Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

When I first started looking at my options to write about my travels in New Orleans, I put out a marketing letter, and Vic, the owner of the Jazz Quarters came calling. He offered me a 2 to 3 night stay at The Jazz Quarters and a connection to Mark Pruess of NOLA DeTours, both very kind and generous offers. I spoke to him many times before coming into town and he was very accommodating.

His property, which he has only owned for 18 months, is a compound in the Faubourg Treme district, super close to The French Quarter and across the street from the newly renovated Louis Armstrong Park, and Congo Square. This district is known as “The Back of Town”, best known for as the oldest neighborhood “Free People of Color”, in the United States, Treme was the only place where people of color owned property before the civil war. Daytime is just fine to walk about and see all of the sights. At night they keep the streets very dark, so you need to be careful when going to and from the property. But if your looking for a great stay that is centrally located, then The Jazz Quarters is the perfect place for you. Plus if you are traveling with a large party, there are many areas where they can house guests close together. But, if you’re looking for someone to hold your hand through your stay, you have come to the wrong place. Jazz Quarters offers a very independent experience. They do have maid’s service, but things like ice or any amenities you really need to figure that out on your own. There is a store close by that delivers anything you may need, and they do supply ice chests for any of your things that need to be kept cold, besides what can fit in your mini-fridge. But things that a hotel has to offer The Jazz Quarters does not. Not to stop you from staying there, because what they do have to offer is a great location, beautiful guest suites, and opulent art and antiques in most rooms. They have flat-screen TV’s, and the rooms are very clean. So, by all means, do book your stay at The Jazz Quarters, and you will also be glad you did.

There is a gate code as well as a room code, which Vic will give you by text so that you can come and go without having to check-in like your typical hotel experience.

The interior of my room was quaint, but fully modern, sparkling clean, with a nice comfy bed. Next time I go back to NOLA, I will stay here again. It’s just a real down home experience, with subtle beauty. It really lends itself to everything a great Bed and Breakfast has to offer, except the breakfast, but some of the rooms have kitchens with all of the amenities. There are so many restaurants near by. After all, you’re coming to New Orleans to enjoy their fine cuisine, so get out and walk down to the French Quarter where a lot of action is always happening.

Jazz Quarters
1129 Saint Philip St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 523-1372
https://jazzquarters.com

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Vic, who runs The Jazz Quarters introduced me to Mark Pruess a few months back when I started planning my trip. What I didn’t know then was that he hooked me up with the best tour guide in NOLA. He paints pictures with his words and tours. He shows you the magic and the colors of his fair city. He picked me up from the airport with no fuss or muss, and he gave me a nice 2 hours tour on my first day in town. But he tends to shy away from the typical tourist spots, Mark gave me the lay of the land.

When I arrived on Sunday I saw on the airport TV that the Saints were playing. Well, the city was all abuzz and The Super Dome was very close to B on Canal, my first hotel stop. Needless to say that the Saints won and Mark warned me that the area would be going crazy with revelers. He was so right. Indeed a man who knows his city. I dropped off my luggage and went to Frenchman street and heard some great music, and on my way back it was super hard to get an Uber, the streets were all in party mode.

Monday he took me through many different neighborhoods and explained the history of each. We did some shopping stops, but he took me to the bar “Vaughn’s” were Green Book was filmed and had the bar mistress “Crinkle” make us some Bloody Marys’ with okra and pickled green beans, how delicious. We also tried a Snowball at another place, Williams Plum Street Snowball, which was so good! Another off the beaten path kind of experience that only Mark could show me. Unique and different, he is both creative and knowledgeable. He just has an intuition as to what you would like to see. He is just amazing.

If you’re interested in a tour that is not a typical tourist adventure then you should try NOLA DeTours, Mark will give you some great tips and the history of the city that he really knows so well.

