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.

The post LA Samples America: Five Foodie Treasures in the City of Angels appeared first on .

Stay

Hotel Barceló Valencia
Avenida de Francia, 11
46023 València, Spain
T: +34 963 306 344
E: valencia@barcelo.com
www.barcelo.com/espana/valencia

This sleek and modern hotel boasts state of the art amenities and claims an enviable location within walking distance of the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia Gardens. It’s also only a short taxi ride away from the beach and the lively historic old town neighborhood. Come night time, the hotel’s rooftop bar serves up smart cocktails along with a memorable view of the city.

Play

Café de las Horas
Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar, 1
46003 València, Spain
T: +34 963 91 73 36
E: info@cafedelashoras.com
www.cafedelashoras.com

This eclectic hotspot is a long-time local favorite. Eccentric in its décor as well as its entertainment menu, Café de las Horas is also favored spot to pop into for a sample of one of the best versions of the city’s signature cocktail, Agua de Valencia, a subtle yet potentially lethal commingling of Cava, orange juice, vodka and gin.

El Carmen

Though some might call it a bit of a tourist trap, there is no denying that El Carmen is a ‘sure-thing’ when it comes to nightlife in València. A hodge podge of restaurants, lounges, assorted live music venues, clubs and bars among other things, El Carmen delivers everything from the alternative to the mainstream in a winding maze of heavily trafficked streets. Come the weekend, the crowds are plentiful and the party rages on into the small hours in a handful of spots dotting this ancient neighborhood bordered by the city’s historic Old Town district.

Eat

Ocho y Medio Restaurant
Plaça de Lope de Vega
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 92 20 22
www.elochoymedio.com

Sample traditional Valèncian fare presented with sophistication and polish in a setting overlooking the city’s historical center.

La Cigrona Restaurant
Calle Serranos, 22
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 15 37 52
www.lacigrona.com

A cozy but elegant eatery in the historic Old Town specializing in paella and other Valèncian favorites.

En-Route-to-Valencia

En-Route-to-Valencia-TheDuaneWells.com

Historic-Valencia

Streets-of-Historic-Valencia

Silk-Exchange-Valencia

Central-Market-Ceiling

Mushrooms-Central -Market

Davey-Duane-Paella

Paella

Duane-Valencia

Late-night-munchies-El-Carmen

See

Jardines Del Turia (Turia Gardens)
Avenida Manuel de Falla, s/n
46018 Valencia, Spain
T: +34 963 59 99 67
E: info@culturia.org
www.visitvalencia.com/turia-gardens

From disaster a beautiful garden blooms. Such is the tale of Valencia’s Turia Gardens which came to be only after a disastrous flood in 1957. To prevent a recurrence of the flooding, the Turia River’s course was diverted south of the city and one of the largest urban parks in Spain was built on the riverbed. Spanning more than 5.5 miles, the park runs the length of the city from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences and offers everything from children’s parks and foot paths, to other leisure and sports areas, and romantic spots where tourists and locals alike take full advantage of the opportunity to unwind and take in the spirit of Valencia.

Historic Old Town
www.visitvalencia.com/historic-centre

Valencia’s Historic Old Town is the city’s heartbeat. Notable sites include the Valencia Cathedral, the Plaza de la Virgen, the Plaza Redonda and La Lonja a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the sites you’ll find abundant eateries, cafes and watering holes in the Old town area.

Explore

City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia
Avenida del Professor López Piñero, 7
46013 València, Spain
T: +34 902 10 00 31
www.cac.es

Designed by acclaimed architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, València’s City of Arts and Sciences is a visually stunning conglomerate of five architecturally significant venues devoted to scientific pursuits. The five venues are: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative centre of interactive science), the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the Opera House). Now who says science can’t be interesting?

