Learning to Cook with Chef Eric, L.A.'s Top Culinary Educator

Most people who know me know that cooking is not my strong suit. It's probably the reason I love dining out so much, especially at places (think the French Laundry in Yountville, CA) who serve complicated dishes that there is no way I would ever even consider tackling. One look at Thomas Keller's "The French Laundry Cookbook" was enough to send me running – most of those dishes are incredibly complicated and take hours and hours to prepare!

Chef Eric Crowley

So when I was invited to try out Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom here in Los Angeles, I entered his Westside school (located just off Pico near Overland, at 2366 Pelham Avenue) with a bit of trepidation. I mean, I can chop up just about anything, making ceviche or salads like a pro (or so I thought), but beyond that, I am a bit shaky. Our evening session was Chef Eric Crowley's Wine and Food Pairing Class ($90 per person), with the group making this menu:

Eggplant Fritters and Zucchini Fritters

Fennel-Dusted Pan-Seared Scallops with Grilled Mushrooms and Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

Homemade Pasta with Tomato and Kalamata Olive Tapenade Sauce

Sauteed Chicken Breast with Sunchokes, Garlic, Capers, Sundried Tomatoes and White Wine

Braised Lamb Stew with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic, Thyme, Parsley and Red Wine Vinegar

Homemade Tiramisu

The company also offers a Master Chef 18-week course; a Master Baker 10-week course; a Culinary Basics 4-week course; and numerous single classes that cover all sorts of culinary topics, ranging from Chicken Connoisseur to Sushi Making.

As we strapped on our aprons (which we got to keep), draped a kitchen towel over a shoulder and entered the kitchen, we found a number of food-preparation stations set up. Chef Eric explained all the elements of the menu and what order we would prepare everything, so that we'd learn one of the key things about cooking – how to bring all the dishes to the table at the same time!

The seared scallops we made were delicious!

And it was here, early on in the 2.5-hour class, that I learned that I am actually not a good chopper. My one claim to cooking fame was dashed in an instant, as Chef Eric demonstrated the correct way to use a knife. "Keep the point of the knife on the cutting board," he explained, "then always slice away from your body."

Well, duh! Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? But that's not the way I have spent my whole life chopping things up; it's a miracle that I haven't sliced myself open in the process at least once. It takes a bit of practice to change something you've done your whole life, but that's the key thing I took away from this particular culinary adventure.

Along the way, we also learned how to make a perfectly fried fritter; the art of delicately searing scallops; and how to use a machine to create delicious homemade pasta. Who knew you just mixed up flour, salt and eggs, kneaded it for a while to create a dough, then ran it through a pasta machine? It's easy to feel like an Italian capo when Chef Eric is there to give lessons! It actually made me want to hit a Williams-Sonoma for a machine of my own.

Look, Mom, I am making pasta!!

All along, Chef Eric and his partner (and wife) Jennie Crowley kept the class interested and engaged, with each person choosing what level of involvement he/she wanted to experience. Some (like me) stuck with the prepping, while others (like my brother Jeff Peters) stepped right up to the massive industrial gas stove and did the actual cooking. And best of all, the class culminated in all the dishes arriving at the table at exactly the right moment, so we could all enjoy a feast of our own making.

The feast we created with the help of Chef Eric (right), all ready for the table at the same time.

Did Chef Eric make me into a fanatic cook? Not quite. I'm still a restaurant maven, preferring to let others do the serious cooking for me. But ever since, as I chop up all the veggies for my work-at-home regular lunch of a big salad, I know better than to cut toward my body. Worth the price of admission, that.

Culinary Adventures in Los Angeles: A Taste of Summer, Some Serious Barbecue, East LA Meets Napa

There’s always something happening in the culinary scene in Los Angeles, from sublime fine dining to food truck fun. Southern California is a cornucopia of different cultures, which means carnitas one day and bulgogi the next.

July’s culinary adventures started for me with three very different events. First, on July 13, I headed up the beach to Santa Monica, where the 2^nd Annual Taste of Summer was unfolding at the Annenberg Community Beach House. That’s the public beachfront spot that used to be a posh private beachfront estate, where William Randolph Hearst once frolicked with his mistress, actress Marion Davies. Nowadays it is a pretty spot where parties like the Taste of Summer are held.

 

Chef Eric Greenspan jumped into the fray at the Taste of Summer.

The Taste was all about food, wine and giving back – it is a fundraiser for the Fulfillment Fund (www.fufillment.org), that great organization that helps kids in need get a college education. Honorary Chair and Chef Eric Greenspan of the Foundry and the Roof on Wilshire fame joined some of his favorite food and drink purveyors, including Wolfgang Puck Catering, Whole Foods, Locanda Positano, Stella Artois and Silverado Vineyards for the celebration.