NOLA DeTours’ Promise to You:
Something different, flexible, creative, yet true to history… NOLA Detours strives to show what the city’s all about with small walking and driving tours that stray from typical tourist spots. You deserve authentic yet affordable experiences. Mark is a lifelong resident of New Orleans and was raised in the French Quarter hospitality industry. He takes pride in the city being one of the most interesting places in the world. The various tours are tailored to show you around New Orleans as personally and as locally as it gets! He strives in customizing each tour to tailor your needs to make the most genuine New Orleans experience possible. Mark is German and speaks German fluently for all of the German tourists. You will be picked up in front of your hotel by either a sedan or a passenger van, depending upon your needs. Most tours will run rain or shine.

A perfect way to see the Crescent City!!

Nola DeTours
Mark Preuss
https://noladetours.com

* Note Some Content Was taken off of their website.

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This is really the perfect hotel to get the lay of the land. Located in the Central Business District part of town, but near lots of good shopping and nice breakfast spots. The room itself was sleek and spacious, with an incredible king size bed. I would highly recommend this hotel. It just gets you in the right frame of mind, with a stellar view on the 14th floor; you feel the pulse of the city through these 14th floor windows. A short but sweet stay, the hotel gave me an upgrade when they found out I would include them in my overall story about NOLA. Good call, I would stay here again.

An inviting respite from the excitement of New Orleans, their collection of 155 guestrooms and suites allow you the freedom to relax and just B. Tailor your stay to your specific needs, choosing between classic options like their Chic and Captivating rooms or opt for a more spacious experience in the Junior and Posh suites. Elevate your visit to New Orleans with signature amenities and features, including our Blissful Bed®, AVEDA bath products, FreeB™ Wi-Fi, and a calming décor that features thoughtful touches of purple throughout.

Dig into the local flavor during your stay with B On Canal in New Orleans. Their on-site restaurant, Madam’s Modern Kitchen + Bar, struts the line between sophisticated and sultry, serving up a unique blend of classic Creole cuisine with new, global-inspired elements.

Step foot in New Orleans and feel transported in time. B On Canal offers a lively neighborhood in the heart of the city combines the best of the Big Easy, from iconic historical destinations to vibrant centers for art and culture, and easy access to top New Orleans attractions and neighborhoods, including the famous French Quarter.

B on Canal
1300 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 299-9900
https://www.bhotelsandresorts.com

* Note Some Content Was taken off of Their Website

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When my friend Lenny Rosenberg invited me to come taste his new venture, I jumped at the chance. He owned Lenny’s Deli on Westwood Blvd., which I reviewed a while back. So he brings his genius along with some amazing deli items. All the food was stellar and hit it way out of the park for me.

Here’s What I Tried:

Soup:

Matzo Ball, this is Jewish penicillin at it’s finest, they scored 100 on this is my book.

Curry Chicken, spicy, sweet and savory, just amazing.

Asparagus Puree, lots of pure asparagus flavors, a delicious heart warming soup.

I can always tell how the food is going to be from the soup, they have it covered in spades!!

Breakfast:

Smoked Scottish Salmon Platter, with a toasted bagel, cream cheese, red onion, capers, tomato, and cucumber. This menu item is straight from the deli, a great accomplishment.

Sandwich:

Classic Club, with slow roasted turkey breast, smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce, and mayo. This reminds me of the tennis club I used to go to as a child, they had a big meaty club, and this one was even better.

Wrap:

Southwest BBQ Chicken Wrap, BBQ chicken breast with avocado, corn, black beans, tomato, cilantro, onion, jack and cheddar cheese, and romaine. The chicken is sweet from the BBQ sauce, so I just loved it.

Hot Sandwiches:

Marmalade Cheeseburger, Fresh ground beef, with bacon, avocado, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayo on a brioche bun. This burger is piled so high, it’s hard to fit in your mouth, but once you do all of the glorious flavors explode, what a burger!

Salad:

Hollywood Cobb: with diced chicken, cucumber, tomato, eggs, Swiss, provolone, blue cheese, smoked bacon and avocado on romaine with lemon Dijon dressing. Another one of my favorites, it’s got all the right ingredients, cut the right way, just perfect. Also it’s Gluten-free.

Marmalade House, with organic mixed greens with cherry tomatoes spiced candied walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. The best part of this salad is the super sweet cherry tomatoes and the candied pecans.

