Treasure LA

Game On World

There is definitely a template to food and drink public relations events. Heck, they pretty much run themselves. The PR representative reserves a table at the restaurant, and invites writers to fill the table. Once there, writers order a drink or two, the account rep orders a sampling of the menu, bloggers take some pictures, and everyone digs into the spread.

If the food’s great, the account rep lets the dinner run its course, making sure everyone feels comfortable and has everything he or she needs. If the food’s not great, here comes more drinks and great stories to distract you from what your mindlessly stuffing your face with. Usually you are surrounded by the same familiar faces, but occasionally you get to explain to the out of place mommy blogger this internet thing they keep reading about in the newspaper called Twitter (I should note that I have met some awesome, hip mommy bloggers as well). Eventually the chef comes out to say hello, and after multiple hours of eating and gossiping, desserts are picked at by full and tired writers. It’s a pretty rough life, let me tell you.

Jacques Slade destroys the competition

As my months remaining in LA turned into mere weeks, PR dinner fatigue got to me. As grateful as I am to have opportunities to try outstanding food that my paltry non-profit salary cannot support, I love food for more than just what is on the plate. At PR dinners, you don’t have control – of the length of the meal, the direction of conversation, and there’s always the fear that you’ll be stuck sitting next to that one blogger you can’t stand. I’ve turned nearly all media dinners the last few months, choosing instead to gorge on cheap tacos with dear friends.

#GameOnWorld

One PR email that didn’t immediately get filed away was for a Nike event at the Montalban theatre. My three reasons for accepting were:

1) I’ve been trying to hit every old theatre in LA, and I had never been to the Montalban. I wanted to expeience the historic space. Drinking some cheap wine and looking at some shoes on display would be a small price to pay to cross this off my list.

With a little help from my friends

2) I wanted to see how a major company like Nike did a PR event. Nike took over an entire theatre in Hollywood – the possibilities were endless and I felt safe assuming it would be a nice change from the scripted restaurant media dinner.

3) PR rep Ashton Stronks is in a very small group of PR folks who never pitch me anything that isn’t of interest to me and worth while. Several large PR companies don’t take the time to tailor pitches to each writer. They take a shotgun approach and see what lands. Ashton, Eddie Allen, and Veronica Rathbourn are among the few that have never wasted my time and I’ll give almost anything they send my way a shot. PR is all about relationships and trust, right?

More PR Events Should Have DJs

I’m glad I trusted Ashton because I had a blast at this event. It started as I expected, stuffing my face with fried food and a glass or two of red wine as I explored the showroom. Once Ashton noticed I was satiated, she told me to head upstairs and put on a Nike workout outfit they had picked out. I was then sent to the stage where I was informed that we would be split up into teams and competing in athletic tests. Now is about the time I began silently cursing Ashton for letting me be the only glutton to loiter around the fried food and wine earlier.

As I surveyed the room, I didn’t see a single other food writer. Sports, technology, lifestyle – everyone was represented. And let me tell you, they were much fitter than the folks I usually see at a three hour eating frenzy.

We took turns lacing up the newest Nike+ basketball sneakers and competed in physical tests like vertical leap, jump rope, and running. I was very impressed by the accuracy of the sensors in the Nike+ shoes (my vertical – not quite as impressive, though I did kick some ass in jump rope). After my workout, I was able to see a ton of statistics all recorded by my Nike+ shoes.

The best part was that the competition brought us together. I didn’t know anyone going into the event, but our competitive spirits (and the requirement that we work together in hopes of winning sneakers) made it a memorable event.

As soon as I finish writing this post, I’m going to jump  on an elliptical at 24 Hour Fitness. This is not exactly the type of environment where I need to know my hang time and vertical. But I still wish our team had won the competition – the shoes are swag as f*ck. I bet if I walked onto a basketball court for a game of pick-up in my Nike+ sneakers I’d be one of the first white guys picked – and then kicked off the team pretty quickly when they see my sloppy lay-up.

I believe I can fly - playing ball on the rooftop of the Montalban

My takeaway lessons from the experience:

1) Nike knows how to throw an event. After the competition, we drank beer and played basketball on the decked-out roof of the Montalban, with beautiful views of Hollywood.

2) Nike is an industry leader for a reason – they are still innovating and making killer shoes.

3) It’s important to mix up your routine and say yes to unusual invitations. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

Dave Fernie and Steve Livigni Were Responsible for Getting the Party Started at Art Beyond the Glass

I’ve recently become fascinated by bartenders. I have the utmost respect for chefs doing traditional and creative cooking, but they are not always the best interviews. Loooong hours in a fast-paced but largely behind-the-scenes profession attracts a certain kind of personality – not one always suitable for civilized company.

