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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Never let it be said that leaving a town like Carmel-by-the-Sea is easy, but road trips do, by definition, require movement.  So, on Day 21 of my great California adventure, I took one last glimpse at the seaside village of Carmel as it faded from view and rolled onward to the final stop of what had already been an epic tour of the Golden State’s finest assets.

Pulling into the San Francisco’s bustling TenderNob neighborhood, a wave of nostalgia, threaded with vivid memories of all the people and places that I had encountered in the run-up to that very moment, played like a slideshow in my mind. To be fair, the slideshow had actually begun queueing at the start of the two-plus hour trek from Carmel, which included a brief detour through lovely Santa Cruz, and continued on during the surprisingly brisk, unobstructed afternoon drive along Highway 1.  However it was only once I found myself in the gritty heart of San Francisco that the collective clamoring of all these memories became too prominent to ignore. That said, I will save the trip down remembrance road for my closing post, and focus instead on the first 24 of the last 48 hours in my LivingWells California journey.

The jumping off point for my stay in San Francisco was the boutique Hotel Adagio, the third and final property from the Autograph Collection on my California itinerary. In a previous post about San Diego’s Pier South Hotel, I joked that I was starting to think that the signature of the Autograph brand might very well be the superior views that appeared to be the stock-in-trade of every hotel in the collection I had yet to experience. It was a notion that was only further affirmed when I stepped off the elevator onto the Hotel Adagio’s 16^th floor and walked into the spacious Samuel Suite in which I would be laying my head for the evening.  I was already suitably impressed by the suite’s formal dining room, living room and fireplace, when I stumbled out onto the enormous terrace and saw San Francisco spread out before me in almost naked glory.

If you’ve been following this trip, my predilection for boutique hotels is by now certain to be abundantly clear and the landmark 171-room Hotel Adagio, which was originally built in the late 1920s, celebrates just about every reason for my preference. Recently renovated, the Adagio’s public spaces are contemporary and chic, the rooms are well appointed, and despite its modest size, the hotel boasts a well-equipped and modern gym, mini-business center and a stylish bar called The Mortimer that specializes in craft cocktails that have earned the boite a place among San Francisco’s hottest new bars. Perhaps, best of all, the hotel is situated in the thick of San Francisco life just steps away from Union Square, Moscone Center, Market Street, North Beach, Chinatown and three of San Francisco’s most historic theaters. In other words, much of the city happens right outside the doors of the hotel.

Because it was such a gloriously beautiful day when I arrived [Note to self: Who knew San Francisco had such marvelously temperate fall weather?] I decided to spend a few hours taking advantage of my suite’s terrace and view before heading down to the Castro for dinner at Chef Nick Ronan’s Beso restaurant.

Beso is an intimate and casual space, hidden away in a corner just off Castro Street, where Chef Ronan and his culinary team prepare a seasonal menu of Catalan tapas using organic, baby specialty produce and herbs grown exclusively for Beso and the Bisou Group family of restaurants at their very own farm called Napa Kitchen Gardens. They call it “seed-to-table” dining and it’s so much more than a novelty. It’s something of a revolution, which is exactly what Chef Ronan hopes to create with his own special brand of bistronomy that is catching on like wildfire across San Francisco.

An imposing, yet approachable figure, Chef Ronan careens around Beso like the host of a mildly raucous nightly dinner party, greeting guests by name and occasionally sitting down for a chat with them. Seemingly unencumbered by the ego and desperate shyness that dogs so many of the current crop of ‘rock star chefs’ Chef Ronan is the maestro of not only his kitchens but also his dining rooms and everything plays along in time with his lead.

