The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories Expands

The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories Expands

Since 2011, The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place has offered hands-on cooking classes for all ages and skill levels, with a focus on teaching classic techniques using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

But now, with the new and larger location unveiling this month, visitors will immediately be immersed into the Gourmandise experience through an exposed glass storefront window providing views of hands-on cooking classes and live demonstrations. The new location will also offer a robust class schedules that accommodate more students, and host large scale, private events.

The new facility will be fully outfitted with major appliances courtesy of KitchenAid in three new state-of-the-art kitchens including two classrooms, one demonstration space, and an expanded retail area curated by Gourmandise chef instructors. While the extended retail store will offers culinary items and cooking ingredients from local purveyors.

Stay updated on the grand opening festivities and sign-up for classes by following The Gourmandise School on Instagram. 

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Los Angeles Times Food Bowl

Los Angeles Times Food Bowl

From May 1 to May 31, 2018, Los Angeles Times Food Bowl will celebrate the city’s dynamic food scene. 

Expect to find world-renowned chefs in rare local appearances at hundreds of extraordinary events, supporting food access, sustainability and waste reduction through charity partners and participating events during thte month-long Food Bowl festival, including:

• Night Market: a bustling street market featuring 50 food vendors, outdoor dining areas and entertainment with 45,000 attendees expected over five nights in Grand Park, May 16-20.
• Next Generation Bowl Bash: game on for L.A.’s rising chefs and mixologists at the Spare Room in the Roosevelt Hotel, May 2.
• Pizza Fest… A Tutti Pizza: L.A.’s most beloved pizzerias and special guest Enzo Coccia (Naples, Italy) all together celebrating a taste of Italy for one day, May 13, at the Palladium.
• In Conversation with Diana Kennedy: Journey Throughout the Cuisines of Mexico (UK / Mexico), the godmother of Mexican cuisine, joins a panel discussion about the country’s regional cuisines with a sneak peek at the documentary currently in production, “Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy,” May 4.
• L.A. Cocktail Week: bars and bartenders from across the city will present classes, pop ups and handcrafted cocktails that represent Los Angeles.
• Gold Film Festival: a mini film festival curated by Jonathan Gold with screenings hosted in various neighborhoods.
• Food tours of some of L.A.’s tastiest neighborhoods: Thai Town, San Gabriel Valley, Downtown LA, and Koreatown.
• Plus a charity bake sale with L.A.’s leading pastry chefs, the second-annual fried chicken party, the return of the beloved Beast Feast and introducing the No Beast Feast.

For more information, connect with the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#LAfoodbowl #31DaysOfFood).

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Whole Foods Market 365, Santa Monica Grand Opening

Whole Foods Market 365, Santa Monica Grand Opening

When I worked in PR/Marketing, research found that folks liked spending more time entertaining at home than going out. I never really bought it, mostly because I didn't see myself as a homebody.

But life is as life does. Spending time at home has become less about being a homebody and more about living in a space that I enjoy being in. My space, my married and cohabitating with my husband and a four-legged daughter space, goes beyond decor to make it something that I'm happy to live in. From the scent of our candles to the music I start my day with, to the food we choose and every little aspect of living, now takes a higher level of importance. Not because I no longer enjoy eating out, but because in my marriage, we also create intimacy when I cook weekend brunch, or when I sit at the dinner table with my hubby to catch-up on our day in front of a big bowl of salad.

We both love looking in our fridge and being able to pull out seasonal fruits to snack on, having the ingredients to whip-up a three-course dinner in the middle of the week, and finding the hidden desserts for a late night snack. Once I get back to school, I'll be filling our fridge with easy to cook and ready made dinners, and small portion most-anything to fill my pack-pack with healthy snacks and lunches to eat in between my classes.

That's why I immediately said yes to previewing the brand new 365 by Whole Foods, Santa Monica...and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did!

