Tanteo tequila bottles at Yxta

Yzta Cocina Mexicana, the oasis of superb Mexican food nestled east of downtown Los Angeles, played host to a Tanteo Tequila tasting in early April 2012. Tanteo is one of the few premium brands that infuse flavors into 100% Weber blue agave tequila as part of their manufacturing process. Their three flavors were offered neat and in cocktails to a group of tequila loving patrons at the special pairing event. Yxta’s Chef Jose Acevedo presented three tasty appetizers that were served with the tequila.

District 13 gastro pub outside sign

The Cahuenga corridor north of Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood is jammed with bars, clubs, restaurants and hangouts trying desperately to attract the abundant night owls in the neighborhood. Nestled into the middle of a mini-mall at the corner of Selma Ave. and Cahuenga Blvd. is District 13 a gastro pub that stands out from the crowd with an expertly selected assortment of craft beers and some fine pub food.

Keller Williams Bass cover art

We receive lots of new albums at JetSetJen for review and many get (and deserve) only one listen. Some recent releases stand out from the crowd and would make any music lover put them in constant rotation. Here are a few of the winners.

Mickey Hart with his band at the El Rey in Los Angeles

Deadheads young and old came out to the El Rey Theatre to see one of the original members of the Grateful Dead revive some cherished music. On March 2, 2012, The Mickey Hart Band performed in front of a packed house and delivered a night of inspired Dead classics, as well as several intriguing percussion heavy tunes.

Moksha with guest horns at The Mint

Monday night is usually slow at live music venues. The work week has started and not many people have the energy to party late into the night with their alarm clocks set for an early wake up. That did not stop a large group of Phish/Trey fans and curiosity seekers from checking out a show by up and coming band Moksha, who were performing with some special guests. Jennifer Hartswick, Skerik, and Peter Apfelbaum brought their horns for a special night of well crafted music at The Mint.

Yxta Cocina Mexicana front sign

Nestled in a mini-mall several blocks east of downtown Los Angeles is a classy and modern Mexican restaurant called Yxta. In a neighborhood that looks like it requires a Marine escort to navigate safely, this fine eatery serves some delicious, modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine. Owner Jesse Gomez and Chef Jose Acevedo are working on launching a new restaurant, Mercado, in downtown Santa Monica. They recently served a showcase four course dinner menu paired with Tequila Ocho cocktails and flights to preview the new restaurant.

LA Mag Food Event 2011 banner.jpg

Los Angeles is definitely a foodie town, and there are many events throughout the year that celebrate the diverse culinary skills available in the Southland. One such event is highly anticipated for its unique combination of great chefs, excellent wine, top shelf liquor and beautiful setting. It was a sunny day in the Malibu Hills where about 2500 guests enjoyed Los Angeles Magazine’s annual Food Event at Saddlerock Ranch. The October 23rd, 2011 event featured amazing food, great wine, and fine spirits that kept the crowds happy. The picturesque setting added a magical aura to the culinary extravaganza and made it an extremely enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

New Orleans Musicians For Obama logo

On May 1, 2012, a unique live music event will take place at Generations Hall in New Orleans. Some of the greatest local, regional and national musicians in America have joined forces to support the reelection campaign of President Barack Obama. This grass-roots effort is called "New Orleans Musicians for Obama" and is sure to be one of the most memorable events of this election year.

Skerik on saxaphone with Bandalabra at The Mint.

Skerik brought his saxophone and fine new band to the The Mint in Los Angeles on Monday March 26, 2012. The band kept a large crowd of supportive fans entertained. The show was part of a 14-day West Coast release tour for their new debut album Live At The Royal Room which captured the band's first ever public performance.

Outside Obika Mozzarella Bar

On the second floor of the Westfield Century City shopping center is a restaurant that seems to have been transported from a bustling corner of Milan, Italy. Obika Mozzarella Bar is a sleek, fine dining establishment that honors the old world by using fresh ingredients prepared authentically. In addition to a full menu of Italian delicacies, the restaurant has begun serving pizza that compares favorably with some of the best in Los Angeles.

Dumpstaphunk at The Mint with Nick Daniels, Ian Neville, Ivan Neville and Tony Hall.

Dumpstaphunk, the New Orleans band that always delivers energetic live shows, played at The Mint in Los Angeles on March 1, 2012. The five piece group was back in town for another dose of nasty, bass heavy funk that kept the packed house of fans dancing late into the night.

The entrance to Glow in the Marriott Marina Del Rey

Los Angeles party people celebrated Mardi Gras on Saturday February 18, 2012 at Glow, the nightclub in the Marina Del Rey Marriott. The club and hotel put together a classic New Orleans styled party with music, booze, food and a crowd of attractive attendees. Special menu items and cocktails were created for the evening. Glow was transformed with special lights, decorations and beads.