Allow me to begin by saying that I love food. Anyone who knows me at all knows at least that much. This is important to state because I think it necessary to establish my street cred right of the gate.

So broad and far-reaching is my food obsession that I am the kind of person, who thinks about the next meal while enjoying the one in front of me. I go to bed pondering my next meal or treat and I have been known to drive hours to try a new restaurant or menu item that is all the rage.

For the record, I like to eat cute, I like to eat dirty and I pretty much like to eat everything in between. In this regard, I am most certainly not a food snob. Whether a restaurant is a favorite of Michelin or a favorite of the people, if it leaves me wanting more, I’m all in. As far as I’m concerned, an eatery doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be delicious. Which brings me to my next point.

Traditionally it has been my custom to write about luxury lifestyle and entertainment in these pages. And, while I don’t feel as though I’m straying too far afield of that subject matter with this post, I do feel the need to explain my thinking about the recommendations I am about to make.

As per my tagline, luxury need not be expensive but it must always be indulgent, price tags do little to impress me, but indulging in something decadent that takes me on journey outside the normal realm of life most certainly does.

The five foodie treasures I’ve identified below are particularly special to me because they serve up flavors defined by regions of the country other than the West and they not only do so with remarkable deftness and soul but also with real authenticity. Each of these five places transport me back to some place where I’ve had a memorable experience and that is, at least in part, why I love each one of them so much.

These are not merely places that I have visited once or twice but instead places that I visit regularly. They are temples of food worship to which I often make pilgrimages alone and in which I luxuriate in the seductive charms of my favorite menu items. That said, I also want to be clear that I receive no perks for my loyalty beyond the traditional customer service particular to each establishment. So when I say these recommendations come from my heart and from my stomach, there isn’t even an inkling of dissembling in that statement.

And with that, here are five places in LA that will convey you to another place in America through the simple powers of their homespun goodness.

Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks
boosphilly.com

My passion for cheesesteaks goes way back to the night I went to a Patti Labelle concert in Philly when I was college. The hour was late when the midnight show ended, but, as I was still amped up by Miss Patti’s electrifying 2+ hour set, I did what you do in the small hours in Philly and trekked over to a 24-hour cheesesteak joint.

I ordered and my life was forever changed.

I was not a fan of the cheesesteak before that moment because I hadn’t had one prepared in the authentically Philly way. But after this introduction, I became a devotee.

At Boo’s, which has two full-time locations in Silverlake and Koreatown along with a third which is only open for events and concerts at The Forum in Inglewood, they serve cheesesteaks that do Philly proud. The bread is from Philly as is the steak which is appropriately thinly sliced, grilled with onions, salt and pepper and topped with your choice of Cheese Wiz, American or Provolone cheese.

When the sandwich arrives steaming hot in a basket, the cheesesteak even looks and smells like Philly’s finest (because, in truth, it is right up there with them). The cheese is perfectly melted into the steak which is nestled into a pillowy hot Amoroso roll, the scent of which should be bottled and marketed. Seriously, I’m not even kidding here.

To ensure that I wasn’t overstating the case about this sandwich whose praises I had been singing to anyone who would listen, I headed to Boo’s with a girlfriend who is a native Philadelphian. I needed her to verify the authenticity of these yummy cheesesteaks and join in my obsession. Well, not only did she co-sign my praise after that initial visit, she too became a big fan (much to her chagrin I might add).

So for a genuine taste of Philly in Los Angeles, head to the East Side of Los Angeles and stop in at Boo’s. As an added bonus, they even sell Tasty Kakes which are rarely seen this far away from the East Coast.  Trust me. You’ll be transported halfway across the country. Promise.

What I Order: Mushroom Steak with onions, salt and pepper; Provolone Cheese; Extra half-steak; Inside Out (a term that indicates you want the bread scooped out so the sandwich is less bready and more deliciously meaty).

[Note: I will admit that my obsession with Boo’s Philly Cheesesteaks is a little abnormal. Not only are my pilgrimages regular (as in weekly…sometimes more), they are also accompanied by rules. For instance, I always like to eat my cheesesteak hot, in the restaurant at the same table, and never wrapped for takeaway because I feel it loses a little something with every step taken away from the grill.]

Phillips BBQ
www.facebook.com/Phillips-BBQ

Being from the South myself, I just love Southern BBQ.

