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.

Townhouse Saloon and Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice Bring the Roaring 20’s Alive with Repeal Day Festivities this Friday

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Ed Simon

A few months before the Repeal of Prohibition Amendment, the 21st Amendment, was ratified by Congress on December 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill allowing the manufacturing and sale of 3.2 percent beer. His famous quote after … Continue reading →

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The Boys of Summer Bring Their Eagles Tribute to the Pala Casino This Saturday Night

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Ed Simon

The Boys of Summer, the band from SoCal that is known as one of the top Eagles Tribute groups, is doing a rare Southern California performance tomorrow at the Pala Casino Spa and Resort. The Boys, hot off their latest … Continue reading →

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Bigmista’s Barbecue and Sammich Shop Opens in Long Beach; ‘Que Fans Rejoice!

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Ed Simon

I’d already stopped in at Bigmista’s and was sitting outside eating the most scrumptous barbecued brisket sandwich (or sammich, as ‘Bigmista’ calls them) when I felt a pat on my shoulder, followed by Neil “Bigmista’ Strawder’s saying, “I knew you’d … Continue reading →

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Chef Amar Santana Will Follow Up his Culinary Success In Laguna Beach When He Opens Vaca, a Spanish Restaurant in Costa Mesa

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Ed Simon

Chef Amar Santana and his partner, Ahmed Labbate, the team behind Orange County’s critically acclaimed Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, have announced their newest project, ‘Vaca’. Destined for a June 2015 opening in Costa Mesa, ‘Vaca’ will showcase … Continue reading →

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Lazer Lloyd Plays Tonight at The Mint in LA: Electric Blues from Israel’s ‘King of Blues Rock’

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Ed Simon

Lazer Lloyd, coming off of a dynamic performance in an all-acoustic show in Long Beach, plugs back in again tonight at The Mint in Los Angeles to show why he is known as Israel’s ‘King of the Blues Rock Guitar’. … Continue reading →

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‘Chill’ starts today at the Queen Mary, Bringing a California Christmas Experience to Everyone

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Ed Simon

Today, Christmas season starts in Southern California, as ‘Chill’ opens at the Queen Mary. The theme this year is a ‘California Christmas Experience’, so besides ice slides, ice skating, tubing and other fun things, guests will be able to enjoy … Continue reading →

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Eureka! American Grill Opens a New Location In Irvine, Bringing Locally-grown Produce, Scrumptious Dishes, Craft Beers and Spirits

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Ed Simon

Eureka! the American resteraunt dedicated to local produce and meats as well as small batch whiskey and beer, has been quite successful in its concept for locations. When they opened their first OC spot, in the Bella Terra Shopping area in … Continue reading →

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Blowin’ Smoke R&B Band With The Fabulous Smokettes Returns to Harvelle’s This Saturday Night

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Ed Simon

The Blowin’ Smoke Rhythm and Blues Band featuring the Fabulous Smokettes, by popular demand, will be performing a return engagement at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica on Saturday, November 22. The group, led by singer/bass player Larry “Fuzzy” Knight, who formed … Continue reading →

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Peach Proves That Nice Girls CAN Sing the Blues at Witzend in Venice

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Ed Simon

Some people adopt a kind of music because they like it. For others, it just seems that they are born with the music in them and their careers are just built around trying to let out what’s inside. Peach, the … Continue reading →

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Queen Mary’s Jack Daniel’s Barrel Series Dinner Last Night Was a Amazing Blending of Whiskey, Stories and Great Food

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Ed Simon

The 2014 Barrel Series at the Queen Mary in Long Beach last night as a sold-out crowd enjoyed the Jack Daniel’s Dinner. Both the food, paired by Executive Chef Todd Henderson and the choices of some of Jack Daniel’s fine … Continue reading →

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