Jet Set Life

Restaurants: Yxta Cocina Mexicana Serves Fine Food at an East LA Oasis

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:32:22 +0000

Nestled in a mini-mall several blocks east of downtown Los Angeles is a classy and modern Mexican restaurant called Yxta. In a neighborhood that looks like it requires a Marine escort to navigate safely, this fine eatery serves some delicious, modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine. Owner Jesse Gomez and Chef Jose Acevedo are working on launching a new restaurant, Mercado, in downtown Santa Monica. They recently served a showcase four course dinner menu paired with Tequila Ocho cocktails and flights to preview the new restaurant. Read More »

Parties: Meryl Streep on Margaret Thatcher: Showing Aging on Film Is a Good Thing

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:53:45 +0000

As Meryl Streep's latest acting triumph, as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," picks up awards season steam, there's also a bit of controversy surrounding the biopic, particu Read More »

Parties: Los Angeles Magazine’s 2011 Food Event a Big Success

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:02:59 +0000

Los Angeles is definitely a foodie town, and there are many events throughout the year that celebrate the diverse culinary skills available in the Southland. One such event is highly anticipated for its unique combination of great chefs, excellent wine, top shelf liquor and beautiful setting. It was a sunny day in the Malibu Hills where about 2500 guests enjoyed Los Angeles Magazine’s annual Food Event at Saddlerock Ranch. The October 23rd, 2011 event featured amazing food, great wine, and fine spirits that kept the crowds happy. The picturesque setting added a magical aura to the culinary extravaganza and made it an extremely enjoyable Sunday afternoon. Read More »

Parties: Ambassador Dita Von Teese Makes a Cointreau Splash on a New York Runway

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:20:56 +0000

Elegant burlesque star and modern fashion icon Dita Von Teese hosted a Cointreau-drenched evening at New York’s Royalton Hotel on November 15, and we were there. Read More »

Restaurants: Taberna Mexicana Brings Fine Regional Cuisine To Beverly Hills

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:29:42 +0000

It is a daunting task to launch a high-end restaurant in a difficult economy, not to mention having to deal with the sky-high rents of Beverly Hills. The people behind Taberna Mexicana must have been extremely confident when they opened their new Bedford Drive establishment in the midst of some of the most expensive real estate in the ritziest part of Los Angeles. Having recently experienced the elegant atmosphere, expert service and fine creative dishes of executive chef Alex Padilla, it is clear to us that Taberna Mexicana has the right stuff to compete in this challenging market. Read More »

Restaurants: Taka Taka Opens in NYC to Swinging Salsa and Flowing Sake

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:30:50 +0000

"Happy birthday, Taka Taka, you are now zero. On the Day of the Dead. Now let's have some fun!" shouted the leader of the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra as the band ripped into a sizzling set of Latin dance music. Quick to respond were several hundred guests dressed in striking "funeral chic" masquerade befitting the Mexican holiday and quaffing the high-end mescal, Oseki saki and Sapporo beer flowing freely. Dozens immediately grooved into their sexiest salsa moves, watched approvingly by the festive day-glow skulls and funeral masks that twirled on strings hung from the rafters. Read More »

PARTIES: Los Angeles Magazine’s Food Event 2011 is coming to Saddlerock Ranch in the Malibu Hills

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:46:50 +0000

There are food and wine events all over Los Angeles throughout the year. Some have amazing food, great wine and booze. The only one that combines top notch culinary choices with vineyards at a beautiful ranch setting is the Los Angeles Magazine Food Event. The magnificent Saddlerock Ranch in the Malibu Hills will host the sixth annual culinary extravaganza on Sunday October 23, 2011. The ranch is the vineyard home of Malibu Family Wines, the producers of Saddlerock and Semler wines. The event will feature celebrity chefs, many additional fine wineries, and cooking demonstrations. For one price, guests will enjoy unlimited food, wine, beverages, and other treats. Read More »

Concern Foundation’s “Dancing in the Streets” Block Party

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:32:43 +0000

On a balmy summer evening in July, Paramount Studio’s “New York” back lot in Hollywood was the scene of the Concern Foundation’s Dancing in the Streets block party. The event was an over the top extravaganza with some of the best restaurants in the LA area serving samples, multiple stages of live entertainment, a casino area, and free flowing adult beverages. Nearly four thousand food, wine, and spirits enthusiasts enjoyed an evening of indulgence with an altruistic purpose. Over $1.5 mm dollars was raised for cancer research from ticket sales, silent, and live auctions. Read More »

The Island Style Cook-off at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:16:52 +0000

In a creative flourish, the circular driveway of a Santa Monica hotel was transformed into a tropical island inspired site for a cook-off between local celebrity chefs on June 29, 2011. The theme was Hawaiian style pupu, and the island appetizers were interpreted by chefs Mark Gold and Neal Fraser. Read More »

Cognac: Only the Nose Knows

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:30:12 +0000

Cognac smells. Yes, it's true. But it's not a bad thing. In fact, when it comes to cognac, "smelling" is crucial. And it is the key to the magic of the beverage. Read More »