Antipasto means “before the meal,” and is usually the beginning of a formal Italian meal. Some people compare “antipasto” with French “Hors d’œuvre” or appetizers. It depends on the people or the region where they come from. A typical Antipasto platter has cold meats in addition to cheeses, marinated vegetables, and herbs. As a vegetarian, I [...]

Since 1939, people have been queuing outside to wait for Pink’s Hot Dogs, and finding the wait well worth it.  Located on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, many drivers miss the sign, but notice the line of waiting people wrapping around the restaurant building . Sadly, I fell into the category of people who knew [...]

Today was one of those days. Actually, my run of bad luck started yesterday, when the glasses I desperately need to drive spontaneously broke in half. Then as I headed to my car with my broken glasses, I was confronted with a flat tire! I headed to work this morning thinking my run of bad [...]

With a touch of Greece, Italy and Spain, this salad is proud to have its name as a derivative of the Mediterranean coast. Nothing’s better than a bunch of leafy greens, tomatoes, and onions that makes the rainbow of colors recommended for a balanced diet. The charm and the calm of the Mediterranean comes to life [...]

See this Dutch oven? It came from my grandmother. And it’s a prized family treasure, to be sure. Grandma passed on a few years ago at just short of 102. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? My grandmother grew up on a farm, and always had a huge vegetable garden and wonderful fruit trees. We [...]

Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that tomorrow is Super Bowl XLIV, which pits the New Orleans Saints  vs. Indianapolis Colts. Of course, Super Bowl Sunday parties are, and have been the rage for years, if not decades. Typically, Super Bowl parties are accompanied by a cornucopia of large amounts of junk foods [...]

I just want someone to tell me where the time goes? I go to work, I go to the gym, I go home, I start cooking, and before I know it, my evening is gone. I’ve cooked the night away! Are you kidding me? Now I’m pooped, and anything else I thought I was going [...]

I’ve got to quit cooking for an army! I’m an empty nester. We are a household of two, and I cook for a household of four and more. Somehow soups and stews take on a life of their own, and grow in front of my eyes. I start taste testing and decide I need to [...]

As a fan of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri, on the Food Network—sometimes he finds, like I did, a hole-in-the wall and cool little neighborhood joint, that serves mouth-watering and sanguine comfort food in the form of hamburgers, hash browns and breakfast burritos, and much more. Located in the busy art, business, [...]

Recently, I was fortunate to have dinner at El Huarchito, in Spanish better known as “Authentoc Sabor Mexicano.” Although it’s located somewhat off the “beaten path,” its food is bountiful, delicious, affordable, and delectable. Its décor is thematically Mexican–with its colorful pictures on the wall, to hand-made napkin-holders on each table. It’s a family oriented establishment, [...]

Who doesn’t love Pizza? Especially, when it’s an out-of-this-world, heaven on earth round delight New York Style pizza. Count me in and I know where you can find this delicacy. While downtown, working on a recent story, low and behold, a neighborhood pizza establishment caught my eye—the New York Pizza Next Door. What a treat to [...]

When you’re in Long Beach, and want to have a quick, affordable, and tasty meal, check out Sunshine Thai Cuisine, located on Pacific Avenue. Its broad menu, clean surroundings, and cheap eats without usurping on quality, make it worthwhile. The Sunshine Thai Cuisine restaurant, which specializes in fresh daily prepared vegetable broth and healthy homemade meals, [...]