Bartenders, on the other hand, are always ready with a story and are professional chit-chatters. A great bartender can effectively read a customer’s needs and make them feel at ease, hoping to cultivate a regular. Another reason bartenders fascinate me: children rarely say they want to grow up to be a bartender. It is not unusual to hear chefs say that they can’t imagine working anywhere besides a kitchen. Bartenders, however, are by-and-large a creative bunch who fell into the profession and are always looking for new creative outlets.

Lindsay Nader of Pour Vous presents her creation: Awesome Possum. Made with Auchentoshan Classic, strawberry soda, vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, I felt lucky to be the first to try one of the event's most buzzed about drinks.

Lindsay's reaction after trying her new drink for the first time. As my friend @Vxronica said, "She's so pretty that it should be illegal."

On June 17, bartenders from the best bars in LA were given the opportunity to showcase their creative extra-curricular activities as well as show off their drink-slinging. The beautiful patio of Sadie in Hollywood was taken over by drunken degenerates (bartenders and cocktail geeks) for one magical afternoon of day-drinking and dancing. Below are some scenes from the overwhelmingly successful event:

Me and Art Beyond the Glass Co-Founder Daniel Djang (Thirsty in LA) enjoying Lindsay Nader's cocktail

Mia Mastroianni of SoHo House Getting Pumped for Day Drinking

See 150 more pictures I took here

Jaymee Mandeville of Drago Centro & Cari Hah of Neat Bar serve up their twisted Sangrita, another one of the most talked about drinks of the day

Read more about Jaymee and Cari’s Lil Twisted Sangrita Tour

Pablo Moix of Pour Vous, Harvard and Stone, La Descarga live paints a mural

Auction piece by China Morbosa of Eveleigh

Julian Cox (Sotto, Picca, Short Order, Playa, Rivera) and Dave Whitton size each other up. Do I spy one of Julian's rare bottles of Del el MagueyMezcal?

Josh Lucas (The Writer’s Room and The Magic Castle) is quite the showman. All eyes were on him for his magic show.

Magic show by Josh Lucas (The Writer’s Room and The Magic Castle) was quite the entertaining crowd-pleaser. Ron Dollete can't believe his eyes!

Funny story: Jen Len (Drago Centro) and Zahra Bates (pictured, Providence) were putting raffle tickets in a metal bucket. The sun burned a hole through some of the tickets!

Esther Tseng (E*starLA) sharing a devilish laugh with Caroline on Crack

Auction piece by China Morbosa of Eveleigh

Ricky Yarnall of Bar|Kitchen with Nick Zacharzuk and Molly

Dave Fernie of Pour Vous in beast mode, dropping beats that Julian Cox (Picca, Sotta, Short Order, Rivera, Playa) is picking up

Mia Mastroianni of SoHo House Shows Off Her Sailor Jerry Rum Curls

Brent Falco of Cole's and I had a nice chat about her beautiful Japanese mixing glass

Mia Sarazan of Areal brings the intensity

While it was great fun seeing so many familiar & lovely faces, it was also a great opportunity to make new friends. The problem when you mix dancing & alcohol, sometimes you have so much fun that you forget to trade contact info. If anyone knows the above dancers, please tell them to contact me – I need to learn some new moves!

Art Beyond the Glass co-founders Daniel Djang (Thirsty in LA) and Zahra Bates (Providence) check last minute details before the amazing event

A big thank you must go out to the event’s creators Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates. It was a ton of fun, plus it raised a lot of money for  Inner-City Arts. More thanks must be given to the following companies for donating spirits: Infinium Spirits, Karlsson’s Vodka, Sailor Jerry Rum, Campari America, Becherovka, Akvinta Vodka, Atlantico Rum, St. George Spirits, Del Maguey Mezcal, 123 Tequila, Henry Wine Group and Pierre Ferrand.

Read more recaps of the event at Thirsty in LA. If the event ever goes on tour, you better believe I’ll do whatever I can to help a Boston version  be as big of a success. I’d like to close with an excerpt from an open letter Zahra Bates posted on Thirsty in LA:

“We love this life, this world and the possibility of expression that it allows. We love what we put in the glass and give to our guests, but more than that we love the person that sits before us. To be clear, I am in love with what we do together, I am in love with how we do it, and I am in love with the unintended outcome of what we do.

Yes, this is a love letter to my city, to the people I work with and my community at large. I have never experienced such joy, such beauty or such love all in one day, all in one room and all for one thing. Art; in and beyond the glass is the celebration of…well, of everything.”

