Rate-A-Restaurant, #28 in a series
Restaurant: King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant
Location: 2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd.(between Crenshaw & Hawthorne Blvds.), Torrance
Type of restaurant: Hawaiian/ Pacific Rim
They stipulated: You drive all the way down to Torrance. (It's the Sepulveda exit on the 101, then drive west.) We happened to be in the neighborhood, at the International Printing Museum in Carson (post to come) and hadn't visited King's in a while. And yes, these are the same people who produce the sweet King's Hawaiian bread you see in the grocery store.
What we ordered: Mike: Shoyu Chicken and Kalua Pork plate. (Also comes with Lomi-Lomi Salmon). I replaced the stir-fried veggies with macaroni salad. Maria: Spicy Chicken Bowl.
High point: Cheapest way to visit the Islands without actually leaving California. The music's authentic, the staff and clientel are either ex-pat people from Hawaii or the children of former Hawaii residents.
Low point: To be honest, the food is just so-so for the price. A visit to L&L is much cheaper. For example, Spam Musubi costs a whopping $4.50 at King's, while it's just $1.99 at L&L.
Overall impression: But again, you don't just come to King's for the food. It's the whole environment -- it's a sit-down restaurant and much more upscale (of course, by upscale, I mean in the vein of a nice Norm's or Mel's Drive Inn) that L&L or any other plate lunch place. It's even nicer than the original King's diner in Honolulu, which I was able to eat at before it shut down in 1991. And they do the Shoyu chicken right, not to mention loco moco and Huli-Huli chicken; plus, the bakery really is pretty damn good. Get the Guava Chiffon cake. (We brought home an apple coffee cake and some bread.)
Chance we will go back: Hana Hou!
Friday, November 28, 2003
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Before You Shop
After you stuff your belly with turkey, and before you head out to shop on Friday, take a look at the L.A. Times' three-part series on what it calls "The Wal-Mart Effect." The summary:
From a small-town five-and-dime, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has grown over 50 years to become the world's largest corporation and a global economic force.
It posted $245 billion in sales in its most recent fiscal year — nearly twice as much as General Electric Co. and almost eight times as much as Microsoft Corp. It is the nation's largest seller of toys, furniture, jewelry, dog food and scores of other consumer products. It is the largest grocer in the United States.
Wal-Mart's decisions influence wages and working conditions across a wide swath of the world economy, from the shopping centers of Las Vegas to the factories of Honduras and South Asia. Its business is so vital to developing countries that some send emissaries to the corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., almost as if Wal-Mart were a sovereign nation.
The company has prospered by elevating one goal above all others: cutting prices relentlessly. U.S. economists say its tightfistedness has not only boosted its own bottom line, but also helped hold down the inflation rate for the entire country. Consumers reap the benefits every time they push a cart through Wal-Mart's checkout lines.
Yet Wal-Mart's astonishing success exacts a heavy price.
By squeezing suppliers to cut wholesale costs, the company has hastened the flight of U.S. manufacturing jobs overseas. By scouring the globe for the cheapest goods, it has driven factory jobs from one poor nation to another.
Wal-Mart's penny-pinching extends to its own 1.2 million U.S. employees, none of them unionized. By the company's own admission, a full-time worker might not be able to support a family on a Wal-Mart paycheck.
I know other blogs have already commented up and down on the series, but I finally got to read the package myself today. The stories remind me, yet again, about how living in America means sometimes living in denial. And how we want it both ways: I hate SUVs because they're making us dependent on foreign oil and polluting the atmosphere -- yet, there I went and bought a mini-SUV (Honda CRV) a few months ago and deluded myself into thinking that it's OK because it's a smaller Honda. And I think it's horrible that big box retailers like Best Buy are selling CDs below invoice, putting a hurt on smalltime record stores. But guess where we bought the new Outkast CD -- yup, Best Buy ($10.99!).
(Indeed, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich hits it on the head: "We have split brains. Most of the time, the half of our brain that wants the best deal prevails.")
As for Wal-Mart, I generally avoid the place because (a) there are few here in L.A. and because, more importantly, (b) have you ever been inside one? They're pretty unpleasant. Kids screaming, merchandise stacked all over the place -- and that gnawing feeling inside that you're supporting an evil empire. Just go to the one in Porter Ranch (near Chatsworth) and see.
What the L.A. Times package doesn't go into is whether the alternatives are any better. We're big fans of Target, which somehow manages to offer up a much, much more enjoyable shopping environment. (And that brings me back to living in denial. I know in the back of my head that Target is guilty of some of the same problems. Yet, in my mind, because Target is not the behemoth that Wal-Mart is, it's OK.)
After you stuff your belly with turkey, and before you head out to shop on Friday, take a look at the L.A. Times' three-part series on what it calls "The Wal-Mart Effect." The summary:
From a small-town five-and-dime, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has grown over 50 years to become the world's largest corporation and a global economic force.
It posted $245 billion in sales in its most recent fiscal year — nearly twice as much as General Electric Co. and almost eight times as much as Microsoft Corp. It is the nation's largest seller of toys, furniture, jewelry, dog food and scores of other consumer products. It is the largest grocer in the United States.
Wal-Mart's decisions influence wages and working conditions across a wide swath of the world economy, from the shopping centers of Las Vegas to the factories of Honduras and South Asia. Its business is so vital to developing countries that some send emissaries to the corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., almost as if Wal-Mart were a sovereign nation.
The company has prospered by elevating one goal above all others: cutting prices relentlessly. U.S. economists say its tightfistedness has not only boosted its own bottom line, but also helped hold down the inflation rate for the entire country. Consumers reap the benefits every time they push a cart through Wal-Mart's checkout lines.
Yet Wal-Mart's astonishing success exacts a heavy price.
By squeezing suppliers to cut wholesale costs, the company has hastened the flight of U.S. manufacturing jobs overseas. By scouring the globe for the cheapest goods, it has driven factory jobs from one poor nation to another.
Wal-Mart's penny-pinching extends to its own 1.2 million U.S. employees, none of them unionized. By the company's own admission, a full-time worker might not be able to support a family on a Wal-Mart paycheck.
I know other blogs have already commented up and down on the series, but I finally got to read the package myself today. The stories remind me, yet again, about how living in America means sometimes living in denial. And how we want it both ways: I hate SUVs because they're making us dependent on foreign oil and polluting the atmosphere -- yet, there I went and bought a mini-SUV (Honda CRV) a few months ago and deluded myself into thinking that it's OK because it's a smaller Honda. And I think it's horrible that big box retailers like Best Buy are selling CDs below invoice, putting a hurt on smalltime record stores. But guess where we bought the new Outkast CD -- yup, Best Buy ($10.99!).
(Indeed, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich hits it on the head: "We have split brains. Most of the time, the half of our brain that wants the best deal prevails.")
As for Wal-Mart, I generally avoid the place because (a) there are few here in L.A. and because, more importantly, (b) have you ever been inside one? They're pretty unpleasant. Kids screaming, merchandise stacked all over the place -- and that gnawing feeling inside that you're supporting an evil empire. Just go to the one in Porter Ranch (near Chatsworth) and see.
What the L.A. Times package doesn't go into is whether the alternatives are any better. We're big fans of Target, which somehow manages to offer up a much, much more enjoyable shopping environment. (And that brings me back to living in denial. I know in the back of my head that Target is guilty of some of the same problems. Yet, in my mind, because Target is not the behemoth that Wal-Mart is, it's OK.)
Hungry for Phillippe
L.A. Times food critic S. Irene Virbila gets down and dirty in this week's review, taking a fresh look at the glory that is a French dip sandwich at Phillippe's the Original.
