What's Cookin'

I've made no secret of the fact that I have a love-hate relationship with the kitchen. Sometimes I can't wait to whip up something semi-exotic and new, while on other days I can scarcely be bothered to open a can of tuna and set it front of my disgruntled pair of kids.

But where I really excel is in watching cooking shows. Now, I know that sounds lazy and like I might be avoiding some actual kitchen work. OK, maybe there's a shred (a chunk) of truth to that. But I really love to learn about food and how amazing meals are made. That's why I was excited about my chat this week with Jeffrey Saad, a runner-up on The Next Food Network Star (season 5) and now the star of United Tastes of America, which debuts Tuesday, Nov. 16, on the Cooking Channel.

These TV chefs are passionate about what goes on those plates, which is why it's fun to watch them – and talk to them. Saad, who has a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son, is really fired up about his new show, which explores American favorites – such as hotdogs, pizza and doughnuts – and how they're given treatments by different chefs and kitchens throughout the U.S.

"You're seeing the most cutting-edge version – sushi pizza – to the classic version. Then it goes to something in-between," says the Bay Area-based chef.

His primary passion seems to be about bringing his own kids into his culinary world – and inspiring other parents to do the same.

"Cooking with kids is a way to get closer," Saad says. And teaching them about cooking helps kids learn about where our food comes from so that they "continue to eat well."

But how do you do that? Especially if you're like me and would rather watch than dive in with your own spatula?

Here are a few of his tips:

• Allow kids to drive the process. Let them do more than stir. Ask them to taste the food and give their opinions. "Does this need more salt?"


• Find recipes that are theatrical. "Kids are very visual," he says, so pick recipes in which the food rises dramatically (like his family's puffy pancakes) or has a strong visual element.


• Let them create. Take out all the leftovers and let them put together a meal, like construct their own quesadillas or pasta fillings.


• Beverages. "Make more smoothies!" Use up those spotted bananas.


• When your kids get "kitchen weary," create a fun meal for their friends for play dates or sleepovers. It makes the visitor – and your child – feel special.


• Get them to taste stuff, even if they try to turn their noses up at it. Saad uses the "Two-Bite Rule": "One to get over your attitude and then one to find out if you really like it."


• Allow them to "eat like the adults." Always. Don't make two or three meals for everyone in the family.


• Use spices and allow kids to explore flavors. If you want to ease into it, then add spices you like to their favorite foods. If your child likes tomato soup, then incorporate some spice into it.

Hungry for more? My daughter's always wanting to put together Sunday breakfast for the family, so Saad's video about how to make quick, easy and fluffy scrambled eggs is a keeper:

Just Say 'No' to Pot(lucks)

I know it's too late for this year's midterm elections, but I am hoping I can just slightly alter one of today's proposed amendments: Instead of legalizing certain substances, I propose this instead: Let's make pot(lucks) illegal.

I'll rally local politicians and activate citizens after this year's holiday season, when this insidious issue is fresh on the minds of everyone who's had to combine cold pizza with a green bean salad. Sure, I won't want to spend $140 million of my own fortune, but I feel as though this problem, which strikes deep into our schools and homes, can finally be brought out into the daylight where we can make mincemeat out of it (and that's something you should NEVER bring to a potluck).

I understand how they happen. A friend decides to host a spur-of-the-moment party and doesn't have time to run to Gelsons for the fabulous deli tray. One mom on the fringe is trying to single-handedly put together a gathering to celebrate the many cultures that make up the kindergarten kids and their parents. But Korean kimchi just isn't going to mix very well with that bucket of KFC that I hastily had to resort to after working late the previous evening and scrambling just to get myself to the gathering – thus, not very accurately representing my "culture" (really!).

Don't get me wrong. I love all food from all cultures (even Kentucky). I believe my children should experience and come to appreciate such delicacies as oxtail soup, squid stir fry and curries of every color. But all in the same meal?

Aside from the mishmash of culinary styles that are forced to come together on one plate, how about the utter assault on the concept of a well-planned and prepared meal wherein the appetizer whets your appetite for the salad, which provides a perfect precursor to the main dish? Or gosh, I'd just settle for, "Hey, this stuff kind of goes together OK and isn't going to make my stomach stage a revolt."