In a nutshell, the new 365 by Whole Foods, Santa Monica is a vibrant 30,000-square-foot space that takes “neighborhood grocery store” to the next level. From its high-quality products without any artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives, to unique and affordable grocery items from local vendors, 365 was created for customers that are committed to healthy living, but that also need a grocery store to offer convenience and value.

While the selection of fruits and vegetables was enviable by any standards, I was pleasantly surprised with how large the "build your own salad," and the "hot and cold meals to go" areas were. 

There was also an incredibly long row/refrigerated section of fresh juices, teas, water (sparkling and flat) and Kambucha as soon as you walked into the store.

Shoppers will find plenty of ready-made wraps, sushi, pizza, sandwiches, pastas, and breakfast tacos, that are perfect for the Santa Monica College lunch crowd or anyone heading to the beach.

For those of us that are always stuck wondering "what's for dinner?, 365 by Whole Foods also has a "Scan a wine bottle, beer or spirits for food pairing ideas," ratings, user reviews and recommendations. While the beer, wine and spirits section has 400+ wines, 200+ craft, domestic and imported beers, 50+ spirits, with many organic and sustainable options!

The 365 by Whole Foods, Santa Monica  Taqueria and in-house kitchen which offers tacos, bowls, burritos, plus build-your-own Detroit-style pizzas that are made fresh to your order.

A favorite of mine, local Los Angeles roasters Groundwork Coffee has a cafe outpost within the store, while San Francisco-Vietnamese Fast Casual favorite Asian Box Street Food is located in the patio area of the 365 by Whole Foods Market store complex.

But other than the store feel, the selection, and convenience of meals and variety of products, my absolute favorite part of shopping at 365 by Whole Foods, is their 365 Rewards program.

365 Rewards is a free personalized digital loyalty program that gives shoppers special discounts, free products, and other surprises based on your shopping patterns. Plus, 365 rewards members receive 10 percent off more than 100 items throughout the store - every single day!

Program highlights include 20 percent off all berries on Wednesdays, digital punch cards with buy 5 get 1 free offers and $5 off a $25 purchase for new members. (Trust me, I literally used that discount, and more, the first time I shopped!)

365 by Whole Foods, Santa Monica 

2121 Cloverfield Blvd. at Pico Blvd.
Free on-site parking.

Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD 365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET!!

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Costero California Bar + Bistro

Costero California Bar + Bistro

*This is a Sponsored Post*

Living in Los Angeles means that we have all picked up friends and family from LAX. But besides picking up our friends and family from the airport, it's not often that we have an excuse to drive back to the Westchester area. Mostly, because up until now, we really didn't have a reason to.

Fortunately for us and the many travelers that choose to stay near LAX, Westchester recently welcomed Costero California Bar + Bistro at the newly transformed Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles. 

Costero California Bar + Bistro's location, coupled with its renovated modern take on the open space concept that was designed by Colorado’s Oz Architecture, is the perfect dining spot to meet our friends and family before they leave town or to celebrate a special occasion.

For those diners that need a little more privacy to catch-up with a large group, Costero also offers one semi-private room for ten diners, and one private room complete with AV equipment for up-to 25 dinners. Both rooms are complimentary to use when reserved and the menu can be pre-selected.

Besides the main dining area being warm, inviting, and friendly, Costero's lunch and dinner menus focus on fresh, seasonal flavors, and a Californian coastal take on time-honored American cuisine that is three steps above traditional hotel faire.

Costero California Bar + Bistro Offers Something For Everyone

Costero's menu also offers a wide range of delectable small plates, savory soups, Neapolitan pizzas, artisanal salads, fish tacos, sandwiches, large entrées, vegetarian/vegan options, and decadent desserts. All menu items are large enough to share family style. Actually, Costero encourages it!

Costero's drink menu has a variety of local craft beers, more than 50 different California and international wine varieties, and an extensive and unique drinks.

Costero also offers chef specials, and dine-and-stay packages during holiday travel that gives us locals the opportunity to schedule dinners and lunches with our friends and family before they leave town.

