Posted on Apr 07, 2013 under Archives, Interviews, Other interesting people |
Norbert Wabnig
Born in Vienna, Norbert Wabnig and his family moved to New Orleans in 1955, but returned during summers to Vienna, where he apprenticed in the kitchen of his uncle Franz Blauensteiner’s restaurant, Gausthaus au Stadt Paris. After graduating from the University of New Orleans, Wabnig moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career with his band Wendell Nightfall Troupe. To support himself, he took a job at what is now The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, which he later bought in 1978.
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is amazing. I was lucky to sit down with Norbert, literally break bread and talk about cheese. Here is our chat:
Posted on Apr 20, 2012 under Archives, Chefs, Interviews, Other interesting people |
Joe Bastianich, cover of his new book Restaurant Man
I caught up with restaurateur, winemaker, and host of MasterChef US and MasterChef Italy Joe Bastianich on the new redesigned set of MasterChef in Culver City.
Bastianich, along with partners Mario Batali and his mother Lidia Bastianich – has established some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles including Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, Lupa Osteria Romana, Esca, Casa Mono, Bar Jamόn, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, Del Posto (New York), B&B Ristorante and Carnevino (Las Vegas) and Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles). The beginning of 2011 marked Bastianich and Batali’s first overseas venture with the opening of Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza in Singapore.
In summer 2010, Bastianich again partnered with his mother and Batali, as well as Italian retail pioneer Oscar Farinetti, to bring Eataly, the largest artisanal food and wine market in the world, to New York.
Additionally, Bastianich operates three wineries in Italy and one in Argentina. He has authored several books on wine, including the award winning “Vino Italiano” with Sommelier David Lynch.
Bastianich is an accomplished author whose passion for the culinary arts has been recognized with professional awards from Bon Appétit magazine and the James Beard Foundation.
I talked with Bastianich about his love of food and wine, MasterChef US and Italy, and his upcoming memoir, “Restaurant Man,” scheduled for release on May 1, 2012.
Posted on Jul 07, 2011 under Archives, Interviews, Other interesting people |
Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck has sold more than 150 million record throughout his forty plus year career. With four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year (1988), 63 gold and 24 platinum records and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he returns to Las Vegas to perform four shows at the Paris Resort on July 21. I talked with Engelbert over the phone before he heads to Sin City to perform for his many fans and receive a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.
Engelbert, back in the day
Posted on Dec 10, 2010 under Archives, Interviews, Other interesting people |
Mark Alan Harmon
Mark-Alan Harmon has worked as a personal shopper and wardrobe stylist in nearly every part of the country, as well as with nearly every type of person. He brings people’s style and comfort together in a way that’s easy and fun. I spoke to him about his upcoming event, Botanic Bling, at the Descanso Gardens and a bit about upcoming fashion trends and what every girl needs for her closet.
Descanso Gardens presents Botanic Bling featuring celebrity stylist and TV personality Mark-Alan Harmon on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-12.
Botanic Bling is a trunk show of wonderful botanic-themed accessories, including jewelry and scarves, from a diverse collection of independent vendors and craftspeople. Many of the items are handmade and one of a kind.
The theme of this year’s Botanic Bling is “Holiday 2010: What to Give and What to Get.” Harmon will offer tips on selecting and wearing chic accessories with an eye toward picking out the perfect present (but no one will tell if you keep it for yourself!) Harmon’s presentations are at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. both days.
Botanic Bling will be in the historic Boddy House at Descanso Gardens. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission to Botanic Bling is free with Gardens admission.
