Alec Baldwin leads an Oscar Worthy Cast with Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan in Thriller Crescent City from Filmmaker RJ Collins Premieres August 15
What’s the story? When a small southern town is terrorized by a serial killer everyone becomes a suspect… including the police. Experience a hypnotic thriller about what it takes to catch a killer.
As the body count rises and the dark mystery deepens, the chief detective becomes haunted by the horrors of his past. Academy Award Nominees Terrence Howard and Alec Baldwin star in a mesmerizing crime thriller about what it costs to catch a killer.
Today’s conversation with Filmmaker RJ Collins from “Crescent City” has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Crescent City Filmmaker RJ Collins
Joe Winger:
It’s one of my favorite kinds of movies. Twists, turns, shocks, thrills. Phenomenal cast. What was your process like building this incredible cast, including two Oscar nominees?
RJ Collins:
Even two producers on the movie are Oscar nominated, which is phenomenal.
This small independent film [getting] Oscar buzz. It was a combination of the producers and myself knowing the cast that really helped escalate this to move fast during a SAG strike.
We got the waiver because we’re an independent company. We got the cast all in a specific window, and we crammed it in [between] everybody’s schedule.
We shot it in Little Rock, Arkansas in September of last year. The town just fit the look and style.
It was just a perfect storm.
Alec Baldwin leads an Oscar Worthy Cast in Thriller Crescent City
Joe Winger:
You crammed so much production value into this movie.
RJ Collins:
We were blessed because of the SAG strike, because a lot of the really high level crew and actors were all available more than normal. So it was a collaboration. Cast was coming together. We were raising the money all at the same time.
When we finally got the waiver, we only had two and a half weeks left to prep the film before we were shooting.
I flew in the day we got the waiver and I met Chris Crane, the film commissioner of Arkansas, and he was such a great guy and what a great film community.
It was a true 16 day shoot schedule with some second unit days. I’m very happy with how it turned out and the actors’ performances. Everybody came on the set together and everybody collaborated.
Everybody liked each other. There was no egos, none of that stuff.
It really showed on screen.
Alec Baldwin, for what his body of work, just to work with him and watch him do his thing; same with Terrence, Esai, Nicky. Michael Sirow playing the Pastor Lawson.
Joe Winger:
You mention your amazing cast. The tension, the moments, the explosions. Is there a scene in particular you really want us to pay attention to?
RJ Collins:
There’s so many moments that I would sit back and just go, wow, I’m having the scene happen right now in front of me.
One of the lead characters, Detective Sutter, Terrence Howard’s character. He’s sitting in the chapel and he’s questioning faith.
Another great scene is when all of the detectives (Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan) and Captain Howell (Alec Baldwin) are all together and there is an emotional moment where they find a [spoiler]. All this tension breaks loose and all the characters are going at each other and it’s just so much emotion. It was just so great to shoot it and watch it Nicky at the end of that scene, just her look, I had to stay on it for a second with the coverage.
It was like, yes!
The actors’ performances. The writing. We just don’t know who the killer is. We keep throwing left, right hooks. Nobody knows. Even to the end.
Joe Winger:
Because you brought up the script.
Can we do a shout out to the writer and your DP [Director of Photography] and talk a little bit about that process?
RJ Collins:
Rich Ronat is a phenomenal writer. He’s also a buddy of mine. We’ve partnered up many times together over the years. He’s so phenomenal with the story ideas and all the research he was doing on serial killers.
He wrote the script not knowing who he was going to choose to be the killer in the end himself, which is why it was portrayed so well.
Collaboration with the DP, Alex Salahi, was phenomenal.
I directed the performances and storytelling, but man, he’s the guy that makes the visuals what it is.
We had an all star team on this, but the DP had such a beautiful eye. We were talking about looks and tones and colors. He just took it and gave me even more than what I could have expected.
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Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in LA for Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21, Susan Dynner, Shauna Grace in-person
Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in Los Angeles Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21 1pm.
Award-winning short film The Soul Trader returns to Los Angeles to be screened as part of Calabasas Film Fest on Saturday September 21 at 1pm.
The Soul Trader is a 12 minute short proof of concept for a feature or series directed by Susan Dynner (Brick, Punk’s Not Dead, Code Blue: A Love Story) and starring Shauna Grace (Real Housewives…, Vanderpump Rules), Shane West (A Walk to Remember, ER, The Dirty South), Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Nope, Origin).
