Please The Palate |

Mercado Is Heating Up Santa Monica

A brand new Mexican restaurant opened a few months ago on 4th St. and the Santa Monica dining scene is heating up. Named Mercado in homage to the fresh ingredients regularly ordered from the Farmer’s Market, the food and drinks are fresh takes on authentic Mexican cuisine.

Owner Jesse Gomez grew up in the restaurant business. Almost 50 years ago his grandparents opened El Arco Iris Mexican restaurant in Highland Park in 1964. Jesse began working in the family restaurant and was responsible for modernizing El Arco Iris and reintroducing the restaurant to the neighborhood. In 2009 he opened his own restaurant Yxta Cocina Mexicana in downtown LA. Now Mercado is his third venture with partner Chef Jose Acevedo.

23 July, 2012

Boca DOC – A Hidden Gem in Piemonte

Where is Boca you ask? Boca DOC is in Piemonte and is one of the smallest and Northernmost appellations of Italy. Produceing Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara, it is one of the most unique terroirs in the world. Influenced by the 2nd highest peak of Europe (Monte Rosa), the wines are vastly long aging, intriguingly earthy and splendidly complex. A recent seminar was conducted by Professional Sommelier, Master Taster and North American Sommelier Association (NASA) Vice President Diego Meraviglia, a native of this region. We were in for a great treat, tasting these great Nebbiolos, known locally as "Spanna".

The Terroir of BOCA

18 July, 2012

It’s Always Balanced at the Slanted Door

A visit to San Francisco isn't complete without a meal at the popular modern Vietnamese Slanted Door. Opened in 1995 on Valencia Street, the famous restaurant moved in 2004 to their current location in San Francisco’s Ferry Building. The restaurant may not be new but this foodie haven is still in high demand and advanced reservations are highly recommended.

The space at Slanted Door is vast and yet always full. The large lounge and glass bar is where to go without reservations. If you can find a seat, you can order from the full menu. There is an outside patio for those rare warm San Francisco days. The dining area has boothes and tables and you will regularly see large groups of both locals and tourists seated around them. To start off a meal at Slanted Door, grab a cocktail at the bar. The Cocktail progam is managed by Bar Manager Erik Adkins. Erik is one of the top talents in San Francisco and his cocktails are refined and executed with precision. He ultilizes fresh, local ingredients to create cocktails that demonstrate a link to agriculture.

09 July, 2012