MEAT! and McNuggetinis tonight at Meltdown.

In the name of great irony, I [the vegetarian] would like to extend to you an invite to MEAT!, an art show inspired by, you guessed it...

Tonight at Meltdown Comics on Sunset Blvd.

There will be art, yes. But serving up cocktails will be my gorgeous, funny and talented friends, Alie and Georgia. They'll be offering McNuggetinis, the boozy, foodie, ice creamy treat that made the headlines and pleased gluttons everywhere last year.

Wanna know more about the BBQ sauce spiked cocktail you'll be enjoying tonight? Let's all take a trip down YouTubey memory lane...



Opening Reception of MEAT!
Thursday, March 3rd 2011
7-10 p

Meltdown Comics
7522 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

The Oscar.

Tonight marks the umpteenth Academy Awards to grace the film industry. Which means the umpteenth Awards to muddle with Hollywood traffic, fill up the style pages of all the gossip rags, and exhaust me.

In honor of that exhaustion, I offer no commentary on a single movie, nor solitary gown. I will not, from hereon out today, discuss the Awards, the celebrities, or the statuesque gold Oscar himself. Unless, like Banksy depicted earlier this month, an army of Star Wars troopers attacks the red carpet. Then maybe I would be interested in further discussion. But only maybe. And probably not.

LA literary types in the flesh at Slake's first reading.

If you haven't yet heard, Slake is LA's new literary pub edited by LA Weekly ex-ers, Laurie Ochoa and Joe Donnely. And it's not only LA based. It's LA focused. And that should excite all of our narcissistic, LA's-better-than-your-city-cause-we've-got-great-weather-and-hot-chicks tendencies. I know it satiates mine.

This Sunday, Slake will be infiltrating the Hotel Cafe for its first Hollywood reading. Readers will include:

• Dana Goodyear
• John Albert
• Dana Johnson
• Joseph Mattson
• Victoria Patterson
• Rachel Resnick
• Joe Donnelly

I will be there. Won't all of you Angelenos not prepping for an award show, getting a Brazilian (whatever kind of Brazilian y'all get these days), or reliving the Jersey Shore [when it was still Stateside] on TiVo, join me?

Hotel Cafe Reading
Sunday, January 30 at 6 p

Hotel Cafe
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

To RSVP, click here.

A little bit of NY noise at Playhouse Hollywood.

Just in time for my return to LA next week, my good friend, NY's best and best dressed DJ, DJ Reach, is coming to town. Catch him with me at Playhouse a week from tonight. (And you know if I'm leaving my apartment into the cold...and into the cold in Hollywood no less, than he must be just that good.)

Thursday, December 16th

Playhouse
6506 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

Get yourself excited for his appearance with a taste of his last venture to our fair city below...

Go See: In The Heights at the Pantages

Do you remember the first time you saw someone you knew from high school in the newspaper? Or an old college buddy's face on the news? There's that mixed emotion of pride, happiness and then slight queasiness as you remember that you are still living in a studio apartment earning just above livable wages at a job that will review you annually and serves stale pastries in the cafeteria. And didn't you and the wall street tycoon on the cover of WSJ graduate the same year?!

Well, a few years ago, when I was back in New York, I looked up in the subway to see an old college acquaintance's face lining the interior of the MTA's A train. Lin Manuel Miranda hadn't yet won a Tony for what had started as a project back at our Alma Mater, Wesleyan University, but In The Heights had just made it to Broadway. And I felt all the pride and the happiness but somehow none of the impending nausea. This had been a great show at school. My friends had raved. They had sung the songs after. And there was no nicer person to be at the helm.

Now, a few years later still, In The Heights is on tour and in Los Angeles. I went to see the show last night, and though Musical doesn't generally fall under my top 5 genres of entertainment, the show is incredible. From the hip-shaking Latina salon owners who offer comic relief to the serious issues of immigration and dreams fulfilled and personal struggle, this show kicks other musicals' asses.