 Silverado Vineyards poured their excellent red blend called SOLO.

 

As the sun set over the Pacific, more than 500 guests roamed and grazed between two buildings, with the outdoor dessert section drawing a big crowd. And despite the chill brought on when night fell, everyone partied well into the night, bidding on silent auction items to help the fund keep up the good work.

 

Some of the delicious fare served up at the Taste of Summer 2013.

 

On July 16, it was off to Hollywood for some “Serious Barbecue.” That’s grillmaster Adam Perry Lang’s (www.adamperrylang.com) just re-released cookbook all about the Q; he’s currently set up in the parking lot just behind Jimmy Kimmel Live’s studio on Hollywood Boulevard (enter through the alley between the boulevard and Hawthorn Avenue, off Orange), serving up lunch to those in-the-know all summer long. 

 

The pulled pork and tri-tip combo plate: now that is some "Serious Barbecue"!

 

Perry proudly stoked up the smoker and served us massive plates of tri tip and pulled pork, washed down with concoctions created with Dickel Tennessee Whisky. It felt like we had been transported into the Deep South all of a sudden! His tangy and spicy sauces added to the heat given off by the smoker, making it one summer night in Los Angeles where we really didn’t need a sweater. 

 

That's one big smoker!

 

 Lang will be barbecuing and serving lunch in that spot every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until September 5.

Grills were working overtime on July 19, at the 8^th Annual East LA Meets Napa party at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, as Latino chefs and winemakers joined forces to raise funds for AltaMed (www.altamed.org), the group dedicated to helping “underserved communities” get decent health care in SoCal. As usual, it was the foodie lover’s party of the summer, with meltingly delicious dishes paired with top-notch wines and tequilas.

Lines formed early and lasted all night for El Cholo’s (www.elcholo.com) legendary green corn tamale, that sweet-spicy dollop of corn heaven, smothered in a mole that combines so many flavors it makes you woozy with delight. Chichen Itza’s (www.chichenitzarestaurant.com) fiery grilled camarones also caused a stir – especially among those who didn’t realize that habañeros are a key ingredient in the salsa that enrobes each perfectly made shrimp tidbit.

There was melt-in-your-mouth Cochinita Pibil from Don Chente (www.donchentebarandgrill.com) and an array of little tangy bites from La Huasteca (www.lahuasteca.com), including a delicious fish and shrimp ceviche.

Rivera chef John Sedlar eschewed cooking for pouring tequila instead, offering up shots of a special house-made libation. Meanwhile, 30 Latin winemakers descended on the outdoor garden spaces at the station, everyone from acclaimed Napa winemaker Michael Trujillo of Sequoia Grove fame, who was pouring his newest creation, Trujillo Cellars Merlot to a group of Mexican producers from the Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, the rapidly rising district near Ensenada, who poured some surprisingly tasty reds.

Two Big Brands Make the Los Angeles Party Scene Hop

 It was a big night in Southern California on July 11, as two iconic brands celebrated with fabulous parties.

Uggie had a blast at the Abercrombie & Fitch bash.

First, Abercrombie & Fitch (http://www.abercrombie.com) went all out to present their “2013 Stars on the Rise,” this year’s fresh faces chosen to represent the company’s moose-logoed brand for their back-to-school push. Those ranged from actors Scott Eastwood (Clint’s son, he of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D” fame), Lily Rabe from “American Horror Story,” “Glee” star Jacob Artist, Ashley Hinshaw of “Chronicle” and our favorites, Uggie the dog from that fantastic Oscar winner “The Artist,” along with Popeye and Julio, those skateboarding bulldogs.

Scott Eastwood went to the dogs at the A&F party at the Grove.

Lily Rabe of "American Horror Story" at the A&F bash.

 

Uggie got into the skateboarding act, too, out front of the Abercrombie & Fitch store at the Grove, while inside the massive three-story shop guests sipped moose-inspired cocktail concoctions and nibbled on crab cakes and quesadillas while checking out the piles of new clothes all ready for school shopping. It was a night for giving, too, as all profits from the evening’s sales went to No Bully (http://www.nobully.com/), the organization dedicated to ending bullying in schools – and everywhere.

Who doesn't love dogs on a red carpet? Uggie, Popeye and Julio stole the show!

 

Over on Rodeo Drive, Porsche Design (http://www.porsche-design.com/)  took over the Two Rodeo hillside street and, along with Vogue magazine, invited guests for a peek at their newly renovated flagship store and their Fall/Winter 2013 collection.

Outside the newly renovated Porsche Design store.

