Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Fun At The LA Gift Show

Shopping for our store Mountain Rose Gifts is one of our favorite things! Here's why...

 

For The Love Of Steak!

It pays to sign up for emails from The Village, the new gourmet shopping center down the street. It's how I found out about their new Summer event "LET'S COOK" with demos and tastings. Last night we checked in with our free tickets and found a great seat at one of the cute cafe tables. Boy were we in for a treat!

Chef Logan from LARSEN'S STEAKHOUSE was there to share his wisdom on how to grill the perfect steak. Larsen's is a privately owned SoCal chain that specializes in state of the art, premium steaks. CLICK HERE to see the extent they go to for steak perfection. I also enjoyed learning from this nice gentleman on the right who teaches cooking classes at SUR LA TABLE.

I have never seen a steak like this in my life! And I am a bonafide foodie. It's a Tomahawk Steak and it's HUGE! Around 35 ounces, perfectly marbled, and with a l-o-n-g bone. I know the chef gave great details but I was so blown away by the impressive size my mind went blank. I do remember that it's brought to room temperature before grilling and simply seasoned with Montreal steak seasoning. Oh the wonderful smell! I did have the presence of mind to film a quick video so you can get some tips.

 

While the steak was cooking we learned how to make Chimichurri Sauce with ingredients like these. Also a savory Blue Cheese Polenta.

Look at that steak now!

As the demo progressed we were served a petite wine pairing of Clos D'Angel Cellar Cabernet courtesy of TOTAL WINE. They also treated us to a set of complimentary boxed wine glasses. So nice!

It's time to take that bad boy off the grill. I think everyone's mouth was watering!

I was spellbound as Chef Logan carefully and expertly carved and arranged the meat.

Meanwhile the same dish was prepared back at the restaurant and served to us. Oh happy day!

We even were given recipes to take home. I am definitely going to try the polenta!

Great job dynamic duo! Charles (left) General Manager of Larsen's and Chef Logan are brothers! I really appreciate that as I also work with my sister.

Visit them at the new and perfectly appointed Larsen's Topanga.

Thank you Westfield Topanga/ The Village! I look forward to attending the next event! And that steak.....!!!

Italian Cooking Classe di Cucina at Il Fornaio

We all have a bucket list, things we have always wanted to do. Well last Saturday I got to check off one of those items,taking a cooking class with a great chef. The class was held at one of my favorite restaurants, IL FORNAIO Woodland Hills, in the new Village, a gourmet shopping & dining experience close to home. (Yay for us!)

My dear friend Sylvia, whose family is from the Puglia region of Italy, and I were in for a treat. Both of us are major "foodies" who love to cook and entertain. I met Sylvia and her sister Rose when I was in my twenties and both were very instrumental in teaching me the art of great food and hospitality. We couldn't believe this was our first ever live class. ( I won't tell you our ages now. Yikes!)

What a nice format! We were seated at a large dinner table with a bag of imported Italian pasta and ingredient notes at each place setting.

Chef Giuseppe DiMola, also from the Puglia region, and the chef in Beverly Hills for many years, expertly instructed us. We picked up some fabulous recipes and tips that can only come from a chef trained in Italy. The chef would prepare and instruct a course as we watched. Then it would be served from the kitchen. When we finished eating that course he would go on to the next one. I loved it!!!

First course: Insalata Siciliana with romaine lettuce, orange, fennel and shrimp. Healthy, vibrant and beautifully presented.

And here is my plate. Yum!!!

What a nice group of "classmates"!

Timballo al Forno, baked pasta with tomato sauce, eggplant, boiled eggs and mozzarella, was the savory main course. We learned the secret to frying eggplant so it stays crisp. I was also amazed to learn that they don't eat angel hair pasta in Italy. That's an American thing. A good authentic Italian pasta should take 14 minutes to cook.

I can't wait to make this at home! Yep! I now know how it's done in Italy. The real way. The secret is in the ricotta. But alas I'll never tell.

This peaceful scene just outside the restaurant was the end to a perfecto afternoon. Great food, instruction, company, and service. Soooooo worth it. I'm looking forward to doing this again!

Almost home and so thankful to live the SMALL TOWN LIFE IN BIG L.A.