The story follows Coral Chase (Shauna Grace), an occult hitwoman who has the power to steal life-extending souls, which she then sells to vain, wealthy elites like Erica Claessen (Donna Mills), who clings to the crumbs of youth. She’s flanked by stoic bodyguard Damien (Shane West), who ultimately emerges from the shadows as her rival when she’s about to carry out a money-spinning hit at a target’s home and realizes she’s not the only one with murder in mind.
“We’re excited that the audience is falling in love with this story and
a strong female lead.
I want to keep sharing this story with audiences everywhere”
Director / Producer Susan Dynner
The short film launched at the Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion in May and has been gaining momentum ever since.
It won its first award just weeks later at the Manhattan Film Festival in NYC. Then more acclaim at Rock The Shorts in Beverly Hills and DC Shorts in Washington, DC, one of the country’s largest short film festivals.
Now it’s set to screen at many more festivals on the West Coast, East Coast and across the globe.
“I’m proud this project is inspiring so many women.
We meet people after every screening, women who are excited by the Coral characters.
Playing the role of Coral, working with our cast and crew has been incredible.
But the biggest thanks is the reaction from the audience.
Getting to meet people who are excited and inspired by the story and characters.”
Actress / Executive Producer Shauna Grace
Meanwhile the filmmaking duo Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace are busy taking meetings toward their next step.
What is their next step?
“This was always meant as a proof of concept short film to become a feature film or TV series.
With the sold-out screenings and awards, it just confirms our feeling that this story is so much bigger than a short.”
Susan Dynner
Actress Shauna Grace has been receiving strong reviews, comparing her on screen presence to other heroines including Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.
Dynner’s experience as a studio development executive for visionaries such as Richard Donner and Wolfgang Peterson shines through. Also, her producing work on Sundance hit “Brick” and festival darling “Punks Not Dead” shows her ability to bring production value on a range of budgets.
Both Dynner and Grace will attend their Calabasas Film Festival screening on Saturday September 21 at 1pm and be available afterwards to discussion.
The Soul Trader is directed and produced by Dynner, written by newcomer Mike Underwood, photographed by Matthias Schubert (The Door Man, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, Shelter in Solitude), produced by Lauren Bancroft (The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, Wild Bitch, Bite Size Halloween), edited by David Hopper (God Bless America, In Between Songs, Rust Creek), and executive produced by Shauna Grace, with music composed by Jeff Russo (Fargo, Ripley, Star Trek: Discovery).
See The Soul Trader at Calabasas Film Festival on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 1pm. Tix available here: https://calabasasfilmfestival.com/session/shorts-program/
Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024 :Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest (Updated)
Los Angeles’ Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest, Halloween Event List 2024 (Updated)
Our guide to Halloween 2024 in Los Angeles has you covered with the best treats, the most inspiring costumes and the best neighborhoods for fun, frights and memorable nights.
Los Angeles Halloween: Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
8 Terrifying Haunted Houses
From cinematic greats and crazed cult favorites to the park’s original abominations, enter mind ripping haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror.
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse
Terrifying Blumhouse characters have taken over the Terror Tram. Face the murderous android M3GAN. The Grabber. And more.
4 Sinister Scare Zones
Take on four sinister scare zones, each with a different terrifying theme.
Luchadores Monstruosos
¡Ojo! You’re about to get caught in the middle of a Lucha Libre horror film as two luchadores battle masked monsters.
Murder of Crowz
You’ve foolishly ventured into a massive crow’s nest. Now the fearsome flock will descend upon you and peck your bones clean.
Chainsaw Punkz
Get revved up for your night of terror as soon as you enter. Chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with masks and mohawks will close in on you.
Skull Lordz
All hail the royal court of the undead, where gothic kings and queens reign. Beware! Cross into their spectral kingdom at your own peril.
Explore the Gore Your Way
Grab your tickets to the terror. Enhance the horror with an R.I.P. Tour or admission that includes express access. Or, maximize your fear by staying near the screams with a Hotel & Ticket Package.
Buy your tix today:
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us/tickets
Los Angeles Halloween: Delusion
Story takes place in the mid 20th Century, centering around the brilliant psychologist Dr. Frederick Lowell and you, his cohort of unusual patients.
An epic and haunting adventure awaits those willing to play their part in Delusion’s latest interactive play. You will play the role of Dr. Frederick Lowell’s most prized patients, found sleepwalking on the grounds of the Red Castle. Yet this time, when you awake, your memory has faded and Dr. Lowell is nowhere to be found.