Beauty. Community. Love. – three words to sum up my favorite cocktail event of the year!

New and Improved Hudson Block Party!

LA desperately needs more opportunities to get out of their cars and get outside to meet new people while  enjoying live music, food and drinks. MOCA’s sold-out Transmission LA  events made that very clear. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait long for an opportunity to see some wonderful bands and do a little day drinking.

Last year, The Hudson and The Churchill put on their first block party. I had a great time, but it could have used more space and definitely another bar or two. Well, the organizers evidently agreed because this year, they’ve taken over the neighboring bank parking lot to double the event’s size!

Sunday May 20,  there will be 4 full bars, 2 stages, and plenty of food for sale. As for the music, it’s exponentially better this year.  Of Montreal DJ set, White Rabbits, Saint Motel, and Haim, who have been building up so much buzz they are about to burst. Bring your dancing shoes, get your day drink on, and meet some scenesters while soaking up some sun.

Tickets are $10 before 2 pm, $15 thereafter. More info here

Chive gruyere biscuit, Cortado, & a quiche make a blissful morning at Proof Bakery/Cog Coffee

PROOF & COGNOSCENTI COFFEE

Keep your candy and your chocolates, the way to my heart is with fresh pastries. Far too many beautiful mornings have been ruined with a nice cup of coffee paired with a dry, disappointing pastry – or even worse, a tasty pastry ruined by a lousy cup of Joe. Finding great pastries and excellent coffee in the same place is no easy task, and that is why Proof Bakery and Cognoscenti Coffee is my current favorite LA spot.

Proof pastries

Nestled in Atwater Village, Proof  Bakery offers excellent scones, croissants, quiche, and all the good things in life. My sole complaint is that the menu is rather stagnant, but that doesn’t stop me from filling up a pastry box every weekend.

Cog Coffee owner Yeekai Lim and Western Barista Champ Nick Griffith

Completing the one-two punch is the excellent coffee provided by Cog Coffee. Located inside Proof and owned by Architect Yeekai Lim  (Masters from Columbia, worked with Frank Gehry – this is one smart espresso puller), Cog offers excellent coffee without pretension or intimidation. I usually order a cortado (espresso with a little milk), and a cup of single origin coffee brewed with a V60 cone. Cog regularly offers beans from top roasters Handsome (LA), Four Barrel (San Francisco), Heart (Portland), and Coava (Portland). If you want to learn more about the LA coffee scene, it’s also a great place to linger. One morning, I saw LA Weekly coffee writer Tien Nguyen, Tony and his crew from local roasters Tonx Coffee, and had a cortado pulled by Western Barista Champ Nick Griffith. The coffee geek in me knew that I was in the right place, and I’ve been back almost every weekend since.

Proof Menu

Proof Bakery & Cog Coffee
3156 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

CITY TAVERN

Flight of Strand Beers at City Tavern Pint Night

City Tavern = Beer. Lots of beer, great beer – 22 taps of rotating craft beer to be exact. This Culver City restaurant is my current favorite place to grab a brew because there is always something unique on the tap menu, the staff is friendly and take care of their regulars, and it’s near my home.

My Pint Glasses from City Tavern

Another reason I love City Tavern is their pint nights. A couple Thursdays a month, City Tavern offers flights of beers from a single brewery, complete with tasting notes and a souvenir pint glass. Frequently you’ll even be able to share a pint with the Brewmaster. You can see my collection of pint night glasses above!

On Feb. 23, 2012, City Tavern will be hosting a pint night with Stone from San Diego. They we will be putting both the Stone 14th Anniversary and the 15th Anniversary beers, a double dry hopped Ruination, and from 2010 the Stone Imperial Russian Stout. Also making an appearance is the Old Guardian Seasonal Barleywine.

Charcuterie plate at City Tavern

City Tavern is also making a name for itself as a cocktail bar. Assistant Manager Jeremy Back has curated an impressive liquor selection, and there’s no better time to test their cocktail program than a Sunday night with their new Market Basket Bartender program. Every Sunday from 3pm-close, diners can pick one of three options in three categories (spirits, fruits, and syrups), to create a custom $6 cocktail. I thought I was really challenging bartender Gia St. George by making odd ingredient selections on a recent Sunday, but she was able to whip up delicious drinks that were a steal at $6.

Once you see the beer list, you’ll end up wanting to order a ton of tasters and will need some grub to keep you going. The menu can be pretty hit or miss, but the The Brew Burger and charcuterie plate are always smart choices. Treasure Tip: If they are offering a special, order it! All of my best dishes at City Tavern have been specials by Chef de Cuisine Jessica Christensen. The skate special pictured below is probably the best thing I’ve ever had there.

