Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

DFW resident violinist Eun Chong Ju has released her highly anticipated first digital album. This album includes “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A Minor Op. 28” composed by French composer Camille Saint-Saens.

“This piece is famous for its fast tempo and brilliant technique. “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A Minor Op. 28” was originally dedicated to Pablo de Sarasate, the most virtuosic violinist in that period.” Said Eun Chong Ju. “I reinterpreted this piece by highlighting its warm and melodic parts along with advanced techniques. This album goes well with the autumn nights.”

When Ju wanted to record a perfect piece for the fall season, she paired up with her longtime friend and colleague, Min Kyung Kim for the piano accompaniment. Kim is a renowned pianist and an instructor at the Grayson College. The album was produced by her husband and manager, Daniel Kim, a long-time audio engineer in Dallas, Texas.

Violinist Eun Chong Ju graduated from Chungnam National University, South Korea with honors and received a full scholarship from Southern Methodist University in Texas. Since then Eun Chong Ju has been a member of numerous orchestras including; Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Richardson Symphony Orchestra, and now with Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Arlington, Garland Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Pops Orchestra. Eun Chong Ju has been the concertmaster in Chungnam National University Orchestra and KCC Orchestra. In addition, she was recognized in various competitions and prizes on the international stage; such as third place in the 2018 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Competition and third place in the 2019 Golden Classical Music Awards, and made her solo debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York this year. Eun Chong Ju is a member of Music Teachers National Association.

A native of South Korea, violinist Eun Chong Ju received her M.A in Music from Southern Methodist University and was invited to Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Ju relocated to Lewisville, Texas to start a family with her loving husband.

Eun Chong Ju has devoted her life to the violin. In the span of thirty years, she has relentlessly trained, performed in front of tens of thousands of audiences, and taught violin to many young musicians. Eun Chong Ju’s parents knew was musically gifted when she started composing music with her schoolteacher at the age of 5. Eun Chong Ju learned the violin right away after being encouraged by her Aunt. After years of dedication and support from her parents, she drove 5 hours round-trip to receive lessons from one of the top violinists in Korea, all of this furthering her road to success.

Eun Chong Ju is performing with Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra in 2019-2020 seasons. Upcoming concerts are on October 19, November 16, December 21, 2019 – January 18, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 9, 2020.

Genius, talented, unbelievable, Eun Chong Ju is a force to be reckoned with. She will give Itzhak Perlman and Lili Haydn a run for their money. Her star is shining brightly and soon everyone will know her!

Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood Asked Her These Questions:

What are your music inspirations?
ECJ: Two things: Nature and other musicians. I very much appreciate and enjoy nature and when I perform I think about the sights and the feelings I received from nature. I also enjoy listening to other great musicians as they inspire me to continue with my music.

What is your process of learning a new piece of music?
ECJ: I start from listening to other available recordings of the piece. Then, I add my interpretation of the music and make it my own.

How do you juggle your personal life and your music career?
ECJ: I think that’s the hardest thing for musicians. I can’t stop practicing until I am satisfied. But I need to cook for my family, teach my students, work out, etc. I usually set the timer when I practice and never think about Violin when I leave my practice room. It’s like there are two totally different people in my life.

How have your family helped you, and influenced you?
ECJ: My Aunt is a violinist in South Korea. So we all were influenced by her. There are two more violinists among my relatives. My parents loved music so they supported me very much.

How would you compare music is your home country to music in America?
ECJ: America is a country with people from various countries, cultures. I can say the variety is the most significant difference.

Who are your professional mentors?
ECJ: Fortunately, all my previous teachers were/are my mentors. It’s hard to name a specific person.

Who is your favorite violinist and why?
ECJ: Hilary Hahn – I recently I really enjoy listening to her because of her perfect technique and musicality. I can sense her strongest devotion to violin in her music.

Is there anyone you have ever been compared to?
ECJ: No – not that I can remember. I always compare myself to previous me from recordings. That’s how you get better.

What would you tell a young musician about the music business?
ECJ: It’s really narrow, rough road. Leave music as a hobby unless you love music so much so you don’t care where you play and how much you get paid.

Your first memory as a child of music?
ECJ: It was my aunt’s graduation recital when I was 5. It’s the earliest impactful memory of music I have.

Your first song that you heard as a child that you loved?
ECJ: My mother loved listening to Mozart and that the earliest recollection of music in my life. I think I loved id too.

Who are your favorite music artists?
ECJ: Yo-Yo Ma – I had the opportunity to play with Yo-Yo Ma at Chicago Civic orchestra. He had a very good understanding of his music and he was humble as well.

Who would you want to collaborate with?
ECJ: I’d like to collaborate with my college friends in South Korea. When we were studying music together I felt that we had a very strong musical connection with each other. I’d like to be able to collaborate with them again soon.

Pick one of your music pieces that might be personal and tell us a little about it?
ECJ: Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No 1: This piece is not sad at all but I saw my father crying after I performed this piece on a concert. I never asked him why but I remember this.

Tell us about your spiritual journey that pertains to your music?
ECJ: I grew up in a God-loving family. So my music is naturally very spiritual to me. I feel I’m able to add more and more spirituality in my music as I age and mature.

