Eating & Drinking

Satisfy your cravings with our Eating & Drinking category for Los Angeles. Discover the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in the city, and stay updated with the latest news and trends in the food and beverage industry.

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

Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

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. 

Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience

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.

Sustainably Crafted Flor de Caña Rum launches #TogetherForAGreenerFuture to Honor Earth Month

Sustainably Crafted Flor de Caña Rum launches #TogetherForAGreenerFuture to Honor Earth Month a global campaign to plant 70,000 trees in 2022.

To celebrate Earth Month, Flor de Caña, a Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade Certified ultra-premium rum, is joining forces with retailers, bars, restaurants and consumers around the world to launch a year-long, global reforestation campaign that aims to ensure a greener future for generations to come.


Advertisement

aveeno-advertisement-250


The sustainably crafted rum brand has already planted over 800,000 trees since 2005 and is well on its way to fulfill its pledge of planting one million trees by 2025.

The campaign titled “Together for a Greener Future“, supported by environmental charity One Tree Planted, includes a series of activations in points of sale and initiatives on social media (#TogetherForAGreenerFuture) to raise awareness on the importance of reforestation, as well as tree planting events in various countries throughout the year.


Related:  Wanna Fall in Love With a New Bourbon? Here are 6 Reasons to Taste Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey


Individuals will also be able to support reforestation efforts by donating through Flor de Caña’s fundraising page with One Tree Planted, which guarantees that for every dollar donated, one tree will be planted.

In turn, Flor de Caña will match all individual donations received during the campaign.

“One Tree Planted is proud to continue our partnership with Flor de Caña,

who have supported reforestation projects through unique fundraising campaigns over the years.”

says Matt Hill,

Founder & Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted.

As the trees grow, they’ll restore soil stability and health, improve water filtration and absorption, mitigate the effects of climate change, improve biodiversity and provide a host of benefits to the local communities”.

“As a global leader of sustainability practices within the spirits industry, we are deeply committed to the protection and preservation of the environment,” said Mauricio Solórzano, Global Ambassador for Flor de Caña.


Related:  Old Bay Vodka Wins Double Gold at prestigious 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition with Gold Medal Ratings from all Members 


Through our partnership with One Tree Planted we’re taking our commitment to the environment to the next level and working together to inspire people around the world to get involved in our effort to restore forests and ensure a greener future for generations to come.”

The story of Flor de Caña dates back to 1890, when a young Italian adventurer decided to establish a distillery at the base of Nicaragua’s tallest and most active volcano, the San Cristóbal.

130 years and five family generations later, the entire production process continues under the supervision of the same family.


Related:

LA’s Historic Hollywood Venue The Magic Castle adds New Executive Chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche.


Flor de Caña rums are distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged for up to 30 years in bourbon barrels without artificial ingredients or added sugar.

The brand was awarded “Best Rum Producer of the Year” by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2017 due to the quality of its liquid.

Celebrate the Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival June 5

Celebrate the Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival June 5 in Pasadena, CA.

Come celebrate the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival presented by CHUBB, a spectacular outdoor gourmet food and drink in-person festival taking place on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the stunning gardens at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House in Pasadena!

This year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will bring nearly 400 guests together for one exquisite evening featuring more than 20 top restaurants, cocktail bars, wineries, and breweries and much more.

Some of this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Restaurants and Desserts include Alexander’s Steakhouse, El Cholo Café, Gale’s Restaurant, Mi Piace, Porto’s Bakery, Ruth Chris Steak House, Tam O’Shanter, We Olive, Lark Cake Shop, Poppy Cake Bakery Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and more.


Related:

Hollywood Bowl is heating up this summer with Boyz II Men & TLC, “Kinky Boots,” Michael Franti, and so much more



Related:  Sustainably Crafted Flor de Caña Rum launches #TogetherForAGreenerFuture 


AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Drinks

Beverages featured include Cocktails and Spirit Tastings from 1886 at The Raymond, Dulce Vida Tequila, Krafted Spirits, JuneShine, and Golden Road Brewing, along with specially curated Wines. Pasadena’s very own Cerveceria Del Pueblo will also be pouring their distinctive beers showcasing flavors and aromas from South America, and Califia Farms and PepsiCo will be serving non-alcoholic beverages.