Skate Special at City Tavern

City Tavern
9739 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

ZAM ZAM

Tandoori Chicken at Zam Zam

Zam Zam is a tiny, hole in the wall gem that is equally delicious and frustrating. This Culver City Pakistani joint exists to serve the mosque down the street, but it lets the occasional white guy like me order its cheap and mind-blowing kabobs and tandoori. It’s frustrating because it’s not always open (only Thursday-Sunday usually), and to get the good stuff like lamb biryani, you have to reserve an order almost as soon as they open.

Beef Kabobs at Zam Zam

Don’t think of bringing a date here – the atmosphere is non-existent. Instead, call ahead an order (don’t forget the naan!), pick it up, and open a few IPAs at home. Treasure Tip: Bring cash and they won’t charge sales tax. Midtown Lunch has the full rundown. 

Chicken Biryani from Zam Zam

Zam Zam
11028 Washington Blvd, Culver City
310-841-2504

INK.SACK

The Jose Andrés (aka the Spanish Godfather) serrano, chorizo, lomo, manchego

When tatted Top Chef Michael Voltaggio opened his hip sandwich shop ink.sack in Aug. 2011, the food blogosphere couldn’t contain their excitement. The byzantine process of getting approved by city health inspectors delayed the opening of his fine dining restaurant Ink., so Voltaggio threw the doors open to his casual sandwich first.

Spicy Tuna (spicy tuna miso-cured albacore, sriracha, mayo)

With GQ’s Alan Richman naming Ink the #1 best new restaurant in America, there’s no better time to check out Ink Sack if you haven’t already, or go show it some more love if you’ve been neglected it for other buzzworthy restaurants. Venture to Melrose on a beautiful day and fill your sack with a couple sandwiches, a soda, and a Gooey Mocha Hazelnut cookie.

Maple-pepper turkey melt, camembert, mostarda, arugula

ink.sack 
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm
8360 Melrose Avenue #107
Los Angeles, California 90069

SHOW AT BARRE, VT

Show at Barre is the ace up my sleeve when I need a fool-proof, magical LA night on the town. Cabaret, cocktails, dinner, beautiful people singing and dancing… all the good things in life are yours for the taking inside the Vermont in Los Feliz.

You’ve seen me rave about their cabaret shows based on films by the Coen Bros and John Hughes. Now, you can see their most crowd-pleasing and exhilarating show yet! For the Record: Baz Luhrmann features 27 songs from Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, and Moulin Rouge performed in a 360-degree theater by a rotating cast of talented Broadway and Off-Broadway beauties. Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 pm, and Wednesday and Sunday at 8 pm. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online.

Show at Barre
1714 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz

Rivera's corn flan with black quinoa and squish blossom

This story originally appeared on LAist.

Food lovers flocked to Malibu on Sunday, Oct. 23, for Los Angeles Magazine’s sixth annual The Food Event. Unlike last year, the weather cooperated beautifully as 2,500 Angelenos enjoyed the rolling green hills of Saddlerock Ranch.

The Royce at The Langham's Wagyu Beef with Potato in Squid Ink

While there were chef demos and some light live music, the real stars of the afternoon were the 42 restaurants churning out delectable bites. Among the most buzzed about dishes of the afternoon was Sotto’s braised lamb neck alla griglia with stewed fresh shelling beans and dry cured olives.

Patina Butternut Squash Soup

Other contenders for best dish of the day goes to The Royce at The Langham’s Wagyu beef with potato in squid ink and Rivera’s corn flan with black quinoa and squish blossom. Another highlight was watching Michael McCarty laying on the charm, something he does exceptionally well at his restaurant Michael’s Santa Monica, as he served duck confit salad and poured wine from his own Malibu Vineyard. Sweet endings were provided by fōnuts, Bread Basket Cake Co., and Coolhaus.

Michael's Duck Confit Salad

Onyx noodles

There were also a few familiar dishes for LA food festival regulars. The Foundry on Melrose brought their award-winning grilled cheese, and Waterloo and City served their delicious smoked salmon and foie gras terrine – which begs the question, what will they serve at these events once the foie ban goes into effect?

Waterloo and City smoked salmon and foie gras terrine

In addition to the impressive roster of restaurants present, 33 wineries, breweries, and spirit companies were keeping everyone cool and (socially) lubricated. The longest line of the day belonged to Stella Artois, but Pisco Portón, Karma Tequila, and VeeV also supplemented the wine offerings.

