Toy Tanks & Chinese Firecrackers

hollywood wigs.

2012-02-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

gower gulch.

2012-02-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

zoltar.

2012-02-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

vogue.

2012-02-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

spies.

2012-01-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

So, it's awards season here in L.A. I guess the movies this year were ok--not great, not terrible. Here is my personal rundown of the Best Picture nominees: The Artist--very lovely. I think it will win, as it was both artistic and heart-warming.

The Descendants--good performances, but ultimately a well-done Lifetime for Women flick.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close--I absolutely refuse to see this, and cannot even talk about it.

The Help--I refuse to see this, too, but I do love both Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer and hope they win.

Midnight in Paris, Moneyball and Tree of Life--I have to get my hands on screeners of all of these. Hugo--meh. War Horse--no.

OK, moving along. What I really want to talk about and what made the 2011 awards movie season memorable for me was...spy flicks. I always used to find them tedious and dull, but no more. I'm all about the spy movie, and there are three reasons why: MI4, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Haywire.

Like most of the 6 billion people on the planet, I was completely done with Tom Cruise and had ceased watching the MI franchise long ago. However, the rave reviews and the promise of Incredibles director Brad Bird intrigued me, and I went and saw it on Christmas Day.

I absolutely loved it! Loved the tongue-in-cheekiness of it, from the silly "madman with a nuclear weapon" MacGuffin of a plot to the opening scene where the team breaks into the Kremlin ("The Kremlin?") to all the classic MI gadgetry and inventions--a lot of which I found really brilliant.

After then entire Dubai sequence--which could have been a movie in itself--the sold-out crowd in the Cinerama Dome burst into applause. I don't think I've heard a live movie audience cheer an action scene.

Most of all, I loved seeing Tom back to his cool-as-a-cucumber, pre-couch jumping, pre-bat shit crazy self, when he was still repped by Pat Kingsley, and everyone could agree he was the most perfectly engineered movie star in history and possibly a machine created by special effects magicians somewhere deep in the wilds of Burbank.

I drink the Kool-Aid again.

The next spy flick I loved was Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I was also excited for this one when I heard it was helmed by Let the Right One In director, Tomas Alfredson. Plus, I had never seen the British miniseries. Actually, I might have, because it was the kind of thing my parents would have watched, and would have made my eyes glaze over with boredom, dying to change the channel to something like Josie and the Pussycats--but I don't have any memory of it.

This is one of those movies that is s......l......o......w. Wow. The first hour was almost inscrutable, and my friend even turned to me at one point and said, "Do you want to go?" But I knew I had to stick with it. If nothing else for the fact that I had paid $16 to see the damn thing, and it was the first movie I was seeing in the Cinerama Dome.

But I was glad I did. When I realized the filmmaker was in utter control of the pace and pieces of the puzzle slowly linking together, I was like, "Man, that is craftsmanship." But the great thing about TTSS was that it serves as a complete antidote to a spy film like MI4. Actually, it's the antidote to every silly spy film ever made. It really illustrates how grimy, depressing and empty the life of the spy is--especially in the Cold War Era in which it takes places. The older dudes who pull all the strings are totally devoid of any personality or morality--or any life, for that matter. And the young spies, while still full of fire, are just desperate to get out of the game alive.

I thought it was all an interesting comment, not only on the spy business, but the institution of the corporation.

And this just completely kicked ass. Pun intended.

So, being on this new spy kick, I'm very excited to read this book. As the 4 or 5 of you who read this blog know, I'm a complete sucker for hip jacket designs.

I also plan to check out some of the classic spy films: The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, The Ipcess File, The 39 Steps, The Tailor of Panama and maybe some of the older Bond films. Maybe. They should tide me over as I anxiously await the new Bourne Legacy in August!

If you have any other suggestions for reads/flicks, please let me know! xoL

valentines.

2012-01-31T11:49:00.000-08:00

bottega louie.

2012-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things I love about L.A., and I few things I don't, but I'll tell you the #1 thing that gets me all riled up: people who constantly have to prove how "New York" they are.

Honestly, there is nothing more L.A. than saying "But I'm really a New Yorker," or "I'm a New Yorker at heart." Go to any online dating site, and 80% of the dudes title their profile "New York Boy Living in L.A." I'm sure the gals do some variation on this, too.

Because here's the thing--you're not. If you were a New Yorker at heart, you'd be in New York. But you had to throw it all away to come out here with your sitcom pilot or your spec script which never sold, so you're left with nothing to do but bitch and complain about how awful L.A. is and how New York is like some magical, fairy tale kingdom.

Well, you know what would help you let go of the past and live in the here and now? #1 Turn off Community or Modern Family* or whatever piece of non-brilliance you're raving about as "brilliant," actually leave your apartment, get outside and experience L.A. beyond all the godforsaken Hollywood nonsense. And have I got just the place for you.

Bottega Louie is located in the heart of downtown, and let me tell you, #DTLA is becoming so much fun. It used to be Dullsville, but not anymore! Anyway, I tell you this, because stepping foot in Bottega Louie is like entering the place New York dreams are made of.

And I'm not talking Brooklyn or the Lower East Side or grimy subways or any of the grittier elements you New Yorkers like to reminisce about (none of which are all that gritty anymore anyway). Brunching at BL makes you feel like you rolled out of bed in your Upper East Side penthouse, had the doorman call a town car and make a reservation, and then sped down to Midtown for a late brunch.

It's fabulous New York right in the middle L.A.

It might be interesting to note here that Bottega Louie is the #1 rated restaurant IN THE COUNTRY on Yelp (side note: 5 of the top 10 restaurants are in L.A.), and although I am loathe to admit it, I do pay attention to what people say on Yelp.

Anyway, I've gone with a group of friends for a couple of birthday celebrations, and both were just so damn wonderful and memorable. The space is cavernous and bathed in white. The waiters wear crisp white shirts and black bow ties. The pastry cases are filled with the most breathtaking confections. And it's always jam packed.

It's one of those rare places that makes you feel like a million bucks just by being there. I've worked in the biz, and let me tell you, this is not easy to do.

But the really wonderful thing about BL, is that ultimately it is a Los Angeles institution. Shown here are the Farmer's Market Breakfast and the Farmer's Market Tart, which came to @ $20. Super fresh, market ingredients, gourmet food, casual service and reasonable prices--everything that is so awesome about dining out in L.A.

So, get outside New Yorkers, and get to Bottega Louie! Wax nostalgic for the city you left and for the dining experiences you never really had--because it was all pizza slices, Papaya King and the occasional $30 hamburger.

And just chill and stop hatin' on L.A., OK?

*Full disclosure--I am a little embarrassed to say I have yet to see Modern Family, but I trust that it is as brilliant as everyone says. I think we are in a Golden Age of Television, and I truly find it to be an exciting and artistic medium. I also think it's very brave when people risk everything for a project they believe in. Hollywood's a tough town, everyone has a dream and only a very few make it to the top.

I suffered from horrific homesickness when I first moved out here from Minneapolis, and I totally get it. I'm just playing with you.

chinatown.

2012-01-27T13:13:00.001-08:00

Hello. Playing catch up as always, but I thought you might like to know that in the past month or so, I've been venturing into the Chinatowns of the Los Angeles area. And yes, "Chinatowns" is plural.

I've heard so much about Yang Chow in downtown's Chinatown--star-studded, the best food, etc., so a friend and I went there on New Year's Day. There was a 40-minute wait, but we were both up for it.

Predictably, there are scads of reviews for this place on Yelp, and at least 2400 of them mention their most popular dish, "Slippery Shrimp."

Being the 21st Century gal that I am, I always check in on Facebook and Instagram when I go out. Within seconds of doing this, I had a few replies that said to some effect, "I love that place. You have to try the Slippery Shrimp."

So, my friend and I had some cold peanut noodles, dumplings, and of course, the You-Know-What. The noodles and the dumplings were lovely and wonderfully prepared, but something was...missing, which I'll get to in a minute.

So, they bring those slippery little buggers to our table. I couldn't have been more excited to pop a few in my mouth. My friend beat me to it, and exclaimed, "Oh my God. This is the best shrimp I've ever tasted."

I took my first bite, and you know what? I didn't care for it. I'm not trying to be contrary or all "the backlash starts here." It was impeccably prepared...almost too much so.

Yang Chow's famed Slippery Shrimp

Here's what I think the deal is. It's this place--Chung King, which is not in "Chinatown" Chinatown, but in the real Chinatown of the LA area--San Gabriel.

