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jones bar & cafe
2007-12-02 09:07:00
Rainy days are more and more a rarity in these parts, so when one comes, it's more tempting to head out into the world to enjoy the elements than it is to curl up in bed with a book.When I woke to the sound of tires on wet pavement the other day, I knew I wanted to savor every moment of it. Preferably, outdoors, in search of comfort food with my lover. Setting out to run some requisite errands we decided on bbq, but didn't want to take the last drafty table by the door. That's when we realized we were just across the street from Jones . A dark brick lined bar that's a great evening spot and, for me, an even better lunch spot.Perfect.After deciding to sit in a cozy red leather booth against one of the exposed brick walls (versus sitting in the bright, airy, gingham checked cafe area where the same menu is available), we brushed the rain from our coats and settled in for some serious grub. Beer ordered the sausage and onion pizza with a bag of chips (literally!) while I opted for ...
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martin + osa
2007-12-02 04:26:00
Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in partic...

a taste of wales. at costco?
2007-12-01 06:04:00
No, sillies, this isn't a tale of eating a whale!It's true. Most Angeleno's don't know where Wales is, and they sure as hell don't know that one of their national foods is the cockle. Wales is one of the four countries (yes, it's its own country), that comprises the United Kingdom - that land across the pond we often assume falls under the blanket "England" that most certainly does not. A country rich in history and tradition, bordered primarily by the Irish Sea with lush hills and valleys, craggy cliffs, and patches of desolate coal-like terrain, it's no surprise many of the local foods come from the sea.So, what on earth is a cockle? It's a lot like a small clam. Brits eat them as snack food, served outside of their pale orange and green hued shells in paper cones with a bit of vinegar. You can even get jars of them pickled at local groceries. The Welsh do the same, but it's more common to see them served as you would other bi-valves for dinner, and more often, on a break...
More About: Taste , Costco

long lashes at sephora
2007-11-25 04:29:00
There are so many things to love about the grown up girl's candy store that is Sephora . They carry virtually every cosmetic, fragrance and skin care line you can imagine. They've always got the latest products in before they hit most shelves. With the addition of their (ahem, big brother) frequent shopper program, you can count on a free gift or two with virtually every purchase. (This month, it's a yummy new Pomegranate-Tangerine shower gel.) They've always got beautiful complimentary gift wrap on hand. There are numerous locations all over town. Hell, you can even shop online.And the generous samples. How could you not love the unlimited samples they're always happy to offer of just about everything? This is the ultimate go-to for stocking up on airline friendly travel goodies.When the familiar black and white stripes beckon, one of my favorite things to check out is the mascara bar. The last couple of years I've been happy with Paul & Joe's chocolate mascara duo for ...
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happy turkey day!
2007-11-22 19:01:00
Well, whaddaya know? It turns out doing some advance prep last night seems to have paid off. The preserved lemon-saffron-herb butter bird's in the oven, the flavors of the spiced cranberry-orange sauce have had a chance to mingle overnight, the andouillie sausage -cornbread stuffing is ready to bake, the turkey stock is ready to turn into gravy, the champagne is chilling - and all that leaves me with a little time to chill myself before I need to start the veg. Just enough time to wish all of you and yours a very, happy Thanksgiving.Wherever you are, and whatever you may be doing today, I hope you're enjoying the holiday to the fullest.Above, one of my favorite images this time of year - A vintage pic of the Macy's Turkey Day Parade. Far cry from the children's television spectacle that it is today.Cheers!
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willie bird time!
2007-11-19 18:20:00
In the blink of an eye, another year has nearly flown by again. Just a few days till Thanksgiving which always feels like the gun sounding at the start of the Marathon that is Xmas.My pre-race ritual every year begins with one thing - buying the Thanksgiving turkey. I think I'd tried just about every frozen and fresh I could get my hands on over the years, from CostCo and Bristol Farms to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but the year I discovered the Willie Bird I knew I needed to look no further.Run by owner Willie Benedetti out of Sonoma County, all Willie Birds are free range, fresh and the majority of the birds are organic as well. Aside from the peace of mind you get from knowing the turkey on your table had a good turkey life before he got there, free of processed foods, antibiotics and hormones, they just plain taste better. Another interesting note, because the birds are free of all that junk, they tend to cook a little faster than your average bird. I've had them fried, bri...
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that yarn store
2007-11-18 06:29:00
Having promised a childhood friend we'd learn to knit together as my bday gift to her, (that's right - we're 30 going on 70!), I went on a hunt to find the perfect yarn shop for our hot hooking adventure. It turns out there are plenty of shops all around town, and they each offer classes and sell yarn of some sort or another, but when I stumbled across the website for That Yarn Store on Eagle Rock Blvd., I knew I'd found the spot.This is a mom and pop shop - recently relocated from a store front around the corner on Colorado - staffed and run entirely by family. Everything about this place is comfy and homey, from the handwritten notes on the door describing new groups and events, the decor (it's set up like a cozy living room with rocking chairs, sofas and an ample coffee table covered with snacks), the music (it was some indy electro jazz while we were there), and most especially, the people.A couple of months ago I thought it would be relaxing for me to take up knitting, but...