In a city that runs on fast food, Philippe's is an anomaly. Your food comes fast, but it's real. Put a Tommy's burger or a Pink's dog next to one of Philippe's finest and there's no contest. The French dip sandwich is sublimely basic and uncomplicated: slabs of well-roasted meat and a soft, tender bun that wicks up the decadent juices like blotter paper. Philippe's is not the kind of sandwich to eat on the run: It demands the ceremony of sitting down at table with fellow Angelenos.
Phillippe's just celebrated its 95th anniversary -- as if you already didn't have a reason to run down there Friday (sorry, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas-- that's it) for a sandwich. Dammit, I'm craving one now. Thanks, S. Irene (or as Maria and I -- who've never met the critic -- call her, "Sirene").
L.A. Times food critic S. Irene Virbila gets down and dirty in this week's review, taking a fresh look at the glory that is a French dip sandwich at Phillippe's the Original.
In a city that runs on fast food, Philippe's is an anomaly. Your food comes fast, but it's real. Put a Tommy's burger or a Pink's dog next to one of Philippe's finest and there's no contest. The French dip sandwich is sublimely basic and uncomplicated: slabs of well-roasted meat and a soft, tender bun that wicks up the decadent juices like blotter paper. Philippe's is not the kind of sandwich to eat on the run: It demands the ceremony of sitting down at table with fellow Angelenos.
Phillippe's just celebrated its 95th anniversary -- as if you already didn't have a reason to run down there Friday (sorry, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas-- that's it) for a sandwich. Dammit, I'm craving one now. Thanks, S. Irene (or as Maria and I -- who've never met the critic -- call her, "Sirene").
Say It Ain't So, Sweet, Sweet iPod!
BlogBlogBlog's Marc Brown reveals the dirty little secret about iPod: The miracle machine's battery goes kaput after 18 months, forcing you to... buy another iPod. Ours is at 12 months right now, so I'll get back to you in another six months to see if it's still working.
Meanwhile, Marc also recounts how he Shook It Like A Polaroid Picture last week at the Outkast party up in the Hollywood Hills -- including the reason why he got the stink eye from "Punk'd" fan Demi Moore.
BlogBlogBlog's Marc Brown reveals the dirty little secret about iPod: The miracle machine's battery goes kaput after 18 months, forcing you to... buy another iPod. Ours is at 12 months right now, so I'll get back to you in another six months to see if it's still working.
Meanwhile, Marc also recounts how he Shook It Like A Polaroid Picture last week at the Outkast party up in the Hollywood Hills -- including the reason why he got the stink eye from "Punk'd" fan Demi Moore.
The Really Real World
Wonder if we're going to see this in the next edition of the fave reality show: Woman Says She Was Drugged, Raped at San Diego House for MTV's 'Real World' (L.A. Times)
Wonder if we're going to see this in the next edition of the fave reality show: Woman Says She Was Drugged, Raped at San Diego House for MTV's 'Real World' (L.A. Times)
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Gobble, Gobble
A thanksgiving weekend is not complete without some serious shopping. Courtesy of Daily Candy, here's some hot tips for the weekend:
What: Red Monkey Designs
When: 11/28-11/30; Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. noon-8 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Where: 7209 Santa Monica Boulevard, near Formosa Avenue (323-850-2309).
Why: Leather cuff watches adored by high-profile time tellers like Mr. and Mrs. Pitt, Gwen Stefani, and Sheryl Crow are up to 75 percent off retail.
What: West 3rd Holiday Street Party
When: 12/4; Thurs. 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: West 3rd Street, between La Cienega Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue (323-951-0663).
Why: Believe the hype: Puppies & Babies, Na Pali, Raena, Aero & Co., Lulu Guinness, Flight 001, Plastica, Joan's on Third, Bead Boutique, and other shops are spreading the holiday love with a stay-open-late shopping night, when discounts on merch will be from 10 percent off.
What: Holiday Sample Sale
When: 12/7; Sun. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Zip Fusion Sushi Restaurant, 744 East Third Street, near Rose Street.
Why: 'Tis the season to buy presents! Grey Ant, Mon Petite Oiseau, and Alicia Lawhon clothing, A Papier cards, Jen Lew matchbooks, Sara Paloma pottery, Paula Carlotta jewelry, Nah Nuh lingerie, Lori Weise pet accoutrements, and every other imaginable knickknack -- all priced wholesale and below.
What: Designer Sample Sale
When: 12/13; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 1615A Montana Avenue, between 16th and 17th Streets (310-395-9335).
Why: Oh, the choices! Up to 75 percent off items from Seven, Paper Denim & Cloth, Beautiful People, Lizzie Drippin, Blonde, Ruth, Serfontaine, Temma Dahan handbags, Yammi, Floozie lingerie, and
Frankie B.
And for those of you who just can't stand being around people, check out these sites guaranteed to help with the holiday shopping: Fred Flare, Lush, Posie, and Powell's Books.
A thanksgiving weekend is not complete without some serious shopping. Courtesy of Daily Candy, here's some hot tips for the weekend:
What: Red Monkey Designs
When: 11/28-11/30; Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. noon-8 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Where: 7209 Santa Monica Boulevard, near Formosa Avenue (323-850-2309).
Why: Leather cuff watches adored by high-profile time tellers like Mr. and Mrs. Pitt, Gwen Stefani, and Sheryl Crow are up to 75 percent off retail.
What: West 3rd Holiday Street Party
When: 12/4; Thurs. 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: West 3rd Street, between La Cienega Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue (323-951-0663).
Why: Believe the hype: Puppies & Babies, Na Pali, Raena, Aero & Co., Lulu Guinness, Flight 001, Plastica, Joan's on Third, Bead Boutique, and other shops are spreading the holiday love with a stay-open-late shopping night, when discounts on merch will be from 10 percent off.
What: Holiday Sample Sale
When: 12/7; Sun. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Zip Fusion Sushi Restaurant, 744 East Third Street, near Rose Street.
Why: 'Tis the season to buy presents! Grey Ant, Mon Petite Oiseau, and Alicia Lawhon clothing, A Papier cards, Jen Lew matchbooks, Sara Paloma pottery, Paula Carlotta jewelry, Nah Nuh lingerie, Lori Weise pet accoutrements, and every other imaginable knickknack -- all priced wholesale and below.
What: Designer Sample Sale
When: 12/13; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 1615A Montana Avenue, between 16th and 17th Streets (310-395-9335).
Why: Oh, the choices! Up to 75 percent off items from Seven, Paper Denim & Cloth, Beautiful People, Lizzie Drippin, Blonde, Ruth, Serfontaine, Temma Dahan handbags, Yammi, Floozie lingerie, and
Frankie B.
And for those of you who just can't stand being around people, check out these sites guaranteed to help with the holiday shopping: Fred Flare, Lush, Posie, and Powell's Books.
Don't Get Too Excited, Joel Grover
The October roster of Los Angeles restaurant closures is out, and there aren't too many surprises.
The usual KFC and Pizza Hut franchise locations are cited, along with a Marie Callender's in Marina del Rey and a mix of mom-n-pop eateries. The biggest disappointment: One of my favorite breakfast places, Cafe Latte (at Wilshire and Crescent Heights) was hit. The restaurant was shut down Oct. 8, and reopened Oct. 9, after being cited for "sewage system failure" and "no toilet facilities." Oops.
The October roster of Los Angeles restaurant closures is out, and there aren't too many surprises.
The usual KFC and Pizza Hut franchise locations are cited, along with a Marie Callender's in Marina del Rey and a mix of mom-n-pop eateries. The biggest disappointment: One of my favorite breakfast places, Cafe Latte (at Wilshire and Crescent Heights) was hit. The restaurant was shut down Oct. 8, and reopened Oct. 9, after being cited for "sewage system failure" and "no toilet facilities." Oops.
