Yoga + Dining + Community.

Pals o'mine. I don't want you to get off your rocker excited and hurt yourself now. But this Friday, March 16 will launch Downward Dining, a new yoga and dining experience in LA. To tell you it's going to be amazing would not be enough. To tell you the yoga teacher for the launch can do things you only dreamt possible in Cirque shows--To tell you that your meal of M Cafe goodness and Bella Savour vegan cupcakes and Honest Tea awesomeness will knock your socks off--To tell you that the gift bag will be heavy. And it will be good. And it will excite you--None of this would be sufficient.

So, I guess you'll just have to come and see for yourself.

Tickets are available (but not for long) at www.downwarddiningeventbrite.com. Get yours.

And tell your friends.

Follow Downward Dining on Twitter.
Like Downward Dining on Facebook.
Join the Downward Dining mailing list!

Fried Pastries & Liquor Day. Mmmmm.

Because Friday is National Doughnut Day [and because there's never a bad reason to drink], Grace Restaurant is offering bourbon and doughnut pairings.

I don't drink bourbon. Nor do I frequently indulge in doughnuts. But this concept sounds absolutely delightful all the same.

From the restaurant's website...

Friday June 4th is National Doughnut Day. In celebration Pastry Chef Mariah Swan and Wine Director Eduardo Porto Carreiro have created a flight of three doughnuts each paired with single barrel bourbons offered all week beginning - Tuesday June 1st through Sunday June 6th.

Salt and Pepper Caramel Glazed Doughnut
Blanton’s Single Barrel

Buttermilk Toasted Coconut Glazed Doughnut
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

Chocolate Hazelnut Glazed Doughnut
Woodford Reserve Single Barrel

doughnuts served with vanilla ice cream

$12 doughnuts only
$24 with bourbon pairings

Tuesday June 1, 2010 - Sunday June 6, 2010

Grace Restaurant
7360 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA

Bon appetit and remember, kids, don't eat donuts and drive.

[via Daily Candy]

Blog Love: Selleck Waterfall Sandwich

Imagine actor Tom Selleck. Imagine a calm, flowing waterfall. Now imagine them together along with your favorite sandwich. The 'Selleck Waterfall Sandwich' blog crafts this stunning fantasy...over and over and over again.

Behold some of the scenes below.

Selleck with a waterfall with a Meatloaf sandwich...

Or perhaps with a Caribbean Jerk Chicken sammy...

More Selleck + waterfall + food fantasies for your viewing and wonderment on Selleck Waterfall Sandwich.

in it to WIN IT: food, fun and freebies from NORMS Restaurants

If you live in LA...and you leave your house...ever...you have driven by a NORMS Restaurant. The big, block, all-caps lettering is iconic. As is the food inside.

Here are just a few reasons to love NORMS...

1. They serve breakfast all day. Any place that will serve me an omelet when I'm drunk at 3 in the morning is good in my book.

2. They are 'Open 24 hours a day-Every day of the year!' I have called to verify and yes, that does include St. Patty's Day, Rosh Hashana, and Secretary's Day. This is astonishing dedication to service.

3. Cool, musical hip people like NORMS. And because I am a sucker for trendy things, if Friendly Fires likes NORMS, then so do I.

4. The Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. Another restaurant might try to come up with some new-fangled version of this classic dish for its menu. NORMS keeps it real. We all like the Kraft version. Why mess with success.

5. NORMS is giving away free grub to 1 very lucky reader of this here blog. And we all love free grub. Because we're hungry and not yet very rich.

Entry form must be submitted by Monday, December 14th at 12 pm PST. One winner will be chosen at random and notified on Tuesday, December, 15th.

Follow NORMS on Twitter.
Become a NORMS fan on Facebook.

Giving thanks for: a frosting frenzy.

How thankful was I to have a day-old Crumbs cupcake in my fridge tonight? Very.

Not much beats skimming the frosting off a cupcake with a fork. No cake, no carbs, I tell myself. And telling yourself is half the battle [toward denial, ignorance and pretty happy bliss]. Because everyone knows the frosting alone is, like, totally not bad for you.

