The Mar Vista – A Neighborhood Jewel

Los Angeles is a very different kind of city. It is in fact a tapestry of neighborhoods weaved together by major boulevards and freeways, each neighborhood having its own special identity. The most well-known are, of course, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and the West Side, Beverly Hills and Silver Lake.

Olive Oil Cake – Your Perfect Sweet Snack

I always like to have something sweet around the kitchen but that isn’t too high calorie count. This lovely Olive Oil Cake is just the right bite – to accompany a cup of coffee, a late morning cappuccino or a midnight raid on the kitchen – not too sweet, fresh and fluffy and with a subtle flavors of olive oil, lemon and spice.

Bestia – No Longer A Skeptic

I had been avoiding going to Bestia for several reasons – first and foremost it was impossible to get in without booking a table two months in advance. This was a source of enormous frustration and irritation, the suspicion that the restaurant was “saving” its tables for “special clientele” only – the Kardashian crowd in other words.

Bodacious Brisket Recipe.

I discovered this delicious brisket recipe and did not hesitate to make it for this years Christmas Eve dinner. The intense flavor is created in the initial browning phase – do not be afraid to let meat brown over high heat for the required 4-5 minutes per side – you will be rewarded with a delicious, brawny and caramelized flavor.