Summer Recipes from Smart & Final Good & Well Expo!

This past weekend we visited GOOD & WELL EXPO hosted by Smart & Final Extra! in Laguna Niguel, California. They had about 15 vendor booths, cooking demos with Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen, product samples of the healthy brands they carry, and discount coupons good through Memorial Day weekend. It was a great way to learn about the product lines, and to taste them all. Many of them I did not know they sell. I really enjoyed watching the cooking demonstrations because Chef Jamie kept it simple and she’s fun to watch. Right after, they passed out samples and she gave out copies of her recipes. (I will share them below). Here is a sample list of some of the things you may find…

Where to Eat on Catalina Island: Ben’s Bakery at the Shops at the Atwater

Headed to Catalina Island and need a quick bite to eat? Avalon, California has a bakery cafe located inside the Shops at the Atwater. We stopped in for a tasting during our last visit to Catalina, and we liked it. Owned by the Catalina Island Company, BEN’S BAKERY offers a casual dining experience with a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches, breakfast items, paninis, wraps, baked goods, soups, salads, and pastries. BEN’S also serves fresh brewed Illy coffee, espresso drinks, iced coffee drinks, frozen blended drinks, hot tea, iced tea, smoothie bar and fresh juices of the day. I listed a sample of their menu below…

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern aka J-FAT Menu Options

If you are feeling really hungry and looking for somewhere to fill the bellies of your family, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (also known as J-FAT), have dishes you can share, and they even have a Large Plate section on their menu. A few months ago we went to a menu tasting in Dana Point, but they have locations in Brea, San Diego, Woodland Hills, and a new one in Santa Monica. The food was as good as it looks. Here are some dishes I got to try.

5 Things to Try at Northgate Market Newest Store in La Habra!

Northgate Gonzalez Market’s newest flagship store in the City of La Habra had their grand opening this week. If you were among the first 300 customers in line, you would have scored a goodie bag. The line wrapped around the parking lot and into the residential street. I had a hard time finding parking, but it was exciting to see and be a part of. I toured the new flagship store with Lizette Gonzalez, Marketing Project Manager and granddaughter to the original founder. This store has everything and it is beautiful! Northgate Gonzalez Market is family-owned and operated. It has served the La Habra community for more than 30 years, and this is where they all grew up. Their market provide hundreds of authentic hot and cold food options available for convenience to grab-and-go and made-to-order.

Family Dining: Hermosa Beach Fish Shop | @HBFishShop

We received menu samplings. All opinions are our own. A few weeks ago, the family and I drove up to Hermosa Beach for some shopping and walks on the beach before dinner plans at Hermosa Beach Fish Shop. The first thing we notice is this large outdoor menu located right before you enter the restaurant. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Start at the top, choose your fish, then choose your marinade. Marinades to choose from are: blackened seasoning, chipotle, their house seasoning (highly recommended btw), garlic butter, lemon butter, salt and pepper, plain, and teriyaki sauce. We then realize after we placed our order that it’s to help the flow of the … READ MORE >>