I mean, I love Kansas BBQ, Memphis BBQ, Texas BBQ and pretty much any ‘cue you can think of, but there is nonetheless a special place in my heart for Southern BBQ. So, when I get a hankering for the smoky flavors popular below the Mason-Dixon Line, I go to Phillips BBQ.

At three no frills outposts on Crenshaw Blvd (my preferred location), Leimert Blvd and on Centinela Blvd in Inglewood, Phillips serves up BBQ to rival the best in the south in an equally no frills way. Expect richly smoked ribs, chicken, beef and hot links paired with white bread and Phillips’ signature mildly sweet, tomato-based BBQ sauce served hot, mild or mixed.

[Note: Also expect to wait in line (up to two hours or more on a holiday weekend) and to stand while you wait as there is little to no seating available]

What I Order: 3-meat Combo with Rib Tips, Beef Ribs and Pork Ribs; Double Beans; Mild Sauce on the side.

Orleans & York Deli
orleansandyorkdeli.com

Po’ Boys are the street food of New Orleans and LA newcomer Orleans and York Deli is serving up the big flavors of the Big Easy with authentic flair at five locations across the City of Angels. Though the menu is quite extensive at this deli where the zesty Cajun delicacies of New Orleans meet the traditional sensibilities of a New York deli, it really is the po’ boys that stand out because they are, quite simply put, done right. (And it’s not just me saying that – Los Angeles Magazine also named the restaurant’s po’ boys the best in the city).

Particular favorites are the classics – the Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy, the Fried Oyster Po’ Boy and the Catfish Po’ Boy. These massive sandwiches served on crusty bread, stuffed to overflowing with succulent, perfectly fried, mouthwateringly seasoned seafood and then dressed simply with lettuce, tomato and mayo will leave you singing anything but the blues.

Throw in a bag of Lousiana’s own Zapp’s potato chips and one of the wickedly delicious homemade desserts casually on offer at the counter and you might even dance a jig.

What I Order: Shrimp Po-Boy; Spicy Cajun Zapp’s potato chips; a slice of coconut cake.

Wexler’s Deli
wexlersdeli.com

For my first job out of college, I moved to New York to work in the fashion business. And while I loved my job, in my wide-eyed youth I also discovered a love of delis – not just any delis, but those really good Jewish delis that seem to be everywhere in NYC.  When I moved to Los Angeles, the love affair continued as I sought out the best pastrami, the best whitefish salad, the most outstanding smoked salmon and the best reuben the city had to offer. And I was pretty settled in my choices until Wexler’s Deli opened and upended the game, immediately becoming my new favorite.

Describing its menu as “Jewish Soul Food” this life-altering deli features a tight menu of deli favorites, many of the ingredients for which are produced right on the premises.

Take for instance the pastrami, the highlight of the menu, which is cured and smoked in-house, cut thick and always delicious. Or the smoked salmon which is also cured and smoked to perfection at locations in Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Or even the pickles, which are barrel-fermented in salt brine in the store. So many roads to the ultimate destination of Yum.

And, if all of the above, they even have their own private label caviar. Be still my heart (and my tastebuds).

Bottom line:  For a taste of New York on the Left Coast, Wexler’s has most certainly got dibs.

What I Order: The O.G. (Pastrami, Mustard, Rye) or The Newman (Pastrami and Corned Beef, Mustard, Rye) on lightly toasted Rye with extra pickles.

Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken
gusfriedchicken.com/la

What’s not to love about fried chicken? Better yet, what’s not to love about spicy fried chicken?

Born in Mason, Tennessee, this 60-year old brand has rapidly been winning fans across America and only just recently opened its doors in Los Angeles. Being something of a fried chicken aficionado, I have to admit I was skeptical of Gus’s at first.

And with good reason.

I won’t mention names, but I can’t tell you how many times I have listened to people go on about the fried chicken at this or that place and how it was supposed to be so revelatory, only to find out that it was just average at best.

After calling my cousin, who had gone to college in Tennessee, and getting the thumbs up from her, I immediately headed over to Gus’s new Los Angeles location and was pleased on many levels, not the least of which involved the chicken itself.

Crispy, salty, with a hint of heat that grows with each bite, the bird served up at Gus’ is unlike anything else being served in Los Angeles. It is not hot chicken (though to tame the palate, it is served with much needed white bread like hot chicken) nor is it traditionally spicy fried chicken. It is instead, its own original, memorably delectable creation served with an array of outrageously tasty sides, notable among which are the beans, greens, potato salad and macaroni and cheese.

