The SE Bikes "Santa Cruz Big Ripper"

In honor of Santa Cruz Skateboard’s 40^th Anniversary, SE Bikes is releasing the incredibly fresh, old school themed Santa Cruz Screaming Hand X Big Ripper. Featuring the iconic Screaming Hand blue colorway drawn by Jim Phillips throughout the bike, this bad ass street machine also sports full Cr-Mo landing rear forks, an embossed seat, double wall rims w sealed bearing flange hubs, 3 pc closed invisibolt cranks, an alloy sprocket and only weighs 28.9 pounds.

For those of us old enough to remember when brands like Powell Peralta, Vision & Santa Cruz ruled the streets, especially in the Venice Beach and surrounding areas, this bike and the limited edition skate deck that comes with it are nothing short of nostalgic masterpieces that deserve mentioning.  For more info check out: www.SeBikes.com or hit up your local reputable bike dealer and get the lowdown from them.

Food & Liquor Festivals, Fairs and Fun Things To Do in August

The amount of fairs, festivals and showcases taking place across the nation during the upcoming month of August are astounding. From Sac-town to San Diego and everywhere in between, people can be found celebrating everything from homemade brews and wines to corn, soul food, crawfish and grapes. The great state of California has a climate unmatched by many places in the world and with that come some incredibly delicious delectable’s, drinks and custom creations that cannot be found anywhere else. 

Below is a list of upcoming events that are surely not to be missed. The even better thing about each and every one of these events is that they are family friendly (yes even the ones that serve liquor) and all take place in areas that are surrounded by historical landmarks, beautiful beaches and people that just want to have a good time. Another great thing about August is that it marks the end of Summer and soon all of the kids running in the streets will back in school and out of the way of us serious eaters.

August 1, 2013  An Evening on the Beach - Santa Monica, California
Notable Los Angeles chefs each preparing a signature dish on an open grill set directly on the sand. Guests will sample tempting summer menus, enjoy freshly shucked oysters and taste the wines of select boutique vintners. Live music. The silent auction will feature an expanded selection of very special luxury travel. Benefitting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels 

August 1-4, 2013  18th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth's Festival of Beers features more than 70 of the country's best microbreweries. Along with the beer and blues, a "Blues-style" BBQ and plenty of other food will satisfy the heartiest of appetites and keep the party going. Don't forget the Sunday Morning Hangover Party.

August 2-4, 2013  65th Annual La Habra Corn Festival - La Habra, California
Food, Rides, Games, Music and Fun for the Whole Family. Meet Miss La Habra and her court when you purchase raffle tickets for a New Car or other great Prizes. Enjoy hot buttery Corn on the Cob, great Sandwiches, sweet warm Funnel Cakes and other Tasty Treats. Be sure to visit the new Corn Festival Marketplace.

August 3, 2013  Plate by Plate Annual Tasting Benefit - Los Angeles, California
This signature gala will once again showcase savory food and dessert delicacies prepared by talented chefs from the best restaurants in Los Angeles, as well as samplings from premier wineries and beverage companies. 
 
August 3, 2013  5th Annual Soul Food Festival - Stockton, California
Live music, great food, carnival rides, pony rides, classic car shows, free prizes..and much more.

August 3, 2013  Outdoor Hunting Expo - Stockton, California
This event, The Outdoor Hunting Expo is a one day hunter extravaganza for all ages. It includes FREE target shooting, Vendor Booths, Food Booths, swap meet and a JR trap Shoot. Proceeds from this event help fund the California Hunting Hertage Program and the Stockton Sportsmen's Club Junior, Women & Disabled Hunting Programs.

August 3-4, 2013  626 Night Market - Arcadia, California
The 626 Night Market is the largest Asian night market in the U.S. featuring over 150 local restaurants, food vendors, entrepreneurs, merchandise vendors, artists, musicians, and non-profit groups. Night markets are a staple in Asian societies with the primary focus on hundreds of different Asian street food and merchandise vendors. The 626 Night Market brings the energy and spirit of Asian night markets to Los Angeles. June 8-9; July 6-7 & August 3-4, 2013.

