Great Taste Magazine

This cocktail from Don Francisco Coffee is a perfect ending to meal or a treat for a cozy evening at home, served at shown with biscotti and macadamias.

• 1oz Frangelico
• 1oz Kahlua
• 3/4 oz Almond Syrup
• Don Francisco’s Coffee/Espresso
• Whipped Cream

Combine Frangelico, Kahlua and Almond Syrup in glass coffee mug. Fill with hot coffee or espresso. Top with whipped cream.

This beautifully-photographed coffee table volume by Jeff Morgan, the Domaine Chandon Cookbook, has 224 pages of California wine country cuisine from the venerable Domaine Chandon, French-owned winery of champagne style sparkling wines. The book’s introduction tells the story behind the vineyard’s creation in 1975. Read more »

- Scott Thomas Dolbee has returned to SoCal as the new Executive Chef of KITCHEN 1540 in L'Auberge Del Mar 1/23/12

- David Man  is now Executive Chef at The Island Hotel 1/15/12

- Benjamin Bailey has joined Cliff's Edge Restaurant in Silver Lake as Executive Chef 1/3/12

- Kenny Raponi has been promoted to Executive Chef at Tabu Grill 1/5/12

- Daniel Durfort is now Chef at Azusa  Pacific University 12/10/11

- David Man has taken over the Chef de Cuisine post at The Californian at Hyatt Huntington Beach 12/01/11

- Joshua Hasho has taken the reigns at Tabu Grill, Laguna Beach 11/01/11

- Ronnie Arnold has moved to the position of Banquet Chef for Iva Lee's 5/1/11

- Chris Tzorin is now Executive Chef at Digg's Huntington Beach 4/1/11

- James Harris is now Executive Chef at the Royal Hawaiian. 5/1/11

- Mitch Gillan has joined Sorrento Grille as Sous. 5/1/11 Read more »

From Napa north to Calistoga, the famed Napa Valley is bigger, wider and much more than I ever expected. More wineries, restaurants, shops and natural beauty than any article, book or TV review can cover. More wines to discover, restaurants to try, foods to savor and tasting rooms to visit exist than even its reputation promises. Read more »

January/February 2012
by Suzanna Hoang

In a town where the trees sway with cool, winter breezes, and the community shops, chats and eats along historic sidewalks, the perfectly situated Haven Gastropub fits right in. Like its home in Old Towne Orange, Haven settles right into the fabric of old-world coziness with a modern flair, like it was supposed to be there all along. Inside, with its stone and vintage wood interior, Haven is just as inviting as its address. Locals agree, with regulars coming in three to four times a week. Chef and partner Greg Daniels’ hard work and passion for life are two things that ring true for one of the hardest working men in Orange County. Read more »

Citrus is the winter fruit that keeps on giving. These juicy wonders brighten seafood, salads, meats and desserts. Versatile, the juice enhances sauces, the sections perk up any salad and the zests add aroma to any dish. In addition to vitamin C, citrus delivers potassium, folate, calcium, fiber and other nutrients.
Lemons and limes also make beautiful garnishes with their color, texture, fragrance and tartness. Balboa Bay Club Executive Chef Josef Lageder and Banquet Chef Michael Doyle shared some lovely citrus garnishes. According to Chef Lageder, all are simple enough to use in banquets. Read more »

Better than dessert, this cocktail from Don Francisco Coffee will suit coffee lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Second Crack

•   1 oz Kettle One Vodka

•   3/4 oz Caramel Syrup

•   3/4 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream

•   3/4 Frangelico

•   2 oz Don Francisco’s Espresso

•   Whipped Cream

Combine Kettle One, Caramel Syrup, Bailey’s, Frangelico and Espresso into shaker.  Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with whipped cream.

This cocktail is made with Wolfgang Puck Crème Caramel. All of Wolfgang Puck’s cold brewed iced coffees are brewed slowly with the cold brewed method producing a better taste than the usual hot brewed method. Cold brewing coffee makes a delicious beverage that is smooth, bold and extremely flavorful with less ‘bite’ and acidity than that of traditional, hot brewed coffee. Read more »