I began my meal with an excellent Rosé recommended by the house, which paired brilliantly with the first round of tapas to arrive at the table which included the bruschetta-esque pan con tomate, simply toasted bread topped with farm fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, roasted Brussel sprouts tossed with chorizo and a bright heirloom tomato salad that perhaps commended the Bisou Group’s exclusive gardens most highly. Next came crispy Hampshire pork belly served atop olive oil crushed potatoes, pickled onion, king oyster mushrooms, and smoked paprika vinaigrette that was at once comforting and innovative. Every flavor was perfectly refined and there was freshness in every bite. Prior to dining at Beso, I was familiar with bistronomy but I had neither heard of nor experienced ‘seed-to-table’ dining. After dinner, I was an avowed fan of both.

Tomorrow it’s on to not only my last day in San Francisco, but also the last day of this tour, but before we go there, here’s a quick look back at the day in pictures:

Hotel Adagio Entrance

Lobby, Hotel Adagio

Living Room, Samuel Suite, Hotel Adagio

Terrace view, Samuel Suite, Hotel Adagio

Another terrace view, Samuel Suite, Hotel Adagio

Terrace view at night, Samuel Suite, Hotel Adagio

Dining Room, Beso, SF

Hampshire Pork Belly, Beso, SF

Pan Con Tomate, Beso, SF

With Chef Nick Ronan, Beso, SF

(Scroll over image for details)

The post Day 21 | LivingWells California Road Trip – San Francisco, Part 1 appeared first on .

Day 10 of the LivingWells California adventure began with an hour and a half drive from Palm Springs to the Rancho Bernardo Inn, which is located in the picturesquely suburban northern climes of San Diego County. Fittingly, the timing of my arrival coincided with the one-year anniversary of Rancho Bernardo’s Mediterranean-themed Avant Kitchen helmed by Argentinian Chef Tomás Baistrocchi. To mark the occasion Chef Tomás and his team held a little soiree for a few guests to preview the restaurant’s fall menu and I was fortunate enough to be among them.

With the sun setting over the expansive property, waiters served the house Smoked Paloma cocktails, an intoxicating combo comprised of Avant’s own double barrel aged Herradura Reposada Tequila, smoked grapefruit juice and Herradura agave nectar, while guests noshed on just a few of Chef Tomás’ soon to debut creations which included a richly flavored duck and pork sausage on braised red cabbage served atop a crostini, shrimp served with what I can only describe as a mini-croquette that was its perfectly crisp complement and a selection of the most delectably bejeweled cupcakes. After the tasting, the team at Avant was kind enough to send me back to my suite with a selection of starters from the current menu which included an Heirloom Beet and Carrot Salad with almond & cocoa dust and tarragon crème fraiche, a delicately crispy Dungeness Crab and Corn Fritter with avocado, hearts of palm and jalapeño aioli and a Warm Maine Lobster Salad with fingerling potato, summer squash and curry. Not only was each creation a brilliant explosion of complex yet perfectly balanced flavors, they were all presented with artful sophistication (even in takeout containers) which made them a feast for the eyes and the palate.

My only sadness as I checked  out of the Castillo Suite at Rancho Bernardo Inn the next morning was that I did not get to spend more time in this sprawling, quietly luxurious corner of San Diego (or enjoy more of Chef Tomás’ creations). Ah well, I suppose that is the reason for which return visits are made.

The next stop on Day 11 was the historic Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island, a place I never miss visiting on a stop in San Diego. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating here —while the beauty of Coronado epitomizes the allure of Southern California, at the heart of the island’s charms is its grande dame, the Hotel del Coronado. An institution dating back to the late 19^th century, when presidents, socialites and their families would escape to the prestigious property to avoid the chilly winter temperatures in other parts of the country, the Del remains, more than a century later, Coronado’s  premiere destination.

Though I didn’t stay at the Del on this trip, I did manage to squeeze in a ‘daycation’ at the hotel, which I consider to be the next best thing and an option I highly recommend should you find the hotel fully booked, as is often the case. Just before diving into my daycation, I took a quick tour of the exclusive Beach Village at The Del, a collection of beautifully appointed one, two- and three-bedroom residences that represent the penultimate in luxury.  Taking the Del experience to the next level, a stay at the recently renovated Beach Village offers guests a private entrance, a private pool, access to the members only VIP Windsor Clubhouse and a host of other exclusive amenities that add new luster to The Del experience.

