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A Living Family Tradition: Taverna Review

A Living Family Tradition: Taverna Review

“Taverna is a warm and inviting neighborhood restaurant that offers a truly Italian experience without having to leave Texas. Our Italian chefs strive to create the perfect menu using seasonal ingredients for their surprising entrees.

From Italian trattorias to French bistros, the many different cuisines of the coastal Mediterranean serve as our daily inspiration. Like many family-run establishments in Europe, our restaurants make their own pastas, gelato and desserts. We constantly strive to craft menus that combine the creativity of contemporary cuisine with the powerful draw of classic recipes.”

California conjures up images of coastal cuisine, thus the Italian cuisine of Taverna easily finds a home here. Various locations are also found throughout the United States, including Dallas, Texas. It appears good service, friendly hospitality, and fresh ingredients are the recipe for success.

The Lombardi Family Concepts group owns Taverna, 31, Toulouse, Penne Pomodoro, and Lombardi’s. Alberto Lombardi is the patriarch of his family and was born in Italy. Since coming to the United States he has opened many restaurants in Texas, Nevada, and California.

Recommendations

1. Go for dinner, happy hour, or weekend brunch. Ask about the weekly specials.

2. Taverna - Laguna is located at 222 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, 92651. Make reservations. Peak times occur on weekends, summertime, and during special events in the city. Arrive early to secure parking on the street, in a nearby lot, utilize a taxi, or car service.

3. Consider the following menu items.

California Omelet: egg whites, mixed vegetables, avocado, and tomato sauce with a side of fruit

Tagliata Di Manzo Piedmontese: seared Piedmontese tenderloin (tender, Italian beef) with salsa verde, asparagus, and roasted potatoes

Margherita Pizza: tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil

Risotto Al Frutti Di Mare: risotto with shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, and tomato confit (seasoned liquid)

7/2018

Update: Taverna in Laguna Beach has unfortunately closed.

Hopefully the owners re-open somewhere nearby. Taverna is part of the Lombardi Family.

The Dallas location remains open though.

"For decades Lombardi Family Concepts has welcomed new guests and old friends from local neighborhoods and around the world in our European restaurants. From Italian trattorias to French bistros, the many different cuisines of the coastal Mediterranean serve as our daily inspiration. That being said, our neighborhood restaurants offer a lot more than just a delicious menu: they are a special place where customers will feel at home with friends and family."

Visit lombardifamilyconcepts.com for more information about other restaurants owned by the Lombardi Family.

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Credit: https://www.facebook.com/Taverna-Pizzeria-and-Risotteria-429817157221865/, instagram.com/dinetaverna/, lombardifamilyconcepts.com/

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven

Jesse Bluma at Point Viven liberates taste in cookery, culture, and community, provides gourmet goods made with organic ingredients, inspired by the culinary worlds of California, Central, and South America, and engages in a community of customers and readers with lifestyle content, reviews, and expertise. Use and redistribution of original content allowed only with explicit permission of site owner and author.

You Must Dine at This Gem: Raya

You Must Dine at This Gem: Raya

Raya is nestled in the Orange Coast of California. You must dine at this gem situated beachside along the pristine Pacific Ocean, between magnificent cliffs and headlands. Residents have nicknamed it the “California Riviera”. Raya at Ritz-Carleton, Laguna Niguel has 180 degree views of the ocean with an outdoor bar and veranda, knowledgeable staff, and a creative menu.

“DELICIOUS DINING FOR DISCERNING PALATES: Savor the extraordinary selection of fine oceanfront restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Prepare your senses for a culinary experience unlike any other with some of the most popular restaurants and dining destinations in the Orange County region, right here at the hotel.”

Reserve a table with a window to take in the alluring seacoast or reserve the lush table for a larger party. Raya specializes in Latin and coastal dishes prepared with local and organic ingredients. An excellent choice for a birthday dinner, beautiful breakfast, or brunch. Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef de Cuisine Steve Wan have a strong focus and intent that is demonstrated through their dishes. Traditional Latin dishes are enhanced with Asian, Jamaican, and Japanese ingredients. Sandoval’s high quality skills stem from his formative years in Mexico City, learning to cook from his grandmother, as well as his world travels. In addition to Raya, Sandoval has forged several other restaurants across the globe. It is evident Chef Wan brings his family tradition of cooking with Chinese and Caribbean ingredients, as well as his experience preparing protein dishes from Ocean Avenue Seafood, McCormick and Schmick's, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.

