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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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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The Magic of Honey (and its Health Powers) is getting Rediscovered and Darko Mandich is leading the way
The magic and power of honey is getting Rediscovered and Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich is leading the way
Honey has been a staple in my people diets for their whole. As a result, many of us take it for granted. But that’s changing thanks now.
Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
Why honey? Was it a personal passion or where did the interest come from for you?
Honestly, at that time, it was a great opportunity and a very interesting company that had many different divisions all related to food and agriculture.
It’s my grandma’s fault that I got into the food industry because I remember when I was a kid, my grandma and my mom and dad, they were running a tiny tavern in the Mediterranean coastline.
Seeing people gathered around the food, seeing people running around prepping the food. In my family, whenever we would have guests visiting our home, there’s always gonna be like plenty of food. And I think that subliminally inserted in my brain. Even though I pursued business and entrepreneurship, that’s something that excites me. In the background of all of that was food. I don’t mind that because I’m a foodie myself.
Honey is being Re-Discovered. Why did honey become so important to us today?
There’s so many angles to that. If you ask consumers in the US their preferred sweetener is honey. Why? Because people understand that honey has the sugar part that gives you a kick, gives you energy; but honey also has a very exciting non sugary part to it, which makes it a better for you. I would say [it’s] the best sweetener out there.
Also, there’s something about the mythology of honey.
There’s this Greek goddess of honey. Honey has been presented as a divine product across many religious books in different religious and history is telling so many interesting stories about honey.
Around 200 years ago, they unsealed Egyptian pyramids, got inside, found a bunch of things, and amongst others there was honey in a pot. And you know what? That honey was edible. And no food in the world would actually stand against that shelf life because, [of honey’s ] special combinations of sugar acidity, pH. Now I’m nerding up.
But the thing is, honey is very special. It will never go bad. There’s kind of official shelf life to honey, but honey will actually never go bad.
And I think if you connect all these things and consumers looking for better solutions, looking for something that can satisfy them, not only on a taste, but on a nutritious level, honey [has] become so popular. I had a chance to witness this across my decade old career in the US and before that in Europe.
And look, I was very excited about honey. I didn’t know much about it when I joined that [first] company, but when I started learning about it, I was like, ‘Wow, this product is really amazing.’
Is the honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
This is the product from a direct to consumer collaboration. We just launched with three Michelin star, Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
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AbilityFirst 2024 — 50th Annual Food & Wine Festival — unveils Date and New Location!
AbilityFirst 2024 50th Annual Food & Wine Festival unveils Exciting Plans Announcing Date and Unprecedented New Event Location!
50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Sunday, June 9, 2024
AbilityFirst proudly announces the 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival, scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and in celebration of this milestone, the event will take place at a new and enchanting location: The Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena!
The Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena!
Great crowd at the event, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
The 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival is a landmark outdoor event renowned for its gourmet food and beverage tastings.
Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in culinary delights presented by a diverse array of top local restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, and vintners.
Dulce Vida Tequila, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
As AbilityFirst marks this special anniversary, this year’s festival promises an evening filled with exquisite flavors, entertainment, and a vibrant celebration of AbilityFirst’s mission.
Inspiring program at the event, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
For 98 years, AbilityFirst has been at the forefront of providing person-centered programs to empower individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Anita Lawler Wine, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
These programs guide individuals through each life transition, fostering social connections, independence, and providing essential employment preparation, training, and experience.
El Cholo Cafe, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
Proceeds from this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will directly benefit AbilityFirst’s programs which help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; build social connections and independence; and offer participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through recreational activities.
Fun music from DJ Q Nice, Courtesy of the AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival
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.
Anita Lawler
Ticket Information: The 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Urquhart Residence in South Pasadena.
For more information and to purchase Tickets directly to this year’s 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival, please visit Tickets to the 50th Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival 2024.
Dave Saeta
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AOC Brentwood Presents La Festa Della Donna March 11 with Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi & Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren
AOC Brentwood Presents La Festa Della Donna with Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi & Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren on 3/11
La Festa della Donna is coming to Brentwood!
Caroline Styne and Suzanne Goin have invited Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi and Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren to celebrate the Italian Festival of Women benefitting Regarding Her on Monday, March 11.
AOC Brentwood Presents La Festa Della Donna March 11 with Italian Winemakers Mariarita Grasso, Alice Bonaccorsi & Restaurateur/Author Shelley Lindgren
Join these five talented women and enjoy Suzanne’s Italian-style specials and flights by the winemakers curated by Caroline Styne.In celebration of the Italian Festival of Women in March, Restaurateur Caroline Styne and Chef Suzanne Goin present La Festa della Donna on Monday, March 11, 2024, at AOC in Brentwood.
Join these five talented women and enjoy Italian-style specials
Caroline has invited her special guests Mariarita Grasso of Azienda Agricola Filippo Grasso and Alice Bonaccorsi of Azienda Agricola Alice Bonaccorsi, Italy. Also in attendance is favorite Italian wine advocate Shelley Lindgren, owner and wine director of A16 Restaurant (in San Francisco and Oakland) and author of her latest book, “Italian Wine: The History, Regions, and Grapes of an Iconic Wine Country.”