Finally, it was on to my daycation which began with checking in at the Spa at The Del, making a quick costume changing and heading down to the beach for a working lunch and cocktails on a canopied day bed with the best view of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego.  After a couple hours of sun and sand, I returned to the spa for the signature Coronado Shell Massage for which Tiger clam shells are gently heated and combined with a massage employing long Swedish strokes and aromatherapy that delivers an hour of pure unadulterated relaxation.

To cap my daycation, I stopped In at one of the Del’s most popular restaurants, Eno, for a sampling of artisan pizzas (the Salsiccia with spicy housemade fennel sausage, charred broccolini and garlic oil is among my personal favorites) and few pours of the eatery’s extensive collection of more than 500 wines and once again with the sun setting in the distance, Day 11 in San Diego ended with that unique touch of dazzling that reminded me why Southern California such a treasure.

Next, it’s on to Autograph Collection’s Pier South in Imperial Beach.

Packed and ready for another day on the road

Checking out of the Castillo Suite at the Rancho-Bernardo Inn

Signature Smoked Paloma Cocktails at Avant

Sampling-Chef Tomas Baistrocchi's Fall Menu

Chef's Table at Avant

Happy Birthday Avant!

Beach Village at The Del

Inside a Villa Suite at The Del

Windsor Cottage Clubhouse at The Del

Hard at work at The Del

Spa at The Del

Sunset at Eno

Pizza at Eno

The legendary Hotel del Coronado

(Additional photography by Rob Musick)

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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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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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My first ever brush with the supperclub experience took place in London when one of my smartest friends invited me to his birthday celebration at the Notting Hill-based outpost of the hotspot. It was at the time still such an underground secret that even the generally extremely knowledgeable London taxi drivers had no idea where it was, what it was or how to get there. Thankfully with a little help, I finally arrived just in time to partake in one of the most memorable nights I have ever enjoyed in London.

With such a high bar having already been set, I was naturally a bit reluctant to lay odds that the LA edition of supperclub The Restaurant would match the experience. Would we dine on sprawling beds large enough to accommodate a party of 6? Would a parade of bodyguards escorting a smiling Katy Perry push past me as I exited the loo? Would there be entertainment that would compare to supperclub London’s menagerie of cirque performances, aerial silks artists and the large man with the operatic voice dressed in a purple sequined unitard bellowing songs from The Lion King? Would it have the same visually exciting aesthetic and vibe that has made the supperclub phenomenon a destination in cities as diverse as Amsterdam and Istanbul? These and many other questions floated through my mind as I approached the Hollywood Boulevard entrance to supperclub The Restaurant. And I have to say, with the exception of that big fellow in the purple unitard, I found that supperclub LA was comfortably in league with its sister venues around the globe.

From the complimentary welcome cocktail shot (a refreshing blend of Sake and citrus notes) to the performance artists who wore lampshades on their heads (and very little else) to the be-wigged and be-dragged hostess dressed as a tub of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” the spectacle unfolds from the first moment guests set foot in the cocktail reception that precedes dinner.  Then, as the clock strikes eight o’clock, the dramatic, all white dinner / club space is revealed and the show (as well as the meal) begin in earnest.

As I was there with the holiday season approaching, Executive Chef Guus Wickenhagen was debuting his Thanksgiving-themed November menu from a massive open air kitchen that acts as a backdrop for the evening’s performances.  In fact, the kitchen actually serves as a kind of stage in front of which an eclectic mix of acts including everything from belly dancers to a menacingly large white snake keep the audience rapt while the kitchen delivers course after course.

Speaking of courses, on the menu for the evening was an Asian Duck and Shrimp Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Goat Cheese, Seared Beef Tenderloin and a gooey Pecan Tart with Salted Caramel Sauce. But don’t commit that line-up to memory because the menu like the entertainment program at supperclub changes regularly, which is part of the reason fans return time and again in whichever city they happen to be visiting.

