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A Month of Flavor: Celebrate Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary with Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Owner Alex Sarkissian and Chef Vartan Abgaryan Celebrate Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary With Four Renowned Chefs & Monthlong Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Celebrate Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary with Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Momed in Atwater Village is turning ten this September, and to celebrate a decade of culinary excellence, Owner Alex Sarkissian and Chef Vartan Abgaryan are bringing back the beloved “Immigrant Chef Series.”

This special event, kicking off on September 9th, will feature four extraordinary Monday night dinners, each showcasing the talents of renowned Los Angeles chefs with rich immigrant backgrounds.

Starting September 9th and continuing each Monday throughout the month, guests can indulge in a unique Seven-Course Tasting Menu ($80 per person) served family-style, featuring dishes crafted in collaboration with Chef Abgaryan.

Each evening will highlight the diverse cultural and culinary heritages of the guest chefs, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors that truly celebrates the richness of Los Angeles’ immigrant communities.

The Momed 10th Anniversary “Immigrant Chef Series” lineup includes:

Chef Susan Yoon, Momed Atwater Village

Chef Susan Yoon

Monday, September 9th

Chef Susan Yoon

Orsa & Winston, Wolfdown, 71Above

Chef Nakul Mahendro, Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary with Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Chef Nakul Mahendro – BADMAASH

Monday, September 16th

Chef Nakul Mahendro

BADMAASH

Chef Wesley Avila, Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary with Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Chef Wesley Avila

Monday, September 23rd

Chef Wesley Avila

Guerilla Tacos, KA’TEEN, MXO Steakhouse

Chef Vivian Ku, Momed Atwater Village ’s 10th Anniversary with Immigrant Chef Dinner Series

Chef Vivian Ku

Monday, September 30th

Chef Vivian Ku

Pine & Crane, Joy

Momed cocktails

Momed cocktails

Complementing the culinary experience, guests can also enjoy Five Specialty Cocktails and Five Specially Selected Wines by the glass, all priced at just $10 each.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there!

To keep the festivities going, Momed will offer Happy Hour “all night” at the bar from Sunday through Thursday all throughout September.

Additionally, in the spirit of giving back, Momed will donate 5% of the proceeds from each dinner to five organizations committed to immigrant and refugee affairs: Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Immigrant Center for Women and Children (ICWC), International Rescue Committee (IRC),Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles(CHIRLA).

Momed’s 10th Anniversary “Immigrant Chef Series” promises to be a flavorful and festive celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry.

Don’t miss this special event and mark your calendars and make your reservation today!

For more information on Momed’s 10th Anniversary “Immigrant Chef Series” coming up on Monday, September 9th, 2024, Monday, September 16th, 2024, Monday, September 23rd, 2024, and Monday, September 30th, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Please visit www.AtMomed.com to make your reservations, and for further information call Momed directly at 323.522.3488.

About Momed:

Momed, owned by Alex Sarkissian and short for “Modern Mediterranean,” offers a fresh take on the diverse flavors of the Mediterranean basin, emphasizing seasonality and sustainable ingredients. Since opening its doors in 2014, Momed Atwater Village has become a cherished dining destination in Los Angeles, known for its warm ambiance, inventive cuisine, and commitment to community. With Chef Vartan Abgaryan now at the helm, Momed continues to push culinary boundaries while honoring its Mediterranean roots.

 

About Chef Vartan Abgaryan:

As a child growing up in Los Angeles, Vartan Abgaryan was deeply moved by the way his family’s Armenian American culture celebrated all occasions, both happy and somber, with food. Inspired by the pure joy of cooking and how food brought many generations together, Abgaryan decidedly embarked on a career in the culinary realm. Educated at Le Cordon Bleu, Abgaryan graduated in 2004 and went on to cook at the famed Andre Soltner restaurant Lutece for one and a half years. In 2006, he moved back to the West Coast to be closer to his family, where he worked at Red Pearl Kitchen, followed by three years as Executive Chef at A Restaurant in Newport Beach. He then headed inland to accept the position of Executive Chef at Public Kitchen and Bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where he received 2-stars from the Los Angeles Times food critic and was mentioned as a ‘Restaurant to Watch’ in Esquire magazine by Food Writer and Critic John Mariani.

