Though it’s on the menu as “Mexican street corn” at La Fogata Grill (likely to not confuse the gringos, tourists and/or your mom), the entire reason a buddy and I visited the downtown eatery one recent night was to sample the elote. For those not familiar, elote is a real banger dish, a combo of grilled corn on the cob, mayo, butter, queso fresco and chile powder. It’s simple, sure, but nailing the proportions and grilling the corn just right isn’t the easiest thing. At La Fogata (Spanish for “The Fire”), it’s just one of the things the kitchen does exceedingly well. In other words, this one’s going on my list of regular haunts, even if post-pandemic inflation has tipped...
The past year was transformative for hotels around the world. In 2022, we discovered an array of new and reimagined properties poised to unlock destinations with points and miles, remake neighborhoods and reinvent the very concept of a hotel stay. These hotels included exciting luxury arrivals from some of our favorite hospitality brands, such as an architecturally striking Conrad outpost in Los Angeles, a design-forward Edition in Madrid and a decadent Rosewood in Vienna. We saw the Park Hyatt Chicago emerge from a brand-redefining renovation, while in the Galapagos, a boutique eco-lodge was reborn as a Hilton Curio Collection property. At the edge of a Florida theme park, meanwhile, our stay at the immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser transported us...
With COVID-19 restrictions easing, Christmastime at Southern California casinos is back to its regular delicious programming. On top of Christmas Day dining, some of the restaurants are offering Christmas Eve dinners for guests who prefer to splurge the night before. If going out is too much of a hassle, Agua Caliente Cathedral City, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage and Pechanga Resort Casino are also offering to-go meals. Pricing is per person unless otherwise noted. Each casino has a cut-off date for orders and in-person dining reservations, so contact the casino you plan to visit for the most updated information. Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City 68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. 888-999-1995 or aguacalientecasinos.com. Café One Eleven: A...
Yesterday we attended a kids’ Christmas cookie exchange at a friend’s house. The kids and I knew exactly the cookie we wanted to make, so for ease sake, I did a quick search on my blog to find my favorite Christmas cookie recipe only to realize I’ve never shared it on here before. What?! I’ve shared all my other childhood favorites, from marinated chicken and noodles to Suzie’s chicken and even my bro’s favorite Mexican dip. But not my favorite Christmas cookie? Well, that changes now. This cream cheese thumbprint Christmas cookie has been my favorite since childhood for a lot of reasons. I love the small size, the bright, happy aesthetic, the slight cream cheese flavor, and the fact...
(Sorry for the delay in posting - technical issues)The first Christmas-themed sweaters made an appearance in 1950, produced on a grand scale and quickly becoming popular, but it wasn‘t until the 1980s that the unique piece of clothing made a cultural impact, after appearing in different TV sitcoms.Shockingly, nearly six million dollars are spent during the holiday season on ugly Christmas sweaters. December 13, 303 -It the feast of St. Lucy (Santa Lucia) today. (Early depictions show Lucy offering her eyes on a platter; she is now the patron saint of Sicily and of Opticians.)Because her extreme beauty attracted too many admirers, Lucy gouged her own eyes out (she had body issues). Miraculously they grew back. After refusing to marry,...