Am I making sense? To those of you who live in L.A. and are somewhat foodie-inclined, I'm making perfect sense. To the rest of you, maybe not.

This tiny little building on one of the most drab streets out in the middle of the Inland Empire offers up some of the most authentic Szechuan food not just in Los Angeles but in the country.
This is the case with many of the restaurants out here in Gold territory.

I came here with another friend over the holidays, and we've been back a couple more times, because we are ADDICTED, people. Specifically to the dish you see above, which is shrimp buried under a blizzard of chiles, scallions, garlic and something called Szechuan peppercorns--which they add to most every dish.

Again, if you Yelp this place, you'll find many reviews describing Szechuan peppercorns as having an effect on the mouth much like a mild form of novocaine. I found this to be accurate--and fascinating. They don't burn your mouth up like so many varieties of hot peppers (yes, you Mr. Habanero). Rather they provide a little zing before the entire lower half of your face goes pleasantly numb. Seriously, it's the damndest thing.

I think this is what made it difficult for me to enjoy the aforementioned Slippery Shrimp. They were just too bland, and basically a gourmet version of Sweet-n-Sour Shrimp--and I just can't stomach Sweet-n-Sour Anything.

A friend of mind described Yang Chow as the Cheesecake Factory of Chinese restaurants, and I found this observation to be dead on. The few times I've eaten there in the last 10 years, I've found myself saying, "God, what am I doing at this chain monstrosity when there are so many amazing places to eat?" Then I take a bite of the most perfectly deep-fried ball of marcaroni and cheese, and I'm like "Jesus, how can food be this good?"

I think Yang Chow is the Chinese version of this principle.

Chung King's Water Boiled Fish with Pepper

But anyway, back to Chung King. The photo above shows a dish called "Water Boiled Fish with Pepper," and yes, I know that sounds gnarly. The picture's not great either, and it's not because I'm a whiz with the Instagram. I am. This is just not picture-perfect food. It is, however, one of the three best dishes I think I have ever eaten in my life. The fish literally melts in your mouth, and the fiery sauce is dotted with those delightful little Szechuan peppercorns. And I'll take it over Slippery Shrimp or Deep-Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls every day of the week.

museum.

2011-12-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Wax Museum @ Hollywood & Highland.

boyle heights.

2011-12-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

Two places I'm loving right now.

Self Help Graphics & Art.

And Antojitos Carmen.

wednesday.

2011-12-08T15:17:00.001-08:00

weekend.

2011-12-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

highland park.

2011-12-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

Two more places I am loving. Antojitos Guerrero.

And Galco's Soda Pop Stop. I love how a "soda pop stop" has a L.A. Historical Landmark sign in front of it.

rip george.

2011-11-29T16:51:00.001-08:00

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of George Harrison's death.

So, I went up to his star on Vine in front of the Capitol Records building. There was candlelight vigil planned for that evening. There was already one guy at 1 p.m., in a Beatles tee shirt, reading a magazine article about "The Last Days" of Harrison's life.

I recently watched Martin Scorsese's HBO documentary based on Olivia Harrison's book Living in the Material World. I loved it, and I wanted to know more. What really amazed me and what I never realized before was that George was only 27 when the group disbanded. All of their albums were recorded in a mere span of seven years--and well before three of the members turned 30. Like my friend Tori said, "They were a God machine."

Since then, not only have I become obsessed with the Beatles, but with Beatles conspiracy theories. There are A LOT, and they are FASCINATING. I've never been a big conspiracy buff, but I am now. Holy God. From government mind control to the CIA and the MI6 to a Faustian pact with the devil and the occult to the idea that all of their songs were actually written by someone else, these guys were at the center of some crazy shit.

The best controversy is, of course, that Paul is Dead. And has been since 1966. Go ahead and roll your eyes, but spend the day Googling all the forensic evidence to support this theory, and then tell me the guy who goes around singing "Spies Like Us" and the doggone "Girl is Mine" looks a damn thing like the guy who wrote "Help!" and "Eight Days a Week." Because he doesn't, and it's freaking weird.

I have to say that after yesterday, I'm a believer in the Paul is Dead theory. Why? Because George, Ringo and John all have stars on the Walk of Fame right next to each other in front of the Capitol building. And guess who is missing?

I rest my case. I had some really good sushi for lunch, too.

P.S. In light of the recent decade, the theory I find most plausible--and unbearably tragic--is this one.

happy thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

dia de los muertos.

2011-11-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hello! Back and playing catch up again. Same old excuses--busy at work, writing a blog for my company, etc., etc. Although I will say that when you work in the retail industry, this time of year is absolute madness.

Anyway, I know it's come and gone, bu I did want to put up some photos from the Day of the Dead festivities, because they were just magical, and I think you'll enjoy them.

I had a friend say to me (with a slight roll of they eyes) that he feels like Day of the Dead has gotten really trendy over the last decade. He doesn't remember people being so into celebrating it, especially non-Latino people. I say "so what?"

I think it's because the whole Halloween season has gotten so popular...or "trendy," if you like. I believe I've said that before.

And I think that any trend that's about celebrating Latino culture is a trend I can get down with. And I've reached that age where I don't get down with many trends.

These photos are from the big celebration at the Hollywood Forever cemetery, which is actually a week and a half before the actual Day of the Dead. Not sure why this is, but the celebrations is truly breathtaking.

Of course, there was a ton of food, but I was very excited to finally sample the mole from La Guelaguetza. It was fantastic.

sunset.

2011-11-01T17:50:00.001-07:00

hollywood halloween.

2011-10-31T14:58:00.001-07:00

scary.

2011-10-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

You know what's weird? I never got into Halloween much until I was 40. Now I can't get enough of it.

Which is good, because I swear to God, Halloween is freaking huge in L.A. It's bigger than Christmas. Swear to God on that one, too.

There are events throughout the city weeks before the big night arrives. I even bought a costume this year. This one. Bought my dog a costume, too. This one.

My neighborhood of Toluca Lake is completely off the hook. People go nuts, turning their houses into haunted houses and their yards into graveyards.

The other night, I was walking the dog and we passed this giant mechanical spider with a slowly moving head in someone's yard. The dog went insane, barking at the creature. I had to drag her for two blocks before she finally stopped.

But I feel like the holiday has gotten much more popular over the last decade, and not just here in L.A. Is it a big deal in other cities and parts of the country? Has anyone noticed it's popularity grow? Or do I just like in Crazy Town?

mystery.

2011-10-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Can someone tell me what this flower is? Or what the tree it blossoms on is? It's so cool, and I swear I've just started seeing it this fall. They are everywhere. Have I been missing them all this time? Seriously, what is this?

la cienega.

2011-09-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

hope street.

2011-09-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places in Providence is Hope Street. Just one of those quaint little streets with cute shops and restaurants--but I like it because it's mellow and not trying too hard to be cute and quaint.

I met my friend Kristie--who I've know since I was 12--at a restaurant called Blaze, and I browsed this great, little store called Frog & Toad for non-kitschy Rhode Island souvenirs. I even found a T-shirt that said "Los Angeles I'm Yours" for $19.99.

This is a great little coffee shop that both my sister and Kristie like. K said once she went to get her morning coffee, and the signs in the window all said "Yummy's." She thought maybe the place had changed ownership and was surprised to see that a movie was being filmed there. The movie turned out to be Dan in Real Life. Kind of coincidence as this is one of the few romantic comedies I've actually seen in the theater. And hated. Hated so much I wrote a short story about it. It was called "Eggs."

cumberland.

2011-08-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about New England is that the suburbs don't feel so suburban. They are more like little "hamlets." I guess I might feel differently if I lived in one 24/7, but I don't, so I can romanticize it.

We stopped here for a chocolate-dipped cone after dinner one night. It was ridiculously big, but unbelievably good. Sitting at a picnic table with a DQ-style cone melting all over my hand makes me feel like a kid again. Again--romanticizing--I wasn't particularly crazy about being a child.

Of all things you can name your avenue.

I thought this was an interesting combo.

This is a Christmas tree. In a bar. In August. A place called Tug's that we ate at one night. They serve free seafood chowder and bread, and their "signature" dish is a plate of homemade potato chips swimming in oil and butter, served with a dill dip. And I will leave you with that.

gregg's.

2011-08-25T20:16:00.001-07:00

Hello. Today I am blogging from the sunny paradise of Providence, RI. Actually, it's not sunny at all. It's grey and rainy and humid, and we're all waiting for the impending doom of Hurricane Irene. Wonderful time to visit, eh?

