Food and Drink

Juan Martinez, the renowned mixologist from LA's newest hotspot restaurant and lounge Toca Madera and formerly of Cecconi's, has fashioned a signature margarita cocktail featuring DELEÓN® Tequila that enhances every aspect of the classic construction with farm-fresh local ingredients to create a flavor profile for the celebrated holiday that's a unique representation of the city of Los Angeles.

The star of the "Amante Picante Margarita" – and the leader of the complete DeLeón Tequila line-up – is the new Platinum. Un-aged and unrivaled in finish, DeLeón Platinum Tequila ($60 MSRP per 750ml), made from 100% Highland agave, is a provocative Blanco with a rich, complex agave honey that is slow-fermented and twice-distilled. Locally-sourced serrano pepper and cilantro add some Mexican spice to this cocktail as a not to LA's significant Mexican population and influence.

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 22 May 2015; Last Updated: 22 May 2015; Hits: 6949

Ok guys, I know usually talk of watching what you eat is typically the domain of women, but I am a fan of doing what you can without making sacrifices. I don't like sugar-free soda and I can't stand a lot of "healthy" meal choices because it feels like I am punishing myself with every bite. While that might work well for a few days or weeks, it isn't a sustainable solution to stay healthy.

For many years, Weight Watchers® has been a great source of inspiration for people looking to make healthy choices and I have a HUGE amount of respect for the organization because they recognize its about more than just "eliminate all the fat!". Instead, they have a focus on living a more healthy life through smart decisions including portion control. That's the same attitude that they have brought to their ice cream bars as well and I was honestly very impressed by what I sampled recently.

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 18 May 2015; Last Updated: 18 September 2020; Hits: 4666

It's almost summer and that means it's time to break out the grill again and hopefully shine as the dinner time hero you know you are. However, even the best grill masters out there didn't get that way without some practice, common sense, and advice passed down to them from their elders.

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 17 May 2015; Last Updated: 20 February 2021; Hits: 8770

San Diego's "festival" season is in full swing this month and between beer festivals it's great to try something different. The San Diego Tacos and Tequila Festival helped celebrate two of the other great things about San Diego, while raising some great money for the Front Burner Fund, which provides assistance back of house restaurant staff for health care costs and emergency medical needs.

The 2015 festival included 12 mixologists drawing from some of San Diego's best bars and 15 different food vendors (mostly tacos, but also cupcakes and ice cream).

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 09 May 2015; Last Updated: 19 September 2020; Hits: 5072

Spring is a time of new beginnings, of new relationships and one of the peak wedding seasons. Let's take a step back in time though ... before wives and girlfriends, before kids, to a time when all that mattered was a quick and easy dinner with minimal cleanup that tasted awesome and could be made for just one person. When meals consisted of frozen entrees and freezer fries?

Do you remember those bachelor days now?