Tacos:

Halibut Grilled Tacos, with shredded cabbage, avocado crema and pico de gallo. The halibut is very fresh and they really pile it on, another great menu item.

Entrees:

Linguini Bolognese, with slow cooked Bolognese sauce tossed with linguini and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is so authentic, right up there with the best Italian restaurants that I have reviewed, really a keeper.

Ginger Sesame Grilled Salmon, sustainably raised British Columbia salmon grilled and served with sesame ginger glaze, steamed vegetables and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. The salmon is thick and juicy, cooked to perfection. The glaze adds to the over all lusciousness of this meal.

Dessert:

Chocolate Flourless Cake, Pecan Square, and Lemon Square. Part Marmalade has many food cases, all with very tempting delights, but the dessert section will really make your mouth water. There’s a bold selection of homemade desserts, you just can’t go wrong. My three were outstanding.

About Marmalade Café:

Over 20 years ago, three young entrepreneurs with a passion for food and a desire to make customers happy, came together with a simple idea: serve fresh, high quality, eclectic California inspired food for busy Angelino’s. They would cook for those too busy to cook. In 1990 the original Marmalade Cafe opened on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The 1,400 square foot store with limited seating featured a full bakery and cases of fresh salads and entrees for diners on the go. Marmalade Cafe was an instant success and was quickly adopted by the community. Less than three years later, in response to an increasing number of appeals for a full dining experience at Marmalade Cafe, founders Selwyn Yosslowitz, Robert Burns Jr. and Bonnie Burns opened the first full service Marmalade Cafe in Malibu. With only 100 seats, Marmalade Cafe Malibu quickly became a cornerstone in the eclectic Malibu community. This constant demand for the fresh California cuisine characteristic of Marmalade Cafe led to the restaurant’s expansion into major Los Angeles communities.

Each cafe is unique in design and décor. Adorned with Americana antiques, personally found and placed by Bonnie Burns, every Marmalade Cafe exudes a warm & cozy neighborhood cafe ambiance.

Marmalade Cafe was embraced by the Santa Monica locals who loved their fresh baked goods and healthy fare served in a charming setting. Since that time, the Marmalade Family has grown to include a vibrant, full-service catering company. At the heart of our business, they are a friendly neighborhood gathering where the food is delicious and our warm service is genuine.

It’s quite a comfortable atmosphere; with people hanging out at they’re outside tables, with their friends, dogs, in the cool fall breeze. The interior has community tables which adds to the overall vibe, casual, but charming. It’s more of a marketplace then a classic dining establishment, but the food is so wonderful, you will just want to see for yourself. For me it was just what the Doctor ordered!

With seven locations, Farmers Market, El Segundo, Calabasas, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, West Lake Village, and Santa Monica, there is no excuse not to go try some magnificent food.

Marmalade Café
710 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 395-9196
http://marmaladecatering.com
Lenny Rosenberg (@LennyRosenberg) | Twitter
* Note some content was taken off of their website.

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Hats, hats and more hats, all the finest. With so much glamour and finery I felt like I was in church and not at a big huge Hollywood event. But that truly is the beauty of this glorious day. This is High Tea with all of the fixings, done by the great catering there at The Beverly Hilton. What more could you ask for.

First Ladies High Tea an event that was created by L.A. Focus to honor the role of women in the community, and women of faith, with particular respect to the influence and impact they have in the lives of our youth. In light of that vision, the tea provides scholarships awards to at-risk girls

Legendary Actress Marla Gibbs will receive the Legacy Award. Gibbs is best known for her work on CBS’s The Jefferson. Honorees include; LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Erica Campbell, Grammy-winner of Mary Mary, R&B music artist and radio host, Actress Essence Atkins, starring in OWN’s Ambitions, and renowned Dr. Kristi Funk, MD, breast cancer surgeon. LA Focus honors First ladies honorees are: Melinda Campbell from First AME Pasadena, Junita Edwards from Pasadena Community Christian Fellowship and Barbara Hendricks from Church of the Living God. An amazing performance by multi Award winning Anthony Brown & Group therAPy. Co-Hosts will be Actress Wendy Raquel Williams starring in ABC’s Grand Hotel and Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford, Pastor, Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church.