lily simone
2007-11-18 05:41:00
What a gift it was to happen upon this beautiful boutique! Former stylist Simone Porter opened the mid-century modern shop dedicated to small labels on Eagle Rock Blvd. almost 4 years ago. More recently, the space has been divided into both a clothing and home accessories shop.In the clothing section you'll find labels such as Grey Ant, Ella Moss, Splendid, Kush Cush and Kenneth Lane jewelry. There's also a lovely selection of shoes, wallets and everything else a girl could ask for - including pretty glass jars of old fashioned candy sold for a buck a scoop. You may also spy Simone's lil pup Lily curled up on one of the chairs. This time of year, there were beautiful knits, wraps, and a couple of stunning party dresses in worsted wool - all at reasonable price points. My resistance worn down by the soothing tunes playing and the cotton candy pink walls, I picked up a dainty gold bamboo inspired bangle I want to wear with everything.In the home accessories area we found all sorts ...

taco spot
2007-11-18 03:20:00
Is there anything better than walking around your home town and discovering some place you haven't been? I think not! So when we took off up the block in search of some lunch and spied the Taco Spot sign, I was already a happy camper. One look at the (very hip in design) nuevo Mexican menu (read: soyrizo's an option with your tofu burrito), and I was sold.Regardless of whether you're eating in or taking out, you order at the counter (almost suspiciously) manned by cute boys, and get a number before checking out the well equipped salsa bar. There's definitely an alt vibe here, but that doesn't mean you won't find the classics including sopes, chile relleno, tampiquena, and my favorite naughty breakfast, spicy rojo chilaquiles. More unusual than a soy enchilada - healthy options. If you want to keep it light, the fajita salad topped with cotija cheese and some garlic bread is a tasty option. If you're looking to keep it simple, they've got you covered with the selection of tac...

pace
2007-11-13 07:06:00
If you want to feel like you've snuck away from the hustle and bustle for some really good Italian, Pace is a great go-to.The pastas and salads are solid, as are the wine list and service. Another favorite here is their pizza. There's always an amazing special and they're all thin crusted goodness.The interior has a dark, rustic feel and there's seating inside a main dining room adjacent a rich, wood bar, or semi-outdoors on a small enclosed patio with a big booth tucked into the exposed brick surround.Everything is beautifully candle lit at night. As others have mentioned it's a great spot for a date and it's also a perfect place for small groups.The valet parking lot keeps things simple (unless it's packed on a weekend evening which can get a little crazy). Just be patient, it's worth the wait! 2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 654-8583

the british invasion arrives in la: fresh & easy
2007-11-09 01:44:00
Considering I live with a homesick Brit, we've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the UK grocery giant, Tesco's, since we first heard they were setting up shop with a brand in the states more than a year ago. Today the first wave of the British invasion arrived with the grand opening of their first six CA stores. The prospect of having a local British grocer was almost too much to bear, so as soon as we could, we hopped in the car and headed east to check out the Eagle Rock store.What you may fondly remember as the 70's Lucky's on Eagle Rock & El Paso (as I do, from early grocery trips there with my uncle in his big white Caddy), is now a bright beacon of northeast LA gentrification.As one would expect on opening day, the parking lot was a bit of a zoo, but they had the good sense to have some very helpful attendants on hand. A bit smaller than your average chain grocery, the shop felt like the love child of Ralph's and Trader Joe. Though there weren't many of the Brit f...
More About: Invasion , Fresh , Easy , British Invasion

