Author Archives: Nicole Clausing

66 Things to Do on Route 66

In 2026, Route 66 turns 100—a century since the “Main Street of America” first stitched together Chicago and Santa Monica, carrying Dust Bowl… Read More

A New Kind of DIY Is Taking Hold in the West

At Sunset, we spend a lot of time around people who build things. Sometimes that means a house, a garden, a restaurant, a winery,… Read More

This One-Pan Cod Is Our Ideal Late-Summer California Dinner

In the Sunset Idea Kitchen, some of our favorite recipes start with a simple question: What’s at its absolute best right now? In late… Read More

With Enough Seating for a Football Team, This Montecito Ranch House Was Designed for Entertaining

When Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Akbary Jam was hired by Cate and Matt Stoll, a Santa Barbara-area couple, to… Read More

Staying at This Luxury Wilderness Preserve Is Like Having Your Own Private National Park

The angler crouches low, quietly whipping his fly rod back and forth across the creek that reflects the vivid blue sky. Melting ice… Read More

You’ll Be Making This Strawberry Salsa All Summer Long

In her new book Rooted in Fire, private chef and winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef Pyet DeSpain… Read More

A Vent Hood Might Be the Most Important Kitchen Appliance for Serious Cooks

One of the most important appliances in the kitchen can’t cook a darn thing. But if you have the right model, it can unlock… Read More

I’m Tired of Ordering the Same $40 Branzino. Let the Chef Drive.

Earlier this year, two restaurants from veteran fine-dining chefs arrived in Los Angeles with bold, exclusive commitments to tasting menus—a format that has fallen… Read More

These Are the Most Stunning Hotels on the California Coast

From the redwoods of Mendocino to the endless summer warmth of Newport Beach, here are our current favorite coastal properties. Some are brand-new, and… Read More

Hostess Gifts to Bring to Your Next Summer Party

Deciding on a gift for the host of your summer plans can be surprisingly difficult, but bringing the perfect gift to your next… Read More

The World Cup, Minus the Logistical Misery 

I am a midlife sports fan, which means two things are increasingly true at the same time. One: I love the idea of… Read More

Downsizing Your Kitchen Is the Best Thing About an Empty Nest

Two momentous things happened in the past year: My kids moved out of our house and my oven stopped working. That big industrial-style stainless… Read More

How to Plant (and Cook with) a Veggie Garden Inspired by Hawaii

In Alana Kysar’s new book Aloha Veggies, Hawaii’s vibrant local ingredients take center stage. Part cookbook, part love letter to… Read More

This Charming Small Town in California Wine Country Is Straight out of a Nancy Meyers Movie

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and… Read More

The Best Airbnbs for the FIFA World Cup in L.A. (Book Before They’re Gone)

The World Cup is officially here—and Los Angeles is ready. By the time it’s all over, SoFi Stadium in… Read More

Serve This No-Fuss, Family-Style Menu at Your Next Dinner Party

In his latest book, Ohana Style, Sheldon Simeon isn’t trying to teach you how to cook like a chef. He’s… Read More

This Is the Ultimate Summer Steak

Summer cooking is all about letting quality ingredients shine. As a private chef rooted in seasonal cooking, I find myself reaching for bright herbs,… Read More

These Are the Best Flowers to Plant in Your Summer Garden

This summer, let your garden and your arrangements do more than just bloom. Inspired by Jenny Barker’s new book… Read More

You’ve Never Seen Mexican Food Like This Before

In the borderlands, flavor doesn’t respect lines on a map. It travels by migration, by memory, by appetite. Few cooks understand that better than… Read More

The Ultimate Taos, New Mexico Itinerary

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and… Read More

This Historic Beverly Hills Estate Is the Ultimate Maximalist Fantasy

Tucked up in the hills of 90210 sits one of the most creatively designed private homes in America. Even though the exterior is… Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon

“The sun, clouds, and sky changing constantly go and see it for yourself … Words are weak things with which to picture Paradise… Read More

These Are the Wines Our Editors Will Be Drinking This Summer

There’s no easier way to drink well than the Sunset Wine Club, a selection of story-worthy wines produced by the top vintners in… Read More

Chamomile and Colorful Tile, Birds of Paradise and Breeze Blocks, and More Perfect Plant Pairings You Need to Know

Attention-grabbing elements like dramatic fencing and colorful tile are fun ways to make a space your own, but you don’t want to overshadow the… Read More