Opus Encore
"Bloom County" creator Berkeley Breathed has come out of comic strip retirement and headed back to the Sunday funny pages; "Opus," which will center around one of Breathed's most memorable characters, launched this past Sunday.
The first strip consisted of a simple gag: We open with Opus sunning himself on the beach, reading a magazine when a fine young woman calls out his name. She gives him a big hug... and then tells him that "Guido regurgitated a squid. Let's eat."
Opus wakes up. He's not on the beach. It was just a daydream. He's back in Antarctica, sitting on a barren ice shelf with a crowd of other penguins. "Oh, and I suppose you're where you thought you'd be in ten years?" he thinks.
Yup, it's been almost 10 years since Breathed pulled the plug on "Outland" -- and 14 years, believe it or not, since he ended "Bloom County." In a Saturday L.A. Times piece, Breathed lamented the state of today's comics -- particularly the lazy, corporate-minded strips that just won't die (he specifically cites "Garfield").
I'll give it to him that the funny pages still haven't recovered from the triple blow in the early 90s, when he, "Calvin & Hobbes" creator Bill Watterson and "The Far Side's" Gary Larson all decided to retire.
But the comic pages aren't quite the virtual wasteland that Breathed makes them out to be -- you just have to search harder, or live in a larger city where the comic choices are more progressive. (Here's the clue: If your newspaper still runs "Hagar the Horrible," "Hi and Lois," "Beetle Bailey," "B.C." and "Blondie," be leery. Running one of them is passable, but running two or more, it's clear the features editor hasn't even pondered the comics page in several years.)
For one thing, the new generation of cartoonists were taught by "Bloom County," "Calvin and Hobbes" and "Far Side."
One of the most promising new comics, "Get Fuzzy," in particular has a quality reminiscent of "Bloom County." Its Bucky Katt even slightly resembles "Bloom County's" Bill the Cat (at least when it comes to hygiene). "The Boondocks" also has a "Bloom County" tone to it (although its recent "Condoleeza Rice needs a date" have been puzzling).
Another new strip making waves, "Frazz," takes a philosphical approach to youth, in a "Calvin and Hobbes" vein (but with no imaginary tiger). And just about every single-panel comic has "The
Far Side" to thank for inspiration.
But back to "Opus." It's nice to see Breathed back in the game, but it's also a reminder of how the cartoonist probably shut down "Bloom County" at least a decade before he should have. As it is now, the strip has missed an entire generation of popular culture. How would junior hacker Oliver handle the dawn of the Internet? Would he be at the forefront of piracy issues? Would Bill the Cat be a reality TV show bachelor?
Whether or not we'll see the return of old "Bloom County" characters like Bill the Cat, who knows. Breathed's last creation, "Outland," began as an entirely different strip from "Bloom County." But sure enough, Opus and Bill eventually showed up back on the pages. At least on the funny pages, you can go home again.
"Bloom County" creator Berkeley Breathed has come out of comic strip retirement and headed back to the Sunday funny pages; "Opus," which will center around one of Breathed's most memorable characters, launched this past Sunday.
The first strip consisted of a simple gag: We open with Opus sunning himself on the beach, reading a magazine when a fine young woman calls out his name. She gives him a big hug... and then tells him that "Guido regurgitated a squid. Let's eat."
Opus wakes up. He's not on the beach. It was just a daydream. He's back in Antarctica, sitting on a barren ice shelf with a crowd of other penguins. "Oh, and I suppose you're where you thought you'd be in ten years?" he thinks.
Yup, it's been almost 10 years since Breathed pulled the plug on "Outland" -- and 14 years, believe it or not, since he ended "Bloom County." In a Saturday L.A. Times piece, Breathed lamented the state of today's comics -- particularly the lazy, corporate-minded strips that just won't die (he specifically cites "Garfield").
I'll give it to him that the funny pages still haven't recovered from the triple blow in the early 90s, when he, "Calvin & Hobbes" creator Bill Watterson and "The Far Side's" Gary Larson all decided to retire.
But the comic pages aren't quite the virtual wasteland that Breathed makes them out to be -- you just have to search harder, or live in a larger city where the comic choices are more progressive. (Here's the clue: If your newspaper still runs "Hagar the Horrible," "Hi and Lois," "Beetle Bailey," "B.C." and "Blondie," be leery. Running one of them is passable, but running two or more, it's clear the features editor hasn't even pondered the comics page in several years.)
For one thing, the new generation of cartoonists were taught by "Bloom County," "Calvin and Hobbes" and "Far Side."
One of the most promising new comics, "Get Fuzzy," in particular has a quality reminiscent of "Bloom County." Its Bucky Katt even slightly resembles "Bloom County's" Bill the Cat (at least when it comes to hygiene). "The Boondocks" also has a "Bloom County" tone to it (although its recent "Condoleeza Rice needs a date" have been puzzling).
Another new strip making waves, "Frazz," takes a philosphical approach to youth, in a "Calvin and Hobbes" vein (but with no imaginary tiger). And just about every single-panel comic has "The
Far Side" to thank for inspiration.
But back to "Opus." It's nice to see Breathed back in the game, but it's also a reminder of how the cartoonist probably shut down "Bloom County" at least a decade before he should have. As it is now, the strip has missed an entire generation of popular culture. How would junior hacker Oliver handle the dawn of the Internet? Would he be at the forefront of piracy issues? Would Bill the Cat be a reality TV show bachelor?
Whether or not we'll see the return of old "Bloom County" characters like Bill the Cat, who knows. Breathed's last creation, "Outland," began as an entirely different strip from "Bloom County." But sure enough, Opus and Bill eventually showed up back on the pages. At least on the funny pages, you can go home again.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Seeing Stars
You know, if you ask nicely, Angela at the Coffee Bean on Hillhurst will let you order the Caramel Apple Tea Latte that's no longer on the menu. But then again it might be because she thinks your husband looks like Ralph Fiennes.
Sadly, there was no Ralph Fiennes sighting at the Coffee Bean, but we did see Michael Penn patiently waiting for his coffee among the rest of us regular folks.
You know, if you ask nicely, Angela at the Coffee Bean on Hillhurst will let you order the Caramel Apple Tea Latte that's no longer on the menu. But then again it might be because she thinks your husband looks like Ralph Fiennes.
Sadly, there was no Ralph Fiennes sighting at the Coffee Bean, but we did see Michael Penn patiently waiting for his coffee among the rest of us regular folks.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Evening Becomes Eclectic
Yeah, yeah, I know the knock on KCRW -- it's hipster music for yuppies; Nic Harcourt plays it too safe; the station hardly lives up to its "eclectic" promise.
Fine, fine. The station has some shortcomings. But I also know that I can listen to KCRW for a much longer period of time than any commercial radio station in town. And that still counts for something, Ruth Seymour pledgeathons aside.
That strong mix of music was on display at Saturday night's KCRW Sounds Eclectic Evening 2003.
Local songwriter/singer Gary Jules kicked things off; we walked in right when he was singing "DTLA" ("Downtown Los Angeles"). Jules is one of those local KCRW discoveries; he was in residency at the Hotel Cafe when the station started playing him. No offense to Jules -- a fine performer and excellent songsmith -- but if he can make it, then Maria and I think our friend Shawn Amos, a frequent Hotel Cafe performer, is more than ready for his own KCRW discovery. C'mon, Nic! What are you afraid of?
Next up, British up-and-comer Jem, another Harcourt favorite, started off a little wobbly. Maria wondered whether she was lipsynching, but in actuality she was singing -- but to prerecorded tracks of her songs. Took away some of the uniqueness, because I'm actually enjoying her debut EP right now (in which, by the way, she thanks Harcourt and "Morning Becomes Eclectic" producer Ariana Morgenstern). Jem picked up when she went acoustic, singing along to just guitar on the song "Flying High." Still like her CD.