Couldn't wait to bite into it

Like last year, many of the vendors ran out of food half way through the event – but there were enough restaurants which planned ahead to fill the bellies of latecomers who underestimated the drive to Saddlerock Ranch. We’re already looking forward to next year, but that may be because we already miss the zebras, bison, camels, llamas, and horses we drove by on our way to the event.

Mini Fonuts

Five minutes into Show At Barre’s For the Record: Coen Brothers, I get the sneaking suspicion that director Shane Scheel has somehow tapped into my brain and created the perfect night of entertainment made just for me. Broadway singing, cult classic films, and live music while sipping on strong drinks and snacking on tasty grub in a cabaret room? Sign me up. Throw in some sick dance moves courtesy of Rogelio Douglas, Jr. and a beautiful cast – I may never want to leave.

Show at Barre’s “For the Record” concert series takes songs and choice dialogue from a single director’s films and creates a unique and imaginative supper club experience that can be best compared to cabaret, but truly needs to be experienced to fully understand. Previous shows have included the films of John Hughes, Baz  Luhrmann, and Quentin Tarantino.

The Coen Brothers show featurs songs from Fargo, Intolerable Cruelty, and The Hudsucker Proxy, but rightfully draws heavily from The Big Lebowski and my personal favorite, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Director Shane Scheel has assembled a large group of talented actors with a long list of Broadway and Hollywood credits. The actors are clearly doing “For the Record” because they love it (their enthusiasm is infectious), so to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules (a TV shoot one day, flying to New York the next), three actors rotate nightly for each role. For the next series, I think I’ll go several times and see how different cast members bring their own flair to their roles – it’s that much fun.

I can’t remember the last time I smiled for a straight two hours. The food & drink were solid, and I was amazed at how my waiter deftly weaved through the actors singing in the aisles to provide great service. The actors use every inch of the packed but stylish cabaret space, and a live band helps keep the energy up the entire night.

Although the Coen Brothers show has ended, you can catch the return of “For the Record: Quentin Tarantino” starting Wednesday, October 5 at 9PM and running through November 12. Even casual Tarantino fans know that music plays a large role in most of his films, so hear your favorites from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Four Rooms, Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2, Death Proof, and Inglourious Basterds. I also heard that they are bringing back the popular Baz  Luhrmann show (Moulin Rouge!) for New Years Eve, so don’t commit to any New Years Eve parties just yet.

Tickets are $35 (plus 2 drink or food minimum) and are available by phone at (323) 661-6163 (ext 20) or online at www.showatbarre.com.

For the Record: Coen Bros

Show at Barre
1714 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz

Thursday: “Hatchi Truck Stop” Brings No Tomatoes to Breadbar Century City

Pop-up king Breadbar in Century City is allowing the No Tomatoes truck to invade Breadbar’s kitchen to provide guests with gourmet Indian-style street fare. Dishes are $8, and there is a $32 minimum purchase. Menu includes:

• Complimentary Mango Lassi Shot, a thick and creamy mango shake
• Chicken Biryani, spiced boneless chicken
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Mini Kathi, grilled whole-wheat wrap filled with a choice of chicken or paneer
• Chapli Slidders, spiced-chicken or beef burger topped with crunchy coleslaw
• Spinach Chana (vegan)
• Cucumber Raita
• Samosa (vegetarian)
• Paratha
• Dessert: Chocolate Samosa and Rose Kir (rice pudding)

Upcoming Hatchi Truck Stop Events:

October 27 | The Nom Nom Truck and CoolHaus

November 17 | Papa’s Tapas

December 15 | The Grilled Cheese Truck

BREADBAR Century City
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard R-2                                                         
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Saturday:  East Village West exhibition at Royal/T Opens

Japanese pop-art cafe Royal/T is  partnering with Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 to present an exhibit that “celebrates California pop culture as siphoned through the punk rock-fueled creativity of New York’s East Village art scene with works from the personal archives” of curators Ann Magnuson and Kenny Scharf.

If you can’t make it out for the opening on Saturday, mark your calendars for the Oct. 11 event: Los Angeles Premiere of “Woman’s Picture.” From 6-9 pm, Royal/T will be open for “dinner, a movie, and a discussion” in conjunction with “East Village West.” Director Brian Pera (of Evelyn Avenue), alongside “East Village West” curator and cast member Ann Magnuson, will be on hand to host the premiere of his new anthology film “Woman’s Picture,” which paints the portraits of three strong individual female protagonists from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Royal/T’s full dinner menu will be offered throughout the evening.

