LA Examiner

Tag: cannabis and culinary haven

  • James Beard Award 2024 Announces 18 Semifinalists from L.A. 

    James Beard Award 2024 Announces 18 Semifinalists from L.A. 

    Image credit: Pexels

    A notable line-up of 18 exceptional Los Angeles chefs and restaurants have earned the esteemed distinction of being named semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards. Hollywood’s own Luv2Eat Thai Bistro has secured its semifinalist nod from the James Beard Foundation, marking a significant milestone. As the anticipation builds, the unveiling of finalists for these coveted awards is slated for April, leading up to the grand awards ceremony scheduled for June 10 in the culinary hub of Chicago.

    This year’s array of semifinalists showcases the diversity and excellence that characterize the Los Angeles culinary scene. Among the prominent figures is Greg Dulan of South L.A.’s iconic Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, and Dulanville. His continued recognition, having been a contender in the outstanding restaurateur category in both 2023 and 2022, highlights his enduring impact on the culinary space.

    Rashida Holmes, recognized for her Caribbean pop-up Bridgetown Roti, has transitioned from last year’s emerging chef nominee to this year’s semifinalist for outstanding chef. Joining her in this prestigious category is Jeremy Fox of Santa Monica’s Birdie G’s and the Rustic Canyon Family restaurant group. The group also includes Esters Wine Shop & Bar, nominated for outstanding bar for the second consecutive year.

    The emergence of new contenders injects a fresh dimension into this year’s awards. Danielle Duran-Zecca and Alessandro Zecca of Highland Park’s Amiga Amore have secured their place in the emerging chefs category, ushering in a new wave of talent. Meanwhile, Cypress Park’s Barra Santos, associated with the restaurant group behind Found Oysters and Queen St., stands as the sole Southern California representative in the running for best new restaurant. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro, a Hollywood mainstay, has earned its first James Beard Foundation commendation, specifically in the outstanding hospitality division. 

    32KI0coWkTBvXN1Owe8BSLfDzF MK0Es ZAJyt8vSYnZyOTH5 fsAHbf2TxYk3OuBukWrz1PTNlQQGx 9BpVXTvhMWattRvADQFu8WfQUGZyIF0IjYGXq5XXvcb03t5Pi9AOZMQ3RXWr Pl6b7Rsdbw

    The spotlight also falls on some familiar names making their debut as semifinalists. Gusto Bread in Long Beach, with its emphasis on heritage grains, secures its first Beard Foundation nod as the only California semifinalist in the outstanding bakery category. Meanwhile, Nicole Rucker of Fat & Flour, known for her stall in Grand Central Market and a new cafe in Culver City, is acknowledged as a semifinalist in the category of outstanding pastry chef or baker.

    In the category of best chef, the competition is fierce, featuring standout chefs from various culinary establishments. Diego Argoti of Poltergeist in Echo Park is among the contenders, alongside culinary talents like Alex Garcia and Elvia Huerta of Evil Cooks, Dima Habibeh of Ammatoli in Long Beach, Jihee Kim of Perilla in Victor Heights, and several others. The announcement of the winner of this coveted title, previously held by Justin Pichetrungsi, chef of L.A. Times restaurant of 2022 Anajak Thai, will be eagerly awaited at the awards ceremony.

    Los Angeles continues to stand as a beacon of innovation in diverse cuisines. The culinary world now eagerly awaits the unveiling of the 2024 James Beard Foundation Award nominees in April. The final revelation of winners will take place at the awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, celebrating the exceptional contributions of these culinary trailblazers. 

  • Cannabis and Culinary Haven Opens in West Hollywood

    Cannabis and Culinary Haven Opens in West Hollywood

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Located on the first floor at 7715 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, the unique establishment PleasureMed is set to redefine sensory experiences for its customers. The multi-layered two-story space combines a farm-to-table Californian-inspired restaurant named Irie, a state-of-the-art cannabis dispensary, and an intimate outdoor lounge called Hind for distinct craft cocktails. The establishment spans 6,500 square feet of botanical ecstasy in West Hollywood.

    Taking inspiration from Havana’s apothecaries, PleasureMed’s majestic space — designed by Studio UNLTD — features elaborate checkered marble flooring, 13-foot coffered ceilings, and histrionic ivory beaded chandeliers. The exterior showcases a 67’ x 30’ 3D video art experience called “The Jaguar’s Eye.” Created by Optical Animal and Brian Robinson, the immersive piece enlightens the PleasureMed building, offering an attention-grabbing canvas on the iconic Route 66 Highway. Inside, the dispensary maintains a focus on local and family-owned producers, effectively showcasing a broad range of cannabis products and strains. Highlights include Apocalypze (woman-owned), which offers flower strains from Space Dust to Zombaeland, and Artet (family-owned), offering THC- and CBD-infused mixers and spritzes. Wyld — the first carbon-neutral cannabis edibles company — which uses natural flavors and real fruit.

    On the second floor, the destination restaurant Irie provides a highly curated farm-to-table menu. The restaurant, which takes its name from the Jamaican word for “everything is alright,” features tailored essentials such as a marble-topped bar and custom-carved dining booths. Irie welcomes diners with gracious experts ready to guide them through their cannabis menu as relaxed Afro-Latino beats provide an ideal atmosphere. Among some of the most desirable menu options are the Barramundi rapini with preserved lemon fume, the dandelion and frisee Caesar bottarga with croutons parmesan, and the venison burger with aioli on a sesame bun with tomato, sweet and sours, arugula, and cheddar. Hidden Peal Lion’s Mane Cakes are the perfect vegan option with aioli, basil, cilantro, and lime. Irie is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and reservations can be made at RESY.

    Hind, the outdoor bar and lounge, sits adjacent to the dispensary and can comfortably accommodate as many as 45 people at a time. The space features deeply veined leathered marble and custom white oak table tops. Both zero-proof and alcoholic craft cocktails are served here alongside your chosen dishes from Irie. Included on the list of exquisitely curated drinks available at Hind include The Green Fairy, which combines St. Germain, apple, cucumber, sparkling wine, and anise aromatics, and the Wake N’ Bake, taking Reposado, 43, and espresso, and adding banana, cereal whip, and popcorn salt. Another eye-popping beverage on the favorites list is the Pornstar Slush. The provocative cocktail combines Oaxacan rum, Bacardi, Aquavit, Pamplemousse, mango, passionfruit, vanilla bean, coconut, and lime. Hind is open Monday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m, and reservations can also be made at RESY.

    justin aikin 5Dyrcn5ocfk unsplash

    No reservations are required to visit PleasureMed Dispensary, which is open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. PleasureMed is deeply committed to community involvement, as evidenced by its mission-driven endeavors. These initiatives include donating 4% of profits to Social Just Reform nonprofits across Los Angeles and the LGBTQ community. Additionally, PleasureMed will distribute another 1% of profits to patron/employee-nominated nonprofits. As an all-inclusive space redefining the perception of cannabis lounges, PleasureMed looks forward to welcoming the people of Los Angeles and beyond into its near-otherworldly universe.