It's at the Pantages til July 25th. Go, go, go.

Tickets are available on the show's site. Or cheaper through Goldstar for select dates.

Tip: Nearby restaurant Delphine at the W Hollywood was quick. And delicious. And hosts an array of good looking servers. Eat there first.

One weekend in Hollywood (in pictures).

I generally try to stay away from Hollywood. Day. Night. No matter. My interest in the area is about as strong as my interest in eating fire. But this weekend, I managed to spend the better part of my days in the neighborhood known for its cheesy nightclubs and poorly decorated hookers.

I made a pit stop at the closing day of Poketo's Los Angeles, I'm Yours exhibit at Space 15 Twenty. The ping-pong tournament outside seemed to be in only partial swing, but the exhibit of found objects made pretty by some of LA's most awesome artists was impressive.

Perhaps stopping into Refinery 29's East West Tag Sale at the same venue was a mistake. And by mistake, I mean huge detriment to my wallet.

My pal needed to find wigs for an event so we made our way to the Boulevard. Spotted amongst the awful wigs and trashy lingerie: one Asian hooker being fitted for a wig by her middle-aged white customer. Also spotted, her bare crotch as her slinky pink dress slid up. Lastly spotted, me running nauseous out of the store.

Finally tried out George Abou-Daoud's Mercantile. It's market meets cafe on Sunset Blvd. And though the daytime menu is meager, we were able to indulge in an amazing cheese plate and wine.

Killing time during a car wash off Vine.

I've discovered the bottomless breakfast cocktails at Ivan Kane's Cafe Was. And, oh boy. I may never drink a Sunday morning away anywhere else again.

I have the feeling that Amoeba's windows haven't been restyled since the 90s. The early, early 90s.

And that's all one girl can take in Hollywood, folks.

Hollywood's newest watering hole: MyStudio. [Life in clubLAnd]

From the folks (and when I say folks, I mean David Judaken) who brought you MyHouse and East and [long, long ago in the time when club-going dinosaurs ruled Hollywood] Garden of Eden, there is now MyStudio in the space that once housed Mood. Like MyHouse, MyStudio will confuse your friends. 'Where are you going,' they'll ask. 'To MyStudio,' you'll answer. 'But we surely can't all fit inside your studio,' they'll quip. And the Abbott & Costello routine will go on for another moment before you all realize you're talking about the chic new lounge on Hollywood Boulevard with the amazing library in front and sexy VIP booths along every wall, not to mention an incredible bubble chandelier that hangs above the main bar. It would better be illustrated with a picture, but photography was off limits last night at the industry opening event, and so a few choice words: bubbles/light source/outstanding is all I can offer to portray its awesomeness.

Though there's little photographic evidence of my adventure, there will always be the memories of the mashed potato bar. Oh. My. Good. Lord. It was good.

I was allowed this picture of the new venue's executive staff, however. And what a good looking bunch they are...

Partner & Director of VIP/Promotions, Tony Daly, Events Director, April Luca, and Handsomest Man on Hollywood Boulevard, Bernardo.

Cheap eats, great views, & spicy guacamole at the Yamashiro Garden Market.

Hidden right above the tourist-riddled streets of Hollywood is the Magic Castle. And hidden right behind that is Yamashiro Restaurant. (You should note that hidden just a bit further up the hill is free street parking.) And on Thursday evenings (at least for the summer), the sprawling Japanese Restaurant and gardens are home to an outdoor farmer's market which is spectacular--not for its produce offerings--it hosts less than some of its counterparts--but for its atmosphere and the sweeping views of the city. Not many other of LA's farmers markets can boast a hilltop perspective of miles and miles and miles of cityscape. Nor, lovely Japanese exteriors. Nor a wine bar (nice!). Nor a Japanese style taco booth, courtesy of a Yamashiro's chef where guests can enjoy $6 tacos (he hooked me up with a pretty nice vegetarian alternative) and wasabi-laced gaucamole.