Royal/T
10 am – 6 pm Daily
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Saturday: 13 Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival

There’s no better time to explore Eagle Rock than this $5 music festival. From 4-11 pm on Colorado Blvd, you can hear non-stop music from band such as Mai Doi Todd, Nosaj thing, Flying Lotus, Rooney, Shadow Shadow Shade, and many more. Check out the (horrible) poster on the website for all the details.

Sunday-Friday: DineLA Restaurant Week

For two weeks (excluding Saturdays) starting Sunday, hundreds of restaurants across the city are presenting three-course pre-fixed menus ranging from $16-$44. With over 300 restaurants participating, even the most adventurous restaurant-hopper can find a place they haven’t tried yet. DineLA has stepped up their game this year, so not only can you sort by price, cuisine and location, view menus, and book reservations through their website, you can even see what Yelpers think about the restaurants.

My advice is to scroll through the list and pick maybe 10 restaurants that jump out at you, and then compare the DineLA menus to the normal menus. If they are offering dishes that are not on their normal menus (short ribs is a popular option) – skip it. If it works out to the same price – skip it and go after restaurant week when they are less slammed. But if you do a little research, you can get a good deal on a restaurant that you’ve had your eye on.

Bonus: If you sync your American Express Card & save $5 at each DineLA restaurant when you check in on foursquare.

Weekend Film Calendar from LAist

Fri-Sun: Wally’s Tent Sale

One of my favorite LA weekends is here! The semi-annual tent sale at wonderful Wally’s Wine in Westwood takes place this weekend. Sample a bunch of wines, stock up on all the spirits and wine you need for the next six months, and try a few new cheese that are also on sale from the Cheese Box. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful, so don’t be afraid to pick their brains.

9 am – 5 pm
Wally’s Wine and Spirits
2107 Westwood Boulevard

Friday: Pazzo Gelato Happy Hour

Head over to Echo Park from 1-3 pm on Friday for one dollar scoops of gelato. One day only, so don’t miss this sweet deal.

Pazzo Gelato
1910 Sunset Blvd
Free parking in rear

Friday: Napa Valley Grille’s Whole Beast Feast

Napa Valley Grille Executive Chef Joseph Gillard is launching a new monthly Chef’s Fall Culinary Collection dinner series in Westwood. Enjoy a market-driven, five-course prix-fixe menu ($48 per person) and add wine pairings from Napa Valley vintners for additional $22. The rotating California Wine Month-inspired menu will feature new seasonal specials including Roasted Wild Porcini Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Grits and Sweet Corn Sabayon; Whole Roasted Suckling Pig with Estate Ratatouille and Chicharonnes; and Dark Chocolate Tart with Bitter Orange Marmalade—paired with pours including Domaine Chandon Rosé, Trefethen Family Vineyards Dry Riesling, and Belle Glos “Meiomi” Pinot Noir. Each dinner will seat up to 20 guests, with whom Gillard will interact and introduce each dish at the restaurant’s rustic harvest table. Be sure to reserve ahead, because spots are filling up.

If you can’t make it this Friday, reserve your spot for October 28, November 18, and December 16, 2011.

Napa Valley Grille
1100 Glendon Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Friday: Pearl Jam Twenty Opens

I’ve been hearing about this Pearl Jam documentary for months now thanks to a friend that’s a big 10C (PJ fan club member). This Cameron Crowe-directed documentary about Pearl Jam is been getting some good reviews and it won’t be playing for very long, so this weekend is your chance to see it on the big screen, the way that rock docs should be seen. Shows at the Laemmle 5 are already selling out, so buy your tickets now.

Friday: Happy Hour at Pici Enoteca

New happy hour alert! Beverly Hill’s Italian joint Pici Enoteca is starting a “Cicchetti Hour,” Monday through Saturday, from 4-7 p.m. $7 glasses of wine, and $4 Italian beers, and $7 small plates including Hand-rolled Pici Pasta with guests’ choice of vodka or tomato-basil sauce; Fig Jam, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Panini on Black Olive Bread; PICI Meatballs with Tomato-Basil-Garlic Sauce; and Fried Fontina Ravioli.

PICI Enoteca
212 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Saturday: Closing Night of For the Record- Coen Brothers

After a successful run, For the Record is retiring the Coen Brothers show to make room for music from Tarantino films. Show at Barre is tackling the music of Coen Brothers films with their supper club cabaret. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and a unique 360-degree theatre experience that features songs and scenes from O Brother Where Art Thou, The Big Lebowski, Fargo and more. Tickets are $25 (food and drink extra).  Read LAists glowing review of their Baz Luhrmann production.