Liz Phair also gave a stripped-down performance, but thankfully stuck mostly to her older crowd pleasers ("Supernova," for one) and offered up quite a bit of sass between songs. While listening, it dawned on me that, although the critics have turned their back on Phair, she's written some pretty damn good songs. And she still rocks, even on stripped-down guitar.
Surprise special guest came in the form of Shelby Lynne, who looked sassy in a new short 'do and sounded feisty in her between-song banter. She really makes it look effortless: The soul just oozes out. And alone on stage, with just a guitar, she came off with the most confident and powerful stage presence of the night.
But don't count out Beck. Homeboy does it all, from Hank Williams tunes to his own interpretation of Nelly's "Hot in Herre" (complete with a medley of "Where It's At"). Beck also paid tribute to his friend Elliot Smith, singing two of the late performer's tunes. For all that, he was rewarded with the night's big standing ovation.
The crowd then simply stayed on its feet for Jurassic 5, which kept the crowd amped with a fairly long set -- including a break, during which Cut Chemist performed his usual turntable acrobatics. J5 even got the said West side yuppies up and dancing.
Then, of course, came KCRW poster boy Damien Rice. Nic Harcourt's Irish crush remains virtually unknown outside of L.A., but here, he's a star. Rice shines in concert, where he turns his soft acoustic songs into stronger, more angry stories about love and love lost. "The Blower's Daughter" has become one of Maria's favorite songs; Rice ends his shows with the powerful duet "I Remember," a song that starts out so sweetly and ends so tragic that you won't forget it.
The KCRW show ended rather limp, meanwhile, as The Polyphonic Spree came on stage. Like any Los Angeles event, the crowd started leaving en masse to beat the traffic. But I think it was also because of the Spree, which, quite honestly, just seems like a way too bloated band. Yeah, it's interesting for a moment, the idea of a megagroup complete with gospel choir and french horn player. But I can't shake the rock opera vibe I get from the group.
All told, this year's KCRW show ran smoothly. The rotating stage meant no lulls, as performers began right after the previous act finished. Ruth Seymour never hopped on stage, demanding that we donate more cash. Sound was good; visuals also strong. And Beck sang "Hot in Herre," for crying out loud!
Yeah, yeah, I know the knock on KCRW -- it's hipster music for yuppies; Nic Harcourt plays it too safe; the station hardly lives up to its "eclectic" promise.
Fine, fine. The station has some shortcomings. But I also know that I can listen to KCRW for a much longer period of time than any commercial radio station in town. And that still counts for something, Ruth Seymour pledgeathons aside.
That strong mix of music was on display at Saturday night's KCRW Sounds Eclectic Evening 2003.
Local songwriter/singer Gary Jules kicked things off; we walked in right when he was singing "DTLA" ("Downtown Los Angeles"). Jules is one of those local KCRW discoveries; he was in residency at the Hotel Cafe when the station started playing him. No offense to Jules -- a fine performer and excellent songsmith -- but if he can make it, then Maria and I think our friend Shawn Amos, a frequent Hotel Cafe performer, is more than ready for his own KCRW discovery. C'mon, Nic! What are you afraid of?
Next up, British up-and-comer Jem, another Harcourt favorite, started off a little wobbly. Maria wondered whether she was lipsynching, but in actuality she was singing -- but to prerecorded tracks of her songs. Took away some of the uniqueness, because I'm actually enjoying her debut EP right now (in which, by the way, she thanks Harcourt and "Morning Becomes Eclectic" producer Ariana Morgenstern). Jem picked up when she went acoustic, singing along to just guitar on the song "Flying High." Still like her CD.
Liz Phair also gave a stripped-down performance, but thankfully stuck mostly to her older crowd pleasers ("Supernova," for one) and offered up quite a bit of sass between songs. While listening, it dawned on me that, although the critics have turned their back on Phair, she's written some pretty damn good songs. And she still rocks, even on stripped-down guitar.
Surprise special guest came in the form of Shelby Lynne, who looked sassy in a new short 'do and sounded feisty in her between-song banter. She really makes it look effortless: The soul just oozes out. And alone on stage, with just a guitar, she came off with the most confident and powerful stage presence of the night.
But don't count out Beck. Homeboy does it all, from Hank Williams tunes to his own interpretation of Nelly's "Hot in Herre" (complete with a medley of "Where It's At"). Beck also paid tribute to his friend Elliot Smith, singing two of the late performer's tunes. For all that, he was rewarded with the night's big standing ovation.
The crowd then simply stayed on its feet for Jurassic 5, which kept the crowd amped with a fairly long set -- including a break, during which Cut Chemist performed his usual turntable acrobatics. J5 even got the said West side yuppies up and dancing.
Then, of course, came KCRW poster boy Damien Rice. Nic Harcourt's Irish crush remains virtually unknown outside of L.A., but here, he's a star. Rice shines in concert, where he turns his soft acoustic songs into stronger, more angry stories about love and love lost. "The Blower's Daughter" has become one of Maria's favorite songs; Rice ends his shows with the powerful duet "I Remember," a song that starts out so sweetly and ends so tragic that you won't forget it.
The KCRW show ended rather limp, meanwhile, as The Polyphonic Spree came on stage. Like any Los Angeles event, the crowd started leaving en masse to beat the traffic. But I think it was also because of the Spree, which, quite honestly, just seems like a way too bloated band. Yeah, it's interesting for a moment, the idea of a megagroup complete with gospel choir and french horn player. But I can't shake the rock opera vibe I get from the group.
All told, this year's KCRW show ran smoothly. The rotating stage meant no lulls, as performers began right after the previous act finished. Ruth Seymour never hopped on stage, demanding that we donate more cash. Sound was good; visuals also strong. And Beck sang "Hot in Herre," for crying out loud!
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Cooking with Jet
Maria and I spent Friday night at The New School of Cooking in Culver City, learning how to make Thai food under the instruction of Chef Jet Tila.
Food Network, give Jet a TV show. The chef (who runs the Bangkok Market in Hollywood, has written for the L.A. Times and sometimes pops up in Food Network and HGTV features) is young, frantic and knows his stuff. And come on, how cool is the name "Jet"?!
The two of us were introduced to items we didn't even know existed, yet are key components to Thai dishes. (Specifically, the root galanga, which looks like ginger -- but tastes nothing like it.) After some instruction and a primer on Thai food (the Thai trinity: Lemongrass, galanga and kaffir lime leaves), we were off. Partners were assigned various dishes; Maria and I made "Prik King," a spicy dish with pork and long green beans.
It was good. Other dishes attempted (and achieved): Spicy Beef Basil Stir Fry; Drunken Basil Noodles; Jungle Chicken with Green Beans and Fresh Ginger; Sauteed Curry Prawns; and Crispy Shredded Mahi Mahi with Mango Sauce.
The best part of class, of course, comes when everyone samples the creations.
Ingredients for Prik King: (You'll have to ask Jet for the actual recipe. We're not big into printing someone else's intellectual rights here.)
Garlic cloves
Prik King curry paste
Kaffir lime leaves, fine chop
Chinese long beans, trimmed and cut into 3 inch sections
Pork, cut into 1/2 inch slices
Fish sauce
Red bell peppers, chopped
Sugar
White pepper
Vegetable oil
Maria and I spent Friday night at The New School of Cooking in Culver City, learning how to make Thai food under the instruction of Chef Jet Tila.