Enjoy one night this summer. I highly recommend the experience. If I were the type that gave experiences stars, I'd give this one 3.7 gold ones (4 if I'd had a blanket to shield me from the wind up there).

See you at the Yamashiro Garden Market on a Thursday soon, I hope...

"Los Angeles, I'm Yours." Cause one man's trash equals our good fortune. [art in LA]

One man's trash is another man's treasure as the saying goes. For instance, I will gladly eat your leftover food (just a note for the future). And, in a less practical and more creative interpretation of the adage, Poketo and Kistune Noir have teamed up, recruiting their artist pals to recreate found items into fabulous pieces of new art. Amongst those participating in the project are an eclectic mix of visual and varied artists including Gary Baseman, Jason Schwartzman, Neil LaBute and over 30 other LA artists.

The show opens at Space 15Twenty this weekend and you won't want to miss the 1st night of the art market with sounds by Aquarium Drunkard and ice cream by Scoops.

Please also remember when you're there--I WILL eat your leftovers, so just drop your melting Scoops off at my place, mkay?

Poketo x Kitsune Noir presents “Los Angeles, I’m Yours”

Space 15Twenty Gallery
1520 N. Cahuenga Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028


Opening Reception
Saturday April 24th
7-10pm

Show runs until May 15th

Participating artists include:

Alex Krastev \ ASHKAHN \ Bijan Berahimi \ Brian Wade Scott \ Chris Bettig \ Cole Gerst \ David Browne \ Eamon Ore-Giron \ Eric Trine \ Erin Burrell \ Florencio Zavala \ Gary Baseman \ Geoff McFetridge \ Gina Osterloh \ Hannah K. Lee \ Ian O’Phelan \ Jared Andrew Schorr \ Jason Schwartzman \ John Pham \ Jordan Crane \ Leah Chun \ Marco Zamora \ Mark Todd \ Neil Doshi \ Neil LaBute for Significant Objects \ Portugal. The Man \ Saelee Oh \ Sarajo Frieden & Marci Boudreau \ Scott Barry \ Steven Harrington \ Tim Biskup \ Tom Vadakan \ Ye Rin Mok

art in LA: Manifest Equality for Full + Equal Rights

Tonight is the press preview for Manifest Equality, the 5 day exhibition in support of full and unrestricted rights for all Americans. And when they say 'all Americans' they mean all--as in straight, gay, tall, short, and even folks with questionable taste in fedoras. The list of a-list artists participating in the show is too long to include here. But not too long for the show's own website so go peep the list there. Some of my friends and faves participating include: Gary Baseman, Freddie C, Kofie, Barry McGee, Blaine Fontana, Matthew Goldman, and Karen Kimmel.

If art and/or gay rights are not your thing (because there is something seriously wrong with you), there is also a full roster of rad DJs and bands performing throughout the week.

March 3 - 7
Wed & Thurs - 11 a - 6 p
Fri - 11 a - 10 p
Sat & Sun - 10 a - 6 p

Manifest Equality

1341 Vine St.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Become a fan of Manifest Equality on Facebook.

Buh-bye to the Hummer.

God giveth. And God taketh away. And today, auto God GM announced that it will taketh away the Hummer.

I never got to ride to prom or my wedding in a Hummer limo.

I never got to compensate for inferiority complexes and/or small genitals by steering a Hummer through traffic on Hollywood Boulevard.

I never got to play out macho warfare fantasies by renting a Hummer and driving through the mean dessert roads of Palm Springs.

I never even got to test drive a Hummer. Mostly because the idea of sitting in one made me a little bit queasy.

But for all the good times I had making fun of Hummers, Hummer drivers, and everything Hummer-related, I thank GM and bid the grand ole automotive American symbol of excess and greed a fond farewell.

[via NY Times]

Sounds: Lissie. Live. Here and now. And at The Hotel Cafe tomorrow.

