Archive for the ‘Wine & Dine’ Category
Nothing says “I love you Mom” like a fantastic Sunday brunch where the champagne flows and the dishes, and laughs, are aplenty. Are you making last minute Mother’s Day plans? You’ll want to take a look at this list of eight amazing spots for Mother’s Day brunch that, against all odds, still have a table or two open. While we celebrate Mom every day in our own way, here’s where to take Mom for a brunch to remember this Sunday in Los Angeles.
Photo courtesy of Bianca.
Valentine’s Day is coming up this Monday, February 14th! If you are still thinking about where to go out for dinner, order takeout, or find other romantic things to do this weekend and early next week, the list below has you covered. Happy Valentine’s Day! Cheers!
In 2020 there’s really no place like home for the holidays. We all deserve a restful and peaceful time this holiday season. So take a load off, put your feet up, and order from some of Los Angeles’s best restaurants this Christmas. Here are our picks for the top options throughout our great city. It’s a great way to support your favorite local restaurants and to have a relaxing, mostly dish-free evening. Make sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Happy holidays from The Hollywood Home!
Photo courtesy of Jane Q.
With the holidays on the horizon, you may be turning to recipes that add a a dose of comfort and soul to the end of your work day. Look no further than this calming pumpkin spice soup that is absolutely perfect as a solo side dish this fall and winter that’s also always a hit with friends and family and that can be gussied up to serve as a filling entree. It’s a soup for all seasons! Perhaps my favorite aspect of this incredibly easy dish is that you can be adventurous with it. And, most likely, you have all the ingredients already in your pantry and fridge.
While “pumpkin spice” has become something of a cliché, it’s done so for good reason. People love it. The curry and white pepper add an authentic zest and flavor to this creamy pumpkin soup. You can also spice it up for a more piquant depth of flavor with turmeric or cumin. I’ve also occasionally added some Italian seasoning or sage or basil from the garden. Feel free to experiment or keep the soup as written. Switch out the chicken stock with chicken bone broth for an added boost of collagen, or if you do not have evaporated milk on hand use heavy cream, half & half, or for more of an Indian vibe go with a can of coconut milk. Top with julienned basil or chopped cilantro, toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of chili oil or a lovely arbequina olive oil. Or nothing at all! With this soup you cannot go wrong! And if you’re thinking of additions to make this soup more of an entree than an appetizer, I suggest adding shredded chicken, corn, or potatoes.
Enjoy!
It’s nearly the first day of Spring and many of you have been able to secure your vaccination so may be considering dining out again. After all, for many of us, it’s been a year and some change since we have enjoyed reserving a table, sitting down, and enjoying an al fresco evening with dinner we haven’t made ourselves or picked up. If you are wondering where to venture out for your next restaurant visit, consider Saso Bistro in Pasadena. Saso is an exciting new seafood restaurant located in the historic Pasadena Playhouse’s courtyard that the restauranteurs have transformed into an absolutely dreamy and romantic outdoor setting with six feet plus room to spare between tables. “Saso” is a play on the Basque word itsaso for ocean. The restaurant itself, from L&E Oyster Bar alum, Chef Dominique Crisp, is a wonderful combination of “the Basque heritage, love for the sea, and the bounty of three coastal landscapes” – all under one roof*.
*The roof being the blue skies of Pasadena or Southern California’s blanket of stars, at least for the time being.
Photo Courtesy of Saso.
Valentine’s Day may be a little different this year for many of us, but several of our favorite restaurants around town are thankfully still here to make the holiday extra special. Whether you are searching for a safe, socially distanced table for your first time dining out in months or hoping for a picnic basket or a decadent seven course meal to-go, this list should have something for everyone. And why not show a little extra support to our friends in the restaurant industry by adding a bottle of bubbly or two, and by tipping as much as you’re able.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Cheers! 💕
With the holidays looking very different this year than in year’s past, and with businesses from booksellers to restaurants in Los Angeles struggling to survive, we designed this holiday shop-small gift guide to help support some of our favorite local Southern California outposts. Many items on this list below can be both ordered for delivery or picked up at the brick and mortar locations if you, like me, are a little late on the holiday shopping this year. These shops reflect everything that makes this city great and are items that you might not find anywhere else from vendors who — after this tumultuous and challenging year — could use a little of your love.
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