Truly a wonderful event, filled with spirit and love, I was healed!! I go every year and always have the most elevated experience.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

@Firstladieshightea

* Note some content was taken off of press release.

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It’s super busy and very close to UCLA. Students, families and people working on their laptops sip coffee and share banter. No matter the reason for your visit this restaurant has all of their bases covered to leave you very satisfied! 

There was a huge private party table in the middle of the restaurant that made this place super noisy. I was happy to discover and to share the air space with the USC Entrepreneurial Group having a networking mixer. Their table had lots of yummy food items and many took home doggie bags. 

Here’s What I Tried:

Beverages:

Classic Lemonade-a great thirst-quenching version.

Essential Green Juice–kale, cucumber, spinach, celery, romaine, lime and parsley. This is a very healthy juice that lacks anything sweet; but, will put you in the right place. 

Cappuccino-A great no nonsense coffee drink served in their classic coffee type bowls. 

Breakfast and Brunch:

Skillet Eggs:

Avocado and Crisp Onion with eggs served sunny–side up to add a great yoke flavor. I really loved the crisp onion! 

Bacon! Lots of pieces of bacon and scallion with eggs cooked to perfection. Be careful! The skillet of super hot! 

Salad:

Grilled Chicken Cobb: Organic chicken, avocado, bacon, organic hard-boiled egg, blue cheese, tomato, seasonal greens, and smoked tea vinaigrette. By far, my favorite item of the day. It has everything that usually goes into a Cobb salad with an elegant small chop for the vegetables and an amazing dressing. This would be my go-to salad here. 

Tartine: 

Open faced sandwich on organic whole-wheat sourdough. 

Sample: 

Roasted Turkey and Avocado: radish, cucumber, arugula, and vinaigrette. 

Smoked Salmon, avocado, scallions, and dill. 

Ham and Gryuere Cheese. 

Each one was done with amazing details and the bread is just so terrific. 

I was also given some nice pastries and wonderful mini tart dessert items. They list calories on their menu as well which is good for calorie watchers. 

The interior is simple but practical with lots of blonde wood everywhere: the floors, the chair and their tables. There is a huge map of the world on one wall. The display cases show off all of their wonderful pastry items. 

There are 22 locations in Los Angeles, and 270 around the world.

Le Pain Quotidien means “The Daily Bread”, if I could, I would eat their bread everyday, it is just that good!

Le Pain Quotidien

1122 S. Gayley Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90024

www.lepainquotidien.com

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This place is bright, cheery and the Italian cuisine is exceptional! All the things you crave here in Beverly Hills. They are the new kid on the block bound to end up with all of the huge success stories of great Italian eateries in Los Angeles! 

This location used to be called The Larder on Burton Way. I never ate there; so, I know nothing about it. This building is relatively new so you can see all of the great design work in the architecture. The interior of Emilia doesn’t disappoint. It’s modern, cozy and just has good vibes all the way around. The interior is elegant and modern with light green panelled walls, light colored wood floors, white marble top tables and a wrap–around patio. The Bar area is fun and part of it is against the wall with art by Miro. There are high ceilings, brown leather club bar stools, white ball light fixtures, white ball lights strung outside, and nice big windows facing out to Burton Way. 

Here’s What I Tried:

Something To Share:

Tortellini Emiliani con Crema di Parmigiano, Housemade traditional tortellini filled with prosciutto di Parma and served in a light Parmigiano-Reggiano sauce. These are bite-sized mini tortellini, but so flavorful and juicy. 

Tagliata di Tonno, Seared tuna thinly sliced and topped with toasted pistachio, drizzled with Italian EVOO and lemon. This is a super protein-packed appetizer that is light and flawless. 

Insalate:

Insalata di Carciofi, Fresh baby artichoke and hearts of palm salad with toasted walnuts, topped with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, arugula and an EVOO and lemon dressing. Nice and fluffy with good crunch, but the cheese on top sealed the deal for me. 

Insalata di Cesare, Classic Caesar salad with butter lettuce and garlic croutons, topped with 24-month aged Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese. A nice rendition of this very special classic.

