The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: August 4
Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District
Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District. Matthew Kang
Though the greater Downtown and Arts District has been struggling due to ICE raids, protests, and the general lack of activity, Bestia remains a beacon of bustle, even on a Monday night. The restaurant's signature cavatelli alla norcina, which may be out of season in the middle of summer, remains a world-class pasta dish. Hand-rolled ricotta dumplings are laced with pork fat and cheese, tossed so well that the sauce appears as a glaze on the pasta. Usually, black truffle kind of gets lost, but the earthy, heady flavors play well with the amalgam of meat and carb. A whisp of thyme gives the whole dish a bit of levity, and the modest portion is big enough to share with two people without overburdening the appetite. 2121 E. Seventh Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point
Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point. Matthew Kang
Ask chef Chris Decker if he needs another type of pizza on the menu, and he'll respond with, 'of course,' which might've been the genesis of this cracker-thin pizza Romana that isn't on the menu yet at his Dana Point restaurant, Truly Pizza. Worried that this might fill us up too early, Decker said the pie only has five ounces of dough and is stretched super-thin, giving it an almost lahmajune-like shape. What makes this pizza shine is the ridiculously deep and sweet tomato sauce on top, dusted with feather-like curls of pecorino cheese, and a gentle perfume of dried oregano. The crust is crispy underneath but remains a bit pliable, with smidges of blistering on the outer edges. Though this is just my second visit to Truly Pizza, I am more convinced than ever that it might be the single remarkable pizzeria in Southern California. 24402 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA
Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA. Rebecca Roland
Nearly a year after opening in Mercado La Paloma, Komal has only gotten better. The stall, which focuses on pre-Hispanic dishes found in Mexico City and Oaxaca, has found its groove, churning out plates of quesadillas, suadero tacos, molotes in a rich mole, and gently sweet pan de calabaza. But it's the tlacoyos that remain a standout for me, with well-seasoned beans sealed in an oblong masa sachet of sorts. An acidic cactus salad sits on top of the tlacoyos, adding contrast to the salty ayocote beans, while the crumbled cheese gently melts against the heat of the tlacoyo below. While the tlacoyo can stand up to takeout, it's a dish best enjoyed right at a table at Mercado La Paloma. Make sure to grab an agua fresca from Komal or from the adjacent Oaxacalifornia to wash it all down. 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park
Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park. Santa Canela
Highland Park is lucky to have a bakery like Santa Canela in the neighborhood. Owner Ellen Ramos, whose resume includes Cha Cha Chá, 71 Above, and Redbird, finally has a space of her own to serve a lineup of Mexico City and Los Angeles-inspired pastries. At Santa Canela, Ramos serves new school takes on classic pastries like conchas, stuffed here with vanilla cream, and champurrado-flavored maple doughnuts. The iconic LA-shaped churro is, of course, available (but takes a few extra minutes to prepare), alongside puffy churro croissants and savory focaccia sandwiches. The bakery is takeout only, but there are a few seats on the sidewalk if you're looking to eat on-site. 5601 N. Figueroa Street, Unit 120, Los Angeles, CA 90042. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
Eater LA
All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required)
Sign Up
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Hulk Hogan's Daughter Brooke Explains Why She Didn't Attend His Funeral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As wrestling and entertainment royalty gathered for Hulk Hogan's private funeral on Tuesday, his daughter, Brooke Hogan, was noticeably absent. She has now broken her silence on her decision, explaining that she chose to honor her late father with a private, personal tribute instead of attending the formal service. Hogan's funeral took place in his home city of Clearwater, Florida, on August 5th. In a new Instagram post, Brooke shared her reasons for not being there. A Private Goodbye Brooke Hogan explained that her father "hated the morbidity of funerals" and never wanted one. She felt the most genuine way to honor him was to take her family to the beach, a place he loved dearly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brooke Oleksy (@mizzhogan) "Daddy, we honored you in the simplest way that agreed with my soul," she wrote in an emotional post. "We took our babies to the beach, and put them in the same salty waters you loved... Every grain of sand and every wave reminded me of being your beach baby, and brought us closer to you." The post included photos of her with her husband, Steven Oleksy, and their twin children, Molly and Oliver. A Complicated Grief Brooke's decision to grieve separately is the latest chapter in the complex story of her relationship with her father and his public legacy. She has been very open about the fact that she and her father were estranged for the last two years of his life, having last spoken in 2023. This estrangement has clearly complicated her grieving process. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan during Saturn Presents Sean "P. Diddy" Combs Citizen Change and MTV Choose or Lose Vote or Die Pre-VMA Party at Mansion in Miami, Florida, United States. Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan during Saturn Presents Sean "P. Diddy" Combs Citizen Change and MTV Choose or Lose Vote or Die Pre-VMA Party at Mansion in Miami, Florida, United States. Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic/Getty Images She previously claimed that she was not invited by WWE to participate in their televised tributes on Raw and SmackDown. Earlier this week, on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, she also made the shocking revelation that she had asked to be removed from her father's will, citing fears of a potential legal battle with his third wife, Sky Daily, and her own mother, Linda Hogan. A Star-Studded Memorial The private funeral service that Brooke did not attend was a star-studded affair. It was held at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church and was attended by WWE executives Vince McMahon and Triple H, as well as legends like Ric Flair. Celebrities like Kid Rock were also there to pay their respects, alongside Hogan's wife, Sky Daily, and his ex-wife, Linda. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Eater
2 days ago
- Eater
The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: August 4
The editors at Eater LA dine out several times a week, if not per day, which means we're always encountering standout dishes that deserve time in the limelight. Here's the very best of everything the team has eaten this week. Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District. Matthew Kang Though the greater Downtown and Arts District has been struggling due to ICE raids, protests, and the general lack of activity, Bestia remains a beacon of bustle, even on a Monday night. The restaurant's signature cavatelli alla norcina, which may be out of season in the middle of summer, remains a world-class pasta dish. Hand-rolled ricotta dumplings are laced with pork fat and cheese, tossed so well that the sauce appears as a glaze on the pasta. Usually, black truffle kind of gets lost, but the earthy, heady flavors play well with the amalgam of meat and carb. A whisp of thyme gives the whole dish a bit of levity, and the modest portion is big enough to share with two people without overburdening the appetite. 2121 E. Seventh Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point. Matthew Kang Ask chef Chris Decker if he needs another type of pizza on the menu, and he'll respond with, 'of course,' which might've been the genesis of this cracker-thin pizza Romana that isn't on the menu yet at his Dana Point restaurant, Truly Pizza. Worried that this might fill us up too early, Decker said the pie only has five ounces of dough and is stretched super-thin, giving it an almost lahmajune-like shape. What makes this pizza shine is the ridiculously deep and sweet tomato sauce on top, dusted with feather-like curls of pecorino cheese, and a gentle perfume of dried oregano. The crust is crispy underneath but remains a bit pliable, with smidges of blistering on the outer edges. Though this is just my second visit to Truly Pizza, I am more convinced than ever that it might be the single remarkable pizzeria in Southern California. 24402 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA. Rebecca Roland Nearly a year after opening in Mercado La Paloma, Komal has only gotten better. The stall, which focuses on pre-Hispanic dishes found in Mexico City and Oaxaca, has found its groove, churning out plates of quesadillas, suadero tacos, molotes in a rich mole, and gently sweet pan de calabaza. But it's the tlacoyos that remain a standout for me, with well-seasoned beans sealed in an oblong masa sachet of sorts. An acidic cactus salad sits on top of the tlacoyos, adding contrast to the salty ayocote beans, while the crumbled cheese gently melts against the heat of the tlacoyo below. While the tlacoyo can stand up to takeout, it's a dish best enjoyed right at a table at Mercado La Paloma. Make sure to grab an agua fresca from Komal or from the adjacent Oaxacalifornia to wash it all down. 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park. Santa Canela Highland Park is lucky to have a bakery like Santa Canela in the neighborhood. Owner Ellen Ramos, whose resume includes Cha Cha Chá, 71 Above, and Redbird, finally has a space of her own to serve a lineup of Mexico City and Los Angeles-inspired pastries. At Santa Canela, Ramos serves new school takes on classic pastries like conchas, stuffed here with vanilla cream, and champurrado-flavored maple doughnuts. The iconic LA-shaped churro is, of course, available (but takes a few extra minutes to prepare), alongside puffy churro croissants and savory focaccia sandwiches. The bakery is takeout only, but there are a few seats on the sidewalk if you're looking to eat on-site. 5601 N. Figueroa Street, Unit 120, Los Angeles, CA 90042. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Eater LA All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
CTV Was Supposed To Be The Great Equalizer