Festival Worthy Cause

Proceeds from this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival presented by CHUBB will directly benefit AbilityFirst which has targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; building social connections and independence; and offering both their participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through their recreational activities.


Related:

LA Phil Introduces Club 101 inaugural membership program for The Hollywood Bowl and The Ford summer seasons


AbilityFirst’s person-centered programs empower individuals to discover what is important to them in their lives, and to develop the skills that are important for them to achieve their goals.


Related:  Eddie Vedder’s Sixth annual Ohana Festival returns in Dana Point Sept 30


AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Incredible Sponsors

 

Sponsors: Additional sponsors include, Bank of America, GHJ & Advisors, The Hartford, Longo Toyota-Longo Lexus among others.

AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Tickets

Ticket Information: The AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, June 5th, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House. For more information and to purchase Tickets directly to this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival, please visit Tickets to AbilityFirst Festival of Fall 2022.

Get Your Tequila Fix! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with El Granjero Cantina at LA’s Farmer’s Market

Get Your Tequila Fix! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with El Granjero Cantina at LA’s Farmer’s Market

Get ready to grab your sombrero, get your tequila fix with Live Mariachis. and much more while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at El Granjero Cantina

L.A.’s newest most colorful Mexican cantina El Granjero Cantina on Thursday, May 5th, 2022, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm!

With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is the perfect one-stop spot celebrating Cinco de Mayo while offering up Tacos, Dorados, Vegan Tacos, Salads, Bowls, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tequila, Mezcal, Top Shelf Margaritas, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails, Cerveza, Mocktails and much more for locals and pleasure travelers alike to all enjoy.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar will also be featuring three festive specials including her FRY-CHOS made of fries, guajillo cheese sauce, black olives, pickled onions, salsa verde, pico de gallo and sour cream, Lobster Tacos with luscious crispy lobster, cabbage slaw, and spicy aioli, and Steak Taco comprised of asada-style skirt steak, guacamole, corn salsa, Cotija cheese, and cilantro served with herb rice and beans.


Related:  Los Angeles most colorful El Granjero Cantina features Mexican Cuisine and more 


 

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar will keep the Cinco de Mayo celebration going all day as she will also offering her full ingredient driven menu which embraces regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients showcasing a selection of Antojitos (Snacks) including Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas and Pork Belly, and the Ensaladas (Salad) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs, or Kale Salad made with avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa.

The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese, or the Queso prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce.


Related:  Gwen Stefani will headline the annual Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl Friday, June 3.


Chef Sklar’s Tacos do not disappoint and there are two for every guest to enjoy featuring a sublime selection including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken or Crispy Fish. The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection and offer up three delicious options, Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese.

The Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl prepared with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions, along with a Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, Carnitas Bowl, Seared Fish Bowl, or Keto Bowl comprised of your choice of protein with cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema.

Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite and her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos are packed with flavor. As, with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompanantes (Sides) are the perfect addition to each dish featuring fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeno, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice.

“We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,”

states Sklar.

El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas are extremely special as Sklar spent months looking for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca(dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. Says Sklar, “Our Tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time.”

El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal showcasing a special selection of Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Anejo Tequila, and Mezcal, while also featuring fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, and collection of Classic Margaritas and Specialty Cocktails such as the EGC Old Fashioned comprised if reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange, Lifesaver made with mezcal, Fiero, lime and pineapple syrup, and Rasp-Hib Cocktail prepared with guests choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime and soda to name just a few.


Related:

Why You should make Boutique Bells Up Winery part of Your Oregon Trip!


And, to make sure this is the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration El Granjero Cantina will be serving up a SHOT & BEER  featuring a shot of Cazadores tequila and Modello ($12), Patron Margarita ($16) prepared with Patron silver, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and agave, fresh Frozen Strawberry Margarita ($14) made with Cazadores tequila, Fiero, strawberries, lime, and sugar. In addition, Cazadores and Patrón will be celebrating by serving samples from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm to guests 21 and over and El Granjero Cantina will also be offering select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages such as El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas.

For the perfect complement to this festive celebration, Live Mariachis will be performing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, so come sip, savor, and celebrate at El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market this Cinco de Mayo!