Well, it's not going to stop me from sharing some of my favorite places here in this Northeastern haven, or what some like to call Boston's Poor Working Class Cousin. Yeah. I don't really know if anyone calls it that, but that's what it always feels like to me. But to really understand what a haven it is, please enjoy my sister's blog here. Read it. it's funny.

My first stop when I step off the Logan - Providence Peter Pan bus is always Gregg's. Gregg's is like Perkins 2.0. It's freaking awesome--I could eat here every night. I can't think of anything that really comes close to it in L.A. except Norm's, and Norm's doesn't really even come close.

Gregg's is famous for their cakes. My sister and her husband served an assortment of them at their wedding. They were awesome.

The menu kicks it old school--as the kids say*--with dishes like a New England Boiled Dinner, Liver-n-Onions and Chicken-n-Biscuits, but I only come for one thing...the Lobster Roll.

I love how they serve pickles at every table.

I like a good cup of clam chowder, too. And really, who doesn't? This time I had it Manhattan style. My sister told me that in addition to it and New England Clam Chowder, they also have a Rhode Island version, which is clams in a clear broth. Did you know about this? I did not.

You know what else they have Rhode Island style? Calamari--it's served with hot pepper rings. It's very good.

The piéce de résistance. I've had a few lobster rolls in L.A. here and here, but they don't compare. Sigh. Now I can get on with the rest of my vacation.

*I don't know if the kids really say this anymore. I am 41.

donuts.

2011-08-23T22:07:00.001-07:00

La Cienega & Manchester.

saturday.

2011-08-22T11:37:00.001-07:00

Burton Way, Beverly Hills.

august.

2011-08-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hello. Just wanted to check in. Been slogging through one of those work-heavy times where it's difficult to blog. Going on vacation next week, so I'll have some stuff up from that, and then I'll just make more of an effort to do fun stuff throughout the rest of the year.

In the meantime, enjoy some pretty pics of flowers. And thanks for your patience.

franklin canyon.

2011-07-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

L.A. is one of those place you can't help but have a love/hate relationship with. But one of the reasons I really love it is that you kind find places like this right in the middle of the city.

One Sunday, Isabel and I took a walk through Franklin Canyon, which goes from the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater Canyon down the hills to Beverly Glen.

There's a reservoir (one you can actually walk around and isn't all fenced in), and although the main road is paved and walkers and bikers share it with cars, there are lots of little trails you can explore. Plus--ducks. There were lots of ducks.

None of it is really strenuous hiking like Runyon or even Fryman--it's a place you go to stroll and take it easy. Which is a nice change of pace sometimes from the scene of Runyon and the snakes on Fryman.

And it's really beautiful. Isabel liked it a lot.

evening walk.

2011-07-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

God, I love summer.

melrose place.

2011-07-18T14:29:00.001-07:00

Or, the Land that Time Forgot.

friday.

2011-06-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

62nd & Gage, South L.A.

Lady Peter's Whimsy, an antique store I cam across in Burbank on Victory.

Radford Avenue & Vose Street, North Hollywood.

lava salon.

2011-06-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of Sundays ago, I headed downtown.

To Clifton's Cafeteria, to be exact. To attend the LAVA Sunday Salon, brought to you by the good and eccentric folks who bring you the Esotouric Bus Tours.

I took the Esotouric's Raymond Chandler tour late last year, and it was a lot of fun. Tour guides Richard Schave, his wife Kim Cooper and their friend Joan Renner put on quite a show.

They are all so passionate about L.A.'s offbeat history and literature, film noir and true life crime. Joan is probably my favorite Facebook friend, and her web site Vintage Powder Room is great. She's the only person I know who is as passionate about vintage cosmetics collectibles as she is about bloody murders.

Sunday's salon focused on The Dominator, a ship wreck off Palos Verdes and the United Lodge of Theosophy, which interests me because it's the closest thing I've found to Transcendentalism, and because I just love a good cult.

Then I drove over to East L.A. to try a little something called a Cemitas Poblanas.

It's a lot like a torta, and it's pretty delicious.

Then it was back to Studio City to taste test some vegan ice cream. It was pretty good, BUT my cemitas poblanas was $5, while my small soft serve vegan ice cream came to $7. Crazy.

isabel.

2011-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Adventures of Isabel
by Odgen Nash

Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.

Once in a night as black as pitch
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
the witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel! the old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly toad!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry,
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.

Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forhead.
Good morning, Isabel, the giant said,
I’ll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn’t worry,
Isabel didn’t scream or scurry.
She nibbled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant’s head off.

Isabel met a troublesome doctor,
He punched and he poked till he really shocked her.
The doctor’s talk was of coughs and chills
And the doctor’s satchel bulged with pills.
The doctor said unto Isabel,
Swallow this, it will make you well.
Isabel, Isabel, didn’t worry,
Isabel didn’t scream or scurry.
She took those pills from the pill concocter,
And Isabel calmly cured the doctor.

chickens & covered bridges.

2011-06-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

vacation.

2011-06-05T15:10:00.001-07:00

This past February, my dear sister decided we were all going on vacation. She found the mid-way point between Providence, RI, where she lives and Minneapolis, MN, where my mother and brother live. In case you were wondering, this point is a town called Ashtabula, OH, the "Covered Bridge and Winery Capital of Ohio."

Within a few days of making this decision, she rented this--The Blue Pike Lakehouse, just East of Ashtabula on the shores of Lake Erie.

So, we all convened here a couple of weeks ago, and it was lovely. The farmhouse was cozy, and there was a chicken house out back. And yes, there were live chickens it, chickens that provided us with fresh eggs for breakfast.

Cross the road and the property opened up into a big lot overlooking Lake Erie. I always find the Great Lakes to be more like Great Seas. It was still too cold to swim, but it was fun walking along the beach, picking up rocks and sea glass.

The property was surrounded by these eerily beautiful statues, which scared me at first because I thought they were people.

They also reminded me of that famous Dr. Who episode, "Blink."

We really just relaxed and hung out and did family stuff--games, jigsaw puzzles, grilling, day trips, bonfires, roasting marshmallows and s'mores. If it all sounds very Americana, it was.

And the sunsets were pretty beautiful, too.

hollywood.

2011-06-04T21:42:00.001-07:00

friday.

2011-05-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

purple.

2011-05-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know bougainvillea have these tiny little blossoms nestled in their petals? I never realized this until I took this photo. Plus, I can never spell "bougainvillea" correctly. I always have to Google it.

So much blogging to catch up on! A very busy month--I went on vacation. I've decided I don't care if my posts aren't all that timely. I'm still going to post about things I saw and did--even if it is a couple of weeks after the fact. What do you think about that? Here's what's to come:

• boring vacation photos
• Sofia Gubaidulina
• a very cool book I read
• more photos of flowers and from around town

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

peacha's

2011-05-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was driving down Victory in Burbank one Saturday and saw this sign. I literally pulled over, parked and walked in. I don't do that often. I tend to hem and haw and wonder "do I try something new?" or "do I go someplace I trust," etc.

But I was so glad I did. Peacha's just opened in March, and it's a little mother-daughter operation. The menu is pretty standard for Mexican joints, but the two were right there in the window, whipping everything up from scratch and making salsa for the day.

The walls were plastered with Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin posters, and the whole place was just really cute. I loved it. I had a vegetable taco and tostada, and they was some of the best I've had in L.A. I've actually gone back twice, but both times it's been closed, which has really bummed me out. Now they have a Facebook page and a few reviews on Yelp, so hopefully, they will gain word of mouth and be open all the time.

little monsters.

2011-05-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

i can't believe i've never been to...

2011-05-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged, but that's because I've been on vacation. Technically, I still am today, but I'm at the airport and have six hours to kill--I got bumped off my flight. Not to worry, I received $300 for my trouble, and I'll be flying first class when I finally get out of here.

In the meantime, I have some time on my hands, so I thought I'd make good use of it.

We begin with a new feature called "I Can't Believe I've Never Been to..." and the first entry: India Sweet and Spices in Los Feliz.

Like I said, I can't believe I've never been here, since I've heard how awesome it is for years. I guess, when it comes to vegetarian Indian food, I've always gone for the equally awesome (but different) Paru's.

I came here on a Sunday afternoon after seeing Burn This at the Mark Taper Forum. India Sweet and Spices is a grocery store with a cafeteria in back. The menu is enormous--I can't even begin to go into how much is on it, but I could probably eat lunch every day for a year here and still not get to everything on the menu.