Tony Gonzalez is Co-Founder and CEO of Mundial Media, a leading contextual marketing platform focused on multicultural audiences. We've all heard the promise: CTV is the future. It's the great equalizer, blending digital targeting with the storytelling power of TV. That vision is authentic and compelling, but turning it into meaningful results, especially with multicultural audiences, requires more than flipping a switch. After more than a decade immersed in multicultural media strategy, I've learned that reaching Hispanic and other diverse audiences on CTV takes a mindset shift from checking boxes to embracing cultural fluency. There's no debate: U.S. Hispanics over-index on CTV. They're streaming more content across more platforms and engaging with content in both Spanish and English. This behavior represents a powerful opportunity, but only for brands that approach this audience with intentionality. Simply put, to connect with this audience, marketing must reflect the lived experiences, values and aspirations of its target audience. African American audiences also play a significant role in shaping CTV trends, driving substantial viewership and cultural influence across various genres and platforms. Like Hispanic viewers, they are not a monolith. Connecting with them requires more than surface-level gestures; it calls for a genuine investment in representation, storytelling and a deep understanding of the community. Too often, the default approach mirrors traditional broadcast methods: repurposing a general-market ad, dubbing it in Spanish, adding a few cultural signifiers and distributing it through a Spanish-language app. While well-intentioned, this rarely taps into the deeper layers of identity and relevance that multicultural viewers respond to. So, what should brands do instead? It starts with involving the right voices up front. That means working with creatives, strategists and researchers who bring cultural insights and lived experiences to the table from day one. Brands should commission original creative, developed specifically for the audience they're trying to reach. Casting should reflect cultural authenticity; scripts should consider vernacular and humor that come naturally, and story arcs should resonate with the community's values, including family, perseverance, cultural pride and ambition, to name a few. CTV audiences are nuanced. Language is just one dimension. Factors like generational perspective, region of origin, acculturation level and shifting identity expressions all share what resonates. Increasingly, these dimensions overlap in ways that require more than translation; they demand tailored, informed storytelling. One of CTV's advantages is its robust targeting capabilities. Brands can layer data such as language preference, geography, cultural affinity and viewer behavior to deliver highly tailored messages. However, access to those tools isn't what sets great campaigns apart; it's how you use them. Take Toyota, for example. Rather than viewing 'Hispanics' as a single audience, the brand develops distinct purpose-built creative for bilingual, English-dominant and Spanish-dominant audiences. They respect nuance, and in doing so, create ads that connect rather than just categorize. 5 Ways To Take A CTV Multicultural Strategy To The Next Level If your brand is serious about building meaningful connections with Hispanic audiences on CTV, here are five foundational shifts that can move the needle: The majority of the 60-plus million Hispanics in the U.S. are bilingual or English-dominant. Language matters as a starting point. Cultural attitudes, values and identity shape what drives engagement. Brands can leverage these insights through qualitative and quantitative research, ethnographic studies, social listening and analysis of first-party data. For example, identifying a high affinity for nostalgia-driven content among second-generation Latinos could influence whether your ad leans into retro aesthetics, multigenerational storytelling or familiar music from the 2000s. Inclusive media planning begins long before the media buy. Storytelling that reflects lived experiences through casting, scripting and narrative lays the groundwork for genuine connection. Work with writers, producers and directors who mirror the communities you want to reach. Authentic representation builds trust and lifts campaign performance. CTV allows real-time testing and refinement. Experiment with cultural cues, language combinations and regional variations to enhance your understanding. Use performance data to refine messaging and evaluate emotional response metrics, such as whether viewers watched to the end. Did they comment, share or follow up? Optimization should include a combination of cultural impact and click-through rates. Hispanic Heritage Month is important, but it is not enough. Audiences notice when brands disappear for the other 11 months. Consistent visibility, even in smaller ways, signals commitment and builds brand equity. The most trusted brands in multicultural households are those that are present year-round, not just seasonally. Data is crucial, but cultural fluency comes from lived experience. Collaborate with partners—media platforms, creators and strategists who understand the nuances of diverse audiences because they are part of those communities. Demographics reveal who someone is; fluency helps you know how they think, feel and live. A Shift From Reach To Resonance CTV has made targeted media more accessible than ever. However, meaningful results emerge when brands shift their perspective on multicultural engagement from a box to check to a core growth strategy. Multicultural audiences, particularly U.S. Hispanics, are influencing content. They're shaping trends, redefining narratives and setting the tone for where media goes next. African American viewers are equally influential as cultural catalysts, with impact across every platform and genre. Brands that get this right will capture attention and earn loyalty, advocacy and long-term value from the communities shaping the future of entertainment and culture. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
