Food & Drinks

The Spaghetti Western Saloon Joshua Tree residents and Roman transplants Jasmine and Lorenzo Tomasso have resurrected the Willie Boy’s building in Morongo Valley – the Spaghetti Western Saloon on the main drag that is the 29 Palms Highway just opened a few weeks ago and is already packing them in. The space is a Yellowstone fan’s wildest dream, with two bars, a pool room full of tables, a rambling dining room with a fireplace and a stage with live music featuring, among others, Lorenzo on guitar and Jasmine singing. A limited opening menu that will continue to evolve is inspired by the couple’s Italian roots. Jasmine grew up in the countryside outside of Rome in the small town of Casali di Mentana. Famed Italian composer and conductor Ennio Morricone was her neighbor and sparked the singer’s love of music from a young age. Husband Lorenzo grew up in Trastevere, in the same neighborhood as Sergio Leone. The pair bonded over a shared  infatuation with music and spaghetti westerns, which is lovingly obvious in the care and detail of the saloon. Starters include pizzetta Romana, Roman-style mini puff pastry pizzas as well as seasonal salads and soups like butternut squash with…

After 10 years of training in Tokyo, Toshimasa Sano, owner and chef of Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, opened his unassuming restaurant in Buena Park, specializing in ramen and tsukemen. Sano’s crafted culinary skills have paid off and his restaurant has now been granted the honor of the MICHELIN® Guide distinction of Bib Gourmand. The MICHELIN Guide has been the gold standard for excellence in dining for over 120 years, with various distinctions dependent on specific criteria. The MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand is given for “exceptionally good food at moderate prices,” with the ability to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for under $49 before tax and tip. Restaurants that make it into the MICHELIN Guide must also serve fresh ingredients that are carefully prepared and provide an overall good meal. Anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors visit the dining location to assess the quality of the food before making their recommendations. Ramen & Tsukemen TAO puts their heart and soul into their food, especially into the Tonkotsu ramen and tsukemen dipping noodles that are accompanied by a broth that takes over 40 hours to prepare. Chashu, beef, spicy tsuna, and takana don rice bowls are also shining stars at this humble…

Los Angeles Tourism celebrates the release of the 2022 edition of the MICHELIN® Guide California with 26 Los Angeles restaurants awarded one or more MICHELIN Star and 56 Bib Gourmand recognitions, underscoring the city’s status as one of the world’s leading dining capitals. Ten restaurants made their debut on the Bib Gourmand list and seven received their first MICHELIN Star. Los Angeles’s diverse array of cuisine types are reflected in the 2022 selection, including modern French at Camphor, Southern-inspired American at Hatchet Hall, contemporary fare at Manzke, and European-style Gwen. The awards were announced at California’s MICHELIN Star Revelation event on Monday, December 5 at Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. A full list of LA honorees is available at www.discoverlosangeles.com. “Los Angeles is truly a global dining capital and continues to captivate the imagination of the culinary world, offering world-class cuisine from our ever-evolving street food to fine dining in iconic settings,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “The many diverse flavors found throughout the City of Angels are a result of the unique fusion of cultures and traditions that call LA home. Our city is truly a melting pot of culinary creativity, and we are so pleased MICHELIN has recognized the city’s many talented chefs on a global stage.” In the inspector-informed MICHELIN…

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…