There are a few live videos of Lissie's 'Everywhere I Go' on YouTube. This is my favorite. It's raw. And wonderful. And looks like it was shot in someone's living room. It probably was.

Lissie is performing tomorrow night at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. I can't say I am going because I'm not. But you can. Cause tickets are still available, you lucky sons of [wonderful women].

Lissie
February 15
8 p

The Hotel Cafe
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

We Like To Party: Paper Mag + Converse bring art and expression to Los Angeles.

Yesterday, Paper Magazine and Converse hosted the pub's annual 'We Love LA' bash, this time with an art twist. While the evening festivities at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood promised live music, DJs and a livelier tone, I also sensed they'd be accompanied by a buttload of sweaty, young hipsters so I opted for the lower-key daytime fare. The lovely Ana Calderon DJed. Canvas tote bags were available for stenciling and creative expression thanks to Karen Kimmel's Art of Exchange. Costumes, photo opps, and murals were available for the children and daring adults over 20. And daylight didn't stop an open bar courtesy of Yours Truly's favorite vodka, Grey Goose.

[Image Credit: Jessie B. R. ]

Food Find: Ketel One Canteen says thanks, happy hannukah and bon appetit.

Sometimes vodka gives you a massive f+cking hangover. Sometimes (the better times) it gives you potato pancakes and awesome free grub. This weekend, catch Ketel One's ultimate guerrilla marketing ploy, the Ketel One Canteen, in Hollywood. The food truck (of course it's a truck--who bothers with stationary anymore?) will be doling out FREE food prepped by Ilan Hall of Gorbals Restaurant and Top Chef fame. And Hannukah-themed fare no less. Because us Jews--we like vodka. And you gentiles--you like Jewish food. It's win-win, really.

 

Though the truck won't actually be serving alcohol, it will be accompanied by a fleet of cars to drive you home if you've had one too many libations somewhere else along the Cahuenga Corridor.

Ketel One Canteen
@ Cahuenga between Hollywood and Selma
Thursday - Sat: 12 a - 2 a

[via Thrillist]

Helmut Newton - black, white and nude all over.

Just a glimpse at the work of a photographic legend. Because I love a legend, I love a good eye, and I love naked people (in no particular order).

Jenny Capitain, Pension Dorian, Berlin 1977

Domestic Nude I, In my kitchen, Chateau Marmont, Hollywood 1992

Fat Hand and Dollars, Monte Carlo 1986

The RSVP Line: Vintage Swap Party at WGACA

What's new...and old...and boozy all over? What Goes Around Comes Around's Vintage Swap Party happening tonight at the vintage giant's Hollywood location.

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND’s LA Vintage Swap Party

Monday, November 16th
7pm to 9pm

Join co-hosts:

Alexi Wasser of I'm Boy Crazy
Monica Rose, Stylist
Geri Hirsch, Founder of Because I'm Addicted

Swap vintage with LA’s most stylish tastemakers and take home fresh designs from the best closets in the city*

Music by DJ Magdalena

Complimentary drinks by Tito’s Vodka and KARMA California Brut

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 4
Hollywood, CA

RSVP to: ghwang@thinkpublicrelations.com

*Bring 1 to 4 quality vintage items

Food Find: Judaken adds restaurateur to his resume with East

David Judaken is known for his longstanding impact on LA nightlife. He is perhaps most famous for opening Garden of Eden, the club whose impressive lifespan made Cats' stay on Broadway seem like a brief blip in time. Last year he opened MyHouse to great fanfare and made headlines again. But amongst things that Judaken had not become known for was food. It's not that his multiple nightclubs don't serve food. They do. But when you're at the club at 1 in the am, food serves only one purpose--and that's to sober up. Well, that changed last week when Judaken opened EAST Restaurant and Lounge to the fine-dining public of Hollywood. And last night I stopped by to test the culinary waters.