In 2012, Abgaryan joined the Eastside’s iconic Cliff’s Edge as Executive Chef. Here, he successfully took the eight-year-old neighborhood restaurant and made it relevant again. At Cliff’s Edge, Abgaryan became known for his highly seasonal approach to ingredients and his stunning presentation of dishes – Eater Los Angeles’ Matthew Kang commented that his dishes were “among the most beautiful plating in the city.” In 2014, Cliff’s Edge was awarded three stars by LA Weekly’s Restaurant Critic, Besha Rodell.

After a successful run, he elevated his role, quite literally, by opening 71Above – the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi, in July 2016. Since opening, the restaurant has received great critical acclaim and put Abgaryan on L.A.’s culinary heat map. Under his hand, 71Above was awarded 3-stars by LA Weekly, and Los Angeles Magazine named it ‘one of the Top Ten New Restaurants of 2016,’ with Critic Patrick Kuh remarking that “the experience is luxury that reflects on-point execution.” The Los Angeles Times’ beloved Jonathan Gold called his Suckling Pig dish “something out of a charcuterie dream.”

After serving over 300 diners a night at elaborate helicopter-hovering heights, Abgaryan had become one of the city’s most talented and respected chefs. When an opportunity presented itself to bring a refined culinary experience to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, considered by many to be “America’s coolest block,” he took it. Abgaryan’s culinary endeavor, Yours Truly, with partners Dave Reiss (formerly of Salt Air) and Paul Pruitt (Founder of New School), allowed him to focus less on the number of guests and work within a more intimate dinner setting. Continuing to build dishes blending flavors from many cultures, Abgaryan’s dinner menu exhibited a multi-cultural approach to each dish, combining ingredients from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

In February 2023, Abgaryan took on a new challenge as the Chef at Momed in Atwater Village, where he continues to bring his creative vision and dedication to seasonal, culturally rich cuisine.

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This Halloween in LA: Scary-good whiskies: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.

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Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.

Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.

The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.

The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.

Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY.  Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.

J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors.  Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.

Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

LA wants “Indulgence without compromise” Dairy-free, plant-based: OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur

Dairy-free, plant-based: OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur from the Makers of Misunderstood Whiskey Co.

OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur proudly announces the launch of its innovative, dairy-free cream liqueur line, setting a new standard in the cream liqueur category. Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, OATRAGEOUS offers a plant-based alternative that is free from dairy, gluten, lactose, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and seed oils.

OATRAGEOUS is proudly the first portfolio of Oat Milk Liqueurs to hit shelves in the United States.

“We couldn’t be more excited to share OATRAGEOUS with the world,”

JD Recobs

Co-Founder of OATRAGEOUS.

“There are a lot of consumers out there who want to enjoy cream inspired products but are limited by dietary restrictions, lifestyle choices, or simple taste preferences.”

OATRAGEOUS will debut three core SKUs this fall: Coconut, Espresso, and the world’s first Dairy-Free Bourbon Cream (14% ABV).

OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur is designed for those who seek indulgence without compromise. OATRAGEOUS delivers a light, smooth, and creamy experience while boasting less sugar and fewer calories versus traditional cream liqueurs. The expressions are crafted with 100% sustainably sourced, non-GMO oats, smooth bourbon whiskey and real ingredients.

“We are thrilled to be able to open doors for consumers by giving them delicious, dairy-free options that are produced transparently and made with significantly less sugar compared to what is currently available on the market,” added Co-Founder Chris Buglisi.

While OATRAGEOUS is best enjoyed simply chilled or over ice, the products are a great base for dairy-free alternative cocktails such as the Dairy-Free Espresso Martinis (or EspressOAT Martinis) and Dairy-Free Pina Coladas!

“We aspire to create exceptional products that prioritize both people and the planet,” said Emily Recobs, Co-Founder of OATRAGEOUS. “With a commitment to sustainability, we carefully craft every bottle using clean, high-quality ingredients, keeping the environment in mind every step of the way.”