Food Network, give Jet a TV show. The chef (who runs the Bangkok Market in Hollywood, has written for the L.A. Times and sometimes pops up in Food Network and HGTV features) is young, frantic and knows his stuff. And come on, how cool is the name "Jet"?!
The two of us were introduced to items we didn't even know existed, yet are key components to Thai dishes. (Specifically, the root galanga, which looks like ginger -- but tastes nothing like it.) After some instruction and a primer on Thai food (the Thai trinity: Lemongrass, galanga and kaffir lime leaves), we were off. Partners were assigned various dishes; Maria and I made "Prik King," a spicy dish with pork and long green beans.
It was good. Other dishes attempted (and achieved): Spicy Beef Basil Stir Fry; Drunken Basil Noodles; Jungle Chicken with Green Beans and Fresh Ginger; Sauteed Curry Prawns; and Crispy Shredded Mahi Mahi with Mango Sauce.
The best part of class, of course, comes when everyone samples the creations.
Ingredients for Prik King: (You'll have to ask Jet for the actual recipe. We're not big into printing someone else's intellectual rights here.)
Garlic cloves
Prik King curry paste
Kaffir lime leaves, fine chop
Chinese long beans, trimmed and cut into 3 inch sections
Pork, cut into 1/2 inch slices
Fish sauce
Red bell peppers, chopped
Sugar
White pepper
Vegetable oil
Friday, November 21, 2003
Best November Sweeps Ever, Part 4
At least the venerable CBS newsmagazine "60 Minutes," class act that it is, remains immune to the ratings wars, yes?
(I comedically clear my throat here.)
From a press release:
You won't read phrases like "adult entertainment" in their annual reports, but American companies like General Motors and the Marriott Corporation have been profiting from the distribution of pornography to a hungry American public that snaps it up to the tune of $10 billion a year. This and other surprising facts are revealed in a double-length segment on the pornography industry reported by Steve Kroft on 60 MINUTES Sunday, Nov. 23.
Yup, "60 Minutes" Gone Wild!
A double-length segment, no less, on the porn biz! And revealing something we already knew: Yup, DirecTV (owned by GM, although soon by News Corp.) probably mints a fortune off its adult offerings. As do hotels with in-room entertainment like Marriott.
Gotta admit, though, that this number astounds me: According to the "60 Minutes" report, porn is viewed by 40 percent of hotel guests. That's a hefty number. Take out family vacations (except for a handful of kinda weird families), and that means you've got a lot of business travelers watching a lot of porn on the road.
At least the venerable CBS newsmagazine "60 Minutes," class act that it is, remains immune to the ratings wars, yes?
(I comedically clear my throat here.)
From a press release:
You won't read phrases like "adult entertainment" in their annual reports, but American companies like General Motors and the Marriott Corporation have been profiting from the distribution of pornography to a hungry American public that snaps it up to the tune of $10 billion a year. This and other surprising facts are revealed in a double-length segment on the pornography industry reported by Steve Kroft on 60 MINUTES Sunday, Nov. 23.
Yup, "60 Minutes" Gone Wild!
A double-length segment, no less, on the porn biz! And revealing something we already knew: Yup, DirecTV (owned by GM, although soon by News Corp.) probably mints a fortune off its adult offerings. As do hotels with in-room entertainment like Marriott.
Gotta admit, though, that this number astounds me: According to the "60 Minutes" report, porn is viewed by 40 percent of hotel guests. That's a hefty number. Take out family vacations (except for a handful of kinda weird families), and that means you've got a lot of business travelers watching a lot of porn on the road.
Misguided Anger
Here's hypocrisy for ya: In the name of education, a local group wants to tear down the Ambassador Hotel-- one of L.A.'s top historical sites.
According to the L.A. Times, a group that calls itself RFK-12 wants the LAUSD to tear the old hotel down immediately to build a new school. They say it will take too long to retrofit the Ambassador into a high school, something the L.A. Conservancy has been fighting for.
That just doesn't make sense. Yes, perhaps it will take a little bit more -- and take a little more time -- to preserve the Ambassador. But we're talking maybe an extra year. Saving a year's time by simply destroying an important piece of L.A. history would be tragic. And something the city would look back years from now in regret, just as, if they had to do it all over again, maybe they could have found another way to preserve the Bunker Hill Victorians.
Here's hypocrisy for ya: In the name of education, a local group wants to tear down the Ambassador Hotel-- one of L.A.'s top historical sites.
According to the L.A. Times, a group that calls itself RFK-12 wants the LAUSD to tear the old hotel down immediately to build a new school. They say it will take too long to retrofit the Ambassador into a high school, something the L.A. Conservancy has been fighting for.
That just doesn't make sense. Yes, perhaps it will take a little bit more -- and take a little more time -- to preserve the Ambassador. But we're talking maybe an extra year. Saving a year's time by simply destroying an important piece of L.A. history would be tragic. And something the city would look back years from now in regret, just as, if they had to do it all over again, maybe they could have found another way to preserve the Bunker Hill Victorians.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
World Gone Jacko
Quick glance at the local 11 p.m. newscasts: KCBS stuck longest with the Michael Jackson story, and even went back to it later in the broadcast; KNBC was next, while KABC spent the least time. Of course, all three outlets led their 11 p.m. casts with the story, spending at least 10 minutes. Ironically, for a change the local outlets actually showed a bit more restraint than the cable nets, which fed their news cycles with a steady dose of MJ all day.
My favorite moment, however, came as all three stations transitioned to other stories. The way they did it was all the same: "There's other news tonight..." No! Really?! Other news besides Michael Jackson?!
Quick glance at the local 11 p.m. newscasts: KCBS stuck longest with the Michael Jackson story, and even went back to it later in the broadcast; KNBC was next, while KABC spent the least time. Of course, all three outlets led their 11 p.m. casts with the story, spending at least 10 minutes. Ironically, for a change the local outlets actually showed a bit more restraint than the cable nets, which fed their news cycles with a steady dose of MJ all day.
My favorite moment, however, came as all three stations transitioned to other stories. The way they did it was all the same: "There's other news tonight..." No! Really?! Other news besides Michael Jackson?!
Best November Sweeps Ever, Part 3
Headline: Record Producer Phil Spector Charged With Murder.
Ahh, couldn't the Los Angeles County district attorney's office have waited a few more days? They know they're not gonna get decent coverage, what with Jacko-mania grinding news operations everywhere to a halt.
Headline: Record Producer Phil Spector Charged With Murder.
Ahh, couldn't the Los Angeles County district attorney's office have waited a few more days? They know they're not gonna get decent coverage, what with Jacko-mania grinding news operations everywhere to a halt.
Downtown Boosters
KTLA this morning devoted most of its "KTLA Morning News" telecast to hyping the cool aspects of downtown L.A. (The unusual package was titled "Los Angeles: Hidden City.")
Only caught the tail end of the program, but it looks like KTLA gave quite a fine primer on what to do and where to eat downtown. Most of it is old hat to fans of downtown, but sometimes I forget that the sheer majority of Angelenos never set foot down there.
According to the recap on the Tribune-owned station's site, reporter Emmett Smith featured the Oviatt Building, the Central Library, the Bunker Hill Steps, the Library Tower, the Bradbury Building and the Orpheum Theater in his architecture piece.
"Kurt the Cyberguy" (what an unfortunate name) featured websites for downtown haunts the Empress Pavilion, Chinatown, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Ciudad.
Eric Spillman, in his lofts piece, featured the Little Tokyo Lofts, Grand Central Square Market Apartments, 2121 Lofts and Pegasus Lofts. (Interestingly, no "Old Bank District" Tom Gilmore properties.)
Sharon Tay's shopping story (stereotype, anyone?) hit the Otis School of Fashion Design, California Market Center, the Fashion District of Los Angeles, and the St.Vincent Jewelry Center.