August 3-4, 2013  20th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival - Long Beach, California
The Long Beach Crawfish Festival serves Cajun Crawfish dinners that include red baby potatoes, buttery corn on the cob and delectable remoulade dipping sauce. You can dance to Cajun and Zydeco Bands, join the Second Line Dancing Parade, enjoy the beach bars, culture and Big Easy atmosphere. General Admission is $15, with Crawfish Feast and Crawfish Buckets ranging from $38 to $48. Presale discount tickets available. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. The festival is located at Rainbow Lagoon, 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive and is open from 12pm to 11pm on Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday. For additional information call 562-495-5959.

August 10, 2013  Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival - Yorkville, California
Boar And Lamb BBQ, Over 30 Local Wines, Live Music, Grape Stomp, Silent Auction

August 10, 2013  California Beer Festival--Santa Cruz
Aptos Village Park, Aptos, California
Beautiful Aptos Village Park will be the site of the festival, with over 70 craft beers, three bands, mouth watering food, and bocce ball. The CBF's main goal is to shine a light on the craft beer movement and celebrate great beer. 

August 10, 2013  7th Annual San Rafael Food & Wine Festival - San Rafael, California
Festival-goers will enjoy food from area restaurants and sample wines from 25 of the region's outstanding boutique wineries. In addition, there will be a chef demonstration area featuring a number of area restaurants. Admission to the event is free.

August 12-13, 2013  Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition - San Diego, California
Internationally recognized industry experts, in a blind tasting, will select which brands will be awarded the coveted 2013 Spirits of Mexico Medals. Please note that this is not a public event.

August 16-18, 2013  52nd Annual Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival
Pasadena, California
Watermelon carving demonstrations, recipe, eating, seed spitting and wearable art contests. Live music, bazaar market place, arcade and watermelon themed games, an array of festival food favorites and beverages. Fun for the whole family. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Festival times are Friday from 4pm to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10pm. 

August 16-18, 2013  3rd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival - Long Beach, California
The best BBQ Chefs from around the country gather to grill award-winning ribs, chicken, sausage, pulled pork and other delicacies. Judging and trophies are awarded to both amateur and professional participants. Two stages provide entertainment for adults and children with artisan exhibits and cantinas. General admission tickets are $15.00. Food items range from $2.00 to $25.00. VIP tickets are $75.00. Children's tickets are $10.00. Presale advance tickets are available through the website. 

August 17, 2013  LA Taco Festival - Los Angeles, California
Join us for the 3rd Annual LA Taco Festival, welcoming back our Pinches Tacos, Tacos Candelas and the addition of ten new taco vendors! Featuring live music, artists, community resources and more!

August 17-18, 2013  4th Annual Sausage & Beer Festival - Cherry Valley, California

August 17-18, 2013  18th Annual Grape to Glass - Russian River Valley, California
Created, organized and hosted by the people of the Russian River Valley, Grape to Glass encourages you to live like a local as you indulge in a weekend of Northern California wine country living.

August 18-20, 2013  Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo - Los Angeles, California
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is the only all-encompassing event in California for the restaurant and foodservice industry, making it THE one-stop source for everything you need to succeed in today's market.  We are pleased to co-locate the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo with Expo Comida Latina.

August 18-20, 2013  Expo Comida Latina - Los Angeles, California
Expo Comida Latina is three days of total immersion in authentic, specialty gourmet and mainstream Hispanic American food and beverages.  Expo Comida Latina and the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will both take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2013

August 22, 2013  3rd Annual Noe Valley Wine Walk - San Francisco, California
The tasting event will be located throughout 24th Street from Diamond to Chattanooga and will include restaurants and merchants offering wine samples, finger foods and special treats. There will be a free cable car shuttle making designated stops to pick up and drop off attendees during the event.

August 23-25, 2013  Make-A-Wish Tuna Challenge - San Diego, California
Since 1991, the annual Tuna Challenge has raised over $2.6 million to make wishes come true. The event is the largest tuna fishing competition in the continental United States, and the largest fundraiser of the year for Make-A-Wish San Diego. 
(also: www.makeawish-sd.org/calendar/ )

August 24, 2013  Taste of Brews - Long Beach, California
Taste of Brews is heading to Lighthouse Park in Long Beach on Sat., August 24th, 2013 for a summer festival featuring dozens of seasonal, craft and micro-brews paired alongside cuisine from local eateries. Admission includes craft beer tastes, snacks, water and more. Food trucks will be selling delicious beer friendly food and local restaurants will also be on hand sampling their best.

