Author Archives: Ed Simon

Ed Simon

About Ed Simon

Ed is a native of Los Angeles who loves food and food cultures. Whether he's looking for the best ceviche in Colombia, the best poke in Hawaii, the best tequila in Jalisco, the best Bun bo Hue in Vietnam or the best Taiwanese Beef Roll in Los Angeles, it's all good food! He also loves a good drink. He's had Mai Tais in Hawaii, Bourbon in Kentucky, Tequila in Mexico and Rum in Jamaica. His wine escapades have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, the Willamette Valley and the Santa Ynez Valley. And he's had beer all over the world! Music is another of Ed's passion, writing and interviewing many classic rock, rock and blues musicians. Getting the great stories of road experiences from them is a particular delight. Traveling also fits in with Ed's writing, exploring all over to find the most interesting places to visit, even in out of the way areas.

Sushi Roku Opens Stunning New location in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island with Exquisite Modern Japanese Food

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Ed Simon

Sushi Roku, the pioneer of contemporary sushi with locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Scottsdale (AZ) and Las Vegas, has opened in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island. The expansive, stunning location with a dining room anchored by a 20-foot Japanese … Continue reading →

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Bluespower Brings a Synthesis of Blues, Rock, Funk and R&B to SoCal’s Music Scene

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Ed Simon

Bluespower is a recent collaboration of local musician/music teacher/music store owner Kenny “Big Daddy” Williams and Gregory Michael, who left Cincinnati several years ago to bring his Gospel-influenced music background to Southern California. Kenny “Big Daddy” Williams most recently co-fronted … Continue reading →

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Hakata Ikkousha Brings Their First Ramen Shop to The US (and Costa Mesa)

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Ed Simon

Hakata Ikoussha Ramen is a new name here in Costa Mesa, but in Japan and other countries like Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and even Hong Kong, it is known as one of the top ramen houses. It has garnered many … Continue reading →

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National Corn on the Cob Day is June 11 at solita Tacos and Margaritas in Huntington Beach

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Ed Simon

June 11 is National Corn on the Cob Day and no culture has embraced corn more than the Mexican culture. Anything corn-based is loved by the Mexican food fan, whether it is the humble corn tortilla, the hominy in posole … Continue reading →

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Paul’s Pantry in Mission Viejo Has Comfort Food to Please Everyone

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Ed Simon

Breakfast is probably the meal where you find the biggest difference in servings. Some people pass completely, others grab a bagel or donut and coffee, while on occasion almost everyone will enjoy a good sit-down breakfast or even a Sunday/Holiday … Continue reading →

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Negroni Week Kick Off Party at Mesa Restaurant Gives Bartenders and Drinkers Both Big Wins

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Ed Simon

Mesa Restaurant in Costa Mesa was the site of last night’s Negroni Week Kick-off Party in Orange County. The event, whose purpose was to celebrate the classic Negroni cocktail and also to provide charitable donations for Inspire Artistic Minds, was … Continue reading →

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The Mighty Cash Cats Channel Johnny Cash with Two Upcoming Live Shows

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Ed Simon

Johnny Cash spent part of his life in Ventura County. He moved his family to Casitas Springs near Ojai in 1961 and maintained a nearby office in Ventura until his divorce from his first wife, Vivian in 1966. So it … Continue reading →

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Porterhouse BBQ Takes Top Honors at the Inaugural Norco Horsetown Brew n’ Que BBQ Festival

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Ed Simon

Horsetown, USA was filled not with the sound of horses but instead the sweet aroma of barbeque as the city of Norco hosted the inaugural Brew n’ Que Festival. The three day festival was bookended with a ‘Meat and Greet’ … Continue reading →

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Myron Mixon and Moe Cason ‘Meat and Greet’ Fans at Friday Night’s Prelude to the Norco Horsetown Brew n’ Que Event

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Ed Simon

The inaugural Norco Horsetown Brew n’ Que Festival got off to a great start Friday night, as guests lined up to have their pictures taken and books and aprons signed by Myron Mixon and Big Moe Cason, stars of Destination … Continue reading →

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ChocXO Brings Exceptional Single Origin Coffees and a Chocolate Factory to Orange County

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Ed Simon

ChocXO has brought a unique new experience to the palates of coffee and chocolate lovers throughout Orange County. Owner Richard Foley realized the close connection one had with the other; they both come from the same region of the globe, … Continue reading →

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