If you didn’t play classical music, would there be another genre that you would want to play?
ECJ: I think I would’ve been a jazz pianist if I didn’t focus on classical violin.

Where do you see your music going in the next 5 years?
ECJ: More recording, more concerts, and more teaching. I hope to be able to share my music with more people.

How do you feel about women’s empowerment?
ECJ: To me – there is a clear difference between men and women but the necessity of each gender is equally as important. So I think all men and women should be equally empowered by each other.

What’s the one thing that you want your fans to remember about you?
ECJ: I aspire to be a friend to all of my fans.

What do you do for relaxation?
ECJ: I like to take a walk. My husband knows this well – he will always ask me if I want to go take a walk after we have an argument.

What are your hobbies?
ECJ: Reading, Pilates, Walking.

What’s a charity that you want to be involved with and why?
ECJ: I hope I can use my talent in many ways. Music can move people’s hearts. I’d like to play and teach violin to students who do not have such opportunity in their lives.

What’s on your young bucket list?
ECJ: Traveling worldwide.

What the most important thing in your life?
ECJ: To live happily ever after, and God.

Anything else you would like to add?
ECJ: Thank you for the opportunity to share about my life and music!
Website: www.eunchongju.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nJEQ7a8xmdIkc1idjCgge
Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC-dSacJ3S5qp_KWW0_tXJjQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eun-chong-ju/1477412429
Purchase Music: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/eunchongju

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Lenny Rosenberg from Lenny’s and many other food related businesses, a true restaurant pioneer, took over this delicious pizza restaurant a few months back, he closed the restaurant and renovated it. He also made this restaurant different from their other ones that they have in Los Angeles. He really has the Midas touch, he is able to take an existing establishment and tweak it to be a bit extra. Always paying very close attention to the food, and making it super fantastic!

The day I was there, the customers were all over the map. Some locals, some students, but all enjoying their great-varied menu items and all having a blast.

Here’s What I tried:

Appetizers:

Meatballs- Grass-fed beef, ricotta, tomato, pecorino, and grilled bread. The combination of the meatball with the red sauce and the ricotta is otherworldly, I just loved this dish.

Burrata-Cherry tomato, pesto, wild arugula, and toasted ciabatta. The pesto was the best part for me, zesty and light, just terrific.

Wood fired Wings- Seasoned with Calabrian Chile, and creamy Gorgonzola dip. They did my wings on the sweet side because I asked for that, and they were delicious.

Salads:

Rotisserie Chicken Cobb-Roasted corn, smoky bacon, egg, Gorgonzola, avocado, cherry tomatoes, local greens, house made ranch. This is a huge salad with all the fixings, and the ranch is out of this world, and I loved the corn!

Bowls:

800 Kale + Quinoa- Quinoa tabbouleh, kale, avocado, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumber, garbanzos, and tahini dressing. This is the bowl for me, with the tahini dressing; it’s just the bomb.

Sandwiches:

Wagyu French Dip- Oven-roasted roast beef, au jus, carmelized onions, arugula, and horseradish cream. This sandwich is super juicy with great flavor, another winner for me.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt- Rotisserie chicken & bacon on cheesy garlic bread, arugula, herb ranch, for the more healthier customer, delightful all the same.

Plates:

Grilled Salmon – Sides: Sweet corn & cherry tomato, shaved Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower rice. My favorite part of this dish was the shaved Brussels sprouts.

BBQ-Rotisserie chicken – succulent, moist, the best chicken ever!!

Specialty Pizzas:

Tartufo-Bianca with truffled pecorino, wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, and arugula. A fragrant wonderful light pizza, a great choice.

Carni- Molinari sausage, all-natural pepperoni, and rosemary ham. This pizza has a bit of everything, just perfect.

BBQ-Rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce, smoked provolone, peppadews, red onions, and cilantro. I always love a great BBQ Chicken pizza, this one did not disappoint, and I just love their crust.

Desserts:

Mini Apple Pie, this pie is so cute, with great cinnamon flavor, super yum.

Lemon Square, with tangy lemon nuances, one of my favorites desserts!

I did try some of their wines that were house varietals, Black Oak – and all went great with the various food items.

800 Degrees History: When it first opened back in 2012, 800 Degrees Pizza brought Los Angeles a new kind of fast-casual Neapolitan pizza restaurant where pies would go into a wood fired oven for just a few minutes around $7 to $8. Now the world has seen plenty of these quick-fire pizza places using a Chipotle-style model of build-your-own dish, from Blaze to Pieology and beyond. 800 Degrees Wood fired Kitchen now has restaurants in LA, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Doha, Seoul, and Dubai. Former Michael Mina corporate chef and Anthony Carron first founded 800 Degrees with Adam Fleischman and Allen Ravert at this Westwood spot in January 2012. 800 Degrees has other Los Angeles locations; Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown LA.

The décor is super fun and friendly and so is their staff. This is a must try when your in Westwood Village, if you’re a pizza lover you will be super happy that there is now a pizza joint that is worth recommending, and has some other terrific menu items for the whole family.

