, mountains, flowers, and rice fields, the dish also highlights sustainable culinary practices with its thoughtful use of veal.
As Team Vietnam gears up for the Grand Final in Lyon, they extend a heartfelt invitation to their compatriots: “We need your voices, your coverage, and your encouragement as we move forward in this journey,” Chef Sakal Phoeung noted. “Together, we can celebrate this milestone and rally behind our chefs as they compete on the world’s biggest culinary stage.”
This participation not only puts Vietnam on the culinary map but also sets the stage for the nation to further its reputation in the world of fine dining. With the support of their countrymen, Team Vietnam is poised to inspire a new generation of chefs and affirm that Vietnamese cuisine is indeed, a cuisine of the world.
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Thanksgiving in Los Angeles: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe Inside]
This Thanksgiving, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
Holidays in Los Angeles: Dining in Beverly Hills: Mastro’s, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s
The Holidays in Los Angeles have never been more festive (or delicious) with holiday Dining at Mastro’s Beverly Hills, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Hotel Amarano in Burbank
On Christmas Day from 3-10 p.m., FYC Bar + Kitchen at the luxury boutique Hotel Amarano in Burbank will be serving a special 3-course menu for just $70 per person (not including wine or cocktails).
The menu will include Butternut Squash Soup OR Radicchio Cup Mushroom Salad with avocado, chives & balsamic vinaigrette;
Apple Wood Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with jumbo prawns, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts OR Pistachio-Crusted Roasted Sea Bass with citrus sauce, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts – and desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake, New York Cheesecake, Apple Tarte Tatin or Crème Brûlée – along with coffee or tea.
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Mastro’s Beverly Hills
For classic Beverly Hills luxury, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving their fresh oysters, caviar, decadent seafood towers, steaks and sides galore, along with luscious desserts and handcrafted cocktails – even a succulent Rabbi’s Daughter Kosher Bone-In Ribeye 16oz Steak for anyone celebrating Hanukkah (or who just likes great steaks).
For the month of December, Mastro’s is offering a special holiday cocktail – Under The Mistletoe.
For those who want their holiday meal from the comfort of their own home, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will have their famously decadent side dishes to go this year!
The following sides will serve up to 4 people, and cost $62 each:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Sliced Almonds
Creamed Corn
Creamed Spinach
For a sweet limited time finish, Mastro’s will have a gorgeous Pecan Pie as well as a special Cinnamon + Pecan Butter Cake – a twist on their famed Butter Cake – both available now through December 30.
To order Mastro’s Sides, guests just need to call the restaurant to order from December 1-22 they can pick them up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Mastro’s will be open Christmas Eve from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Christmas Day from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, New Year’s Eve from 5:00 PM to Midnight and New Year’s Day from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.
You can find their full menu here & as you likely know, the ambiance at Mastro’s every evening is like a party, with live music and white glove service.
They also have 2 private dining rooms for large parties of 40-50.
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Tito’s Tacos
Lastly – we love the tradition of Christmas Eve tamales, but they take hours to make.
The beloved, family-owned since 1959 Tito’s Tacos offers both a succulent Chicken Tamale – cilantro grilled chicken and Anaheim green chiles wrapped in homemade corn masa & steamed in a corn husk OR a Veggie Tamale, fresh veggies and pinto beans, wrapped in homemade corn masa and steamed in a corn husk.
You can buy them individually or by the dozen and the best part is that you can get them delivered straight to your door.
For more info, go to www.TitosTacos.com
Orders can be placed online for delivery or pickup on or before December 23.
About Mastro’s Steakhouse Beverly Hills
Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills is a premier dining destination combining world class service with an elegant yet energetic ambiance, making it a popular choice for celebrities, locals and visitors.
Located at 246 North Canon Drive, Mastro’s features live music nightly, with signature menu highlights such as bone-in filet mignon, USDA Prime, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and True A5 Kobe steaks; lavish seafood towers featuring fresh oysters, shrimp, crab and lobster served in a swirl of dry ice mist, decadent lobster mashed potatoes, and Mastro’s famed Butter Cake, to name a few.
