by Ely Anne Vedar | Aug 7, 2017
Fresh from the sold-out return of Dine LBC, Westsiders have not one day -but two days to savor Chef AC Boral’s signature Filipino-American offerings at the next Rice & Shine Pop Up Brunch at the Feastly space in Venice, August 19th and 20th.
Photo credit: @kay_trixie
The Long Beach transplant by way of Oxnard, CA grew up believing that breaking bread is a holistic experience and that most important part of the meal is: FAMILY. You instantly feel and become part of that ideology the minute you walk in by being greeted like your part of the family, specially since it is family helping out all his events. His sister Aly makes sure your bottomless freshly squeezed Calamansi Mimosa stays top off and unofficial mascot Auntie Rose places the family style courses just in time.
Photo credit: @ely_agency
The 8-course pre-fixe menu offers up the best modern yet instantly recognizable Filipino staples such as his Sisig Chilaquiles – which blends the Mexican breakfast staple made with Filipino style marinated pork, tortilla chips, salsa verde, egg, cotija cheese, cilantro, and crumbled chicharron; followed by a Longanisa Scotch Egg – soft-boiled egg wrapped in Filipino breakfast sausage, coated in Filipino crispy rice (pinipig) and deep fried and served alongside of garlic fried rice and a light tomato salad, traditionally called Ensaladang Kamatis.
The sweetest part? Rice & Shine is a true family affair with Auntie Rose’s Sweets handmade rice-cakes packed up nicely to take on the road with you by AC’s mom herself, Rose.
Click here to reserve your seats today as Boral’s brunches have been known to sell out weeks ahead.
Ely Anne Veder
Ely Anne Vedar is a public relations and events manager specializing in life’s favorite F’s: Food, Fitness and Female Owned Businesses.
Her agency’s strengths lie in building solid client relationships, brand partnerships, creative campaigns, and strategy that scores top media placements; As well as a unique understanding of the in-and-outs of event production and execution.
Ely Agency was founded in 2014 in Los Angeles by Ely Anne Vedar. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, with degrees in Visual Communications and Business Management, Ely has always had a passion for creating innovative marketing campaigns and memorable events that leave lasting impressions of each brand and service she works with. Her work with food, fitness and fashion brands and events can be seen in WWD, Vogue, LA Weekly, and more.
by Sarah Hanks | Jul 28, 2017
Longing to escape the L.A. freeways? At Spoke you can. This quaint combo café and bike shop on the L.A. River is an oasis from the typical L.A. gridlock. Owners Laurie Winston and Rich Latronica opened Spoke with the hope of getting people out of their cars, closer to nature, and into relationship with their neighbors.
Accessible by the L.A. River bike path, Spoke is one of the only places in the area locally known as ‘Frogtown’ where cyclist and pedestrians can pit stop for biking needs and quality fare. Expert repairs, custom builds, and even bike rentals (even tandem!) are available at the bike shop. At the Café the vegan-friendly menu features breakfast all day, sandwiches, salads, locally roasted coffee and California wines and beers. Try the Spoke Veggie Burger (smoked mushroom and beet patty with heirloom tomato) or the Breakfast Bun (scrambled egg, bacon and aged cheddar with chipotle aoli).
Photo Credit: Sarah Hanks
Seating is a large outdoor patio with a community feel, suggesting that this hip new spot is not just about exercise and eats, it’s a way of life. Owner Laurie believes that people who are closer to nature and more connected to each other make for happier neighbors. The café makes it a point to source products locally, encourages patrons to walk or bike whenever possible, and fosters relationships in the neighborhood by hosting community events.
Follow Spoke on social media for upcoming event information: local musicians, arts events, kids activities and a by donation Yoga class (Saturday mornings at 8:30) to name a few.
Come by bike or on foot if you can as parking is tight. (If you have trouble, try parking at Marsh Park). Here’s to more Spokes and fewer cars in L.A.!
3050 North Coolidge Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 323.842.4313
Cafe: Tues-Thurs 8a-6p; Fri-Sat 8a-10p; Sun 8a-9p Bike Shop: Tues-Sun 10a-6p
www.spokebicyclecafe.com twitter: @spoke_lariver Instagram: @spokebicyclecafe
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Jul 28, 2017
California Donuts and iconic toy company NUM NOMS have partnered on a custom, limited-edition NUM NOMS donut creation and will offer the first 150 customers a FREE NUM NOMS toy with purchase of the donut!
Starting Sunday, July 30th at 10am Los Angeles families can treat their kids to a simply delicious California Donuts x NUM NOMS donut with a Free NUM NOMS Mystery Pack toy featuring one of the new characters from the company’s Series 4 collection! All you have to do is be one of the first 150 customers to purchase the limited-edition NUM NOMS donut! The NUM NOMS toy brand is widely loved by celebrity moms and kids – Kourtney Kardashian and Kim Kardashian West’s children are among its MANY big fans!
Available only at California Donuts 3rd Street Location on Sunday, July 30, 2017:
California Donuts
3540 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Open 24 hours
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Jul 28, 2017
It’s been proven time and time again that Italian cuisine is America’s favorite choice when it comes to dining out. No matter where you go, almost any city in America will have Italian offerings in restaurants and eateries. Los Angeles alone has hundreds to choose from. I personally love a good Italian meal, and when I was asked to review Franco on Melrose, I jumped at the opportunity to make a visit to this fine establishment.