PLAY YOUR PART EXPERIENCE
Head to the VIP lounge for your private bar where you might stumble upon a few hidden surprises and performers.
Then venture beyond the veil of the show and prepare to showcase your mad talents. A quick costume change into mental asylum garb and off you go, awaiting actual patrons of the play as they move through a deranged scene that features you!
Buy tix to Delusion here:
https://enterdelusion.com/buy-tickets/
West Hollywood Halloween Carnival
West Hollywood loves Halloween, and the City of West Hollywood is thrilled that Halloween is back with Halloween Carnaval 2024!
The City’s incomparable Halloween Carnaval is one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world.
Halloween Carnaval is free to attend and will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024 on a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard.
Staged on Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66, Halloween Carnaval will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks and thousands of wildly dressed Halloween revelers for a one-of-a-kind experience.
There will also be Halloween celebrations at businesses, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the City!
The City invites Halloween Carnaval-goers to get into the spirit and show off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween.
Halloween at Cinespia
For its October 2024 lineup, presented by Amazon MGM Studios, the LA-based organization announced screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Trick ‘r Treat, Coraline and Suspiria, leading up to Halloween.
Cinespia will also host a special Halloween night screening of director Dario Argento‘s horror classic Suspiria on Oct. 31 at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Halloween Organ, Film & Music: Nosferatu
Thu / Oct 31, 2024 – 8:00PM
Silent film specialist Clark Wilson returns for Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Halloween concert, performing a chilling, original organ score to the 1922 Nosferatu—one of the most influential works in cinema and the horror genre—live to picture.
Tix here: https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3006/2024-10-31/halloween-organ-film-music-nosferatu
David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl
Tix here: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3507/2024-10-30/david-gilmour
Knox Dobson RTD Wins Double Gold Medal, Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox Dobson ’s Superior Ready-to-Drink Improved Whiskey Cocktail Wins Prestigious Double Gold Medal & Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox & Dobson, a new collection of superior ready-to-drink cocktails, proudly announces that their Improved Whiskey Cocktail has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal and their Old Fashioned Cocktail has won a Gold Medal in the Ready-to-Drink category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Receiving a high-tier medal at SFWSC is a testament to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
This year’s competition featured nearly 5,000 entries, judged by experienced and knowledgeable spirits critics through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and integrity.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails is designed to be shared with friends, making it easy to simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
The collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson Founder & President Rob Levy (Former Owner, The Raymond 1886) and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, Proof Media Mix).
The lineup includes a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule.
Each cocktail features the highest quality ingredients such as hand-selected barrel-aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.
“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”
Rob Levy
Knox & Dobson Founder & President
“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”
Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street, is where he spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and ‘70s, hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go handcrafted beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.
The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV), which was awarded this year’s Double Gold Medal, is made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail features a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, and bright and deep cherry notes, making it a whiskey cocktail meant to be sipped and savored.
The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned (38% ABV), which was awarded the Gold Medal, consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice. Each 200-milliliter bottle features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
Knox & Dobson is available for delivery Nationwide.
Visit Knox & Dobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today.
To see the full list of locations to purchase directly, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Stockists page.
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LA Father’s Day: Le Portteus Wine Decanter offers Flavor and Class for Dad [Gift Guide]
This Fathers Day, Le Portteus Wine Decanter, pours flavor and class for your foodie, wine-drinking Dad (and the whole family).
Father’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a unique and elegant gift for the wine-loving dads in your life?
Father’s Day: Le Portteus Wine Decanter offers Flavor and Class for Dad
Le Portteus Red Wine Decanter is a perfect choice that rethinks the wine sipping experience.
Its thoughtfully designed hand-blown glass piece increases oxygen exposure, releasing natural aromas and deep flavors, which improves the taste by softening astringent tannins and releasing fruit and floral notes.
“I’d been envying a friend’s decanter for ages, so finally broke down and got one. It comes with cleaning beads, a cork stopper, and a cleaning wand.
Decanting really does make a huge difference
with medium-to-heavy reds.”
Debbie Adams, Amazon buyer
According to the experts at Portteus, wine enthusiasts have long known the importance of decanting wine to enhance the drinking experience, and Le Portteus takes it to the next level with its high-quality crystal, slanted spout, and wide-bottom design that makes pouring effortless without wine drips and stains.
With a capacity of a full 750 ml wine bottle, it also doubles as a chic decoration on kitchen counters, bookshelves, bars, libraries or serving areas, and is sure to be a conversation starter.
“Beautiful design. Made a very good statement at our dinner table!