Foodie Day In Malibu

This is Geoffrey's. One of our favorite restaurants! Located in Malibu and overlooking the Pacific, you can see why it is a famous celebrity hangout and featured in many films. This happens to be one of the most sought after tables, all the way out on the rail. We're here for brunch on a peaceful overcast morning. 

The food here is artfully presented and delicious!

Just look at that amazing dessert!

After lunch we walk up to a secret beach entrance that only the locals know about. 

Down the hidden path...

and here's what you find at the end! A glorious view and LOTS of steps down the cliff. 

Bouganvilla grows abundantly here.  

After spending the day sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing it was time for an early dinner at Taverna Tony. We've experienced several star sightings here over the years, Helen Hunt being the most memorable. You just never know who is going to grace those steps. At night it becomes magical with the patio ensconced in little white lights, candlelight, and an ocean breeze.

This is what we most often share here, the jumbo prawns Greek style. I love Malibu and am thankful it's so close to home. 

 

Taste of Sicilia at World Famous Il Fornaio

An early evening stroll through the twinkling lights of The Village At Topanga Westfield can lead to some amazing discoveries.

This evening we were on our way to experience a Taste of Sicilia at the beautiful, new Il Fornaio. My heart skipped a beat when we were escorted to this lovely table perfectly prepared for the feast.

Being a "foodie", this is one of my favorite things in the whole world...tasting things, especially from a new gourmet menu, and in this case authentic Italian cuisine.

Look at this amazing menu!!! I think I want everything! As we perused the menu, which is only available this month, their outstanding bread basket was served. Warm, crusty, fresh, chewy Italian bread! One plain and the other with rosemary and olives. It is served with a fruity olive oil, poured at table with aged balsamic added if you like. I could make a meal of this bread. But alas this is just the beginning.

You MUST order the BRUSCHIVIA. I repeat MUST. This is the best bean soup we have EVER tasted. In our lives. It's a blend of several healthy beans and farro. I was shocked to learn it is vegan. The broth and taste are superb.

This fetching plate is ARANCINI AL SUGO, fried rice balls with a meat filling on a pool of tomato coulis. Just outstanding!

A sweet couple we dined with asked me what my favorite food is. Answer PASTA. This was simple and savory just the way I like it. PASTA chi PURPETTI features long ribbon pasta with veal meatballs, a touch of aged ricotta, in a red wine pancetta sauce. YUM!

You know it's a good time when you get pasta AND mashed potatoes the same night! Here we have BRANZINO ALLA TRAPANESE, the star being roasted wild seabass. Manager Giuseppe taught us the best way to eat this is by mixing a little of the fish, potatoes, and sauce together for the perfect bite. He was right! Great tip!

To satisfy your sweet tooth there is also a totally new dessert experience. This says happy, Christmas, and Italy in the visual appeal as well as the taste. Imagine a marzipan wrapped sponge cake with a touch of candied orange peel, and chocolate. A delightful way to finish a meal.

Oh how we enjoyed our visit to Sicilia! The food was amazing and so was the hospitality, These gentlemen have a love for food and people which comes across in all they do. And yes, Chef Giuseppe came here to our little corner of the world from Italy. I couldn't wait to write about this and I sincerely hope all who read it visit Il Fornaio this month. As for me, I can't wait to go back!

 

Save

Save

Enjoying The Pier At Avila Beach

When on a Cali central coast getaway one of our favorite places to visit is the pier at Avila Beach. It's only a short drive from our inn in San Luis Obispo.

The sounds of seagulls, the amazing turquoise waters, and the ocean breeze all combine to heighten the experience of being there.

Just below the pier there are steps that lead down to the sea lions that hang out there. Look at how close I am!

Just me and them and boy did they put on a show!!!

Being out in all that fresh air helps you work up an appetite, especially when you smell the aroma of fresh fried seafood. This table called out to us.

What a great time we had at Mersea's! We wanted to try everything but ended up sharing a seafood platter.

Here's a closer look at our perfect lunch in a fabulous setting. Can't wait to go back!

Lot's of fishing going on in these waters. We watched as this guy unloaded his fresh catch of dungeness crab.

Next time we will bring a cooler as all of the seafood is sold fresh at the pier.

Below us the support beams are covered in mussels.

I found Dale enjoying this slice of the Pacific. So relaxing!

Avila reminds me of a cross between the Mediterranean, a European ocean village, and Amity, the town where Jaws was filmed, yet it's Cali all the way. A great place to visit!