From the décor to the food, Gus’s will deliver you to Tennessee and back over the course of a meal and leave you craving a porch and rocker in which to savor the experience afterwards.

What I Order: Three Piece White with baked beans and macaroni and cheese; Fried Pickles with Ranch; Sweet Tea.

[Note: Gus’s only sells spicy fried chicken so if it heat is not your thing, you probably better give this place a pass.]

Now who’s hungry?

To read this story on the Huffington Post, click here.

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Oaklanders love Oakland. Let’s begin with that understanding.

On a visit to ‘The Town’, as the city is familiarly known, it’s nearly impossible not to take notice of the affection that the city’s residents bear for their municipality. It is an almost visceral pride that rivals that of Chicagoans and New Yorkers. In fact, so deep is their love for their hometown that Oaklanders have coined the label ‘Oaklandish’ as a term of endearment to define the unique way they do things in the other City by the Bay. And it is perhaps this vibrant spirit that explains the city’s ongoing transformation.

There is clearly something afoot in Oakland these days. Call it buzz, call it revitalization or call it whatever you like, but there is no denying that contemporary Oakland  is a city that has woken up with an awful lot to talk about after what some might call a decades-long slumber.

Just as Brooklyn has, in recent years, burnished its own identity as the new cool kid among New York City’s family of boroughs after years of playing the less-polished understudy to glitzy Manhattan, so is Oakland rising out of the shadows of its own illustrious neighboring metropolis to cultivate a reputation as more than an addendum to a San Francisco itinerary but instead a full-fledged destination in its own right. And this is in no small part thanks to the changing demographics on the foggier side of the Bay Bridge.

Nothing, as they say, breeds change like necessity. So, In a twist on an all too familiar tale of urban evolution, it comes as little surprise that as a cavalcade of newly minted tech millionaires have flooded San Francisco with a the tidal wave of cash, they have effectively washed many of the city’s non-millionaires across the Bay where they have been welcomed and, I dare say, encouraged in these ever-evolving times. The net result of this band of fresh arrivals has clearly been a burst of new life combined with a welcome renewal of sorts tor the city.

Whereas after my last visit to Oakland some 10 years ago, I would have characterized the city as sleepy, post my most recent visit I could not describe the vibe of Oakland as anything other than alive in every sense. Hipsters stroll along once forgotten streets now lined with swanky, modern lofts. Artist galleries and collectives dominate the heart of the city. Dilapidated theatres have found renewed life as proper entertainment venues and a bevy of celebrated young chefs have, in recent years, set up shop in Oakland, reinforcing the city’s prominence among America’s culinary meccas.

To the last point, Oakland’s culinary scene is perhaps one of its most impressive assets and is alone enough to justify a visit. Standing tall amid the city’s fierce epicurean competition is out, former Top Chef finalist Preeti Mistry’s casual and intimate Juhu Beach Club, where the flavors of India get a thoroughly modern twist. Among the more tantalizing starters on the menu is the addictive combo of sweet, salty, spicy popcorn, peanuts, pistachios bearing the name “Desi Jacks”;  the crispy, sweet and sour Manchurian cauliflower; and the Masala Papadum served with English cucumber, pickled red onion, cilantro and chutneys – all of which are actually vegetarian options and so memorable that even a confirmed carnivore like myself would make a meal of them. That said, there are also plenty of options for more carnivorous diners including a whole chicken leg  marinated for 24-hours in fresh turmeric and a mouth-watering selection of street food sandwiches known as Pavs stuffed with everything from pulled pork to braised short ribs. That all this magic happens in the comfortable unpretentious environs of a strip mall is only an added bonus.

Back to mouthwatering, West Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen may well be the best soul food restaurant in the Western United States, if not all of America. With her eatery, which has garnered universal praise while simultaneously rejuvenating the formerly declining neighborhood in which it resides, classically trained Executive Chef and Owner Tanya Holland has not only created a venue at which patrons happily cue to enjoy signature menu items like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffles served with brown sugar butter and apple cider syrup, Smoked Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo and Blackened Catfish, she has inspired her own signature iteration of New Soul Food cuisine by using only organic ingredients in a manner that is no lighter on flavor than the traditional ways that they have been employed in the past. I was honestly a bit skeptical of the place at first, being a bit of a soul food aficionado myself, but as it was recommended by nearly every Oakland resident I encountered, I submitted and was more than pleasantly surprised that I did, as it is, in addition to being a supremely delicious experience, also something of melting pot where all of Oakland seems to convene.

