Posted on Jan 20, 2011 under Archives, Chefs, Interviews, Uncategorized |
Chef Antonio de Livier
I recently visited the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort in Cabo San Lucas. While there I was lucky enough to dine at La Frida, the Mexican-themed restaurant which celebrates the artist Frida Kahlo at their sister resort, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. Executive Chef Antonio de Livier was gracious enough to sit down with me before he made me an elegant and lovely tasting menu at La Frida. We talked about his philosophy on cooking, Mexican cuisine, and cuisine at La Frida.
De Livier is Mexican by birth, eclectically international in his approach to food and its preparation. Since childhood he has harbored a passion for the special qualities of Mexican foods—their tastes, textures and abundant variety. At La Frida, he combines the best of local fish, seafood, meats and fresh organic vegetables and spices in his own artistically adventuresome recipes, creating delicious nuances and intricate layers of delicate flavors. The result is a menu that brings elegance and a joyful exuberance to contemporary Mexican cuisine.
De Livier was born and educated in Mexico and speaks fluent Spanish, Portuguese and English. His passion for cooking took him to the U.S. for further study and to work with talented chefs in an international atmosphere. He was formerly with the acclaimed Great Bay Restaurant in Boston, which has lent an authentic Boston accent to his perfect command of English. He is executive chef at restaurants Fellini’s and Las Palomos at other Pueblo Bonito resorts in Cabo. Here is our conversation.
Posted on Dec 10, 2010 under Archives, Chefs, Interviews |
Chef Fabio Viviani
Italian chef Fabio Viviani was born on October 10, 1978 in Florence. There, he trained in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at IPSSAR Saffi. He is best known for appearing on season 5 of Bravo’s reality series Top Chef and earning a place among the final four contestants. Before he was eliminated from the competition, he was named Fan Favorite.
Aside from his stint on the show, he works as the owner of Cafe Firenze in Moorpark and Firenze in Toluca Lake. He is also an endorser of a variety of food products and is starting up a non-profit to promote healthy eating for children.
You can now see Fabio competing in Top Chef All Stars every Wednesday night on Bravo.
I visited Firenze in Toluca Lake for an article for AOL’s Toluca Lake Patch and sat down with Fabio for a short interview after he made us a great tasting menu (pics in next post). We talked about his views on cooking, managing two restaurants and all of his endorsements, and his experiences on Bravo’s Top Chefs.
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.
Posted on Nov 07, 2010 under Archives, Interviews, Other interesting people |
Actress Soleil Moon Frye
I recently interviewed actress, environmentalist, and businesswoman Soleil Moon Frye at the Weleda “Honestly Natural, Truly Beautiful” national mobile tour when the Weleda biodiesel truck stopped in Hollywood at the bottom of the Hollywood and Highland shopping mall.
Weleda mobile biodiesel truck
Weleda sponsored the tour in support of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to promote safe and natural ingredients in lotions, cosmetics and shampoos. Weleda uses 100 percent plant based botanical ingredients in their products with no animal testing. The biodiesel truck provided opportunities for everyone to receive a mini-spa treatment, take home samples of great Weleda products, and film a short video for a chance to win a trip to the Weleda Spa in New York.
Also on hand was Soleil Moon Frye. Frye played the spunky orphan in the 1980s TV series Punky Brewster and as an adult was in Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. She has directed several films and currently is the voice for Aseefa in Nickolodean’s animated Planet Sheen. Frye also owns The Little Seed, an environmentally conscious children’s specialty boutique in LA. I sat down with the busy actress to talk about her connection with Weleda, her eco-friendly LA store, life as a mom, and her upcoming projects.