Costero Bar + Bistro

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles

6101 West Century Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90045

(310) 642-4820

Costero Bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and Dinner:

Lunch- 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Dinner- 5:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

Reservations can by scheduled by calling (310) 642-4820 or on Open Table.

No reservations are needed for Costero Bar, which is open seven days a week and offer's a small plate menu from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and from 11:00 PM to 2:00 A.M.

My blogger and social media influencer friends are invited to join me at the 

Los Angeles BLOGGER LUNCHEON, 

scheduled for Saturday, March 18.

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Pozole Rojo Recipe

Pozole Rojo Recipe

*Sponsored Post by Mirum Shopper. All Opinions are my Own.*

The first time I ate pozole was in Mexico during Christmas Eve dinner at an aunts house.

Compared to the traditional ham or turkey dinner I grew up with in the US, the brothy red soup was a completely different way to celebrate the holidays. With time I learned to love this flavorful soup and connect with it as a big part of the Holidays.

This year did I decided to make my own batch using the Knorr Pozole Rojo recipe as a guide while also looking back at what my mom cooks.

First I stopped by Northgate Gonzalez to shop for all of my ingredients, then I invited a friend to join my husband and me for Festivus dinner to kick-off Christmas weekend.

Ingredients to prepare Pozole Rojo* include:

1 1/2 lb's Boneless pork sirloin
1 1/2 lb's Pork neck bone
1 lb Pork Feet
1 lb Pork snout
1 White onion cut in quarters
3 25-oz Cans of washed and cleaned Mexican-style hominy
6 garlic cloves
6-8 Knorr Chicken Bouillon cubes
Pozole red sauce to taste

*Serves 6-8 large-sized bowls

Ingredients to prepare the Pozole Rojo sauce include:

5 Ancho whole chile peppers
5 Guajillos whole chile peppers
6 Garlic cloves
1/2 White onion
1 Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cube
1/4 Cup olive oil

GARNISHES:

Pozole can be garnished with a variety of toppings, but I grew up adding the holy trinity, which include:

Chopped cabbage
Sliced red radishes
Chopped white onion

I also like adding a little lime juice a bit of hot sauce for a kick, and eat with tostadas.

POZOLE PREPARATION:

Add the meat, garlic, Knorr Chicken Boullion cubes and onion in a 8-quart pot and fill with water, leaving 3-5 inches at the top of the pot.

Cook on high heat until the water boils. Stir, lower the heat and cover.

Cook low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat starts falling from the bone.

Remove the meat from the pot, and add the hominy and red sauce to taste.

Continue to cook on low for 20-30 minutes, then add the pig feet, chopped shout, and meat that has been hand-shredded and removed from the bones.

Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, then serve.

RED SAUCE PREPARATION:

Soak the chiles in a large bowl using room temperature water for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the stems, and add to a blender with the garlic, onion, and Knorr Chicken Boullion cube.

Liquify to a smooth sauce-like consistency, then strain to remove any seeds.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the strained sauce.

Cook the sauce over medium heat for 7-10 minutes,

Set aside and use all or part of the sauce in the Pozole.

GARNISH YOUR POZOLE ROJO AND ENJOY YOUR VERY OWN #KNORRCELEBRATIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Like this recipe? Check out Mexican Style Pico De Gallo

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Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana Dana Point

Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana Dana Point

*This is a Sponsored Post*

On our recent getaway to Costa Mesa, we drove further south to Dana Point to spend our Sunday afternoon. We were looking forward to enjoying a light hike on the bluffs to see the view of the ocean from a higher elevation.

What we ended up doing was taking a light walk around the harbor, chatting-up with some locals and eventually driving five minutes out to enjoy a delicious lunch as a last hurrah to wrap-up our weekend away.

We had lunch at Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana in Dana Point, which is a cozy locals spot that prides itself in their Italian artisanal menu and boutique wine list.