Other notable dining experiences include Grand Lake Kitchen, a popular spot on Lake Merritt with a major weekend brunch buzz, A16, a local gem serving modern Italian fare situated in the bustling Rockridge neighborhood, and the romantic Paragon, which in addition to delivering staggering views of the Bay set against equally stunning sunsets, also enjoys the luxury of being housed in what is among the finest, most historic properties in Northern California  –  the Claremont Hotel and Spa –which though actually located in Berkeley, qualifies as Oaklandish according to locals. Finally, I’m pretty sure that it is some sort of fineable violation to visit Oakland and not sample Oaktown’s very own Chinatown which is jam-packed with delectable treats for which you need a guide to properly explore. Enter Savor Oakland’s Chinatown Tour which fits the bill quite perfectly.

If there is a buzz word in Oakland it’s ‘inclusion’. Whether tripping through Rockridge and exploring the countless pleasures offered up by the local eateries and the forever and always dazzling food emporium that is Market Hall, which is something of a foodie paradise; Cruising around Jack London Sauare; a hub of shopping, nightlife and all things fabulous in the city in addition to being home to the legendary Yoshi’s Jazz Club; Checking out the art scene courtesy of Oakland Art Murmur, a monthly happening that regularly draws crowds of more than 20,000; or popping into Café Van Kleef in Uptown, where RuPaul’s Drag Race nights play well right alongside nightly sports-themed events, Oakland’s message is a big and hearty “Welcome” to one and all.

There is little doubt that it is the dawn of a bright new day in Oakland. The real question is who will be casting a shadow on whom in the not so distant future.

Find out more about Oakland at www.visitoakland.org.

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Anyone who knows me well will tell you that the only thing I abhor more than early morning activities is waiting in line to indulge in early morning activities. So when I tell you that, at my suggestion, we purposefully awoke at the crack of dawn on Day 20 in Jenner, CA just so that we could make a detour en route to Carmel for a spot of breakfast at Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen, I am already tacitly bestowing a ringing endorsement upon the establishment.

Several months back, my first experience with Brown Sugar Kitchen, Chef Tanya Holland’s new soul food cuisine outpost located on Oakland’s formerly derelict Mandela Parkway, resulted in a case of love at first bite. So much so, that I clearly could not resist the urge for a return visit when I was practically in the neighborhood again. In fact, like Nettie in The Color Purple, “Nothing but death could keep from it” — even if it meant waiting in an hour-long queue on a chilly Sunday morning, which is precisely what occurred.

Once inside the seemingly always packed restaurant, I renewed my love affair with Chef Holland’s signature savory and sweet combo of organic buttermilk fried chicken and light as air cornmeal waffles served with a dollop of brown sugar butter and a soupcon of apple cider syrup. While other eateries claim to do chicken and waffles, rarely have I seen the pairing prepared with such finesse, hence the urgency of my return. On this visit I also got acquainted with the day’s special, a smoked pork hash highlighting the smokey product of another of Chef Holland’s nearby restaurants, B-Side BBQ with which I could easily begin an adulterous liaison as well. If ever you’re in the vicinity of Brown Sugar Kitchen (and by vicinity I mean within a 100 miles), I highly recommend a visit. And even if you’re not near or plan to be in Oakland, you can sample the experience via Chef Holland’s gorgeous new cookbook Brown Sugar Kitchen: New-Style Down-Home Recipes from Sweet West Oakland.

Sated with down-home goodness, the hour and half drive to Carmel post breakfast seemed to breeze by. Before I knew it, we were pulling up to elegant Cypress Inn nestled among the boutiques that dot the streets and alleys of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. I had read much about the Cypress Inn but, like so many of the other properties on my itinerary for this trip, I had never experienced it theretofore. However, I can now say that the regal hotel meets its high recommendations with dead on accuracy.