Open for dinner from 5:00 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more info, visit www.mastrosrestaurants.com
Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert
Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert Play Ground
Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Surf Club announces the opening of their flagship restaurant, Navigator, on Friday, November 15th, 2024!
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
This innovative new dining destination bridges the worlds of desert living, hospitality, and surfing.
Guests will experience dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, explore the expansive 13-acre property complete with resort amenities, and marvel at the sights and sounds of surfing in the state-of-the-art wave pool.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Leading the Navigator team is acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Hung. As the Executive Chef of Navigator and Director of Food & Beverage for the Palm Springs Surf Club, Chef Hung brings his culinary artistry to this highly anticipated opening.
Executive Chef Michael Hung
Chef Hung’s impressive career spans from renowned New York kitchens Daniel and Aquavit, through San Francisco’s celebrated establishments, including the James Beard Award-winning team at Jardiniere, led by the renowned Chef Traci Des Jardins and Michelin-starred La Folie with Chef Roland Passot.
His culinary path has included Faith & Flower in Los Angeles which earned accolades from Esquire, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.
Hung’s talent continued to shine with Viviane at the Avalon Hotel, praised by Los Angeles Times esteemed food critic Jonathan Gold and renowned San Francisco Chronicle food critic, Michael Bauer.
Chef Hung brought his expertise to the luxury hotel and hospitality scene in Palm Springs as the Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels, where he revamped menus at The Colony Club at The Colony Palms and SO.PA at L’Horizon Resort and Hermann Bungalows, earning a Michelin Guide listing for The Colony Club.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Now, at the Palm Springs Surf Club, he applies his expertise to both Navigator and the larger resort’s food and beverage offerings, promising an elevated dining experience rooted in a global culinary perspective.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Navigator’s Menu will highlight modern American cuisine infused with influences from renowned surf locales, including flavors inspired by Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii. Each dish is crafted with the finest local ingredients, blending global flavors with a California sensibility.
Signature offerings include Olive & Herb Dinner Rolls with Tomato Jam, Crispy Wagyu Beef Cigars, Hawaiian-style Garlic Shrimp, and large-format dishes such as a Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout or the 20-oz Ribeye with Bone Marrow Gremolata. Chef Hung’s thoughtfully curated Vegan options,Sides, and inventive Desserts like the Crème Catalan Parfait and Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse promise an array of flavors for every palate.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
The Wine List, curated by Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty emphasizes California’s finest labels, while Dougherty’s Bar Menufeatures a refreshing selection of Handcrafted Cocktails and a robust Tap Beer program highlighting local producers.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Service will be led by renowned restaurateur, Cameron Hirigoyen, who for 30 years owned and operated San Francisco’s classic Basque restaurant, Piperade. Cameron brings her graceful poise and deep knowledge to Navigator’s dining room.
Navigator’s design pays homage to the oceanic heritage of South Pacific navigators—surfers who traversed seas by the stars, currents, and wildlife. The restaurant’s décor reflects this maritime inspiration, with custom teakwood furniture, woven textile ceiling treatments, and a hand-carved outrigger canoe serving as a focal point for the dining room. The ambiance combines nautical aesthetics with a luxurious, natural warmth, creating an upscale, intimate setting for guests to relax and dine in style.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Hung to the Palm Springs Surf Club family,”
Colin O’Byrne
managing partner
“His creativity and expertise are an ideal match for Navigator and our overall vision at the Palm Springs Surf Club, which is to offer guests an elevated dining experience and amenities alongside the world’s premier surf pool.”
Navigator at the Palm Springs Surf Club officially opens for Dinner on Friday, November 15th, 2024, and will be open every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Navigator serves Weekend Brunchevery Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Happy Hour menu is available from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or reservations at Navigator, please visit www.NavigatorPS.com or call Navigator directly at 760.205.3634.
