Newcomer Shauna Grace twists and turns with Shane West in Supernatural “Soul Trader”.
The screen fades up at the LA premiere of The Soul Trader and the first face we see reminds us of Hollywood Glamour. This screen siren kicks ass in a Charlize Theron, Scarlet Johannson, Anya -Taylor Joy kind of way.
It’s easy to fall in love with Shauna Grace; the camera certainly has. She leads the audience through an upscale party, to a business deal where she explains her very unique set of skills.
In this business deal, Grace’s character stares down characters played by heartthrob Shane West and TV legend Donna Mills.
If you love more of West’s character work, you’ll love him in this role. He rolls with the plot’s twists and turns with a smooth confidence that makes you want to see him in more mysteries, thrillers and heists. Is a David Mamet film in his future? We’d beg to see that!
We know Donna Mills as a 1980s sex symbol turned wine country icon. Here she delivers icy lines with a vulnerability that remind us why she is a famed on-screen heartbreaker.
Filmmaker Susan Dynner inspires great moments from her cast, but also creates ambience with cinematographer Mattias Schubert and a score by Jeff Russo (yes, that Jeff Russo from Fargo and Ripley) and an original script from Mike Underwood.
Twisty-Turny Thriller
For as short time-wise as a short film typically is, this one moves fast. Real fast. With an ending that feels like it freezes time. The crowded theater all leaned in at the last moment just before it ended. With a collective, “But what happens next?”
The Future of The Soul Trader
What happens next is both obvious and a mystery.
For the obvious, the short film, which has already received acclaim will continue on its film fest journey collecting honors and sparking meetings.
For the mystery, both Filmmaker Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace have revealed this is a proof of concept teaser to the feature film or TV series they want to make based on the concept.
Based on the crowds and applause in Cannes, NYC and now LA, it seems like this short is a sure bet for more.
Susan Dynner shared:
“Today’s audience is an example of our future. The theater was full of the entertainment industry and it played so well. Tides are shifting in Hollywood.
There are more opportunities than ever and we are excited to be getting so many meetings with those opportunities.”
Susan Dynner
At the LA after-party reception, both Shauna Grace and Susan Dynner were crowded with well-wishers and production companies.
I was able to pull Shauna Grace away for a moment to congratulate her and ask about the experience:
“This has already been one of the best experiences and it’s only the beginning. We are traveling around showing our short film that we are so proud of.
It’s so rewarding getting audience feedback. Hearing from companies who are as excited as we are and wanting to work with us. It’s all very exciting about the future.”
Shauna Grace
Story: An occult hitwoman has cornered the market for selling life-extending souls to the elite. But on her final hit before retirement, deadly competition emerges from the shadows.
Follow The Soul Trader on social media at their Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
For more information, visit their website at: www.TheSoulTrader.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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Does LA Love Ice Cream? Can Ice Cream Legends Ben & Jerry do a Million Scoops on Free Cone Day April 16
Does LA Love Ice Cream? Can Ice Cream Legends Ben & Jerry do a Million Scoops on Free Cone Day April 16
On April 16, Ben & Jerry’s is throwing its annual Free Cone Day celebration, and while any day free ice cream is involved is a win, the Ben & Jerry’s team behind the annual fan appreciation event, now well past its 40th year, are inviting fans to help make this year’s Free Cone Day the biggest and best yet with 1 million scoops served.
Ben & Jerry Free Cone Day is April 16
Free Cone Day returns after a four-year pause
Last year, Free Cone Day made its highly anticipated return after a four-year pause, and dedicated Ben & Jerry’s fans showed the Vermont-based ice cream maker just how happy they were that the giveaway tradition was back.
“It was nothing short of amazing to see our fans back in our shops in their full Free Cone Day glory,”
Dave Stever
Ben & Jerry’s CEO
…who dished out ice cream at the Scoop Shops in Vermont.
“We gave out over 970,000 scoops across the globe, but we know together with our fans we can break 1 million scoops.” Stever added, “We’re asking our fans to really bring it this year: invite their friends, family, neighbors, and help us beat our goal of 1 million scoops on Free Cone Day 2024.”
The beloved tradition began in 1979 as cofounders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield survived their first winter – as a tiny, independent, two-person ice cream business – in the frozen tundra of Vermont.
National Weather Service records dubbed it “the brutal winter of 1978-1979” as the average temperature reached a record low of 14.1°F (-10°C) and the winter season snowfall set a record of 52.9 inches (134 centimeters).
The first Free Cone Day in 1979
Today’s traditions are no different than the first Free Cone Day in 1979 as it has always been a way to give back to the community and thank fans for their support.
The only difference is that the once single “mom & pop” shop is now one of the largest, most successful ice cream businesses in the U.S., as well as in 35 other countries around the globe.
New flavors debut on Free Cone Day
Fans can stop by their local shop for a go-to favorite or ask about new flavors like brand-new Scoop Shop exclusive Mango flavor, made of mango ice cream swirled with sweet cream ice cream, or recently debuted Non-Dairy Strawberry Cheezecake.
New additions Impretzively Fudged and PB S’more make great options for the sweet and salty lovers.
Can’t decide?
Flavors may vary based on location but fans are welcome to try any and all available flavors and are encouraged to get back in line as many times as they’d like. Experienced fans understand it’s easiest to jump back in the queue on Free Cone Day with a scoop already in hand.
To find the nearest participating Scoop Shop, visit https://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day.
Ben & Jerry’s is an aspiring social justice company that believes in a greater calling than simply making and selling the world’s best ice cream.
The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and Non-Dairy/vegan desserts using high-quality ingredients and lots of big chunks and swirls. As a Certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry’s incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices via values-led sourcing initiatives when purchasing ingredients.