Mark Kriski's hotels piece featured the Figueroa Hotel (where I still get 'Nam-style flashbacks of my bachelor party), the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hilton Checkers Hotel (the hotel we spent the night at after getting married!), the Wilshire Grand Hotel and, of course, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Then there was Sam Rubin's restaurant picks: Engine Company No. 28, R-23, Noe Restaurant, Patina at Disney Hall, Water Grill, Point Moorea, Pete's Café, The Standard Hotel and The Mayan Nightclub.
Show ended with Mayor Hahn and Rubin at Pershing Square, where Hahn mentioned that downtown was a good place to get engaged. He then mentioned the ice skating rink -- and Maria and I half expected KTLA to show a shot of our engagement, which, yes, believe it or not, the station has on tape from when I popped the question on ice (see our Engagement Story. Yes, that's the second time I've mentioned our engagement this month. Hey, I'm sentimental, OK?! And the two-year mark of that fateful night comes this Saturday.) But they didn't.
KTLA this morning devoted most of its "KTLA Morning News" telecast to hyping the cool aspects of downtown L.A. (The unusual package was titled "Los Angeles: Hidden City.")
Only caught the tail end of the program, but it looks like KTLA gave quite a fine primer on what to do and where to eat downtown. Most of it is old hat to fans of downtown, but sometimes I forget that the sheer majority of Angelenos never set foot down there.
According to the recap on the Tribune-owned station's site, reporter Emmett Smith featured the Oviatt Building, the Central Library, the Bunker Hill Steps, the Library Tower, the Bradbury Building and the Orpheum Theater in his architecture piece.
"Kurt the Cyberguy" (what an unfortunate name) featured websites for downtown haunts the Empress Pavilion, Chinatown, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Ciudad.
Eric Spillman, in his lofts piece, featured the Little Tokyo Lofts, Grand Central Square Market Apartments, 2121 Lofts and Pegasus Lofts. (Interestingly, no "Old Bank District" Tom Gilmore properties.)
Sharon Tay's shopping story (stereotype, anyone?) hit the Otis School of Fashion Design, California Market Center, the Fashion District of Los Angeles, and the St.Vincent Jewelry Center.
Mark Kriski's hotels piece featured the Figueroa Hotel (where I still get 'Nam-style flashbacks of my bachelor party), the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hilton Checkers Hotel (the hotel we spent the night at after getting married!), the Wilshire Grand Hotel and, of course, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Then there was Sam Rubin's restaurant picks: Engine Company No. 28, R-23, Noe Restaurant, Patina at Disney Hall, Water Grill, Point Moorea, Pete's Café, The Standard Hotel and The Mayan Nightclub.
Show ended with Mayor Hahn and Rubin at Pershing Square, where Hahn mentioned that downtown was a good place to get engaged. He then mentioned the ice skating rink -- and Maria and I half expected KTLA to show a shot of our engagement, which, yes, believe it or not, the station has on tape from when I popped the question on ice (see our Engagement Story. Yes, that's the second time I've mentioned our engagement this month. Hey, I'm sentimental, OK?! And the two-year mark of that fateful night comes this Saturday.) But they didn't.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
The Wacko Jacko Story
We're casting the TV movie here. A reader suggests another person besides Wilford Brimley for the role of D.A. Thomas Sneddon:
I would say he's gonna be played by Xander Berkley (Jack Bauer's superior in last year's 24, who got infected with the radioactive gas and died), cause he'd appeal to a younger demo.
He also points out something I had noticed as well: Today happened to be the Hollywood Reporter's annual Showbiz Kids issue.
How ironic that it came out on the same day of the Jacko thing...that thing's gotta look like a menu for Michael Jackson...
Oooh, snap!
We're casting the TV movie here. A reader suggests another person besides Wilford Brimley for the role of D.A. Thomas Sneddon:
I would say he's gonna be played by Xander Berkley (Jack Bauer's superior in last year's 24, who got infected with the radioactive gas and died), cause he'd appeal to a younger demo.
He also points out something I had noticed as well: Today happened to be the Hollywood Reporter's annual Showbiz Kids issue.
How ironic that it came out on the same day of the Jacko thing...that thing's gotta look like a menu for Michael Jackson...
Oooh, snap!
Best November Sweeps Ever, Part 2
Michael Jackson's lawyers include Mark Geragos, who is also handling Scott Peterson's defense.
That's one-stop shopping for the producers of "Celebrity Justice."
Speaking of Jackson, did you check out the press conference? Santa Barbara County D.A. Thomas Sneddon -- a natural for Wilford Brimley in the inevitable TV movie -- could barely contain his glee. As for Sheriff Jim Anderson's request that anyone in the public with info on Jackson come forward, can't we just send him a copy of last February's Martin Bashir interview with the Gloved One?
Michael Jackson's lawyers include Mark Geragos, who is also handling Scott Peterson's defense.
That's one-stop shopping for the producers of "Celebrity Justice."
Speaking of Jackson, did you check out the press conference? Santa Barbara County D.A. Thomas Sneddon -- a natural for Wilford Brimley in the inevitable TV movie -- could barely contain his glee. As for Sheriff Jim Anderson's request that anyone in the public with info on Jackson come forward, can't we just send him a copy of last February's Martin Bashir interview with the Gloved One?
The Best November Sweeps Ever
The gods have been good to tabloid news shows and local assignment desks this month. Cheers to everyone who made it possible:
Thank you, Paris Hilton, for dating a man with a night vision video camera.
Thank you, Michael Jackson, for still hanging out with 12-year-old boys, forcing a raid on the Neverland ranch Tuesday.
Thank you, Scott Peterson, for being such an evil dick, and not hiding that smirk on your face.
Thank you, Arnold Schwarzenegger, for taking advantage of democracy run amok.
Thank you, Elizabeth Smart, for being one weird little kidnapped kid.
Thank you, Jessica Lynch, for not remembering what happened to you... until your book and movie came out.
Thank you, shark, for gnawing off that 13-year-old surfer girl's arm.
Thank you, Kobe Bryant, for making the airwaves safe once again for graphic descriptions of sexual encounters by famous people.
Thank you, Rush Limbaugh, for your taste in cheap pills and cheaper hypocrisy.
Thank you, Rosie O'Donnell, for finding time to sue a publishing giant and open a major Broadway production at the same time.
Thank you, Britney Spears, for realizing that kissing Madonna at the VMAs was solast August, and it was time to up the ante: Cry on Diane Sawyer's shoulder.
It's through all of your hard work in making sure you fed the November news cycle that this will go down as one of the best sweeps months in a long time. Kudos, really.
And I haven't even mentioned some of my favorite sweeps packages on the local stations. For starters, tonight's hard-nosed report on KCAL-9 News: "Porn in the U.S.A." (Tonight at 10!)
The gods have been good to tabloid news shows and local assignment desks this month. Cheers to everyone who made it possible:
Thank you, Paris Hilton, for dating a man with a night vision video camera.
Thank you, Michael Jackson, for still hanging out with 12-year-old boys, forcing a raid on the Neverland ranch Tuesday.
Thank you, Scott Peterson, for being such an evil dick, and not hiding that smirk on your face.
Thank you, Arnold Schwarzenegger, for taking advantage of democracy run amok.
Thank you, Elizabeth Smart, for being one weird little kidnapped kid.
Thank you, Jessica Lynch, for not remembering what happened to you... until your book and movie came out.
Thank you, shark, for gnawing off that 13-year-old surfer girl's arm.
Thank you, Kobe Bryant, for making the airwaves safe once again for graphic descriptions of sexual encounters by famous people.
Thank you, Rush Limbaugh, for your taste in cheap pills and cheaper hypocrisy.
