Latest news with #Baja-inspired
Axios
16-05-2025
- Axios
A weekend guide to North Carolina's Crystal Coast
North Carolina's Crystal Coast is well within road trip range for most North Carolinians, sitting just under three hours from Raleigh and five from Charlotte. Why it matters: Beach season is upon us. Use this guide to the Crystal Coast to plan your next getaway. Context: The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of coastline, also known as the Southern Outer Banks. It's home to laid-back, serene beaches like Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, and seaside towns like Beaufort and Morehead City. I recently took a trip there and put together this guide to help you plan where to stay, what to eat and which excursions to take. Pro tip: If you're looking for a more tailored guide, scroll to the bottom of this story. I've created itineraries for different types of trips: girls' trips, family vacation, foodie-focused and wellness reset. Of note: I visited the Crystal Coast as part of a press trip on behalf of Axios Charlotte. While most activities and meals were pre-arranged, all opinions in this guide are entirely my own. Where to eat The obvious choice is seafood, but you may be surprised by how much range the Crystal Coast food scene has. Coffee + Breakfast/Brunch The Banks Grill: Find gooey cinnamon rolls, hearty breakfast plates, and a "local's menu" filled with go-to orders from regulars in this Morehead City breakfast staple tucked in a shopping center. Noontide Coffee + Kitchen: Choose from a menu of fruit smoothies, giant iced coffees and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches in a chic, coastal space. Order at the counter and sit inside or take it to go for pre-beach fuel. The Trading Post: A classic Southern eatery in Emerald Isle with a menu full of comfort foods — think chocolate chip pancakes, shrimp and grits and big mugs of hot coffee the staff keeps filled to the brim. Stop by: 8302 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle (If the weather allows, request outdoor seating). Sugarloaf Island Deli and Yellowfin Pub: A lively indoor/outdoor restaurant on the Morehead City waterfront that's an easy choice for a filling lunch or a round of cold beers after a day on the water. Dinner Amos Mosquito's: Seafood is the name of the game at this eclectic, family-friendly Atlantic Beach spot, with starters like warm, cheesy lobster-crab dip, fried fish platters, a sushi menu and boat drinks for days. Bahia Beach House & Surf Bar: With a modern coastal aesthetic, Bahia in Atlantic Beach feels like something you'd see in Malibu, California. Expect a menu of Baja-inspired small plates and cocktails — think ahi tuna nachos, spicy shrimp tacos, blood orange margs and frosé. City Kitchen: If you're after an unforgettable steak dinner, City Kitchen, located above Town Creek Marina in Beaufort, will deliver. Don't leave without ordering the sticky toffee pudding. If desserts aren't your thing, stop by their outdoor tiki bar instead. Pro tip: Find more of my favorite Crystal Coast eats at the bottom of this guide. Things to do Sure, a beach trip can be a chance to unplug, and the Crystal Coast offers plenty of opportunities to do just that. But if you'd rather stay booked and busy, these six experiences, hosted by local businesses, are a must-add to your itinerary. Take a paddleboard yoga class with Emerald Isle Paddle Tours What to expect: A 45-minute, all-levels yoga flow taught on a stand-up paddleboard on the marshes of Bogue Sound. Go all out with the poses, and don't be afraid to fall in the water — it's part of the fun. If you go: Lessons are $50 per person and meet by the dock at 6800 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle. Shuck oysters and pop champagne on a boating excursion to Seashore Oyster Company's shellfish farm What to expect: You'll reach the family-run shellfish farm by boat, where the farm's owners will pull oysters straight from the water and teach you how to shuck them. Then, enjoy your bounty paired with lemon, hot sauce, crackers and champagne. If you go: Tours depart from 229 Willet Drive in Beaufort. Email [email protected] to inquire about booking. Take in golden hour aboard a Tiki Boat with Cruisin' Tikis Beaufort What to expect: A two-hour, BYOB sunset cruise for up to six passengers. You can book individual seats or reserve the whole boat for your group. If you go: It makes for a convenient post-dinner outing after City Kitchen, since it departs steps away