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Chefs

Chef Ross Pangilinan Spreads His Wings – Departs Leatherby’s For His Own Mix Mix

Orange Coast Magazine’s restaurant critic Gretchen Kurz just named Mix Mix Kitchen Bar as “Restaurant of the Year.” Vision, talent and guts. That’s what it takes for a chef to leave a much respected restaurant to plunge into the hazardous waters of restaurant ownership.  Count award-winning Chef Ross Pangilinan as one of those brave owners. In December he opened Mix…

Brunch at The Loft: Upscale Irresistability

On a recent Sunday, I dropped in for brunch at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach. Although I was initially focused on the splendor of the Pacific coastline, it wasn’t long before it was the dishes that had my attention. With plenty to choose from, the menu offered a pleasing balance of updated traditional dishes and lively surprises. Their Blood…

Babette’s Twist on Cauliflower Soup: Vegan But Fabulous

Chefs, Cooking, Recipes By Dec 13, 2016

Babette’s Truffled Cauliflower Almond Soup The ingredient list puzzled me. I’ve made hundreds of pureed soups, showcasing everything from asparagus to zucchini, most often including dairy products (cream, yogurt or milk) to achieve lush texture and taste. Cooking with Zach Layton, executive chef-owner of Babette’s in Newport Coast, opened my eyes to a vegan approach. His Truffled Cauliflower Almond Soup…

Easy Chinese-Style Appetizers, Katie Chin Style

Chefs, Cooking, Recipes By Sep 27, 2016

Chinese tapas, yes! Cookbook author-caterer, Katie Chin, learned how to cook from her Chinese mother. She helped in the kitchen with her late mother, Leeann Chin, an award-winning restaurateur. In 2003, the two starred in a PBS national cooking show “Double Happiness.” I joined her in the Melissa’s Produce kitchen to test out some of her favorite recipes from her…

Cooking Class with Chef Michael Rossi, The Ranch

Award winning executive chef at The Ranch in Anaheim, Michael Rossi, charmed  students with his skill and culinary passion in a recent cooking class. It was the first class taught in the beautiful teaching kitchen on the sixth floor – high above the restaurant. Twenty-four students sipped sparkling wine in this intimate-yet-high tech setting while watching Rossi’s every move. If…

Shaker Salad with just-right salty-sweet elements to make it irresistible

Chefs, Cooking, Recipes By Aug 30, 2016

I love Giada’s Shaker Salad. Limp greens and soggy veggies are often the fate of a made-ahead salad destined for the lunchbox. In Giada De Laurentiis’ newest cookbook, “Happy Cooking,” she provides a shaker jar strategy. Chill. Shake. Enjoy. Start with a wide-mouth quart-size jar. Giada’s Shaker SaladYield: 1 serving1 tablespoon store-bought hummus1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin…

Luscious Layered Panna Cotta, Eye Candy from Chef David Rossi

Chefs, Cooking, Recipes By Jun 28, 2016

Chocolate Panna Cotta layered with raspberry and passion fruit “jellies.” David Rossi, award-winning executive pastry chef at The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim, triumphs long before dessert arrives. Served at the start, his puffed-to perfection, piping hot popovers accompanied with house-made jam, show off his skill and attention to detail. The dessert finales reaffirm Rossi’s expertise. Some are classics, his versions…