Navigator
Palm Springs Surf Club
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92264
T: 760.205.3634
About Palm Springs Surf Club: The Palm Springs Surf Club is an unparalleled destination, blending state-of-the-art wave technology with luxurious resort-style amenities. Guests can enjoy various attractions, from a winding lazy river to private cabanas by the wave pool, creating a perfect oasis in the heart of Palm Springs. With three bars, two restaurants, and dynamic event spaces, the Palm Springs Surf Club offers distinctive culinary and beverage programs, designed to cater to every taste and every occasion.
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Get Ready to Get Lucky at El Granjero Cantina’s Loteria Taco Tuesday starting Tuesday, September 13th
Come get your game on while getting your taco and tequila fix at Loteria Taco Tuesday at El Granjero Cantina, L.A.’s most colorful Mexican cantina!
Starting this Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 and specially selected Tuesday evenings through November 2022
Guests can come play Loteria from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm while enjoying special $10 Taco & Baby Nacho Specials, Taco Tuesday Special, Handcrafted and Frozen Margaritas, Carafes of Margaritas, Prizes, and much more.
With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is introducing
El Granjero Cantina’ s Loteria Taco Tuesday
starting Tuesday, September 13th and then running on Tuesday, September 27th, Tuesday, October 4th, Tuesday, October 18th, Tuesday, November 8th and Tuesday, November 22nd, where guests can grab their sombreros while playing a lively game of Loteria, a traditional game of chance, like bingo, but uses beans and images on cards rather than numbered ping pong balls.
Guests can enjoy Executive Chef Jenni Sklar’s modern Mexican specials
featuring her Chicken Dorado Tacos ($10) with salsa verde, sour cream and cotija cheese, Avocado Tacos ($10) made with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn salsa, and pickled red onion, Carnitas Tacos ($10) served with braised pork, guacamole, cheese and pickled red onions, Baby Nachos made with Guajillo cheese sauce, shredded cheese, black olives, pickled red onions, salsa verde, pico de gallo and sour cream, and guests can add their choice of protein including Pork Carnitas, Soyrizo or Tomatillo Chicken ($5), Braised Beef ($6.50), or Steak ($10) with an additional side of Guacamole ($4).
El Granjero Cantina Taco Tuesday Special
Chef Jenni is also offering up a Taco Tuesday Special ($25) featuring one Taco Plate with a choice of Chicken, Carnitas or Avocado Tacos and one Classic or Skinny Margarita.
Keep the party going
El Granjero Cantina keeps the party going by offering up Frozen Margaritas and Frozen Mojito’s ($10) and EGC Margaritas By The Carafe
including Classic, Skinny or Watermelon Margaritas ($44), Cadillac Margaritas ($50) or fresh Mango Margaritas ($54) to share with the entire table!
El Granjero Cantina will be celebrating Loteria Taco Tuesday starting Tuesday, September 13th and then on Tuesday, September 27th, Tuesday, October 4th, Tuesday, October 18th, Tuesday, November 8th and Tuesday, November 22nd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
For more information about El Granjero Cantina’s Loteria Taco Tuesday or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.
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LA Phil Introduces Club 101 for The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons
LA Phil Introduces Club 101 inaugural membership program for The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons
The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons are finally upon us, and we invite you to become an inaugural member of Club 101, a membership program specifically designed to enhance your experience at our historic summer homes.
Membership Levels for Club 101
Each membership level includes a unique set of benefits catered to amplify your experience at our two iconic venues.
LA Phil’s Club 101
Related: Gwen Stefani headlines annual Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl Friday, June 3.
Perks vary across the levels of Club 101, but we’ve highlighted some of our favorite enhancements here:
- Designated Club 101 picnic areas at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford
- 20% off Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine Marketplace items
- Access to tickets, valet parking and nightly seat upgrades at the Hollywood Bowl and
- The Ford (based on availability, for select concerts)
- A Hollywood Bowl backstage tour and on-stage photo opportunity
- Complimentary Hollywood Bowl “Night in the Pool” for select concerts
Make a Deeper Giving Impact with Club 101
In addition to gaining access to exclusive benefits when you join Club 101, your gift will make an even deeper impact toward supporting our venues and the LA Phil will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to Deanie and Jay Stein, up to $101,000.