BioParc Valencia
Avenida Pio Baroja, 3
46015 Valencia, Spain
T: +34 902 25 03 40
E: info@bioparcvalencia.es
www.bioparcvalencia.es

Far from your average zoo, the Bioparc Valencia is a much more innovative proposition. Taking the notion of zoo immersion to the next level, guests of the seven year-old BioParc are invited into the habitat of the animals where seemingly invisible barriers exist between guests and animals. Think a tamer version of Jurassic Park and you’ll get the idea. A selection rides and walking paths complete the novel adventure into the wild right in the throbbing center of the city.

The Beaches of Valencia
www.visitvalencia.com/valencia-beaches

Valencia’s beaches have regularly been rated favorites of tourists worldwide with Blue Flag certified beaches like Las Arenas, Malvarrosa and El Cabañal ranking among the most popular.

Indulge

Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana
Calle Juristas, 12
46001 València, Spain
T: +34 963 15 38 56
E: info@escueladearrocesypaellas.com
www.escueladearrocesypaellas.com

Did you know that paella originated in Valencia? That is but one of the many facts you’ll take away from a paella cooking class at Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana. Beginning with a guided tour of the Mercado Central (or Central Market) to purchase all the necessary ingredients to make a paella from local vendors and continuing on to the school’s kitchen for a step by step lesson in the art of paella making, this is a class that is at once educational and delicious. Oh and did I mention that it’s also fun?

More information:
www.visitvalencia.com

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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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In a county full of stars, Healdsburg shines bright for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the small-town glamour of the plaza that serves as the heartbeat of the enchanted town. On this plaza and the arteries that flow from it, a thriving food and wine scene flourishes alongside a range of quaint boutiques and upscale Inns that together confirm Healdsburg’s reputation as a “must-see” destination in Sonoma County.

With that in mind, I made Healdsburg the next stop on my LivingWells California itinerary with an eye toward sampling the fare at some of the newest eateries on Healdsburg’s most notable square, an adventure made particularly easy by the delightful Tammy Gass, owner and Head Foodie at Savor Healdsburg Tours.  Take a walk on your own around Healdsburg Plaza and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Take a tour with Savor Healdsburg and you’ll find that Healdsburg doyenne extraordinaire Tammy Gass has done all the guesswork for you.

Gass, like me, enjoys finding hidden, off-the-beaten path treasures which is exactly what she has done in what has frequently been ranked one of the top ten small towns in America. Hence the reason that the marriage of Gass’ tour and my own LivingWells California adventure seemed set in the stars before I even arrived. I opted to join the “Taste of Healdsburg” tour, which was one of several options Gass’ wildly popular foodie tour company offers, and from the first stop on the tour I knew I had made the right choice.

We began the epic three and a half hour epicurean journey at Shed, an extraordinary new space that combines a shop stocked with everything from organic vegetables and fruits delivered daily by local farmers, flours freshly milled onsite, farm fresh eggs, smoked fish, cured meats and farmstead cheeses to housewares and garden implements of every variety with a café that serves an every changing daily menu built on the principles of responsible farming and seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking.  In the cavernous, impeccably curated space where one might quite easily imagine Ina Garten raving “How great is that?” at every turn, we sipped on a variety of shrubs and nibbled on a few items including a flavorful and colorful sampling that included beet tzatziki, goat cheese, olives, hummus and house-made crisps before it was off to our next stop, Café Lucia for a taste of Portuguese cooking, the highlight of which was a soul-satisfying plate of Chorizo Crusted Day Boat Scallops.

From there we headed to the impressive tasting room at Cartograph Wines which, in a refreshing turn, resembles an art gallery rather than a traditional wine-tasting venue, for a few sips of their equally impressive wines. Be forewarned, though the Pinots are clearly the stars at Cartograph, the dry Riesling and Gewürztraminer are standouts of equal note.