My Recommendations

1. The restaurant is located at 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, California 92629. This is a walkable and drivable distance from Monarch Beach, Salt Creek Beach, Laguna Beach, and from other areas within Southern California. The hotel offers valet parking. There is also a close public parking lot with pay machines on the other side of Ritz-Carlton Drive.

2. Peak times occur on weekends and during special events in the city. Make reservations to ensure a table. The window seats are a perfect spot to dine. 180blũ is also worth checking out—an outdoor oceanfront lounge located next to Raya.

3. The menu at Raya has an array of choices featuring items such as tacos, soups, fish, burgers, beef, and salads. The following were my favorites.

Complimentary assorted Brazilian breads

Ahi Tuna Ceviche with jicama, red onion, cilantro, avocado, chile de árbol (made with a bright and potent chili pepper), ponzu (a tart Japanese sauce made with citrus, mirin, and rice vinegar), yuzu (Japanese sour mandarin), and puffed rice.

Korean Bar-b-que Chicken with kogi sauce (made with pepper paste, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil), and corn poblano (a mild green chili pepper) potato, salad, cilantro, radish, and green onion.

“The story of The Ritz-Carlton begins with Swiss hotelier César Ritz who was well known in the hotel industry as the ‘king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings’. Ritz redefined luxury accommodation in Europe with his management of The Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London, among others. He and the renowned chef from his hotels, Auguste Escoffier, opened a la carte restaurants known as Ritz-Carlton on board the Hamburg-Amerika Line ocean liners SS Amerika in 1905 and SS Imperator in 1913.”

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Credits: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/dining/raya, richardsandoval.com/raya/, opentable.com/raya-at-the-ritz-carlton-laguna-niguel, twitter.com/ChefRSandoval/media

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven

Three Cheers for Misfit Restaurant and Bar

Three Cheers for Misfit Restaurant and Bar

“misfit (noun) Meaning ‘person who does not fit his environment is attested from 1880.” (etymonline.com)

Misfit Restaurant and Bar is located on the bottom floor of the 1929 Clock Tower in Santa Monica, complete with early 20th Century architecture, dim lighting, classic bar, and two levels of seating. A gem of a spot in a modern scene.

Many of the menu items, such as the nicely seasoned fries or savory-sweet Brussels sprouts, are sharable and many main dishes can easily be eaten with an appetizer or side dish.

 Also noticeable was the kind and accommodating servers and maître d’. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu, brought items and drinks in a timely manner, and the maître d’ actively worked to get us a larger table when another friend arrived. At the end of the meal our server brought around a basket of salty-sweet chocolate chip cookies. Enjoyable!

“The Misfit Restaurant + Bar in Santa Monica reprises a ‘back to the bar’ ideal of casual destination dining serving signature cocktails and accessible comfort food intended to be enjoyed on a daily basis. The restaurant is only steps away from one of the country’s leading farmers markets and a large percentage of the menu is dedicated to the offerings of twice weekly trips.”

Misfit’s sister restaurants include Ingo's Tasty Diner, LGO Grocery + Pizzeria, Chelsea's Kitchen, The Luggage Room, Grateful Spoon Gelato, and Buck and Rider. Growing Restaurant Group is the parent company of Misfit and its sister restaurants, with a historic esthetic across establishments, a young vibe, and a nod to classic Americana. Also key is the transformation of heavy, high caloric comfort foods into healthier versions.

There are numerous dining options in Los Angeles, California. Each of the neighborhoods, from Downtown to Hollywood, Santa Monica to Echo Park, and Beverly Hills has a multitude of restaurants for good eats. Here is where my expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy. Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community. Reserve a table at Misfit and enjoy.

Recommendations

1. Misfit is is located at 225 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401 at The Third Street Promenade. This location is within walking distance to the beach, shopping, hotels, apartments, bars, clubs, and much more. Easily accessible by taxi or car service. Street parking is available.

2. Peak times occur on weekends and during special events in the city. Arrive early to secure a table. Reservations recommended.

3. Misfit is open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner. Proper attire is required. Children welcome before 5:00 P.M.