 

Eating House 1849, the New Restaurant Concept by Roy Yamaguchi

 Welcome to THE SHOPS AT KUKUI'ULA VILLAGE just a hop, skip, and a jump from our resort in Poipu Beach, Kauai.

  On our way to eat we stopped in MALIE, a fine, local bath & body manufacturer. Here we found a wonderful mango perfume as a present for my sister.

  Our destination EATING HOUSE 1849, Roy Yamaguchi's new Hawaiian plantation style restaurant featuring local ingredients from the land and sea. As of this writing it is the first and only one. Plans are in the works to expand to some of the other islands. I hope it makes it to the States.

  The restaurant is upstairs with open air views and the amazing tropical breeze.

  This dish is "to die for"!!! It's freshly caught Japanese style Misoyaki Butterfish with a sizzling soy vinaigrette and served over vegetable fried rice. The fish  just melts in your mouth and each bite was heaven. 

  Among other things we also enjoyed Tavern Style Fried Chicken with Kunana Dairy goat cheese mashed potatoes, local kale, and 1849 country gravy.

  Being a foodie and having an eye for new trends in fashion and home decor I enjoyed observing the spacious, rustic decor here.

  Gone are the days of boring light fixtures. The ones throughout this establishment were quite special.

  Mason jars are so on trend these days being used here as water glasses.

  I could have this dessert every night. It's called Malasades. It's basically a plate of just made donuts, served warm, with a caramel dipping sauce.

  This saying was displayed prominently on a vibrant green wall. This accent color is very "in" and "pops" a neutral palette. It is the same color we designed for our store Mountain Rose Gifts when it was on Honolulu Ave. Anyway, it means "happy wife, happy life". Eating here on vacation with my dear husband, in this place, made me very happy.  

 

When it was time to head home we got a kick out of our convertible Mustang which had their logo projected onto the sidewalk. Cool!

 

Mother's Day Brunch at the Odyssey

This was the view as we drove down our street to head to church this beautiful Mother's Day. On the left is Nyoka Cliff, the scene of many old westerns. From this vantage you can see the mountains across the San Fernando Valley. Beyond those mountains lies the Pacific Ocean. We had a blessed time of fellowship. The message from Revelation 2, "you have left your first love", was followed by a time of holy silence. The Lord just impressed us all to... stop... and... listen... to Him. There was an amazing hush and peace over us all. Still. Feeling His presence. Awesome. 

Following church we were invited by our nephew to join them for a grand brunch at the Odyssey.

Upon entering we were greeted by a harpist. Beautiful, elegant music.

We had prayed the Lord would give us a good table and waiter and our prayers were answered. The Odyssey is on top of a mountain, the amazing view was right in front of us.

There was so much to choose from at this buffet style brunch! There was a seafood room, main course and salad room, carving stations, and a whole dessert room. Oh boy!!!

The carving station was my first stop and this leg of lamb was calling my name. They even had mint jelly to go with. I also had prime rib! The roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy were my fave. Yes, I loved the carving station!

After pacing ourselves it was time for dessert. FLAMING DONUTS!!! Gotta try that!

Six donuts being flamed for us right before our eyes!

And then there were the cakes! Cubicles of them!

My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach but I just had to taste these. French macaroons, key lime tart, cream puff, red velvet cake, and more! The orange juice was fresh squeezed and the cappuccino was topped with fresh cream. Sugar coma.

Dale had only one dessert. Bananas Foster flamed to order and caramelized.

What a perfect brunch!!! Afterward we walked to the back of the restaurant to check out the views.

We found the house herb garden!

Alas it's time to head home and take a nap. Thank you D & F for a wonderful treat!

Montrose 2020 Vision Bus Tour

Yesterday we were invited by the City of Glendale to meet early in the morning and board a specially chartered tour bus. The plan being to meet with neighboring city officials, tour their shopping districts, and learn what they are doing that we could apply to Montrose.

The tour was led by Jennifer McLain, Principal Economic Development Officer (right) along with Jackie Bartlow, Economic Development Coordinator (left). We were joined by Montrose Shopping Park officials, key Montrose business owners (I'll introduce you to them in these pics), and the Executive Director of the Montrose Chamber.

The tour was well organized and we kept to our full agenda. Serving on the City of Glendale Branding Committee, it always makes me smile when I see the happy swirl logo used on City correspondence.

