Category Archives: Events

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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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 Golden Glamour

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

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 Maraschino

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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The Governor’s Ball: Puck Off

Posted on March 7, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

Tempura Lobster This year’s Academy Awards will take place on March 7th. But the real fun happens after the awards, when the stars let loose at the Governor’s Ball. 1,500 guests, including both award winners and nominees, will finally be … Continue reading →

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DineLA 2010 Kickoff

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

Have you ever gone to a party and you are thinking, “I don’t belong here…this is really awkward…who are these people anyways?” Well, the DineLA party at the Roosevelt was the exact opposite of that! It was like the party … Continue reading →

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Agura opening party

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Kiki Maraschino

Last November my friend Ellin and I hit the opening party for Agura, the first US version of a high-end izakaya chain in Japan. It will focus on Japanese and French fusion. Frenchonese? I was excited when I saw items … Continue reading →

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Giada! Giada! Giada!

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Kiki Maraschino

I sat right behind Giada at the Paley center’s event on Tuesday. I was thinking, “I could just reach out and touch her hair right now.” Would security kick me out? What’s the worst thing that could happen? I decided … Continue reading →

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