To note, upon entering Franco’s, the first thing you’ll see is the kitchen, as you have to pass it before entering the dining room. I found this unique because it reminded me of visiting someone’s home. There’s an intimacy of the layout itself that really pulls in a feeling of comfort and realness to the restaurant. The dining room is surrounded by a beautiful stonewall entrenched with greenery and decorative accents limited to the lighting and table ware. The ambiance of this room really allows for the food to be the stars of the room, which they are.
Chef Franco de Dominicis delivers a menu that is comparable to other Italian restaurants, but the difference here, is that there is a level of authenticity in the food that surpasses other eateries. Chef Franco creates beautifully crafted, quality food that tastes and feels home-made. Each dish is delicately prepared with the finest ingredients offered in Southern California. Standout items from the menu include the Polpette Di Carne, a serving of house made pork & beef meatballs with tomato-basil and melted mozzarella; the one of a kind Pappardelle Alla Vaccinara, a pasta dish made with corner stone slow braised oxtail ragu and parmiggiano; and the Brasato di Manzo, a 12oz slow braised Creek Stone beef short rib paired with a spinach saute, root vegetables, and wine reduction. If I had to pick a favorite, I have to admit that I always love a classic pasta, and the Fusilli, nicknamed “Franco’s Mom”, was incredible, served with pork sausage and beef meat ragu parmiggiano. When asked about the name of this dish and his favorite items to cook for his guests, Franco says, “This is my mother’s recipe, and I grew up eating it. My favorite things to make are definitely pastas because it brings back memories of my childhood when I cooked with my mother, making everything from scratch.”
Franco on Melrose is located at 6919 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
Hours: Monday – Thursday (dinner): 6 pm – 10 pm
Friday – Saturday (dinner): 5:30 pm – 11 pm
Sunday: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Book a Reservation HERE.
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Jul 20, 2017
Southern California offers some of the best weather around which allows us to fully enjoy our summer parties and outings like no other city could. When pairing the right elements to SoCal summer fun, you have to consider one of the most important choices of all, your wine selection. This summer’s offering from VieVité Cotes de Provence would be their lavishly delicious French Rosé offered in two variables: the lighter and refreshing VieVité and the VieVité Extraordinaire coming in a limited cask.
“VieVité is produced from grapevines averaging 25 years old, and offers a fresh and
delicate aroma of cherries and strawberries coupled with notes of spice to create a
satisfying sensation on the palate with a forward fruit nose of peach, grape and apricot.
VieVité Extraordinaire is sourced from 80-year grapevines and produced in smaller
quantities, capturing the attention of true rosé connoisseurs for its opulent fruit flavors
and exuberant panache. This deliciously vibrant Rosé delights with its intense and wellbalanced
fruit flavors, dominant with strawberries and berries, and structured with an
intensity that highlights the old vines it is made from. Both wines have been declared as
exceptional examples of true Cotes De Provence Rosé by wine lovers and critics alike.”
VieVité is available across all of Southern California in stores like Pavilions, Whole Foods Market, Vons, Bristol Farms, and Gelsons. Be sure to enjoy a bottle of this Rosé during your next brunch party, poolside lounge, beach outing, or just because it’s Summer!
Instagram: @vievite
Twitter: @VieViteRose
Facebook: VieVite
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Jul 6, 2017
At the core of West Hollywood is the slightly hidden gem known as Norah, a lovely stone walled restaurant popular for its seasonally curated menu and minimalist garden decor. Last week, Norah unveiled a beautifully crafted menu inspired by the Southern California tones of summer. Norah organizes its menu in the traditional course style, outlining a perfectly designed selection for a full course meal. When asked about an overall theme for this season’s menu, head Chef, Mike Williams, says, “Our menu as a whole is really eclectic as it pertains to the flavor profiles we use. We like to call it Eclectic New American. We’re always sourcing the best products and that’s generally where the theme stems from. You can see through the use of the fresh tomatoes, corn, and the peaches resonating throughout some of the dishes as compliments to the theme overall.”
During Norah’s Summer Tasting event, SoCal Mag editors were treated to some shining stars from the menu like the Crispy Octopus paired with squid ink caramel, herb salad and toasted rice powder; the Green Beans & Stone Fruit were absolutely delicious prepared with charred corn dressing and purslane; and the Heritage Pork Tomahawk Chop was an excellent main course dish featuring a cider glaze, farro salad, and pickled peaches. The wine and cocktail selections complimented each dish, especially our favorite, the Summer Spritz made with strawberry, cappelletti, bubbles, and thyme. Naturally, no meal is complete without dessert, and Norah’s vegan Peanut Butter Ice Cream was the perfect culmination to the evening.
Norah truly developed a summer menu that not only compliments the light and artsy air of its decor, but also feeds into the vibe of West Hollywood lifestyle. What else could the eatery add besides its menu to make the dining experience even more special? A newly renovated patio for outside dining. Restaurant owner Rohan Talwar says, “We’ve been open for about a year and half now, and we really wanted to amplify our space by adding a beautiful patio for people to enjoy our food in SoCal’s wonderful weather. It was a natural thing for us to do given the restaurant’s success over the past year. We’re excited to see it open before the summer is over.”
Norah is located at 8279 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 and is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm and for dinner nightly from 6pm to midnight. You can view the complete menu and make a reservation at Norah’s website here.
