WHEN I WAS growing up in Stockton, Calif., in the 1970s and ’80s, there were only two special-occasion restaurants acceptable to my family. They were both on the south side of the city, in the barrio. My Mexican-born liked Mi Ranchito, and for my dad it was Arroyo’s Cafe. No matter which one we went to, my order was always the same: rib steak ranchero with rice, refried beans and leaves of undressed iceberg lettuce wilted by soupy salsa. I’d pinch torn pieces of machine-pressed flour tortillas around the slices of steak and mix in all the sides. It was a celebratory meal if there ever was one.
Today, Mexican restaurants may be ubiquitous in California but, in those days, even Chicano restaurants, where traditional recipes were adapted for American ingredients and palates, were rarely found outside of Latino enclaves.
One notable exception is Casa Vega, which opened in 1956 in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, an upscale, predominantly white neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. The founder, Rafael “Ray” Vega was born in National City, Calif., and raised in Tijuana and Burbankdrew from his mother’s recipes, serving, among other home-style Mexican American dishes, plates of chile colorado, a savory beef stewand mole rojo, roast chicken in mole with its blend of dried chiles, peanut butter, plantains, raisins and other ingredients, viscous from ground tortilla chips. For many in the neighborhood, Casa Vega was their gateway to Mexican flavors.
By 1958, the restaurant needed a larger space and moved into its current location, a squat white building with a red tile roof two blocks away, on the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Fulton Avenue. At the time, Sherman Oaks, a short drive from movie and television studios, was home to a growing number of entertainment industry executives and actors. From early on, Casa Vega drew a celebrity crowd. Marlon Brando, among many others, was a regular. “My dad went at least once a week or we’d pick up food to go, from before the ’60s to when he died in 2004,” says Miko Castaneda Brando, 63, one of the actor’s sons. Brando’s favorite order: a Carta Blanca beer, corn-tortilla quesadilla and steak picado (a beef-and-vegetable stew).
In Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 movie, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” which is set in 1969 and features iconic Hollywood haunts, a few scenes take place in Casa Vega’s brick-walled dining room, with Brad Pitt’s and Leonardo DiCaprio’s characters ensconced in a leather booth. During the filming, Christy Vega, 46, Ray Vega’s daughter, says Tarantino got behind the bar to make margaritas “his way,” with Casamigos Añejo tequila, a blend of citrus juices and Stevia as a sweetener“It’s now on the menu as the Tarantino,” she adds.
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If you’re even remotely interested in quality cuisine, you’re well aware of Daniel Boulud. The chef has amassed a whopping 11 James Beard awards during his legendary career. He currently holds four Michelin stars. But far less familiar to these same gourmands is the name Sebastien Silvestri. As CEO of The Dinex Group (founded by Boulud back in 1992), he is instrumental in the day-to-day operation of a restaurant empire that now includes 18 venues—including nine in New York, alone.
Just when you thought you’d seen everything imaginable on Instagram, one woman comes along and defies all expectations. Ever seen a professional musical theatre actor-turned-travel advisor? Well, there’s one out there, alright, and she’s attracting plenty of attention with her cleverly written original lyrics about the world of travel, which she flawlessly sets to the tune of famous songs.
Happy Saturday! Daylight-saving time officially starts tomorrow, so don't forget to change your clocks. The time change can be a pain for some, but personally I'm looking forward to longer days.
United Airlines passengers will have new and expanded nonstop options starting this year as the carrier beefs up its already gigantic international network.
One thing about Los Angeles is no two neighborhoods are the same. The dynamic mix of cultures, lifestyles, and atmospheres allows each area to carry its own unique essence and vibrancy. From the bustling up-all-night energy (and best barbeque) of Koreatown to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood – a mere 10 minutes away. While Venice is home to bohemian charm, the artistic heartbeat of Silver Lake and the cultural richness of Pasadena couldn’t be anything different.
If you’re not familiar with the famous Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, let me tell you about “House Befitting Heaven.” The luxurious Hawaii resort has won prestigious awards too numerous to mention – and is iconic for a lot of things – but let me tell you about the popovers. I stayed at the famous hotel more than 25 years ago – and I’m still thinking about the yummy breakfast popovers, which have been served there to guests for more than 100 years. They are simply made with flour, eggs, salt, milk, and served with poha berry jam (a type of orange gooseberry). And let me tell you – they are super delicious.
As Black History Month draws to a close, the Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum is still going strong and open to the public. Featuring a carefully curated selection of artifacts and narratives relating to the famous ‘Green Book’ guide, the showcase is a treasure trove of mid-century American culture. Having partnered with the Smithsonian to bring the show to life, the museum delves into history in an exciting departure from its usual exhibition schedule.