One of the unique things that I particularly like about supperclub The Restaurant in LA was that The Writer’s Room, the legendary Hollywood watering hole that has been a fave of everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Rudolf Valentino, is just next door.  So if guests don’t want the full on club evening that takes over supperclub after dinner, they can always pop into the neighboring Writer’s Room, where classic cocktails are concocted by master mixologists.  Oh, and for the diehards, it bears noting that the entertainment from supperclub continues (sometimes right on top of the bar at the intimate The Writer’s Room), ensuring that in true LA fashion, the show does indeed go on.

Find out more and book reservations at supperclub The Restaurant at www.supperclub.com.

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As those of us who partake know, there are times in life when you just want a drink. You know the moments. The ones where a couple shots of liquor poured over ice and mixed with juice or some manor of fizzy beverage (or not) will do the trick. And then there are times when you want a cocktail. And by ‘cocktail’ I mean a proper cocktail—a balanced libation that not only tastes good but evokes a mood and sets the tone for an afternoon or evening. (I purposely do not include morning here, because my assumption is that if you are imbibing in the wee hours of the day you probably won’t notice or care one wit about the difference between a drink and a cocktail.)

In any case, if you’re in the mood for a drink, any ol’ watering hole will do. Pick a bar—any bar—call your liquor, and your appetite will more than likely be satiated. However, if you are in search of a cocktail, a skilled hand and the proper setting are not just required, they are de rigueur. Just this week I had the opportunity to sample the new cocktail menu at The Churchill, a popular gastropub on West 3rd Street that does both while celebrating the best of contemporary cocktail culture in the City of Angels. And to say I was duly impressed by the experience would be something of an understatement.

In recent months, the Churchill had actually already become something of a favorite of mine. But with the addition of this snazzy new cocktail menu, its stock has gone even higher. Head barlady and cocktail sophisticato Mia Sarazen has crafted a menu of cocktails that are sophisticated and layered, while at the same time being as accessible as the rustic space in which they are served.

For those not familiar with The Churchill, it’s not a place anyone would describe as precious. In fact, like its namesake (Sir Winston) the restaurant itself is brash and a little rough around the ages, but it is also more classic than it looks, and what it offers is more complicated than one might expect—which is exactly what might also be said about Mia Sarazen’s cocktails.

A flaming redhead with a masterful hand, Sarazen honed her mixology skills on the L.A. scene by creating buzzed-about cocktail programs at hotspots like SoHo House, Harvard & Stone, Black Market and Tasting Kitchen. Not surprisingly, all of the experience and flair she acquired at those popular boites is on full display in the cocktails at The Churchill. Drinks like “The Churchill Old Fashioned,” a combo of Old Fitzgerald bourbon, house bitters and sugar, particularly highlight Sarazen’s skills. Sometimes Old Fashioneds can be overly sweet, but at The Churchill it is a perfectly balanced delight.

The same could be said for drinks like “The Statesman,” a harmonious blend of Famous Grouse, apricot, lemon, baked apple bitters and sparkling wine, or “The Iron Mule,” a refreshing mix of Russian Standard, ginger, lime, soda and bitters. They may sound a little fancy, but they really are just straight-ahead delicious libations designed to highlight and complement the many moods and spaces within the cavernous space that is The Churchill. More importantly, each of Sarazen’s cocktails displays her deftness at melding the classic with the contemporary by using the freshest ingredients and handmade components to create the kind of cocktails that make memories (or better yet, sometimes erase them). In fact, one sip in and it wasn’t hard for me to see why she cracked the top 10 list in 2011’s GQ/Bombay Sapphire “Search for the Most Inspired Bartender.”

Unlike reading, drinking is certainly not fundamental—but it can most assuredly be fun. Especially if you’re sipping a cocktail at The Churchill.

Find out more about The Churchill at the-churchill.com.

Until next time – Be well…Live Wells!