Key Features:

  • Bourbon Based Cream Liqueur: Made with premium bourbon whiskey; distilled at the historic old Seagrams distillery by Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with lactose intolerance, choosing a dairy-free lifestyle and with gluten sensitivities.
  • Plant-Based & Vegan-Friendly: A delightful option for those following plant-based diets.
  • Made With Clean Ingredients: No seed oils, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Kosher.
  • Less Sugar & Calories: OATRAGEOUS contains 30% less sugar & calories than the leading cream liqueur brands. Proudly only 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving.
  • Sustainably Sourced: Committed to environmental responsibility, using non-GMO oats.
  • Transparently Produced: The company proudly discloses nutrition facts on their website.

Core SKUs:

  • Coconut (14% ABV) – A tropical delight with the smooth, creamy taste of real coconut.
  • Espresso (14% ABV) – A rich, bold flavor infused with the essence of Arabica espresso.
  • Bourbon Cream (14% ABV) – A classic, luxurious blend of small batch bourbon whiskey and dairy free oat milk cream.

Availability and Pricing:
OATRAGEOUS will retail at $27.99 and be available for sale nationally online (www.drinkoatrageous.com) and in liquor stores in select markets including: FL, MA, NJ, NY, and TX.

About OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueurs
OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur was created to bring fun, innovative dairy-free cream liqueurs to the world with a focus on quality and sustainability. OATRAGEOUS is a brand of Buglisi Recobs Group, also owner of Misunderstood Whiskey Company, a NJ based innovative whiskey brand delivering approachable spirits to its customer base which includes its Ginger Spiced Whiskey and America’s Original Dairy Free Oat Nog seasonal release.

Lakers Fans: Basketball legend Introduces ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’, available September 30

Lakers Fans: Basketball legend Introduces ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’, available September 30

Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac, and basketball legend LeBron James are proud to unveil ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ – a V.S bottle collaboration available globally starting on September 30, 2024.

This first-time collaboration between Hennessy and LeBron James unites two giants in their respective fields and brings an unexpected twist to fans and the industry alike. Their mutual respect, shared drive for excellence and commitment to pushing boundaries makes this partnership a celebration of greatness and serves as a reminder that Hennessy is made for more.

“As an admirer of Hennessy and its iconic brand, I’ve always appreciated its commitment to basketball and how it celebrates the sport’s influence on and off the court,”

lebron James

“I was fortunate enough to visit the Maison in Cognac a while back, and seeing the care and craftsmanship that go into creating each bottle was pretty incredible. This collaboration represents a shared sense of dedication and discovery coming to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

The limited-edition bottle features fresh, vibrant and distinctive designs which nod to James’ impact on and off the court. Both the bottle and gift box showcase an illustrative portrait of James in purple and orange. The iconic Hennessy Bras Armé is reimagined, sporting a sleeve as a tribute to James and intertwined with his trademark crown. The blend will remain the same and continue to deliver on the bold, yet smooth character that has made Hennessy V.S one of the most popular cognacs in the world.

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

“We are elated to officially welcome LeBron James to the Hennessy family after many years of mutual admiration and friendship,” said Antoine Varlet, Senior Vice President, Hennessy U.S. “LeBron is not just a basketball star, but someone who redefines boundaries in sport, style, culture and beyond. This partnership is more than just a collaboration, it’s a statement about what’s possible when two cultural icons come together.”

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James

To highlight the cognac’s versatility, James put a fresh twist on the Hennessy Margarita cocktail featuring Hennessy V.S, lime juice, orange liqueur, orange juice and agave syrup. The addition of orange juice comes directly from James, inspired by a recent tasting experience in Cognac where he experienced the different possibilities of the spirit and discovered that Hennessy is enjoyed more than just neat, complementing a wide range of serves. This follows the release of Hennessy’s “Made for more” campaign, which shows how any drink or occasion can be made ‘more’ when you add Hennessy. Find the full recipe on hennessy.com.

The ‘Hennessy Limited Edition by LeBron James’ V.S will be available for purchase starting September 30, 2024.

 

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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