Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles Archives

How to Make Bleu Cheese

How to Make Bleu Cheese (acrylic on canvas)

Bleu Cheese and Olives
acrylic on canvas

I couldn’t resist signing up for a painting class that was all about…food.

“Indulge your creativity and appetite with artist Shari Tipich, and paint from a menu of sumptuous fruits, voluptuous vegetables, and sinful sweets! Tempt your tastebuds with elegant hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, wine and libations. Discover additional treats and trinkets among the Crafted aisles! All artistic levels always welcome!”

Shari Tipich has been a full-service decorative artist for 25 years, specializing in custom residential and commercial interiors: murals, specialty finishes, historic ornaments, etc. Her Shari Tipich Decorative Artist business at Crafted features hand-painted furniture, home décor, accessories, and gift items. The artist has been nationally published and has appeared on television; and she is also a very talented cook, preparing an exquisite buffet of appetizers and desserts each month for the class attendees.

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Sustainable Seafood Expo & Chef’s Table Dinner at CRAFTED

Last weekend I wrote about our fabulous holiday party held at Brouwerij West in Warehouse No. 9 at the Port of Los Angeles. Due to the overwhelming local response and interest in the new brewery and Crafted, I decided to share another event that I attended at Crafted a little while back. Crafted is right next door to Brouwerij West, located in Warehouse No. 10. The event was the 2nd Annual Sustainable Seafood Expo and Chef’s Table Dinner, hosted by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Friends.

The Expo was designed to help consumers choose the right fish for their dish – one that’s healthy and good for the environment as well. Choosing the right fish can have a positive impact on the marine environment and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium leads the way in educating local consumers, chefs, and restaurateurs on this topic.

Chefs, Fishermen, Local Experts, and A Real Mermaid were on hand to explain fisheries, habitats, and species management to promote and sustain wild, diverse, and healthy ocean ecosystems that will last long into the future. Ongoing seafood sampling and educational opportunities were available at booths throughout the Expo. The dinner was a stunning al fresco farm-to-table dining experience, featuring locally sourced seafood and seasonal fare prepared by Chef Paul Buchanan of Primal Alchemy.

BROUWERIJ WEST is a SAN PEDRO BREWERY & TASTING ROOM – Brewing Belgian-inspired craft beers in a restored massive WWII- era Warehouse No. 9 at the Port of Los Angeles.

CRAFTED AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES is a large-scale permanent handmade artisan marketplace. The classically restored Warehouse No. 10 is home to more than 100 individual artists, crafters and food makers, each presenting their unique handcrafted goods in a vibrant patchwork of shop spaces.

Sustainable Seafood Expo

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Brouwerij West: A Unique Venue for Our Holiday Party

It was my pleasure, once again, to host our annual Rolling Hills Country Day School holiday party. Workplace events can be challenging to plan, given the wide range in age and interests of the guests. We are so fortunate to work with a wonderful group of gracious, talented, fun people. And with the help of fabulously creative colleagues, an extraordinary caterer, a cool venue, and attention to the party details below…this gala was another huge success.

Guests were invited to begin the evening at Crafted, a marketplace where local artisans sell one-of-a-kind creations, then make their way next door to Brouwerij West, a restored 1940s-era warehouse where craft beer production has recently commenced. The massive industrial building came to life with sparkling lights, glittery Christmas trees, and pizazzy beer-centric decor. Brewmaster Brian Mercer gave personalized tours of the sprawling production brewery.

Waiters passed trays of delightful fig tarts and mini beef wellingtons. A bruschetta bar where guests helped themselves to an array of toppings helped kick off the cocktail-hour where various beer tastings and wines were offered while the DJs played a mix of Christmas and party music. Jay’s Catering Company custom-designed an informal dinner buffet of delicious foods that pair well with beer. Toasts of gratitude, fond memories, and good cheer led into the holiday gift giving. After a visit to the All-American dessert bar, guests took to the dance floor where DJs Chris and Christian rocked the house.

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