on the Town Creek Water Marina. Tickets are $85 per person. Spot dolphins and wild horses on a boat tour with Crystal Coast Eco Tours What to expect: Led by a marine biologist, you'll embark on a tour of the Crystal Coast's barrier islands, including a view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. If you're lucky, you might spot bottlenose dolphins and the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. If you go: Half-day tours start at $450. Debrief over lunch at Sugarloaf Deli and Yellowfin Pub afterwards, located just a short walk from where the boat picks up and drops off at the Morehead City Gulf Docks. Go hiking, swimming or biking at Fort Macon State Park What to expect: This historic state park, located on a restored pre-Civil War fort on the Bogue Banks, is a nature lover's dream, with hiking trails, a picnic area and a lifeguard-protected swimming section. Stop by: 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Shop and stroll along downtown Beaufort What to expect: Beaufort feels like it's straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel because it is. "A Walk to Remember" takes place in this charming seaside town. Yes, and: Beaufort's full of maritime history. Blackbeard's ship, "Queen Anne's Revenge," sank just off the coast, and you can see artifacts from the wreck at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in downtown. Where to stay From massive beach houses near the water to cozy inns, here are a couple of lodging ideas to consider. If you're looking for: Ocean access and lots of space, consider a rental home with Emerald Isle Realty, like Pointe of View in Atlantic Beach. My thought bubble: I stayed here along with six others during my trip. Each person had their own room, bathroom and balcony. With so much space, it almost felt like having the house to yourself, unless you make use of the kitchen for a dinner party or get together in the theatre room for a movie night. Specs: 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, four floors. Notable features: Swimming pool and hot tub, game room, theatre room, gourmet kitchen, outdoor shower, walkway to the beach with a covered gazebo. The vibe: A coastal boutique hotel meets contemporary bed and breakfast along Beaufort's historic waterfront district. Expect quintessential Southern hospitality, curated meals and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. My thought bubble: While I didn't stay at The Inn on Turner, I was able to meet co-owner Kim Bell, who hosted us for brunch. She and co-owner Jonathan Haas make all of the meals in-house using locally-sourced ingredients. And every night, the two host a happy hour for guests in the garden. Specs: Four suites total (two with king beds; two with queen). Notable features/amenities: "Field to fork" breakfasts, evening social hour, king and queen suites and a chef's table experience. Stop by: 217 Turner St. Choose your own adventure Whether you're seeking a wellness-centric retreat or a fun family getaway, here are must-do recommendations based on your trip's focus. For a wellness reset: Start your day with a peaceful beach walk and watch the sunrise. Grab an iced latte or smoothie from Noontide Coffee + Kitchen. Sign up for a paddleboard yoga class with Emerald Isle Paddle Tours. If dry land is more your thing, opt for a hike and picnic at Fort Macon State Park. For a girls' trip: Order all the small plates and sip on margs at Bahia. Cruise into golden hour with Cruisin' Tikis Beaufort. Got a go-to playlist? You can play it over the speaker. Enjoy oysters and champagne on a boat with Seashore Oyster Company. Staying at Pointe of View? Have a cozy movie night in the theatre room. For the foodie: Here are four of the best things I ate there. "Mad Dar's Sandwich" at The Banks Grill. This fried hot honey chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and pickles is found on the locals' menu. Ahi tuna nachos from Bahia. They're served with crunchy wonton chips instead of tortilla chips. The "Smooth Sailing" smoothie from Noontide, made with mango, banana, pineapple and blue spirulina. Add protein powder for extra satiety. Steak and scallops from City Kitchen. I ordered that evening's special, but you can't go wrong trying any of the surf and turf options. For the family vacation: Grab breakfast at The Trading Post. Have dinner at Amos' Mosquitos. Enjoy a beach day on Atlantic Beach (be sure to collect seashells — they're unreal). Go dolphin spotting with Crystal Coast Eco Tours.