Fortunately, they had some kick ass combos, so I could try a few things, most notably a mango pumpkin curry, which was a little sweet, but still delicious. I'm coming here again--and next time I will be a bit more adventurous.

rainy sunday.

2011-04-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

tea.

2011-04-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had to go up to Santa Clarita to get my dog spayed. I kind of thought I would find nothing more than dirt roads and little strip malls. What I found was a mini Orange County--lots of big strip malls and even malls.

But I came upon a pleasant surprise...the Tea Gardens. It really was one of the last places I thought I would find an incredible tea restaurant. Does that sound snobby? Probably.

And I may be heading back up this way for this.

sunday.

2011-04-04T14:37:00.001-07:00

sweet butter.

2011-04-04T14:34:00.001-07:00

Last week I checked out Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks with a friend.

It was really kind of heavenly, and a nice addition to this stretch of Ventura, just east of Woodman.

My friend commented that it reminded her of Aroma Café in Studio City...but was much nicer.

I thought this was dead on. It's another addition to the trend of chi-chi, French market-y type places.

I really enjoyed the framed vintage recipe cards in the bathroom.

Sweet Butter is not the kind of place I would go to again and again, just because I feel like there are so many more interesting places to eat in the city. But damn it. Sometimes you just want a $16 salad, a $6 latte and a macaroon. And when you do, this is the place to go.

food trucks & flowers.

2011-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to a little shindig here in North Hollywood, a benefit for a dog rescue. It was cold and rainy and I just wanted to stay in with my own rescued dog, but I really haven't partaken enough in the food truck craze.

I liked this truck "No Tomatoes" which served Indian food with--you guessed it--no tomatoes. Except for the Tandoori, which is the only dish that requires tomatoes. I had a Kathi roll with potatoes which was so delicious, I almost went back and got another. Almost.

I also had a fish and shrimp taco from the Komodo truck which were also good. They were both topped with a grape salad, which I had never seen on tacos before. I liked it.

I took a lot of pictures of flowers, too. I just let the dog drag me around now, and she goes down some new streets in the neighborhood, with flowers I haven't seen yet.

One of my favorite new blogs is Eastside Food Bites. Blogger Valentina just posted an article on the "Din Din a Go Go" at the 99 Cent store in Highland Park every Tuesday. Can't wait to go to this. Also, since I've been coming home for lunch to walk the dog, I've noticed a lot of food trucks across the street from Universal City. I thought it might be fun to take the dog and go.

isabel.

2011-03-27T17:42:00.001-07:00

OK, I promise not to turn this into a blog about my dog, but for now...

...I am smitten.

morning walk.

2011-03-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

I don't generally get up in the mornings and walk. I wish I did.

But I did this past Monday morning, the day after one of the rainiest days I've experienced living in Los Angeles.

Why? Well this morning I had a new walking companion, and I wanted her to see my beautiful Toluca Lake neighborhood (and I was hoping she would take a little poop).

Her name is Isabel Archer, and I kind of got her on a whim. Not a whim--an impulse. I had been thinking about getting a dog, and Sunday I saw her photo on the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter site. I just fell in love at first site. I asked a friend who works rescuing dogs about her, and she said since she was in a high-kill shelter, if I was interested, I'd better act fast.

For some reason I took this to mean--get in your car on a day when it's raining so hard you can't see the road in front of you and go bring her home...a new puppy. Even though you have nothing at home for a new puppy.

But she just stared at me from her cell in the shelter, dead in the eyes, with a look that said, "get me the hell out of here." I walked up and down the rows of dogs--all of them asleep--and kept coming back to her. Then I said, "let's go."

Now I've had her a total of four days, and I'm thinking this is one of the best things I've ever done. Seriously, she is rad.

book vs. film: the wings of the dove.

2011-03-16T18:26:00.001-07:00

The Portrait of a Lady + 600,000 extra words = the novel The Wings of the Dove.

The novel The Wings of the Dove - 800,000 words + 100's of shimmering, velvety blue dresses + one intense performance by Helena Bonham Carter that elevates it above melodrama = the film The Wings of the Dove.

sunday.

2011-03-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was ready to spring forward on Sunday.

I drove down to the Mercado La Paloma near USC, right off the 110. It was my first time there.

I went to try a restaurant called Chichen Itza. It's on the list, and I've been on an authentic Mexican food kick. At least I was this weekend. This is the Caldo de Palvo, a soup of turkey broth, shredded turkey, pickled red onions, a cabbage relish, tortilla chips and a squeeze of lime.

I was literally the only non-Latino person in the place, and I know I should have tried something more interesting, but sometimes you just want your comfort food. To me, that means fish tacos. But it also means I'll have to go back and be a bit more adventurous.

Then I went for a walk and took some photos of the flowers that are starting to bloom.

And some of the Toluca Lake mansions I like. I'm all about the Spanish style.

market.

2011-03-13T20:24:00.001-07:00

Saturday, I drove downtown to Grand Central Market on a whim. I hadn't been there in a long, long time.

The prices are ridiculously low...cheaper than any of the Farmer's Markets, I think. Although both the tomatoes and the blueberries I bought were ripe to over-ripe.

I ordered some Mexican street food for breakfast-lunch (not brunch, this just isn't a brunch place). A chichurron taco and an al pastor gordita.

They really have it all here. Every kind of meat, vegetable, fruit, spice, fish and seafood.

Even something for what ails you.

la brea.

2011-03-11T16:17:00.001-08:00

Friday at lunch, I got in my car and drove West on Sunset.

Turned left and headed South on La Brea...

...and drove to Hancock Park.

I love Hancock Park. It is sooooo beautiful in an old-school L.A. kind of way. This apartment building felt like something out of a Raymond Chandler novel, a place Philip Marlowe would go to meet a totally hot starlet who's devious and drunk by noon, and he insults her and then ends up making out with her.

That's exactly what you thought too, right?

I stopped in at Tinga for lunch, a decidedly un-Chandler-esque, but totally delicious new taqueria. I believe I wrote about it on this blog when it first opened.

I had Tacos con Papas Bravas and a Blueberry-Honey-Ginger Lemonade. I took a photo of it, but it sucked, and I just had to get to eating, because I was hungry.

After lunch, I stopped off at that place on the corner of First and La Brea that you always wonder about.
You know what I mean. It looks like this crazy, Hollywood-themed junkyard with all kinds of amazing things.
Well, for your information, it's called "Nick Metropolis's Carnival of Treasures."

It really couldn't have a better name.

Don't you think?

vine.

2011-03-10T17:18:00.001-08:00

Did anyone see Burlesque? This is the front of the club in the movie. It's actually the side of the Ricardo Montalban Theater, who is currently hosting...

...30 Seconds to Mars. Weird.

stars.

2011-03-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a little tourist-y today.

la numero uno.

2011-03-08T14:41:00.001-08:00

So, my own little corner of the world--that would be the corner of Snset & Vine--is fast becoming crowded with lots of exciting-for-five-minutes, new eateries. I'm talking about Tender Greens, GO Burger, Umami Burger, and everyone's favorite, Chipotle. They're all nice and they all hit the spot, but today at lunch, I was thinking how if you just venture a little further down on Vine, there's a whole bunch of interesting places that I rarely frequent--just because I've been eating lunch at my desk every day for the past year.

Well, today I had a real hankering for that Salvadorean delight--the pupusa. And there's only one place to go that's within walking distance--La Numero Uno.

"La?" you ask. And so do I. The "La" kind of bugs me, and I haven't had a chance to ask my Latino friends about it. It makes it sound like the place is fake, or run by gringos--and it's totally not.

So, I turned off Sunset and walked down Vine and passed all the cool places that are just a block or two behind the Arclight and Borders and all the new hot spots I mentioned. There's El Floridita, a Cuban restaurant, Mignon--I have no idea what this is, but I love the delightfully generic European name, a ramen joint called Aatch-Kotch and a new vegan place, which I'm going to have to try.

And then there's the Smokin' Shack Drive-Thru. The best thing about the Smokin' Shack? It shares a parking lot with an eco-friendly, "green" dry cleaners.

La Numero Uno is sandwiched between Bliss Café, a nice little Cuban coffee shop and...

...the Villa Elaine.

Here were the day's specials.

It's so cute inside.

And I really enjoyed the papaya napkin holder.