Ben & Jerry’s is distributed in over 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Scoop Shops, and via on-demand delivery services.
Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, a fair financial return, and addressing issues of social, racial, and environmental injustice around the globe.
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, guided by Ben & Jerry’s employees, granted $5.1 MM in 2023 to support progressive, justice-focused grassroots organizing around the country.
For up-to-date information visit benjerry.com.
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LA Foodies: Celebrate 2023 with Great New Years Eve and New Years Day Menus Specials
Los Angeles celebrates 2023 with great New Years Eve and New Years Day menu specials.
Sip, Savor & Celebrate Modern Indian, Festive Italian, Modern Mexican, Signature Favorites.
Southern Soul Food, New American Fare, Smoked Meats, Truly Delicious Boozy Treats, and much, much more!
Arth’s Pistachio Lamb Chops, Photography by Tonelson
ARTH BAR + KITCHEN – CULVER CITY (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Arth Bar + Kitchen, Culver City’s modern Indian eatery is ringing in the New Year with their New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebration featuring their Signature Menu which includes Small Plates, Tandoor Starters, Entrées, Handcrafted Tandoor Breads, Accompaniments, Rice, and Desserts, along with Party Favors, and a performance by DJ Bains.
With its contemporary atmosphere, Arth Bar + Kitchen will be serving up their full list of Cocktails making this a New Year’s Eve to remember!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Celebrate New Year’s Day at Arth Bar + Kitchen by enjoying a modern Indian dinner with family and friends featuring Small Plates, Tandoor Starters, Entrées, Handcrafted Tandoor Breads, Accompaniments, Rice, and Desserts.
Arth Bar + Kitchen will also be crafting their full list of Cocktails including their special Old Monk’s Manhattan made of Old Monk Spiced Indian Rum, banana liqueur, cinnamon infused vermouth, vanilla liqueur, walnut bitters, garnished with a torched cinnamon stick making this a perfect way to welcome 2023!
Arth Bar + Kitchen will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 am; Arth Bar + Kitchen will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 9531 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232; 424.503.4155; www.ArthLA.com
BG’s Margherita Pizza, Photo Credit: Wonho Photo
BG – BEVERLY HILLS (NEW YEAR’S EVE):
BG, Nerano’s best kept secret, is bringing the heat to Beverly Hills this New Year’s Eve with a very special NYE Burlesque Dinner featuring Miss Marquez!
With a powerhouse team including Nerano Executive Chef Michele Lisi, Bar Director Jacki Smith, and Wine Director David Gary, BG’s NYE Burlesque Dinner with Miss Marquez will showcase Executive Chef Michele Lisi’s Signature Menu, Jacki Smith’s Craft Cocktails, Select Wines curated by David Gary and a speakeasy vibe that reminds one of 1923 as we ring in 2023!
BBG’s Violet Beauregard
BG Beverly Hills will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm;
BG Beverly Hills will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 9960 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 424.332.0439; www.BGBeverlyHills.com
CELESTINO RISTORANTE – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
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
DRAGO CENTRO – DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Come ring in 2023 at Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles this New Year’s Eve as Owner and Executive Chef Celestino Drago prepares a special
CENA DI SAN SILVESTRO (New Year’s Eve) Six-Course Tasting Menu ($200 per person)
including Kanpachi, Cipolle Fritte, Capperi, Peperoncino, Gel Fluido al Limone, Kanpachi, fried onions, capers, chili, and lemon fluid gel,
Torta di Granchio Dungeness, Peperoni Piquillo, Rucola, Remoulade, made with Dungeness crab cake, piquillo peppers, arugula, and remoulade,
Pasta Mista, Langostino, Americaine, a mixed pasta, langostino, and Americaine, Branzino Cileno, Gnocchi, Pomodoro Cimelio, Scampi, Chilean sea bass, gnocchi, heirloom tomato, and scampi,
Kagoshima A5 NY, Patate Affumicate, Salsa al Rosmarino e Pepe, Kagoshima A5 NY Wagyu smoked potato, with a rosemary peppercorn sauce, and Torta Cassata Siciliana Sfera, a sphere Sicilian cassata cake for Dessert.
Guests can also enjoy a Specialty Cocktail, Wines by the Glass, and Wines & Champagne by the Bottle from Drago Centro’s award-winning Wine List. So come celebrate, toast, and cheer the New Year at Drago Centro!
Drago Centro will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 202, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Drago Centro will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.228.8998; www.DragoCentro.com
EL GRANJERO CANTINA – THE ORGINAL FAMERS MARKET LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Come celebrate Nochevieja or Año Nuevo at El Granjero Cantina as 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
Photo Credit: Courtesy of El Granjero Cantina
EMILIA RISTORANTE – LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Grab your sparklers and stroll over to Emilia Ristorante this New Year’s Eve and sip a Sparkling Wine with savoringEmilia Ristorante’s Signature Menu featuring Al Centro Tavola (Something to Share), Insalate (Salads), Paste & Risotto, I Secondi (Main Dish), I Contorni (Sides), and Desserts, where each dish inspired from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and can also be perfectly paired with a White Wine, Rosé, or Red Wine from Emilia Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List.
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Get ready to roll out of bed and into 2023 by heading to Emilia Ristorante for Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch!
