This article was first published on MoneyInc, February 2019. Just like when the movie stars of the 1920s flocked to the area from Hollywood, the Palm Springs area continues to be Los Angeles’s favorite getaway. This little big town in the desert, flanked by the dramatic San Jacinto mountains and poking palm trees, provides a playful swanky, sun-drenched landscape just a few hour drive from … Continue reading Palm Springs Playground Weekend
Commerson joins the burgeoning list of tantalizing restaurants on La Brea in mid-city – more than I could imagine ten years ago. Just down the road from Republique, La Brea Bakery, and above Trejo’s Tacos on the corner of W. 8th, sits this dimly lit bustling restaurant bar Scandinavian streamlined, open with minimalist decor. Helmed by former Wolfgang Puck Chef Sal Garcia, the California cuisine … Continue reading Commerson Restaurant: Escalate your taste buds
What’s on your reading list? Indulge in a good read from an author that lives right here in LA. To Shake Thy Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins My favorite thought-provoking travel writer and Instagram personality Jedidiah Jenkins bikes 14,000 miles from Oregon to Patagonia and documents his journey in this book. But more than a travel book (although I was inspired to visit many little towns … Continue reading What to read when it’s raining in LA: Books written by LA authors
Just a mere 45-minute drive from Los Angeles, the Conejo Valley was a term new to me as of last week. Approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 10-15 miles inland from the beaches of Malibu, the expansive valley is filled with outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding with wide open land, idyllic nature preserves, canyons, and ocean views. Every day … Continue reading See another side of Southern California, the Conejo Valley
The idea of holding a whisky tasting event at an airport initially struck me as off-key, but given that it was being held during a government shutdown in which TSA agents were walking off the job and air traffic controllers were moonlighting as Uber drivers, it struck me as par for the course; that and the fact the airport is no longer operational. Last week, … Continue reading Drinking Whisky at the Airport
The nonalcoholic spirit Seedlip made from botanicals was created by British Ben Branson who experimented with his garden and distillation and was inspired by The Art of Distillation, a book written in 1651 detailing apothecaries’ distilled non-alcoholic herbal remedies. After 3 years in the UK, Seedlip hit the US by storm a year ago popping up in some of the best hotels, restaurants, and bars in … Continue reading Seedlip, what to drink when you are not drinking
This article was first published on MoneyInc, January 2019. Memphis, Tennessee is keeping the past alive by reimagining and renewing old buildings, landmarks, and icons. Instead of knocking down existing historic facades, mixed-use spaces, restaurants and community centers are emerging in the 21st century as impressively rejuvenated revival structures, creating vibrant new communities. This year, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll celebrates the past through a … Continue reading Ten Ways to Get to Know Memphis
This article was first published on MoneyInc, January 2019. “Hi!” “Hello, How are you?” These simple words were said to me everywhere I turned. This was my introduction to the South. After spending my adult life in major cities, I flinched wondering what these locals might want from me, forgetting that friendliness is a common practice here. A man out walking his dog at night … Continue reading Sixteen Ways to Weekend in New Orleans
“Tequila is made with a lot of time and love;” it is apparent that Te’Kila owner Kevin took the art of his restaurant’s namesake to heart when he created the space and atmosphere. The authentic décor is matched with signature drinks and dishes that continue to pay homage to any favorite local spot south-of-the-border. The care and attention to detail start at the top and … Continue reading For the Love of Te’Kila
For a more refined Korean BBQ experience, the 3 years old Ombu Grill in Koreatown draws a more upscale professional crowd for dinner with a modern ambiance. Not only do they serve Korean BBQ, but Argentinian grilled meats, such as Asado (thick beef short rib with bone), Panceta (thick pork belly), and Chorizo (pork sausage). A thick juicy 24 oz ribeye was seared in the … Continue reading Ombu Grill serves up Korean BBQ and Argentinian Asado
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