I had a fish taco, ashrimp taco and a pupusa with cheese and loroco--which is a little blossom that looks like a tiny asparagus and has a bite like a green onion. Everything was fresh and delicious. I also had an ensalada, which is a actually the drink you see at the right. I guess it's "ensalada" as in "fruit salad in a glass."

Seriously, L.A. people--check this place out. You'll be glad you did. And the next time you have a date at the Arclight, maybe bypass the obvious choices on Sunset for some of the more interesting places down on Vine. I'm just sayin' (I know, I hate it when people say that, too.).

saturday.

2011-03-07T11:10:00.001-08:00

Saturday I headed over to the Westside, so I thought it would be a good time to try out this coffee place, Paper or Plastik. I read about it in the Weekly when it first opened and was intrigued.

It was ok, one of those coffee shops of the cold, unfriendly hipster variety. But one nice thing was that it shares space with a ballet studio. Another was the gift shop upstairs.

They serve Intelligentsia coffee, so that should have been the tip off.

I just went to their web site to add the link and noticed they have yoga classes and live classic music on Wednesday night. This would actually lure me back if it wasn't on the one night a week when I'm playing live classic music myself.

I visited with some pups.

Then I went to Eagle Rock. Don't ask me why I drove all the way from the Westside to ER in the middle of the day, but by the time I got there, it was 3:30 and I hadn't eaten.

I thought it would be a good occasion to try this place I've had my eye on, Four Café, and holy God, was it good. I'm totally going back!

This is their Curried Cauliflower Soup with a Meyer Lemon Ginger soda.

And this is a Salad Nicoise with smoked albacore. Probably the best Salad Nicoise I've had outside of Paris. That sounded snooty, but oh well. The best Salad Nicoise I've had was in Paris.

Spring was in bloom at my local Rite Aid.

And I found that Peeps come in many shades these days.

Friday was payday, so I bought myself a little treat. I went to Naimie's Beauty Center on Riverside, which is two floors of beautifying delights. Actually, the first floor is a wig salon, which is kind of awesome.

This is the greatest thing for your hair. I swear by it. I took a long hot shower and let the olive-y goodness soak in, then settled in for the night and watched this.

flowers at dusk.

2011-03-07T10:53:00.001-08:00

Went for a walk in the neighborhood last night and took a few photos. That's it.

toledo.

2011-03-05T21:59:00.001-08:00

I'm a little late with this (what else is new), but towards the end of 2010, Penguin released three more editions of classic novels with amazing covers by fashion illustrator, Ruben Toledo. The series is now called "Couture Classics." I love them--the books and the covers.

I just read Dorian Gray last year and watched the movie again. It's one of those movies that I always remember being on when I was a kid, and it was so spooky and disturbing. Watching it as an adult, it was actually a little cartoon-ish, but it does feature a very young and very ravishing Angela Lansbury. The story is pretty incredible, though. Why did I always think it was about a man who doesn't want to get older? Maybe that was just my impression as a kid. But it's completely a Jungian tale, about a man who's in total denial of his Shadow, and in the end it destroys his life. Which is much more interesting than reading about some eternal man-boy.

I also discover a new blog, Caustic Cover Critic, which is all about book design. Check it out, people.

trio

2011-03-03T17:17:00.001-08:00

There are three Japanese restaurants all the on the same block of Ventura Boulevard that I really love. I know Ventura Boulevard is kind of a "sushi row", but none of these are any of the famous ones.

The first is Daichan. I went here on a date last year and was wowed. Not by my date, but by the restaurant, and specifically by their signature dish, which is a poke bowl. It's just a big bowl filled with rice, seaweed, greens, green onions, raw fish, ginger and spice. I like to have it with a cup of this hot lemon ginger drink. It's the perfect rainy day food. It's also the perfect food for a sunny day WHEN IT'S FREAKING HAILING. Which it was last Saturday. Good God.

This is what we call Japanese soul food. Yeah.

The next place is just across the street--Jinya Ramen. Jinya actually is a little famous now, because it's on Jonathan Gold's Essential 99 L.A. Restaurants. It's my #11.

I took my brother here when he visited last weekend. He loved it. But then again, he is kind of a ramen fiend. He had the chicken ramen (pictured above) and I had the vegetable (pictured below). Although it's "vegetarian," they've always made it with chicken broth. Until the night me and my little bro went in. The waitress said I was her first customer to order it with vegetable broth. She was excited. So was I.

The last place is called Eggplant. This is once of those places that you drive by again and again, and it looks super cute, but you just never go and try it and you don't know why. So, I finally tried it. But only because I wanted to take the little bro' to Daichan, and it was closed.

Eggplant is ok. It's more of a traditional Japanese restaurant--super-minimalist and clean. The only thing that really intrigued me is that the menu is full of pumpkin dishes. Pumpkin sushi, pumpkin tempura, and what I had--the pumpkin miso soup.

If you're craving pumpkin in March or July, this is definitely the place to go.

But I'd say the sushi was just ok. Which doesn't mean I didn't eat it all.

sunday.

2011-02-21T10:38:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday, I went to the UCLA campus with my friend Martha.

We watched a drum circle.

And saw this exhibit.

Then a concert by the Colburn Conservatory Orchestra, featuring Nigel Armstrong playing the Korngold Violin Concerto and Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra. It was the first time I had ever seen Sir Neville Mariner conduct. Standing ovations for all.

We ended the day back in Highland Park in a pho coma.

jasmine.

2011-02-21T10:32:00.001-08:00

Even on chilly "winter" days in L.A., it blooms and smells so good.

suddenly, last summer.

2011-02-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

A film about how human beings prey upon and devour each other. Then go insane. Then try to cut part of your brain out.

99-#13 jitlada.

2011-02-13T09:46:00.001-08:00

So, my resolutions this year include losing the 10 pounds my deadened thyroid gland has put on (duh), improving my Spanish and eating my way through Jonathan Gold's 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants. Because I'm a simple gal. Who knows that while learning a new language and losing weight are lost causes, going to 99 restaurants is not.

I went through the list the other night, and I've already been to 13, although it's been more than five years since I visited a couple, Musso & Frank's and Lucques, so I'm not sure if they count. I think I need to go again, just to make sure they deserve to be on the list.

So, Friday, I made myself get in my car and drive some place to eat, because I'm so goddamned sick of Chipotle, and as much as I blame my sluggish thyroid for my recent weight gain, I know it's the vegetarian bowl-to-go with a massive side of chips and salsa every day that's really the culprit.

And I went to Jitlada, located in the Thai Town enclave of East Hollywood, although unlike most restaurants which are in crappy strip malls off Hollywood Boulevard, Jitlada is in a crappy strip mall off Sunset Boulevard.

If you live in L.A., you hear about this place a lot, and it always makes Gold's list every year. I'm not a huge fan of Thai food--I don't know why. But I figured if this place was as crazy authentic as everyone says it is, it'd be a whole different experience.

And it was. The menu at Jitada is legendary for it's last, type-written page...no photos, no graphics, just a list of 100's of dishes, crazy-ass ones like frog's legs, fish kidneys, mudfish and ox tails. Things only restaurant critics eat and then rhapsodize about.

Maybe I'll be more adventurous the next time I go back (because I do plan to go again), but since it was my first time there, I decided to stick with one of their famous dishes, the Morning Glory Salad. It was soooo good, lightly deep-fried watercress, bits of shrimp and veggies in this amazing sauce. I think it was lime and ginger. I don't know, but I ate it and loved it.

33 variations.

2011-02-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I won tickets to the play, 33 Variations, which I saw on Tuesday with a friend. I was really excited because 1. I don't win many things, 2. I hadn't yet been to the Ahmanson and 3. the play was about Beethoven.

It was really exciting and a great theater-going experience. The production was pretty breathtaking--the most subtly spectacular effects I've seen on a live stage, the narratives of Beethoven and the musicologist studying his manuscripts interweaving with the Variations played on piano and...Jane Fonda. I mean, come on. I felt like I was seeing a true Grand Dame of the Theater.

It was a bit schmaltzy and life-affirming in a Lifetime for Women kind of way. At one point, Jane's daughter, played by Samantha Morton, yells "I finally see how you see me mom. And it's horrible!" before storming off the stage. A little cringe-inducing, but I could forgive it. There were many moments that made me laugh, and I don't mean in a phony, artificial way, like "they want me to laugh here, so I'll let out a little chuckle." I really laughed. And I stayed awake through the whole thing! And that, my friends, is a good play.

flora.

