COOKING & ENTERTAINING WITH STYLE

Entertaining in the New L. A., Times Food Editor Betsy Balsley reports, brings together a mood of luxury and the diversity of dining that as emerged from Southern California’s ethnic enclaves. Thus excitement and exoticism pervace the L. A. table this holiday season. Expensive ingredients, such as the caviar pictured on our cover, are used in not-so-expensive appetizers, described in our story on Page 16. Floral styling by Dan Carter of Floral Creations, Los Anglees. For all accessory sources, see Pages 28 and 29. Editor: BETSY BALSLEY Copy Chief: DAVID N. BLUME Design Director: DONALD BURGESS Operations Director: JEFFERSON G. STILLWELL Director of Photography: ROBIN TUCKER Art Production: ROBERT STONE Editorial Director: WALLACE GUENTHER