Famously co-owned by screen legend and songstress, Doris Day, Cypress Inn is imbued with an easy grandeur augmented by rooms filled with an array of tempting amenities including fresh floral arrangements, complimentary cream sherry, carafes of filtered or sparkling water on demand, and fresh fruit and snacks. We were booked into the King Suite Deluxe which boasts an intimate sitting area, a private entrance from the street and a second entrance that opens onto the splendid garden courtyard and into the old world luxe of the 44-room boutique hotel’s bar, dining room and lobby. Despite its thoroughly California location in seaside Carmel, to its credit, the rambling Mediterranean-themed property very much put me in the mind of a beloved hôtel de charme in Brittany.

With the beach, just a short walk away, we headed down to scope out more breathtaking views of the stunning coastline before popping over to take a peek at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Hotel, where we mingled with the locals over Martinis. Intimate and clubby, the restaurant and piano bar at the Mission Ranch is a hub of local social life in Carmel and one that Mr. Eastwood is known to frequent, though there have never been any sightings of the man himself on my watch.

Later that evening we dined just around the corner from the Cypress Inn at the Cantinetta Luca, another local institution, where more Martinis were poured as we sampled everything from classic Panzanella and Arancini to crispy pizza topped with Mozzarella, Fontina, prosciutto, Rucola and Shaved Parmesan and Spaghetti Alla Romana prepared with housemade pancetta, shallots, chili, and white wine. Classically Italian, with superlative service Cantinetta Luca is both memorable and delectable, making it a must for any Carmel itinerary.

Since we arrived a little too late to properly partake in the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea as planned, after dinner we opted to do a little window shopping on a late night stroll (flashlight in hand) through the village to make the most of the less than 24 hours we had to enjoy this seaside slice of paradise. On a crisp cool night, it was the perfect way to wind down at the end of gloriously picture perfect day, that was only further abetted by an oh-so-very civilized nip of that wonderful sherry that awaited back at the Inn.

Tomorrow it’s off to San Francisco and the last 48 hours of the LivingWellsCalifornia adventure but for now here’s a look back at Day 20 in pictures:

Good morning and goodbye Jenner!

Breakfast time at Brown Sugar Kitchen

Chef Tanya Holland's Brown Sugar Kitchen, West Oakland

Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Garden Courtyard at Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Inside King Deluxe Suite, Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Sitting Room, King Deluxe Suite, Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Early evening in the garden courtyard at Cypress Inn, Carmel, CA

Scenes from the Carmel Coast

Ready for the beach

Scenes from the Carmel Coast

Another view of the Carmel Coast

Welcome to the Mission Ranch

A view from the Mission Ranch Inn

Inside Cantinetta Luca

Sampling the fare at Cantinetta Luca

Cantinetta Luca Sign

(Scroll over image for description)

(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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Immortalized in Vince Vaughn’s Swingers, the space formerly known as The Brown Derby, is today the epitome of Silverlake hipster chic.

Messhall, as it is now known, has settled comfortably into its epic environs with an updated menu of comfort food that has afflicted locals and foodies from all over Los Angeles alike with brief bouts of amnesia regarding calories, carbs and the much ballyhooed perils of sugar.

Cocktails poured from small batch American spirits are kinda brilliant (the house Old-Fashioned even ingeniously reinvents the classic); Corn Fritters are smoked and served with a poblano & pumpkin romesco; pork belly is perfectly crisped and served alongside battered and fried pickles and a remoulade in a mouthwatering pairing whimsically called Pig & Pickles, and the Willard’s “Far-Famed” Crispy Chicken served with Yukon mash & gravy and slaw sets a new benchmark for fried chicken in the City of Angels.

That said, you don’t have to be bad to be good at Messhall where, in keeping with the predispositions of the locals in the hood, Vegan options like the Camp Chili, a bean medley with crisp hominy and tofu cream and the Kale Caesar have followings of their own.

Ditto for the desserts, of which the Banana Cream Jar Pie complete with banana brulée and the Some More, a chocolate bread pudding and graham crumble served with the ‘most amazing ever’ marshmallow ice cream, are the undeniable stars.

Popular nights: Mondays| Burger & Beer (or Bourbon) $15 and Tuesdays | $1 Oysters & $5 Drafts.

Find out more at: messhallkitchen.com

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I can’t even remember the first time I heard about the amazing goodness of the signature menu item at Bodega Bay’s always buzzing Spud Point Crab Company, but, suffice it to say, it was a very long time ago.

