From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub. One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven or air fryer. However, that doesn’t mean missing out on the action and being sidelined in the kitchen all game or that these recipes won’t travel to a tailgate. With a flavor-packed, vibrant recipe, the lineup of Fresh Cravings Salsa offers a homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to these recipes from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.”…

Visit Temecula Valley will host the second annual CraftHop festival the weekend of Nov. 11-13, where guests can rub elbows with esteemed local brew masters and enjoy an innovative assortment of craft beers, mead, and spirits. Designed as a self-guided tour with no tickets required and a map available to download, CraftHop participants will receive a highly collectible, limited-edition logo glass at each stop. Long established as a premiere destination for wine lovers, Temecula Valley is also becoming a popular stop for craft beer lovers and currently boasts nearly 20 breweries, meaderies and distilleries. With more than 3 million visitors expected to the area this year, the Temecula Valley is poised for growth as a Southern California hub for beer aficionados. Participating CraftHop taprooms will offer guests a signature drink and, of course, a chance to taste a wide variety of brews including hazy IPAs, pale ales, malty stouts, and barrel-aged strong ales, just to name a few. Some will also offer complimentary food items. CraftHop visitors are encouraged to book an overnight stay for a safe and leisurely tasting experience and for extra time to enjoy Old Town Temecula, farm-to-table dining, and the Valley’s many outdoor recreational activities. For up-to-date activities, events, and lodging options, visit www.visittemeculavalley.com. “Temecula Valley is well-known for…

Terranea Resort has named Michelin-starred Fabio Ugoletti as the new Chef de Cuisine of mar’sel, the resort’s signature restaurant. One of Southern California’s premier fine dining destinations, mar’sel offers an inventive twist on elevated California cuisine in a spectacular oceanfront setting located along the prestigious Palos Verdes Peninsula. “We are excited to welcome Chef Fabio to our flagship restaurant mar’sel,” says Terranea Resort Executive Chef Chef Andrew Vaughan. “He brings a wealth of culinary knowledge to our restaurant and a new level of culinary expertise to Terranea with more than a decade developing his talents in highly rated restaurants across the globe while learning from the most respected chefs of our generation. His keen eye and strong focus on fresh seafood and pasta are sure to continue mar’sel’s legacy as one of the area’s must-visit culinary destinations.” An Italian native, the Michelin-starred Chef Ugoletti has worked in luxury fine dining establishments all over the world. In the Chianti region of Tuscany, he served as an Executive Chef at Al Gallopapa, the prestigious one-star Michelin restaurant in Castellina. Ugoletti has also served a gastronomic consultant in countries including China, Poland, Sweden, Korea, United States, and Lithuania, and worked in partnership with the…

Spooky season is just around the corner, so what better way to celebrate than with some spirits? And for those scared of ghosts and ghouls, there’s no need to fret because there’s nothing scary about these spirits. San Diego’s nickname “Capital of Craft” extends far past beer and cocktail programs to an array of liquors, including whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, agave spirits and more, brewed right here in San Diego. Whether curious travelers prefer a traditional tipple — dark or clear — or fancy an experimental liquor brewed with pomegranate or pumpkin, there’s a place to punch up everyone’s drinking agenda. Dancing with the Devil’s Share American Whiskey From the head brewer at one of San Diego’s famous breweries, Ballast Point Brewing, comes Cutwater Spirits with an award-winning portfolio of spirits that include whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and liqueurs that are incorporated into canned cocktails available nationwide. Visitors can get their drink on at Ballast Point’s 50,000-square-foot distillery, tasting room and restaurant combo in San Diego’s Miramar neighborhood. Whiskey lovers should be sure to try the distillery’s Devil’s Share American Whiskey, rich in woody caramel and vanilla notes backed by hints of cinnamon, cardamom and licorice.  A Cauldron of California Coastal Gin…

When Carlos Alzaola dips in and out of the various indoor and outdoor zones of the Cloverfield in Santa Monica and surveys the scene, a sixth sense tells the assistant general manager what sounds the crowd needs to subliminally enhance their dining experience.  Restaurants still struggle post-pandemic and are constantly coming up with strategies to bring in new and returning customers. Because dining out is a multi-sensory experience, a huge amount of time, money and consideration is put into restaurant playlists. Many say that it makes the difference between one mimosa and a bottomless brunch. In addition to his regular managerial duties, Alzaola spends almost an hour daily on compiling the lists made up of different artists and styles, relative to the vibe of the day or night.   “Depending on if people are enjoying the moment, it tells me if I should switch over to another list or not,” the former Patina chef, who spent years absorbing the sounds of the Walt Disney Hall and Hollywood Bowl, tells L.A. Weekly. “It really depends on the flow of the day. On Fridays, I love to play acid jazz, Herbie Hancock and John Scofield. People come in at the end of the…

By Maria del Cisne Vital Whether you prefer crisp Pinot Grigio, dry Chianti, or summer Rosé, California is the destination for any and every type of wine. The iconic Napa and Sonoma Valleys of NorCal are the titans of tannins. Meanwhile, SoCal can take pride in Temecula, Malibu and more growing wineries and vineyards. One feat that is hard to beat is the inviting and warm energy provided at SoCal’s family-owned wineries. With intimate settings and exclusive wines, check out these spots to feel right at home with a glass in hand. Carhartt Vineyard For three generations, the Carhartt family has grown with Rancho Santa Ynez and transformed it into what it is today— 22 acres of land meant for farming grapes and creating craft wines. Their “ground to glass” approach is what allows this Santa Barbara spot to distribute high quality and sustainable products. Stop by the Carhartt Cabin, a tasting room that has 20 different wines to try throughout the year (they only close on Christmas Day). The Carhartt family insists on keeping their business and customers close, so their wines are only distributed online or in their tasting room. 2939 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-693-5100, carharttvineyard.com. Wilson…

