Elise Thompson

As part of Zagat Presents, RH at the Andaz Hotel offered "French Farming", a four course prix fixe dinner last Tuesday night. Executive chef Sebastien Archambault took advantage of the best products available from local farmers to create dishes featuring the flavors of southwest France. LAist was invited to the swoon-worthy dinner, which included truffles, foie gras, duck confit and fine wine pairings. One of us went off the set menu, trying a foie gras...

The Patina Restaurant Group has catered the Emmys for 14 years and for the first time, Pinot Bistro will be offering the same Emmys Governors Ball menu the stars will be enjoying tonight. The special Emmys prix fixe dinner will be offered from Sept 21 to the 27. The Governor's Ball menu features an appetizer of "Flavors from the Farmers Market" including spectacular heirloom tomatoes, filet mignon with a noteworthy polenta ravioli and a bombe-like...

Today L.A.’s most-awarded winery will hold a " “Taste of the Americas ” Food and Wine Festival. It is the second of three festivals held at the San Antonio Winery this summer. Lunch will include food from North, South and Central Americas. Almost a dozen wines of the Americas will be available for tasting. The event runs from 2pm to 5pm today and is priced at 50. per person, reasonable, considering the amount of...

Every foodie in LA was giddy with excitement about the recent opening of Mozza2Go. And who could blame them? Waiting for a table at Mozza meant standing around feeling stupid, blocking the front door or bathrooms while using your mind control powers to try to make diners leave the bar. Thankfully Mozza2Go arrived to save us. Yes, they have the amazing and creatively topped pizzas on Nancy Silverton's perfect crust, they have Mario's lasagne and...

Another winner from the world of retail. This little tableau comes courtesy of the toy section in the local Target store. Children are so imaginative. They just do the most adorable things. But I think a child psychologist might find this scene interesting during their role playing. Did some little girl read Hansel and Gretel one too many times? Is the dolly the evil witch? Or is it a scene straight out of suburbia? Daddy doll ran off with his secretary doll. Mommy doll has run out of her little yellow doll pills

Osborn Architects, who promote Green Buildings and LEED certification, turned their parking space into a bucolic pasture with chaise lounges for harried workers to relax in during their hectic day. The whimsical draw were the cows frolicking in the meadow, blown around by the wind so they appeared to be playing. "Dream(ing) on Brand" is a "radical intervention that represents the potential at hand for quieter, more pastoral encounters with urban public space." This installation,...

Last weekend Saint Sophia's parish was an extravaganza of dancing, music, and feasting as they hosted the LA Greek Fest 2009. Other events included cooking demonstrations, children's carnival rides and games, raffles, theater, workshops and a Latina Salsa Show (hunh). OK, so let's talk food. Inside the hall they served a set price Greek dinner including dolmathes (Grape leaves stuffed with rice, meat and spices), salad, chicken or lamb. The pastries were astounding, as always....

Your dream has come true. You finally meet that special guy. It's the third date. Time to seal the deal. He takes you out for a fancy dinner, or maybe he even cooks for you. Maybe a walk under the moonlight, or along the beach. He takes you back to his place. Soft music low on the stereo, a bottle of wine. The making out is hot and heavy. You look deep into his eyes. This could be the one. You both stumble, undressing into the bedroom. And then you get a good look at the sheets.

"OUT OF SERVICE" was also spray-painted by hand all over the side windows. They really meant it. It must still be an official vehicle. I mean, before they would re-sell a sheriff's vehicle, wouldn't they do a little more than that? Maybe it was the most ingenius car thief ever. He could just spray-paint "NOT A STOLEN CAR" and hey, no questions asked. So this vehicle is temporarily out of service and they really...

Allee Willis is a lot of things - songwriter, artist, director, performer, hostess extraordinaire, and owner of a fab mid-centry modern home -- the list goes on. Personally, I love her for introducing me to Bud Cort and for writing "Boogie Wonderland". Just try to listen to that song and not boogie. Now Allee is taking on the internet. Her videos have already gone viral on YouTube, but this week she debuts the spectacular online...