CA

by Sarah Osman Thu, November 10th, 2011 at 2:20pm

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, November 11, all-active duty military and Veterans may enjoy a complimentary lunch at LUCCA. Lunches may include any lunch plate, soft drink or coffee, and Veterans and all-active military will will be treated as guests of Co-Owners Chef Cathy and Elliott Pavlos.

"“Veterans Day is holiday I want to celebrate in honor of my father, Robert L. Stellrecht, a Korean War Veteran, who passed away earlier this year,” says Cathy Pavlos, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of the Irvine eatery. “There are no strings attached – we encourage those who have served our country in the past, or are doing so now, to come in and allow us to express our appreciation with a small gesture. It’s the least we can do for all that they do to serve and protect our country.”

FIRST COURSE

Permanent Pop-Up: Burger Parlor

by Emily Rothkrug Wed, June 8th, 2011 at 12:33pm

Chef Joseph Mahon, who is more famously known for Los Angeles’ Bastide (which closed recently), has announced the long-awaited debut of his own establishment. Often complimented on “his ability to do simple things very well”, Mahon set up shop in Rialto, a breakfast shop that is currently in business, and is making only one change: he’s not serving breakfast. Burger Parlor is Riato’s nighttime counterpart and is what Mahon considers a “permanent pop-up”.

Mahon is jumping on the gourmet burger bandwagon with his commitment to high quality ingredients from across the country. Burger buns and hormone-free Nebraskan beef are baked and ground fresh every day. Unlike the gourmet burgers that we’ve been seeing however, Mahon’s variation are on the cheaper side (the most expensive burger is $11). There are a ton of options to choose from, whether it be the Chip Shot, a burger topped with fontina, potato chips, tomato confit, mushrooms, arugula, and chipotle aioli or the Staten Island, a meatball burger complete with provolone, tomato sauce, and basil pesto. On the side you have the option of classic belgian fries or if you’re REALLY hungry, the Snack Shack: a hearty combination of fries, short rib chili, and a house made cheese sauce. For those watching their figure (we recognize the contradiction) there are three delicious salad options. Wash it all down with one of the many craft beers on tap or with your choice of shakes and floats. And at the end of the meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with a banana bread pudding or an ice cream sandwich.

Burger Parlor is located at 108 W. WILSHIRE AVE FULLERTON, CA 92832
Open Wednesday-Saturday 6PM-11PM

Check out their menu and mission, here.

FIRST COURSE

The Tea Cake Obsession

by T. J. Tamayo Sun, September 19th, 2010 at 4:23pm

I was first introduced to Martino’s famous Tea Cake, while working at a retail store nearby, just six years ago. The first week of my new job my co-workers asked, “Have you tried the tea cakes at Martino’s?” I had no idea what I was in for. That day I discovered one of the most divine treats in all of L.A. Since then, I’ve been diagnosed with the terminal “Tea Cake Obsession.”

The famous Martino’s Tea Cake is home to Martino’s Bakery in the heart of Burbank, neighbor to the dazzling hills of Hollywood. Martino’s ambrosial little bakery started in 1929 out of a modest home garage and has since flourished as a local star, satisfying Angelenos for 60 years. Most loyal Martino’s fans come in for their tea cakes, but their wide array of desserts, gelatos and specialized cakes will satisfy even the most fastidious of dessert hounds.

The famous tea cake is a simple, buttermilk battered, frosted treat; which may fool first-time consumers into thinking looks are all that matter, but don’t be fooled! Compared to most mouth-watering delectable confections, Martino’s Tea Cake may not shine with the look of a movie star, but rest assured this enticingly savory dish - with its soft, light, buttery texture, and perfectly frosted icing; is simply to die for.

But just incase you’ve gone weary of this delectable treat, Martino’s also offers a scrumptious red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing; chocolate covered, custard-filled éclairs; a rich pineapple upside down cake topped with a fresh pineapple slice and cherries; and several sensational gelato flavors of duetto, limone or strawberry infused chocolate.

If you’re in the Hollywood area, a Martino’s stop should be on the agenda. It’s the perfect place to satisfy any sweet-tooth fiends appetite, and certainly worthy of the trek.

Martino's Bakery
335 North Victory
Burbank CA 91502

FIRST COURSE

The Real Fat Dog

by Lisa Hanson Thu, September 2nd, 2010 at 8:48pm

Dimly lit, covered in large-scale paintings of adorably cantankerous bull dogs, The Fat Dog has an immediate charm. The fact that it's tucked away in sleepy Montrose, which is composed of only about four blocks of businesses, makes the whole speakeasy-like atmosphere all the more enjoyable.

After you inevitably sidle up to the bar to examine the chalkboards full of beer, wine, and cocktail selections, pay special attention to the California Craft Brews. I particularly recommend the Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale, but also check out what the Rotating Craftsman Brew of the moment is.The Fat Dog also has an impressive array of house-designed specialties (Bloody Mary's are my favorite).

GLAM DAMN IT

MAGIC the Gathering with Christian Audigier

by Sadie Gennis Fri, February 19th, 2010 at 3:01pm

While there are many incredible things being unveiled at this year's MAGIC tradeshow, probably the most interesting new line is being produced by none other than Christian Audigier.

Audigier is best known for the metallic, bedazzled, and tattoo designed clothes of Ed Hardy, which have become synonymous with the likes of Jon Gosselin, the boys of Jersey Shore, and every other juiced up party boy who thinks that girls go nuts for shirts covered in shiny silver cobras. Now, Audigier has promised a new logo and graphic-free line. Say what?