Besides the more traditional Neapolitan pizza combinations at Angelina's that use San Marzano tomatoes in the house-made tomato sauce, the pizza dough is made daily, and the toppings are either California-local and organic, or importanted from Italy. Whether traditional red, or my favorite, bianca, the flavors take a different twist after being baked in a 900 degree rustic almond wood-burning oven which adds an amazing aroma

For those looking for something other than pizza, Angelina's menu has a large, yet not overwhelming, selection of Italian favorites, including appetizers, pastas, desserts, and of course, their namesake Neapolitan pizzas made both with red sauce, and bianca-style (sauceless).

For our first course we ordered the "Scelta Di Salumi & Formaggi," a chef selection of imported Italian cured meats sliced when ordered, Italian cheeses served, pine nuts, artisanal honey, and other dried fruits, which was accompanied with freshly baked flat bread ($23).

We followed our tour through Italy with one of my hubby's favorite, Caesar salad, or as Angelina's likes to call theirs: Cesare salad. The salad was made with romaine hearts, homemade croutons, anchovy lemon dressing & shaved parmigiano reggiano ($12).

Of course, Angelina's has a large selection of various Italian favorites, but why order anything other than Pizza?

So we ordered two:

Hubby ordered the Diavola with spicy salami, Fior Di Latte mozzarella, San Marzano DOP Pomodoro Sauce & Fresh Basil, which was topped with pepperoncini oil. ($16)

I ordered the Boscaiola white pizza, which included the Napoletana-style sausage, mushrooms, Fior Di Latte mozzarella, fresh basil & extra virgin olive oil ($18).

Both were incredibly well seasoned, baked perfectly, and had the perfect amount of toppings that filled our mouth with every bite.

To end our wonderful lunch, we shared the Tartufo (Gelato Truffle), which was spumoni ice-cream covered with a dark chocolate hardshell dessert. ($8) I also added, of course, a cappuccino made with one of my favorite coffee brands, Lavazza.

While everything we ordered was made incredibly well and presented beautifully, it was the service that really made Angelina's special. 

From the local family with small children that was sitting next to us, to the younger patrons that were seated at the pizza bar, we were all treated as part of a large Italian family - making a delicious meal more so enjoyable and so worth the drive south.

Angelina's Pizzeria

Monarch Bay Plaza

(949) 429-1102

32860 Pacific Coast Highway

Dana Point CA 92629 

(Ample private lot parking)

Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

Website: http://www.angelinaspizzeria.com

Family-friendly restaurant with no reservations required.

ENJOY!

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Burgerim

Burgerim

*This is a Sponsored Post*

Always looking for a casual spot that offers a nice mix of something healthy and something yummy (hopefully both!), my hubby and I were recently invited to try Burgerim at its first US location in East Hollywood.

Burgerim is gourmet burger fast casual restaurant chain that is well known outside of the US for its its two, three or sixteen-burger combo boxes....but it's much more than that!

Make no mistake, Burgerim IS a burger joint, but different...

Larger than a slider, each Burgerim burger is made with an 2.8-ounce patty that's made in a variety of proteins including dry-aged beef, Wagyu beef, salmon, lamb, or even a veggie patty.

Burgers can be further personalized when adding one (or several) of the available toppings including a sunny-side up egg, pineapple, or sautéed mushrooms; or topped with one (or several) of the many speciality sauces, including the House sauce, BBQ, or spicy mayo.

To make your burger even yummier, Burgerim gives you a selection of  three artisanal buns, including a gluten-free or whole wheat bun.

Each burger box can have all of the same burgers, or different burgers (the 16-burger box can have up to four different burgers, of four of each).

The sides, round seasoned fries (Burgerim fries) or onion rings, are served with a selection of dipping sauces that will leave you wanting more.

As for other items on the menu, I was partial to the the Basket Salad, made with fresh arugula, strawberries, candied pecans, goat cheese and topped with a raspberry vinaigrette.

