2013 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards

Ok so this is like the foodie world’s Oscar.  It’s intense.  A number of amazing people won but this is my one big shout-out - if you ever end up in TN, please good lord make your way to Blackberry Farm.  I’ve been multiple times and it’s simply one of the most fun, delightful, delicious experiences I’ve ever had.  Click thru to all the winners via Eater.

Best Chef: Southeast - Joseph Lenn @ The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN.

Connie & Ted’s

Eater National claims this is the next hot, super anticipated restaurant in LA.  Who’s going to try it out first and let us know what they think?  :)  Click-thru for their top picks across the country.

Connie & Ted’s

Chef: Michael Cimarusti
Projected Opening: May

Chef Michael Cimarusti is on the verge of opening his new seafood-centric concept Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood this month in a building that Eater LA describes as the “seafood shack of the future.” Despite the untraditional digs, the Providence chef intends to focus on the classics such as lobster rolls, fried fish sandwiches, clam steamers and more. Also: burgers and steaks.

eatplusdrink:

Stella Barra

I’ve been in love with Stella Rosa in Santa Monica for awhile now.  Amazing pizzas, great drinks, decent wines and probably the best burrata appetizer I’ve EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.  Yes, you heard me.  THE BEST.  I just want to take it and smear it all over me so I can love on it 24/7.  Oh wait, I digress.

Stella Rosa has a paternal twin in Hollywood.  Not an identical twin but they look an awful lot alike.  Stella Barra is Chef Jeff Mahin’s Hollywood version of Stella Rosa.  The pizzas are there but they’ve added a few more things in - like lunch and breakfast.  Sounds like a must-go to me!

Stella Barra

6372 West Sunset Blvd.

Between North Cahuenga & Vine

(323)301-4001

Stella Barra

I’ve been in love with Stella Rosa in Santa Monica for awhile now.  Amazing pizzas, great drinks, decent wines and probably the best burrata appetizer I’ve EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.  Yes, you heard me.  THE BEST.  I just want to take it and smear it all over me so I can love on it 24/7.  Oh wait, I digress.

Stella Rosa has a paternal twin in Hollywood.  Not an identical twin but they look an awful lot alike.  Stella Barra is Chef Jeff Mahin’s Hollywood version of Stella Rosa.  The pizzas are there but they’ve added a few more things in - like lunch and breakfast.  Sounds like a must-go to me!

Stella Barra

6372 West Sunset Blvd.

Between North Cahuenga & Vine

(323)301-4001

eatplusdrink:

Bespoke Post for Eat+Drink

I am in love with Bespoke Post.  I have exacting taste so you know it’s that good.  And now we have hooked up a special deal for all you Eat+Drink-ers!  

What do they do?  Bespoke Post puts together themed boxes with sweet products from cool brands. If you don’t like a box, you can skip it free of charge.  

The cost? $45 a month and the value of the box is $70-$130.

What’s in it? A few of the boxes I have received are in the shots above. Coffee, charcuterie, salt…many boxes revolve around some type of food, wine or spirit. In December I received the MOST amazing, custom made for Bespoke Post wine decanter I’ve ever seen. I use it as often as possible and amaze everyone. 

Why you have to have it? I have had more conversation starters because of these boxes than you can imagine. I actually opened one box in the middle of a dinner party just to show everyone how awesome it was. It’s worth the $ in spades.

Why you are so lucky.  I received last month’s box - ‘Cue - and went nuts.  It’s all about BBQ and grilling.  The spices just make you want to breathe them in all day.  Bespoke Post has sent me ANOTHER ‘Cue box to give away to a lucky Eat+Drink Supper Clubber at next month’s dinner.  That June 8th dinner with Chef Jocelyn Guest is all about grilling and meat - we’re going to roast an entire pig!

What do you need to do?  If you can’t wait until June 8th to see if you will win a free box, you can sign-up for your own subscription now and get 15% off your first box.  Just use the Promo Code EATDRINK when you sign up on their website.  That’s it, that’s all you have to do to have some of the coolest products I’ve seen!

Bespoke Post for Eat+Drink

I am in love with Bespoke Post.  I have exacting taste so you know it’s that good.  And now we have hooked up a special deal for all you Eat+Drink-ers!  

What do they do?  Bespoke Post puts together themed boxes with sweet products from cool brands. If you don’t like a box, you can skip it free of charge.  

The cost? $45 a month and the value of the box is $70-$130.

What’s in it? A few of the boxes I have received are in the shots above. Coffee, charcuterie, salt…many boxes revolve around some type of food, wine or spirit. In December I received the MOST amazing, custom made for Bespoke Post wine decanter I’ve ever seen. I use it as often as possible and amaze everyone. 

Why you have to have it? I have had more conversation starters because of these boxes than you can imagine. I actually opened one box in the middle of a dinner party just to show everyone how awesome it was. It’s worth the $ in spades.

Why you are so lucky.  I received last month’s box - ‘Cue - and went nuts.  It’s all about BBQ and grilling.  The spices just make you want to breathe them in all day.  Bespoke Post has sent me ANOTHER ‘Cue box to give away to a lucky Eat+Drink Supper Clubber at next month’s dinner.  That June 8th dinner with Chef Jocelyn Guest is all about grilling and meat - we’re going to roast an entire pig!

What do you need to do?  If you can’t wait until June 8th to see if you will win a free box, you can sign-up for your own subscription now and get 15% off your first box.  Just use the Promo Code EATDRINK when you sign up on their website.  That’s it, that’s all you have to do to have some of the coolest products I’ve seen!

eatplusdrink:

Eat+Drink Supper Club!!

This past weekend was our 2nd (and 3rd) supper clubs.  We had a preview dinner on Friday for 14 people and the big kahuna on Saturday with 30 people.  What amazing nights!!!  Chef Eric Nelson Brown’s 7-course sushi extravaganza with sake pairings was over the top.  The people were delightful.  The evening was crisp, clean and beautiful.  What more could we want?  Nothing, nothing at all.  

We can’t wait for the next one - a whole pig roast - on June 8th with Chef Jocelyn Guest.  Keep an eye out for the invite coming soon!!

Here are all the Eat+Drink pics in one spot!!

Eat+Drink Supper Club!!

This past weekend was our 2nd (and 3rd) supper clubs.  We had a preview dinner on Friday for 14 people and the big kahuna on Saturday with 30 people.  What amazing nights!!!  Chef Eric Nelson Brown’s 7-course sushi extravaganza with sake pairings was over the top.  The people were delightful.  The evening was crisp, clean and beautiful.  What more could we want?  Nothing, nothing at all.  

We can’t wait for the next one - a whole pig roast - on June 8th with Chef Jocelyn Guest.  Keep an eye out for the invite coming soon!!