Thing I give thanks for No. 3: Sugary, buttery, awesome desserts.

If you happen to be near any of the locations of this growing sugar empire this week, I'd like to try the 'White Hot Chocolate' cupcake next. Scoop that up for me by Thursday and I may even throw you onto the list of things I give thanks for.

Sunday at the Santa Monica Farmers Market [Gallery]

Every Sunday in Santa Monica, yuppies meet hippies meet health nuts at the Main Street Farmers Market. Why do I love it here?

1. There are children. Not just any children, but West Side children. And that means ridiculous outfits, free spirits, and lots of dancing. Peep this girl with the mismatched everything, topped off with a strawberry hat. Only in Santa Monica.

2. There are animals. And the crazy-looking kids can ride them. I do look forward to adult size animals in the future so that I might get a go. But for now...

3. There's music. The acts vary each week. And they're not always great. And sometimes they have bad names like the 'Jazz Mammals.' But that's cool. Beggars can't be choosers and tunes from poorly named bands are better than none.

4. There's a bike valet. Because Santa Monica is green. And we like that.

5. There are men with badly patterned shorts and [gasp] ankle bracelets who proudly go topless. I say this to those men: if you are going to go topless, please make sure the clothing you are wearing is tolerable.

6. Vendors have got all sorts of weird, ugly and occasionally cool things to buy.

7. Most importantly there is food to buy. There are fruits and other healthy grocery items, yes. But there are also pancakes the size of your first desktop computer...

And crepes that are made to order...

And omelets served with the best breakfast potatoes I've had in a long while...

9. There is no lack of people watching. Both good and bad.

10. And it's like 2 flipping blocks from the ocean. Which makes Sunday brunch at the Farmers Market just about as spectacular as a bonus at Christmas time.

Click here for the Santa Monica Farmers Market's vendor list, schedule of performances and more.

We Like To Party: the Silverlake Art Crawl fiasco.

When folks talk about a 'crawl' it generally involves a group of destinations--similar in theme and close in proximity. The Silverlake Art Crawl would have better been called a scavenger hunt. One with stops very, very, very far away from each other. In which guests are tasked with finding good art and interesting activities. Which were, as it turned out, relatively hard to find on the crawl's itinerary.

But here are some of the more interesting things and places spotted along the crawl.

Gogosha is an optical store for those with, shall we say, taste. We came upon it by accident after the first two stops along the crawl failed us. Pictured below are a ridiculous pair of sunglasses by Mykita and Willhelm that I tried on for kicks (as featured on Sex and the City).

We discovered Lawson-Fenning, a fabulous furniture and design store. Especially awesome? These big, big feet.

In the back of the store is yet another store, Ivanhoe Books, with beautiful coffee table books to last your living room's lifetime.

Materials & Applications hosted a fish taco party in their courtyard. M&A is a seemingly very cool research center, specializing in architecture, urban landscaping and design.

The fish tacos were made with tilapia fish bred in the center's most recent installation. This is either really cool. Or really gross depending on how you look at it. And depending on if you happened to overhear that tilapia are bottom feeders.

There happened to be some great street art right outside our parking spot. This was not thanks to the Silverlake Art Crawl. This was simple and pure luck.

The folks at Subliminal Projects Gallery (Shepard Fairey's Echo Park art lair), let us in early to get a sneak peak at WK Interact's show, 'How to Blow Yourself Up' which opened later on that night. I became aware of WK's work during a show I worked for Seth Carmichael of Carmichael Gallery. A-mazing.

We stopped by Junc Gallery to celebrate Blood is the New Black's 5 year anniversary with founder Mitra K. Great people. Great art. Great cupcakes (c/o Lemonade, my new favoritest spot for food in LA).

And worth sharing, is my new friend at the vintage lingerie shop next to Junc Gallery. She's fun. She's fabulous. She doesn't talk much.