Enjoy Emilia Ristorante’s Breakfast & Lunch or Weekend Brunch Menus featuring Uova in Camicia, two organic poached eggs served over sautéed jumbo green asparagus, topped with smoked Guanciale Hollandaise sauce and sliced Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese,
Focaccia da Colazione, flatbread with smoked mozzarella, sliced tomato and crispy Guanciale, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, arugula and sliced Parmigiano,
La Piadina di Mattina, an Emilia-Romagna traditional bread roll, filled with two organic scrambled eggs, Fontina cheese, Italian ham, served with side of mixed-green salad,
Quiche agli Asparagi e Provolone, traditional Italian-quiche puff pastry with Fontina cheese and asparagus, served with an organic mixed-green salad,
Toast Francese, French toast topped with mixed berries, served with organic maple syrup,
Salmone Affumicato, King salmon plate, softened cream cheese, topped with shred hard boiled eggs, diced red onion, chives, crispy capers, served with toasted sourdough bread,
Uovo alla Benedettina, two organic poached eggs, served over house-made focaccia bread, topped with Italian ham, Provolone cheese, and smoked Guanciale Hollandaise, and much more.
Toast Francese, Photo Credit: Wonho Photography
Each of these beautiful Breakfast, Lunch and Weekend Brunch dishes can be perfectly paired with an Italian Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Rosé, or Red Wine from Emilia Ristorante’s award-winning Wine List.
Emilia Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Emilia Ristorante will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, for Brunch and Lunch from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 8500 Burton Way, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 424.999.4755; www.EmiliaLA.com
GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT – ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE & LONG BEACH EXCHANGE (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Prosperity Meal! Make your last meal of 2022 memorable and set the stage for a prosperous New Year! Did you know that in the South, Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens symbolize wealth?
Even folks who aren’t from the South go all in on eating a New Year’s Eve Prosperity Meal featuring Black-Eyed Peas, Leafy Collard Greens and Cornbread for good luck on New Year’s Eve, giving you everything you need to welcome wealth: Pennies, Dollars & Gold.
Come ring in 2023 right at Georgia’s Restaurant’s at the Anaheim Packing House and Long Beach Exchange on New Year’s Eve to be sure that wealth and prosperity come your way!
Georgia’s Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing House will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm; 440 South Anaheim Boulevard #209A, Anaheim, CA 92805; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com
Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022,from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY – GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT AT THE LONG BEACH EXCHANGE:
Come celebrate New Year’s Day with a Boozy Brunch at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange as they are kicking-off 2023 with a bang and serving up a Southern “Soul-delicious”
Brunch all day long!
Share savories such as the Fried Egg Sandwich, with choice of cooked egg, mayonnaise and bacon, the Sausage, Bacon and Eggs served with blackened country potatoes and toast, or Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite, the hearty Steak and Eggs, featuring top sirloin steak and a side of blackened country potatoes.
For those that love a sweet start to their day, there is Grilled French Toast made the old-fashioned way and topped with powdered sugar and strawberries, theCinnamon Apple Waffle topped with warm sautéed apples in a finger-licking cinnamon syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream.
Alternatively, guests can also have the best of both the sweet and savory worlds with the Chicken and Waffles, which stars Georgia’s signature fried chicken, a process that begins with Co-Owner Marlon Machado’s Brazilian buttermilk brine and ends with a seasoned crispy cornmeal crust courtesy of Nana Gretchen’s very own grandmother, served on a Belgian waffle with creamy honey butter, and maple syrup.
Soul-delicious Southern staples also include the Fish & Grits featuring Creole seasoned cornmeal crusted fried catfish, or the classic Shrimp & Grits made with Creole seasoned shrimp over a bed of savory grits.
Get festive with the vegetarian friendly Mardi Gras Omelet, featuring green and red bell peppers, onions, and cheese, indulge Georgia’s new Eggs Benedict.
A selection of thirst-quenching Beverages is also available and what libation is more appropriate at Brunch than a bright and bubbly Mimosa? Georgia’s Restaurant also features Signature Peach and Seasonal Sangria, Red Wine andWhite Wine by the glass or bottle, and craft bottled Beer to complement each dish. For those looking for a more full-bodied beverage, the Bloody Mary ought to do the trick.
Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange will be open and serving their New Year’s Day Boozy Brunch on Sunday, January 1st , 2023, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and they will serving their signature menu from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; 4104 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com
HANK’S – PALISADES VILLAGE ( NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Get ready for a very Happy New Year and head to Hank’s at Palisades Village this New Year’s Eve to raise a glass and do an NYE East Coast Toast (9:00 pm)!
Come celebrate during the day while enjoying a very happy New Year’s Eve Brunch or savor Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s Signature Menu featuring elevated American classic Appetizers, Seasonal Salads, Flatbreads, Burgers including Chef Peña’s award-wining Hank’s Double Diamond Burger, Sandwiches, Signature Dishes, Sides, and Desserts.
Guests can also toast to 2023 with one (two, or three) Hank’s Tableside Martinis, Coravin poured Wines by the Glass, Draft or Bottled Beers, Boozy Shakes or Floats to make sure you are ringing in this New Year just right!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Get ready to make your first New Year resolution and head to Hank’s at Palisades Village!
Celebrate “Out with the old, in with the new” while enjoying a New Year’s Eve Brunch celebration showcasing Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Tableside Martinis,
Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s Brunch Menu
featuring his New York Steak and Eggs, The #77 Burrito,Omelette, Strawberry Waffles, Shrimp & Polenta, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Huevos Rancheros, and Hank’s Classic Breakfast to make sure to toast and ring in the New Year just right!
Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Hank’s will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, for Brunch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 1033 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 424.363.7166; www.HanksPalisades.com
Knox & Dobson Holiday Cocktail Gift Box, Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
KNOX & DOBSON – (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
If you are looking for the perfect way to ring in 2023, order Knox & Dobson’s new Holiday Cocktail Gift Box featuring a premium Gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail made with Maraska Maraschino, and authentic Rye Manhattan ($70 per Gift Box – 2 Servings per each Bottled Cocktail) and be the life of the party of any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day Party and just OPEN, POUR & ENJOY!