2011-02-07T17:14:00.001-08:00

Just a few flowers I saw on my hike yesterday.

friday.

2011-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

I never really get out eat lunch these days, because my job is nuts. But Friday was payday, and dammit, I wanted to go somewhere nice.

So, I popped in to Mercantile on Sunset. I've written about here before, and I'm writing about it again.

I had a kale and feta salad, plus a cup of chilled tomato & roasted red pepper soup. There was a little too much feta in the kale for my taste, but I ate it anyway.

Then I walked over to Amoeba Records.

I might have grabbed a "Shave Ice," but it was a little chilly for it.

Amoeba didn't have what I was looking for: the soundtrack to the movie Birth or the DVD of Sherlock, Season One. Anyone who knows me has heard me rave about Sherlock. It's insane how good it is, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock, and....wait....I just can't type "Benedict Cumberbatch" without laughing.

Sorry...it also stars one of my Top 5 Crushes, Martin Freeman as John Watson.

I was a bit disappointed to find neither of the things I was looking for, but you know what I did find? Cute-Boys-a-Go-Go. You can always count on Amoeba for that. Seriously ladies, whenever you're feeling like there just aren't any worthwhile boys left in L.A., just take a spin through Amoeba. And ok, they're all 23 and work in a record store, but still...somehow they make everything...ok.

sunday.

2011-01-24T10:35:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday was great. I got a much-needed at Hair Clinic, where I've been going for the past five years. I see Mary, who is a master colorist. So happy I have Hairdresser Love in my life.

Then I went for lunch. I thought I'd check out El Caserio--I've been meaning to go here for years.
Despite the kicky monkeys out front beckoning you to enter, it borders on fine dining, which I wasn't quite in the mood for on a sunny Sunday afternoon. But Silverlake friends, take note: this looks like a great date night place.
So, I took a spin over to Highland Park and my new fave, the Good Girl Dinette. Their vegetarian pho and spicy fries is, hands down, my new favorite meal. The fries totally remind me of the garlic fries at the Minnesota State Fair, only in addition to garlic, they come topped with cilantro and jalapenos + cilantro mayo on the side. Pho always hits the spot and warms you up inside, but a full bowl of it makes me feel like I'm going to burst. The GGD pho is always just right, never overwhelming.

monday.

2011-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Monday, and I had it off.

I took some photos and did a little writing.

I did four loads of laundry.

Then I went to The Oinkster in Eagle Rock, one of my favorite neighborhoods in L.A.

I had a veggie burger and fries. It was excellent.

the hills, part 2.

2011-01-16T18:12:00.001-08:00

I feel like these two posts could be a creepy short story. Or a David Lynch film.

This photo makes me think of one of my favorite Facebook pages, Decaying Hollywood Mansions.

More on secret stairs to come.

the hills.

2011-01-16T18:09:00.001-08:00

I have a walk I really like to take in the Hollywood Hills. It's kind of on the opposite side of Runyon Canyon, just off Cahuenga in Studio City.

The streets sort of wind up and around to Woodrow Wilson and Pacific View, which I take all the way to Mulholland.

You get some really great views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Plus, portions of the hills are steep and you get a really good workout.

There is a secret stairway that I go up and down a couple of times (and then fall down on the sidewalk). I love the secret stairs in the Hills. In fact, I have a friend who wrote a book about them...it's going to be an upcoming blog post.

It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny and you could even smell the jasmine here and there. Downtown didn't look this apocalyptic. It's just the filter on my camera.

beach.

2011-01-15T19:39:00.001-08:00

Going to completely dispense with the "it's a New Year, I'm blogging again" crap. I had to take a break for a couple of months. Between working six days a week, writing a book, shopping for a house, starting a blog for my company and playing in a symphony, something had to give. I realize how ridiculous that last sentence just sounded. But anyway, it was this blog.

Just going to get right back into it, and start posting some of the things I've been doing, what I've been seeing in this city I love/hate so much. But really, mostly love these days.

Today, I went to Redondo Beach, to meet up with my old boss who gave me my first copywriting job in Minneapolis. I tend to avoid the South Bay, as it's always been a little too MTV Spring Break for me. Today, I had a shift in perception.

After a two months of freezing weather (even for L.A.) and torrential downpours, it was suddenly 80 degrees and beautiful. I was completely unprepared, in a long-sleeve shirt and black tights.

But it didn't stop me from walking on the beach. And reconsidering my love for Downtown-Hollywood-Eagle Rock-North Hollywood. I could totally kick it here in a little cottage.

My ex-boss and current friend show me pics of the snow in her driveway, piled higher than her car. They are having a bad winter in MN (even for MN), and she was just giggling with delight the entire time. I need to get to the beach more often. And choose appropriate attire.

37 posters.

2010-10-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't remember where I first saw these, but they are damn cool. 37 Posters is a store on Society 6, which looks to a new kind of etsy-type place of merchandising and networking for artists and designers. I love the choices for graphics--they are so inspired, it's really genius.

popsicles.

2010-09-25T16:41:00.001-07:00

Frozen by Katie Baum via 20 x 200

Anyone who knows me knows I am a total popsicle fiend. In fact, if I was an actress with really unhealthy dieting habits and didn't have any knowledge of something like this, I would probably live off of nothing but coffee and popsicles.

But I'm not. I just thought with the triple-digit temps this weekend, there was no better time to talk about one of my favorite delicacies.

Something I've really wanted to try lately is a paleta, the Mexican popsicle which I'm sure has been around for eons, but which I'm just finding out about now. There was this great little article on the LA Weekly blog featuring the Top 10 kinds of paletas. They are all over the city, but the closest to me looks to be pop shop at the Studio City Farmer's Market, featuring flavors like cucumber lime, avocado vanilla and lemon basil. I think it's high time I swing by and pick some up tomorrow morning.

What I'm currently addicted to are these Fruit Frenzy Bars at Trader's Joe's, a delectable combination of raspberry, lemon and strawberry. They are amazing.

I found this article in last week's Brand X weekly, and if I'm ever feeling really adventurous and aren't working 6-7 days a week, which may come around winter--of the year 2020--I might actually make my own popsicles. I think the Orange Buttermilk Mint and Blueberry Lavender pops sound real good.

life.

2010-09-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Facebook somewhere and loved it. I'm a total sucker for inspiration sayings done in kick-ass graphic design. But come on, it's really good, right? I tried to find out where it came from, 90% sure it would be featured in someone's etsy shop. But not, it's the manifesto of a new company called Holstee.

dragon books.

2010-09-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

Last week, I saw an ad on Flavorpill for a signing of a new book called John Belushi is Dead at a place called Dragon Books. I have to admit I was about 30% intrigued by the book and 70% by an LA book store I had never heard of, in a truly unexpected location--nestled in the Bel-Air Canyon, just off Beverly Glen Road.

I couldn't resist. I had to check it out. what I found was the most gorgeous book store that specializes in rare and first editions. A first edition of Moby Dick goes for a cool $39,000, and a first edition of Tender is the Night is a bargain at $35,000. But the walls were lined, top to bottom, with interesting used volumes in the price range of your average Jane (me).

Who knew there was a place like this buried deep in the wilderness of Los Angeles? Not me.

The book being celebrated did interest me, and I bought a copy and had it signed by its pretty, bubbly Australian author, Kathy Charles. I can't wait to start it--it seems like a kind of offbeat beach read. And I overheard Kathy telling another patron that she was rejected by 18 publishers before the book was finally sold (yikes!). Go on, girl.

And I snapped up this one, mostly because I really enjoyed the cover art. And because I've never read Mencken, and I thought this might be a good place to start.

clutches.

2010-09-10T10:26:00.001-07:00

File this entry under "Things I Would Love to Splurge On, But Can't, and Can't Complain About Because I'm Buying a Condo." Classic books with kicky new covers, you ask? No silly, this is the new line of clutches by Kate Spade. How perfect would one of these babies be with a Little Black Dress and heels? Not that I have many occasions to wear an LBD and heels, but I do have a rich fantasy life.

state fair, part III.

2010-09-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, Minnesota, will your love affair with Spam ever end? I did not get a chance to try the Spamburgers or Spamcurds. Imagine my grief.

Outside of the Horticulture Center, they were growing Salsa in a Pot. I loved this.

Good ol' Smores. You just can't go wrong.

This eye-catching concoction is called a Potato Chip Tornado. We waited quite awhile for this--potato chips wrapped around a stick, then dunked in chocolate. And we weren't very impressed. The chips were sort of heavy and flavorless, and sadly, the chocolate didn't help matters.