Paste & Risotto:

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Handmade tagliatelle with a traditional beef and pork Bolognese ragù. This pasta is so delightful, just the right consistency, and the sauce is otherworldly. Italian menus in Italy never have huge plates of pasta; it is just a small plate, which for me is so ideal!

Risotto agli Asparagi, Acquarello Carnaroli rice, with fresh asparagus, crispy prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The very subtle flavor of the asparagus is in every bite, but the super creamy risotto is just the perfect balance.

I Secondi:

Filetto di Manzo al Pepe, Grilled beef tenderloin with a green pepper sauce, served with sautéed oyster mushrooms. The beef is cooked delicately rare and the sauce is deep and luscious, an excellent choice.

Sogliola alla Mugnaia, Fresh Dover sole baked with a lemon and caper sauce, served with sautéed broccolini. The presentation is to show you the whole fish on a platter after it is cooked, but fileted and delicate. The flavor once you have it in your mouth is equally exciting and delicious. What a treat.

Contorni:

Grilled oyster mushrooms, these are grilled with super great flavor, so delicious.

Medley organic vegetables, colorful and tasty, cooked to perfection.

Dessert:

Tiramisu, served in a glass cup, delicate and all consuming, you must have to try this.

Chocolate Cake, this is a rich bold chocolate delicacy.

Pinna Cotta, is bright and fruity, I just loved this dessert.

Wines:

Ferrari, Brut, Trentino Alto Adige, Chardonnay, NV. In Italy they make wine that is grassy and herbal as opposed to our super buttery oaky Chardonnays, and some how it matches the flavors of the food, this wine went great with the beautiful dover sole.

Lunae, Colli di Luni Vermentino, Toscana, 2016. This wine can go with any of the pastas or salads; it has some bright notes and did round out the acids in their dishes.

Planeta, Chardonnay, Sicilia, 2016. A nice light Chardonnay that I loved with the asparagus risotto.

Giovanni Almondo, Nebbiolo Langhe, Langhe, Piemonte, 2017. A super charged red wine that enhanced the flavors of the steak all the way around.

My waiter, Raffaelle Mazzarella, was so accommodating and so sweet…did I say extremely handsome as well? Don’t let a handsome face fool you.  He is such a nice person having moved from Puglia, Italy and only working at their sister restaurant, Amici. I suggested that he take up acting because at some point someone will discover him. He just set the tone for a very elegant evening. 

Seems like the word has gotten out about Emilia with families, locals, dates, the fifty-something crowd and double daters out the night I was there.  It was a nice full house. Everyone was enjoying themselves and taking in this new spectacular restaurant. Emilia has only been open for 6 weeks. 

I just love the old school vegetable crudité on ice on the table–a special treat. There is upbeat music like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to fill the air space. Something about this place just makes you feel good and as if you are somewhere in Florence or Milan…it’s just that authentic! I just loved the whole experience. I’ll be back! 

Emilia
8500 Burton way
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Emiliasla.com

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Chef Nick Shipp is a real darling and a super talented man. He has been at the helm here at The Upper West for a while. Upper West opened up in 2010. I came to their grand opening then and in 2014 I did a fabulous review of The Upper West. Well I am here to tell you that the food has only gotten better! It was delicious back then but the little nuances have increased and everything I tasted tonight was exceptional and spectacular. 

About Upper West: 

The Upper West has been locally owned and operated since 2010. The Upper West’s ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors of their very own. 

The bar offers a nightly happy hour from 5-7pm and all night happy hour every Monday serving refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted beer and a unique array of small bites. Some of the local favorite happy hour small bites are: braised pork belly lettuce wraps, sausage and goat cheese quesadillas and lamb nachitos. 

What makes The Upper West so special is that their Ingredients are sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms, Niman Ranch, Jimenez Family Farm, and Harries Berries. 

The interior is lively and organically pleasing. Big, tall-trussed ceilings add to the overall charm. Simplicity is the backdrop to their outstanding food. One of the interior highlights is that every season of the year the wall art changes with works from local artists.  You too will find it an enchanting and inviting place to: meet for a first date, host private corporate events, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners or to have a simple family dinner.  The real star of the show; however, is their amazing food! 