Also looks great sitting at the counter as decoration.”
MJ, amazon buyer
Moreover, what sets Le Portteus apart is its convenient cleaning beads that come with a cork and stopper ball for efficiency, making it easy to clean without worrying about scratches or grime.
Plus, high-grade steel pellets are an easy cleaning solution that can be used repeatedly, giving peace of mind to the dad who loves wine but doesn’t like the hassle of cleaning his decanter.
“Le Portteus Red Wine Decanter is the perfect gift for the wine-loving dad who will appreciate the enhanced wine-drinking experience and its chic design.”
Browse the Le Portteus Red Wine Decanter here and find out more for this perfect Father’s Day gift.
A Must for Wine Lovers
This wine decanter is an essential edition to your wine accessories.
Decanting wines will increase the oxygen exposure thereby releasing its natural aromas and deep flavors. As a result, improving the taste by softening the astringent tannins and letting the fruit and floral aromas come out.
Superior Quality
The lead-free crystal wine decanter is handcrafted with highly durable crystal, and guaranteed to withstand the test of time!
With the capacity of a full 750 ml wine bottle. In addition to our high quality crystal vase, our decanter set also includes a fine cork ball stopper.
Spill and Stain Proof
The slanted spout and wide bottom of this wine aerator decanter makes it an effortless and elegant pour, eliminating the frustration of wine drips and stains. Making this the perfect wine gift set for aerating red wines, releasing satisfying flavors and aromas, and indulging your taste buds with peace of mind!
Clean Easily
These cleaning beads are uniquely designed to be gentle on delicate decanters for alcohol and tough on dirt and grime, removing any buildup without leaving a scratch. These high-grade steel pellets are an easy cleaning solution that you can reuse repeatedly.
Gifts with Class
Every Le Portteus crystal vase wine aerator goes through a quality assurance product inspection and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Le Portteus Decanters and Carafes make great gifts for friends or wine lovers, and you can be sure they will love them!
An excellent idea for birthdays, housewarmings, anniversaries, wedding registries, and more!
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Los Angeles Drinkers saying ‘Yes’ to less: Sommarøy Spirits Expands wider to Whole Foods
Sommarøy Spirits Expands Grocery Footprint at Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods
No more martini-induced headaches
Dreaming of an easier way to wake up the next workday without a martini-induced headache, or seamlessly transition to a glass of wine at dinner without feeling out of control? There are now more choices for the nearly 65% of adults nationwide moderating their alcohol intake.
Sommarøy Spirits – mid-strength gin and vodka with zero carbs, lower calories and two-thirds the alcohol of traditional spirits – is expanding its grocery footprint, offering more consumers a sophisticated, full-flavor option to embrace true moderation.
The no- and low-alcohol market grew by more than 7% in 2022 according to IWSR.
FlavRReport.com on YouTube
With an ABV of 27.5% – one-third less than the alcohol content of traditional spirits – Sommarøy is officially defining the mid-strength category as spirits between 25-30% ABV. As a result, retailers like Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods Market are now reserving shelf space to meet consumer demand for quality spirits between non-alcoholic and full proof.
Already available in major beverage retailers like Total Wine & More, Lee’s Discount Liquor and Binny’s Beverage Depot, Sommarøy Vodka is now available in 73 Jewel-Osco stores in Illinois and Sommarøy Gin is available at 53 Whole Foods stores across 12 states, with distribution anticipated to expand significantly by year’s end.
“People don’t want all or nothing when it comes to moderating their drinking
sometimes you want a mellow buzz
without going completely non-alc
or settling for a watered-down cocktail.
More consumers can now add the solution directly to their shopping carts.”
James Cosma
CEO and co-founder
Sommarøy Spirits
Sommarøy Spirits gets industry buzz
Landing on-shelf at major grocery retailers across the country are just some of the brand’s recent successes.
Sommarøy Spirits have also been awarded various industry accolades, including the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) Low Proof Spirit Producer of the Year. Sommarøy Gin and Vodka have won NYISC Silver (92 points) and Gold (94 points), 2024 SIP Awards Double Gold and Gold, a 97 and 95 rating from The Tasting Panel Magazine and Gold (93 points) and Silver (88 points) from Beverage Tasting Institute, respectively.
Start your moderation-minded journey today.
To find a retailer near you, mid-strength cocktail recipes and stay in the loop with the latest news and product drops, visit SommaroySpirits.com and follow @SommaroySpirits.