Knox & Dobson Holiday Cocktail Gift Box, Photo Credit: Jakob N. Layman
Knox & Dobson is offering a special Holiday Promo Code “KDGIFT” to SAVE $10 when you order Knox & Dobson’s Holiday Cocktail Gift Box directly at www.KnoxandDobson.com or please visit the Knox & Dobson Stockists to see where you can walk-in and purchase directly.
MI PIACE – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with a decadent Italian feast, with Live Music, Party Favors, and Champagne Toast at Mi Piace!
Guests will enjoy Executive Chef Gil Saulnier’s Mi Piace Signature Menu & Specials with items such as the Ravioli con Salsiccia with sautéed mild Italian sausage, wilted broccolini, sundried tomatoes, sliced garlic and white wine finished with Pecorino cheese; Grilled Double Lamb Chops prepared with a Port wine demi-glace and roasted Yukon potatoes, or the decadent Spaghetti Aragosta comprised of sautéed diced lobster tail tossed with spaghetti in a San Marzano smokey chipotle cream sauce.
Even those on Santa’s naughty list can indulge in Mi Piace’s decadent Desserts
Even those on Santa’s naughty list can indulge in Mi Piace’s decadent Desserts which are a big part of Mi Piace’s New Year’s Eve celebration, so do not miss any delectable delights such as theMidnight Fantasy, a chocolate cake with Swiss bittersweet chocolate fudge and raspberry purée, Tiramisu, or New York Cheesecake with a creamy graham cracker crust and fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Raise a glass as you ring in 2022 by pairing these delicious dishes with any one of Mi Piace’s award-winning wines or try Mi Piace’s Ciao Bellococktail comprised of Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, Galliano Liqueur, almond milk, and espresso and then head over to the Mi Piace Lounge for Live Music from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am with Party Favors, countdown to the New Year, and a Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight as guests can dance the night away!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Welcome 2023 by watching the iconic 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade and then head to Mi Piace located on Colorado Boulevard after viewing the many magnificent floral floats, marching bands, and equestrians to carry on and continue the celebration!
This iconic Italian eatery opens its doors to all parade-goers for a festive day welcoming the New Year!
New Year’s Day is also National Bloody Mary Day, enjoy a Mi Piace Classic Bloody Mary
Being that New Year’s Day is also National Bloody Mary Day, it is only right to kick things off by enjoying a Mi Piace Classic Bloody Mary comprised of Absolut vodka, house-made spicy Bloody Mary mix, celery salted rim, and crisp celery stalk garnish.
Celebrate the first meal of the New Year with Homemade Ricotta con Crostini – 2 Ways served with a SWEET organic lavender honey and Tahitian vanilla and a SAVORY lemon zest with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, fleur de Sel, served with grilled ciabatta, or the Carpaccio, made of paper thin sliced raw prime beef filet mignon topped with arugula, shaved Reggiano, capers, and honey dry mustard vinaigrette.
Enjoy and share a handmade pasta like the Pappardelle Bolognese, prepared with natural skirt steak, seasoned pancetta, Porcini mushroom, vegetable mirepoix, San Marzano tomatoes and touch of cream, or the Gnocchi, made with potato, spinach, and goat cheese gnocchi with roasted ricotta in a caramelized garlic and basil marinara sauce.
For something savory, try the Milanese, which is a breaded, pounded, sautéed 16-ounce veal chop with a demi-glace lemon parsley sauce, served with arugula salad with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, tossed in an Italian dressing, or the Pollo al Prezzemolo, with Mary’s Free-Range organic grilled chicken stuffed with fresh herbs in a caramelized garlic, parsley, lemon, butter sauce, accompanied with whipped potatoes and fresh vegetables.
The first day of the New Year would not be complete without something sweet from the Mi Piace Bakery, so come celebrate New Year’s Day the delectably delicious Italian way at Mi Piace!
Mi Piace will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, for Lunch from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; The Mi Piace Lounge will be open on New Year’s Eve from 11:00 am to 1:30 am; Mi Piace will be open on New Year’s Day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA; 626.795.3131; www.MiPiace.com
NATIVE SON LA – DOWNTOWN, LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Native Son LA is ready to ring in their first New Year’s Eve by celebrating Christmas Eve Bunch! Start off by enjoying Beverage Director Brock Woolsey’s Nativity Son Cocktail, a seasonal spritz using Santa Barbara County pinot noir, cranberry juice, sparkling rosé, and Mommenpop Kumquat (a fortified wine produced in Napa, with kumquat, fig leaf, & green cardamom), garnished with a sprig of rosemary, or experience Head Brewer JP Boudwin’s newest Beer – EL DOJO Mexican Lager, and more.
Executive Chef Alec Guerrero’s What’s Cookin’ Menu offers up Sharable Bites, Salads, Burgers, Bigger Bites, and House-made Sweets which are not to be missed as you sip, savor, and celebrate the Countdown to 2023!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Welcome 2023 and Native Son LA is ringing in New Year’s Day just right toasting with Bottomless Mimosas, a special Apple Cider Monthly Mimosa
Micheladas, Beer, Wine & Spritz Menu featuring Beverage Director Brock Woolsey’s Dolomite Cocktail, made of Pasubio Blueberry Amaro, Amontillado Sherry, and bitters.
Executive Chef Alec Guerrero will be serving up his Weekend Brunch Menu which offers Bites, Bigger Bites featuring the Native Omelette, Ricotta Toast & Jam, French Toast, PB&J Sandwich, Native Slam, and Native Slam Burrito, Lunch Bites, Al a Carte Bites, and Sweet Bites for the perfect start to a beautiful New Year!