Los Angeles Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
He turned a Mongolian BBQ joint into a Baja-style seafood spot — while battling cancer
In November, chef Joshua Gil nearly died. In February, he opened his new restaurant. 'I'm a very stubborn a—,' Gil quipped recently. 'I like telling people, 'I'm Mexican. I don't know how to give up.'' The prolific chef started pioneering pop-up dinner series Supper Liberation Front in 2009, and went on to open and close celebrated restaurants including Tacos Punta Cabras in Santa Monica and Mírame in Beverly Hills. As the founding chef of Mírate in Los Feliz he cemented himself as a local leader of Alta California cooking. Now he's serving another menu of Mexican cuisine — alongside Mongolian barbecue — from a Westchester strip mall, while also battling Stage IV cancer. Gil and his team of chef-partners recently flipped a neighborhood spot on Manchester Avenue known to locals for some 50 years as Three Flames Mongolian BBQ. The new Three Flames kept the flattop and will will serve Mongolian BBQ, reimagined, along with Baja-inspired fried seafood tacos, burgers, loaded fries and some of the city's most creative new tostadas and specials. Despite years of health hardships, Gil won't stop cooking. He received his Stage II cancer diagnosis in 2022. The following year he helped open the lauded Mírate in Los Feliz, then two restaurants in downtown's maze-like Level 8, a sprawl of restaurants and bars within the Moxy Hotel. Then, he quietly launched an Italian restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga. Why open restaurants in the midst of Stage IV colorectal cancer? 'I love providing for people,' Gil said. 'What we do, we do it from our heart and soul. It's just love, and that's what I want to share.' In late 2024 and into 2025, Gil underwent months of antibiotic treatments for an infection while also completing rounds of chemotherapy. The toll it took on his body nearly killed him, he said. Simultaneously, he mounted a legal case. In November, Gil filed arbitration in an equity dispute with his former Mírame and Mírate business partner Matthew Egan, alleging contract fraud; the complaint is pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court. 'Out of respect for all parties, we are not able to comment on ongoing litigations,' a representative for Egan told The Times. The last six months have been eventful for the chef. 'There were people [who were] super surprised that I was even functioning,' Gil said. But he did not want his medical or legal strife to delay his latest project, which debuted in February. Gil tapped Anthony Rodriguez, with whom he'd cooked at both Mírame and Mírate, to head up the kitchen as Gil continues to battle cancer — and contemplate life, mortality and spirituality. Gil said spirituality has long played an important role in his life. He practices shamanic healings and feels some of his most fulfilling moments come when his skills overlap: cooking for people during these ceremonies and providing people 'with the nourishment to be grounded.' Someday he'd like to open a spiritual retreat, where food would play a role. For now he's focused on reprising some of his past achievements in a new light at Three Flames. One of Three Flames' most popular items is a new albacore tostada inspired by Gil's Sonora-raised grandmother, whose uncle was a Chinese chef. Family lore included a recipe for chicken with sesame salsa; Gil created his own version, which now tops vegetables tossed in Key lime juice and burnt-habanero salsa, buttery albacore and chicharrón furikake. The restaurant's made-to-order tortillas use fresh masa from the adjacent Maria's Tortillas. The tacos are filled with gluten-free tempura-fried scallops, shrimp, rock cod or a blend of mushroom, seaweed and cauliflower. 'It might look like a little taco shop, but the recipes are legit,' Gil said. 'There's a lot of layers to everything. I want it to pop. I want people to feel it in their heart. I want you to feel the love that we've been putting into it.' Gil and his team brought new life to the original restaurant's hibachi recipes too, tweaking the ingredients and drawing on techniques from Gil's high-end teppanyaki restaurant, downtown's Maison Kasai. At Three Flames the team switched the previously used udon to fresh yakisoba noodles. They've added more vegetables to the Mongolian-barbecue mix, and new sauces. A new shrimp option riffs on shrimp toast, forming it into a patty and throwing it into the noodle mix (it's also a burger). Not everyone's been thrilled with Gil's new direction; multiple longtime Three Flames fans asked why they can no longer choose their stir-fry vegetables from a refrigerator, which Gil removed to make room for more seating. The dual format of taqueria and Mongolian grill is also a frequent cause for confusion. 