"The Los Angeles Times" news and stories

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Oct 12th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Kernel apples. Source: LoopZilla, Flickr.

• Ashmead's Kernel apples may not be pretty, but they have "the most intense, complex flavor of any fruit in the world."
• Harvest whites for the season include Hungary's Tokaj and Italy's Campania.
• The ins, outs and tasty recipes for Chinese Bao -- "chewy-soft" steamed and stuffed buns.
• Los Angeles has a lot of new dining spots in the works, ranging from a second location for Umami Burger to the upcoming Cafe Habana.
• Restaurants: Venice's AK has become the Tasting Kitchen, with a "magic chef" and hunger-inducing dishes, and LA's Amalia morphs rustic Guatemalan cooking into "urbane cuisine."
• The end of Gourmet, and more love for the fallen mag.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Sep 8th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Orange beets from Encino. Photo: dichohecho, Flickr

• With about 30 vendors, the Encino farmers' market is the place to be.
• Forget the pizza and fast food: Occidental College junior Saul Sutcher whips up gourmet fare at his own on-campus "Café Norris."
• West Hollywood's RH has a revamped menu and brings gourmet style to the Hyatt.
• Easy, fresh and elegant vino drinking is the way of 2008 Mirth Chardonnay.
• Linda Rivera's health battle after digging into some raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough back in May.
• On teaching tykes to love healthy eating with good food and fun.
• Chicken Charlie and his overwhelming addiction to deep-frying anything and everything -- s'mores, frog's legs, pickles, cupcakes, you name it.
• Burbank's Zaatar Factory serves solid Lebanese fare and savory baking.
• Recipes: Norris Hall Duck Ragu, Pan-Fried Fish Fillet with Rouille.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Aug 3rd 2009 @ 12:00PM

Coleslaw. Photo: jasonlam, Flickr

• Slaws are getting a whole new life, making cameos alongside ingredients like daikon and curried cantaloupe.
  
• The Santa Monica Farmers' Market welcomes fancy produce like pimientos de Padrón and Elegant Lady peaches.
• Writer Russ Parsons writes about the surprisingly positive response to his "I don't believe in organics" piece.
  
• 2007 Pali Pinot Noir "Bluffs" is a well-priced bottle of "beauty."
• While some programs suffer in this economic climate, school gardening is on the rise.
• Even more on Nora Ephron and "Julie & Julia."
• Restaurants: Brentwood's Tavern offers great starters but disappointing mains, Lazy Ox is heading to Little Tokyo and San Gabriel's Ning Jie serves comfort-style bachelor food.
• Recipe: Red and Green Caesar Salad
  

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jun 29th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Homemade tofu. Photo: avlxyz/Flickr

• These days, just about everything is DIY -- including homemade tofu! But when time is of the essence, there are places to buy it in Los Angeles. And if you require a little more info, here's all you need to know about the soy-based blocks.
• The story behind Circle C Ranch and its co-owner Kim Blain, whose gorgeous fruit and colorful personality made her a legend at the Hollywood Farmers Market.
• Restaurants on the rails: A look at how chefs make fine dining work with the small kitchens and delays of train travel.
• The non-profit SEE-LA does its part to bring the fresh and delicious world of farmers markets to underserved communities with a Farmer's Kitchen.
• Louisiana Best Seafood is pure So-Cal, and might boast the best fried fish in Los Angeles.
• The 8 oz. Burger Bar has hit its stride, offering a solid beer list and, of course, notable burgers.
• The wine of the week is an "elegant and approachable" 2007 Stoller Vineyards Pinot Noir JV Estate.
  
• Recipes: Chicken Strudel with Fresh Tomato Compote, Sauce for Zaru Tofu, Field Salad with Fresh Balsamic Vinaigrette and Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding Dessert

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted May 26th 2009 @ 12:00PM

• A recipe for soupe à l'oignon gratinée, or French onion soup, done restaurant Comme Ça-style.
• David Mas Masumoto writes about his 80-acre organic peach, nectarine and raisin farm, and shares his lyrical thoughts on peach farming.
• Talk about local -- restaurants are starting their own gardens to help supply their diverse menus.
• The wine of the week, a 2007 Willi Schaefer Riseling Mosel Qualitätswein, is a prime summer bottle.
• Though their city may be warm year round, Los Angelenos also have farmers market fever. The Times checks out notable pre-prepared foods at the markets, provides tips for to creating a meal from a bounty of titillating ingredients, shares a list of current ripe-for-the-pickin' fruits and details the move to bring the markets to hospitals.

Filed under: In Sixty Seconds