4. Consider the following menu items.

Egg White Omelette: spinach, mozzarella, white cheddar, herbs (add pancetta or sautéed mushrooms)

Crispy Brussels Sprouts: roasted apples, pomegranate, thyme, Meyer lemon lebni (Lebanese strained yogurt)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese: green chili, brown rice pasta (gluten free!) (house made chorizo or pancetta)

Ingo's Veggie Burger: vegan black bean burger, cashew cheese, tomato, pickle, red wheat sourdough

Bloody Mary served in a super hero or super villain glass

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Credits: Online Etymology Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web, facebook .com/pg/themisfitsantamonica, linkedin.ccom/company-beta/1054255/, themisfitbar .com, instagram. com/themisfitsamo/

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven

An Open-Armed Approach to Flavors: The Tropicale Restaurant Review

An Opened-Arm Approach to Flavors: The Tropicale Restaurant Review

The chefs at The Tropicale offer a wonderful taste of international cuisine. Menu items include organic, sustainable, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that are full of flavor. An excellent restaurant for a date, meet up with friends, or birthday celebration.

The Tropicale has a casual, yet sharp environment. Founder Tony Di Lembo studied at The Culinary Institute of America, owned Indigo and Tahiti restaurants in Los Angeles, and was a personal chef to celebrities. The Tropicale originated from Di Lembo’s experiences and appreciation for Mediterranean meets Far East eatery.

The experience of owning Tahiti, a kitschy homage to restaurants of the 1960’s, provided the foundation for Di Lembo to build upon. The island-style restaurant and bar featuring seafood and Asian infusions would become the key elements of The Tropicale that Di Lembo opened with Rob Kuenzi and Ranz Wienert. The Tropicale Restaurant and Coral Seas Lounge is located in the center of town and is the place to go on a Saturday night.

“Welcome to The Tropicale Restaurant and Coral Seas Lounge® where a chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for our distinctive ‘world cuisine’, a provocative mix of zesty influences that creates a delightful dining experience in Palm Springs, California.

The Coral Seas Lounge, a hip mid-century style bar is lined with sexy black leather bar-stools and is reminiscent of the upbeat lounges of old Palm Springs. It wraps around the dining room and leads outside to a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot dining patio where a variety of specialty cocktails and old-school favorites are mixed - an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky.”

Several items on the menu stand out after many years of dining at The Tropicale.

Tangerine -Glazed Mandarin Calamari: Green Peppers, Ginger, and Mandarin Oranges

Brown Sugar -Brined Double-Cut Pork Chop with Jalapeño Jelly Bacon Grits, Collard Greens, and Southern Ham Hock Gravy

Miso-Glazed Wild King Salmon Rice Bowl: Broccoli, Snow Peas, Tomatoes, Shiitakes, and Soy or Veggies only

Thai-Style Boneless Organic Half Chicken with Spicy Chili Ginger BBQ Sauce, Stir-Fried Black Forbidden Rice, Peanut, Green Papaya and Scallion Slaw, Nam Pla (Fish Sauce) Vinaigrette

Crispy Boneless Southern Fried Chicken, marinated in Buttermilk, and Paprika, Corn Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Collard Greens, and Red Eye Gravy

The bread served to each table with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a treat for the tastebuds.

Organic Cucumber Martini: Muddled Cucumbers, Prairie Organic Cucumber Vodka, Splash of Saint Germaine

Fiery Dragon: Grey Goose Orange Vodka, Cointreau, Tangerine, Cranberry Juice, and Lime Juice

Tips

The Tropicale is open for lunch, dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch, and for happy hour. Check the restaurant’s website or social media for weekly specials, such as Sushi Sundays.

Peak times occur on weekends and during special events in the city.

Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Make a reservation and ask for a table on the beautiful, lush patio cooled with misters during the warmer months. Eating on the patio at night is a personal favorite.

Location: 330 East Amado Road, Palm Springs, California 92262. This address is within walking distance to shopping, hotels, apartments, bars, clubs, and much more. Easily accessible by taxi or car service.

Valet and a small parking lot is available.

There are numerous dining options across the country. From New York to Chelsea, Dallas to San Francisco, Orange County to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills to Palm Springs. Each community with a multitude of restaurants for good eats. Here is where expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy. Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community. Dine at The Tropicale and enjoy.

Disclaimer: no payment was accepted for editorial coverage.

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Credits: facebook. com/pg/thetropicale, thetropicale .com

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven

My Situation with The Situation

Las Vegas Tips

1. Prior to visiting search for coupons online for food, entertainment, and activities.

2. Pack a few water bottles in your checked baggage (double seal in freezer bags), whether hot or cold it is important to stay hydrated with all the walking.

3. Pack as light as you can to avoid airline charges. I would recommend including clothing for extreme weather for hot and cold, desert temperatures drop at night even during the summer.

4. Leave your belt and coins in your carry on luggage. This will avoid getting you in trouble with airport security. Upon arrival you can simply put these on yourself.