800 Degrees
10899 Lindbrook Drive.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
www.800degrees.com
@800degreesLA

800degrees.com
(310) 443-1911
Hours: Open Now 11:00 am-11:00 pm

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Wish Gala 2019 Presented by Oaktree Capital, to benefit Make A Wish Greater Los Angeles. Such a great night of wonder and surprise, mixed in with all of these glorious wishes fulfilled!!! Featuring Grammy winner Chaka Khan, and Chris Connelly, ESPN Correspondent, plus Eddie Cibrian, LeAnn Rimes, Jason Lewis, and Tara Reid.

Their menu for the dinner was also amazing:

Quinoa salad, with Fresh Raspberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese. Grilled Filet and Grilled Salmon, with Yukon Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Black Pepper Corn Sauce and Crispy Thyme. Desert: The Beverly Hilton Ice Cream Sandwich, with Strawberry Ice Cream on a Blondie.

A star-studded annual Wish Gala is Make-A-Wish Greater LA’s largest and most glamorous fundraising event. Raising more than $1 million annually, the Wish Gala helps grant hundreds of wishes for local children in the coming year. We hope you join us for this celebration of our mission, wish families, volunteers and you, our supporters. This year, we have much to celebrate as we recently granted our 10,000th wish in Los Angeles!

Paul and Jason co-founded the Real Estate Division to benefit Make-A-Wish Greater LA in 2012, which has now grown to over 400 members and raised over $2.4 million to grant wishes for children in LA. The Beverly Hilton Hotel and will once again bring together more than 800 celebrities, philanthropists, and industry leaders from real estate, finance, and entertainment. Make a Wish Foundation – Our mission is only possible with the passion and commitment of our community in the City of Angels. The benefit was held to raise funds to support wishes for children in the Greater LA area and also celebrated Nickelodeon and their work with the foundation.

About Make-A-Wish – Greater Los Angeles – Founded in 1983, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles has granted 10,000 wishes to children in Los Angeles County. Annually in Los Angeles, the chapter grants over 200 wishes locally, and facilitates over 350 wishes for children from all over the world whose wish is to come to Los Angeles. Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles is part of Make-A-Wish America, a national organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish America is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories.

Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills.

Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles
11390 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90064

* Note Some Content Was taken Off Of Their Website.

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When I did my research about restaurants to try this trip I was drawn to My Mothers House Italian Restaurant. I called owner Laura on the phone and she was busy both times that I called her. But she said I don’t mean to be rude but I am right in the middle of business can you call me back tomorrow at this time. Normally I would just say ok they are not interested in me doing a tasting. But some how I felt a special pull that made me pursue this tasting. After tasting the food and hearing Michael and Laura’s enchanting story, I was all in.

Their restaurant is a little gem, in a world full of Italian restaurants that are trying to step up to the plate. They just have all of their bases covered. Mike Leonetti is a famous singer; he has had a couple of hit records. He performs at his restaurant many nights a week, as well as creates some of their signature dishes. Micheal professes his grandmother Julie, who was from Naples, taught him her family recipes. While Laura is the no nonsense business side, paying the bills making the orders, it’s really a match made in heaven. Laura a widower, was married for 35 years, she went with her daughter to a near by hang out called Siena and prince charming, Micheal Leonetti, stole her heart. Michael is the face and Laura is the business mind that makes this amazing restaurant run like clockwork. Both Michael and Laura know their place and both of them loving their parts. From the moment you walk in you can feel their love and the love they have for their restaurant. Michael is welcoming everyone by saying “ You Hungry” telling his super fun stories about his pals, Dean, Frank, Tony, etc. No joke, he has met and sometimes performed with all of them. He is the real deal. Perhaps an era gone by, but truly a place where you can enjoy Las Vegas at its finest. But not a place where you have to put on airs, no it’s a family style, a family run establishment where every one is welcome.

Now about the food, it’s authentic, fresh, and possibly the best Italian food you will find in Las Vegas. The unique flavors of everything I tasted was very special. Michael asked me a bit about what I like and he took it from there, he did a really great job. They only take reservations, and they are always packed.

Starters:

Their garlic bread with a side of red sauce is an amazing starter, make sure you ask for it!!

Shrimp Cocktail, big huge colossal shrimp served in a proper cocktail bowl, just terrific.

Brisket, Michael told me he had a best friend growing up in Philadelphia who was Jewish and he learned how to cook real Jewish food from him and his family. This brisket was deli style all the way, and melts in your mouth. He makes a French Onion soup for it to cook in; it takes 15 hours for the whole process.

Linguine Neapolitan in white clam sauce, baby fresh clams over linguini, with cherry stone clams on top. They give you so many clams I just didn’t know where to start, but once I got in, it was a glorious experience. Super fresh clams, with a very creamy garlic sauce, yum.

Blue Crab from Maryland, with white wine and garlic, for me these were the star of the show. Michael told me that everything he brought me were half orders, and they were big, I can’t imagine what the full orders looed like, but in any case you will have lots of food to take home. These beauties are fresh and flavorful, sweet meat you can only get from Blue Crab, a true winner.

Ravioli with sausage and meatball. These raviolis are cooked in house, and the meatballs and sausage were just superb. I loved this one as well.

Green Salad, this salad came with one of the dishes I was served, I know don’t know which one but it is light and refreshing, almost like a palate cleanser.