 

The well-heeled crowd didn’t see to mind the miniscule appetizers, but the poor waiters carrying them were mobbed every time they emerged; it seems that even the super-skinny, super-rich still want a bigger bite when they hit a cocktail party.

The new look of the Porsche Design Store in Beverly Hills.

 

And speaking of heels, tennis star Maria Sharapova was sporting sky-high spikes that sent her up to nosebleed height; she looked down on actors Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Alexander, Sanaa Lathan, Udo Kier and Porsche Design CEO Juergen Gessler. German actor Ralf Moller, who stands 6’6”, was the only guy in the place that could actually look her in the eye.

Maria Sharapova towers over Janie Bryant at the Rodeo Drive Porsche Design store opening party.

Patrick Dempsey looking dapper at Porsche.

Big man Ralf Moeller and Udo Kier brought a German flavor to the Porsche Design party.

“Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant hosted the bash, and musician Austin Paul warbled out a few tunes as many mourned the Porsche sunglasses and footwear that had been encased in ice. So sad to see such beautiful designs ruined forever!

Porsche shades on ice. Sob!

 

Vino California Celebrates Fine Italian Wine – and Food, Too

 What’s the best thing to happen in Southern California in May? If you’re a lover of Italian wine and food, then there is nothing better than Vino California, the annual celebration of Italy’s finest. This year it happened from May 13-17, at venues all over town.

The 2013 third annual event started off with a bang at the Skirball Cultural Center, where the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW) and Blue Lifestyle, along with The Tasting Panel magazine, organized the huge Vino California Grand Tasting. More than 100 Italian wine varietals from 18 regions were poured, including the luscious Statti Greco Calabria IGT 2012, and tasty bites were served, from sponsors ranging from Italian Magic Olives, PreGel, Bindi, Ferrarelle, Pasta Mia, Academia Barilla and Il Fornaio.

 The Grand Tasting at the Skirball Center

 

Plenty of fun was had by all, but that was just the beginning. Then Vino California took to the neighborhoods, doing a series of tasting dinners (a total bargain at $60, including four- or five-course food and wine pairings at some of L.A.’s top Italian eateries.

The crowd formed at Avantine Hollywood, Valentino, Ca’ del Sole, Osteria Mamma, Laconda del Lago and Enoteca Drago in Beverly Hills. That’s the spot where we enjoyed a convivial evening that began with a perfectly fried crispy zucchini blossom stuffed with ricotta truffles paired with a 2010 Le due Querce Luis Franciacorta DOCG and ended with a to-die-for white chocolate panna cotta with strawberries and basil. There were melt-in-your-mouth scallops crudo paired with a crisp Sardus Pater Terre Fenicle 2012 Vermentino from Sardinia and Osso Bucco stuffed Agnolotti with a truffle glace that was so good it was almost criminal. The 2011 Cantina Braschi Sangiovese DOC washed it down in style, too.

In between courses, Letizia Miccoli, the executive director of IACCW, explained the impetus behind Vino California. “Italian wines are extremely popular in California and we are thrilled to expand the knowledge of such experienced wine consumers.”

By the end of the Enoteca Drago meal, we staggered out of the restaurant dreaming of next year’s Vino California – and ready to shop for some Italian wines, too, despite living in the heart of the California wine world.

The 24 Hour Plays Returns to Santa Monica

 When Rosie Perez rolls into town with the 24 Hour Plays, celebrities scramble to join her. After all, it’s a chance for Hollywood’s movie and television stars to stretch their chops – and all for a great cause. The annual show that happened on Saturday, June 22, 2013, benefits the Urban Arts Partnership (www.urbanarts.org), the group dedicated to keeping arts education in public schools.

Melanie Griffith brought her star power to the 24 Hour Plays in Santa Monica.

The idea of the 24 Hour Plays is simple. Actors, writers, directors and stage production/lighting/prop managers gather at 10 p.m., bringing along their own costumes, wigs and other random props, and they begin the creative process of writing, staging and performing six new short plays. By 10 p.m. the next night (24 hours, get it?), the performances are complete and the after party celebration begins.

Oscar nominee John Hawkes happily records his presence at the 24 Hour Plays.

This year, the third annual held in Santa Monica at the Broad Stage Theater (they have been doing it for 13 years in NYC) and also the third sponsored by Montblanc (www.montblanc.com), the stars stampeded to lend their talents to the cause. Melanie Griffith led the charge, performing in a wacky piece called “The Carrot,” directed by Fred Savage and co-starring “American Pie” pals Eddie Kaye Thomas and Jason Biggs. Seth Green made the scene in a bear costume, along with cuties Lucy Punch and Tracie Thoms in “Bear Witness.” And “Star Trek Into Darkness” hottie John Cho and Oscar nominee John Hawkes, along with “Glee” star Ashley Fink and Alla Shawkat (of “Arrested Development” fame) rounded out the first act.

