Monthly Archives: March 2010

Rising Stars: Rory Hermann

Posted on March 26, 2010 by kiki

Can’t forget the finishing touch! Rory Hermann of Bouchon Bistro and I have bumped into each other a few times in the past – once in the kitchen of Bouchon during their grand opening with our good friend Larry King, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bistros, Bouchon, chefs, Events, Thomas Keller | 1 Comment

Rising Stars: Michael Voltaggio

Posted on March 23, 2010 by kiki

Michael Voltaggio pulled a last minute switcheroo on us at Rising Stars. The menu described “Langoustine and mushroom Lasagne with Porcini Cracker and Fennel Pollen”. We’re cooking with pollen now? We couldn’t complain about the replacement dish though, “Wagyu short … Continue reading →

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Star Chef’s Rising Stars: Kuniko Yagi

Posted on March 22, 2010 by kiki

Star Chefs is an industry magazine for chefs. They hold The Rising Stars events in major cities, like this event for LA/San Diego, though it was pretty LA-focused. The chefs are chosen by their peers, last year’s winners and even … Continue reading →

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Rising Stars Pre-Gala Event

Posted on March 21, 2010 by kiki

While the chefs prepared a feast fit for kings, we were invited to enjoy a pre-event event. It was kind of like the fanciest holding pen ever, complete with champagne and caviar. The J. Lassalle Cochet d”Or NV was clean … Continue reading →

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Boxes, Little Boxes

Posted on March 19, 2010 by kiki

Meanwhile, back in LA… Star Chefs hosted an amazing gala at the Fairmont Mirimar in Santa Monica Thursday night. It was a gathering of the best of the best of the local culinary scene. There were offerings by LA’s cream … Continue reading →

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The Search for Philly’s Best Cheesesteak: South Street

Posted on March 18, 2010 by kiki

It is apparently against the law to go to Philadelphia and not visit South Street. I went to meet a huge group from the conference, but some special cookies mysteriously caused the group to giggle uncontrollably and run off in … Continue reading →

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Philadelphia Freedom: The Terminal Building Kept me Alive

Posted on March 17, 2010 by kiki

The Reading Terminal Market was conveniently located right across the street from my conference. Thank God! I was thus rescued from group lunches at Chili’s. The Terminal Market is like Seattle’s Pike Place or San Francisco’s Ferry Building – a … Continue reading →

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Philadelphia Freedom: City Tavern

Posted on March 14, 2010 by kiki

As I mentioned, I have never been a huge fan of American History. In fact, Colonial people scare me just a little bit. Colonial ghosts just like the guy on this sign were always chasing Scooby Doo around. Friday night … Continue reading →

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Philadelphia Freedom

Posted on March 13, 2010 by kiki

Having spent many a miserable hour studying American History in grade school, I was in no big hurry to visit Philadelphia. To be honest, Pete Townshend’s guitar is more sacred to me than the liberty bell. All I really knew … Continue reading →

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Make it Irish the Easy Way

Posted on March 12, 2010 by kiki

How do you make things Irish? So far the easiest way has been to color it green. Until now, when Betty Crocker brings you the easiest “Irish” treat ever invented. 1. Make cupcakes2. Frost cupcakes3. Stick Lucky Charms cereal on … Continue reading →

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Rocket Fizz

Posted on March 11, 2010 by kiki

Last summer a riot of neon notified Burbank that there was a new store in town and it was all about fun! Rocket Fizz is here to bring back the candy and sodas of childhood, as well as hard-to-find local … Continue reading →

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Food Crimes: Man Stabbed with Meat Thermometer

Posted on March 10, 2010 by kiki

While watching a 9pm showing of “Shutter Island” in Lancaster, CA, on Saturday a man asked a woman to turn off her cell phone. According to sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore, and reported by KTLA, “She and two men with her … Continue reading →

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Pasadena Burgers: Lucky Boy

Posted on March 9, 2010 by kiki

Lucky Boy in Pasadena is a Landmark. It even says so on the menu. Local families and students have been coming to the outdoor stand for over 30 years. The charred burgers come with mild onions, grilled upon request, lettuce, … Continue reading →

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The Golden Glamour

Posted on March 8, 2010 by kiki

I learned how to make this year’s official Oscar cocktail, The Golden Glamour, at the Governors Ball Preview last month. Mix it up and get wasted like the really big stars do. The Moet Golden Glamour .25 oz. Vanilla Liquer1.5 … Continue reading →

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Sherry Yard’s Sugar Wonderland

Posted on March 8, 2010 by kiki

Sherry Yard, Wolfgang Puck’s longtime pastry chef, is always laughing and smiling and whipping up delicious creations. She was once again wearing her signature pink chef’s jacket at the Governors Ball preview surrounded by a Candyland of little goodies. But … Continue reading →

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