While my hubby loved the desserts, especially the New York-style cheesecake.

The complete menu has a nice variety of sandwiches and other lunch and late-night munchie favorites, including chicken wings, sweet potato fries and home fries.

Burgerim Hollywood is a family friendly restaurant that will soon serve beer and wine.

No reservations are needed and street parking was easy to find. But for those not in the area, they also offer local delivery.

Burgerim Gourmet Burgers
5001 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Happy Eating!

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Avital Foodie Tour

Avital Foodie Tour

*This is a Sponsored Post*

Los Angeles is very big. 

From the Westside, where I live, to Downtown Los Angeles, it can take a good hour and half in the middle of rush-hour traffic to get there. That’s why I sometimes stay, play and dine within a few short miles of where we live. 

Who wants to fight traffic?

Downtown LA has been booming!

New shops, new restaurants and watering holes; and, more and more people are moving to Downtown LA to experience what the city is now offering. This is truly an exciting time to live in Los Angeles! 

And frankly, it’s hard not to want to experience at least some of that.

But for those of us not willing to move, but open to exploring, there's a unique way to experience the Downtown LA culture, learn a little about our history, and of course, enjoy some of the most celebrated and sometimes underground restaurants the LA dining scene has seen:

Avital Tours.

Avital Tours is a three-hour walk-and-dine experience that’s hosted several times a month in Downtown LA (also in Venice, CA and San Francisco, CA) for either Sunday Brunch or Lunch. 

Not only did we get to try the perfect food portions during our four courses, we found that walking with perfect strangers gave us the opportunity to connect with a new part of the city while learning a little bit more about L.A.

We were told that each Avital Tour has a different theme and visits different restaurants, but when my hubby and I went we discovered a woman-owned Brazilian restaurant, an Italian pop-up restaurant, and tried ice cream that's made with Bicycles!

While each course was different and each restaurant added a unique element to our tasting experience, it was the Avital Tour guide that made our tour memorable and something that I wholeheartedly recommend for you to experience.

She made sure that each of us enjoyed our meals, walked at a comfortable pace for everyone, and ensured that we enjoyed each others company. 

Excited to rediscover LA (or discover San Francisco on your next visit to Nor Cal)?

Get 10% off your own Avital Tour in Los Angeles or San Francisco by entering "cabezadecoco" at check-out.

Ana Lydia

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Trying the ALL IN ONE BURGER at The Lake House - LA

Trying the ALL IN ONE BURGER at The Lake House - LA

There comes a time in your life when you have to upgrade your lunch game and order the most epic beauty that you’ve come across.

For that, of course, you bring the talent of the leading food blogger in Los Angeles and Paul Tavakoli Co-Owner/Executive Chef at The Lake House - LA and Executive Chef at Polished Fork,
to create a burger of epic proportions, aptly called the ALL IN ONE BURGER.

For $27, you can share the ALL IN ONE BURGER, which is a six-inch tower of culinary proportions made with:

-Two quarter pound patties
-Onion rings
-Grilled jalapenos
-American cheese
-Bacon
-Smoked tri tip
-Pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches as buns

For the more sensible burger lovers, Chef Tavakoli has also created a beautiful pair of pulled-pork sliders served on mini pretzel buns and a nice selection of summer favorites. Of course, all can be accompanied by a side of BBQ-style potato salad and hand sliced french fries.

Whatever burger you choose, you can enjoy them at The Lake House - LA casual vibe and indoor / outdoor seating, that is just perfect for the dreadful San Fernando Valley summer.

The Lake House LA also offers a complete bar and diverse seasonal menu made with ingredients from its own garden.

The ALL IN ONE BURGER is currently being served exclusively at The Lake House LA, located at:
6331 Woodley Ave
Van Nuys, CA
Phone: (818) 778-6530

Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 Daily

Lot parking, with no reservations required for this family-favorite hideaway.

Enjoy!

Ana Lydia

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