'People walk in and they're like, 'Wait, what?'' Gil said. 'We still have the Mongolian grill because we want to pay homage to what's been there, and what built the foundation of the spot.' But with a strained immune system and a requirement for rest, Gil spends less time at the grill and more time mentoring. He helps steer the team and collaborates on specials such as butchering a whole tuna head for tuna machaca, or chopped clams with aguachile granita and Gil's 'Mexikosho,' a Mexican spin on yuzu kosho made with Meyer lemons, serrano chiles and Key lime. 'I can't really do it all anymore, so I'm doing this with him [Rodriguez] and a couple of my other chefs,' Gil said. 'They need to be owners.' These days he sees Rodriguez as the chef, and himself as a cook who sometimes creates recipes. 'I've been sitting with our identities: who we are, our images of who we are,' he said. 'I haven't donned the [chef's] whites in a long time, and yet I'm still referred to as 'chef.' We never lose that. It doesn't matter how away from the kitchen you are. You're constantly being called 'chef' by those that know you as such, and it's [hard] holding on to that livelihood, that lifestyle.' It is, he said, a little like the Sufistic belief in ego death: of 'dying' before physical death by separating one's self from the notions or titles of who he is. Gil doesn't know what comes next for his culinary career or his life as he continues to battle cancer. But he knows that he wants Three Flames to serve as a tool in bringing more love into the community. He plans to reprise and host his long-running, cross-cultural underground supper club there, bringing the renegade, experimental Supper Liberation Front and its rotation of anonymous chefs to the small strip mall in Westchester — one taco, Mongolian stir-fry or mystery fine-dining course at a time. Three Flames is located at 5608 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Forbes
Upscale Accommodations Await Discerning Travelers In Los Cabos
A wide array of upscale accommodations await travelers in Los Cabos. Nestled at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula where two oceans meet and desert mountains serve as a backdrop for pristine waters, Los Cabos, Mexico is one of the fastest growing vacation hotspots in the world. Never short on things to do, Los Cabos offers jet skiing, sport fishing and scuba diving tours, whale-watching excursions and sunset sailings. Those seeking cultural enrichment can explore the region's rich history and art scene with visits to museums, art galleries and historic landmarks. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at world-class courses. The peninsula features an expanding roster of high-end resorts and private properties that cater to the wants and needs of discerning travelers. Among the most notable are: Guests can enjoy the three-tiered infinity-edge pool. Set on a coveted swimming beach in Los Cabos, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a fresh style and an active, engaging environment to create a special escape for couples or groups of friends. Amenities include a three-tiered infinity-edge pool which is the striking centerpiece of the resort, and an extensive array of watersports enjoyed on the beach at H20. The resort is home to a holistic wellness destination that offers everything from Eastern Wisdoms and Baja-inspired treatments to health coaching and mindful movement. Guests can delight in the inventive Latin cuisine at the signature open-air restaurant COMAL, helmed by powerhouse Chef Loza, Mediterranean fusion at the indoor restaurant YAYA, and relax at TnT, the toes-in-the-sand taco and tequila bar. Discover Santiago with an Off-Road UTV Expedition. Off-road to one of the most beautiful settings in Los Cabos. Registered as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Sierra de La Laguna delivers breathtaking scenery at every turn and fascinating hikes to waterfalls and natural pools. A Guided Group Snorkel is perfectly situated for endless ocean adventure. Walk down to the H2O Cave on the beach for everything for an afternoon snorkel adventure with a local professional as the guide. Embark on a journey of Mexico's agave spirits. Experience a tasting led by expert mixologists, showcasing the unique origins and profiles of tequila, mezcal and sotol at either YAYA or TnT. Guests are treated to luxurious spa treatments near the ocean. One of Los Cabos' most iconic luxury resorts, Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is located within the private Punta Ballena community overlooking two private coves with stunning views of Los Cabos' Lands End. The resort boasts 59 casita-style guest rooms and 96 expansive one to four-bedroom residential villas offering guests barefoot luxury infused with the spirit of Baja. The resort