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Judging from the bustling scene that generally greets guests who pull up to valet at The Redbury on any given night, it would be hard to imagine that this paparazzi-ready backdrop had ever been anything but. However, it wasn’t so long ago that the structure that now houses The Redbury was a casualty of the economic downturn, languishing in the shadows of Hollywood’s iconic Capitol Records building. Originally conceived as a condominium complex, the building was stuck in real estate purgatory—unfinished and unsaleable—until it was reborn thanks to the joint vision of sbe founder and CEO Sam Nazarian and visual auteur Matthew Rolston.

Rather than break up the condos to create more standard-sized hotel rooms, Nazarian and Rolston opted to keep the rooms (which are referred to as ‘flats”) at the original sizes of the condos, which means the smallest flats (Flat A) are 750 square feet, the one-bedroom mid-size flats (Flat B – The Hollywood Premiere Flats) are 850 square feet and the four Redbury Signature Suites (Flat C) have two bedrooms spread over an exceptionally generous 1,020 square feet.

To put that into perspective, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently launched an initiative to build new apartments in Manhattan that would average 275 to 300 square feet, just a little more than a third the size of the smallest room at the hippest destination in Hollywood. Needless to say, the flats at the Redbury are supersize by comparison. But the size of the rooms is perhaps the only area in which the Redbury seems “supersized” in any way—and that is a very good thing.

As a boutique hotel with just 57 rooms, the hallmark of The Redbury is service, and the experience of the hotel is intimate from the very first encounter. Rather than a massive check-in desk in the lobby, there is a simple, discreet area on the second floor where guests are welcomed and shown to their perfectly appointed rooms, in which Mr. Rolston’s flair for visual stimulation is in full bloom.

In every room, vintage rock ‘n’ roll posters and Persian rugs abut brightly colored walls and boldly patterned furnishings. Meanwhile, amenities like full European-style kitchens with oversize work islands, washer/dryers, floor-to-ceiling windows, vintage vinyl record collections with record players and private balconies and patios, which would be rare finds in other properties, are standard fare for each room at The Redbury. Put simply, this is a hotel that represents the ultimate in livability, which probably explains why when guests arrive, they tend to stay a while, and repeat customers are the norm rather than exception.

Complementing all of the above are uniquely sbe guest favors like preferential (translation: VIP) access to the brand’s signature Los Angeles assets, including Bazaar by José Andrés, XIV by Michael Mina, Katsuya, The Abbey and the Ciel Spa at SLS. All that aside (and that’s a lot to put aside mind you), I am of the opinion that the greatest treasures The Redbury has to offer are right on its premises rather than beyond them.

The Glade, the hotel’s lush courtyard area with its Moorish accents, is a brilliant place to enjoy cocktails in the heart of Hollywood. Bordered by the dimly lit, sturdily masculine Library Bar, The Glade is perfectly happening (meaning not annoyingly crowded) on evenings and weekends, and it has just that hint of exclusivity that gives it a great buzz. Meanwhile, Cleo, the Redbury’s premier dining experience, is perhaps the breakout star of the property.

With Cleo, chef Daniel Elmaleh has created one of the best new restaurants in Los Angeles. Now, I readily admit that I make that call with prejudice, because I am a huge fan of Mediterranean cuisine. But I would challenge you to sample the mezzes (small plates), the raw bar, the homemade Laffa flatbreads or any of the dishes prepared in the restaurant’s signature stone oven and not have a transcendent epicurean moment. Start with the Brussel Sprouts—and trust me when I say these are not your mother’s brussel sprouts. Fried crispy with capers, parsley and almonds, drizzled with red wine vinaigrette, this is the best starter I’ve discovered in ages.

Then, on the Mezze menu, try the dips—the Babaganoush, the Lebaneh with Feta and the Cucumbers with Yogurt—which are served with warm pita bread, the “Cigars” stuffed with Merguez sausage and the lamb, chicken and beef kebabs. All are simple but amazing in flavor. Next move on to a flatbread like the artichoke with crushed potato, wilted Arugula and aged mozzarella, or the Merguez with caramelized onions and peppers and smoked mozzarella. And then maybe sample a salad (the chopped salad is an excellent choice), but by all means try one of the dishes prepared in the stone oven—a tagine of beef cheek, mussels or fish perhaps. For what it’s worth, I recently ordered the lamb and it was just a beautiful, perfectly balanced dish—definitely the highlight of the night.