On every visit to Sonoma over the last several years, I found myself trapped in a wicked pattern. I would make a date to head out to the Bay for what I was assured was the best clam chowder this side of New England (or anywhere on the planet for that matter) and then, for some reason or another, on each and every one of those occasions, I would find my plans thwarted. (For the record, once upon a time the store would close for a day or so each week, but the craze for Spud Point chowder has reached such epic proportions these days that the restaurant’s proprietors, Tony and Carol Anello, now throw open their doors seven days a week — save for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Finally, on a sunny afternoon during my last visit to Sonoma, one of my longest held, unrequited desires was granted albeit at the end of a long, if quickly moving, line. Surreal as it seemed at the time, I was on my way to sampling  Carol’s Famous Spud Point Crab Company Clam Chowder which, I can now say, is undeniably everything I had expected or been told and then some. I’ve sampled iterations of this classic soup from points near and far, all up and down the Eastern seaboard and I’ve actually never tasted a chowder so singular in flavor.

This bowl of creamy, garlicky deliciousness loaded with a more than generous helping of massive clams and just the right proportion of potato, practically made me want to immediately scramble back in line for another, though I was more than satiated by the bowl I had only just consumed. It wasn’t hunger that motivated me in that instance, it was instead pure unadulterated desire.

That I had, upon the recommendation of the Sonoma-ite who first turned me on the miracle of Spud Point chowder, also ordered a crab sandwich filled with lightly dressed crab on the freshest of buns, only took the experience to nirvana.

I am a firm believer in never believing the hype but in the case of Spud Point Crab Company, I not only encourage believing the hype, I give it a full-throated endorsement.

Find out more about Spud Point Crab Company at http://www.spudpointcrab.com/.

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The moment I stepped into the dining room of the restaurant on a recent visit, I was confronted by the sweep of time and history it represents. This is after all an establishment that has played host to Prime Ministers (Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George famously had some very heated wrangling in the elegant dining room) and inspired the meeting place for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. But even more than its history, it is the grandeur of the room that throttles the senses. Under a simply dazzling ceiling of golden mosaic tiles, rows of marble columns stand watch over the dining room, which is so authentically British, it almost feels like a set (which is precisely what it served as on the season 4 opener of Downton Abbey when Lady Edith sneaks into London for a romantic dinner with her oh-so-very married paramour). Quite frankly, it is one of the lovelier rooms in all of London, the like of which is most certainly unparalleled in Piccadilly Circus.

As for the menu, it is, as you might expect, a decidedly British affair. For starters, there are options like Colchester oysters dressed with apple, samphire, lemon and mirin (my choice); a Game terrine with wood pigeon, rabbit, partridge, pheasant, foie grass, pancetta, pistachio, red onion and cranberry and aFoie gras parfait with home cured duck breast, redcurrant dressing, ‘Melba’ pain brioche and red sorrel cress. Meanwhile the mains include more traditional English fare like ‘Bronze’ turkey fillet, stuffing, black pudding, sausage roll, brussels sprouts, ‘bread sauce’ and cranberry jus and ‘Hereford’ beef fillet, swede, baby turnips & carrots and braised ox cheek. It’s all perfectly fine, but if, I’m honest, the food only feels like a convenient (and completely palatable I might add) reason to experience the luxe and wonder of bygone era.

As an added bonus, if you’re making an evening of it and heading to the theatre as I was, the location of The Criterion makes it an optimal choice for a pre-theatre bite along with a cocktail or two, of course. Just be sure not to cut it too close because the Criterion in keeping with its storied history is an experience to be savored, rather than rushed.

To find out more about The Criterion Restaurant or to make a reservation, visit www.criterionrestaurant.com.

To read this and other stories from Duane Wells on the Huffington Post click here.

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In Los Angeles, mention the name of José Andrés and you’ll likely hear shrill, near orgasmic moans about the James Beard award-winning chef’s celebrated The Bazaar restaurant at the SLS, to which foodies, local and otherwise, make regular pilgrimages. That the Philippe Starck-designed Bazaar has reached the apex of the ever-changing list of Los Angeles hotspots and remained there is a testament to its stylish environs and most importantly, to Chef Andrés’ delectably innovative signature menu via which Spanish cuisine is approached with new vision.

That understood, it is no particular secret that The Bazaar is regularly ranked among the city’s finest dining establishments.. A better kept truth is however that Andres’ other restaurant Tres, located right next door in the guest lobby of the SLS, is an equally transformative experience for many of the same reasons.

