Author Archives: Kiki Maraschino

Every once in awhile something is so surprisingly good that you never forget the first time you tried it. I was standing around a giant campfire freezing my ass off somewhere near the Ortega Highway when a fellow camper handed … Continue reading →

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There is a common misconception that we don’t have seasons in Los Angeles. We know when the seasons are changing. There are two distinct events that herald the coming winter: the Christmas displays replace the Halloween merchandise, and the lunch … Continue reading →

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The weather outside is frightful, but here inside Nate ‘n Al it’s toasty and warm. The waitress treats you like she’s your mom, chiding you if you don’t eat enough soup. Nothing takes the chill off like a big, hot … Continue reading →

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Sometimes when the weather or the world is a little too harsh, I get a craving for something I call “Mom food”. Most people call it comfort food. Stew is the quintissential mom food, and Bistro Provence in Burbank serves … Continue reading →

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A feeling of familiarity always comes over me when I escape from the cold and the rain into the warmth and comfort of the Tam O’Shanter. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Scottish pubs. Maybe it’s because my mother’s … Continue reading →

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Wild Mushroom Filo Cups These tartlets are a great appetizer for a holiday party. They can be prepared ahead of time and keep well. They are popular, elegant, vegetarian, and best served at room temperature. Helpful friends don’t need any … Continue reading →

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This is the recipe that will bar me forever from the Cordon Bleu, that will cause Anthony Bourdain to look upon me with scorn; it is cooking’s dirty little secret. I first discovered these meatballs at a raging 4th of … Continue reading →

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Last month a friend showed up with a lovely wrapped pumpkin bread for us. I immediately asked, “Is that a Monastery of the Angels pumpkin bread???” No one was impressed with my psychic abilities, but I was impressed with that … Continue reading →

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It may look like your average, everyday taco truck, but the Shabazz Good Foods truck is not slinging the usual carnitas. Every Sunday, you can find their truck parked on 43rd and Crenshaw at Leimert Plaza Park. They sell not … Continue reading →

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A favorite of locals and a darling of restaurant reviewers, Ackee Bamboo on Degnan helps to alleviate LA’s need for some good Jamaican food. Kingston-born proprietress Marlene Sinclair and her husband Delroy serve up generous portions to the hungry customers … Continue reading →

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Ever since I started writing food reviews, I have been haunted by Jonathan Gold. I would be researching pho for a post, and come across one of his articles, “Cinnamon, anise and the funk of simmering beef, the soup’s unmistakable … Continue reading →

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As Lou Reed put it, “The first thing you learn is you always gotta wait.” But when you are jonesing, you are always willing to wait. And the catfish at Cafe Soul definitely brings the jones down on me. Cafe … Continue reading →

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A few weeks ago, I wandered over to MacArthur Park and hit the tamale festival! I was even thinking about going back again the next day for the one treat I missed, and then I realized that I would have … Continue reading →

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