Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant-Santa Barbara

This Saturday I needed a day-trip so I drove up the coast to my favorite lunch spot before hitting the beach in Santa Barbara. Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant is just moments off the 101 freeway/Garden off-ramp. This gourmet deli counter has wonderful sandwiches, soups and salads. Great cheese, charcuteries, wine, beer and a separate wine room. Terrific gourmet food items from olive oils to slab salts to eclectic pastas all top drawer! Eat in or on the patio, or make up a picnic box and take it to the beach and enjoy! It's such a delightful and relaxing place. Great owners and staff.

Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant

216 East Yanonali Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.899.2300

M-F 8:30am-6:00pm

Sat. 10am-4pm

Never on Sunday

Petrossian Paris Boutique & Cafe

Cool evening at Petrossian Paris Boutique & Cafe in West Hollywood. Guest of Executive Chef, Ben Bailly (formally of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon-Las Vegas). Handful of "think they know-it-all" food bloggers (snipie-chickie blew me off-no excuse for bad manners, honey!), West Hollywood sous chefs and waiter friends of Ben. Stylishly tasty bites, drinks & gracious staff. Look forward to experiencing new seasonal menu. Thanks Ben, for your hospitality. Great location and vibe for lunch, dinner. A definite go-go!

Address: 321 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
310.271.0576
lunch & dinner

Epicure Imports/ Gourmet Warehouse Sept. Sale

Sept. 25 & 26 ONLY This is where West coast celeb chefs order their imported staples. I know for a fact that Las Vegas restaurant, Joel Robuchon utilizes their services! Just in time for the upcoming holidays, Epicure Imports opens its doors to the public for its quarterly warehouse sale. Get everything from Valrhona chocolates, truffle oils, vinegars, dried pastas, olives, French butter & cheeses, jam, honey, mustards, charcuterie and wine at wholesale prices. Go hungry: Sampling is mandatory! 6900 Beck Ave., North Hollywood, California 818-985-9800 Friday 1:30-6:00 pm, Sat. 9:ooam- 2:00pm.

The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Hi-DEf Event

NCM Fathom, Warner Home Video and Turner Classic Movies present "The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Hi-Def Event" featuring the first ever High Definition presentation of "The Wizard of Oz." This One Night Event will take place on Wednesday,September 23rd at 7:00 p.m. (local time). In addition to the feature presentation of "The Wizard of Oz," this exclusive event will include a special introduction by Robert Osborne, a classic film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, followed by “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” a look into how L. Frank Baum’s classic novel was transformed into one of the most beloved films of all time including archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and rare musical outtakes. Whether seeing it for the first time or the 100th time, it is only fitting that audiences nationwide will have the chance to enjoy the 70th Anniversary of this multi-generational favorite in movie theatres for an exclusive One Night celebratory event.

09.09.09 My Birthday!! Am I feeling Lucky?

09.09.09 Today is my birthday along with a zillion kids who's parents had MORE that a Happy New Year's Eve or Day celebration!!! In California, early 1970's when personalized auto license plates were up for purchase, I thought it would be fun to "apply for" VIRGO 9 for my first car (used Red 1969 2002 BMW). Check out the original blue plate and newer white style. And, yes I have to pay more in fees to have a personalized plate. Happy Birthday to all my Virgo friends.

Trouble with Julie & Julia by Laura Shapiro

I shared the podium with writer, Laura Shapiro at Boston University Food Stylist's Conference. Here is her coment on the movie.

Food + Cooking: Gourmet.com

Julie & Julia L.A. "Special Screening"

I have been trying to get a screening ticket to this movie (Julia Child and Le Cordon Bleu late 40's) for the past weeks. This weekend I sent a request with photos of my 1975 Le Cordon Bleu Grand Diplome and me to the New York Le Cordon Bleu headquarters. This morning a lady named Margaret Warren, from LCB marketing/sales sent me an email of no tickets available.

So I called and thanked her for responding. We got to talking, I dropped a couple names, "Food Network", New York Times" and my dear friend, Robyn Cahill (who helped write the LCB cookbook in early 90's) and we said good-bye.

Surprise, Surprise! At 3:00pm Margaret called, she got me a ticket!!! I went and enjoyed the experience. Don't want to say too much until it's released August 7th. However, I was pleasantly delighted & suggest a rendez-vous to see Julie & Julia when it opens.