While the dining room at The Bazaar is expansive in order to accommodate its substantial draw of sparkling Angelenos, Tres is a more intimate, but no less chic, affair — an attribute that is reflected in both the menu and design of the restaurant. Though, it may prove hard to avoid being seen at The Bazaar, at Tres, which was also designed by Monsieur Starck, the restaurant’s clubby, more relaxed setting (and two private dining rooms) lend themselves in equal measure to romantic interludes or discreet business dealings. In fact, I visited Tres on a mid-week afternoon for lunch and rather enjoyed being seated on a comfortable sofa in a private far corner of the dining room wherein my guest and I were inclined to feel that we were the only people in the entire space.

On the menu at Tres, you’ll find some familiar items like the Croquetas de Pollo and the Patatas Bravas Chips with that delectable aioli that never fails to impress at The Bazaar. You’ll also find that the menu at Tres is more comfort food-oriented and as such may feel a bit more accessible for some. But of course, it goes without saying that comfort done by José Andrés, still shows all the complexity and masterful understanding of flavor profiles that has distinguished him as one of the world’s greatest culinary minds.

Succulent Rotisserie Jidori Farm Chicken is served with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Rosemary Sauce, SLS Sliders are made with Prime Beef and bathed in a trio of cheeses including Blue Stilton and the cheekily named Beverly Hills ‘Bikini’, Chef Andrés blasphemously decadent take on a grown up grilled cheese sandwich has the audacity to be comprised of a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, truffles and honey aioli. (As for the latter, I must say that while it won’t help anyone get swimsuit ready anytime soon, it is well worth the indulgence).

Tres serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. And on weekends there’s also brunch which is well known for a number of memorable menu items, not the least of which is the 12 Quail Eggs Sunny Side Up. Likewise, Afternoon Tea, is served daily at Tres from 3 – 5 PM and just as you might expect, at Tres the traditional come with a twist a la treats ranging from Smoked Salmon with Coconut Sandwiches and Guacamole Cones to Chocolate Pop Rocks and Tablets.

Find out more or book a reservation at Tres at: http://www.sbe.com/tres.

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Olga Valentina may be relatively new to Hollywood, but she has certainly not let any grass grow under her high-heel clad feet since touching down in Tinseltown.  In the space of a few short years, the self-proclaimed ‘beauty from Moscow’ has completed a year-long conservatory program at the acclaimed Lee Strasberg School in West Hollywood and  scored supporting roles in Freelancers, opposite 50 Cent and Robert De Niro, and The Frozen Ground, with Nicholas Cage, John Cusack, and Vanessa Hudgens. In addition, she has also launched her own production company, Valentina Films, and begun developing a clothing line in collaboration with celebrity style maven Marina Monroe of Stylehaus. Somewhere in between all of that, the industrious Miss Valentina  has also somehow found time to develop and launch OlgaCooks.com, an online cooking series and blog  where she showcases her favorite recipes and kitchen tips. It was because of the latter that I shared a bit of holiday cheer with  the Russian bombshell last week.

Olga invited myself and a few other guests to her home for a holiday meal that began with Blueberry Kir Royales, Pink Panther Cocktails and an array of bruschettas complemented by Spicy Tomato Soup and Mini-Grilled Cheese Sandwhiches. Dinner continued  on with Wild Arugula Salad with Shrimp in a strawberry dressing, Cobb Salad, Roast Duck with Mandarin Sauce,, Filet Mignon, Broccolini  and Creamy Mashed Potatoes made with lots of cream and  Russian flair. All in all, it was as stellar evening made all the more festive by the fact that Olga was kind enough to send a limo to transport us to and from her home. A very nice touch as I always find that a car and driver always add a lovely patina to an evening out.

Below is a gallery of photos from that night. Watch Olga’s newest holiday episode and check out more of her recipes and tips at www.olgacooks.com.

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Maurice Hennessy is the name behind the “H” in LVMH, the world’s largest luxury brand. For nearly 250 years Hennessy has produced the finest cognacs on the planet and at a recent private dinner with Mssr. Hennessy at Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, I experienced firsthand yet another reason for the ongoing appeal of the legendary brand, which has always done things with flair and panache.

