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.

Bo and the Bluesdrivers Rock this Town with Upcoming Shows

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Ed Simon

Bo and the Bluesdrivers have been honing their music together for 10 years now. Meeting at an open jam hosted by Brian “Chewy” James, the group’s bass player and their drummer J.J. Garcia, it was a moment that all three … Continue reading →

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SOCIAL in Costa Mesa Celebrates Mardi Gras with Authentic New Orleans Dishes and A Little Bit More

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Ed Simon

‘Laissez le bons temps rouler’ (Let the good times roll) is the slogan of the week as Mardi Gras begins for 2015. And even though there may not be parades, floats and drinking and dancing in the streets, SOCIAL in … Continue reading →

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Chef Eric McBride Presents Scottish and Celtic Food Demonstrations at the Upcoming Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Ed Simon

Coming up on February 14 and 15, the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and International Highland Games this year is providing a culinary feast for all. In addition to the Burns Night Supper and all the Scottish and Celtic Food vendors, this … Continue reading →

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JT Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery scores a hit with the Bigger Badder Asser Burger

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Ed Simon

I recently sat down with Jason Schmid, owner of JT Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery in Anaheim and Tustin. Our mission was to eat their signature hamburger at JT Schmid’s the BBA Burger. The BBA Burger, or as it is also … Continue reading →

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Slapfish to Open in Newport Beach Monday, February 2: Casual Seafood Done Right

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Ed Simon

Slapfish, the excellent fast casual seafood restaurant from Chef Andrew Gruel specializing in extremely fresh and extremely flavorful (and reasonably priced too) is opening a new location in Newport Beach. Minutes from the water, it will be a perfect place … Continue reading →

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‘Come Together’ Documents Nicely the Beatles Tribute Bands and Their Fans

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Ed Simon

The Beatles hold a unique place not in just our musical history but our cultural history as well. A new documentary from Devolver Digital Films, Come Together, covers the role that tribute bands play in keeping the Beatles music alive … Continue reading →

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Don Preston, Original Mothers of Invention Keyboardist, Joins “Fuzzy” Knight’s Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Revue

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Ed Simon

Don Preston, keyboardist extraordinaire on such Mothers of Invention albums such as Weasels Ripped My Flesh and Just Another Band From L.A., has joined the Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Revue as keyboardist and horns arranger. Don was the original … Continue reading →

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CANVAS Food and Lab Concept Rolls Out Worldwide Beginning at the Irvine Marriott

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Ed Simon

A refreshing new concept is on the way to making one local restauranteur very happy, as JW Marriott rolls out their CANVAS Food and Lab concept internationally, starting with the Irvine Marriott and the Shenzen (China) Marriott. Locally, Marriott held … Continue reading →

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Jesika von Rabbit greets the New Year with new music, a new record and a new show

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Ed Simon

Jesika von Rabbit always loved music. “My mother started me on piano lessons when I was five years old”, she said. “She was a singer growing up in Wisconsin and I knew I loved music like from straight out of … Continue reading →

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Three Upcoming Restaurant Weeks Give Diners a Chance to Sample Tasty Orange County Cuisine

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Ed Simon

Local Restaurant Weeks are a great way for diners to try restaurants they have never been to before or to try dishes that might not be on their favorite restaurant’s menus. Three local Restaurant Weeks are coming up and will … Continue reading →

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