Related: John Mulaney adds May 7 Hollywood Bowl Visit to his 2022 Comedy Tour
Additionally, by supporting our venues at any Club 101 level by May 1, you will receive an exclusive invitation to an onstage event at the Hollywood Bowl on May 11.
Related:
Celebrate the Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival June 5 in Pasadena, CA.
Club 101 This Summer
Join LA Phil for a summer of music, enrich your concert-going experience, and become a supporter of the LA Phil by selecting your Club 101 membership today!
Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell.
Related:
LA Phil: Café Tacvba in Un Segundo added to 2022 / 23 Season at Walt Disney Concert Hall
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Oryx Desert Salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience
Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience
Oryx Desert Salt Taste
In the crowded world of salts and condiments, Oryx Desert Salt is working hard to separate itself from the crowd and more and more people are noticing.
Come have a taste and a closer look….
Oryx Desert Salt has a heightened taste, even when compared to other gourmet options. Subtle, yet bold. It adds a zest to the bite while being gentle on your palate. A finishing salt who’s magic is pulling out an extra bit of dimension from most dishes.
I tried it on poultry, rib eye and salmon. Bringing out the juice and flavor. Each time the taste was noticeably enhanced.
With its distinctive flavor profile using less salt will achieve that enhanced flavor and Oryx is still going, creating more exclusive flavored salts for exciting new taste experiences
So far I’ve only sampled their white salt, but judging by that experience, I’d LOOOVE to try their variety.
“Salt is the smallest ingredient in any meal yet it has the biggest impact”
Oryx Desert Salt’s Flavors
SMOKED SALT – cold smoked over French Oak shavings
WINE SALT – soaked in Shiraz red wine and sundried
BRAAI/ BBQ SALT – free from additives, flavourants, preservatives, wheat or gluten fillers.
Oryx Desert Salt’s Health Benefits
Oryx Desert Salt has all the essential minerals and trace elements that exist naturally in salt, including magnesium, zinc and potassium.
It’s 100% pure, crystal-white, natural desert salt. Sun-dried, unrefined, no additives, no anti-clumping agents, no preservatives. Dried by the hot African desert sun.
Why is this important? To really understand, let’s put on our science lab coats and get into the specifics.
There are two elements of salt – sodium and chloride – and they each play vital roles to your healthy body.
Sodium helps your nervous system, controls your taste, smell and touch, helps your muscles (and heart) work and helps your brain talk with the rest of your body.
Chloride is key for digestion and helps keep your blood moving.
Okay, science class is over.
But, yeah, that’s how important salt is to us. And how important Oryx Desert Salt recognises their role.
Some of us, honestly, haven’t put that much thought into what kind of salt we’re using. And now we know we should.
The Oryx Desert Salt Story
Back in the Summer of 2020 inspiration struck CEO / Founder Samantha Skyring when she took a 7 day walk through South Africa’s Namib Desert.
During the journey, she had several up-close encounters with Oryx Gazella (large antelopes) and learned the Oryx go a lifetime without drinking water.
How do they survive it?
The salt plays a big part. The animals get the necessary minerals and trace elements vial by licking native salt.
If you look on Oryx Desert Salt’s packaging, you’ll notice the Oryx, with its striking coloring and presence, because became the symbolic icon for Oryx Desert Salt.
Oryx Desert Salt Cares About Our World
They support small, local businesses, build partnerships and advocate for eco-awareness.
Oryx Desert Salt believes in impact sourcing which is choosing to source locally where possible and supporting small, often women-owned businesses.
They also work to build collaborative relationships (from their chefs, cooking schools and beyond) seeing them as valued ambassadors.
Their cotton bags, aprons and shopper bags are manufactured by a women’s home industry community group.
They partner with organizations like the Ukama Foundation, Macassar Pottery, Khomani San and Mier communities who own !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari Desert.
Where To Buy
Available at Whole Foods throughout the county, on Amazon and on their website here.