August 24-25, 2013  19th Annual Bodega Bay Seafood Art & Wine Festival
Bodega, California
Featuring a wide array of seafood entrees from various restaurants and catering companies, along with a large wine and microbrew tasting. The wine tasting will feature 30 wineries from Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties. A juried high quality art and craft marketplace, and lots of great entertainment. The event benefits the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and the Bodega volunteer fire dept.

Hot Buttered Bacardi (Recipe)

With the heat crushing your desire to go outside, now is the time to try new things indoors with old friends. Our affinity for fine libations knows no limits and lately we have been trying things that we might’ve looked over previously just because of the nature of such a mixed drink. When it comes to certain drinks, much like bad news we like it straight and well occasionally over ice too. As soon as the temperatures drop in the evening, the best way to warm up besides human contact is to drink incredibly delicious concoctions.  

Check out the Hot Buttered Bacardi recipe below and prepare to enjoy yourself.

Ingredients:

1 part Bacardi Gold Rum

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp butter

4 whole cloves

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a mug

Fill with boiling water, stir and enjoy (don't swallow the cloves obviously)

Fortune Cookie "Ross Alley" Collection

Ross Alley is the oldest Alley in San Francisco, located in the heart of Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America, as well as the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Chinatown is an enclave that continues to retain its own customs, languages and places of worship.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company is located on Ross Alley, and was opened in 1962. They are notorious for their traditional flavored and chocolate covered fortune cookies. Visitors can observe workers using circular griddles to make fortune cookies, creating a sweet aroma throughout the alley.

They wanted to pay tribute to this street for the influence it has on the brand. Ross Alley is a special place not only for the Asian community but more importantly to maintain magic behind the Fortune Cookie. 

The Long Beach Jazz Festival (August 9th - 11th) @ Rainbow Lagoon Park

Long Beach, CA – Rainbow Lagoon Park will be playing host to this years 26^th annual Long Beach Jazz Festival where such stellar entertainers as The Whispers, The O’Jays, Gladys Knight, Eric Benet, Howard Hewett, Kim Waters, Stanley Clarke, Euge Groove and many more will be taking the stage to perform so many classics that we cant even count em all. But more importantly, we The Supreme Plate will be on hand serving up our delicious Original Po’ Boys, Deep Fried Cheesecakes and more for all that attend. We hope to see you in the house, eating and drinking until you literally pass out.Don't let the old school acts fool you, this is one event you won't want to miss out on...

For more info check: www.LongBeachJazzFestival.com

This Weekend... The Santa Barbara French Festival Kicks Off

Come check us out this weekend (July 13^th & 14^th) at the 25^th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival at Oak Park in Santa Barbara. We will be serving up our delicious Original Po’ Boys, Cajun Fries, Deep Fried Cheesecakes, Grilled Libations & So Much More. 

Also on hand will be a slew of great vendors serving up everything from savory & sweet crepes to gourmet café au lait, handmade dairy free ice creams, shaved ice, domestic & imported beers and wines, so much good stuff you won’t know where to begin. For more information check out www.FrenchFestival.com

Whether you want to check out classically made wines, cheese and crepes filled with your favorite sweet or savory toppings or wish to hear some great music and dance under the stars this event has a little something for everyone (even the kids too.)

Happy 31st Birthday Diet Coke

 Today in 1982 Diet Coke was first introduced to the world. Happy Birthday to the soda that keeps fat people thinking they are eating healthier day after day…

LA Street Food Fest (Recap)

Standing in front of the World Famous Rose Bowl in beautiful Pasadena as the temperature crept into the 100’s, you could literally smell excitement permeating from afar as thousands of fans began to line up at the gates like a scene straight out of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” The 4^th annual LA Street Food Fest was moments away from starting and with over 100 food & beverage vendors ready to hand out those sought after goods that we all find ourselves flocking to every form of social media to diligently showcase day after day, it was truly a foodies dream.

 From big names like the Grilled Cheese Truck, Currywurst and Sushi Roku to the amazing curry chicken from Badmaash and the cupcakes from local Pasadena fan favorites Sugar Fix Dessert the variety and quality of food to be had was superb to say the least. It became evident upon arrival that staying properly hydrated was going to be crucial to thoroughly enjoy the entire day. Seeing the amount of ice-cold water stands strategically placed throughout the various areas, let guests know that not only would they be able to eat until their hearts were content, but they could also take in quite a few high quality libations without having to worry about becoming dehydrated.  