The menu earns its gold star for its sashimi selection, listed under the aptly named section 'I like it raw' (cue ODB's Shimmy Shimmy Ya song here along with an entire dirty conversation between dinner guests). Granted, I couldn't try these raw bites, but one of my dining mates (MyHouse regular DJ Jasepi) had the honor of tasting for the rest of us vegetarians. And speaking of us vegetarians--we didn't go hungry either. The Drunken Tofu (this is no joke. the tofu is literally soaked in sake and beer--you'd be drunk too) is fantastic. Crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, with a layer of cabbage and mushroom on top. As Judaken, who stopped by the table to say hello, says--this tofu could convert a carnivore. As I couldn't taste much of the menu, I asked Judaken what his personal favorite items on the menu are--the meaty ones I won't have the pleasure of trying myself--and he called out the tuna, the monkfish, and the chicken as his top choices.

We ended our meal with a dessert all eating styles can appreciate (well, except for those pesky vegans)--the bread pudding. Served with vanilla ice cream, green tea anglaise, and a mini croissant on top, it may be the menu item I return again [and again] for.

And I can't forget to mention the specialty cocktail menu. Three drinks incorporate serrano chiles. At least two are made with tea. And one is called East of Eden, which I adore for its fabulous puntasticness. Judaken's wife who had a large hand in crafting the drink menu, explained the name's duplicity--East Restaurant is just East of the now shuttered Garden of Eden (tear). And its more romantic meaning--the drink is pretty darn close to heaven. And it really, really is.

EAST Restaurant and Lounge
6611 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Skin Deep: Placenta Facials erase wrinkles, make me ill.

The search for youthful looks is centuries old. Women--especially the Hollywood breed--are always chasing after wrinkle-free skin and baby soft complexions. But I recently learned of a beauty craze that's swept Hollywood that has me more queasy than curious. It's not that new to LA clinics anymore, but I'm thankfully late on this news...apparently placenta facials are the latest fad in anti-aging.

For those who don’t know, placentas are the organs that surround fetuses in the womb. Gross? Well, in their intended state--no--they're actually pretty functional and cool. But aestheticians are now promoting them as a radical beauty fix for aging patients. And yeah--that is pretty flipping gross.

Amongst the celebrities who have sought placenta treatments in Beverly Hills clinics and beyond? Supposedly, Denise Richards, Megan Fox and J. Lo are on the client list. I'm the first to admit--these ladies look good. But smearing childbirth remains over my face? Well, let's just say I'll take my chances with wrinkles.

What are your thoughts? Would you take a little placenta cream over those crows' feet sneaking up on you?

[via CNN.com/living]

Goodnight Los Angeles.

"Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everyone's got a dream, some dreams come true, some don't 'cause this is Hollywood. So keep on dreaming."

Puppets and perversion in Puppet Up!

I would generally steer as clear away from nightclub, Avalon Hollywood, as possible as I like to keep a healthy distance between myself and the ecstasy-influenced masses that frequent the club. But last Saturday night, I made an exception for the [pre-club night] showing of Puppet Up! Uncensored--where dozens of puppets (and their human puppeteer companions) took the stage at for an evening of improv, perversions, and occasional break-out into song. Patrick Bristow--who you might know from any number of roles (seriously--the dude's been in, like, everything--just check out his imdb page)--hosted the evening and led the cast through hilarious, audience-inspired scenes.

Even KTLA reporter Allie McKay was in the house and made a surprise visit to the stage. And when I say 'surprise,' I mean she was in total shock to be called up and I hope that she's fully recovered. I don't know if she had stage fright or if she is really and truly scared of puppets. But kudos to the lady for getting up and 'puppeting up.'

Don't miss the next show of Puppet Up! on September 19th. Click here to purchase tickets. Or check Goldstar to see if they offer half price tickets again for next month. Cause everything's better cheaper. Well, except for vodka and hookers.