Lemoncello Delight, I have never in my 8 years of doing this job tasted a desert like this. It’s a frozen lemoncello with whipped cream, but the whole thing becomes frozen, what a treat, I am hooked.

Tiramisu, they do a super good rendition of this Italian staple dessert.

Key Lime Pie, their pastry chef Matt Byrge did a stellar job on this Southern Classic, I think it’s the candied limes that really make it super special.

Wine I tried: Chardonnay, Oak Vineyards Bishops Peak, 2013, of course this one went great with the seafood.

My adorable server Darlene Clayton, who had only been serving at My Mothers House for 2 weeks, used to be a professional model. She added to the glamour of the night with her exuberant personality.

Owners Laura and Mike Leonetti are gracious, kind and wonderful, if I lived near by I would be here a few nights a week, it’s just that kind of place. It’s an eating establishment that has a lot of heart; you can feel it in every bite. There is a great story about how Laura and Michael met in Living in the Sun, A Sun City magazine, I would highly recommend reading it.

Michael’s mission is simple, “I wanted this to be like what Vegas was,” said Leonetti, “Unfortunately, although there are wonderful restaurants in Las Vegas, they’re just restaurants. I wanted to do something a little different, bring back the way Vegas was, where people can come in and dine and hear phenomenal music.”

Leonetti opened My Mother’s House after a career as a lounge performer, beginning in 1972. He has worked at the Marina Hotel, Caesar’s Palace and MGM Grand. He learned to cook alongside his mother, Dolores, and grandmother, Julie, both deceased. Just like they did, Leonetti serves food on oversized plates good for sharing.

He still has the wooden spoon his grandmother used to hit him with when he acted up as a child. It hangs on the wall along with pictures of, who else, the Rat Pack, as well as other notables from Las Vegas’ heyday. He also has some of his gold records from his earlier days.

Michael is non-stop fun, telling jokes and stories a mile a minute. He says,” You can stop getting old, but it doesn’t mean you have to be old.” Truly a kid at heart, he will make you forget any troubles you had walking in the door.

Besides Michael Leonetti performing here, he has some other notable talent that books in here regularly. Gina Eckstein, Billy’s daughter, Dave De Costa and more. Check out their website for their calendar listings.

You won’t feel more at home anywhere in Las Vegas; it’s just the best of the best, and definetly a place to try. Next time you’re in Sun City Summerlin give My Mothers House a try, or even if you make it a destination evening, you will be so happy you did.

My Mother’s House – Italian Restaurant
9320 Sun City Blvd, Ste 100
Las Vegas, NV 89134
(702) 998-2820
mymothershouselv.com

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This restaurant is in a spot in Las Vegas that is away from the entire hustle and bustle of the strip. It’s in North Las Vegas, which is just booming. Pretty much the only place near Los Angeles where you can buy property for two hundred thousand US dollars. So needless to say many Californians are making the leap to Las Vegas, and in my small amount of time I can understand why. When you get away from the strip you feel, like you are in a great suburb that could be anywhere in America. The air is clean and beautiful dessert mountains surround it. I can really see Las Vegas being the next place for many Angelinos to be moving and buying properties. They need delicious food to go along with this notion. And Mezzo Bistro and Wine adds this is spades. Great food in the heart of this bedroom community that has grown by leaps and bound in the last 5 years.

Here’s What I Tried:

Starters:

Calamari, Lightly breaded squid served with spicy marinara and sliced pepperoncini, and it is soaked in buttermilk. Delicious seasoning and the zesty pepperoncini, is an Italian staple.

Risotto with mushrooms, with goat cheese and red wine reduction. The red wine reduction is enough for you to order this dish. It is sweet and there is a glaze underneath the creamy risotto, just try it.

Salads:

Italian Antipasto Salad, with Arcadia and iceberg lettuce mix, topped with imported meats and cheese with olives, tomatoes, fire roasted peppers, artichoke hearts and Italian dressing. This salad is so colorful and large, Truly a must have!

Caesar Salad, one of the best Caesar I have had in along time. Just a wonderful dressing and super crisp Romaine lettuce make this salad simply the best.

Pasta:

Gnocchi, with handcrafted potato dumplings, carbonara sauce, peas, pancetta, and grilled Shrimp. The sauce is creamy and delightful, and the shrimp are grilled with superb flavor, a great Gnocchi dish.

Seafood:

Frutti di Mare, with clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp and salmon. Sautéed with sherry wine, with fresh herbs, tossed in linguine. Another terrific menu item, with a kick that will blow your hair back.

Mezzo Specialties:

ÏFiletto Gorgonzola, Hand cut 8 oz. filet mignon, with a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce. Topped with crispy pancetta, served with garlic mash potatoes and grilled vegetables. The meat is super tender and the sauce is just out of this world. The mashed potatoes are equally to die for, amazing.

Sides:

Mushrooms, buttery button mushrooms oozing in butter, a great dish.

Wine’s:

Prosecco, Canti D.O.C, Veneto, IT, the best way to start my experience, it went great with the lovely calamari, and salads.

Chardonnay, La Crema Sonoma, CA.  I just love this wine with the shrimp in the gnocchi, a nice light, buttery wine.

