Twenty things I learned from Chef Nobu over lunch

Nobu, now the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, came on my radar 14 or 15 years ago when our Washington, DC crew spent a week at the Shore Club Hotel in Miami with the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Alba, Tara Reed, Adrien Brody, and Jamie Foxx partying in our midst either poolside, at a table nearby on New Year’s, or the start of each evening … Continue reading Twenty things I learned from Chef Nobu over lunch

A Rose Bowl That Never Tasted So Good!

On Sunday, April 7th, I hit one of my favorite food and wine events of the year – Masters of Taste 2019 at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena! I managed to be first in line this year, arriving almost an hour before the flood gates opened because I didn’t want to miss a moment taking in the gourmet afternoon I knew I was … Continue reading A Rose Bowl That Never Tasted So Good!

The ultimate sushi experience at Nozawa Bar

Nozawa Bar has been one of my sushi fantasies for a long time, the place you go for a 20+ course carefully selected sushi and seafood Japanese tasting menu for your birthday or special occasion. I had heard tales of this secret place since it opened in April 2013. After waiting many years in LA to experience this tradition-based omakase sushi meal, 2019 was going … Continue reading The ultimate sushi experience at Nozawa Bar

All Aboard to the Grand Canyon

This article was first published on MoneyInc, March 2019. On February 26, 2019, the Grand Canyon celebrated 100 years since its designation as a national park, thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt. There’s no better time to connect with the outdoors by exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1903, President Roosevelt stood over the gorge and declared, “Let this great wonder of nature remain as … Continue reading All Aboard to the Grand Canyon

Gilbert, Arizona is Phoenix’s coolest suburb

This article was first published on MoneyInc, April 2019. Twenty-five years later I returned to the Phoenix area, but this time it was not to live with the Apache Indians and volunteer on their reservation in San Carlos. I was headed to Gilbert, Arizona, a thriving suburb 30 minutes outside of Phoenix that was once the hay shipping capital of the world thanks to the … Continue reading Gilbert, Arizona is Phoenix’s coolest suburb

KASS Wine Bar and Restaurant brings France to La Brea

A chic, sophisticated new addition has popped up on La Brea – KASS Wine Bar + Restaurant – courtesy of Michelin starred and world-renowned Chef Christophe Émé, who is offering an approachable French dinner menu and unparalleled wine list. A 40-seat dining room with an open kitchen to watch the culinary team work their artistic magic sits adjacent to a classy intimate bar stripped of pretention. Enter into … Continue reading KASS Wine Bar and Restaurant brings France to La Brea

Up on the Roof, catch a Movie

Sunsets and movies. It’s what Los Angeles does best. But for years, movie watchers were condemned to darkened rooms lit only by the screen and a few obnoxious cell phones. It wasn’t always so. There was a time when people watched films from their cars, enjoying to some extent being out of doors on warm evenings. Drive-ins are all but gone now but a new … Continue reading Up on the Roof, catch a Movie

Blazing around Laguna Beach

There’s an entirely new reason to visit Laguna Beach, the quaint seaside town in Orange County. Not the secret coves, numerous art galleries, or tantalizing surf, not even the Pageant of the Masters, where art comes to life in the summertime. Not the fact that everything just feels cleaner in Laguna Beach. Let’s face it. Laguna Beach viewed on The Hills is why most people … Continue reading Blazing around Laguna Beach

Water, Water Everywhere, But Which One to Drink?

For years now, I’ve been offering my opinions about favorite libations, which has turned into a substantial catalog of cocktails, wines, and beers from various bartenders, vintners, and brewers, respectively. If the list is remarkable for anything it’s probably in the exclusion of other liquids. Sure, I’ve written about water tastings in the past, but more as an update in the latest restaurant trends as … Continue reading Water, Water Everywhere, But Which One to Drink?

Iconic rock band BUSH led by Gavin Rossdale kicked off Grand Opening Weekend with performance at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails in Las Vegas

The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Resort + Casino added a new edition to this swanky youthful hotel – The Barbershop! Officially known as The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, this new modern barbershop allows gentleman to kick back in a barber’s chair for a classic cut, beard trim, or straight razor shave, all under the helm of barber Jose Sosa and his nationally renowned grooming team. Guests can … Continue reading Iconic rock band BUSH led by Gavin Rossdale kicked off Grand Opening Weekend with performance at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails in Las Vegas