Thank you, Rosie O'Donnell, for finding time to sue a publishing giant and open a major Broadway production at the same time.
Thank you, Britney Spears, for realizing that kissing Madonna at the VMAs was solast August, and it was time to up the ante: Cry on Diane Sawyer's shoulder.
It's through all of your hard work in making sure you fed the November news cycle that this will go down as one of the best sweeps months in a long time. Kudos, really.
And I haven't even mentioned some of my favorite sweeps packages on the local stations. For starters, tonight's hard-nosed report on KCAL-9 News: "Porn in the U.S.A." (Tonight at 10!)
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Press Releases 'R' Us
How did I miss this the other week?
Multi-platinum solo recording artist Justin Timberlake, who is responsible for the monster hits “Senorita”, “Like I Love You” and “Rock Your Body,” joins ABC Sports, it was announced today by Michael Pearl, senior vice president and executive producer of ABC Sports. Timberlake will write the signature theme music for ABC’s NBA coverage and will star in the network’s NBA promotional campaign, “Can’t Get Enough”. In addition, Timberlake will serve the network as a special correspondent on the NBA, among other ABC Sports programs.
This is real, I swear.
How did I miss this the other week?
Multi-platinum solo recording artist Justin Timberlake, who is responsible for the monster hits “Senorita”, “Like I Love You” and “Rock Your Body,” joins ABC Sports, it was announced today by Michael Pearl, senior vice president and executive producer of ABC Sports. Timberlake will write the signature theme music for ABC’s NBA coverage and will star in the network’s NBA promotional campaign, “Can’t Get Enough”. In addition, Timberlake will serve the network as a special correspondent on the NBA, among other ABC Sports programs.
This is real, I swear.
Rate-A-Restaurant, #27 in a series
Restaurant: Mr. Cecil's California Ribs
Location: 13625 Ventura Blvd. (at Woodman Ave.) in Sherman Oaks (also at 12244 W Pico Blvd in West L.A.)
Type of restaurant: Barbecue
They stipulated: You come hungry. The portions -- be it the ribs, the chicken or anything else -- are large.
What we ordered: Barbecue chicken, with baked beans and coleslaw sides. Also: Corn bread and hush puppies for the table.
High point: No problem getting a seat. It was Tony's birthday, and he called right before arriving to reserve a table. It was Friday night, but no problem.
Low point: Once the live music kicked in, conversation ground to a halt. We were in the back, and even had the waiter close the door at one point -- which helped drowned out the sound. But then the door opened again. Luckily, dinner was almost done and conversation could be moved elsewhere.
Overall impression: You definitely get your money's worth at Mr. Cecil's... I was hungry going in, and yet I still didn't finish my plate -- even when sharing with Maria. But at the same time, for sheer tastiness, Zeke's Smokehouse wins. And for best BBQ sauce around, The Pig still takes the crown.
Chance we will go back: Maybe, but the two other BBQ joints mentioned above we'd go to first.
Restaurant: Mr. Cecil's California Ribs
Location: 13625 Ventura Blvd. (at Woodman Ave.) in Sherman Oaks (also at 12244 W Pico Blvd in West L.A.)
Type of restaurant: Barbecue
They stipulated: You come hungry. The portions -- be it the ribs, the chicken or anything else -- are large.
What we ordered: Barbecue chicken, with baked beans and coleslaw sides. Also: Corn bread and hush puppies for the table.
High point: No problem getting a seat. It was Tony's birthday, and he called right before arriving to reserve a table. It was Friday night, but no problem.
Low point: Once the live music kicked in, conversation ground to a halt. We were in the back, and even had the waiter close the door at one point -- which helped drowned out the sound. But then the door opened again. Luckily, dinner was almost done and conversation could be moved elsewhere.
Overall impression: You definitely get your money's worth at Mr. Cecil's... I was hungry going in, and yet I still didn't finish my plate -- even when sharing with Maria. But at the same time, for sheer tastiness, Zeke's Smokehouse wins. And for best BBQ sauce around, The Pig still takes the crown.
Chance we will go back: Maybe, but the two other BBQ joints mentioned above we'd go to first.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Five Years into Revival
L.A.'s Downtown News looks at how the loft boom and downtown revival is going, five years after developer Tom Gilmore shared his original goals with the paper.
As of now, the paper says his three buildings - the San Fernando, Continental and Hellman - are 100% full with tenants paying an average of $1,400 a month. And spurred by that momentum, the Mayor's office says 4,000 units are in various stages of construction Downtown.
Of course, this is a variation on the same story the L.A. Downtown News writes every single week. Meanwhile, as L.A. Observed points out today, writer Marjorie Gellhorn Sa'adah warns in a Sunday L.A. Times op-ed piece: Before you move downtown, realize that you're moving into a constantly functioning movie set. Film shoots will keep you up at night, and there's not much you can do about it.
L.A.'s Downtown News looks at how the loft boom and downtown revival is going, five years after developer Tom Gilmore shared his original goals with the paper.
As of now, the paper says his three buildings - the San Fernando, Continental and Hellman - are 100% full with tenants paying an average of $1,400 a month. And spurred by that momentum, the Mayor's office says 4,000 units are in various stages of construction Downtown.
Of course, this is a variation on the same story the L.A. Downtown News writes every single week. Meanwhile, as L.A. Observed points out today, writer Marjorie Gellhorn Sa'adah warns in a Sunday L.A. Times op-ed piece: Before you move downtown, realize that you're moving into a constantly functioning movie set. Film shoots will keep you up at night, and there's not much you can do about it.
'Tis the Season to Be Minty
Signs of the fast-approaching holiday season have begun to creep up everywhere: Seasonal flags already waving from Beverly Hills lightposts. Christmas decorations front and center at Target and Costco. The downtown ice skating rink, up and running.
But the true sign: Mint is back. Picked up our first bag of Mint M&M's this weekend at said Target. M&Ms sell their mint variety just two months out of the year -- and they don't even bother to mention the flavor on their website. Yet for me, it's the best of the bunch. The size and consistency of Plain (I'm sorry, "Milk Chocolate") M&Ms, but with that cool minty kick at the end.
I'm a fan of the mint/peppermint twist on your traditional sweets: Milk shakes, ice cream, etc. Yet I can't stand candy canes. Go figure. Too traditional, I suppose. And too easily available, be it in after-dinner mint form or those left over candy canes that sit on top of your refrigerator all year long.
Mint is also back at the Coffee Bean, which has brought back its Holiday Mint Latte and Holiday Mint Ice Blended. Not bad.
Signs of the fast-approaching holiday season have begun to creep up everywhere: Seasonal flags already waving from Beverly Hills lightposts. Christmas decorations front and center at Target and Costco. The downtown ice skating rink, up and running.
But the true sign: Mint is back. Picked up our first bag of Mint M&M's this weekend at said Target. M&Ms sell their mint variety just two months out of the year -- and they don't even bother to mention the flavor on their website. Yet for me, it's the best of the bunch. The size and consistency of Plain (I'm sorry, "Milk Chocolate") M&Ms, but with that cool minty kick at the end.
I'm a fan of the mint/peppermint twist on your traditional sweets: Milk shakes, ice cream, etc. Yet I can't stand candy canes. Go figure. Too traditional, I suppose. And too easily available, be it in after-dinner mint form or those left over candy canes that sit on top of your refrigerator all year long.
Mint is also back at the Coffee Bean, which has brought back its Holiday Mint Latte and Holiday Mint Ice Blended. Not bad.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
Sunset/Vine moves
The first piece of the long-under-construction Sunset/Vine shopping/residential complex was set to open this weekend: The ground floor Borders Books and Music, located across the street from the Cinerama Dome.