cinnamon toast
2007-11-06 22:12:00
It seems most memories of grandmothers include hours spent in the kitchen, secret ingredients, and recipes handed down in a hush. Having been raised by my grandparents, you'd think I’d be brimming with kitchen tales and secret techniques, but the truth is, my grandmother couldn’t cook.The youngest of more than a dozen children, she went to college when very few girls did and studied to be an accountant when society (and her own family) told her she couldn’t. Despite having a successful husband, she was the bread-winner and wore the pants, which didn’t leave a lot of time for other grandmotherly pursuits like knitting and baking. If you needed help with your taxes, you could always count on gran, but if it was a cake in question, she was the first to grab the keys and shuffle into the car to buy one. A domestic goddess in her own right – you could literally eat off of our floors – often regaling me with stories of her own mother’s cooking in between working full time, ...
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for love 21
2007-11-06 04:45:00
Just when you thought cheapie cheapie couldn't possibly outdo themselves, they have. On the 7th floor of the Beverly Center is the Fashion 21 empire's latest venture - an accessories store. I still can't imagine what would possess you to name a chic looking shop just across from Bloomies "For Love 21" but that unfortunate bit aside, this place is a grown up girl's candy store.The green space designed by Lexington is so pretty, you'd think it was anything but. Pristine white displays along walls and in rounds fill every inch of the bright chandelier lit room with shoes, jewelry, handbags, panties, sunglasses, hats, hair doo dads and just about every other accessory you can think of. Prices start at $2.80 (panties and boy shorts are $3.80!) and run all the way up to a whopping $20 bucks.Sure, some of it looks as cheap as it is (you'd probably be hard pressed to find a fabulous pair of shoes here you could actually walk in), but there's plenty worth looking at. Cute vintage flow...

the wine cellar
2007-11-04 07:51:00
So, you've splurged on that bottle of Bordeaux (and eleven of its friends because you didn't want it to get lonely!), and you know it needs to age for at least another year or two before you crack it open. Now what? Sure, you could put it up on that fancy rack you have on the bar, but do you really want to risk opening up vinegar in a few years because your place overheated one too many times in summer or your countertop's at a bad angle? Of course not.So, what do you do?You rent a wine locker.And that's where these guys come in. Aside from a little sign out front, you'd never even know this old ivy covered brownstone on an industrial side street facing the 405 in West LA was a mega wine storage facility housing some of the finest and rarest vintages ever bottled. There's nothing glamorous about this place (which is evident when you sign in and out at the lobby, decorated with some antiques, old stuffed pheasants, vintage crates and dusty tapestries), but it more than meets th...
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the india restaurant
2007-11-01 21:24:00
After a very educational saree fitting at Sona Chaandi down the street, (behold, the result in the Halloween photo of Stephy and I), it was suggested we grab lunch at this little mini-mall storefront. It's a small space that looks a lot like grandma's living room, complete with lace curtains and artificial flora galore. The only thing missing - plastic on the upholstered chairs!The $8.95 lunch buffet seven days a week here on the stretch of Pioneer Blvd. coined Little India , is a bargain diner’s dream. The spread is plentiful, fresh - and while perhaps not the most authentic, particularly to my UK spoiled palate - surprisingly good.They have a full menu, including a decent selection of Indian beer, which is your only option in the evening for dinner, but from11a to 5p, it's all about the buffet. The selection changes a bit daily, but there's always an assortment of samosas, fish and veg pakoras, chana masala, chutneys, raita, dal, tandoori, korma, masala, makhni, palak, paneer...
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it's the great pumpkin(s)!
2007-10-31 21:36:00
Sure, I may be too old to go trick or treat, but you're never too old to carve a pumpkin - or two! Last year, with crazy work weeks and everything else, I didn't have time for any pumpkin carving, so this year I vowed, come hell, high water, or a devil boss, I was going to carve some punkins, dammit!Beer and I made a last minute trip yesterday to one of my favorite pumpkin patches - The Lopez Family, that used to be on Wilshire and is now adjacent to The Grove - to pick up a couple of orange beauties. After a near altercation with a very odd woman who kept sending her six or seven year old daughter over to snatch the good pumpkins we were literally bent over to pick up - I wish I was exaggerating here! - we finally got our hands on a couple of fresh off the truck, glorious gourds.Today, armed with some Martha Stewart worthy tools and It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown I went to town to get those babies carved up in time for our lone two trick-or-treaters before heading out to Y...