Related:

Sustainably Crafted Flor de Caña Rum launches #TogetherForAGreenerFuture to Honor Earth Month a global campaign to plant 70,000 trees in 2022.


El Granjero Cantina will be open on Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5th, 2022, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information about El Granjero Cantinaat The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.

Come Taste Silverlake’s Casita Del Campo May 15 to Celebrate 60 Years in Business

Come Taste Silverlake’s Casita Del Campo May 15 to Celebrates 60 Years in Business

There is truly no place or space like Casita Del Campo.

Since May 15th, 1962 when the restaurant first opened, by artist and dancer, Rudy Martin Del Campo, who appeared in the original West Side Story film, this restaurant has created moments and memories that transcend time.

Casita Del Campo was a business idea but Rudy also wanted to create a haven for his creative community, a unique and thoughtful space where they could come together, enjoy a meal and some entertainment.

Casita Del Campo

Casita Del Campo has become an institution in the community of Silverlake and the city of Los Angeles.

The Del Campo family that continue to run and oversee all operations are proud and appreciative to be able to celebrate 60 years of business and patronage on Sunday, May 15th, 2022.


Related:  Silverlake’s Casita Del Campo maintains its charm, its originality and its creativity


Throughout these past few years of hardship near and far, it is truly a testament to the power of community that Casita Del Campo continues to stand, tall and proud and bright and bold.

It is such a rare occurrence these days to be able to maintain a restaurant let alone have success for 60 years, but Casita Del Campo has continued to grow, to shine and to find its way amidst the chaos.

The clients that pour in, both regulars and newcomers alike, call this place a second home, it is an oasis in the center of the city where many come to seek solace, to have a laugh and to enjoy one of the many nectars of a joyous life, a solid margarita.

Rudy Del Campo, of Mexican descent and his beautiful wife, Nina Del Campo, of Colombian descent ran Casita Del Campo their whole adult lives, expanding by buying neighboring properties and continuously seeking new motives and ways to make the business more successful.

They were married for 40 years, completely involved in everyday operations and were avid supporters of the LGBTQ community and the neighboring community of Silverlake and beyond.

As both Rudy and Nina passed away some years ago, their son, Robert Martin Del Campocontinues the legacy of this magical restaurant and has dedicated his efforts to making it stay current with the times and continuously improving in every possible way.

As Robert puts it:

“this place was made with love and that is the most important ingredient of how it still runs to this day.”

His creative passion for the arts is evident in all the pieces you see in each room and his wife, Gina Martin Del Campo, an artist who studied at UCLA is the incredible mastermind behind all the stained-glass patio tables that many come to the restaurant to sit at while enjoying the beautiful SoCal weather.


Related:  Los Angeles most colorful Mexican Cuisine at El Granjero Cantina


A rarity in the ever evolving, trendy neighborhood of Los Angeles, Casita Del Campo has maintained its charm, its originality and its creativity. The staff and the vibe has truly remained very similar to the day it opened on May 15,1962.

The music flows through an epic sound system, the drinks are constantly being shaken behind the bar and the waiters have become like family to many local aficionados. Of course, the sizzling and delicious food that comes from the kitchen is a huge part of the love for Casita Del Campo, and the original recipes and cooking practices have remained consistent since the day the restaurant opened 60 years ago.

Every morning, fresh vegetables are chopped for the salsa and dishes, the guacamole and chips are made fresh on the daily as well as the home-style soups passed down from Grandma’s recipes.

As featured in the Casita Del Campo’s60th Anniversary Menu”

some favorites include the Casitas Special, a sharable appetizer served with six mini tortillas topped with chicken or beef, accompanied by sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and beans.

The Sizzling Fajitas are fun and delicious, the Carnitas are tender and packed with flavor and the Enchiladas are an absolute must. Of course, the meal should always end with Casita Del Campo’s homemade Flan which is just sweet, sweet perfection.

 

The bar is led by Antonio Cruz, who created some special Anniversary Cocktails including a Mexican Mule which is made with Don Julio Tequila, ginger beer, a splash of soda water, fresh lime juice and mint and the refreshing and popular Blackberry Margarita made with Don Julio Tequila, muddled blackberries and raspberries, agave and fresh lime juice.

Obviously, you can never go wrong with the Classic Casita Margarita made with Tequila, our freshly made lime juice and a little triple sec. The original creative Margarita flavors include PomegranateGuavaGingerStrawberryMangoMelonWatermelonPeachand for a little kick, Jalapeño.

