Let’s be honest, if it was up to us, every day would be National Margarita Day. Apparently tomorrow is the day where you’re suppose to drink (and celebrate with) pitchers of margaritas. So, to make sure we’re in an adequate state of mind for all the lime and alcoholic goodness, we brought a camera crew to Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks, CA, a Mexican restaurant operating since 1956, and filmed long-time bartender, Antonio Navarro, creating one of Casa Vega’s more popular drinks – the Cadillac Margarita. Read More
New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas gives you a chance to celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day with a light heart and a cold head during the 3rd Annual St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser on March 3 from 1 PM – 11 PM. The event will be held at the Nine Fine Irishman pub and a public shaving (but what happens if you’re already bald?) will take place outdoors near the Brooklyn Bridge to raise money and awareness for children’s cancer. Shavees will receive a future one-night stay at New-York-New York, as well as a free pint of Guinness or a Jameson Cocktail by showing their California ID at the registration table. This free event will feature food and beverage specials, live music, and face painting for children.
In case you missed our previous report, the 2012 OC Restaurant Week, sponsored by the Orange County Restaurant Association and running from Sunday, February 26 – Saturday, March 3, will feature 100 restaurants from the OC area. Multi-course meals will be available at participating locations for $20, $30 or $40 ($10, $15 or $20 for lunch). Menus, addresses, and other details for each participant can be found here.
On June 16 – 17, the Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine, CA will be hosting Taste of the OC with culinary and entertainment talent of Orange County. Anticipating over 50 of the OC’s restaurants and 75 of its wineries, guests can expect tastings from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chefs, wine tastings, wine auctions, and seminars. Additionally, this event will feature a “Farm to Table” event, an OC Brewfest, and a Father’s Day Feast with music and entertainment. 8808 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618.
The James Beard Foundation released a nine page PDF of the semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards for restaurants and chefs. This award is also known as the Oscars for the food industry honoring and highlighting the best in North America. Best New Restaurant includes: AQ from S.F.; Bistronomic from Chicago; MB Post from Manhattan Beach, CA; Picca from L.A.; Yardbird Southern Table & Bar from Miami Beach, FL. Outstanding Bar Program includes: Bar Agricole from S.F., and The Esquire Tavern (pictured above) from San Antonio. Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional includes: Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery; Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; and Abe Schoener of The Scholium Project. Finalists will be announced on March 19. See below for the complete list. Read More
On Friday, February 24 starting at 8 PM, Urban Food Crawl is teaming up with Buzz – downtown L.A., Courtesan Cupcakes, and Raw Bites for Suds & Sweets featuring dessert and beer pairings. Organizer Jen Bardekoff is expecting it to be a “fun event filled with beer and sweets.”
For $35 per person, guests will be served Chocolate Raspberry and Helluva Carrot Halva mini cupcakes by Courtesan Cupcakes and Lavender Lime and Peanut Butter Cup truffles by Raw Bites. Each dessert will be paired with beers from Germany, Japan and the U.S. chosen by the staff at Buzz. 460 South Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Read More