Arriving well before the VIP call-time so that we could people watch & see who the guests were going to be making a mad dash towards when the gates opened, we had a good time just mixing it up amongst the attendees before the bash even began. Taking a quick stroll around the set up to see the entire layout of the grounds we grabbed a few cold beers courtesy of the good folks over at Singha and proceeded towards the opposite side of the venue to get our hands “dirty.” 

Stopping at the Honest Tea booth we grabbed a couple cold bottles of their peach tea and stepped over to the Sushi Roku booth for some spicy tuna hand rolls that were incredibly fresh. On a hot day such as this, its always a crap shoot when eating fish outside, but a well prepared provider of any kind has more than enough supplies to help keep all of their foods well within the safe zone in regards to temperature. With so many spots to choose from and only so much room in the stomach our next notable stop was Badmaash (which translates to Bad Ass) for some perfectly seasoned and spiced Curry Chicken & Rice. 

Curry flavor whether it has been derived from a Caribbean or Indian recipe is such a complex layering of flavors that add so much depth to even the most bland of proteins and grains, is a staple in our test kitchens and on our menus. We did the smart thing and began to double fist every location so that we could take it all in as effortlessly as possible, which began with double helpings of delicious tacos from La Flor de Yucatan, Bulgogi boneless Pork Rib Tacos from Street Foods Co and 9021Pho. 

A special note must be made about the cool folks who worked the Street Foods Co truck, they had the perfect set up going with their selection of funky instrumentals and vintage theme, to us they had the best presentation of the day.

Stopping for a few great libations from Raymond 1886 we were treated to an impromptu show from the mixologist who tossed drink mixers and bottles around like her was performing a circus trick, something that was unexpected to say the least in this heat. Looking for a little bit of meat, potato and gravy in our lives we stumbled up The Lobos Truck for their incredible Wacho Fries & Sliders.

 Before we knew it we had tried just about everything we could and were rolling ourselves towards our two favorite desserts, Fluff Ice and Sugar Fix cupcakes. We couldn't decide which to tackle first so we hit them both at the same time and walked away with a sense of accomplishment that can only be described as a stimulating moment in our food career. 

When you get a bite of a warm freshly made Smore’s style treat from Sugar Fix Dessert and double that up with some ice cold fluff ice (shaved ice with a twist as they so accurately describe it) you know you made the right decision by coming out such a heatwave to eat, drink and be merry as only fully stuffed individuals can do. 

When we slid back ove the beer garden side of town, we couldn't help but get our dance on to the music played by the authentic Mariachis who came out with the livest truck in game, The Jarritos LA truck who is on hand at all of the freshest events throughout the Southland and always handing out thousands of bottles of their delicious (and always cold) flavored sodas.

To be honest a cold Lime Jarritos and a cup of crab gumbo with a buttermilk beignet from Starry Kitchen went so excellent together that it may quickly become my guilty Friday pleasure for a while, replacing my usual Friday fair of fried fish and strong mixed drinks… 

After all of the amazing food, awesome conversation with everyone from the vendors, volunteers and other attendees as well as the entertainment it was time to take a nap. Any event that sees you leaving on a different belt size than when you arrived is a complete success in our book. We must thank everyone who helped make the day memorable for us from Rachel and her hard working staff to all of the Chefs, Sous Chefs and meticulous assistants all working together too put together a successful day we say Job Well Done and we cant wait to on hand for the 5^th annual LA Street Food Fest.

Anisette the Teachers Pet & Surfers On Acid (Drink Recipe)

“Greg Nice called this girl named Anisette, Anisette the teachers pet you sure she’s gonna come on this set?” The previous lyrics came from a Hip Hop duo who went by the name Nice & Smooth in the 90’s and while they truly have nothing to do with the Anise flavored liqueur, the rhymes were forever imbedded into the minds of “Hip Hop Junkies” forever. What is the point of all this you ask? Well today just so happens to be National Anisette Day and while the taste of Licorice flavored drinks doesn't always rank high on everyone’s list of demands, there are those diehard fans who truly love their Jägermeister as evidenced by the drinks staying power and cult like following.

Enjoy National Anisette Day by guzzling down a few “Surfers On Acid” and watching the sunset later this evening. Even if you eliminate the sunset part of the plot, trust us you wont be mad, the drinks will have you more than charged for the remainder of the evening.