Native Son LA will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 10:30 am to 2:00 am; Native Son LA will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm; 832 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.270.1599; www.NativeSonBar.com
NERANO – BEVERLY HILLS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at Nerano Beverly Hills as Executive Chef Michele Lisi serves seven New Year’s Eve Specials including the Antipasti – Vellutata di Topinambur, a Jerusalem artichoke soup with rustic croutons and chives, and the Primi showcases the Risotto Champagne e Caviale Ossetra, Veuve Clicquot risotto, chives, and lemon zest topped with Royal Imperial Ossetra Caviar, and Ravioli di Burrata Bugliese, Gamberi Rossi, Pistacchi di Bronte, home-made ravioli filled with Apulian Burrata, red shrimp, toasted pistachios, and chives.
The Secondi specials feature Merluzzo pelle Nera, pan roasted Alaskan black cod, saffron potato purée, and crispy artichokes
Costine di Manzo Brasate al Chianti, braised beef short ribs in a Chianti wine sauce, over truffle mashed potatoes, and crispy spinach.
For the final finish, Chef Lisi’s Dolce will not disappoint with Sorbetto agli agrumi, house-Spun winter citrus sorbet, and Millefoglie Scomposta, a deconstructed mille-feuille with French vanilla Chantilly cream, strawberries, and toasted hazelnut crunch.
For those that want to decadently indulge this New Year’s Eve, Executive Chef Michele Lisi also presents his White Truffle Tasting Menu featuring three delectable courses starting with the antipasto which spotlights Chef Lisi’s Burrata con Tartufo Bianco prepared with imported Apulian Burrata, San Danielle Prosciutto, and rosemary focaccina.
The primo course showcases a choice of the Tagliolini al Tartufo Bianco with handmade tagliolini pasta, butter emulsion, Parmigiano Reggiano “Vacche Rosse” 36 months, or Risotto al Tartufo Bianco made of Acquerello Carnaroli risotto, mantecato with Parmigiano Reggiano 24 months.
Chef Lisi’s Dolce is the perfect finish spotlighting his Panna Cotta con Miele al Tartufo, vanilla panna cotta, truffle infused honey, and hazelnut granella. Each course is delicately curated to be enhanced by the flavor of freshly shaved White Truffle from Alba, Italy and is offered with a suggested Optional Wine Pairing to ring in 2023 right!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Before you make any resolutions, come enjoy a celebratory New Year’s Day Dinner at Nerano! Let Executive Chef Michele Lisi, Bar Director Jacki Smith, and Wine Director David Gary help you ring in 2023 just right by enjoying Chef Lisi’s Signature Menu, Smith’s Craft Cocktails, and specially selected Wines curated by David Gary while sitting at a beautifully lit table inside or on Nerano’s stunning garden patio.
Nerano will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Nerano will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 9960 S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.405.0155; www.NeranoBH.com
QUE PADRE – PACIFIC PALISADES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
It’s New Year’s Eve and time to celebrate at Qué Padre! Executive Chef Isaias Peña is counting down the clock by offering up his Signature Menu featuring Starters, Signature Tacos, Mains, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Bowls, Ensalada Mexicana, Ceviche Tostadas, Sides, Desserts, and Kid’s Combo. Guests can also get the party started by enjoying any one of Qué Padre’s handcrafted Margaritas, Frozen Cocktails, Cocktails, Tequila Flights, Tequila, Mezcal, Wine or Beer while ringing in the New Year!
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
This New Year’s Day take some time to get away at Qué Padre! Executive Chef Isaias Peña is serving up his fullSignature Menu featuring Starters, Signature Tacos, Mains, Quesadillas, Fajitas, Bowls, Ensalada Mexicana, Ceviche Tostadas, Sides, Desserts, and Kid’s Combo and guests can gather, and people watch while enjoying a handcrafted Margarita, Cocktail, Frozen Cocktail, Tequila Flight, Tequila, Mezcal, Wine or Beer.
Photography by Tonelson
Qué Padre will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm; Qué Padrewill be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm; 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272; 310.461.8226; www.QuePadreTacos.com
SMOKE CITY CHAR BAR – ARTS DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Savor the last day of 2022 and head to Smoke City Char Bar in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles this New Year’s Eve where you can celebrate by enjoying slow smoked and succulent barbecue while sipping Salvador’s Sangriaor Handcrafted Cocktails like Van Gogh’s Flask comprised of house-aged Woodford Reserve, Amaro, Aperol, Cherry Heering and Bogart Bitters while ringing in 2023!
Guests can start with the Brisket Deviled Eggs or Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese Bites for Appetizers, then enjoy an Artisan Salad
BBefore you Choose Your Smoked Meats or create your own Meat Combination Plate choosing between Beef Tri-Tip, Beef Brisket, Turkey Breast, Sausage Link, Pulled Pork, Pacific Salmon, or Jackfruit for vegetarians
Then select The Sauces and your Sharable Sides such as Napa Cabbage Slaw, Truffle French Fries, Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread, Smoke City Baked Beans, Southern Style Collard Greens, Smoke House Chili, and more.
Guests can celebrate and make some noise while indulging in Smoke City Char Bar’s Dessert while savoring the Strawberry Shortcake on a homemade buttermilk biscuit with strawberry curd, Chantilly cream, fresh strawberries and Fosselman’s ice cream, or Smokehouse S’mores made with a toasted scratch marshmallow with Nutella and graham crackers with orange zest.
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Resolve to make better New Year’s resolutions this year and add Smoke City Char Bar to your list!