joan's on third
2007-10-19 06:29:00
If you like Dean & Deluca, you'll love Joan's on Third. The space is small (but in the process of expanding!) and jam packed with delectable goodies to delight the palate.The charcuterie selection is amazing, particularly if you're a fan of cheese. The selection packed into the cold cases will make your head (and your wallet) spin. The sandwiches, salads, sides and condiments are all a little taste of heaven and the cupcakes are not be missed. The peanut butter filled chocolate and the coconut are a couple of my faves and they beat the pants off of Sprinkles any day. The cake is perfectly moist and the icing is never piled too high or sickly sweet - unless you like it that way, in which case you should try the clouds.Despite the inviting and always busy street side seating, I've never felt compelled to sit and have a meal here, but I can't seem to leave without less than two calorie packed bags, including at least one of their amazing sandwiches.To state the obvious, yes, t...

universal horror nights
2007-10-15 22:05:00
Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, (second only to the consumer extravaganza that is Christmas), but the older you get, the less there seems to be to do short of the odd costume parties here and there. Knott's Scary has been disappointing the last couple of times I went, so we rounded up some friends and headed to Universal for their Halloween Horror Nights .Considering this is a working studio you'd expect some amazing sets and effects - and that's just what you get. The usual smoke machines and noise-making, chainsaw wielding suspects are out in force around the main entrance, but once past that, every themed area, actor, ride and maze was impressive - and scary. Friday the 13th: Camp Blood and Freddy's Nightmare on Elm Street, were a couple of our favorites.Don't miss the back lot tour which is decked out to include a creepy killer clown zone, a walk through the War of the Worlds set - complete with plane wreckage - and a jaunt past the Bates Motel, with a very convin...

village pizzeria
2007-10-09 21:57:00
If you love Larchmont and you love a thin crust slice as much as I do, you owe yourself a trip to Village Pizzeria .I've only been in at lunch for pizza and garlic rolls, but both are worth the extremely reasonable price of admission - 3 huge slices, 2 garlic rolls, 2 sodas - 12 bucks! The space is small which can make evening dining a pain in the ass, but at lunch with the outdoor patio, it's perfect.Try the sausage or the clam and garlic - both were deelish. The veg pizza was just as yum, but a little oily for my taste. They all have the perfect thin crust.The owner just bought a building in Hollywood near my office. I hear he's a dick, but hey, it's great pizza none the less. Look for a second location to open up on Yucca across from Joseph's as soon as he's done kicking out the rest of the old time tenants...And PS, if you're local, the pizza will come to you. They deliver. 131 N Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 465-5566Photo cou...

govinda international imports
2007-10-02 22:36:00
This little gem of a store is hidden upstairs in the Hari Krishna Temple (yes, I said Temple) off of Venice in Mar Vista. If you happen to be in the market for a great tunic, sari, pashmina, stacks and stacks of bangle bracelets or that hard to find Krishna prayer candle and incense burner - cheap - this is the one-stop-shop for you. The smell of incense burning will herald you upstairs where they sell clothing and accessories, mostly imported from India, for men, women and children. The quality of the embroidery and the variety of sizes and colors is amazing.This store really is a find. The jewelry alone makes it worth the trip. All proceeds benefit the Temple. Expect to rub elbows with an interesting mix of devout Hari Krishnas, celebrities, stylists, hipsters and yoga Mommy's.Tip: Grab some yummy Indian veggie hippy grub at Govinda 's, the cafeteria downstairs attached to the Temple. Good stuff even for a flesh loving carnivore, like myself. There's a buffet and a salad bar, an...
More About: International , Imports

