Kathy A. McDonald

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo at Far Bar in Little Toyko; Credit: Kathy A. McDonald

Sake Fuels Japan's Recovery + A Few Local Events

This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of the March 11 catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that so terribly damaged Japan. Food-safety issues and scares -- particularly around the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor -- remain in the news. Although Japan's traditional sake brewers were hard hit (and 250 breweries directly affected),......
Inside the Colorado Wine Company; Credit: Colorado Wine Company

Colorado Wine Company Celebrates 7 Years

There is no seven-year itch for the Colorado Wine Company. The Eagle Rock wine shop is more popular than ever with customers who are drawn to owner Jen Morgan and John Nugent's all-inclusive approach to selling wine and the unpretentious vibe of their weekly wine tastings. "I would say it's......
In the vineyard with The Bachelor and partners; Credit: Sonoma Magazine

Ben Flajnik: Winemaker First, TV's The Bachelor Second

Most people dream of quitting their day job to be on TV. ABC's The Bachelor Ben Flajnik says his reality star turn is a means to an end: His heart is in winemaking. (He auditioned for The Bachelorette originally as a way to pursue winemaking full-time). After his proposal was......
Locally caught Pacific lobsters at the Hollywood Farmers Market; Credit: Kathy A. McDonald

Spiny Lobster Season Now in Los Angeles

Although California in the midst of Pacific lobster season, it's surprisingly hard to find the hyper-local crustacean at area fish markets or restaurants. That's because the bulk of SoCal's most abundant and sustainable seafood has become an in-demand and pricey export to Asian countries. No plans for a trip to......
tuna tartare from the Four Seasons' Film Feast menu; Credit: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Film Feast: Dinner and More Than 195 Movies

Santa Barbara's International Film Festival (SBIFF) echoes Cannes' famed film festival -- both are held in lovely seaside towns betwixt mountains and the ocean, stars come out in force and there is ample fresh local seafood. But unlike the French Riviera version, SBIFF prix fixe menus are deals: For the......