This New Year’s Day, head to downtown L.A.’s newest smokehouse for a delectable New Year’s Day Brunch featuring Buttermilk Biscuit Eggs Benedict, Beef Tri-Tip Steak & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Toast, Smoked Brisket Hash, and much more while toasting the New Year with Mimosas and Pork Belly Bloody Marys!
Smoke City Char Bar will be open on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:00 Midnight; Smoke City Char Bar will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; 899 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013; 213.935.8194; www.SmokeCityCharbar.com
Photo: Smoke City Char Bar Table Spread, Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese Bites, Crisp Fried Smoked Pork Belly, Salvador’s Sangria, Van Gogh’s Flask, Strawberry Shortcake, Smokehouse S’mores
SO.PA AT L’HORIZON – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SO.PA at L’Horizon in Palm Springs and enjoy Executive Chef Michael Hung’s Five-Course Tasting Menu ($135.00 per person) starting with a Classic Gougere stuffed with local Medjool dates and Blue de Basque, then Icelandic King Salmon Crudo with variations of celery, pickled mustard seed, and Siberian Osetra Caviar.
For the Third Course, guests will enjoy Stuffed Delicata Squash, Lacinato kale, brown and wild rice with a black truffle coulis, and for the Main, the Grilled Petite Filet Mignon with potato and Parmigiano Reggiano gratin, and sauce au poivre.
Each course can also be enjoyed with one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, or Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from SO.PA’s award-winning Wine List by the glass or the bottle, and for the final finishing touch, Chef Hung will be presenting a Ginger Toffee Pudding Cake with Whipped Creme Fraiche.
Photo Credit: Wonho Photo
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Welcome 2023 by enjoying New Year’s Day Dinner at SO.PA and experience Executive Chef Michael Hung’s progressive and refined New American Dinner Menu spotlighting global influences while enjoying one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, and then toasting the New Year with some Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from SO.PA’s award-winning Wine List.
SO.PA at L’Horizon will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm;SO.PA at L’Horizon will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264; 760.323.1858; www.LHorizonPalmSprings.com
THE COLONY CLUB AT THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL – PALM SPRINGS (NEW YEAR’S EVE & NEW YEAR’S DAY):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
The countdown to New Year’s Eve is on at The Colony Club in Palm Springs as Executive Chef Michael is celebrating with three New Year’s Eve Specials featuring Ocean Trout Caviar with Potato Latkes with a hard cooked egg, crème fraiche and Chives,
Honey Baked Pork Loin Ham served with roasted Brussels sprouts, pineapple compote, and natural Jus,
Ginger Toffee Pudding Cake with market apples, and whipped crème fraiche. Each New Year’s Eve Specialcan be enjoyed with one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, glass, or bottle of Champagne, Red, White or Rosé Wine from The Colony Club’s award-winning Wine List.
NEW YEAR’S DAY:
Ring in the first day of the New Year by enjoying Executive Chef Michael Hung’s innovative California Fare for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner this New Year’s Day. Guests of The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying the modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains while sipping one of Beverage Director Kelly David’s Handcrafted Cocktails, Mimosa, Michelada, Bloody Mary or savoring some Champagne, Red, White or Rosé from The Colony Club’s award-winning Wine List.
The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022,from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel will be open on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023, from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm; 572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262; 760.969.1818;www.ColonyPalmsHotel.com
THE RAYMOND 1886 – PASADENA (NEW YEAR’S EVE):
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Kick-off this New Year’s Eve with an early celebration at The Raymond 1886! This special holiday calls for a very special meal and The Raymond 1886 will be offering a Three-Course New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu ($155.00 per person). This festive feast begins with the First Course featuring a choice of Scallop Rockefeller, sea scallop, garlic breadcrumbs, spinach, and Champagne butter, or Grape & Prosciutto Salad with prosciutto di parma, frisée, red grapes and gorgonzola dolce.
The savory Second Course offers a choice Cornish Game Hen served with cranberry orange harissa and roasted root vegetables, Branzino, Mediterranean Sea Bass served roasted bell pepper purée, lentils and fennel, Chateau Briand, filet mignon, pommes purée, crispy Brussels sprouts leaves, and bone marrow bordelaise, or Stuffed Eggplant with Moroccan spiced lentils, baby heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers, and romesco.
The Dessert course offers a choice of either the Chocolate Lava Cake or Pumpkin Spice Panna Cotta.
The Raymond 1886’s New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu is meant to pair perfectly with a bottle of wine from The Raymond 1886’s award-winning Wine List or full 1886 Cocktail List, along with a Complimentary Champagne Toast making dining at The Raymond 1886 a great way to ring in 2023!
The Raymond 1886 will be open for New Year’s Eve Dinner, Saturday, December 31st, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm;The Raymond 1886 will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, 2023; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com
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LA’s Tracie May Shines Global Spotlight on Asian Flavor as Vietnamese Publicist and Foodie
LA’s Tracie May Vietnamese Publicist and Foodie Shines Global Spotlight on Asian Flavor
Tracie May made a name for herself in Los Angeles for 25 years as a luxury publicist and event planner leading hundreds of Opening Night parties, events and red carpets.
Then in an “Eat, Pray, Love” – inspired move, she decided to take a leap and move across the world.
In 2020, she relocated to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and became the Senior Editor of Epicure Vietnam Magazine, the most prestigious culinary and hospitality publication in Asia.
Today we catch up with Tracie to talk about life in Vietnam. The people, the culture, and of course the food.
Publicist Tracie May Indulges in Delicious at her role with Epicure Vietnam Magazine
Joe Winger:
What’s the most important thing that you want to share during this conversation?
Tracie May:
Don’t be afraid to take the leap of faith. Honestly, I took a massive leap of faith, uprooting my entire life.