Steals & Deals: The Hollywood Corner (cause cheap is chic)

The Hollywood Corner, the restaurant formerly known as Doughboys, which was formerly known for its location on 3rd Street, is one of my favorites for weekend brunch. They have soyrizo and other awesome faux meat products on the menu which is reason enough to go. Then they've also still got the killer Red Velvet cake that put Doughboys on the map (thank you Oprah!). But best yet, they're always making nice with their customers and their customers' wallets.

They've got the loyalty program which gives you back a $5 credit for every 100 you spend (which basically means, 'hey--you risk obesity and high blood pressure with the amount of food you inhale every time you come here--which is often--so we feel we owe you a few bucks in return).

And then they've also got great deals once in a while like this month's coupon for 25% off everything on the entire menu. Yes, it's only valid between 7 - 11 am. But don't you think you could stand to wake up at a decent hour for once anyway?

Here are a few of my fave vegetarian dishes off the menu...

>> The Corner Breakfast Burrito
>> Quinoa Cakes Benedict
>> Mediterranean Veggie Omelet
>> Roasted Tomato Fennel Soup
>> Veggie Burger

So get yourself up early next weekend and go get a buck off your breakfast. And save room for dessert...

The Hollywood Corner
1156 N. Highland
Hollywood, CA 90038

[Image credits: The Corner]

art in LA: Public Art Party in Beverly Hills

If you're not yet familiar with ForYourArt, I suggest you get familiar. From the organization's Map of public art, to its involvement with amazing art events aroud town, FYA is making art happenings and art news accessible to the community.

This Saturday, FYA is hosting its first Public Art Party, celebrating the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and I'm super excited. Find the details below and find me in Beverly Hills on Saturday! (I'll be the one shoving Crumbs cupcakes down my piehole while others are actually making note of the art.)

Public Art Party invites Angelenos to celebrate public art in Beverly Hills and the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama whose public sculpture, Hymn of Life: Tulips, is located on Santa Monica Boulevard and Rodeo Drive by participating in a one-day, self-guided cultural experience.

A special MAP ForYourArt: Public Art Party will be available at participating locations as well as online at www.publicartparty.com.

Public Art Party: Beverly Hills Locations

1. Yayoi Kusama's Hymn of Life: Tulips (Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard)

The 10-foot-tall, brightly colored, floral sculpture is a beautiful example of Kusama's practice and the centerpiece of Public Art Party. Visitors can have their digital portrait taken in front of the sculpture as a keepsake that will be featured on publicartparty.com. Reading, knitting, hoola-hooping and yoga are encouraged in the park around the sculpture.

2. Videos by Yayoi Kusama at The Paley Center for Media (465 N. Beverly Drive)

The Paley Center for Media screens three short films by Kusama in the Bell Family Gallery: Flower Orgy (1968), Flower Obsession Gerbera (1999) and Flower Obsession Sunflower (2000) that highlight the trajectory and development of the artist’s use of the flower motif as an artistic model. As a special treat, the rooftop gardens will be open all day for picnicking.

3. Yayoi Kusama: Flowers That Bloom at Midnight at Gagosian Gallery (456 N. Camden Drive)

The Japanese artist's first solo show in Los Angeles since 1998 transforms the gallery space into a magnified and playful garden. Gagosian is open today for the festivities, and the exhibition is on view until July 17.

4. Picnic lunch from Porta Via (424 N. Canon Drive)

Pick up a box lunch at the neighborhood favorite to enjoy a picnic at Kusama’s Hymn of Life: Tulips or on the rooftop garden at the Paley Center for Media. Boxes include a panini, salad and a cookie. Call to order 310.274.6534.

5. Kusama-inspired cupcake from CRUMBS Bake Shop (9465 Little Santa Monica Boulevard)

CRUMBS Bake Shop is offering a special Kusama-inspired cupcake for Public Art Party.