For guests of The Redbury, there is a 24-hour in-flat dining menu that has been created by Chef Elmaleh. Now if that, along with all the other bells and whistles The Redbury has to offer, doesn’t make you feel at home in Hollywood, I’m not quite sure what will.

Find out more about The Redbury experience at theredbury.com.

Update: The Redbury Hotel has closed.

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However, in all the years I had been visiting London, it was not until after it was announced that London would host the 2012 Olympic Games that East London ever showed up in earnest on my radar (that is, of course, beyond my knowledge of British television shows like The East Enders and accounts from friends about the scrappy, scruffy nature of the then-rough-and-tumble section of London). Prior to that time, my London stomping grounds had been limited to the likes of Knightsbridge, Soho, Hampstead Heath, Notting Hill, Mayfair and Trafalgar Square, among other well-tread haunts.

But then something happened around 2007. There was suddenly an energy that drew me out of my London comfort zone. Around that time I discovered glimmers of fabulousness that made the voyage to Canary Wharf, Bethnal Green and Shoreditch worth the trip. Subsequently I ventured to Brick Lane, which became a regular stop on my visits, and later to Greenwich.

Finally, I came full circle when I set upon the new and improved East London just a few weeks ago and felt the full weight of the renaissance the area had witnessed. What was once something of a ‘no man’s land’ had been transformed into one of London’s trendiest, coolest neighborhoods in large part thanks to the Olympic Village that was now its centerpiece. The streets, crowded with hipsters, were lined with edgy new shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. I wouldn’t exactly call East London shiny and new, but I would say it is without question gritty, urban, young and possessed of a definitive and magnetic personality all its own. And, after all, is that not the very essence of cool?

One of the favorite new spots I unearthed during my discovery of East London 2012 included the swank bistroLes Trois Garcons, a converted Victorian Pub in Shoreditch that is now awash in a whimsical, eye-popping medley of crystal chandeliers and taxidermy. From the decidedly French menu, I sampled the Escargot de Dorset, Homard Ecossais (Scottish Lobster served with Lobster Butter Sauce), Côte de Veau et Ris de Veau aux Asperge (Veal Cutlet served with Sweetbread Wontons and Asparagus) and Tarte Tatin aux Pêches (Peach Tart Tartin). Classically French and utterly elegant, the combination of the service, the ambiance and the food at Les Trois Garcons only reconfirmed what I already knew—East London had entered the big leagues, more than able to compete with the London’s heretofore most-buzzed-about neighborhoods.

Steps away from the restaurant, I ventured into a cult gay pub, The George and Dragon, where the party was in full swing on a Friday night. Packed to the gills with sweaty, sexy alternative types grooving to one dance classic after another, it was immediately clear that I was no longer in Soho but in a parallel community that thumbed its nose ever so slightly at the established gay centers in London.

Jacket off, hands raised, I think I actually might have danced liked nobody was watching until the sheer heat in the place forced me on to my next and final stop, the cult gay pub The Joiners Arms. In this larger yet similarly intimate space, resident DJs spin the crowded dancefloor into a frenzy each week while more low-key patrons mingle on the packed smoke-filled back patio. Another winner, the mazelike bar/club delivered the fun with a uniquely funky East London spin.

Riding home at just around 2 a.m. (admittedly early), I contemplated just how much not only East London but London in general had changed since my first trip all those years ago and I felt reminded of why my love affair with the city has remained so passionate despite the passage of time. Like a great lover, London has evolved as I have evolved, and after more than a decade and a half, it just keeps giving me more reasons to love it. Now that’s my kind of romance.

Until next time, cheers!

