The James Beard Foundation awards semi-finalists were revealed today, and Los Angeles is well-represented in the categories, with some beloved local chefs and restaurants in line for the much-deserved recognition.
L.A. Represent! James Beard Foundation Awards Semi-Finalists Announced
Food Luminaries Fête Ruth Reichl and Gilt Taste
When world leaders and royal newlyweds come to Los Angeles, streets close down, and mayhem ensues. When one of America's foremost food writers comes to town, we eat! Such was the case last week when Ruth Reichl presided over a luxe feast at Osteria Mozza for some of the city's most celebrated chefs and food media personalities.
What, No Orange Crocs? Mario Batali Launches Foursquare Badge, Deals at Local Restaurants
When you "check in" to Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, you know co-owner Chef Mario Batali is in the house when his orange crocs are on the wall by the door. Now, when you are in the house at the Mozza restaurants, the house will know you are there if you check in on Foursquare, and you can get a badge and some specials for your technological tendencies.
Dining Noise: Loud & Proud or Quiet & Quaint?
It's an age-old discussion in Los Angeles (and many foodie cities across the globe) that's front and center once again now that a few noisy eateries have become hot spots: how loud is simply too loud for dinner and drinks?
Recession Obsession: Mozza2GoHome
LAist loves the pizza you can take home from Mozza2Go (see, see more.) Actually, we love their entire 2go menu. The take-out arm of Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza isn't a traditional pick, but it's this week's Recession Obsession.
Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza to Take Credit/Debit for Valet Parking
Should this be one of those "that's so L.A." moments or a "why wasn't this done years ago" moments? For those of you who always carry plastic and never cash, this should be convenient, at least when you visit Nancy Silverton, Mario Batalli & Joe Bastlanich's Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza restaurants.
Osteria Mozza: Still a Big Deal
On March 5th, I called Osteria Mozza to make a reservation for April 5th (they only take reservations a month in advance.) I thought I would call at lunchtime when they would first be open. A critical mistake. Turns out that the reservation line for both Mozzas opens at 10 am. I could get 5:30 or 9:45. Not being a New Yorker, I took the earlier time.
What travel writers are saying about us
This week, Fodor's online published a little Q & A with editor Jennifer Paull who recently spent a long weekend in our dear city. She wanted to catch up on all that's been recently new to her as a frequent(ish) tourist. Among that was the Griffith Observatory, The Getty Villa, restaurants Osteria Mozza and Röckenwagner Café in Venice and Moss, the high-design housewares store on Melrose. What caught our attention the most, though, was her...
Foodie Round-Up: We Stomach LA
Our lovely and talented sister publication Gothamist interviewed Chef Dan Barber about the Farm Bill and the "Omnivore's Dilemma" effect and how food policy and activism is changing the culinary face of the nation. Jeffrey Steingarten always says that New York tap is his favorite kind of water. The New York Times agrees with him. Is this enough to get you drinking LA City tap? The LA Times now features quick cooking how-to videos...
Foodie Round-up: Craft LA! Osteria Mozza! FRENZY!
- Do you think Jamie Oliver is cute? We do. We also think he's a great cook. Check out this clip featuring his Lamb Curry Song. Curry looks great, the singing? Not so much. - EaterLA has worked itself into a frenzy over two new celeb chef restaurants: here's their first peeks into Craft LA and Osteria Mozza. So far Craft is winning the war of the reservation line. - Jonathan Gold loves The...
Open, Open, Open! We Can't Wait For Your Opening Date(s)!
Here are a few spots for eats and drinks that we are looking forward to seeing open: 1. We were very excited to pass on to you that last month was National Grilled Cheese Month, and now we're gearing up for the impending opening of Culver City's Meltdown, which is a (mostly) grilled cheese eatery that's slated to open as early as this week. Their menu, which is available online, looks like an ooey-gooey...