Seth Green and Jason Biggs ham it up during the 24 Hour Plays.

More talented thesps took the stage in the second half, including Wilmer Valderrama, Molly Sims, Jamie Chung, David Krumholtz, Jack McBrayer, Sasha Alexander, Michael Ealy and, of course, Rosie Perez, who ruled the stage in a comic performance as Athena.

 Jack McBrayer and Wilmer Valderrama join the after party at the Shore Hotel.

Later on, at the Shore Hotel, Perez reminded the partying crowd about the purpose of the event.

Rosie Perez and Jamie Chung remind everyone to contribute to the cause.

“We’re all here to dance and have fun, but don’t forget to bid on the silent auction!” she exhorted the well-heeled gang that included all of the performers. “I know you’ve all given already, but please give more. We need to keep the arts in schools!”

All photos courtesy Getty Images/24 Hour Plays.

Dita Von Teese Returns with "Strip, Strip Hooray!"

Most fans of old-time burlesque already know about Dita Von Teese. The diminutive star has singlehandedly brought back the art made famous by women like Gypsy Rose Lee and Sally Rand, the art of showing a lot, but not all, of their beautiful, sensuous bodies. Her martini glass performance is eye popping, for example.

Dita's titillating "Strip, Strip Hooray" show is a winning combination of old-time comedy (delivered by the show's gender-bending host known as Murray Hill) and set burlesque pieces, some performed by Dita and others by her cadre of sexy co-stars, including Perle Noire, Selene Luna, Lada Nikolska and Catherine D'Lish. There's even a male stripper in the mix, who goes by the name of Monsieur Romeo, and the greatest zaftig tit-twirler you've ever witnessed, who uses the moniker Dirty Martini. Her act alone is hilarious and worth the price of admission!

Of course, it is Dita who is the big draw; and they'll all be back in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago with the show this summer of 2103, in late June and early July, at the House of Blues and the Fillmore. Get tickets soon, as the shows generally sell out completely. Perhaps that's because seeing her strip down and ride a pink bull is quite the sight:

 But my personal favorite is her act with a giant compact and a powder puff, which is best viewed with a glass of Cointreau over ice in hand (Von Teese is a brand ambassador for that orange-flavored liqueur).

Dita's costumes are fabulous, her porcelain skin is always perfect and her supporting cast brings just the right touch of comedy, drama and sensuality to the show. It's a ton of fun!

Celebs Unite in the Fight to Cure Lupus

You know it's a big night in Beverly Hills when balding funnyman Jason Alexander  puts on his hair to go out; that's exactly what he did on May 9 as he headed to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to be honored at the 13th Annual Lupus LA Orange Ball.

The award-winning actor (who is best known as George Costanza from the long-running sitcom "Seinfeld") took home the org's Loop Award for his work in raising awareness of autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma, a disease his sister Karen suffers from. "These are horrible, brutal diseases," Alexander said soberly, after his pal Patrick Warburton of "Seinfeld" and "Rules of Engagement" fame gave him a raucous introduction. But he soon lightened the mood, joking that "I wore orange in honor of Lupus, and I wore the hair in honor of Lupus, too!"

Honoree Jason Alexander and host Bob Saget ham it up at the 2013 Lupus LA Orange Ball. Photo courtesy WireImage/Lupus LA.

Host Bob Saget, who lost his sister Gay to scleroderma back in 1994, did his best to control himself, but that's almost impossible for the potty-mouthed comedian.

"They said to please keep it clean, as there are kids in the house," Saget chortled, "and I understand that. But I have an orange ball – just one of my balls is orange, just one!"

Saxophonist Mindi Abair played a few pretty tunes and "End of the Rainbow" star Tracie Bennett channeled Judy Garland while singing "The Man That Got Away." Then singer Toni Braxton, who suffers from Lupus herself, honored Dr. Jay N. Schapira with the organization's Daniel J. Wallace Founder's Award and serenaded him, too.

Toni Braxton serenades honoree Dr. Jay N. Schapira during the Lupus LA Orange Ball. Photo courtesy WireImage/Lupus LA.

 

Also on hand to support the cause were actors Michael B. Jordan, James Leisure, Sufe Bradshaw and Kellie Martin, along with Backstreet Boy Howie D. Dr. Stanley J. Naides was also honored with the Medical Visionary Award on this night that raised nearly half a million dollars towards the cause of finding a cure for Lupus.

Jason Alexander proudly displays his Loop Award at the 13th Annual Lupus LA Orange Ball on May 9, 2013. Photo courtesy WireImage/Lupus LA.