Monthly Archives: January 2008

In addition to your usual Irish Coffee, O’Brien’s in Santa Monica serves five other fun alcoholic coffee drinks. The Nutty Irishman, made with Frangelico, was beckoning (why are nutty Irishmen in bars always beckoning? Must be my red hair. And … Continue reading →

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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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