The Upper West values community involvement as well as participating and supporting local charities in Santa Monica such as LLS, Breast Cancer Awareness, Venice Family Clinic, Planned Parenthood and the local schools. 

My waiter was the very handsome TJ who was filled with only good vibes. He was as efficient as he was fun. The night I came the place was packed but TJ managed to take good care of me by check-in timely and serving my evening’s meal with elegance and grace.  

Jen and James a very handsome young couple were sitting next to me. They offered up a taste of the Smoked Blue Cheese Chips-super yum! A must have on my next visit.  James really knew the menu and they had a blast eating all of their favorites. You could tell that they were regulars. 

There is a patio where they play great old films. That night, the iconic, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was playing.  

Here’s what I tried: 

Cocktails: 

The Westsider, with Belvedere Vodka, fresh pomegranate, Gifffard PampleMousse, and Rose Cava. A pungent drink, full of action packed ingredients that are guaranteed to blow your hair back. It’s refreshing and delicious. 

Strawberry Fields, with Vodka, strawberry, basil, and lemonade. If you’re in the mood for a sweet cocktail then this would be for you. A nice way to start my experience. 

Cucumber Martini Wheatley Vodka, cucumber, mint, and lemon. This would be my go-to drink. It’s elegant and a perfect thirst quencher. I just loved it. 

Soup: 

Sweet Corn Soup, with a veggie fritter. My rule of thumb is that you can always tell so much about a restaurant by their soup. This one is a true winner. Rich corn flavors with a nice creamy edge-just perfect. 

Appetizers: 

Ivette’s Spicy Salmon Crunchy Rice, with freeze dried soy sauce, wasabi tobiko, avocado puree, lime, jalapeno, and baby shiso. This appetizer is very Asian inspired with lush umami flavors-simply wonderful. 

Chargrilled Octopus, with gigande bean, potato salad, orange, yuzu aioli, and smoked roe. One huge tentacle may seem like a prehistoric presentation; however, once you get past that you are in heaven! The flavors blend and your taste buds dance, just amazing. 

“Baby” Baby Back Ribs, with lemongrass bbq sauce, pickled peppers, cilantro, and grilled pineapple. Too bad this is appetizer size; I could eat a whole entree plate of this. They ribs are succulent, tender and flavorful, a real treat. 

Entrees: 

Coffee Crusted Red Wattle Pork Tenderloin, with goat cheese mashed potatoes, roasted jalapeno applesauce, and citrus demi. The pork is super tender, but the real star for me is the goat cheese mashed potatoes. The combination of the potatoes and the pork is super dope. 

Prime Flatiron Steak, with McDaniel smoked bacon, and Gorgonzola slaw. This steak is super smoky, which I just loved and the slaw added the right crunch, a nice unique steak from all the typical steaks at dining establishments. 

Sides: 

Wild Mushrooms, with garlic, leeks, farro, and dried fig. I can’t say enough about these little darlings-super delicious. 

Grilled Sweet Corn, with avocado butter, Cotija cheese, and smoked paprika. This side dish has a Latin twist. It packs some unique flavors into one big side dish. 

Dessert: 

Key Lime Tart, with blueberry jam, coconut basil sorbet, and lavender whipped cream. This is something that The Upper West is known for and you can see why once you dive into this luxurious new take on a real southern classic, you too will be hooked. 

Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake, with peanut butter ice cream, roasted marshmallow, and strawberry puree. If you’re a chocolate lover then this dessert is for you, and the ice cream is off the charts. 

Wine: 

Chardonnay, Magnolia, Russian River Valley, CA., 2015. This is not a super buttery wine, but its enables the other flavors of the food to shine. I would do this wine with the Octopus. 

Sauvignon Blanc, Les 7 Hommes, Sancerre, France, 2018. This is a grassy herbal wine; it went great with the salmon crunchy rice. 

Seven Hills, Walla Walla Valley, Washington CA., 2014, a perfect combo with the flat iron steak. 

Pinot Noir Purple Hands, Willamette Valley, OR, 2017. A nice light Pinot that can be paired easily with the glorious ribs. 

