Susan Hornik

Let’s face it, mariscos, mole, carnitas and cochinita pibil all taste better when a band of mariachis enthusiastically performs in front of you. Dressed in the vibrant traje de charro, you can’t help but be mesmerized as each vocalist takes turns showing off their musical prowess, whether onstage or weaving through the restaurant’s tables....

Savvy L.A. bartenders do more than make great drinks — they create experiences. Nowhere was that more apparent than at Art Beyond the Glass, the annual cocktail culture community event that brings together 100-plus mixologists flaunting their artistry outside of their bars....

While Los Angeles has never had a Woodstock, we do have Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco Weekend, a two-day event that brings together people, numerous musical genres and, of course, delicious food. Reflecting a diverse lineup, the festival’s culinary choices are a foodie melting pot of ethnic deliciousness....

Chez Melange owner Michael Franks and co-owner/chef Robert Bell have been thrilled with the success of their Redondo Beach bistro, but their real joy stems from a quaint garden at the former Valmonte Elementary School site.The duo started the Seed to Plate Garden program to build a self-sustaining work environment for special needs students. “I wanted children growing up to understand that food does not come just from the supermarket,” Bell says. “Where it begins is much more exciting. For young people to see vegetables growing, for them to taste something just off the vine, is a life-changing experience. That’s what I wanted them to have.”...

Just the mention of Spam on a menu may make some people ... less hungry. Nevertheless, Top Chef season 14 winner Brooke Williamson is out to change your perception of the canned meat product. At their cozy, casual Playa Vista cafe, Da Kikokiko (it means “the spot” in Hawaiian), the veteran celebrity chef and her co-chef husband, Nick Roberts, offer two Spamlicious items....

Legends Hospitality general manager Chris McConnaughey shared his vision for the food area with L.A. Weekly: “Primarily, to have the best selection of delicious, craved items for fans and make their match day and entertainment experiences memorable.”...

On any other day, blankets, CBD and ice cream might not automatically be your first thought for a collab, but it’s 4/20, so why not have some cuddle time at your local Van Leeuwen store?...

While many Coachella-goers want to follow in Beyoncé’s footsteps and go vegan, there still are plenty of meat lovers searching for noteworthy dishes to satisfy their carnivorous cravings....

Coachella these days is as much about the food as it is the music; the challenge lies in how to change it up each year and still keep it fresh....