My brother got what was probably my second favorite thing at the Fair: a pina colada in a pineapple from Manny's Tortas. The ideal antidote for 95% humidity.

And the winner is...our favorite thing this year, by far, was the Peach Parfait from The Salty Tart. Frozen Greek yogurt with coconut milk, peaches and ginger snaps. We had it at the end of the day, and it was perfect.

A bold proclamation.

This sounded heavenly, but I was just too full at the time. Maybe next year.

I spotted a giant cow.

What better way to end our experience than with a Deep Fried Twinkie. Which actually tasted a lot like a donut (but not as good as the mini donuts they make right before your eyes!). Until next year my friends--I'm sure I'll be back.

tomatoes.

2010-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

I love roasted tomatoes. Have you tried them? If not, you really should. They have a flavor that's somewhat magical, plus it's a great way to use up tomatoes that may be too ripe or not ripe enough.

Simply set your over to 400, halve as many tomatoes as you want and place them on a baking sheet. I like to surround them with cloves of garlic and roast them, too. Drizzle it all with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Put the tomatoes in the oven and roast for 40-60 minutes. They're read when you can smell the goodness, and are shriveling and bursting with juices. Roasting the tomatoes sort of carmelizes them, and I can't even describe how amazing they taste. You can eat them whole or put them in a food processor and make soup.

But yesterday I combined them with whole wheat spaghetti and gently wilted arugula, topped with a few cloves of the roasted garlic. Now I have lunch for the week. Yum.

state fair, part II.

2010-09-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

So this year, I really wanted to break free from the fried food-on-a-stick routine and try to make our day at the Fair a culinary experience. I would say I was mildly successful at this, but still, I was able to try some new and interesting things, like the above: Teriyaki Ostrich (on a stick) and Vietnamese Iced Coffee from Chinatown Minnesota.

I'm not wild about gamey meat, plus eating unusual animals makes me uncomfortable. So I had to give a thumbs down to this (although the coffee was refreshing and delicious). They were also rumored to have Camel on a Stick at the Midtown Global Market--but I wouldn't go near that with a stick--ha ha.

Unfortunately, I had to skip the Lingonberry Ice Cream, because I don't like to overdo it. Lingonberries are to Scandanavia what blueberries or blackberries are to America: they're everywhere, so they put them in everything. They're sort of like cranberries--tart, but smaller.

The Honey Ice Cream was voted the best food at the a couple of years a go by some newspaper ( don't ask me which one--I'm just a blogger, I don't look things up). It was pretty good, but not something I go back for every year. The addition of sunflower seeds gives it a nice crunch.

I cannot bring myself to try the Gator on a Stick. I'm sure it tastes just like chicken, which is what people always say when they eat weird animals that nobody eats. So I'll take their word for it.
Did not eat: Fried Pickles. Pickles always makes me think of Snookie these days.

Did eat: the $1 Cider Pop, here shown by my brother Brian. Perfect for a sweltering summer day. I had three.

My sister-in-law got an order of Cheese Curds and we all had a nibble. Cheese curds are like the mozzerella sticks of the Midwest.

No f***in' way.

state fair, part I.

2010-09-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

As you know, every year I make a pilgrimage to the Minnesota State Fair right before Labor Day weekend. I think I've done this the entire 11 years I've lived in L.A. It's become a family holiday--I opt to go home this time of year, because I loathe traveling at the "real" holidays, and since I'm the Single Gal, I'm the one who gets to travel.

As you can see, the Fair is very popular in Minnesota. The news networks always broadcast from the Fair, and when I lived and worked back there, we usually got a day off to attend. Everybody does it (it's a Midwestern thing).

I think the Lady GaGa scarecrow is what made it really special this year.

The Corn Roast is de rigeur. Also, deliciousness.

As are the garlic fries from BallPark Café. This year, my sister brought her one-year-old, Agatha, and she loved them!

chocolate.

2010-09-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

Every time I've been to Sweet Salt in Toluca Lake, I've noticed these crazy Komforte Chockolates, but haven't worked up the nerve to try them yet. Next time I will. Which one first? I think the tortilla--I'm intrigued by the hint of salt and lime.

tattoos.

2010-08-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

The last time I was at Skylight Books, I saw these great book covers--no surprise they were by Penguin Books. They are a part of a special series celebrating the company's 75th anniversary and are designed by real tattoo artists across the country. Very Sailor Jerry in feel. The made me think of...

ruben toledo.

2010-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

...the Penguin covers by artist Ruben Toledo did for the Penguin editions of Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter. Which reminded me of...

book sculptures.

2010-08-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

...the work of local artist Mike Stilkey, which I discovered on the Juxtapoz site. The Toledo covers and Stilkey's work have what I feel is a real Tim Burton-esque feel--elongated figures with spooky cartoon faces. But Stilkey's work is super amazing, because it's done on stacks of books. I found this unbelievably cool.

lunch + art = tostadas + dinosaurs

2010-08-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

So happy to be able to bring you another installment of "lunch + art". As I've mentioned I've been working my buns off, and this week, my boss and I felt it would do me well to take Friday off. Curling up in the fetus position and sobbing in the middle of a work day will do that to a person.

Kidding.

But I did decide to just take a day of leisure, and check out some new stuff I could then blog about. Because that's what I do.

First, I was really excited about this new restaurant that opened on La Brea called Tinga, a sort of cozy, sort of upscale, all kinds of delicious new taqueria. Now, I eat very little meat, but one thing I'm really over is chicken. I just always find it depressing--except when it's made "tinga-style", which is shredded and stewed in a spicy chipotle sauce. It's topped with shredded lettuce, pickled red onions and crema sauce over a tostada. I had it with a watermelon lemonade, and it was a nice light lunch. The plates are cheap at Tinga, but small, and you'll probably want more than one for a meal.

Then I headed over to Beverly Hills of all places for an exhibit at the Lazirides Gallery. Imagine strolling past Spago and all the tony shops and entering a world where dinosaurs drink tea, breakdance, play in bands, surf and dine on other dinosaurs. Because that's what I did. It was cool.

Apparently, this is the gallery's last show in L.A., which is a shame because it's a killer space.

work, work, work + lobster.

2010-08-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Man, it's been almost a month since I last blogged. What a bummer. But that's how busy I've been with work. It's just been crazy, working all hours and every Saturday. So, not only do I not have time to blog, I have nothing to blog about. I know, I know. Everyone get out their tiny violins. But no more, excuses--I'm back.

One bright spot in all the drudgery has been the discovery of this amazing little place right in my home town of Toluca Lake, the SweetSalt Shop. It's another one of these little French market-type places, and let me tell you, it is worth the trip to Toluca Lake.

My friend Kim and I both splurged and got the Lobster Roll, and let me tell you, it was something else. I've had the one at The Hungry Cat, which is supposedly the best in L.A., but I beg to differ. Of course, neither are as good as the one I always have at Gregg's, when I visit my sister in Providence, but come on, how can you compare an L.A. lobster roll to a New England one? It's just not fair.

I also had a Celery Fennel Soup which was out of this world, and Kim ordered a bread pudding drizzled with a salty caramel sauce, which knocked us both on our asses. Seriously, it was one of those meals that you never forget. It ranks right up there with Alegria, which consistently serves the tastiest food, and Lucques, where I had most memorable L.A. meal ever.

So now I'm back, into the blogging mode, but I have to go home and relax with the new episode of Jersey Shore.

apartamento + the selby.

2010-07-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

I got a Facebook update yesterday from Skylight Books announcing that the new issue of Apartamento was in stock, so I had to check it out. Billed as an "Everyday Life Interiors magazine," and published in Milan and Barcelona, it's now in its fifth issue--the first four are completely sold out! It's $39, but it does look like an interesting alternative to the usual home and garden magazines. I'm sure it will sell out quickly. Here are a few pages.

And then I'm totally in love with The Selby, which I desperately wanted to loathe, but I can't, because it's so awesome. It showcases the homes of the super artistic, fashionable and fabulous, but they're not all gussied up for the cameras. They go into kitchen drawers and closets, medicine cabinets, showing favorite knick knacks and details, and the homes and offices always have a natural, lived-in feel you can relate to. It's a lot of fun and I can't wait to get the book for my new coffee table.

The cover of the new book The Selby

The home of (my favorite) makeup artist Dick Page and partner James Gibbs.