Sommarøy Spirits are premium craft-distilled Vodka and Gin with zero carbs, lower calories and two-thirds the alcohol of traditional spirits.
Crafted in small-batches with legacy distilling techniques, Sommarøy Gin and Vodka are 55-proof (27.5% ABV), unflavored and gluten-free with a smooth taste that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail.
In addition to availability online at shop.sommaroyspirits.com, Sommarøy Vodka and Gin is available in more than 320 retail locations across the country (and counting) – including Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco and Total Wine & More. It is also available regionally in Illinois at select and Binny’s Beverage Depot locations, Nevada at Lee’s Discount Liquors and other independent retailers.
Sommarøy Spirits can also be found in Chicago at Gibson’s Restaurant Group, Boka Restaurant Group and Ballyhoo Hospitality locations. To find Sommarøy near you, visit www.sommaroyspirits.com and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook at @SommaroySpirits.
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Pasadena’s Newest: Pez Coastal Kitchen Brings Incredible Taste and Romance with Upscale sea and farm-to-table, seasonal California cuisine
Pasadena Newest Pez Coastal Kitchen brings Taste and Romance with upscale sea and farm-to-table, seasonal California cuisine
Executive Chef & Proprietor Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez proudly announce the official Grand Opening of Pez Coastal Kitchen, their new upscale seafood focused eatery in Pasadena on Thursday, February 15th, 2024!
Grand Opening of Pez Coastal Kitchen Thursday, February 15th
Executive Chef Proprietor Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez proudly announce the official Grand Opening of Pez Coastal Kitchen // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Located on the corner of Union Street and North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena’s hottest culinary spot, Pez Coastal Kitchen promises a lively and innovative dining experience with a focus on sea and farm-to-table, seasonal California cuisine.
Pez Coastal Kitchen’s Oysters on the Half Shell // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Executive Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez are a dynamic husband and wife team that have made a significant impact in the hospitality industry. With their passion for culinary excellence and warm hospitality, they have created a signature name for themselves in the Los Angeles dining scene and beyond and they are now joined at Pez Coastal Kitchen in Pasadena with their magnetic team of top industry professionals Director of Operations Chris Mesa, Chef Joe Gillard, General Manager Brittany Player, and Bar Manager Mike Dane.
Pez Coastal Kitchen’s Bar // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Chef Bret Thompson’s culinary journey began at the renowned California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where he then honed his skills at esteemed establishments such as Aqua in San Francisco, Roy’s in Hawaii, and Pinot Blanc in St. Helena, California.
Seeking international inspiration, Bret traveled to Spain to study under Chef Martin Berasategui at Restaurante Martin Berasategui, a Michelin 2-star establishment in Lasarte, Spain.
He further expanded his culinary repertoire in Lebanon at Atlas Café, then studied under Chef Bernard Loiseau at La Cote d’Or his Michelin 3-star restaurant in Saulieu, France, and then L’Arpege, Chef Alain Passard’s Michelin 3-star restaurant in Paris.
Throughout his career, Bret also had an extensive tenure with The Patina Group, working at multiple restaurants, running catering operations and ultimately becoming the Corporate Executive Chef overseeing all restaurant operations for the entire group.
Pez Coastal Kitchen’s Dining Room // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
In 2007 to 2022, Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez owned Milk Ice Cream, and in 2015 they decided to embark on a new culinary adventure together as the proud owners of Pez Cantina, their seasonal, modern, coastal-inspired Mexican restaurant and bar, located in downtown Los Angeles which quickly became a beloved dining destination and in October 2021, they expanded with a new location in Montebello, California, LA Burrito Co.
Thompson and Thompson-Ramirez’s newest venture will continue their commitment to sea-to-table and farm-to-table cuisine, but as Chef Joe Gillard joins Executive Chef Bret Thompson in the kitchen, the focus at Pez Coastal Kitchen will be on innovative techniques such as curing, smoking, and the specialized dry-aging of seafood which will be a distinctive feature.
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Rosemary Paloma // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
This new concept will focus on seafood, but will also extend beyond, encompassing meat, poultry, and a unique emphasis on the curing and smoking of meats and seafood, known as Sea-cuterie.
Executive Chef Bret Thompson is excited to go back to his European roots.
“I’m excited to serve seasonal cuisine with a big seafood nuance.”
Executive Chef Bret Thompson
“We will be showcasing shellfish towers like you might see in the streets of Paris at the brasseries. We’ll also be doing whole fish fries, and we have a massive open ice area where guests can see all the fresh seafood, we will be serving each night including whole fish, shrimp, oysters, sea urchin, and whatever is in season.”
