The iconic Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer nights in Los Angeles. I have wonderful memories of sitting in a box, listening to the LA Philharmonic and having an incredible meal thanks to James Beard Award-winning Chef Suzanne Goin and Sommelier Caroline Styne. Even though the season is cancelled, you can still bring the Bowl experience into your home thanks to the newly launched Hollywood Bowl (Food + Wine) Supper To Go.

I recently ordered their BBQ dinner for two; it was so easy to order online with a 45-minute pick up time window and totally contactless. What a feast: fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, beef brisket, cheddar rolls, coleslaw, greens, and for dessert, an incredible berry buckle. Their menu options feature six different three-course meals plus a la carte selections like a vegetarian Moroccan specialty, Alaskan halibut and for your sweet tooth you can choose their chocolate chip cookies or a decadent salted caramel brownie. To enhance your experience, I recommend letting Caroline pick a bottle of wine to pair with your meal from her curated list of fine spirits. If you’re a small crowd (safely social distancing), try the Ultimate Wine Package with hand-picked bottles of Rose, Prosecco, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Turn up the stereo or ask Alexa to play the LA Philharmonic, sit under the stars and enjoy dinner thanks to Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine.

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop, with locations throughout Los Angeles (including Venice, Costa Mesa, Century City, Hollywood, and USC Village), has opened its newest restaurant on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. GGC creates an authentic community-based dining experience with the freshest, highest quality, and most delicious food that’s good for you too! Their motto is, “Eat Well. Live Well.” They are committed to always using the healthiest and finest local ingredients combined with gourmet cooking techniques which allow them to serve patrons an affordable yet creative dining experience. The menu features hot plates, sandwiches, and tacos, as well as grain bowls and burgers, but the “build your own” salads are what it’s really all about at Greenleaf, offering patrons the chance to create their own bowls by choosing from all sorts of different leaves, toppings, proteins, and dressings. 

Other delicious treats include three different paninis, a turkey melt on pretzel bread, and angus, turkey, and veggie burgers. The brunch menu includes something called Smashed Avocado Toast (I love that name!). All locations have full bars featuring fresh craft cocktails (The Bees Knees, Greenleaf Mule, Stiff & Skinny) made with natural ingredients. On Wine Wednesdays you can enjoy 50% off all bottles of wine! Outdoor patio seating and an on-site chef’s garden make Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop the equivalent of a modern farm stand! There’s even a kid’s menu. Summertime is here, and what’s better than dining by the beach? 

In 1945, friends and business partners Nate Rimer and Al Mendelson opened the doors of their original delicatessen on North Beverly Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Through the years, it has been the place to go for classic deli favorites. Now under the ownership of longtime customers Shelli and Irving Azoff, the restaurant was reportedly set to relocate to the former Wolfgang’s Steakhouse a block away on Canon Drive, with the original menu and staff remaining in place. On March 29 of this year as the coronavirus pandemic changed the world, the LA Times reported that the legendary eatery would be closing. The story caused quite a commotion … a great deal of confusion and consternation ensued about whether or not the closing was temporary or permanent.

I am happy to report the wonderful news that Nate ‘n Al’s is once again open, at its original location (414 N. Beverly Drive), for pick-up and delivery! The to-go menu includes breakfast favorites, salads, classic sandwiches, potato latkes, corned beef brisket, pastrami, smoked fish, and much more. I had lunch there with a couple of friends just days before the world changed and was reminded what a great place it is. The food is top notch, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is friendly and fun. I can’t wait until we’re able to safely gather in public again so I can return. In the meanwhile, it’s bagels and knishes to go!

To order to go, click here.

My parents have been living in Simi Valley for over 25 years and I can’t believe my dad and I had never explored Green Acres Farm and Market. It’s an amazing specialty meat market (in business for over 50 years!) located on Los Angeles Avenue in the heart of Simi. Recently, I finally decided I needed to try it and I’m so glad I did! Think of it as a crazy over-the-top Italian deli but showcasing barbecue. It’s a butcher shop on steroids! They can easily be called “sausage kings” when you see their assortment of house made options. In its very impressive meat counter you will find steaks galore, seafood, many variations of pork, and prepared meats marinated in their signature sauce and ready to go for the barbecue. Wow!

As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed by the menu options. I decided on what they seemed to be best known for – the BBQ Tri Tip sandwich with tender well- seasoned beef and choice of barbecue sauce or au jus beef dip. I opted for the dip and it was super delicious. I also had to go with what I know, the Italian Submarine, which was jammed packed with the usual salami, ham, provolone, and pepperoncini. It was very good, but the signature sandwich as the way to go. Try it!

Green Acres Market is located at 2918 E Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.