Zinfandel, Fantom Bogle Vineyards, Old Vines, CA.  I always go for the Old Vines Zin, its my jam!  This wine was a no brainer with the steak.

Every Thursday they have new specials, their regulars know their menu and come in on Thursday just to taste the new specials. Mezzo Grill won the best of Las Vegas, Gold Winner, in 2018, Best Wine Bar, Las Vegas Review Journal. Mezzo Bistro and Wine opened on January 1, 2009, and has been a mainstay in North Las Vegas ever since.

The two owners Kelly and Sean are very user friendly. Sean was the one that scheduled my tasting. Sean is from Utica NY, he has all of his Italian family recipes in tow. What he brings to the table is a youthful outlook with his traditional old family recipes that makes Mezzo a real keeper.

It’s just the best neighborhood bistro that I have experienced in a long time. Next time your in North Las Vegas give Mezzo Bistro and Wine a try, you will be very glad you did.

Mezzo Bistro and Wine
4275 N Rancho Dr, Ste 130
Las Vegas, NV 89130
(702) 944-8880
mezzobistro.com

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What I truly loved about this special restaurant is the way they make you feel, from the moment you walk, in their treatment is outstanding, you just feel like royalty. The staff is not overly gushing about your experience, but they really do see that everything is flawless. The food, the ambiance, their stories, all picture perfect.

Sorrento’s Story: Former La Villa restaurant located in the heart of Little Italy in San Diego, Sorrento ristorante, bar e pizzeria opened in 2015. A newborn of the Mastellone family. (Au Revoir Bistro, Arrivederci, Piacere Mio, Solunto.) Typical Italian restaurant, Sorrento, has a casual ambiance, authentic Italian cuisine, and an atmosphere that transport’s you directly to the piazza Tasso in Sorrento, at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius in di Golfo di Napoli.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Martini, traditional, with a nice authentic martini glass, just loved the cocktail.

Mango Martini, this is a fruity drink, not for a real strong cocktail drinker. But for me, it hit the spot. Maurizio Pino made my lovely drinks, he did an amazing job.

Salads:

Caprese, a super delicious salad with nice fresh ripe tomatoes, a great way to start my meal.

Pera E Formaggio, Spinach, gorgonzola, red onions, mushrooms, pears, walnuts, and house vinaigrette. This salad would be my go to salad for sure. The combination of candied pecans and pears, with the cheese, is just fantastic.

Specials:

Cioppino, mussels, clams, calamari, tuna, salmon, shrimp, light tomato and white wine served with crostini. A very fragrant light broth filled with treasures from the sea, just delightful.

Lobster Ravioli, homemade pasta filled with succulent lobster and the sauce is thick, rich, and super creamy.

Lobster Tail Fra’ Diavola, spicy marinara sauce, tomato, and mushrooms, served with linguine. A very spicy dish, but guaranteed to be a real crowd pleaser. I just loved all of the super fresh lobster, and the great handmade pasta underneath it all.

Dessert:

Tiramisu, Ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cream, cocoa powder, a perfect ending to my very elegant dinner.

Chocolate Mousse Silky Chocolate Mousse, if you are a chocolate lover, like me, then this is your dessert.

Wine:

Tenute Silvio Nardi, Rosso Di Montalcino, 2016.

Il Briciato, Tenuta guado al Tasso, 2016. Both wines were elegant and paired perfect with my dishes, a true delight.

My very fun server Farbrizio Cammarota, has worked for five years at Sorrento’s. He was a restaurant manager and wedding planner in Florence before. He moved to America for his wife Chanel who is from Boston. He also worked at Arrivederci in the Hillcrest neighborhood before. He added just the right amount of knowledge and expertise he also paired my wines for the night and did an excellent job.

Jerry is Sorrento’s renowned pizza chef; he has been with the restaurant for 3 years. He says he has made more pizza at Sorrento then anyone else in the San Diego area. In 1980 he went to Italy to see how pizzas are made there. Jerry really takes pride in his exquisite pizza making; he says it’s a true art form.

I spoke with owner Lucio on the phone, and he was very welcoming, Lucio is partners with Antonio Mastellone, they own a few other dining establishments around town.

It has got a very inviting patio with a fountain in the middle. The inside has a big bar with lots of action. The whole place is designed very tasteful, you feel like you’re in Italy. The music is Italian pop, and Italian favorites, which totally makes the mood at Sorrento elevated. I would try this wonderful cuisine on your next trip to San Diego.

Sorrento Ristorante
1646 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619 546 0365
https://www.sorrentoristoranteandpizzeria.com

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Right on 5th Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter is an amazing steak house that will make your taste buds very happy. Being a relatively new dining establishment, Butcher’s Cut steakhouse has been opened for 6 months. Butchers Cut Steak house is conveniently located within walking distance to many Gaslamp Quarter hotels and is just five short blocks from the San Diego Convention Center. On the weekends this neighborhood is super busy, filled with partiers, tourist and just everyone taking in the sights, and walking this cool part of town.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Traditional Martini, in traditional martini glass, with 2 big olives, just the perfect way to start my dining experience.

Strawberry Margarita tequila, locally sourced strawberries, fresh lime, agave

Starters:

Daily Oysters, served with mignonette cocktail sauce, beautiful lovely little gems, a true winner.

