Entertaining
Fortified Wine
Grab a glass—premier sommelier Maxwell Leer is leading a magical tasting tour
Ponche en Nogada
Mixologist Julian Cox serves up a punch that puts a new spin on old Mexico—and he’s pouring it exclusively for LA readers.
Video Interview John Sedlar
The chef extraordinaire takes you into his Rivera kitchen to show you the tricks to top-tier tortillas.
PANTRY: Maize
John Rivera Sedlar’s fresh-corn tortillas are a sublime use of the quotidian grain—now he shows how you can make them at home.
Chef’s Table
What do culinary stars serve when they entertain at home? Five of the city’s best answer the question—with recipes.
Balsamic
One chef proves aged Italian vinegar wields the power to uniquely juxtapose flavors.
Cool Factor
Nothing’s better in August than a tall, cold one—see how bartenders across the U.S. take the pause that refreshes.
The Smoking Gun
With its origins in the smokiest of spirits, this combination of rum and bitters is right on target.
Pickle Back
A two-fisted combo of Jameson Irish whiskey and pickle juice—how can you go wrong?
Sherry Reconsidered
It’s long been revered as a spirit—now today’s cocktalians are giving the libation a second go-round in eight delectable recipes.
Martini
An evolution that expands the definition of a classic cocktail; plus, five recipes.
Holiday Gift Guide
The second annual compendium of unique holiday gifts for the pickiest people in your life, each sure to hit just the right note.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Collective Good Taste
There are only two rules of cooking club: (1) You do not talk about cooking club, (2) and never leave without setting a date for the next cooking club.
Cognac Cocktails
It's better late than never, as the venerable spirit makes is reinvigorated in cocktails by the Roger Room’s Damian Windsor.
The Perfect Cup
The great coffee debate still brews, but one purveyor translates the new wave of coffee roasting into a potent potable.
Sorriso Cocktail
Francesco Lafranconi melds gin, vodka, sweet sherry and maraschino liqueur to create a cocktail that is both complex and perfectly balanced.
Rum Runner
The premier cocktailians of Caña put their own inimitable L.A. spin on what was once the drink of the tropics.
Haute Coffee
If you are looking for a great cup of java, check out these recommendations from our resident coffee connoisseurs.
True to Form Eddy Sykes
Owner of ChersonProm, Sykes dreams of design that is moving in every sense of the word—and everything he turns out proves it.
True to Form Meier/Ferrer
Proof that two halves do make a whole, especially when it comes to designing spectacular elemental furniture.
A Taste of Pinot Paradise
Santa Barbara is pinot noir heaven, but just which one is best? We give 'em a taste test.
Paradise Poured
Tiki is back—5 recipes you'll remember, reimagined for a new generation.
Close to Home
Longtime friends Sally Horchow and Lulu Powers find the best bashes can be had right in one's own backyard, with local food including Oxnard strawberries, produce from the Hollywood Farmers' Market, Harrison Clarke Rosé from Santa Ynez and Redwood Hill Farm cheeses.
Perfume for the Palate
Histoires de Parfums masters Gérald Ghislain and Magali Sénéquier inspire the ultimate scent-driven dinner party, proving "without the aroma, there is no flavor."
palate—July 2009
Lora Zarubin's picks for the best snacks and beverages for summer, including Spanish beers, Sue Moore's top dogs in Glendale, Scoops gelato and Argentine grilling.
Ojai’s Main Squeeze
Lora Zarubin's love of all things citrus leads to some inspirational cooking with tangerines, grapefruits, oranges and more. Recipes for spot prawn paella and tangerine negronis included.
And the Award for Best Menu...
It’s easy to forget that Oscar parties didn't really exist before Wolfgang Puck über-agent Swifty Lazar and began hosting their annual events.
Gentle Feast
Kathy Freston celebrates the holidays with friends over a sumptuous vegan meal prepared by famed chef Tal Ronnen.
Almost Heaven
Elizabeth Poett continues a famly tradition of organic-beef farming at Rancho San Julien near Santa Barbara.