Bravas, a tapas restaurant that is one of the newest restaurants in the constellation of celebrated Stark Reality eateries, was our next stop. Here we sampled Champagne Sangria, croquetas and cider braised chorizo and padron peppers on the restaurant’s rustic back terrace, which I am told is quite the scene on weekends and gloriously sunny Wine Country afternoons and evenings.  Speaking of sunny Wine Country afternoons, a cool, sweet treat from Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar was the final delight on my “Taste of Healdsburg” tour and what a spectacular end it was. After spoons of Noble Folk’s innovative ice cream flavors like Japanese Purple Yam, Almond + Cardamom and Roasted Pumpkin, I dived into a generous slice of Maple Walnut Chocolate pie with such zeal that I am grateful to know that it is only available hundreds of miles away from me rather than right on my own back doorstop because I am not sure I would otherwise have the willpower to resist daily indulgence.

After a brief respite in nearby Santa Rosa later that afternoon, It was on to more food on a return visit to Chef Duskie Estes’ Zazu Kitchen + Farm at its snazzy new location in The Barlow, the uniquely fabulous retail space in Sebastopol. A stark contrast to its former farmhouse-style location on dusty country road, the industrial, sleek new Zazu invites a completely different experience albeit with the same farm-to-table fare that made its previous incarnation such a hit. Beginning with Rodeo Jax, a box of black pig bacon caramel popcorn that could become yet another addition, and the ‘pigstrami’ with Johnny’s sauerkraut, the meal ended on a high for me with a heaping serving of the meaty Stemple Beef Chili and Cornbread which offered just the latest example for me of how Chef Duskie can take an everyday favorite and elevate it to a whole new level. Twas a brilliant end to a brilliant day of food and wine in Sonoma.

On Day 17 I head to Petaluma and a night at the casino but before that stop. here’s a look back at the best of Day 16 in pictures.

Packed and ready for Healdsburg

Exterior, Shed Healdsburg

Seasonal Shrubs at Shed, Healdsburg

A colorful start to the Taste of Healdsburg tour at Shed

Shed, Healdsburg

Inside Shed, Healdsburg

Another view inside Shed, Healdsburg

Cartograph wine tasting room, Healdsburg

Arriving at Cartograph Wines Tasting Room, Healdsburg

Welcome to Bravas, Healdsburg

Tapas Anyone?

The Menu at Bravas

The popular patio at bravas

Talking food with Tammy Gass

Champagne Sangria and croquetas at Bravas, Healdsburg

Champagne Sangria at Bravas, Healdsburgs

Instructive signage on the patio at Bravas

Outside Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Daily Menu at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Shelves at Noble Folk, Healdsburg

Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Healdsburg

Getting chatty with Noble Folk co-founder Osvaldo Jimenez

Zazu at The Barlow, Healdsburg

(Scroll over image for details)

(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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Once safely (and royally) ensconced in my accommodations at The Goring, I set off to explore a few more of the more interesting names on my roster of Royal Warrant Holders, that grand coalition of people and companies whose products and services buttress the royal patina “By Appointment”.   At the top of my list was a bit of shopping at Fortnum & Mason, which was just recently graced by the first official joint appearance by The Queen, The Duchess of Cambridge (the former Camilla Parker-Bowles) and the Duchess of Cornwall (the former Kate Middleton). Does it really get any more royal?

Known simply as Fortnum’s to regular patrons, this emporium of high delights has supplied the Royal household with the finest wares and treats since a royal footman (Fortnum) opened the store with his friend and landlord (Mason) more than three centuries ago in 1707. From truffles, cheese and tea (specially blended of course) to jewelry, perfume and high fashion, Fortnum’s has served as the thoroughly elegant department store of choice for kings, queens and their titled flock since its inception. Still a fabulous place to be seen after all these years, Afternoon Tea at Fortnum’s remains a treat to all savvy enough to book a reservation.

From Fortnum’s I made my way to Piccadilly and the Princes Arcade to sample the sweet confections of Prestat, which I can only describe as the ultimate sugar rush wrapped up in ribbons of fantasy and stamped with the Royal seal of approval. At more than one hundred years old, this esteemed chocolatier has not only been awarded Royal Warrants by both Her Majesty the Queen and the late Queen Mother, but was also notably a favorite of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory author, Roald Dahl.

