Jessica Ritz

Drinks and apps spread poolside at blue on blue's Chef's Cabana dinner.; Credit: Jessica Ritz

Summer Warm-Up: Where to Party Outdoors or on High for Memorial Day

Jessica Ritz
Even if pre-Memorial Day etiquette has been violated -- with white shoes and pants already busted out in advance of this weekend -- that doesn't mean the official start of summer is off limits. Outdoor eating, drinking and reveling is a longstanding Los Angeles tradition that should be honored. A......
Berrylicious fun; Credit: California Strawberry Festival

End of Week Agenda: A Brimming, Ripe, Juicy Calendar

Jessica Ritz
Mid-May is a busy time for food events around the L.A. area, y'all. To wit: Only about an hour drive north gets you to the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard. The big, juicy, seasonal fun goes from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; general admission is $12, and......
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Ludo Is Bringing Sexy and LudoBites Back to Breadbar

Jessica Ritz
The world of cooking and chefs always ebbs and flows in Los Angeles. Days after Chef de Cuisine Craig Strong announced his May 20 departure from The Dining Room at The Langham Huntington, another local fave reappears on the scene. The highly celebrated and sorely missed LudoBites series will be......
It looks serene

Break from beer and BBQ fests: Artisanal sake tasting at Gonpachi

Jessica Ritz
So many recent tasting events seem to be robust beer-and-barbecue affairs, so the sake-travaganza at Gonpachi tomorrow provides a welcome shift in tone and scenery. On Tuesday, May 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gonpachi on La Cienega, Joto Sake importers hosts an informational public sampling of small-batch sakes......
Royal/T: Gallery

Finding Mom's Inner Schoolgirl: Royal Mom Mother's Day Brunch at Royal/T

Jessica Ritz
Not every mom will be comfortable with mild exposure to Japanese fetish culture, but we know some moms who'd be into it. For them, we recommend Culver City's "Japanese-inspired maid café" Royal/T for your special Sunday activity. In its last incarnation, the Washington Boulevard building served as corporate offices for......