Chef Nick Shipp is eager to accommodate. He was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. The “Funkytown” native began his cooking career at the early age of 15 and later attended the Culinary Institute of Dallas. Moving west to SoCal, he became immersed in the Wolfgang Puck franchise. Shipp’s culinary peers have chosen him to be in the inaugural edition of the Best Chefs of America 2013. His regional cuisine at The Upper West is creative and inspiring. Some menu items have been on since the beginning, and some others are a work in progress. Your taste buds will enjoy Chef Nicks Shipps blending and subtle nuances with every bite, has been described by food critics as a “mad scientist, where no two dining experiences are ever alike.” 

Every month, Chef Nick gets to show off his culinary talents with a special pairing dinner co-hosted by select liquor brands who will walk you through each of the individual tasting notes in accompaniment with each course. They offer whiskey, gin, and wine dinners, with a small intimate group, and everyone always has a great time! 

Next time you’re looking for a great meal and a fun environment try The Upper West. It’s a hidden gem in a super cool part of Santa Monica. Almost as if you were somewhere in Manhattan or San Francisco without the plane fare.
Quotes on their walls: 

“There is no sincerer love then love of a food”, George Bernard Shaw.

“Whiskey is for drinking, water is for floating”, Mark Twain.
The Upper West
3321 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-586.1111
www.theupperwest.com

* Note some content was taken off of their website.

This review is dedicated to Leslie Paonessa, she was a true fixture at The Upper West – enjoying her happy hours very regularly, and they even named a cocktail after her. To me she was a dear friend, The Upper West had her memorial, and they closed the restaurant for her remembrance. Chef Nick said some very sweet words about her as well. She will be very missed, cheers Leslie.

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The 4th Edition of the Annual LA Westside Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of Food, Wine, Beer, Spirits, Entertainment, Music, Activities and much more to benefit The Westside Food Bank.  The Annual Festival returned to the Courtyard by Marriott LA Westside and filled the Ballroom, Patio, and back parking lot with an exciting blend of new and returning exhibitors.

It was a nice sunny day in Los Angeles and this year the turn out was off the charts. This event really blew up…very exciting!

Here’s who all was there:

Food: STK Steakhouse, Fifty One Chinese Kitchen (Food & Alcohol), The Tuck Room Tavern, Panini Kabob Grill, Le Pain Quotidien, LaRocco’s Pizzeria, Jimmy John’s, New School of Cooking, All American Gumbo, Entertainment Friends and Sacred Occasions Events, Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Love Catering, Flame Broiler, Farm Fresh to you, Oil & Vinegar, Kind Bars, chocoMe original Artisan Chocolate, Hannah’s Chocolate Bananas, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Liquor/Drinks: Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards, Riboli Wines, Vista del Mar Winery, VeroVino Wines, PRP Wine International, Harajuku Taproom Beer and Sake, Calidad Beer, Morandell Spirits/Cocktails (Bettie Page Spicy Rum, Nuda Tequila, 1010 Dakiri, Mojito, Pina Colada, Whisky Chocolate, Whisky Coconut, Dark Rum), Broken Shed Vodka, Uncle Nearest Whiskey, Boochcraft Kombucha, Vita Coco Coconut Water, Suro Cha Tea, Vital Proteins Collagen Water, Purity Organic, Morning Recover, The KOPU Water Company Inc, and Asante Tea.

It was so great to experience an interactive music virtual reality world, photo booth, DJ and Live Jazz Group, a strolling magician, dancing, and great silent auction. Also, part of the festivities was a Blackjack Tournament and psychic Tiffani Rose. Fun was had by all!

A portion of the proceeds from the Westside Food and Wine Festival benefit the Westside Food Bank. Their mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free and nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution. Find out more at http://wsfb.org

Media Sponsors: Yelp, Culver City Chamber of Commerce, The Argonaut, Culver City News, Coast to Coast Newspaper, LA Art Party.

There was a big growth spurt this year and  there are 2 festivals a year-summer and fall. I am sure that the fall festival, Oct. 13th, 2019, will be just as big and fabulous so get your tickets now. You simply don’t want to miss out.

LA Westside Food & Wine Festival

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