the bean
2007-09-22 21:27:00
I'm not generally one to write reviews for chains, but after a string of positive experiences at one of my local CBTL's, this one's in order.We all know the menu at The Bean inside out, so I won't belabor the options here except to say this year's "seasonal" addition, the Pecan Praline - latte or ice blended - is definitely worth the price of admission... And by price, I mean, the calories it will cost you since they don't have a no-sugar-added option for this one.This corner Bean location at Beverly & Alta Vista is a bit smaller than average, but still manages to offer a full menu, wi-fi access, and some nice street side patio seating complete with fire pit for chilly evening yid-watching. That said, the crux of this review lies with the service. I've been in here plenty of times and have always been pleased, which, of itself, speaks volumes. Yesterday, I popped in for a quickie caffeine fix. The front gate seemed to be shut, so I walked around to the back to sneak in. (...
More About: The Bean

paintball usa
2007-09-19 05:03:00
How does an Angelino spend a sweltering hot summer day? Hiding out and cranking the a/c? Donning a barely there pair of sample sale Juicy short-shorts? Headed towards the coast with the masses in search of relief? Or gathering up their pals to drive an hour inland to Simi Valley where it's at least a dozen degrees steamier to gear up in layers of heavy combat gear, trekking up and down hills to hunt each other down with stinging, stinky paintballs?Well, if you're a glutton for punishment and happen to have a friend with an August birthday who's always wanted to try paintball, that's exactly what you do.Once you find this place - it's, quite literally, off the beaten path on a dirt road - be ready to throw on some old kicks or boots, slip into a pair of military issue oversized overalls, toss a bandanna and smelly helmet on your head, rip the fingers off some old gloves, (unlike most outings in LA, this is one that doesn't call for any exposed skin), and get a quick lesson in h...
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larchmont hardware
2007-09-12 21:46:00
I love this place! I suppose I should add that I love Larchmont - it reminds me that there's a city within the city, and without the trek up to Montrose for my other favorite "small town" vibe main street.Anytime I'm in the area, I stop by to see what's new. This place carries the basics we all need - cleaning supplies, pest control, basic tools, housewares (including random brik-a-brack like tea cups and sink strainers), batteries, glues and the like. My personal favorite - the huge selection of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products displayed right next to the door in all three scents - Lavender, Geranium and Lemon Verbena. Pick up some of the dish soap or the scrubbing powder, which gives Comet a run for the money without the harsh chemicals. You'll be glad you did.If you're in the market for some lumber or a new toilet, you'll still need to make your way over to the Home Despot to line up with the rest of the plumber crack crowd, but for everything else, give this little mom and ...
More About: Hardware

citizen smith
2007-09-01 21:20:00
The majority of the reviews I've seen have focused on Citizen Smith as a dinner destination, but what a great place to grab lunch in Hollywood. They open at 11am Mon-Thurs, there's virtually no crowd giving you the choice of any booth (inside or out) you fancy, and they have a very nice, seasonal lunch menu ranging from $10 (Jalapeno Mac & Cheese) to $21 (NY Strip Steak). The seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise ($16) was perfect in every way.. and the bartender makes a mean Arnold Palmer too.As for the dinner crowds, if you don't want to be treated like second class cattle by the doormen, make a reservation - even if it means calling in your name last minute from the valet line. The difference is vast and absolutely worthwhile. 1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 461-5001Photo courtesy of Kate D.

summer nights at the arboretum
2007-08-04 20:23:00
If an evening at the Hollywood Bowl is part of your summertime ritual, then you'll love the Festival on the Green at the LA Arboretum in Arcadia.During the summer months, the Cal Phil puts on a series of three to five themed performances here which start early evening and continue under the stars. You have the option of getting a table (and even a pre-catered meal), reserving lawn chairs, or purchasing the very inexpensive lawn seats where you can bring your own blanket and picnic and find a shady place under one of the beautiful old trees to lounge and enjoy. (Unlike the Bowl, you can have a lawn spot in the back and not feel like you're a million miles away from the action). The events are very well organized and staffed, and many also feature food vendor booths under white tents to tempt you with local treats.This is one of the few places you can truly feel like you've escaped the city and can enjoy the outdoors. If you're lucky, the resident peacocks - amongst hundreds of o...
More About: Summer , Nights