Gena Bell

Love Restaurants

Spago – Beverly Hills

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I hadn’t been to Spago since the remodel and menu revamp over a year ago. The restaurant is much darker with a modernistic feel and much more intimate than the previous space.  The waitstaff is still highly trained and very approachable with great knowledge of food and wine. Before our dinner began, an amuse bouche […]

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Love Restaurants

The Factory Kitchen Opens in Downtown Los Angeles

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The Factory Kitchen is open in Downtown Los Angeles by Veteran Valentino Chef Angelo Auriana and former business partner of Celestino Drago, Matteo Ferdinandi. The Industrial style space located in the Arts District of downtown is large is size with a bar on one side and casual tables on the other. The menu starts with […]

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Love Restaurants

Finally Fine Dining – Orsa & Winston, Downtown Los Angeles

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Chef Josef Centeno of Baco Mercat and Bar Ama just opened his “fine dining” restaurant, Orsa & Winston, right next door to Bar Ama on West 4th Street in downtown Los Angeles.  I use the term fine dining loosely because the ambiance was nothing short of a 1980’s big hair rock concert performed by Quiet […]

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Love Travel

Great Dining and Travel in Oahu 2013 – Honolulu

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We vacation in Hawaii at least once a year and Oahu is the island we visit most often because it not only has great beaches, but fabulous dining.  We landed early enough to get in a full day by the pool and surf and captured the magic of a beautiful sunset.  We stayed at the […]

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Love Travel

Paso Robles Harvest Weekend

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Paso Robles is one of my favorite places to visit for wine and food.  This past weekend was their annual Harvest Festival with special events happening at most wineries.  We will use any excuse to go wine tasting and let’s not forget about the food. We arrived late afternoon and stopped by Barrel 27 on […]

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Love Travel

Travels to Western & Southern Ireland 2013 (blog 3 of 3)

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On our way to Galway, we made a quick stop at Ashford Castle in Cong.  The Roman Gothic style is quite beautiful and was previously owned by the Guinness family.  Now, the castle is a five-star hotel and many celebrities and presidents stay here.  The most loveliest part of the Ashford Castle is the grounds […]

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Love Travel

Travel Northern Ireland 2013 (part 2 of 3 blogs)

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Driving on the opposite side of the road on the opposite side of the car is always a challenge.  But, the roads to Belfast are wide and vast which makes it easier on the North American traveler.  Arriving into Belfast we witnessed the large docks on one side and the commercial buildings on the other. […]

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Love Travel

Travel Ireland – Dublin 2013 (1 of 3 parts)

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Ireland, in many American’s minds is associated with pubs, music and castles but, Ireland is so much more.  The history and culture is a nice cross between Britain and Gaelic influences which is reflected in their food and customs.  While traveling around the country we met many friendly individuals from other countries that have made […]

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Love Restaurants

Water Grill – Santa Monica

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Water Grill has taken over the Ocean Avenue Seafood space on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.  The new look reminds me of a east coast seafood eatery with wooden interior and large open windows facing towards the beach.  The place is already bustling with customers all looking for a fresh seafood meal. The menu starts […]

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