Pauline Parry: Hostess with the Mostess

There are few things in life that I enjoy more than eating. Well, sure, there are a couple of things I'd prefer to chowing down--I mean, I'm not a hedonistic pig, for goodness sake. But, for the sake of this piece, let's begin with the fact that I do love to eat. And I love, love, love a good party. Which is why yesterday's event [at the gorgeous new event space, High Profile Productions], celebrating the very first book penned by Pauline Parry (the hostess with the mostess and owner of Good Gracious! Events), was such a treat.

The book, 'FOOD FUN LOVE: PARTY STYLES,' contains tips on entertaining and recipes for those daring enough to do the cooking on their own. I, myself, am not such a master in the kitchen, but for those of you with a bit more culinary coordination, I implore you to buy the book, throw a party, and invite me over. If your version of Pauline's mac and cheese hors d'ouevres is anything close to yesterday's sampling, I will gladly attend and will likely stay til you kick me out.

Thanks to Sarah of Pink Cloud Events for inviting me to tag along!

Life in clubLAnd: Happy Hour at The Terrace at XIV

Last night launched the start of an amazing summer happy hour at The Terrace at XIV, SBE's culinary cornerstone on Sunset. Chef Michael Mina has made the restaurant famous for its wide selection of gourmet goodies and tasting menus, including a substantial selection of vegetarian and even vegan menu items (hoorah!). The restaurant has also earned infamy for a lesser known partner called sky-high prices. But cheapskates, foodies and funseekers can rejoice together at the newly debuted specials offered between 6 and 8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, all summer long. Drink specials, made special by Krol Vodka and some nice handiwork by the bartenders, are just $6. A small menu of apps from the restaurant are available for $6. And the valet, if you arrive before 7 p, is on hand for...you guessed it...$6.

Last night, my happy hour buddy sampled the lobster corn dogs (I'm sure they were called something more impressive)...

And I chowed down on the best popcorn I've ever eaten (and I've eaten a lot, my friends). Black truffle oil should be a mandate in movie houses across the country...

I'll be returning some night soon for popcorn on the patio. You should join me. With prices like these, I may even be buying.

The Pictures: Julie and Julia

Maybe it's because I can't cook. Maybe it's because I feel a little bit lost like Amy Adam's character Julie. Maybe it's because Meryl Streep's impersonation of Julia Child is so endearing. Maybe it's because I feel inspired by Julie Powell's desire to accomplish something, albeit something as strange as cooking each and every one of Julia Child's recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Maybe it's because I just love to eat. But I am now dying to see Julie and Julia, screenwriter Nora Ephron's (When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail) latest and greatest, out this summer.



Julie and Julie Trailer [YouTube via New York Magazine]

Life in clubLAnd: Crocker Club, Cole's, The Varnish

Two nights ago had me in a whirlwind tour through some of Downtown LA’s newest bars. And I should start by saying…wow, I haven’t been that drunk in a while.

We began the night at Crocker Club, the converted bank building where—according to their website, the sign on their door, and the security—they take their dress code policy very seriously. No ‘white tennis shoes,’ no beanies (oh, the horror!!), and apparently no leniency even if the hoodie’s cashmere or the wearer of it, stylish and chic. Verdict: Cocktails are strong. This will be easier to swallow when the bar menu starts in a month (according to our handsome bartender). Dress code—lose it puh-lease.

Next we headed to grab a bite at Cole’s, the supposed ‘Originator of the French Dip.’ What is French Dip you ask? Funny, I asked too. Apparently, it’s a short menu of great-sounding sandwich-cum-meat juice items that I can’t eat. The vegetarian special at Cole’s? Grilled Cheese. I’m in.

Our bartender at Cole’s could be the last bartender in Los Angeles and I’d feel ok about it. From his thorough explanation of drink options, to his dutiful search on his Sidekick (do those still work?), to his substitution of my first so-so drink for this awesome one with muddled raspberries (I just like to say the word muddled!), he rocked.

Last, we took a quick walk through Cole’s to the back door where we entered The Varnish, the new bar from NY bar legend Sasha Petraske (Milk & Honey), Cedd Moses (owner of Cole’s and nearly everything else in Downtown LA) and Eric Alperin (who I’m sure is someone equally important).