features: six restaurants, including the signature oceanfront Cocina del Mar restaurant with intimate open-air terraces perched dramatically above the water's edge; The Spa at Esperanza; four breathtaking pools, including an adults-only two-tiered infinity pool and a family pool; pickleball courts; access to world-class golf courses and an Auberge Adventures menu of only-in-Cabo land and sea experiences. Esperanza is a private enclave where kids can run free, play among four resort pools, explore private beaches, and get creative at Tortuguitas, the delightful kids club. This spring, kids' club activities include making keepsakes, learning about the flora and fauna of this area, and so much more. Explore the enchanting Pueblo Mágico of Todos Santos and uncover its rich history strolling cobblestone streets filled with colonial buildings and vibrant art galleries while delighting in a tequila tasting. Visit the legendary Hotel California and enjoy an exquisite five-course culinary experience curated by Michelin Star Chef Javier Plascencia at the acclaimed Jazamango Restaurant. Choose from among four wellness journeys that take inspiration from the medicine wheel, a sacred symbol of hope and a movement toward healing for generations of indigenous communities. The medicine wheel represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of one's being, and the continuous interaction of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Explore the Sea of Cortez on a Sunset Sail. With a covered lounge with bar seating, two second deck plunge pools boasting a stunning view with a below deck suite and changing rooms to suit any occasion this sailing adventure is nothing short of luxurious. The onboard chef designs menus for discerning palates, while the mixologist presents craft cocktails that reflect your personal taste. Cabo Real Surf Club is situated on a dramatic Baja landscape. Meriwether Companies, a U.S. private real estate investment and development firm, and the Sanchez Navarro family, one of Los Cabos' pioneering land owners and developers, announce the official launch and groundbreaking of Cabo Real Surf Club. Opening in 2026, Cabo Real Surf Club will debut on what has been called the last best development site in Los Cabos, and the team has already accrued over $60M in founders' sales. Real estate starts at $2.5M, with new offerings slated to debut this spring. Situated on a dramatic Baja landscape stretching from the Sea of Cortez through arroyos and up to the mountain foothills, the initial phase of Cabo Real Surf Club includes plans for more than 200 homes, including custom Estate Lots, Boardwalk Homesites, Surf Casitas and ocean-view Villas. Cabo Real Surf Club is a groundbreaking private residential club centered around longevity and the first Endless Surf wave basin in North America featuring next-generation surf technology and sustainable innovations leading the rapidly growing technology-driven surf industry. Suitable for beginners to families and seasoned pros, the surf park offers hundreds of customizable waves per hour in endless configurations, allowing up to 25-second rides with controllable wave heights up to seven feet. A break from the mold of traditional clubs (move over tennis and golf), the community was created for the next generation of buyers who prioritize adventure, sports, wellness and longevity along with family time. Members can experience steam rooms, saunas and cold plunges, the hydrotherapy circuit across the different club areas, altitude training, treatment at the wellness & recovery spa with trainers who specialize in flexibility and even red-light therapy. Los Cabos' waters are ideal for a fishing expedition.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hit YouTube series bringing famous wings, sauces to State College
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — A sports bar in downtown State College will be offering a new flavor of chicken wings thanks to a popular video series on YouTube. Champs Downtown announced a 'virtual restaurant partnership' with First We Feast's Hot Ones to bring the show's famous spicy wings and hot sauces to the area beginning Feb. 13. The bar will be offering a choice of six-piece or 12-piece wings as well as spicy chicken sandwiches coated in Hot Ones sauces. The following hot sauces available include the following: Los Calientes™ Rojo: Spicy and tropical Los Calientes™ Verde: Baja-inspired Los Calientes™ Barbacoa: Earth, smoke and heat The Classic™ Chili Maple: The perfect balance of sweet and heat Original Buffalo: Rich and tan The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce The Hot Ones menu items are available for delivery and pickup only. The full Hot Ones menu can also be found on or through Uber Eats, GrubHub and DoorDash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