And I've bought the bill of goods that goes with these potlucks: "It's cheaper," "more convenient" and – yes, "easy." I don't have all the answers, and the solutions are complicated and can be expensive. When the host doesn't have the time, then what? Caterer? Food truck? A big pizza parlor bill? And even I'll admit that good things can come from potlucks. In fact, my children's elementary school threw a potluck that was so massive that I could've put together a menu of several different complementary dishes from 13 countries – and some of the dishes were phenomenal.

And maybe I'm just bitter about the fact that if I sacrifice my "free" time to prepare a dish or a meal, then I want to be able to serve it to an appreciative crowd – not just for the accolades but for the spirit of sharing food and getting to know people, which is what eating together is supposed to be all about.

So please, everyone, until I can get this on next year's ballot, just remember: Say "no" to potlucks.

Food Court: Take Mom Downtown

Deciding where to fete Mom with a feast can be a beast.

When my mom comes for a visit, there is rarely a spot in the Southland that she doesn't love. But when I ask her where she'd like to spend a special day, her answer is often a surprising "Downtown L.A."

Why? As locals we often see only its less attractive side, the inconvenient and overpriced parking and the sense that downtown feels like it's a world away sometimes. But as a veteran shopper, my mom sees another side: Bargains. She spends hours trolling the costume jewelry shops, the endless fabric stores and the clothing marts that are packed with all sorts of goodies, from handbags and suitcases to her primary obsession: shoes. There are bead stores, craft stores, bedding stores, junk stores, leather stores...

She often won't take the time to eat, but the rest of us demand good grub after a day sifting through cheap sunglasses in Santee Alley. So if you want to plan a successful day out in downtown L.A., consider cashing in on the shopping bargains then splurging on a great brunch. The Downtown Center Business Improvement District compiled this mouth-watering video as well as this annual list of top brunch spots:



Mother’s Day Brunch at Café Pinot. Dine al fresco on the olive tree-lined patio or in the  dining room with large windows and natural light. Menu highlights include salmon cobb salad, ricotta pancakes with strawberry confit and Fuji apple crumble with cinnamon ice cream. Three-course menu; $35.50 adults, $15 for kids 12 and under.

Bottomless Mimosas at Ciudad. Get this exclusive deal by mentioning DowntownLA.com: bottomless mimosas for $4.50 for mom. Prix fixe menu highlights include mango, avocado and Greek yogurt salad with wildflower honey and Marcona almonds; mini brie and spot prawn quesadillas; artichoke and goat cheese quiche; and chimichurri roasted prime rib. All moms receive a packet of heirloom lettuce organic seeds from Earthbound Farms. Three-course menu; $39.

Mom’s Day Off at Grand Café. Salute your family’s favorite chef with a champagne buffet at Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Menu items include carving of beef baron, shrimp caesar salad and traditional fish and chips as well as a decadent dessert station featuring dolce de leche flan or tiramisu parfait. All mothers receive a gift. $31.50; all inclusive, including a glass of champagne.

Checkers Downtown Brunch: Moms Eat Free. No matter what mom chooses to eat at Checkers Downtown, it’s free on Mother’s Day.The menu includes buttermilk pancakes filled with strawberries, blueberries or bananas and walnuts; open-faced fried egg sandwich on grilled sourdough with prosciutto, stewed tomatoes and arugula; Maine lobster risotto; and grilled Colorado Lamb Loin with ranch Gordo heirloom bean ragout. Prices range from $9-$31.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Kendall’s. This classic brasserie with contemporary flourishes serves brasserie cuisine with inspired seafood dishes and updated French favorites. Mother’s Day menu highlights include Maine lobster bisque, classic croquet monsieur, Alsacienne tart flambé, and strawberry pistachio sable Breton with pistachio cream and red rose coulis. Buffet; $35 adults, $15 for kids under 12.

Mother’s Day Brunch in Smeraldi’s. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is offering a lavish affair for Mother’s Day at its restaurant, Smeraldi’s, featuring made-to-order brunch entrees, fresh seafood, chef-attended carving stations, an assortment of fruit and salads, a selection of Biltmore desserts and champagne. $49 adults, $25 kids.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Rendezvous Court. If mom prefers something a little lighter than brunch, then try elegant tea in the Rendezvous Court at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It includes a selection of assorted tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, desserts, choice of tea and champagne. $35 adults, $25 kids.