Though The Varnish has already been infiltrated by a few folks with cheap bags, trucker hats and button downs, the vibe, for the most part, has somehow remained intact in this small bar that occupies the back room of Coles, mixes drinks to a tee and employs bar staff dressed like this...

It's all about the snazzy mixology at The Varnish...

Though by the time I made it back here, I stuck with a snazzy NON-alcoholic ginger drink. Impressive.

This is where produce comes to die.

I have never cooked. Nor have I ever claimed a desire to learn to cook. But, occasionally, it would be nice to have the skill set necessary to prepare something simple for consumption and sustenance. I lack this skill set.

4 nights ago, I came home for a quick 15 minutes between work and [other] work. In an attempt to feed myself, I decided on toast. Without a toaster, the oven would have to do. Within minutes the kitchen had filled with smoke. A few minutes later, my entire studio was a dark, toxic fire hazard. I couldn't see the mirror in front of me, let alone breathe. The cause of the near wipe out of my entire building? The last time I'd used my oven (a few months ago) had been to melt the remaining wax out of a candle. Needless to say, my apartment still smells like Hannukah.

Tonight, I cleaned out my produce drawer to find this...

Apparently, I've begun to grow a garden in my onion.

And these...well supposedly these were baby carrots in a past life. At least according to the bag. I don't believe it...

Sincerely yours and obviously better off with take-out,
Jessie B. R.

Life in clubLAnd: The Woods, Renee's Courtyard Cafe

I don't do Saturday nights anymore. Making my venture out last night to see my visiting friend J a rather large shock to the system. Things I learned along the way...

1. I didn't realize so many people still went out on the weekends.

2. That their skirts had gotten so grossly short.

3. We should all be on high alert for the thief who stole Santa Monica's style.

After dinner at Chan Dara (where I would highly recommend the Pad Se Ew and highly distrust the waitress' promise of 'mild'), we began our adventures at The Woods, the strip mall-housed bar, designed to look like, duh, the woods, and called a 'dive bar' despite the obvious design efforts and lounge appeal.


Well, in truth, we really began at Mashti Malone's Ice Cream next door in the shopping center. We skipped the house specialty, the rosewater ice cream, for straight up cream and fudge. Not a bad choice.

Next up, we traveled to Santa Monica's Renee's Courtyard Cafe. To my friends who warned me (Elana--you tried!)...I never should have doubted you. The room full of dusty old dolls, meant to evoke the kitschy and creepy, paled in frightfulness next to the horror of what appeared to be a full-on college party. Couples making out against the walls, gaggles of girls and groups of guys and beer and rain a mess on the floor. I had sudden urges to down kamakazi shots, smoke cigarettes while swapping spit with strangers in the corner, and wake up in my own vomit--just like the good old college days. Well, no--my first instinct was actually to propel myself out of there.


I never fail to see a different side of the city when friends are in town. And while I'm sure J is now frightened of ever returning to LA's nightlife scene after last night's sampling, I hope she'll return. So I can show her the safest place to spend a Saturday night...at home.

My 3 favorite things about Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl Sunday is a great tradition of the American people. There's nothing quite like celebrating the commencement of a season of football that says 'I am patriotic. I love the United States and my fellow citizens.' The burly men, the tight pants, the cheering fans and their consumption of concessions.

I confess to being a newcomer to Super Bowl Sunday. Once, in college, I attended a friend's house party. If I remember correctly, I got stoned and ate Doritos in the kitchen. Last year, the new girlfriend of a football fan, we went to a pal's to watch the game. I read magazines and ate cheese. It was a good time. Tomorrow, I will celebrate the Super Bowl for a third time ever and, based on previous years, I look forward to my 3 favorite things about Super Bowl Sunday.

1.
2.

3.

Who am I rooting for? Well...who is playing again? The Kansas City Pigeons, no? Yes, I think I'll root for them.