Lights! Camera! Action! Universal Studios Hollywood opens April 16th! The theme park fairies have been hard at work this past year creating new rides (The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash) and new ‘guest stars’ (Jurassic World—The Ride, Indominus Rex an alarming realistic new dinosaur) and spiffing up the park. It pays to be an Angeleno, because the park is open only to California residents right now. Tickets go on sale April 8th – bring the kids and grandkids!

If you’re missing your Krusty Burger from Springfield USA (The Simpson’s) fish and chips at Three Broomsticks (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) or need a Minion Cafe fix of Hazelnut Banana Pudding, “Taste of Universal” is for you. Taste is a separate ticketed event of all day shopping and dining in the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. New dates are April 9,10, 11. Special discounts for kids. You don’t have to wait for the park to open to have fun, because Universal City Walk and Universal Cinemas are open now for casual visits. Many restaurants have outdoor dining and some indoor seating. The folks in charge have all of the safety measures in place in time for our glorious Spring weather.

Limited guest capacity, so purchase tickets (beforehand) for the park or “Taste of Universal.” 

Located in downtown’s City Market South is the site of Los Angeles’s original wholesale farmer’s market. Rossoblu’s open kitchen, marbled serpentine bar, and starry-lit vaulted dining room create a convivial dining environment. The outdoor piazza allows al fresco diners to feel far removed from the nearby city bustle. An intimate downstairs wine cellar offers a glimpse into the chef’s pasta workshop and butcher box.

Rossoblu tells the story of the two places chef Steve Samson considers home: Los Angeles and Bologna. This is an homage to Samson’s heritage, inspired by childhood memories of summers spent in Bologna and its surrounding region, Emilia Romagna. The food here is absolutely delicious. Everything is served family style so you have the opportunity to try multiple items (a win in my book!). The menu features handmade pastas, market fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The pasta that blew my mind was the Maltagliati with pioppini mushrooms, saba, dandelion greens, and Parmigiano Reggiano! The wine list features unique Italian and Californian varietals with a sharp focus on Emilia Romagna’s famed Lambrusco. The service was impeccable. Our server was super attentive and kept checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. The owner of the restaurant stopped by and was very friendly and warm. You really feel welcome!

Rossoblu is located at 1124 San Julian Street in Los Angeles.

Back when we could throw house parties I was in search of a fun food truck to hire and came across The Burrata House truck – I’ve been a huge fan ever since!  I was delighted to learn that they are a westside eatery as well with a cute little spot on Motor Avenue.  This became one of our go-to to-go spots during quarantine – especially with their extensive hours of operation – their window is open until 10pm pm weeknights and 1am on weekends.

Basically you can get your creamy and delicious Di Stefano burrata ball one of three ways.  Served over freshly made orecchiette with classic sauces.  They have some serious Bolognese sauce with prosciutto, bresaola, pork and beef.  For vegetarians they offer Basil & Tomato or their Signature Pesto.  They have a super fun Panini menu with a choice of Italian meats, or grilled veggies, turkey, caprese style (my favorite), even sashimi style or with caviar!  All served on a perfectly toasted Rosetta Bread.  Their most picturesque presentations however are the salad bowls.   Beautiful arrangements with all those same choices as above served on top of field greens with an organic tomato medley, arugula and Farro. Those looking for a gluten-free option can request gluten-free quinoa instead. (Eastsiders – keep your fingers crossed for the reopening of their covid-closed Hollywood & Highland location.)

For details, click here.

We’re venturing out now to safe Sunday brunch, and the coast is prime territory. Terraces, patios overlooking the ocean, fresh air moving around and a limited number of tourists. Until recently, the number of restaurants still in business from Santa Monica to Malibu with open-air seating was limited and even then, it took a few hours on the phone to get a reservation. Brunch last Sunday at The Courtyard at One Pico was an absolute delight. Normally the white tablecloth restaurant at Shutters on the Beach has floor to ceiling windows for pelican and people watching. Now, the inner brick courtyard to the hotel has been transformed into a charming, spacious dining garden under the shade of the huge ficus tree. Seated no more than 50 yards from the shoreline, you’re sheltered from wind by the hotel, yet experience the coast from your table.

Brunch is an opportunity for restaurants to get lazy, but you won’t experience that at One Pico. Homemade banana bread, freshly-baked brioche for your gravlax, lobster benedict, and chicken and waffles are on the menu; we shared a dozen oysters, the gravlax and Wagyu burgers. The wine and brunch drinks list is fantastic, with four bubbles by the glass. I noticed people at the next table not sharing their Green Apple Raisin Cobblers with vanilla bean ice cream. Can’t blame them, it’s that good.

For details, click here.