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Pulling into the driveway of the Hotel del Coronado (more familiarly known simply as “The Del”), I was at first torn. As a swarm of tourists set upon the busy entrance to the legendary property, intermingling with a veritable army of valets darting hither and thither as the hotel’s trademark red turrets loomed above, my immediate reaction was that I had arrived at something more akin to the Magic Castle at Disney World than to the award-winning hotel frequented by presidents, starlets and royalty I had been predisposed to fall in love with. Oh, yes, I had done my research. I had heard about and seen The Del for years, but I had never found the right chance to visit. Still, sight unseen, I already knew that there was nothing quite ordinary about The Del. In fact, I had already categorized it as downright iconic.

For more than a century (120 years to be exact), The Del has been one of Southern California’s buzziest destinations. It has played host to 11 presidents—starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891—entertained Hollywood’s biggest names—ranging from Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt and Madonna—rolled out the red carpet for royals like King Edward VIII (pre-abdication) and provided the backdrop for Tinseltown classics like Some Like It Hot, among others. So, understandably, with that kind of history, hopes for my stay at The Del were high to say the least. And, to be honest, at first blush, I wasn’t exactly sure those hopes were justified. That feeling of uncertainty, however, lasted all of a whopping 10 minutes.

Once past the fray in the lobby of the hotel and checked into my oceanfront room in the Victorian builiding, I glimpsed the magic of The Del. I quickly realized that my initial reaction had not really been that off at all. The Del is indeed like a Magic Castle, but unlike the one at Disney, it is the real deal—a place charmed by the ages and blessed to be surrounded by pure, awe-inspiring natural beauty. The spacious, comfortably appointed King Room had a full balcony that ran the expanse of the entire room, serving up a bird’s eye view of not only the extensive grounds that make up The Del but also of the magnificent sunsets that have become part and parcel of the Coronado experience.

Sitting on that balcony, lounging in the sun as the cool ocean breeze enveloped us, was intoxicating to be sure, but the call of the beach itself was too strong to resist. However, the urge wasn’t so strong that it prevented us from stopping off at the Eno Wine Bar to sample its international selection of cheeses and chocolates along with a few glasses of Puligny-Montrachet before sunset.

Eno is a real treat. Sophisticated but relaxed, the Eno Wine Bar makes the wine-tasting experience suitably casual for its seaside location. I dare say it’s practically Mediterranean in feel. The selection of wines, cheese and chocolates is quite considerable, and the servers are well-versed in the varying characteristics of the menu selections. Best of all, throughout the week, Eno Wine Bar offers a number of opportunities for the everyday oenophile to get better acquainted with wine and cheese that won’t break the bank. There’s “Tasting Tuesday,” where guests get to sample 10 wines for $12, “Say Cheese Wednesday,” where cheese flights are offered at half-price, “1/2 Off Thursday,” where bottles of wine are offered at half their normal price and “$5 Friday,” where you can enjoy a glass of wine for $5. Think of it as a more upscale happy hour. Now how bad can that be?

Sated with wine and cheese, we ambled down to the beach to get a closer look at the intricate sandcastles that had been built during the day and to take in the sunset before ending the night with dinner at The Del’s signature beachfront restaurant, 1500 Ocean. Perhaps the most formal of the property’s restaurants, 1500 Ocean delivers a rotating farm-to-table menu inspired by the sea. Halibut Fritters, Pacific Oysters and the Hiramaso Crudo Duo make great starters, while the Wild Striped Bass, Local Golden Grouper and the Braised Lamb Shank make for great mains.

During our meal, fireworks were shot off in the courtyard outside of the restaurant. It seems there was a mini-convention in-house on that evening, the organizers of which had ordered the sky above The Del lit up for the evening. No matter the reason or who was responsible for it, as we stood there, wine in hand, staring at the fireworks lighting up the starlit sky while the waves lapped up on the nearby shore, I was more convinced than ever that this was a magical place—The Del … Coronado, that is.

Until next time, cheers!

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