Sushi Note dazzles in Sherman Oaks

I never would have imagined that some of the best sushi of my life could be found in Sherman Oaks. This new cozy relaxed mid-century-esque sushi and wine bar offers some of the freshest and most unique fish I’ve savored in LA. On a weekday evening, Chef Kiminobu Saito is carefully selecting and slicing delicate velvety sushi while nearby I watch the first female chef I’ve ever … Continue reading Sushi Note dazzles in Sherman Oaks

Skate and snack at ICE in Santa Monica

It may never snow in LA, but bring some holiday cheer to your loved ones with an outing at Santa Monica’s beloved ICE presented by The Plaza at Santa Monica, where you can ice skate under the twinkly lights (and pretend its winter). Located at the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica’s 8,000 square foot outdoor ice-skating rink is the perfect date … Continue reading Skate and snack at ICE in Santa Monica

American Ballet Theatre brings the Holiday Spirit to LA

It may never snow in Los Angeles, but the American Ballet’s Theatre‘s Annual Holiday Benefit reminds us there is joy in the winter season. The festive holiday evening December 17 at the Beverly Hilton started with a cocktail hour with light bites as guests eagerly waited to be seated for dinner and intimate dance performances. As the Master of Ceremonies, Jennifer Garner enthusiastically and joyfully … Continue reading American Ballet Theatre brings the Holiday Spirit to LA

The Mayfair Hotel: A Downtown LA Renaissance

This article was first published in MoneyInc, December 2018.  As you pass through the gritty urban landscape of the emerging Westlake neighborhood in downtown LA, you will arrive at the newly revamped historic hotel Mayfair Hotel. The eclectic sexy hotel embodies the Los Angeles spirit and fosters creative self-expression with a communal writer’s room, custom podcast room, and art gallery space. The hotel is decorated … Continue reading The Mayfair Hotel: A Downtown LA Renaissance

10 Unexpected Discoveries in a San Francisco Weekend

Sadly, it took me five years to return to San Francisco from Los Angeles. This time I skipped some of San Fran’s most popular attractions for first-time visitors, to discover my own greatest hits. Although you shouldn’t miss walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, sailing around Alcatraz, riding a trolley, seeing Lombard Street aka “the world’s crookedest street” and perusing Fisherman’s Wharf and Sausalito, try … Continue reading 10 Unexpected Discoveries in a San Francisco Weekend

Interactive Dining at Maui Chef’s Table

This article was first posted on MoneyInc, November 2018. Upon arrival to the Waikapu Valley in central Maui, we passed charming modest plantation-style bungalows while the majestic green mountains loomed in the distance. This land was once a bustling location for sugarcane production and commerce for over a hundred years. Waikapu was the home to the area’s plantation workers, many who came from around the … Continue reading Interactive Dining at Maui Chef’s Table

Find Wellness at Terranea

This article was first published on Trusted Travel Girl, November 2018. I couldn’t stop looking down, because 70 feet below I could see the ripples of the sand while orange Garibaldis and silver sardines swam around me. The blueish-green hued water was so clear off the coast of Palos Verdes that I contemplated capsizing my kayak just so I could swim on this hot Indian … Continue reading Find Wellness at Terranea

The Essential Guide to Dining in Maui

This article was first published on MoneyInc, November 2018. Hawaii is a true melting pot. Everywhere we dined had influences of multi-ethnic cuisine. By 1911, 16,000 Portuguese arrived as laborers on sugarcane plantations along with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipinos in various years. Many stayed to create Hawaii’s rainbow of cultures that influence the food today. Along with the produce and ingredients coming straight from … Continue reading The Essential Guide to Dining in Maui

Shots, scones, and ice cream sandwiches – happy delivery services in LA

Let’s face it, I am happy when anything shows up at my house that does not scream BILL. I get excited over handwritten cards and packages, but what really puts a smile on my face is the many delivery services in LA that make life a little easier AND a lot more fun. Shots, scones, and ice cream sandwiches, Oh My! Here are three ways … Continue reading Shots, scones, and ice cream sandwiches – happy delivery services in LA

Southern Italian cuisine with a Michelin star chef at Luigi al Teatro

The restaurant Luigi al Teatro speaks to me. Perhaps it is because my ancestors came from southern Italy but before I even dine, the restaurant mesmerizes me with the design and intimate outdoor bar with hanging bulbs and seed pockets growing produce off the walls. Just 11 months old, Luigi al Teatro is tucked behind Main Street Santa Monica in what is almost Venice. The youngest … Continue reading Southern Italian cuisine with a Michelin star chef at Luigi al Teatro