The Festa della Donna is an Italian tradition observed yearly on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
It serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. Central to the celebration is the custom of presenting women with yellow mimosa flowers, revered as emblems of resilience, beauty, and elegance. Festivities encompass various activities, including gatherings to honor women’s accomplishments and advocate for their continued pursuit of equality and recognition. The Mimosa flower has symbolized the Festa della Donna in Italy since the 1940s, symbolizing affection and appreciation when gifted to women.
Caroline is curating flights of wine from these two Sicilian winemakers as well as Lindgren’s own Tansey Wines, and Suzanne is creating specials to complement them. 10% of wine flights and menu special sales will benefit Regarding Her programs. All five women will be present to meet guests. Local bookseller Now Serving will be on hand with copies of Shelley’s book, and A.O.C. will offer a selection of the featured wines for retail purchase.
Reservations may be made on OpenTable Experience.
Suzanne’s menu of specials inspired by Shelly Lindgren and Nate Appleman’s A16 Cookbook is listed below; select photos of the winemakers and vineyards HERE; photos courtesy of A.O.C.
La Festa della Donna
menu of specials inspired by
Shelley Lindgren and Nate Appleman’s A16 COOKBOOK
Monday, March 11, 2024
A16 ANTIPASTO: liver terrina with marinated olives, giardiniera,
crostini, and assorted cured meats $26
roasted asparagus with walnut cream and pecorino tartufo $24
paccheri with fresh sardines, olives, capers, and breadcrumbs $27
braised halibut with pistachios, preserved meyer lemon, and capers $32
pork loin spiedino with pine nut, garlic, and currant soffritto $28
short ribs alla Genovese MP
potato torta with mozzarella, prosciutto, and pecorino $18
walnut and chocolate semifreddo with chestnut shortbread $18
WHEN:
Monday, March 11, 2024
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Reservations via OpenTable Experience
WHERE:
A.O.C. in Brentwood
11648 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049\
310.806.6464
ABOUT AZIENDA AGRICOLA FILIPPO GRASSO:
Azienda Agricola Filippo Grasso is a fourth-generation family-owned winery nestled on the north side of Mount Etna in Sicily. Since 2006, they’ve been crafting their own wines. Situated in Contrada Calderada, their vineyards thrive on soils rich in large volcanic rocks, capturing and retaining the sun’s warmth, shielding the vines from chilly mountain nights. With six hectares devoted to native Etna grapes like Carricante, Catarratto, Minella, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Mantellato (also known as Cappuccio), Filippo Grasso embodies a deep commitment to the region’s grapes, aiming to faithfully translate Etna’s terroir into every bottle. Their unoaked wines reflect the purity of these indigenous varieties. Beyond vineyards, the estate cultivates olive oil from 100 century-old trees and boasts diverse flora, fostering biodiversity for healthier vines. While not certified organic, the winery operates daily with reverence for nature. As they refine their craft, the Grasso family eagerly anticipates sharing their Etna wines with a broader audience.
ABOUT AZIENDA AGRICOLA ALICE BONACCORSI:
The story of Bonaccorsi Winery begins in Valcerasa, the Cherry Valley, where Alice’s father’s vineyard was situated on Mount Etna’s eastern slope, yielding their flagship wine, Valcerasa. Today, they operate in Randazzo, on the mountain’s northern side, having relocated to Croce Monaci in 2000, where they’ve expanded their land from 3 to around 18 hectares over two decades. Committed to organic practices, Bonaccorsi is ICEA certified, prioritizing biodiversity, maintaining natural vegetation, and preserving fruit trees for ecological balance. Their vineyards boast 80-year-old plants, cared for using copper-based sulfur, ensuring grapes are free from chemical residues and rich in natural yeasts vital to winemaking. In the cellar, they embrace a natural approach, eschewing chemical additives. The infusion of fresh, innovative ideas from their daughters is pivotal, invigorating Bonaccorsi with new energy while preserving its distinctive coherence.
ABOUT SHELLY LINDGREN:
Shelley Lindgren is the wine director and owner of San Francisco’s Italian restaurant A16, which has locations in Oakland, California and Tokyo, Japan. In February 2024, she opened La Pala – serving pizza al taglio and panini from San Francisco’s Ferry Building. She has received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program; has received the 2023 Slow Wine Fair Award for Best Selection of Good, Clean, and Fair Italian Wine; and has been knighted by the Italian government, receiving the prestigious “Cavaliere dell’Ordine Della Stella Italia” (Dott.ssa) distinction for her professional dedication to Italian wine. Shelley’s third book, Italian Wine – The history, regions and grapes of an iconic wine country was recently released and available internationally. Shelley’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Punch, San Francisco Chronicle, and many other publications. Shelley started a winery called Tansy Wines in 2021 with Kitty Oestlien – inspired by Italian varietals of Northern California as well as Pinot Noir and an upcoming Cabernet Sauvignon all from organically grown, single vineyards. She served on the board of La Cocina, the Guild of Sommeliers, and Slide Ranch and is a member of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and two sons.
ABOUT THE LUCQUES GROUP:
With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard Foundation award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – A.O.C. in both Los Angeles and Brentwood. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also owns the Larder Baking Company and oversees Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine, which curates all the food and beverage outlets at L.A.’s iconic music venue. The duo also operates two new restaurants – Caldo Verde and Cara Cara, and the new Dahlia cocktail bar at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.
This sounds amazing! I love that you can devour the foodie scene in LA every week and still be discovering new gems all the time. We’re gonna try to head there his weekend! Thnks for sharing.