It’s no mystery that wine is made through the fermentation of grapes. But, did you know that chocolate is also fermented with the same complex yeasts as wine? This can make pairing wine and chocolate tricky. Not to worry, we're here to give wine lovers and chocolate connoisseurs some tips.
Recipe: Smoked Chicken, Broccoli and Black Bean Soup
This original recipe has been a staple on our Level2 and Ocean Terrace menus for years. Hot and delicious, this smoked chicken, broccoli and black bean soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at the family dinner table or at your next group gathering.
January 19, 2016
Recipe: Grilled Lettuces with Persimmons, Yogurt, Pistachios & Smoked Butter
Robust and flavorful, this delicious grilled lettuces dish with persimmon, yogurt, pistachios and smoked butter is the perfect complement to grilled steak or chicken and is sure to impress guests at your next dinner party or backyard soiree.
December 16, 2015
A Look at Kombucha: The Elixir of Life
Kombucha (aka "the elixir of life") has become increasingly popular in recent years. The fermented tea just became one of America's fastest-growing bottled drinks and researchers say that the global kombucha market is estimated to exceed $1.5 billion by 2022. But, where did kombucha come from, what exactly is it, and why are countless health nuts latching on to the drink like it’s the fountain of youth? Let’s take a look.
November 23, 2015
How to Choose the Perfect Thanksgiving Wine
Whether you’re attending a big family dinner, celebrating at a restaurant or just throwing a frozen dinner into the oven, pairing wines on Thanksgiving can get tricky. Our advice is simple: grab the 3 R’s.
November 4, 2015
Recipe: Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Delicious and moist, coffee cake is the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or to share with visiting guests. Here, we pair soft cream cheese with vanilla and cinnamon to make a fluffy and rich cream cheese coffee cake.
October 26, 2015
Recipe: Burnt Honey and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Panna cotta, Italian for "cooked cream," is a gelatin-based dessert from Northern Italy. Not only does it taste delicious but it's gorgeous, served paired with fresh fruits, breads and garnishes. This recipe for a delicious burnt honey and vanilla bean panna cotta has a flavor profile similar to marshmallow.
October 26, 2015
Recipe: Achiote Cured Snapper Crudo
Crudo, meaning "raw" in Italian and Spanish, has been a staple in European fishing villages for generations. Increasingly its popularity is growing in the U.S. with more and more restaurant goers embracing this dish of raw fish dressed with oils, seasonings and the like. Here, California Modern Chef de Cuisine, Jonathan Bautista shares his recipe for spicy and delicious achiote cured snapper with serrano-pineapple broth, jicama, cucumber and herbs.
October 22, 2015
Tiki Takeover: 5 Essential Tiki Cocktail Recipes You Need to Try
Level2 Mixologist Stephen Kurnpinsky is back again with part two of our blog series dedicated to Tiki. Here he shares five essential Tiki cocktail recipes for you to try at your next themed party or any time you need a liquid vacation to the tropics.
September 10, 2015
Break Out the Glasses: 3 Wines To Sip During California Wine Month
September marks the start of prime time harvesting season for California winemakers. Even if you’re not planning a visit to wine country, you can still celebrate the harvest. Here are three of our favorite local wines that showcase the quality and broad range of wine styles in California. Break out your stemware and start sipping.
September 9, 2015