Small in area but outsized in whimsy and magic, all manner of chocolate commingles with everything from nuts, caramel and tropical fruit to Champagne, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and gin in this fantastical little shop where brightly colored packaging embossed with the symbol of the Royal Warrant fills every corner of the space. Meanwhile, the counters are chock full of delicate creations, including a variety of truffles, which the family of Prestat’s original owner, Antoine Dufour, is credited with having created. That’s right…, the very first truffle was the creation of the Dufour family (and perhaps of Antoine himself).  And it was said to be so intoxicatingly delicious that it led Roald Dahl to formally express his predilection for the Dufour’s recipe by declaring “I also adore so-called truffels as Prestat makes them.” With such high praise, is it any wonder then that the Royal court has maintained such a longstanding affection for this precious chocolate shop?

The final stop on my Royal Warrant tour was in the Burlington Arcade at the Victorian era perfumer, Penhaligon’s which like Prestat also holds two Royal warrants from two generations of Royals – one from Prince Phillip and the other from Prince Charles. Venturing through the store is like taking a trip down through the history of scent, particularly as many of Penhaligon’s signature fragrances were created as much as (or more than) a century ago and as such reflect the sensibilities of a different time. If you have a hankering to smell the noblesse oblige of 1902, you need only pick up a bottle of the popular Blenheim Bouquet which made its debut in that year.  Or flash forward a few years and try 1910’s crisp, clean English Fern.

What makes the Penhaligon’s experience special is the uniqueness of the fragrances which stand apart in the world of cookie cutter scents that populate the market today. Anything but ordinary, a Penhaligon’s scent reeks of privilege and good taste and the wearers thereof feel a part of an exclusive club, membership to which can only be achieved by royal appointment, of course.

So again, I ask, ‘Who needs a tiara to live like a royal?”. As a commoner with no lineage to speak of I managed to sleep, eat, shop and even smell like a royal in a single day. And they say, you can’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Clearly the believers of that old wives tale are most unfamiliar with my favorite new saying ‘When in London, do as the Royals do.”

To find out more about Royal Warrant Holders, visit www.royalwarrant.org.

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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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Did someone say ‘weekend shopping expedition’?  Because if so, there is a new mecca in Sonoma County that is just screaming for your credit cards to make a holy pilgrimage.

Sonoma County has never been a stranger to reinvention and there is perhaps no better recent example of that fact than last month’s reopening of the former Barlow Apple Cannery on November 2. Though it languished empty and unused for more years than residents of Sebastopol would like to recount, the former fruit factory has been sleekly reborn as The Barlow, a modern retail gateway celebrating the very best of Sonoma.

The massive 222,000 square-foot artisan marketplace and production facility sprawled over 12.5 acres houses local wines, foods, arts, crafts and other locally made products presented in an environment imbued with the distinctively rustic elegance that is Sonoma’s stock-in-trade.

Perched in the heart of downtown Sebastopol The Barlow’s tenants include: Kosta Browne Winery, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Wind Gap Wines, Community Market, Taylor Maid Farms, Spirit Works Distillery, Wolfard Glassblowing, Bronze Plus Art Foundry, Move 2 Change Studio, Woodfour Brewing Company, Village Bakery, Zazu, Hanses Fine Art, Soap Caldron, Circle of Hands, Warped Brewing Company, Gypsy Bay Laurel, Reframe Hair Gallery, MacPhail Family Wines, Tibetan Gallery & Studio, Farmer’s Exchange of Earthly Delights, Ben Kinmont Bookseller, La Follette Wines, Tamarind, Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, SubZero Ice Cream and Yogurt, and the Juicery.

The Barlow also features a bocce court, restaurants, and fire pits, all of which fulfills the promise of a new destination in which the community and visitors can conduct business, share food and enjoy art, wine and time together.

Sounds pretty idyllic does it not? And just think…it’s the best of Sonoma all under one roof.  How’s that for a new must-visit destination? Is your credit card finger itching yet?

Find out more about The Barlow at www.thebarlow.net.

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