Soup:

Clam Chowder with clams, vegetables, bacon. They use nice size fresh clams in their shells, so it makes for one amazing soup.

Side Dishes:

Cream Spinach, nice rich flavors, and a great side dish.

Wild field Mushrooms, with shishito peppers, garlic oil, white wine, and butter, a nice spicy mushroom side dish.

Happy Cow mashed Potatoes goat cheese, mozzarella, and manchego. You just got to order these, they are rich and fluffy, just perfection.

Mains:

Scallops, plump and fresh with good flavor.

Cold Water, Wild Caught Lobster Tail. This is a must have here as well, nice fresh lobster, with a grilled touch, just amazing.

Prime Porterhouse, 24 Oz., sliced and cooked to perfection with the Veal Bone Bordelaise, a great combo.

Desert:

Limoncello Cake, a perfect way to end the evening.

Wines:

Trefethen Estate, Chardonnay Oak-Knoll, Napa. Rich and buttery, just the perfect combination with the lovely lobster tail.

Wish Wine Company, Zinfandel, and Mendocino, CA, another great pairing with the steak, truly a no-brainer.

The night I was there they had a private party in their other dining room, it looked like the partygoers were having a blast. The music is super loud, with disco, ambient, Brazilian, top 40, and George Michael, to add to the overall ambiance.

Daniele one of my amazing Italian waiters was super smart and sexy. Born in Bagheria Italy, he added so much to my experience. Also, Jennifer Reinhart was main my server, she always had a smile of her face and treated me like a queen.

This used to be Chianti restaurant at this location. This restaurant group has quite a few restaurants; Greystone Steak House, Osetra, and Osteria Panevino. Butcher’s Cut is right next door to Greystone Steakhouse; it’s a more casual atmosphere. Sara Arjmand was the gal that set up this tasting; she is the marketing director. She adores working at this restaurant group, and says that everyone is like family. The General Manager Erin was very accommodating as well.

The interior is very fun, with old fashioned, blue and white floral fabric, wood floors, a fun long bar, and an outside happening patio. There are exposed beams, rope paneled ceilings. Chairs and bar stools are fashionably mid-century. Their unique feature is the glass-walled meat locker installed on the restaurant floor. Showcasing the exceptional cuts of dry-aged meat available, this peculiar feature is a spectacle that must be experienced in person. Meat is dry aged minimum of 21 days, and maximum 47 days.

The Butcher’s Cut is a welcome addition to the ever-growing restaurant scene of San Diego, offering a robust, yet refined dining experience that is a must-try for your next night out.

Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse
644 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
https://www.butcherscutsteakhouse.com.

* Note some content was taken off of their website.

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Located in the district called The Bywater, this place is a true Gem. Mixing Creole cuisine with Indian, so creative. I was there on a Sunday, which is like going to church in New Orleans, but with football added. Yes, the Saints were playing and so on every screen they had their fantastic football team on for the bar revelers to watch and go crazy. Luckily it was a good game and the Saints won, yay!!!

The mission is simple: serve delicious, affordable food that guests will want to return to week after week.

Here’s what I tried:

Cocktails:

Bloody Mary, done the traditional way, spicy and robust, exactly how I like it.

Small Plates:

Louisiana Crawfish Eggroll, with Hoisin Chili Sauce. Crispy, warm, brimming with lovely Indian seasonings, delicious.

Samosas savory Indian Turnover with tamarind sauce. I really adore a good samosa, and Silk Road’s is unique, bit huge roll looks more like an empanada then a samosa, but packed with super fresh flavors.

Soup:

Lemon Grass Crab Bisque, a good way to warm me up and taste nature’s bounty.

Salad:

Gado –Gado Indonesian Salad, with shrimp. Peanut Chili Dressing. This is my kind of salad, shrimps with the heads on and a very sweet lively dressing.

Curries:

Tikka Masala with shrimp, buttery mild curry cream sauce, a nice solid kick to this curry, but really done well and very intoxicating.

Nola Meets India:

BBQ smoked tandoori spiced bone-in chicken breast, another terrific menu item.

Silk Road Specialties:

Sesame Crusted Salmon, with wasabi beurre blanc, the presentation alone will make you come back for more, but the sesame crust makes it all a very nice way to indulge in salmon.

Saag Paneer, Fresh spinach sautéed, in tomato curry sauce, with homemade cheese. A real Indian favorite of  mine, they did this dish with all the bells and whistles, yum.

Dessert:

I had 2 different pie type cakes that were out of this world.

What I really love about this place is that it’s off the beaten path and that it is traditional Indian fare with a nice NOLA twist, and all on purpose. Chef G knows exactly what he is doing and what an achievement it is to blend these two food cultures.

If you’re a local, try this place. If your just in town for a bit still try this place, you too will be in heaven after sinking your teeth into this remarkable cuisine.

2483 Royal Street
New Orleans LA 70117
(504) 944-6666
https://www.silkroadnola.com

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This restaurant group has 4 locations and different named restaurants, all governed by One Pack Hospitality Group. When I got this tasting I was excited because it is out of the main part of New Orleans, in Gretna. So I was really able to spread my experiences through many parts of this amazing area.