The bottom pic is of restauranteur Sean MacPherson's home, which I want to model my whole life around. I can now forgive him for dating Gina Gershon.

classics.

2010-07-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

File under: web sites to get lost in all day long. New York Review Books publishes collections of lost and rediscovered books--all different kinds--classics, mysteries, children's books, non-fiction, new translations. Pretty much everything, some stuff you've heard of, but most of it you haven't. It's fascinating to go to the site and just browse the eclectic array of titles. The ones that really caught my eye were these lesser-known volumes by one of my favs, Henry James.

Now, you know how much a fan I am of musty old books that get all spiffied up with slick graphic design. But I think these are also really interesting examples of how powerful those designs can be.

Do these look like stories of goofy, naive Americans trying to get all chummy with a bunch of stuffy Brits? No 'effin way. These are tales of twisted passsions and Turn of the Screw-esque madness. Which is what James is all about to me. That's why I hate those dammed literary badasses who start their novels off with a heroin-snorting, prositute-screwing bang! I like to dig a little deeper for my darkness. It's much more interesting. I'll take James over this guy and Wharton over this guy any day of the week.

However.
I was also interested in this book, too, because God knows, I'm all about the noir. Going to see if it's at Borders right now, and if not, I'll just order from Amazon. Stay tuned for a future edition of "From Book to Film."

20 x 200

2010-07-08T14:49:00.001-07:00

Las Vegas, Nevada, November 2000 by Mike Sinclair

Frozen by Katie Baum

Untitled #6 by Jessica Bruah

My friend Robin told me about this. 20 x 200 is an idea and a web site created by Jen Bekman, an art gallery owner on NYC's Lower East Side. The concept is, and I quote:

"(limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone"

The site features numerous art and photography prints by talented artists, and they can all be purchased at different sizes and prices starting at $20. I think it's pretty great, and I can't wait to start buying some and decorating like a madwoman.

I just love the whole idea of "art for everyone". It's just like the "democritization of of fashion" (Nina Garcia's words, not mine, but I use them all the time). Fabulous art, fashion, interior design--it's for all us regular folk, too. Yea internet! Yea blogs! Yea Target!

(All images via Jen Bekman)

farmer's market.

2010-07-05T15:10:00.001-07:00

I went to the Hollywood Farmer's Market and spent $20. This is what I bought: three ears of corn, one bunch asparagus, one bunch yellow beets, one cucumber, four tomatoes, one pint cherry tomatoes, three cloves garlic, one bunch each Italian parsley, basil and cilantro, one pasilla pepper, one jalapeno and one yellow pepper. I think that's it.

Today, I made this veggie plate. It was filling and delicious. Also--beautiful.

saturday.

2010-07-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

The magnolias are blooming.

gazpacho.

2010-07-02T18:34:00.001-07:00

I like soup. A lot. I could easily live on it (along with the occasional taco and pizza slice). Of course, I like to experiment and try new recipes, but the standby is my world-famous Escarole and White Bean Soup. I could eat it every night of the week, and often do during the winter. The recipe couldn't be easier:

2 cans vegetable broth
3 cloves of garlic
1 can of white or garbanzo beans
1/4 head of escarole
a few spoonfuls of macaroni
parmesan cheese

I sauté the garlic, add the beans and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, then add the escarole, and cook until wilted but still green. Ladle into a bowl over the macaroni, top with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and voilá! Enjoy with Keith Olberman, 30 Rock or whatever you ordered from Netflix that week.

But that's not what I wanted to talk about. What I really wanted to talk about was my (and everyone's) summer soup of choice--gazpacho. I made my first batch last night in honor of the long weekend and the middle-of-the-year mark, and man, was it good.

In the past, I've always pureed the ingredients in a food processor, which makes it really easy, but I decided this year I was going with something that had more of a soup consistency. So, I diced all the vegetables, added them to tomato juice and chilled. I also wanted to make something with more color and pizzazz that the basic version, so I used heirloom tomatoes, plus red and orange peppers. Here it is:

2/3 English cucumber, peeled
4 small-med heirloom tomatoes
1/2 orange and yellow pepper
1/4 sweet onion
handful or basil and cilantro
juice of one lime
2 dashes white balsamic vinegar
salt, pepper and tobasco to taste
tomato or vegetable juice

Dice all ingredients and mix in plastic bowl. I put the herbs in the food processor to give them a really fine texture, and next time I'll probably throw in a jalapeno, too. Pour in the tomato juice, plus lime juice and vinegar, then season to taste.

It's that easy! Plus, refreshing and delicious. I added a few croutons and garnished with herbs, and look how beautiful it is! (See photo at top.)

Happy 4th of July Weekend everyone! The year is flying by!

lunch + art, part 3.

2010-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Lord, I can't believe it's already Thursday, and I can't believe it's already July. Just one more entry in the "lunch + art" series and I promise to keep it quick.

Sunday, I went downtown--to Pershing Square to be exact. My co-worker Treiops (not his real name) was showing his work + unveiling his performance piece "Cloud People," where friends and random passersby stood on pedestals and yelled their Facebook status updates through a bullhorn. People could then reply with their comments or "Like," also through the bullhorn. I'm not sure how he equated Facebook with the concept of Cloud People, but it was too hot that day to ask questions. It's a Facebook nation, people. Get with the program.

By Treiops Treyfid

"Michael Jackson" by Dan Brown

I loved this portrait of Michael Jackson created from recycled soda cans, because--well it's a portrait of Michael Jackson created from recycled soda cans. Which is amazing.

Then it was off to East L.A. to see the Annual Print Fair and Exhibition at Self Help Graphics. I love this place! I came here many years ago with my cousin Anna, and we made decorations for the Day of the Dead parade. But I thought it had closed. Lo and behold, it's still open--which is great. You can see and purchase prints from the exhibition at their etsy shop here.

Then I thought, I never really do anything tourist-y, but I was in the neighborhood, so why not take a swing through Olvera street and grab something of the delicious Mexican variety to eat.

I remember reading something about Cielitos Lindos in a Los Angeles magazine article on the best Mexican restaurants in L.A. I ordered some taquitos and a tamale. They were heavy and came drenched in guacamole sauce. I wouldn't really recommend them to anyone. Instead, I would take them here or here.

But it was fun to stroll down Olvera Street and Chinatown on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. I hope you enjoy the pics.

weekend.

2010-06-28T18:10:00.001-07:00

What I see when I open my front door.

Edgemont @ Hollywood.

A few Polaroids from the weekend.

lunch + art, part 2.

2010-06-28T14:11:00.001-07:00

Saturday I met my friend Kim for lunch in Studio City. It's becoming a regular weekend event, and I like it. We decided to try the Artisan Cheese Gallery on Ventura, just east of Laurel Canyon. Another friend, Jennifer, had admonished me for never visiting here, even though I live less than a mile away.

And she was right to chastise me. This place is fantastic. Again, another little gourmet deli where you can purchase fancy cheese platters, plus delightful sandwiches and salads. The walls are lined top to bottom with wine bottles, and you order from the counter and sit at long communal tables. I had probably the best tuna melt I've ever eaten--full of capers and artichokes and topped with delicious gouda--plus an Asian pear salad. And though I generally don't like salads with candied nuts, especially when it's mixed with fruit, I had no problem polishing this off.

Then it was off to the Timothy Yeager Gallery in Beverly Hills, a place I generally try to avoid, especially on the weekends (not the gallery, but BH). But it was worth it to see the exhibit of photographs by Jim McHugh.

A few years ago, I was leafing through Los Angeles magazine, and this article on McHugh's photos, mostly of apartment building neon signs, just blew my mind.

From the November 2008 issue, "Twilight Zones: The Photography of Jim McHugh":

"Photographer Jim McHugh captures a landscape where Robert Mitchum still
stumbles out the front door, fog envelops everything, and the skies buzz with a
neon glow. Shot on Polaroid film with a four-by-five view camera, McHugh's
images of Los Angeles' buildings are ghostly silhouettes against even the blackest
skies."

And here it is. As mentioned, his photos are all blown-up Polaroids with little-to-no retouching or any kind of manipulation. This is the L.A. I always dreamed of when I dreamed of moving here. The exhibit is worth trying to find a parking space for and shuffling though all the people who actually shop at Barney's and Saks and Neiman's.

McHugh also has a book featuring his photographs, Let's Get Lost, its title inspired by the Chet Baker song, and he has a nice little blog, too.

(All images via Jim McHugh)