Mother’s Day at the Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall. Celebrate mom in Walt Disney Concert Hall’s beautiful one-acre garden 34 feet above Hope Street. Dine among flowering trees and views of the city. Menu highlights include crispy crab cakes, caramelized onion-pear tarts, smoked salmon crêpes, stuffed French toast and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom. Two seatings: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm; buffet; $58 adults, $15 for kids under 12.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Patina. Savor contemporary French cuisine at the Michelin-starred Patina and enjoy a selection of wines from around the world. Three-course menu; $49 adults, $29 for kids 12 and under.

Family-style Brunch at The Restaurant at The Standard. Enjoy a prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch at The Standard. Toast mom with a choice of “ma”tini or “mom”osa, and enjoy a generous spread for the table: berry “mezze,” Greek yogurt with ricotta and honey; Farmer’s Market veg & cheese scramble; mom’s kickass fried chicken, waffles and grain mustard-maple; smoked salmon “flat bread;” Meyer lemon-crème fraiche; home fries, redbliss potatoes and caramelized onion; and bottomless buttermilk pancakes. $30 per person.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion. This special three-course Mother’s Day menu comes with a bonus – moms receive a $20 gift card to use on their next visit. The restaurant features Hawaiian fusion cuisine: Yamaguchi Sushi and a menu featuring a selection of fresh fish, delicious appetizers and intriguing entrées, combined with signature cocktails and a cutting-edge wine list. $30-$49 adults; $12.95 kids.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Zucca. For a Mother’s Day celebration with Italian fare, treat mom to Zucca Ristorante and enjoy handmade roasted pumpkin tortellini with butter and sage, Italian frittata and poached eggs over Fontina cheese bruschetta. Three-course menu; $35 adults; $15 for kids 12 and under.

Vote, and We All Win!

L.A. Parent staff hosted a holiday party with the help of the Corner Bakery. Vote for our photo at the Corner Bakery Facebook page!

Do you like baked goods? Can you recognize some fabulous party decorating when you see it? Then help L.A. Parent win the bragging rights in the Corner Bakery’s 12 Days of Catering Challenge. The I Don't Have Time For This blog was selected as one of 12 mom blogs across the U.S. to compete in the challenge, so I need your vote!

Simply go to the Corner Bakery Facebook page, become a fan, select the “Holiday” tab, and “like” the L.A. Parent photo. If I get the most “likes,” then I get to select one lucky L.A. Parent reader to win the Corner Bakery Café Holiday Catering Package, which includes tasty treats and a $50 gift card. Details are also posted on the L.A. Parent Facebook page.

Pizza and Puck

Wolfgang Puck celebrated his new line of all-natural frozen pizzas last weekend by throwing some dough around at a little pizza party for a group of mom bloggers and their kids.

Kate is a budding chef – a survival mechanism, I think, to help her poor kitchen-phobic mom. So, she was thrilled, despite not really having a clue who Wolfgang Puck was. Jack is a good sport and will go along with just about anything, so he dove into the dough with both hands (literally).

And I'll admit it, I got a little starstruck when the man himself strolled into the Wolfgang Puck Bistro is Westlake Village, ready to roll up his sleeves, fling some flour and get the kids cookin'. He even brought along three of his four children, including Oliver, 4, and Alexander, 2-1/2. They made pizzas with the other half-dozen or so kids, with Wolfgang giving each child the special attention they deserved.

The kids got to chow down on their own creations while the moms devoured the new pizza line (Four Cheese Tomato and Pesto, Uncured Pepperoni, Cheese and Tuscan Style, available starting this week at Albertsons). We also sampled the new menu items that will be rolling out at the Wolfgang Puck Bistros (in Westlake Village, Downtown L.A., and Universal CityWalk) this week. While Wolfgang shuffled plates of hearty Schnitzel and heavenly vanilla bean cheesecake to share around the table, I felt as though I was sitting around his dining table, sharing laughter and a great meal with a fellow food lover.

And the best part? Caught some highlights on video:

Music: "I See the Mona Lisa (In My Pepperoni Pizza)" by America's Premier Superhero Food Band aka The World's Greatest Snak-Rock Superhero and Gorilla Entertainment Revue aka The Go-Nuts.