I had a big life in LA. I was there for 25 years, and to take that leap of faith to relocate to Vietnam. It was never even on my radar.
People thought that I was insane when I said I was doing this. It was not supposed to be for the long term. But the whole point is, you never know where opportunity is going to come. You don’t know what your future looks like, until you write your own story.
I am proof positive that anything is possible if you just take a risk for yourself and your happiness, because the energy or the universe will provide for you if you’re truthful, connected and really get specific about what you want.
Tracie May with Chef Eden Daus of Lesung, holding Epicure Vietnam Magazine
Joe Winger:
You are now the senior editor of Epicure Vietnam Magazine. Tell me a bit about the magazine and your role.
Tracie May:
It’s a really beautiful, glossy print publication. They also have online and social [media presence].
It’s available in every VIP lounge, every business lounge at every major hotel, airline and club lounge. It has a lot of subscribers.
Focuses on culinary, luxury travel, hospitality, wine, chef profiles. [Food and beverage] business profiles as well as features on certain resort properties.
I was really lucky to [connect with] the publisher. I sent her a bunch of my writing samples. I joined the magazine about 17 months ago.
My main focuses are editing content, making sure the English is perfect, and dealing with editorial and the marketing teams.
But my favorite part is running the news section. [It’s] basically my curation of what’s hot in [food & beverage] in Saigon and all over the world.
I get to eat the best food all the time.
The majority of the restaurants that we cover are very high-end, gorgeous, [food and beverage] in town. So I get to eat a lot of amazing food which is awesome.
The food in Vietnam is extraordinary.
FlavRReport.com on Youtube
Joe Winger:
As a USA foodie, what’s a lesson you’ve learned about Vietnamese cuisine that you want the world to know about?
Tracie May:
The biggest lesson that I’ve learned, and it is evident in my extreme weight loss of 75 pounds in 2 ½ years, is it’s whole real food.
They are not jacking up their cows and their pigs with hormones. Organic is actually a thing here. The quality of the food, it’s not processed crap in a box that is run by Monsanto.
Because of the climate here, Dalat, which is the region in Vietnam where most of the produce is grown, some of the most unbelievable tasting produce is grown there.
The fruit is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.
A watermelon is the sweetest, juiciest, delicious thing you’ve ever put in your mouth; and it’s available from every little fruit stand that is on Quốc Hương.
I walk to my local [stores] because I like to support locals here and have my little bag and pull my produce and all of it is grown on their farm,
It’s just that’s how people eat here. There is no Kraft macaroni and cheese. There is no processed, boxed chemicals here.
Because of that, the quality of the flavor profiles is so superior.
So that is the biggest difference.
The reason why there’s such an obesity problem in the U.S. is the abundance of processed food.
[Here in Vietnam], even fast food. We’ve got McDonald’s and Popeye’s and KFC. But the taste of a Big Mac or a Whopper with cheese is far different than anything you can get in the States because of the quality of the meat that they use.
That is the biggest difference of why Vietnam is so globally recognized as such a foodie hub.
Joe Winger:
You’re doing a lot to bring attention to Vietnam as a foodie hub.
Tracie May:
I was the guest judge on Top Chef Vietnam, and I was the guest judge on the finale of this show called Super Cake, Banh Xeo, which was basically, Build a beautiful cake. And these Vietnamese national TV, reality shows which showcase culinary.
So that was fun.
Joe Winger:
If somebody from the United States comes to Vietnam for a few days, from a food point of view, what must we try?
Tracie May:
Saigon is incredibly vibrant and there’s too much to do. For the best Vietnamese food hands down It is in district one, which is basically the city.
Mạ Quán
It’s gorgeous. A restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine that focuses on historical dishes from the imperial city of Huế to the north and in Hanoi to the Mekong Delta and is visually stunning.
The flavors are unbelievable. For sure if you want to eat an extraordinary Vietnamese meal, that’s a place, hands down, highly recommended.
Lesung
In the last 3 months I was introduced to Malaysian cuisine. Spicy, sambal based, chili based. The chef / owner is a fine dining chef, who’s a celebrity chef here. He wanted to get back to his roots and he opened this restaurant that’s very reasonably priced. Fine dining, but in a casual setting, not expensive and truly authentic Malaysian cuisine. All of his grandmother’s recipes and it’s home cooking at its best. That is a must go.
If you love sushi, Noriboi is an extraordinary omakase restaurant in Thảo Điền, in the town where I live. 12 to 18 tastings of caviar, and the best uni flown in from Japan, and extraordinary toro, and you can’t imagine how good, it’s insane.
Joe Winger:
You took a very dramatic pivot a few years ago and it turned out so well.
Tracie May:
I knew that I had to make a change. I knew that I was unhappy. Even though I had great friends and a great life and did really cool stuff in LA, I felt like I was just trapped in a hamster wheel.
I was bit by the “Eat Pray Love” bug.
Decided that, life’s too short to be unhappy.
There is a big, wide, beautiful world out there. Why not explore it while I have the chance?
I happen to have family who live in Saigon, and we conspired together.
I sold my car, put everything in storage, all the paperwork, packed my two dogs and three suitcases and got on a plane.
The original plan was to hang out in Southeast Asia for three months.
Leave my stuff with my family, get a backpack and travel throughout Southeast Asia and go pray with some Buddhist monks. Have my Tomb Raider moment in Angkor Wat in Cambodia and go do a lot of scuba diving. Then three months later, go home [to the United States] and face the music.
But COVID happened, my life shifted. So I stayed.
I couldn’t have imagined a more incredible life that I’ve been able to curate for myself than I have been able to in Saigon.
