Food & Drinks

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…

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…