Category Archives: RESTAURANTS

BEN POREMBA and OLIO’S EGG SALAD RECIPE

Ben Poremba is a most unusual man–chef, restauranteur, entrepreneur, world traveler..well the list goes on. Sweet Leisure interview him and secured a recipe for one of his favorite dishes, Egg Salad as served at Ben’s Olio restaurant.

PORTO’S BAKERY & CAFE AND ROPA VIEJA

California’s iconic Porto’s Bakery & Cafes are now selling frozen goodies nationwide. These Bake at Home treats delight and we are grateful to have them available when not able to get to the bakery in person. On the other hand, the favorite Cuban dish, Ropa Vieja is only available in the cafe, but you can also make it at home as Porto’s gave us the recipe.

LONA’S LIL EATS DUMPLINGS

Lona Lou owns and runs the popular St. Louis restaurant Lona’s Lil Eats. Dumplings are among her most popular dishes and she serves two kinds: steak and mushroom. Here is a recipe for Lona’s dumplings with a mushroom filling.

GÖRLITZ, LUCIE SCHULTE AND TRIFLE

Görlitz, in Saxony, Germany, attracts the international film industry. Over 100 movies have been shot in the village, and the restaurant Lucie Schulte serves the cast and crews with a great deal of style. One of the restaurant’s best dishes is Poppy Seed Trifle–and here is the recipe…

KOBEE FACTORY’S KOBEE THREE WAYS

Wafa Ghreir, owner of Kobee Factory & Syrian Kitchen in Los Angeles, CA, shares her recipe for kobee (aka Kibbee, kibbeh, jubba) made three ways.

KITTY’S KAFE FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Kitty’s Kafe in Gulf Shores, Alabama serves the best, wickedly delicious, fried green tomatoes. Here’s the recipe…

GRAND RESIDENCES RIVIERA CANCUN AND COCKTAILS

Lately I’ve been dreaming of Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. It’s the 5-star resort where I would love to be confined. Beautiful suites. Lovely beach. Great pool. And best of all, unmatchable food and drink. As to cocktails, here are two recipes: the resort’s Habanero Margarita and the Almond Passion. Mmmmmm!

YUCA’S HUT COCHINITA PIBIL

    IMMIGRANT CHEF: SOCORRO HERRERA Yuca’s Hut Los Angeles, California Socorro Herrera was born in Mérida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State. Both ancient Mayas and Spanish conquistadors settled in Mérida leaving behind rich cultural characteristics that influenced Socorro as she grew up, married and started a family.  Seeking a “better education for her […]

A PERFECT MEZZE MEAL

Great ideas and recipes for a snazzy brunch or family dinner mezze meal. Concept copied from Toast Bakery Cafe and Ta-eem Grill in Los Angeles.

THE SOUTHERN GRIND COFFEE HOUSE’S BUTTERCREAM SUGAR COOKIES

The buttercream sugar cookies from The Southern Grind Coffee House in Gulf Shores, Alabama are as delicious as they are beautiful. The recipe can be altered to make perfect holiday cookies including those for Easter, Christmas and the Fourth of July. The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area includes many other delights, including oysters, a georgous beach, and The Lodge at Gulf State Park.