Tracie May at Tet Lunar New Year 2024 party
Joe Winger:
Your background is a world class publicist in North America. Because of the pandemic, you went from a publicist to a “stay at home mom” figure.
Tracie May:
I did, but I still had to pay my bills, right?
So I had a free place to stay because my family was paying the rent. When [my family] got stuck in the US during COVID, when Vietnam closed their borders, they got locked out for 10 months.
Suddenly I’m a mother to 2 kids in an international school. I’ve got to take care of their three dogs, my two dogs, their villa, all their stuff, in a country that I didn’t know and a language that I didn’t speak.
It was all about pivoting.
At the time I had hot pink hair. All the expat moms, they’ve got kids and they live in a compound because their husbands run Nike or Adidas or…[some huge company]
There’s me, this newbie from LA with my fuchsia hair riding my family’s electric bike with the kids on the back taking them to school.
The [expat Moms are] like, who and what is this?
Originally I became the talk of the town.
I live in a bubble, a little enclave within the city, it’s expat land.
I really think in the beginning I made friends out of total pity. Suddenly they were like, “Let’s take you to lunch.” So there were several luncheons introducing me to society and I created my clan.
The one thing that’s hard about here is that the expat life is very rotational because a lot of the families are on contract.
If you work at the consulate, you’ve got a 2-3 year contract.
Once the contract is done, you’re back home. I don’t want to leave.
So one of the hardest things about making really close friends here is that they leave. So it’s a lot of continual rotation.
I have friends who’ve been here for 14 years up to 35 years who felt the bug like me and decided no, this is where you want to be right now. This is a good place to be, but yeah, that’s basically how it happened.
Joe Winger:
A minute ago, you used the phrase “talk of the town.” Let’s dive deeper.
You’re getting huge growth on social media. Food and dining, lifestyle, travel in this genre. Your face is everywhere. Your voice is everywhere. Your name is everywhere.
What’s it like living your life, when someone sees your face, name and recognizes you?
Tracie May:
It is bizarre.
I have no idea how it happened, especially in Vietnam. Local Vietnamese don’t speak a word of English.
There’ve been so many times that I’m walking my dogs up my street or [I’m] on the back of a “Grab” bike, which is our version of Uber and they see me, look at my picture before and say:
“Sorry, Madame. Are you Madam Tracy?”
And show me a picture of myself.
I’m sure it’s due to doing TV appearances on Top Chef Vietnam and other major, national primetime TV shows here with millions of Vietnamese watching.
It’s bizarre, especially coming from Hollywood where all my focus has always been the promotion of others and the promotion of brands.
Suddenly I’m the [one being] promoted and I just find it really funny. But I’m grateful.
Joe Winger:
How has publicity changed from LA to Vietnam?
Tracie May:
I wear a lot of hats here [in Vietnam]. I’ve become the “go to” event producer.
I was a pretty major event producer in the States and produced [around] 250 fashion shows in three continents around the world, a bunch of parties in LA, and red carpets.
There’s tons of talent in Vietnam. So now I’m doing it for major Western companies who want a sprinkle of American or they want a real Western perspective for [their event], I’m the girl they call.
One of the events I produced was the 25th anniversary of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel.
That was a huge event inviting every government official, major CEO, all of their massive VIPs.
Tracie May with Artist Jerome Peschard
I’m actually about to produce another event with Sofitel for one of my clients. One of the most talented people I’ve ever met in my entire life, Jerome Peschard.
He’s a French artist with the same story as me, except he got here, fell in love with Saigon and just never left . He met his wife and has a bunch of kids. He has become the most collected artist in Asia globally, for specifically pop art related to historic, historic Vietnamese French and machine and pop art and he does it all. Composite art.
I brokered a deal with Sofitel on June 21 in celebration of the 60 year anniversary of the Sofitel Hotels and Resorts global brand, their Diamond Jubilee.
We are doing a two month installation, exclusive installation of his works being some are 2.6 meters x 1. 5 meters – large scale, which are going to be in the lobby as an installation in collaboration with the hotel.
It’s a massive thing, and they called me, so I’m really honored.
I get to work with him every day and he’s a total rock star.
Tracie May living her best life in Vietnam
Joe Winger:
What’s the theme at this point in your life?
Tracie May:
The moral of the story is “Don’t be afraid to take the leap of faith.”
Joe Winger:
It sounds like you crossed your fingers, closed your eyes and took the jump.
Was there a big concern before taking that jump? How did that big concern work out for you?
Tracie May:
It’s very personal.
The concern wasn’t about work. I knew that I could work internationally. I knew I could do PR online and still service clients abroad. No matter where you are in the world, the cream rises to the top and you will figure it out.
On a personal level in the sense that I have always been a serial monogamist. I had a really petrified, paralyzing fear of being alone.
The idea of being 50 and alone again, scared me. Having to start over again, scared me.
What I’ve learned from that is, I have no problems dating. I have no issue being alone. I actually revel in it because my life is so public now. When I get to be in my underpants, watching Netflix with my two dogs, eating a ham and cheese on freshly baked sourdough baguette with some tomatoes and lettuce; and some truffle aioli from my friend’s company. That’s my happy place.
That has been the biggest lesson that being alone is okay. Being alone is actually a good thing.
I don’t need to have a partner or a marriage to justify and qualify who I am. I’m just fine on my own.
Joe Winger:
What are the ways to find you and follow you online? How do you want people to find you?
Tracie May:
It’s all about the gram, right? My Instagram is @_TracieMay_
Or you can find me as Tracie May on LinkedIn.
My blog is here, but I rarely update it because I never have time.
Yes! Cheering on Shauna. I saw this and loved it.