New Years Eve: Celestino Ristorante’s Calogero Drago creates an exceptional foodie celebration
Executive Chef and Owner Calogero Drago knows how to celebrate New Year’s Eve and this year is no exception at Celestino Ristorante!
The last meal of 2022 is going to be everything one could wish for and more with Celestino Ristorante’s New Year’s Eve Specials Menu or guests can enjoy any of the delectable dishes from Celestino Ristorante’s Sicilian Signature Dinner Menu complimented by a Specialty Cocktail, Bottle of Wine, or Champagne from Celestino Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List.
As Chef Calogero Drago likes to say, “Life is beautiful!” and his menu will make you feel jubilant and ready to welcome 2023!
Celestino Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm;Celestino Ristorante will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.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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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/
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New Years Eve: Celebrate Nochevieja or Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina
This New Years Even come celebrate Nochevieja or Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina
Executive Chef Jenni Sklar serves up her innovative Mexican menu showcasing Antojitos (Snacks), Ensaladas (Salad), Quesadillas featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion and cheese,Tacos, Los Tazones (Bowls), Burritos, Acompanantes (Sides), and Dessert.
El Granjero Cantina will also be serving up their Specialty Holiday Cocktails offering something for everyone including Tobin Shea’s ‘Tis the Season Margarita prepared with tequila, prickly pear, lime, and Ancho Reyes, Poison Apple Mule made of vodka, apple spice, and lime
Mrs. Clause’s Martini comprised of guest’s choice of spirit, cold brew, and Tia Maria, and Hot Chocolate served with marshmallows that you can spike to make this amazing night exceptionally bright!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Say Feliz Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina on New Year’s Eve Day as while enjoying some of the best people watching at The Original Farmers Market Los Angeles.
Executive Chef Jenni Sklar will be cooking up her innovative Mexican menu all day and evening featuring a selection of Antojitos (Snacks), Ensaladas (Salad), Quesadillas, Tacos, Los Tazones (Bowls), Burritos, Acompanantes (Sides), and Dessert.
El Granjero Cantina will also be showcasing their full beverage menu that includes Wine, Beer, Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Soft Drinks, Espresso, Tea, Specialty List of Tequilas y Mezcal,
Mezcal List and Specialty Cocktails created by Tobin Shea including the Classic Margarita with a choice of tequila or mezcal, Cointreau, fresh lime and citrus agave, EGC Old Fashioned made with reposado tequila, mezcal and Meletti organe,
Rasp-Hib Cocktail with tequila, italicus, raspberry hibiscus tea, lime and soda, Paloma prepared with tequila, grapefruit, lime and salt on draft, and much, much more this New Year’s Day!
El Granjero Cantina at The Original Famers Market Los Angeles will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm; El Granjero Cantina will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm; 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.879,9324;www.CantinaLA.com
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LA June 1-2: Mama’s Boy Cookies Set to Bring Flavor and Impact At LA’s The Women’s Expo
LA June 1-2: Mama’s Boy Cookies Set to Bring Flavor and Impact At LA’s The Women’s Expo
Mama’s Boy Cookies, based out of Oceanside, California, will be attending The Women’s Expo in Los Angeles from June 1-2, and is looking to make a serious impact.
Mama’s Boy Cookies set for LA’s The Women’s Expo
FlavRReport.com on Youtube
Joey Pass, owner and operator of Mama’s Boy Cookies, believes that his cookie recipes have what it takes to compete with top players like Crumbl, Mrs. Fields, and Great American Cookies; aiming for success at events like The Women’s Expo, FoodieLand, and other major events across the USA, that will hopefully become a reality.
flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip, peanut butter, red velvet, M&M’s, and more
With flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip and peanut butter to less standard options like red velvet, M&M’s, and double chocolate; Mama’s Boy is running the full gamut of flavor options for customers to enjoy.
Setting up shop at The Los Angeles Convention Center, The Women’s Expo is setting the stage for Mama’s Boy to reach a large audience that they previously have not.
Mama’s Boy is looking to make a big enough impact on attendees at the expo that it gets them one step closer to bringing their nostalgic tasting cookies to a nationwide audience.
Confidently, Mama’s Boy knows that they have the recipes to generate the necessary exposure for them to successfully tackle the expo, as well as other major events and succeed with flying colors.
Mama’s Boy Cookies so far have only been available for purchase at select events similar to FoodieLand and the LA Women’s Expo, which has created a cult-like following and demand for the delectable treats.
As a result, Mama’s Boy has sold out of cookies entirely at every event they’ve attended so far. If they can manage to do the same at The Women’s Expo, the event serves as grounds for the brand to launch onto the path of success that they are looking for.
“We’re extremely excited to be attending The Women’s Expo and hopeful that we can bring a nostalgic taste just like mama used to make to all attendees.”
Joey Pass
Owner and Operator
Mama’s Boy Cookies
Despite the demand, Joey Pass knows that it is not conducive to getting him to where he wants Mama’s Boy to be.
Thus, he is hoping to launch an e-commerce platform for the brand in the near future and cookies will be available at mamasboycookies.com, as well as select retailers. Pass has plans for new recipes in the future as well, potentially including some more health focused options, but his lips are sealed on exactly what that may look like.
For the newest updates, you’ll have to follow them on social media and monitor their website.
Joey Pass is a Marine Corp veteran of ten years and former professional body builder.
Not many people possess the disciplinary skills or drive to take on the challenge of competing with some of the largest cookie companies in the world- but Pass sees it as an opportunity to build upon the life and disciplinary skills he has garnered so far; not only through persistence of business, but also ensuring that each cookie is made with the perfection necessary to satisfy the palate of his customers.
A stack of Mama’s Boy Cookies accompanied by a glass of milk.
Being a Marine Corp veteran, Pass has learned what it means to enjoy the simple things in life such as cookies, and what it means to serve others. He hopes to garner enough success through Mama’s Boy to help out other Veterans in need, or help create prominent male figures in the lives of young men who do not have one. What or who exactly this campaign or medium looks like, Pass is unsure, but he would love to discuss it in person with customers sometime over a cookie or two.
“While we’ve had some crazy demand so far, we’re not where we want to be. Luckily the disciplinary skills I have learned from being a Marine has taught me to be patient, driven, and strive for excellence”
Joey Pass
Owner and Operator
Mama’s Boy Cookies
If you are attending the expo, you’ll want to be sure to stop by and get yourself a bag of Mama’s Boy’s irresistible cookies.
Mama’s Boy is beyond thrilled to be attending The Women’s Expo and seeing what potential the event holds for the brand.
This exciting event presents an opportunity for attendees to indulge in the irresistible flavors of Mama’s Boy Cookies while supporting a veteran-owned business.
Whether you’re a cookie connoisseur or simply have a hankering for a sweet tooth, be sure to visit Mama’s Boy Cookies booth in LA from June 1-2.
It’ll take you back to the days of eating cookies just like mama used to make!
We love Celestino. Probably our favorite date night restaurant in LA