I want to whisk you away with me
I want to whisk you away with me
Ironwood Cellar*Craft*Cook is located in Laguna Hills (on La Paz near the 5 Freeway). This is one of three restaurants owned and operated by a wonderful restaurant group founded by Russ Bendel. His Operating Partners are all well-established in their own right, including: Gabe Whorley (think draft cocktails), Jared Cook (think Executive Chef), Kevin Franke, Kyle Simpson, Patrick Fanning and Paul Villa (think Management with a big ‘ole smile). In fact, we are so proud that...
Another fabulous event is in the books for Chef Masters 2019. In its second year, it was held on October 27th, 2019 at the stunning Pasea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, CA. The evening began on the expansive outdoor lawn which overlooks PCH and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Our beloved chefs, favorite wineries and local luminaries all rally behind this event because it benefits the Alzheimer’s Family Center in Huntington Beach. The amazing Kristin...
Launching September 23- October 6, 2019, Chef Ugo Allesina and his team will feature a very special seafood-driven menu with various starters and entrees to choose from. Prego is located at The District in Tustin and the restaurant has a lovely dining room, bar area, patio, private dining room and a Chef’s Table that seats eight in front of their wall of wines. I was lucky enough to garner a “preview” of the incredibly delicious fare and wanted to share some of these...
Our Baltic cruise began in Stockholm-Sweden, with stops in Tallinn-Estonia, St. Petersburg-Russia, Helsinki-Finland, Gdansk-Poland, Berlin-Germany, Copenhagen-Denmark, Oslo-Norway and we disembarked in Southampton-England (just about two hours south west of London). This epic itinerary allowed us to visit two spots that have had on our “bucket list” for some time. A visit to the Hermitage Museum was so impressive. It was magical, historical, and...
As I sauntered into this restaurant last week in the heart of San Clemente to meet some gal pals, I was instantly impressed with the wood décor, the amazing light fixtures and the long bar where each bar chair is quite unique. There is probably a story to be told about each one, but wait…. I got totally distracted. Peeking around the corner and behind the long, open-format kitchen line were two huge Santa Maria BBQ grills. And to the right was a huge fire brewing that you just cannot...
The word Prego in Italian refers to the “welcoming” and that it does! “Prego, entri pure” (please come in). And if you have not visited Prego Mediterranean in its newer location at The District at Tustin Legacy, come join the fun. Husband and wife team Tony and Ruth Lee Bedi are a passionate restaurant owner team and together with renowned Chef Ugo Allesina and Sous Chef Victor Sanchez, they are rocking it at The District. The dining room is stunning----rather...
This Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 will be the annual “Table For 10” event held at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA. A total of 350 guests will raise funds for The Teen Project. This Table for 10 event is an extraordinary culinary adventure, which showcased Southern California’s top chefs. The optional black tie evening begins with a festive cocktail reception and top-drawer live auction, which showcases “Best of...
So... about the other night. We joined two other wonderful couples to dine at Harvest Restaurant in south Laguna Beach. (This is located at The Ranch LB Hotel & Spa, formerly Ben Brown’s Golf Course, and is owned by Aliso Creek Properties.)
One of our table-mates had been raving about this restaurant, and boy were they right! There is a wrap-around patio that overlooks the first tee of the 9-hole golf course. I used to play here years ago. I look forward to...
Celebrating 11 years, this year’s Orange County Restaurant Week will be the best thus far! There are three events to keep in mind. First is the LAUNCH PARTY for Restaurant Week on Saturday afternoon, March 2, the AFTER PARTY upstairs in the late afternoon and evening on Saturday March 2nd and a full week of Restaurant Dining from March 3-9, 2019. Ready, set, go! Here is a quick overview of all three and what is not to miss!
LAUNCH...
Legado Bar + Kitchen (This was a hosted event at Legado by the Chef.)
The name Legado is Spanish for the term “legacy” and that name is certainly befitting of this restaurant and bar. Legado Bar + Kitchen is a “chef driven” concept, serving consistently great food with a welcoming ambiance. It has that “locals” vibe and is a great spot to drop in---whether wanting a drink, to graze at the bar, or enjoy a full sit down...