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Santa Monica’s Mon Ami “First Class to Spain”  Sept 19 Experiential Dining Brings Barcelona to Your Table

Santa Monica ‘s Mon Ami “First Class to Spain”  Sept 19 Experiential Dining Brings Catalonia to Your Table

If you’re not already familiar with Mon Ami, you’re missing out on one of Santa Monica’s tastiest hidden gems.

Tucked behind the crowds on Ocean Avenue, this hidden courtyard restaurant feels like the best-kept secret for cocktails and bites near the beach. 

Nas Negahban’s Mon Ami “First Class Experience’ takes Your Tastebuds to Barcelona

Under the guidance of Nas Negahban from Pacific Coast Hospitality Group, a seasoned traveler with a passion for authentic culinary experiences, Mon Ami strives to mirror the richness of Mediterranean cultures in every aspect. 

The Mon Ami event series will launch September 19.

Reservations to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list

Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu

Or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks

Mon Ami Chef explaining tonight's dishes

Mon Ami Chef explaining tonight’s dishes

Speaking on his inspiration and Mon Ami’s concept, Nas explains:

“I’ve always had a passion for building new concepts and brands across various industries.

We currently have a few restaurants in Spain and other countries

but Santa Monica is home. ”

 

Nas Negahban

 

Mon Ami is the true Mediterranean experience.

With an emphasis on a variety of culinary dishes and spices and inspired spirits with an enhanced flair attached to it from several countries located on or by the Mediterranean Sea such as Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco, & many more with a lot of their food curated and selected from the local Santa Monica Farmers Market. 

First Class Series Event on September 19 – Extraordinary Journey to Barcelona

The First Class Event Series includes 2 items from Mon Ami’s drink menu (specialty cocktails or wine)… and dishes from their food menu:

  • appetizer
  • first course
  • second course
  • choice of 3rd course
  • and choice of dessert

If that sounds like a lot, it is.  And not in a “I’m stuffed and need to roll home” kind of way.

Incredible flavor.

Diversity.

Filling.

But you leave feeling pleasantly fulfilled. Not heavy.

For me, that’s incredibly important.

Mon Ami’s First Class Series is a great idea for date night, for a casual business dinner, for a birthday or celebration.

Most importantly, it creates memories.  It’s been a few days since my dinner, and I’m still remembering it and smiling.

Mon Ami's Blackberry Mojito

Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito

Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito

Mon Ami's Catelonia Margarita

Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita

Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita.

The dinner started with a light appetizer, perfect to ignite your appetite.

Mon Ami; Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)

Mon Ami; Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)

Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)

Light with a good crunch and subtle flavor.

Equally important, the perfect conversation starter.  If your dining table has a quiet moment, the arrival of this plate sparks smiles, giggles and reactions.

Mon Ami; Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper

Mon Ami; Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper

1st Course

Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper

This is the first feel of diversity.  Flavor, mouthfeel; each of the three delivered a different experience.  From subtle, to bold, to a kick of spice.

Is your dinner Instagrammable?  It is if you’re at Mon Ami.

All evening long diners were taking pics of their meals.  Why?  Sure, it’s delicious.  But the plating.  Beautifully well-designed and playful.

Mon Ami takes their flavor seriously, but has fun creating each dish into art.

Mon Ami; Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas

Mon Ami; Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas

2nd Course

Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas

The grilled octopus is tender and juicy, paired well with crispy fried potatoes and drizzled with red sauce. It made you hungry for what’s next…

Mon Ami; Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini

Mon Ami; Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini

3rd Course 

Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini

Don’t forget, the 3rd course has options: steak vs pasta.

Choosing skirt steak because it’s commonly a tougher cut and I was curious to see how Mon Ami’s skilled chef would create a heavenly plate.  Here, the marinade brought out the tender juicy flavor that we hoped for.  Well-prepared.

Our table shared smiles, giggles and mmmm’s with each bite.

Mon Ami; Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries

Mon Ami; Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries

Dessert

Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries

Again, dessert offered choices.  Dessert was between Crema Catalona and Sorbet.  I chose the Crema because I wanted to see how the Chef and his kitchen would prepare the dish.  His choices were impressive so far and I chose to trust his instincts.

I’m glad I trusted him.

It was perfect for me.  To be clear, I don’t want a mountain of sugar.  I want 5 bites of flavor and pleasure.

If tonight had been a date, sharing 2-3 bites each would have been the perfect evening to a perfect dinner.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Santa Monica, Nas is committed to elevating his hometown’s hospitality scene to reflect the sophistication of beachside cities he has encountered abroad.

This is present in every aspect of MON AMI’s ambiance, from its lush indoor-outdoor seating surrounded by greenery to its late-night live entertainment and picture-perfect cocktails. MON AMI is meticulously curated to enchant and immerse guests.

The event series will launch September 19 at the Mon Ami Santa location.

Reservation to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list

You can also email events@monamism.com if you have any questions or want to book over the phone.)

Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks. 

Mon Ami will offer a complimentary taste of the sangria upon arrival.

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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

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

  2. 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.

  3. Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

  4. 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).

Holiday Dining in Beverly Hills

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.

Holiday Dining in Beverly Hills

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

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 EsquireLos 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

www.NavigatorPS.com

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.

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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