With warmer weather on the horizon, we are sharing some of the best places to drink outdoors in and around L.A. this summer. Each spot offers a variety of refreshing summertime cocktails and mocktails, paired perfectly with unparalleled views of the city or water and prime outdoor patio seating for soaking in the sunshine. CASTAWAY | Burbank, CA ABOUT: Castaway has curated a whole new dining experience where everyone feels like a star, and every seat is magic. From the meat dry-aging room, floor-to-ceiling wine cellar and charcuterie station, to the breath-taking views of the valley and Los Angeles Skyline, Castaway is ready to serve Angelenos. SUMMER DRINK HIGHLIGHTS: Gin Membership – Monkey 47, Prosecco, Fever Tree Tonic with Juniper Berries, Dehydrated Citrus, Mint, Sage, Rosemary Paid Vacation ­– Ketel One, Passion Fruit, Purple Basil, Tarragon, Szechuan Flower THE GREEN ROOM | Burbank, CA ABOUT: Hidden within Castaway and inspired by the glamour of the entertainment industry’s talent suites, The Green Room has once again emerged onto Los Angeles’ cocktail scene, boasting an immersive hospitality experience and stunning, panoramic views of the city. SUMMER DRINK HIGHLIGHTS: Summer Nights – Grey Goose La Poire, Prickly Pear, Lemon, Champagne, Topped with Cotton Candy ODYSSEY | Granada Hills, CA ABOUT: Nestled…

What looks to become a regular community event at Caldo Verde in the Proper Downton Los Angeles, Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne welcomed Celebrating Portugal: The Cookbook contributor Miguel Andrade to the restaurant for a culinary discussion among chefs, and a multi-course meal made up of recipes from the book. Moderated by Goin and followed by a sitdown dinner, Andrade passionately discussed the history and evolution of Portuguese cuisine and origins of the book’s recipes that are heavily composed of soups, greens, beans, shellfish and pork, as well as the travels and discoveries the Portuguese chef shared with Goin and Styne in anticipation of opening Caldo Verde. “Everyone seems to connect Portugal with the Mediterranean countries,” Andrade told the rapt crowd as they sipped Portuguese Highballs and wines. “But, in fact, Portugal isn’t on the Mediterranean Sea, we are on the Atlantic, and our cuisine reflects that and makes it different from Spain, Italy or Greece. The waters of the Atlantic are much colder and rougher, which makes our seafood even better. On the other hand, because we were on the edge of Europe in the shadow of Spain, we didn’t have connections with other countries and originally there…

One taco, two tacos, three tacos, four. Impossible to eat just one, especially when you live in Los Angeles and blistering tortillas stuffed with seafood or meat can be found on street carts, temporary set-ups, taquerias, and restaurants creating their own spin on this fast food staple. Tacos are ingrained in Southern California culture. Have you thought about where the fun sounding word “taco” came from? Miners in the late 1800’s brought tin lunch pails into the mines and sometimes used them to smuggle out high-grade ore while other miners brought their lunches wrapped in cloth bundles. It is said that Mexican miners were the first to describe rolled, filled tortillas as “tacos,” which originally meant a cigar-style explosive. The nickname ‘taco’ for the small charges of gunpowder wrapped in paper caught on.  Searching out tacos is a love language or a way of life in LA. Blaze your own Taco Trail. SOCALO in Santa Monica LA chef legends Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken opened this California Mexican restaurant, pouring out a sizeable taco menu with stand-outs like slow roasted Lamb Birria and Socal Dobladita concocted with roasted corn, kale, veggies, and chipotle aioli. Come for all-day Taco Tuesdays…

Gathering your team to plan for a truly memorable game day at home starts with almost everyone’s favorite part of the festivities: the food. From meaty meals and zesty appetizers to sweet, long-lasting snacks, fuel your crowd with recipes that keep them coming back from kickoff to overtime. One superstar of the menu at many homegating parties is salsa, whether it’s used as a finishing touch in recipes or as a standalone snack to enjoy with chips, veggies or other pairings. In fact, according to the Game Day Eats Report from Fresh Cravings, 22% of guests would insist on running out to pick up salsa if it wasn’t available for the feast; 18% would even be devastated and consider leaving. Chef Anthony Serrano recommends these all-American recipes he makes for his family on game day. Pulled Beef and Slaw Sliders are perfect for piling high with delicious toppings before hitting the couch just in time for kickoff. Snacking throughout the action is a preferred approach for many fans, making Cast-Iron Smoked Queso Dip and Hummus Deviled Eggs go-to options for armchair quarterbacks. These crowd-pleasers make game day worth celebrating, especially if you use a salsa with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened…

Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keep loved ones coming back to the kitchen for more. For appetizing dishes from the first guest at the house to the last out the door, you can heighten the flavor and appearance of favorite recipes with one simple ingredient: apples. Ranging from tart to sugary sweet, finding the right balance for your palate is key. Scent can also influence taste, especially when you have a balanced sweetness with an uplifting, fresh aroma. Turn to an option like Envy Apples this holiday season for satisfying texture and taste with a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. They make for an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand but are also perfect for holding over pre-dinner appetites in small plates like this Bell-Issimo Brie Melt or Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy. The versatile flavor of apples isn’t just limited to foods, however. For the adults in the room, Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider with a splash of bourbon is…