Show at Barre
1714 N Vermont
Los Angeles, CA 90027

 
Saturday: Echo Park Art Walk & Shop Hop

Explore all of the wonderful things Echo Park has to offer with this whole day of free events. Music, shopping, art, food… you name it, you can find it in Echo Park.

Starting at noon
Map here

Sunday: Quebec in Hollywood Festival

The month-long Quebec in Hollywood festival is wrapping up, but there are still a couple more events you can enjoy. The big one: the premiere of “Iris,” Cirque du Soleil’s latest head trip where you can take a “journey through the world of cinema.” Friday thru Sunday, get your Quebec Happy Hour on at the Library bar.

Sunday: Abbot Kinney Festival

Venice knows how to throw a party. Join 150,000 “eco-conscious urban singles [editor's note: they mean hipsters], couples, and families” for a big party celebrating the wonderful galleries, bars, restaurants, (and pot shops?) on Abbot Kinney. There will be food trucks, over a dozen bands, beer gardens, and children activities. This will be my first AK Festival and I can’t wait. It runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Abbot Kinney in Venice.

Sunday: 9th Annual Tarfest

The La Brea Tar Pits are being taken over this Sunday from noon-6 pm with music by Saint Motel, Everest, Obi Best, A House for Lions, Infantree, and Ash Panda. In addition to the great local music, you should explore art installations, environmental sculpture, and live painting.

12 pm – 6 pm
Hancock Park
5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Theatre

I’ve written a couple of theatre reviews for LAist lately. If you are looking for a unique night of theatre, I HIGHLY recommend ‘The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity’ at the Geffen playhouse. If you are craving a night of musical theatre, you could do worse than Reprise Theatre’s ‘Cabaret’ at the Freud, but I did find it underwhelming.

Films

Friday

Batman (1989) & Batman Returns (1992) double feature at Aero Theatre with producer Michael Uslan

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World at New Beverly Cinema

Donnie Darko at Nuart Theatre

Saturday

E. T. (1982) with DJ Cut Chemist at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Thing (1982),  In the Mouth of Madness (1995),  Prince of Darkness (1987), with John Carpenter at the Aero Theatre

Sunday

Red State with Kevin Smith at New Beverly Cinema

1941 with writer Bob Gale and actors Nancy Allen & Eddie Deezen at Cinefamily @ Silent Movie Theatre

The Big Sleep (1946) at The Bay Theatre

Frida with costume designer Julie Weiss at the Aero Theatre

The Red Shoes (1948) and Black Narcissus (1947) double feature at Egyptian Theatre

Baby Blues BBQ Plate

Block party is a phrase that gets thrown around way too much. Earlier this week I was complaining about Culver City’s abuse of the phrase. When I was invited to check out the first Hudson Block Party in West Hollywood, it was a relief when it turned out to be an actual block party. Traffic was closed off, there were multiple outdoor bars, there was a stage for live music, and people were outside wandering about, not just bar-hopping.

Chicken Sandwich from Baby Blues BBQ

To soak up the cheap beer and brightly-colored alcoholic concoctions, food was for sale by Baby Blues BBQ (pictured above), The Hudson, and the forthcoming The Churchill. Chef Jason Tuley of the Churchill even brought a portable pizza oven for the event and two ice cream flavors: pistachio and vanilla apricot/peach. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with a real pizza oven and a proper kitchen.

Crowds But Not Too Crowded at Hudson Block Party (Photo Courtesy of iFlipforFood)

It was definitely a mixed crowd (a lot more LA scenesters than I am used to being around), but everyone seemed to be having a great time (except for the long line of people hoping to get in). Enjoying the beautiful day with DJs, live music, beer, and BBQ… I’d love to see more of these events around the city. Plus, money was raised for a good cause: the West Hollywood Library. I was glad to have the opportunity to check out a unique event with my friends Mark & Angela from iFlipforFood & theMinty

Ross Sea Party Performs (Photo Courtesy of iFlipforFood)

The Hudson
1114 North Crescent Heights, Los Angeles
Hours: Monday – Friday from 4pm – 2am & Saturday & Sunday from 10am – 2am
Happy hour is served daily from 4pm -7pm as well as a special late-night happy hour menu on Sunday & Monday 10pm – 2am

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: JENNY & JOHNNY

When I think of the LA indie rock scene these days, I immediately think of bands such as Silversun Pickups, Edward Sharpe, Local Natives, and No Age. Before Silverlake and Echo Park was pumping out great music, only one band came to mind when I thought of the genre: Rilo Kiley. Rilo Kiley was “so LA.” Formed by childhood actors Jenny Lewis (Troop Beverly Hills along with dozens of film and TV credits), and Blake Sennett (Boy Meets World & Salute Your Shorts), Rilo Kiley released four full-lengths that range from solid to outstanding.

