Author Archives: Kiki Maraschino

About Kiki Maraschino

I like catfish. Sure, we all like catfish, but I think for me it is somehow deeper.

Fancy Meeting You Here

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

Where else can you find this fantastic combo of plastic food and charming misspelling but in beautiful downtown LA? At 3am. Share on Facebook

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I LOVE Menchies!

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

I have to thank Jennifer for introducing me to Menchies. I resisted at first, thinking it would be another sour Pinkberry ripoff. But now I’m an addict. Menchies has a wall of frozen yogurt disensers, kind of like those French … Continue reading →

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Rising Stars: Julian Cox

Posted on April 10, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

if you are a regular reader, my love for Rivera should come as no surprise to you. In addition to the delectable food, Rivera boasts some of the best cocktails in town. Mixologist Julian Cox was turned off by artificially-colored … Continue reading →

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Rising Stars: Adam Fleischman’s Umami Burger

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

I wandered around the back of Umami checking out the burgers. When I met the Adam Fleischman, I noticed him shaking a special seasoning on the burgers (I also noticed he bore more than a slight resemblancs to Jon Favreau). … Continue reading →

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Rising Stars: Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

I was fresh from Michael Voltaggio’s table, and his sous vide Wagyu short rib was so good it was blowing my mind. I finished the plate as I approached Animal’s station, and I had an incredulous look on my face. … Continue reading →

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Easter WTF

Posted on April 3, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

A picture is worth a thousand words. Of course, juxtaposition helps. And sometimes nothing but video can catch how surrealist and disturbing the everday can be The rewrite of Sugar, Sugar isn’t as curious as the fact that he is … Continue reading →

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Have a Creepy Easter

Posted on April 2, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

My friend Donna has a thing about rabbits. Harvey was one of my favorite movies as a child, so I really had no problem with them, even after one nearly bit off my finger. But over the years I have … Continue reading →

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Rising Stars: Rory Hermann

Posted on March 26, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

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 →

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Rising Stars: Michael Voltaggio

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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 Maraschino

As I mentioned before, 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 … Continue reading →

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