Please The Palate |

Drink Madeira As We Honor America’s Independence Day

As you get ready to warm up the barbeque and chill down the beer for your 4th of July parties, think about opening a bottle of Madeira to enjoy with your friends.

Why Madeira? Well, did you know that Madeira was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, the founding fathers of the United States? In fact, when they signed the Declaration of Independence, they toasted with Madeira.

What is Madeira? Madeira is the wine named for an island, and an island named for a wine. Understanding Madeira is not an easy feat. The winemaking process, grape varietals and wine styles are not like other wines that you are familiar with.

02 July, 2012

Picca Peru – One Year and Going Strong

The 2011 hottest new restaurant in LA still holds the title one year from the date of opening. Picca, which means “to nibble,” is home to Chef Ricardo Zarate's modern Peruvian cuisine with a Japanese flair. Picca is about the food and the flavors; it is traditional Peruvian street food elevated to fine dining. With the menu written on the walls, the restaurant is modern, vibrant and casual. From the chefs working at the ceviche bar to the bartenders mixing fresh cocktails at the bar to the full room of diners, the energy is electric and a great dining experience.

Let's start with the cocktails, created by award winning mixologist Julian Cox who oversees the bar programs at Picca, Sotto, Playa and Rivera. The bar is filled only with spirits from South and Latin Americas, such as Rum, Tequila and Pisco (the national spirit of Peru). The cocktail menu includes a description of the ingredients in each cocktail so that you know how they are made.

25 June, 2012

An Unassuming Find in LA – Metro Cafe

A friend recently invited me to join him at his favorite local restaurant in Culver City. As I drove down Sepulveda Blvd to Washington Place, I didn't see many restaurants around and...

06 June, 2012