First stop upon arriving in Claremont: COFFEE!!! Meet Jeannie (left), owner of popular Spanish inspired restaurant CASA CORDOBA...Maureen (middle), owner of the oldest children's bookstore in the nation ONCE UPON A TIME...and Ken, owner of long time music store GRAYSON'S TUNE TOWN.

And thus the walking began. I have always wanted to go to Claremont but somehow, until today, never made it.

What a beautiful and quaint shopping and dining district in the heart of Cali. It's known, among many other things, for it's prominent colleges. Six of them I believe. We all loved this mural and would like to see some of this done in Montrose.

Now onto our first official meeting of the day.

We met with Brian Desatnik (right), Director of Community Development for the City of Claremont and had a very productive and interesting discussion. To my right is hubby Dale who serves as Business Administrator and Events Coordinator for the MSPA (Montrose Shopping Park Assn). Next to him, Steve Pierce our Communication Admin., Harvest Marketplace Manager, and Filming Liaison.

More walking, led by Brian, ensued. What beautiful weather we had!

The walking abruptly stopped the minute we saw PIES!!!

My friend Gigi (right) and I had the same idea! Gigi owns IT TAKES A VILLAGE KIDS and serves as V.P. of the MSPA Board. Note: I LIKE PIE we need you in Montrose!

We all admired the lush plantings throughout the Claremont shopping district.

Thank you Brian for sharing your valuable time with us. I enjoyed your manner and we all learned so much!

This shot was taken from the bus window on the way to Covina and epitomizes the Southern California Inland Empire. Palm trees, bougainvillea, blue skies, mountains, and the American flag.

Being a "foodie" I LOVE trying new places! Lunch was at gastropub BREAD AND YEAST in the heart of the Covina shopping district.

Among other things we enjoyed these Portobello Fries with bacon and shaved Parmesan. YUM!

We dined with Covina Asst. City Manager Angel Carrillo. Once again most informative.

In our after lunch tour we came across this sign. LOL!

Uh oh! As if the pies in Claremont weren't enough! Just had to buy pastries at PAN DULCE! Do you see that empty spot where the jelly rolls are? I've got it in the bag!

Now we are in Monrovia. Call out to KNOT TOO SHABBY: Come to Montrose!!! What a cute store! They sell chalk paint and teach you how to use it!

Glad we are walking off our lunch!

At least until we ran into this giant poster of Thor!

Hahahahahahahahaha! We do have fun!

Beautiful fountain vignette in Monrovia,

We like this colorful photo op too. Wondering if we might want one of Meatball the bear in Montroseland?

We ended the day at 38 DEGREES ALEHOUSE where Monrovia business owner and volunteer extraordinaire Pam Fitzpatrick graciously shared her work on behalf of the Monrovia shopping district. This woman deserves a medal!

Alas the "party bus" awaits to whisk us back to never never land. THANK YOU City of Glendale for a wonderful day on behalf of #montrose2020vision We learned much and enjoyed ourselves doing it. GREAT job Jennifer & Jackie!

Sunday Brunch at the Beverly Hilton

After church we took the "back roads" to Beverly Hills to enjoy a special brunch Dale reserved.

The pines give way to palms, a sign we are almost there.

Our destination: the famous Beverly Hilton Hotel, home of the Golden Globes and many other star studded events.

Fresh roses greet you in the lobby.

Our table next to the famous Aqua Star pool, the largest in Beverly Hills and setting for numerous movies, TV shows, and films.

The brunch includes everything on the buffet plus the entree of your choice!

I loved looking at all the food and practiced some form of self control. Smoked Scottish Salmon with capers, red onion, and lemon, wafer thin Manchego cheese with candied pecans and honey, applewood smoked bacon, Chinese chicken salad, and fresh pastries were all delicious, especially with french press coffee and rich cream.

 

My entree has arrived! A perfectly prepared hanger steak which I got to go. One can only eat so much and I had to save room for dessert.

These pops looked great! I took a pic but never tried them.

Instead I opted for the house made chocolates.

And of course I had to try some French macaroons! They seem to be turning up everywhere out here.

After such a satisfying meal on such a perfect day it's time to look up.

We took the canyon roads home with the windows down. It is always incredibly beautiful after it rains and the smell of eucalyptus, pine, and orange blossoms fragrance the air.

Safely home after a pleasant drive and ready for a Sunday nap.