Food

4th of July Snow Cone Cupcakes 

These snow cones won’t melt. Nope. They’re not icy… but they are frosted.They’re snow cone cupcakes and they were a lot of fun to make.  Decorate them in red, white,

Sweeten Up Family Favs with Fresh Fruit 

When your family’s favorite dishes inevitably grow tired, a touch of sweetness may be all you need to freshen up the flavor of classic recipes. Keep tried-and-true dinners on the

Get Fired Up for the Best BBQ 

By Michele E. Buttelman   Signal Staff Writer  If you’re looking to Top Chef-up your Fourth of July BBQ game you’ll want to forgo the obvious choices of traditional American fare

Signature Dishes of SCV Restaurants 

By Michele E. Buttelman  Signal Staff Writer  If Philadelphia is known for its cheesesteaks, Kansas City for its ribs and New Orleans for its gumbo, what signature dishes can Santa

Memorial Day BBQ

Though summer officially starts in June, for many, Memorial Day is the annual first chance to get together with friends for a warm weather cookout. Whether you’re just celebrating the

Cheesecake fans have ancient Greeks to thank for this beloved dessert.

Mother’s Day Desserts

MACKENZIE FILSON  We love our moms and we don’t know about you, our moms really love dessert. And when you really think about it, dessert really is the best Mother’s

One of the most picturesque spots for Mother’s Day brunch is Le Chene French Cuisine on Sierra Highway. Photo Le Chene.

Make it a Memorable Mother’s Day 

By Michele E. Buttelman  In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. This year’s celebration of mothers and motherhood will

Dinner and Dessert in the SCV

Or just a memorable dessert By Jim Walker Sometimes, you want to go out for a great dinner, followed by a dessert that goes beyond the ordinary. While there are

Favorite Places for Breakfast in the SCV

Always ‘comfort food’ By Jim Walker When you think of going out for breakfast, what do you imagine? Is it fresh fruit and avocado slices? Maybe. Or maybe you picture

The SCV’s Most Romantic Restaurants 

Where to celebrate that special evening  By Jim Walker  If you’re still trying to make up for a blown Valentine’s Day, or have a relationship-celebratory event coming up, such as

The California Wine Festival – Carlsbad is a two-day event which includes a Friday Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting and Saturday Beachside Wine Festival. Photo Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa.

California Beer and Wine Festivals 

By Michele E. Buttelman  May and June abound with California wine and beer festivals. There is a festival for everyone including those looking for high end, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, or those

Enjoy chef demos at the Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival held Memorial Day weekend.

Foodie Festival Fun 

By Michele E. Buttelman  California’s food festivals are back! Last year many food festivals returned to operation, but some were scaled back events and other festivals relocated. In 2023 food

Irish Beef Stew 

Guinness + Stew = St. Patrick’s Day Gold  by MAKINZE GORE  Traditionally, an Irish stew (aka Guinness Stew) is made with lamb, which you can totally do. Our version includes

Taco María, with one Michelin Star is a local Mexican kitchen in Costa Mesa serving a la carte taco menus, prix-fixe four-course dinners and brunch.

Seeing Stars, Dining with the Michelin Guide

By Michele E. Buttelman  The coved Michelin Star is considered one of the greatest accomplishments a chef can earn for his or her restaurant.   Not easy to obtain, the stars

Associated Press photo

Can’t Commit To Dry January? Try Damp January

It’s basically Dry January with a splash.  BY MACKENZIE FILSON The new year often finds us with our cup runneth over…literally. With all the champagne-soaked holiday parties and late nights