The Casita Del Campo bar

The Casita Del Campo bar is a full bar and although the Tequila is the main star, every cocktail is a winner.

The Casita Del Campo Cavern Club Theatre

The Cavern Club Theatre downstairs hosts a wide array of comedy, drag-strip and holiday shows that bring people near and far who are fans of the acts including many celebrities who enjoy a good laugh.

It is an experience that one can have only at Casita Del Campo. You grab a drink, head downstairs and enjoy some of the best laughs you will ever have. The theatre is run by Mr. Dan, who is part of the family as he has been there for over 30 years and brings new customers and faces to the restaurant with every show. The family is very appreciative to have him and to be a supporter of something so unique and embraced in LA.

 

To celebrate 60 years is to celebrate something many restaurant business owners never get the chance to and that means the world to the Del Campo family. They have celebrated special occasions, momentous moments and have created life memories together here and they wouldn’t choose any other place to be.

The passion, the love and the attention to detail is obvious in every corner of the large space.

Everyone that walks into Casita Del Campo becomes a member of this joyous, creative and fun family and you better believe they will be back. It is not one thing, one dish or one person that makes this restaurant what it is, but it is the combination of so many ingredients and efforts that vividly showcase what family and legacy means. Life’s worries stay at the door once you arrive, have a seat at the incredible mosaic patio table by the fountain, enjoy an Anniversary cocktail and a smile from our staff, because if nothing else, Casita Del Campo is here for you and is here to stay.

 

60 Years of life, love, passion, art, good food and drink at Casita Del Campo and a lifetime to go!

 

Casita Del Campo will celebrate 60 years on Sunday, May 15th, 2022 for all the amazing patrons from 12:00 pm noon to closing with live entertainment, special guests, margaritas and lots of smiles.

 

Casita Del Campo is open every Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12am and then Sunday from 11am to 10pm.

There is a special 60th Anniversary Menu offered every day at 4:00 pm to closing, a Lunch Menu offered from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday through Friday and a Brunch Menu offered on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Casita Del Campo offers Happy Hour every day from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Casita Del Campo has special rooms available for private parties and celebrations.  

For more information please visit http://casitadelcampo.net or call 323.662.4255. The address is 1920 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

LA’s The Magic Castle adds Tasty Tricks to Menu with New Executive Chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche

LA’s Historic Hollywood Venue The Magic Castle adds New Executive Chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche.

The Magic Castle introduced a new executive chef to navigate a new menu direction, while also opening an outdoor dining space.

The landmark restaurant and venue announced that French-Canadian chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche will take over the kitchen.


Related:  Eddie Vedder’s Sixth annual Ohana Festival returns with Stevie Nicks, P!NK and more Sept 30th-October 2nd at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA.


 

Chef LeFleche’s Journey to The Magic Castle

LaFleche spent time curating menus at Cheviot Hills’ members-only Griffin Club, and managing three restaurants at the Hilton’s Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach.

Magic-Castle-Chef-Benoit-LaFleche

Chef Benoit LaFleche

Regulars and SoCal locals realize the food isn’t always the main draw for Magic Castle, a place that has burned through several chefs over the last few years, including Jason Sperber and a short stay by Jason Fullilove.

LaFleche’s hiring could mark the start of a revamp for the 59-year-old venue.

New Outdoor Dining Area

The first time in decades that there’s been an open-air dining option. Before it was enclosed in the 1960s, there was a second-floor balcony that eventually became the terrace dining room.


Related:

Come Taste Silverlake’s Casita Del Campo May 15 to Celebrates 60 Years in Business


Hollywood’s The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle, the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, is private, allowing entrance only to members and their guests, or through courtesy invitations which are available to magicians visiting from out of the United States.


Related:  John Mulaney May 7 Hollywood Bowl Visit to his 2022 Comedy Tour


A typical evening features magic shows that range from miracles right under your nose to full stage illusions that stun an entire room.

The Castle is full of rare memorabilia and magnificent posters, so there’s a lot to see. Including a critically acclaimed full-service dining room and a number of unique bars, each with its own personality, making it easy to find just the perfect spot for whatever mood you’re in.

Scroll to top