Author Archives: Cathy Thomas

Tweet Chef Chef Craig Strong opened Ocean at Main in Laguna Beach in October, fulfilling a long-time career dream to open his own restaurant. The location is 222 Ocean Avenue near Main Beach, and the 126-seat, 4,500-square-foot eatery is open … Continue reading →

Tweet The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs well with sweet, buttery baked goods. This sweet-tart cake is delicious for breakfast or served as a holiday dessert accompanied with whipped cream or ice cream. It also makes a great hostess gift! … Continue reading →

Tweet Brian Huskey, acclaimed OC chef-owner of two Tackle Box restaurants, shares the secrets of his luscious Korean ribs in my home kitchen. Korean ribs offer irresistible succulence. The well-marbled beef cut crosswise into thin meaty slabs caramelizes to perfection … Continue reading →

Tweet Pear-Walnut (or Pecan) Upside-Down Cake I served this cake as one of three options on Thanksgiving. Almost everyone asked for the recipe, because the cake is so scrumptious. Bosc Pears, those brown-skinned elongated beauties, hold their shape in this … Continue reading →

Tweet Blake Mellgren, executive chef-owner of Craft House in Dana Point, shows off fruits and vegetables in an irresistible fish dish. If you taste this dish, you won’t be surprised to know that Mellgren was one of three finalists at … Continue reading →

Tweet Is it possible to make a treat that is scary and whimsical at the same time? Yup, Martha Stewart can with her Halloween-themed “Creep Cakes,” cupcakes adorned with monster-style marshmallow eyes and orange-wedge candy mouths. Granddaughter Coco, 3,  decorated … Continue reading →

Tweet Beets. Oranges. Apples. A few toasted walnuts. Some creamy blue cheese-blessed dressing. Quick! Hand me a knife and fork. The flavor combinations in this salad are irresistible. You can add some grilled chicken if you like. And there are … Continue reading →

Tweet Chef Ryan Adams shares fried chicken secrets from his newest eatery, Buttermilk in Old Towne Orange. Chef Adams’ culinary creativity is mind-boggling. Delectable ideas backed up with well-honed culinary skills, flow at full tilt. The acclaimed chef recently has … Continue reading →

Tweet   TERRACE opening soon! Chef Ross Pangilinan is gifted with vision, talent and guts. In late 2016, after seven years as executive chef at Leatherby’s in Costa Mesa, he opened Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in Downtown Santa Ana. The … Continue reading →

Tweet A savory tart cries out for a summer picnic. This Caramelized Shallot and Bacon Tart is a favorite, whether served at a summer outing or as a first course for a showy company dinner. The sweetness of browned onions … Continue reading →