5. Pack hand sanitizer and carry it with you through casinos, shops, and activities.

6. Pack disinfectant spray in your carry on luggage. Yes, that's right. The first thing I do when arriving at a hotel room is to disinfect all door handles, TV remotes, light switches, floors, bathrooms, etc. I also make it a common practice at home and on trips to disinfect the bottoms of my shoes, especially before packing them back in my luggage.

7. While visiting the city take stairs instead of the escalators. This will help keep you fit in a city full of gluttony.

8. Upon arrival get your luggage and head to ground transportation at the airport. The quicker the better, you want to hop on a shuttle bus and start your fun sooner than later. Purchase both your to hotel and from hotel shuttle ticket at the same time to save a bit of money. One way tickets are more expensive.

9. This is Sin City, that does not mean you need to gamble or pig out. There is plenty to do besides gamle. Eating a healthy selection of food and drink is necessary to keep your energy up.

10. Remember your cell phone etiquette. Step to the side away from others to talk on the phone. Talking on the phone in restaurants, on shuttles, or while gambling is rude and opens you up to identity theft and other crimes.

11. Save your energy and avoid higher risk of skin cancer. Wear sunscreen at the pool and while walking. Doing indoor activities from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. is a great way to do this too.

12. You don't have to bring your Midwest, down South politeness. This is a big city and you need to use your common sense, be proactive with your safety, and be assertive. Don't stop to chat with the card flickers, costumed characters, or promoters on the sidewalks. Always walk with someone or make it look like you are walking with someone. Walk with confidence, no wallet or purse visible. Carry your wallet in your front pocket.

13. I didn't think I would ever have to say this to anyone. Don't buy french fries for your children at the airport, spread them on the airport carpet, then have them eat them off the floor. Disgusting, yet true. I saw this and could not believe it.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel

You may be surprised to learn that many of the casinos and hotels in Las Vegas are owned by Caesars Entertainment Corporation. This includes Paris. After staying at several hotels in Vegas I would say Paris has one of the best locations, walking distance or short taxi ride to many other casinos, shops, clubs, and restaurants.

When making your reservation ask for a pool view.

Don't worry about booking your return flight for a time right after your check out time. Take your luggage to the Paris luggage bellmen. They will hold onto it while you extend your fun and relaxation, please remember to tip.

Paris to the right

Paris casino

Paris pool with Cosmopolitan on the right

JJ's Boulangerie at Paris

This is an excellent eatery for a slice of pizza late at night. There are many other food and drink options. One special tip is to purchase your coffe at JJ's. Save the cup and you can get free refills during your stay.

JJ's Boulangerie

Sugar Factory at Paris

If you enjoy candy, an array of desserts, and a good drink then this is the place for you. I happened to be there when reality TV star Mike Sorrentino made an appearance (AKA The Situation). The crowd was energized with anticipation, unfortunately many kids and teens were there with their parents. We wonder why our society has issues? OK, that's for another discussion.

Sugar Factory crepe

The Cosmopolitan

If you are looking for a jewel in the desert, then this is your spot. Clubs, DJs in the casino, and a young crowd all keep The Cosmopolitan pumping. It is more expensive, so you can still take advantage of the clubs, casino, restaurants, and shops at Cosmo if you stay at another hotel. If you are looking for that L.A./N.Y. vibe then this is your spot.

Earl of Sandwich at Planet Hollywood

Named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, the inventor of the sandwich. I really enjoyed the Veggie sandwich made with Feta, Lettuce, Roma Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Roasted Red Peppers & Mediterranean Dressing. The Chicken Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken was also excellent, Field Greens & Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Croutons & Classic Caesar Dressing. The Earl of Sandwich has a good selection of other sandwiches, salads, wraps, and breakfast foods.

MGM Grand

This hotel and casino may not be the most recent shiny object in Vegas, it does have some good advantages. The MGM is not centrally located like Paris; however, it does offer many shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Lion Habitat is one attraction to see during the day. One tip is to stand under the Plexiglas ceiling of the entrance to the Lion Habitat shop. You can get an awesome view of lions.

Nathan's Famous at the MGM

If you look for those coupons online before your trip you will probably find a coupon for a free hot dog at Nathan's. Nathan's originated in Coney Island, New York and has multiplied across the country. If you avoid eating frankfurters as a regular meal option, this may be your one time to splurge. These may not be the best dog you will ever eat, yet they are better than a lot of others and it is a good savings.

New York New York

One eatery I would avoid is at New York New York. You may come across a coupon for New York Pretzel. Pass on it. The cinnamon sugar pretzel I ordered did not taste well cooked and did not have a good flavor.