Surfer On Acid (Drink Recipe)

½ oz Jagermeister Herbal Liqueur

½ oz Malibu Coconut Rum

½ oz Pineapple Juice

Directions:

Pour all of the ingredients over ice in a large metal drink mixer & shake until the mixer is ice cold to the touch.

Strain into a large or old fashioned shot glass and enjoy.

Oh & if your interested in just what song we were referencing up above, Check This Out:

Fresh Dressed Like A Million Bucks... Fortune Cookie Clothing

With clothing brands popping up left and right that claim to be “the next best thing” when in reality they are doing nothing more than rehashing old designs used by other successful designers, Fortune Cookie Clothing stands apart from the rest by sticking to the script and paving their own path to victory in the garment game. Whether rocking some of their tanks, hats or shirts & sweaters, you can’t really go wrong because Fortune Cookie’s vibrant color-ways are so easily paired with the freshest of fresh kicks.

Peep the Her Cookie Collection out and get yourself on point before you get clowned.

For more information on where you can pick up their fly haberdashery or to get on their mailing list check out: www.Shop.FortuneCookieClothing.com

The National Food Holidays of July 2013

July is an amazing month. The greatest thing about July is all of the BBQ’s that take place every weekend, with the 4^th of July usually setting the tone for the kind of month you hope won’t end.

No matter where you live, now is the time to start thinking about BBQs, Beach parties, picnics, going hiking or camping and all around looking for some form of outdoor adventure.

While everyone is trying to stay slim and trim for that poolside look, I am out trying to get my drink and grub on, as should you. That doesn’t mean you have to party out of control, leaving a trail of mass destruction in your wake. Quite the opposite is what we actually preach over here, ya see we like to use the old adage “Play it cool” when it comes attending any kind of event. No one should want to be remembered as the jerk that pushed people into the pool, with cell phones in their pockets, nor should anyone want to be known as the guy who fell asleep, got sun burned beyond safety and made an ass of themselves at a recent shindig.

With 4^th of July right around the corner, lets face it, someone’s gonna end up smelling like smoke (BBQ smoke that is,) strong libations and have a few spots of sauce on their clothes.

Remember that nothing ruins Summertime faster than an ugly attitude, so leave your sour faces at home and bring nothing but good times, good food, good vibes and most importantly, Good Judgement. Noting is better than being safe wherever you go.

July is:

National Baked Bean Month

National Culinary Arts Month

National Hot Dog Month

National Ice Cream Month

National Blueberries Month

The 1^st week of July is: National Canned Luncheon Meat Week

The 3^rd Sunday of July is: National Sundae Sunday

The 3^rd Wednesday of July is: National Hotdog Day

July 1                  National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day

July 1                  National Gingersnap Day

July 2                  National Anisette Day

July 3                  National Chocolate Wafer Day

July 3                  National Eat Beans Day

July 4                  National Barbecued Spareribs Day

July 4                  National Caesar Salad Day

July 5                  National Apple Turnover Day

July 6                  National Fried Chicken Day

July 7                  National Strawberry Sundae Day

July 8                  National Chocolate w/ Almonds Day

July 9                  National Sugar Cookie Day

July 9                  National Don’t Put Your Eggs in One Omelette Day

July 10         National Pina Colada Day

July 11         National Blueberry Muffin Day

July 12         National Pecan Pie Day

July 13         National French Fries Day

July 13         National Beans n’ Franks Day

July 14         National Macaroni Day

July 14         National Grand Marnier Day

July 14         National Pick Blueberries Day

July 15         National Tapioca Pudding Day

July 16         National Corn Fritter Day

July 17         National Peace Ice Cream Day

July 18         National Caviar Day

July 19         National Daiquiri Day

July 19         National Ice Cream Day

July 20         National Lollipop Day

July 20         National Ice Cream Soda Day

July 20         National Fortune Cookie Day

July 21         National Junk Food Day

July 22         National Penuche Fudge Day

July 23         National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

July 24         National Tequila Day

July 25         National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

July 26         National Coffee Milkshake Day

July 27          National Crème Brulee Day

July 27         National Scotch Day

July 28         National Milk Chocolate Day

July 29         Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day

July 30         National Cheesecake Day

July 31         National Raspberry Cake Day

July 31         Cotton Candy Day

July 31          Jump for Jelly Beans Day