DIRTY DISHES

KATSUYA, BRENTWOOD
2007 Review/Harper's Bazaar

The last thing California needs is another Japanese restaurant. Hasn’t the “fusion” chain thing been “well done”? During my many extensive stays in Japan modeling and researching food on my down time, I was lucky enough to experience authentic Japanese cuisine at it’s best. I’m a food snob, I admit, especially when it comes to Japanese restaurants in L.A.. Having gone down the fusion trail myself when I was still cooking, with a few exceptions, it’s time to put this trend in the trunk next to your favorite bell bottoms and red platform boots.

With all the delays for the grand opening of Katsuya, Hollywood, I decided to visit Katsuya, Brentwood. I was curious to see after the buzz had dwindled, if the food was still up to Chef Uechi’s top notch standards. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong with atmosphere, created by Phillipe Stark and I must admit the fresh herb martini’s tantalize my taste buds. If rubbing elbows with celebs and fashionistas is what you crave, guaranteed. Prepare your palate for pure style served cold. If the Kiwi Scallop with Yuzu doesn’t make your mouth water the Spicy Albacore Sashimi with Crispy Onions will. Let’s see what happens in Hollywooood!

Click on DIRTY DISHES to see more of KATSUYA.

Rating * *

DOMINIQUE'S PICKS:

SANTA BARBARA GREEN PRIVATE RESIDENCE

This 1960’s era Santa Barbara tract home was completely renovated and recycled into a new GREEN custom residence for a movie producer and his graphic designer wife by Michael Holiday. The small but sweet 1,800 SF home was completely transformed from the original “cottage” aesthetics and was carefully planned to fall below all City neighborhood and public review procedures requirements, saving months off the overall review and approval process. The home included a number of green and sustainable features including naturally daylit and passively ventilated living area, high fly ash concrete counters, LOW VOC paints & finishes, energy efficient lighting, and drought tolerant / fire resistive landscaping. How about that kitchen? To see more click on DOMINIQUE'S PICKS.

DIRTY DISHES:

SPUD POINT CRAB

Ahhh, there's nothing like fresh air and fresh North Bay seafood! This is one secret that I am willing to share. I discovered this little place while taking a drive with my family through beautiful Bodega Bay, California. The bay and marina views are breathtaking and the seafood is fresh, fresh, fresh! At Spuds the seating is all out doors, picnic style. Since crab is the best in the fall make sure to bring an extra sweatshirt in the trunk.

The Anello Family began their fishing history in Italy and now they have brought us Spud Point Crab. Commercial fishing is a traditional industry with a colorful history of adventure, independence and extremely hard work, which make my family feel lucky and excited for this eating experience every single time. From the fresh crab cakes and succulent shrimp cocktail to the home made tastes of the spicy red and creamy white clam chowder...you just won't go wrong with natural foods from mother earth. Take a peek at http://www.annapolisseafoodmarket.com/crabseasons.htm to find out the best time to get your fresh crab. A jewel of a find. Click on DIRTY DISHES to see more.

Rating: * * *

DOMINIQUE'S PICKS:

YUMMI GLASS

This is Yummi at its yummiest! A playful mix of colors swirled together like candy? These lollis are truly eye candy.

Alison Overbeke has created a unique, exquisitely hand-crafted glass jewelry brand, named Yummi Glass, and sells it in the finest shops in the USA, Europe, and Japan. Simply delicious! You can also see this talented designer 's Heart collection, Safari collection, Klimt collection, Sea Life collection, Butterfly collection, Gold collection, Ribbon collection and her unique Faceted collection and more online.
Just click on DOMINIQUE'S PICKS.

FASHION WEEK FALL/WINTER 2009

PRADA/RALPH LAUREN/CHRISTIAN DIOR

GOT JUICE?

Fall/Winter 2009 has proven to be the juiciest year ever! Orange you glad you didn't throw away your mom’s retro-wear? Hues of blueberries and bananas, champagne and caviar, and even cherries and chocolate, turned up the temperature on the runways this season. Check out what's hot and what's cold at one of my favorite fashion information stops online. Just click on FASHION WEEK FALL/WINTER 2009!

DOMINIQUE'S PICKS:

burt's bees

I really can't say enough about Burt's Bees. I use most of their products. Let’s chat about the Rosewater & Glycerin Toner for sensitive and mature skin. It's light and fresh and smells delightful! Rosewater and glycerin toner is traditional and has been used for centuries. It gently purifies and tones aging and delicate skin. Not only used as a toner, this product can be blotted onto your temples and forehead anytime for a cool, fresh, instant relief from hot, humid, polluted, stuffy and other stressful conditions. This toner sounds good enough to even drink! Water, vegetable glycerin and cornflower extract — yum! Although BB toners are not edible, they are 100% natural. I keep mine in a small spray bottle in my handbag for a quick refresher anytime! Just click on DOMINIQUE'S PICKS!

DOMINIQUE'S PICKS

Meaningful Beauty
is not so beautiful...

I was very excited Cindy Crawford came out with this line and also very anxious to try it out. I am not a fan of anything that contains parabens or propylene, but I decided to give it a go anyway. After all, it has melon extract! How Food Meets Beauty! I love Cindy and now that she has become an industry in her own right, I was praying her products would have the answer to my aging skin. She has been in the beauty business forever! “Beautiful skin shouldn’t have to cost a fortune,” she says, “and every woman should feel that she is the best she can be, every day.”

Well, I am sad to say, Cindy and Dr. Sebagh, that these products are, unfortunately, not for everyone. To tell you the truth, I am horrified! So, let's keep the melon where it belongs —in your mouth!

To begin, I used the Meaningful Beauty Cleanse. It's supposed to be a non-irritating formula that won't strip your skin of essential oils. Then I moved on to Maintenance 1 Day Cream, along with the revitalizing Eye Cream. With in 15 minutes I could feel the softening of my skin. I was thrilled! Then all of a sudden I had an itching sensation in different areas of my face and neck. It wasn't too bad, but I knew something wasn't right. I continued in the evening with Maintenance 2 Night Fluide, the FREE with purchase Décolleté Neck Cream and Glowing Serum. At 3:00 a.m. I woke up with welts all over my face and neck, and itching like crazy! It continued to do this for two days until my face started peeling. My face was bright red and burned, my skin was sore and hurt when touched. In fact, it took a layer of my skin off. I have had small allergic reactions to beauty products here and there, but nothing like this! Use these products at your own risk.

DIRTY DISHES

PROVECHO

There is one chef in Los Angeles that always captures my interest: Chef Gabriel Morales, original menu creator and executive chef of Balboa, now Boa, Bliss and Republic, has proven he's got what it takes. He is rockin’ L.A. with a Mexican fusion flare, if you will. I left L.A. to explore Northern California cuisine before Provecho opened. Recently, I read the L.A. Weekly review and I am even more excited to taste. I will be making a special trip to review this new hot spot for myself, and all of you, of course. If you live in the L.A. area, check it out! Just Click above on DIRTY DISHES to see more of Provecho!

http://www.laweekly.com/2009-02-05/eat-drink/provecho-luxury-tacos-with-grandma-wisdom/

FOOD MEETS FASHION Advertorial

Time to bring the claws out !

Wow, 2008 was quite a year of food and fashion! After being on maternity leave for what seems like forever! I'm back in action ready to review what's "REALLY" going on in food and wine,fashion,design,organic sustainability and more.

Check out FOOD MEETS FASHION for "Dominique's Picks", and "DIRTY DISHES" restaurant reviews 2009.