The area looks like a bedroom community, and this restaurant was in a mall, but don’t let that fool you. Inside you will find lovely décor, with American farmlands in mind, and the best food in this area.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Louisiana Mule, with Absolut lime vodka, bayou satsuma rum, gosling’s ginger beer, orange juice, lime juice.

Watermelon Crawl with Tito’s vodka, watermelon juice, simple syrup, and lemon.

Perfect Patron Margarita, patrón, orange citronge, simple syrup, splash of first press lime
and splash of orange juice, 
lime twist. I find many cocktails that are super pricey and infused with this or that to be sometimes to acidic for my tastes, these were right on target, all having just the right amount of mixed ingredients to make them perfect combinations.

Shareable and Small Plates:

Lump Crab chops, one of my favorite things tonite. It just goes down so smooth and is so great, a must have for me,

Chilled Salads and Soups:

Classic Turtle Soup, with sherry. If you know what this soup is, and like it. then order it, some folks shy away from this soup, I found it a classic rendition.

House Favorites:

Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs, these are fall off the bone ribs, with a nice glaze.

BBQ Shrimp Pasta, New Orleans style, fettuccine, garlic bread. The shrimp are plump and tender and the sauce has a bit of a kick, this is very filling pasta so order everything else light on the menu.

Steaks:

Top Sirloin, roasted + sliced, chimmichuri, cooked super rare, so tender and light, just a spectacular menu item.

Sides:

Onion Rings, breaded with a nice crispy texture, and must-have for me.

Potatoes Au Gratin, creamy, smooth, bur very rich, with all of the great cheesy flavors you would expect and more.

Creamed Spinach, just loved their creamed spinach, I could eat this by the bowl full.

Crispy Brussels sprouts, onions, bacon, if you’re a love of Brussels Sprouts then this dish is for you, it’s just that good.

Desserts:

Lemon Ice-Box Pie, this is a Southern tradition. The pie is icy cold and the lemon flavor rushed through my tastebuds and gives me a very much needed tang after my delicious meal.

Chardonnay:

Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River, Sonoma, this wine is buttery and creamy and just has all of the characteristics that I adore, drink this wine with the crab chop.

Frank Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, a very elegant wine, I would pair this with the shrimp pasta.

Cabernet:

Josh Cellars, California, you can enjoy this bold wine with the steak; it will hit all the right notes.

Joel Gott, California, I would taste this wine with the ribs, it lends itself to the sweet flavors of the sauce.

I am so fortunate to be able to do this as part of my other gigs. I just love the fact that I can go to another city and try food that I would otherwise never know about. The respect people have for me and my writing is astounding, I am so blessed!

Their tag line is “Refined American fare, classic crated cocktails.”

This is no-nonsense cuisine that is just delicious, affordable, and convenient. I would recommend it and come back!

Legacy Kitchen Steak and Chop

91 West bank Expressway

Gretna, Louisiana

www.legacykitchen.com

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Antoine’s is so iconic, it’s the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans. It has a built-in museum of all of their history and artifacts. It’s got many rooms, some of which are so special that you have to reserve months in advance. My favorite was the escargot room, a place for men to have their little dinner clubs events. Of course, you have to order their very famous escargot if your eating in that room.

My lovely guide Ricky, who is a great-great-great grandson of the original owner, was so enlightening, he took me on a tour before my dining experience. He showed me the many rooms, paintings, wine cellar and ashtray collection, everything super spectacular to feast my eyes on. I felt so special that I was given this tour and be able to understand the whole history of Antoine’s and what makes it so special. So many famous dishes were created under their roof; I got to try quite a few.

Here’s What I Tried:

Appetizers:

Huîtres Bienville, Fresh Louisiana gulf oysters baked on the half shell, with white wine, cheese, onions, pimento, and fresh peppers sauce.

Huîtres en coquille à la Rockefeller, Louisiana gulf oysters baked on the half shell with the original Rockefeller sauce created by Antoine’s in the late 1890s.

Huîtres Thermidor, Fresh Louisiana gulf oysters baked on the half shell with bacon and cocktail sauce. They gave me a sampler platter of threes darling oysters my favorite was the Huitres Bienville. The oysters Rockefeller were delicious,  and they created this popular oyster dish here.

Soup and Salads:

Gumbo Créole, A classic preparation of rich Louisiana gumbo with blue crabs, oysters, and gulf shrimp. This is an amazing Gumbo, with just the perfect amount of spice and flavor.

Soupe a l’oignon Gratinée, A classic onion soup baked and topped with a combination of cheeses. Not the usual soup you would expect, but it’s so differed and wonderful that you forget any others that you have tried.

Salade Combinaison, Mixed greens tossed with artichokes, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and cranberries topped with feta cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. This is a nice simple salad that mixes the freshest ingredients with a nice subtle dressing.

Entrees:

Cotelettes d’Agneau Grillées, Prime center-cut lamb chops grilled and served with mint jelly. These chops are right up there with any I have tasted in the past. Grilled with a crispy outside and super tender inside, and the mint jelly is one of my favorite combinations on the planet.