On this special evening, guests entered the rustic carriage house of the original Harold Lloyd estate and were greeted with a perfectly-concocted glass of the Hennessy “Apple Fiz”. Mingling with Mr. Hennessy followed as guests sampled passed appetizers created by Lucques executive chef, Chef Suzanne Goib.

Once seated, our intimate group of 18 was regaled with tales of the many generations of history behind the amber-hued libation that has intrigued royals and rappers alike since its debut in 1765. After a brief talk, Mr. Hennessy presented assembled guests with a stunning 18-carat gold labeled crystalline glass decanter of Hennessy Paradis Imperial, which was just released in the United States and retails for $2,700.

The new bottle which was designed by award-winning French Baccarat designer Stephanie Balini celebrates not only the release of this prestigious and incomparable marque but also a 200 year old story steeped in elegance. First commissioned in 1818 by the Dowager Empress of Russia, this new edition of the special blend of very old, gold-colored eaux-de-vie of the finest quality pays tribute to the first delivery of Paradis Imperial with an eaux-de-vie that has the same pedigree as the original. Between 30 to 130 years-old and matured with individual care, Hennessy Paradis Imperial represent less than 1% of the eaux-de-vie of a given vintage at the original selection. Needless to say, it was a particularly special treat when servers arrived with trays filled with glasses of the rare blended cognac for each guest to sample as Maurice Hennessy schooled all in attendance on the art of discovering each of the notes that Paradis Imperial has to offer.

A lavish 3-course meal featuring Braised Beef and Steelhead Salmon followed with each course paired with Hennessy’s specialty mixed drinks which included The Hennessy Ginger and The Hennessy Spice. After raising a final toast, attendees noshed on a flourless chocolate torte topped roasted dates and a cup of espresso. It was a perfectly sweet ending to an even sweeter evening.

Find out more about Hennessy & Hennessy Paradise Imperial at www.hennessy.com. Follow Hennessy on Twitter @HennessyUS.

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Per the instructions I received upon departing the Inn at Occidental, I headed back down to Occidental’s main drag, hung a right at the first stop sign and proceeded about ten minutes along a winding, wooded stretch to the next stop sign just beyond which Underwood and its accompanying hubbub came into full view. Even standing outside the restaurant, I could sense the vibe. In fact, looking around, there was little doubt in my mind as to the reason Wine Spectator had dubbed Graton as the place where “New York’s East Village meets the Wine Country in this hip gathering spot for local elite wine makers and wine travelers alike.” To be certain, there is definitely something that screams hipster about the narrow stretch of commerce, odd as that sounds given that it is plunked down as it is in the middle of Sonoma wine country.

Before stepping into Underwood, I walked the one block heart of the town. Across the street sits another über popular local eatery called Willow Wood Market Café, which is also owned by Matthew Greenbaum and actually preceded Underwood’s debut, paving the way for it to become the town’s star attraction. While the menu at Underwood is more inventive in some ways, the fare at Willow Wood is more comfort food oriented from what I could gather from a cursory comparison of the menus. For a moment, I was actually even torn but ultimately decided to stick with the plan and head back over to Underwood.

Once inside Underwood, I was more than enthused about my choice. It was just around Happy Hour on a Wednesday and the joint was already hopping. A far cry from its sleepy surrounding environs, the lively, inviting, almost boisterous Underwood Bar & Bistro was clearly as had been suggested many times over, the favored spot of locals from miles around. Nearly every seat at the bar was already filled and the restaurant was spiraling toward capacity when I sat down.

Confronted with the cornucopia of goodness that is the bistro’s menu, which includes everything from intriguing tapas like White Anchovy Crostini, Hoisin Glazed Baby Back Ribs and Harissa Fries to traditional bistro fare like Flat Iron Steak Frites and Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, I opted out of being adventurous and instead chose a sampling of oysters and the Grilled Hamburger topped with a local white cheddar and Applewood smoked bacon. The latter was served with fries and the restaurant’s signature sauces, the most enticing of which was deliciously laced with chipotle.  For dessert, I couldn’t resist trying one of the brulees for which Underwood’s is known. On the evening of my visit Coconut Crème Brulee was on the menu and it was a sweetly comforting end to a perfectly comforting meal.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe the hype, but in the case of Underwood Bar & Bistro, it has not only been earned but it is also well-deserved.

Find out more about Underwood Bar & Bistro at www.underwoodgraton.com/.

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