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Seafood Tower // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
The Pez Coastal Kitchen Menu starts off with Appetizers which include Chilled Beets with hazelnuts, burrata, winter greens and a hibiscus vinaigrette, the Pez Caesar prepared with gem lettuce, black kale, pepitas, colossal nori crisp, and white anchovies, Black Mussels a la Bouillabaisse with smoked pepper rouille and sesame griddle cake, and Crispy Sweetbreads Fritto Misto with a black lime aioli.
The Chilled Seafood and Crudos decadently spotlight Pez Coastal Kitchen’s seafood at its finest starting with a Chilled Seafood Tower for Two showcasing a ½ lobster, six jumbo shrimp, twelve oysters, four crab claws, and two scallop aguachile shooters, with a selection of sauces – black garlic aioli, mignonette, and salsa macha, Daily Oysters on the Half Shell, Dry-Aged Kingfish Crudo, Hokkaido Scallop Tartare, and Steelhead Trout Rillette served with American sturgeon caviar, forbidden rice cake, and pickled shallots.
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Spaghetti alla Chitarra // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Pez Coastal Kitchen Entrees
The Entrees are recommended to be enjoyed family-style featuring Whole Fried Fish, Alaskan Halibut, Seared Jumbo Scallops served with a smoked ham-celery fritter and truffled apple salad, Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Prime Center Cut Filet of Ribeye with a green peppercorn demi and Pez fries, Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Manila clams, mussels, and uni nage, and Crispy Half-Chicken with chicken “lule”, petite roasted carrots and radish, apricot, sage, and carrot demi.
Pez Coastal Kitchen Veggies and Sides
And finally, a selection of exceptional Veggies and Sides – Potato Gratin with bacon, gruyere, and cippolini onions, Yam Skins with green tahini, whipped feta and Marcona almonds, Hickory Smoked Cauliflower Steak with a spicy kumquat glaze, and shallot yogurt, and Brussels Sprouts with Red Boat caramel, seed crunch, and black garlic vinegar.
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Citrus Olive Oil Cake // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Dessert
Dessert is equally exciting with innovative delights such as Warm Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Butter Cake with honeycomb ice cream, Citrus Olive Oil Cake served with mascarpone pistachio cream, limoncello granité, and strawberry, Mint Chip Ice Cream Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Strings, and Chai Spice Poached Pear with hazelnut crunch, tart yogurt, and blackberry compote.
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Mint Chip Ice Cream Brownie Sundae // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Bar
Complementing the mouthwatering menu is the well-stocked Pez Coastal Kitchen Bar, a long contemporary bar with a stunning emerald marble bar top, high ceiling, and magnificent fans making it a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and diners alike.
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Matcha Sour // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Bar Manager Mike Dane has curated an exceptional cocktail program, featuring the Rosemary Paloma, Matcha Sour, Chartreuse Colada, and the signature Happy Wife, Happy Life comprised of Redemption High-Rye bourbon and Liquid Alchemist Apple Spice with a sugared apple crisp, along with an extensive selection of Premier Spirits, Wines, and Beers
Pez Coastal Kitchen, Lounge, Bar // Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Pez Coastal Kitchen sits in a historical building that was built in 1896 and was completely transformed and redesigned by Margee Drews Design to exude a California-Mediterranean coastal feel across multiple spaces.
Guests enter a beautiful light and airy dining room with a stunning feature wall, large plush booths and banquettes with sleek wood tables surrounded by plush greenery, warm and welcoming lounge separated from the dining room by grand Mediterranean arches with high industrial ceilings and romantic Havana-style fans, a prominently placed cocktail bar and open kitchen.
drinks with friends, intimate dinners, group gatherings, or special events
Whether for drinks with friends, intimate dinners, group gatherings, or special events, Pez Coastal Kitchen promises an exceptional experience for all who walk through its doors!
As Co-Owners Executive Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez continue to innovate and reinvent themselves, and Pez Coastal Kitchen in Pasadena promises a unique blend of California coastal cuisine, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, specially curated wines, and their dedication to excellence ensures an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates vibrant flavors and genuine hospitality.
The Pez Coastal Kitchen official Grand Opening is Thursday, February 15th, 2024.
Pez Coastal Kitchen will be open for Dinnerevery Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
For more information about Pez Coastal Kitchen or to make reservations, please call 626.210.0775 directly or visit www.PezPasadena.com.
