• Tidbits & Kudos

    • ra-sushi-crazy-monkey-roll.gifHuntington Beach awaits the exciting opening of RA Sushi on December 15 at The Strand. The 5,300 sq ft venue focuses around a 20,000 gallon saltwater aquarium, topped with a vibrant party ambiance. … - Read More »
    • 08-12pg04primecut_rendering.jpgMohammed "Mo" Iqbal former (1994-1995) president of Family Restaurants Inc.'s Mexican dinnerhouse division – El Torito/ChiChi’s is soon (Dec. 2008) to open his dream restaurant, Prime Cut Café & Wine Bar. Affordable luxury dining at … - Read More »
    • 08-12pg05back-bay-bistro-30.jpgIn celebration of their 50th anniversary Back Bay Bistro at Newport Dunes underwent a ground up $2 million renovation designed by Style Interior Design, which has been named one of the nation's top … - Read More »
    • cale3.jpgCongratulations go out to Casa Laguna Inn and Spa in Laguna Beach, Lead Chef Cale Falk and Proprietor Paul Blank for their participation in the Inn-Credible Breakfast Cook-Off.  The competition was held to … - Read More »
    • On October 27, 2008 El Cholo honored all local heroes-teachers, police officers, firefighters by providing meals on them! In addition, all proceeds from meal sales that night were donated to children's charities. www.elcholo.com - Read More »
    • Opening their doors in June 1984, The Newport Rib Company in Costa Mesa will be celebrating it's 25th Anniversary with its two other sister companies located in Long Beach and Ladera Ranch.  The Newport Rib Companies will celebrate … - Read More »
    • When art and food come together, they really know how to pull it off! World renowned abstract expressionist, Palo Uber will be showcasing his work at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, through the end of … - Read More »
    • Great news for our friends at Golden Spoon! The largest frozen yogurt chain in California by sales volume, has signed a development agreement with Pacific Yogurt Partners to develop 30 additional Golden Spoon franchise locations in the greater … - Read More »
    • Currently, The Veggie Grill has two current located in Irvine and El Segundo. Coming this November, a third location will open!  This restaurant dishes up a mean vegetarian and vegan menu with a lot of … - Read More »
    • Bravo Network is hosting another season of "Top Chef" in New York. The new season is to premiere on Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 10 pm ET/PT. Congratulations to all 17 chef contestants and a special "HURRAY" … - Read More »
    • The Orange County Weekly has announced Avanti Cafe to be the best restaurant of 2008. Congratulations to Avanti for winning an exceptional award! - Read More »
    • OC's Melting Pot goes political! Guests wearing "I Voted" stickers on the night of the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election will receive Election-Night Dinner specials. Offering red, white, and blue cocktails, along with door prizes and rewards for political … - Read More »
    • T&T (Tacos & Tequila) is Now Open at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Offering a high-engery atmosphere with a deliciously sexy menu, T&T shows off its' style by combining fun, electricfying vibes, sensational flavors of traditional and modern Mexican … - Read More »
    • San Francisco's mini-burger flipping extravagansa, BEST-O-BURGER, is celebrating their 100,000th burger! The craze?--they just opened in May! Our excited congratulations to partners Steve Weber and Nick Graham for developing such a fun and successful concept. Another burger please!Read More »
    • Enter to show off your HOT cooking with The Food Network. Auditions will run through the end of October so sharpen those knifes, grill up the stove, and listen loudly as Great Taste Magazine cheers you on! For … - Read More »
    • Formally known website, CookedApple, has changed their name! Now known as MenuCalc, this online tool helps to bring the nutritional calculator straight to your kitchen using cutting edge results. Now that Gov. Schwarzenegger has passed for all California … - Read More »
    • Chef Phil Knoke gets locked up and he likes it! To be released on good behavior, Knoke must raise bail. Donations may be made to SITE, will be given to help families in our community. For more information … - Read More »
    • The well-known Yard House franchise is excited to introduce new menu items and pint-size desserts in efforts to help with the local economical status of their guests. Items added range from delicious Chix Tortilla Soup to Spicy Jambalaya. … - Read More »
    • With the help of committed volunteers, together the Crow Bar & Kitchen and Share Our Strength are working hard to ensure that no kid is left hungry. Partnering with the national organization, Crow Bar & Kitchen will be … - Read More »
    • Friday, September 19th, Restaurant Sushiamba truly knew how to ring in the celebration. With over 40 geishas, taiko drummers and samba dancers, the entertainment kept the attendees' wanting more. Celebrity guest appearances set the red carpet on fire … - Read More »

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Honga’s Lotus Petal

Honga’s Lotus Petal by Honga Im Hopgood is a collection of Pan-Asian recipes featuring entrees from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and even a few Polynesian delicacies. A quick flip through this 200-page hard bound book and it’s easy to see that the photography is just as appealing as the recipes themselves which are very user friendly with little tips mentioned throughout denoted by a lotus leaf.

 Honga Im Hopgood has visited the kitchens of chefs in Korea as well as through five-star kitchens in Thailand, food carts in Bangkok and the streets of Vietnam. From her travels she eventually opened her own restaurant in Telluride, Colorado which evolved into a popular establishment touted by many state and national publications including the New York Times. Overall the pages of this book are beautiful, and the recipes are eclectic and relatively light, making Honga’s Lotus Petal the perfect purchase if you’re looking for fresh ideas for summer.