Filet de Gulf Poisson aux Ecrevisses Cardinal, Grilled or fried gulf fish with gulf crawfish tails in Antoine’s signature white wine tomato sauce – our creation! This was drum fish, super thick with a great sauce and the crawfish just added the best part of the gulf.

Legumes:

Broccoli Sauce Hollandaise, Steamed broccoli with hollandaise sauce. Just what you would expect, but these broccoli florets were cooked al dent, so they kept their integrity and were just scrumptious.

Epinards Sauce Crème, Spinach in a light cream sauce with onion, garlic and Romano cheese baked in a casserole. I loved this spinach with the lamb, just the right accompaniment.

Dessert:

Tarte au Citron Vert, Authentic key lime mousse in a graham cracker tart shell topped with whipped cream. A very delectable way to end my glorious meal.

About Antoines:

Established in 1840, the main dining room at Antoine’s as it appeared in 1951. Even at that late date, the gas chandeliers provided the only heat for the room during the winter months!

It was spring in 1840, when New Orleans was queen city of the Mississippi River, when cotton was king and French gentlemen settled their differences under the oaks with pistols for two and coffee for one. “Dixie” had not yet been written, destined to become the marching anthem for Confederate forces in the Civil War. This was the city young Antoine Alciatore adopted, after stopping in New York, to establish a restaurant that would endure under his family’s direction for more than 179 years and set the standard that has made New Orleans one of the great dining centers of the world.

It was on St. Louis Street, just one block from the spot the famed restaurant occupies today, that the 18-year old Alciatore started what was to become simply “Antoine’s” as a synonym for fine food. He felt at home in the French-speaking city of lordly aristocrats and their extravagances, an ideal audience for his culinary artistry, a synonym for fine food. He felt at home in the French-speaking city of lordly aristocrats and their extravagances, an ideal audience for his culinary artistry.

The main dining room at Antoine’s as it appeared in 1951. Even at that late date, the gas chandeliers provided the only heat for the room during the winter months! After a brief period in the kitchen of the grand St. Charles Hotel, Antoine opened a pension, a boarding house and a restaurant. It was then that he made arrangements for his fiancée’ to join him from New York. She came to New Orleans with her sister and she and Antoine were married. Together they worked to build up their pension with culinary emphasis. New Orleans’ gentility was so taken with the restaurant that it soon outgrew its small quarters and Antoine’s moved down the block and eventually, in 1868, to the spot on St. Louis Street where the restaurant stands today.

In 1874, Antoine being in ill-heath took leave of his family, with the management of the restaurant in his wife’s hands. Jules married Althea Roy, daughter of a planter in Youngsville in southwest Louisiana. Jules and Althea had three children: Roy, Jules and Mary Louise. Roy followed in his father’s footsteps and headed the restaurant for almost 40 years until his death in 1972. He felt he had not much longer to live and wished to die and be buried in his birthplace in France. He told his wife he did not want her to watch him deteriorate and said as he left; “As I take the boat for Marseilles, we will not meet again on earth.” He died within the year. After Antoine’s death, his son Jules served as an apprentice under his mother’s tutelage for six years before she sent him to France where he served in the great kitchens of Paris, Strassburg and Marseilles. He returned to New Orleans and became a chef of the famous Pickwick Club in 1887 before his mother summoned him to head the house of Antoine. His genius was in the kitchen where he invented Oysters Rockefeller, so named for the richness of the sauce. They remain one of the great culinary creations of all time and that recipe remains a closely-guarded Antoine’s secret, though it has been imitated countless times.

The kitchen at Antoine’s as it appeared in 1951. The restaurant’s chefs were still using ancient coal-burning stoves to prepare meals for their many patrons. Note the oyster shells ready and waiting to be transformed into Oysters Rockefeller and the row of little baskets, soon to be filled with the delectable soufflé potatoes. Photograph by R. E. Covey.

Roy Alciatore managed the restaurant through some of the nation’s most difficult times, including the Prohibition era and World War II. His contributions still remain vibrant today. The 1840 Room, a replica of a fashionable private dining room, still contains the great silver duck press and is a museum of curios treasures including a cookbook published in Paris in 1659.

Marie Louise married William Guste; and their sons, William Jr., the former attorney general of Louisiana, and Roy Sr., became the fourth generation of the family to head the restaurant. In 1975, Roy’s son, Roy Jr., became proprietor and served until 1984. He was followed by William’s son, Bernard “Randy” Guste who managed Antoine’s until 2004. In 2005, Rick Blount, Roy Alciatore’s grandson became proprietor and CEO.

The long line of the Alciatore family members and descendants has guided Antoine’s to continued greatness, through the Civil War, two World Wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression and Hurricane Katrina.

Countless celebrities have dined in Antoine’s dining rooms. Lining the walls are photographs of the rich and famous who have feasted amid the splendor … musicians, politicians, military personnel, sports figures, and royalty … the list is endless. It includes George Bush, Bill Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, Pope John Paul II, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, Kate Hudson, Jimmy Buffet, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby to name just a few!

There is so much history here, you just have to come in and taste their wonderful food and take in all of the rooms and artifacts, it’s a must-see when you are in New Orleans.

Antoine’s
713 St Louis St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 581-4422

antoines.com

* Note some content was taken off of their press release.

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