Rilo Kiley – Portion for Foxes

The final Rilo Kiley album was in 2007′s Under the Blacklight. Frontwoman Jenny Lewis released the solo album Rabbit Fur Coat backed by the Watson Twins in 2006, and another solo album in 2008 (Acid Tongue). Since Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes introduced Jenny Lewis to Scottish-American songwriter Johnathan Rice, the two have been romantically and professional inseparable. Johnathan played on Rabbit Fur Coat, co-produced Acid Tongue, contributed to Elvis Costello’s Momofuku along with Jenny Lewis, and has played at every one of Jenny Lewis’s solo shows.

Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue

Considering how close they became both privately and professionally, it was almost inevitable that the two would form their own band. After recording demos with Rilo Kiley’s Pierre De Reeder, the two road-tripped to Omaha, Nebraska to record their I’m Having Fun Now with the brilliant Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes. The two played most of the instruments themselves, with the occasional assist by Rilo Kiley drummer Jason Boesel. The result is a joyous pop record perfect for an LA summer. I admit that I was a little disappointed after the first couple of listens last year, but this summer it has really grown on me and it’s a beautiful driving record.

Jenny and Johnny – Scissor Runner

Jenny and Johnny – Big Wave

Next week we will see what other former Rilo Kiley members are up to.

Monday Aug. 22

Frank Fairfield at the Redwood Bar & Grill

Start your week with some folk revival. This 25 year old from California’s Central Valley has been playing his fiddle and banjo while opening for Fleet Foxes, and now is heading to the Redwood Bar & Grill to play some standards as well as some original tunes.

Frank Fairfield – I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground

Free Shows

Every Monday in LA provides the opportunity to check out a great local and/or up-and-coming band for free. Today, you can see Stone Darling at The Satellite, Active Child at The Echo, The Ross Sea Party at The Silverlake Lounge, or Robert Francis at The Bootleg Theater.

Robert Francis – Mescaline

Tuesday Aug. 23

Troubadour Jazz Fest at The Troubadour

This is a lot of jazz for $10. Sarah Renick, Natasha F Agrama, Laura Mace, Rebecka Larsdotter, Patrice Quinn, Kamasi Washington, Ruslan Sirota, Ian Martin, and Tony Austi.

Chris Thile at Largo

Chris Thile? The name didn’t immediately ring a bell for me either. You might know Chris better from the acoustic trio Nickel Creek or the mandolin player for the Punch Brothers.

Chris Thile & Michael Daves- My Little GIrl in Tennessee

Wednesday  Aug. 24

Keegan DeWitt at Origami Vinyl

Singer-songwriter, film composer, and actor Keegan DeWitt will be performing at Origami Vinyl at 7 pm. If you can’t make this show, seem him Thursday at the Hotel Cafe.

Keegan DeWitt- Thunder Clatter

Obits at the Satellite

If you are still mourning the loss of Hot Snakes or Edsel, you’ll have the chance to ameliorate the pain for one night at the Satellite. Obits is composed of  guitarist Sohrab Habibion of Edsel and vocalist/guitarist Rick Froberg of Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, and Hot Snakes. These veterans are doing back-to-basics rock and supporting their recent release Moody, Standard, and Poor.

Obits- You Gotta Lose

Thursday  Aug. 25

Deadmau5 at Hollywood Palladium

Don’t miss the chance to see producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman don a mouse head at the Hollywood Palladium. Dancing shoes required. There will be an encore performance on Friday at the Palladium.

Deadmau5 – Professional Griefers

Friday  Aug. 26

Atmosphere at Greek Theatre

The  Minneapolis, Minnesota hip-hop duo is taking over the Greek.

Atmosphere – Yesterday

John Vanderslice  at the Echo

After five years with experimental pop band MK Ultra, singer-songwriter John Vanderslice  has been doing the solo thing since 2000.

John Vanderslice- Too Much Time

Saturday  Aug. 27

Jon Brion at the Largo 

Multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion is a staple at the Largo. If you haven’t seen him do his monthly show at the Largo yet, it’s a no-brainer.

Goo Goo Dolls & Michelle Branch at Greek Theatre

If you are feeling nostalgic this week, check out the Goo Goo Dolls & Michelle Branch play their hits at the Greek Theatre.  It’s my belief that the 1998 Goo Goo Dolls album Dizzy Up the Girl still holds up as a wonderful pop record.

Goo Goo Dolls- Name