The complex, formerly site of a failed strip mall, has been under construction for some time. I'm waiting to see how they handle the new Schwab's drug store, which will be located inside the preserved facade of the old T.A.T. Studios (once home to ABC Radio and, later, Merv Griffin Prods.). As we mentioned a few months ago, the site's developers bought the rights to the Schwab's name and logo from the family that owned the famous Sunset Blvd. drug store (which stood where the Virgin Megastore/Laemmle Five complex now resides).
A Bed Bath and Beyond is set to open in the complex; the 300 apartment units will open next spring.
Now, speaking of that intersection, I'm still waiting to see what happens to the abandoned Sunset/Vine Tower, still empty after a 2001 fire.
The first piece of the long-under-construction Sunset/Vine shopping/residential complex was set to open this weekend: The ground floor Borders Books and Music, located across the street from the Cinerama Dome.
The complex, formerly site of a failed strip mall, has been under construction for some time. I'm waiting to see how they handle the new Schwab's drug store, which will be located inside the preserved facade of the old T.A.T. Studios (once home to ABC Radio and, later, Merv Griffin Prods.). As we mentioned a few months ago, the site's developers bought the rights to the Schwab's name and logo from the family that owned the famous Sunset Blvd. drug store (which stood where the Virgin Megastore/Laemmle Five complex now resides).
A Bed Bath and Beyond is set to open in the complex; the 300 apartment units will open next spring.
Now, speaking of that intersection, I'm still waiting to see what happens to the abandoned Sunset/Vine Tower, still empty after a 2001 fire.
Shielded from Reality
A reminder that Los Angeles and Hollywood are two different worlds: The L.A. Times writes of anger in Lincoln Heights over a scene recently shot in the neighborhood for FX's "The Shield."
According to the paper, a real gang name was painted on the side of the house -- by a real gangbanger, who was allowed to even tag his moniker.
Um, that just sounded like trouble waiting to happen. The "Shield" crew (a) didn't realize the gang name painted was a real gang and (b) didn't know the dude doing the job was a real gang member.
Fascinating reminder that at the end of the day, "The Shield" may be an edgy portrayal of the tough Los Angeles patrol... but it's still a TV show. And yet, somewhere not too far away, that fiction is all too real. The cameras aren't rolling there. (Elsewhere in the same edition of the Times: A 17-year-old Lincoln Heights boy was shot in an apparent drive-by as he was eating at a sidewalk restaurant table with friends on Friday afternoon.)
A reminder that Los Angeles and Hollywood are two different worlds: The L.A. Times writes of anger in Lincoln Heights over a scene recently shot in the neighborhood for FX's "The Shield."
According to the paper, a real gang name was painted on the side of the house -- by a real gangbanger, who was allowed to even tag his moniker.
Um, that just sounded like trouble waiting to happen. The "Shield" crew (a) didn't realize the gang name painted was a real gang and (b) didn't know the dude doing the job was a real gang member.
Fascinating reminder that at the end of the day, "The Shield" may be an edgy portrayal of the tough Los Angeles patrol... but it's still a TV show. And yet, somewhere not too far away, that fiction is all too real. The cameras aren't rolling there. (Elsewhere in the same edition of the Times: A 17-year-old Lincoln Heights boy was shot in an apparent drive-by as he was eating at a sidewalk restaurant table with friends on Friday afternoon.)
Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider Michael Schneider Mike Schneider
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Tough Marks
The L.A. Conservancy handed out its first-ever marks to L.A. county towns, grading the local cities on their commitment to landmark preservation.
It wasn't pretty.
The Conservancy gave 44 cities an F -- including, as the L.A. Times notes, several of the county's richest areas.
Notes the paper: The upscale cities of Agoura Hills, Bradbury, Hidden Hills, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Clarita and Westlake Village were among those receiving Fs. Calabasas, Duarte, La Cañada Flintridge and Torrance managed to eke out D-minuses. Beverly Hills and Claremont slipped by with Ds.
On the flipside: Six other cities — Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, West Hollywood and Whittier — received A's for local landmark-protection laws and for overall historic preservation efforts.
Los Angeles, itself, received a solid B+. The org noted L.A.'s more than 700 historic landmarks.
The L.A. Conservancy handed out its first-ever marks to L.A. county towns, grading the local cities on their commitment to landmark preservation.
It wasn't pretty.
The Conservancy gave 44 cities an F -- including, as the L.A. Times notes, several of the county's richest areas.
Notes the paper: The upscale cities of Agoura Hills, Bradbury, Hidden Hills, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Clarita and Westlake Village were among those receiving Fs. Calabasas, Duarte, La Cañada Flintridge and Torrance managed to eke out D-minuses. Beverly Hills and Claremont slipped by with Ds.
On the flipside: Six other cities — Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, South Pasadena, West Hollywood and Whittier — received A's for local landmark-protection laws and for overall historic preservation efforts.
Los Angeles, itself, received a solid B+. The org noted L.A.'s more than 700 historic landmarks.
Snow in SoCal!
Well, not really. But the layers of hail stones that blanketed south of the city -- Watts, Compton, South Gate and Lynwood -- made for a pretty amazing sight.
I was stuck in the office yesterday afternoon and evening, and missed most of the fun. I usually mock the local news outlets -- deservedly, I might add -- for going nuts over rain coverage. For once, we actually had a storm that deserved those screaming STORM WATCH BWAHHHAAAAA HAAA HAA! graphics.
Well, not really. But the layers of hail stones that blanketed south of the city -- Watts, Compton, South Gate and Lynwood -- made for a pretty amazing sight.
I was stuck in the office yesterday afternoon and evening, and missed most of the fun. I usually mock the local news outlets -- deservedly, I might add -- for going nuts over rain coverage. For once, we actually had a storm that deserved those screaming STORM WATCH BWAHHHAAAAA HAAA HAA! graphics.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Basket Case
Ahh, it's one of those great, evil ironies of Hollywood: The more powerful and wealthier you are -- ergo, the more money you have to buy whatever you want -- the more free stuff you get.
Exhibit A: The gift basket.
From a recent press release touting the upcoming American Music Awards basket, given to the show's presenters:
"American Music Awards" duffel bags will contain almost 150 items including first class round-trip airfare anywhere American Airlines flys, vacation getaways to Jamaica, Rio Audio MP3 players, Beamer video phones, Suunto computer wrist watches, hot air balloon rides, home microbrewery systems, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, Scott Kay AMA commemorative jewelry, gift certificates for laser eye surgery, Baja Fresh VIP All Access Passes, Samsonite luggage, Hummer leather jackets, Tiffany guitar lamps, stereo speakers, throwback athletic jerseys, cameras, Guess watches, retro record players, Ben & Jerry's ice-cream for a year, karaoke machines, health club memberships, semi-precious jewelry, Calvin Klein cologne, Crabtree & Evelyn lotions and creams, Cross pens, Godiva chocolates, Philips Electronics' Super Audio CD Digital Surround Systems, shower radios, commemorative pool cues, TOVA perfume, X-Talk wireless cellular headsets, barbecue grills, cowboy hats, Perry Ellis clothing and Reebok shoes. Additionally, artist Art David will create a custom painting depicting images of the celebrities choosing.
Did I hear that right? A Baja Fresh VIP All-Access Pass? What the hell is that? And more importantly, where can I get one?
And don't even get me started on free Ben & Jerry's ice cream for a year.
Here's a list of people who will be getting said bag: Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, "American Idol"'s Clay Aiken & Ryan Seacrest, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Ashanti, Kid Rock, Pink, Fleetwood Mac, Dennis Franz, Toby Keith, the "Newlyweds" Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson, George Lopez, Hilary Duff, Kiefer Sutherland, Rod Stewart and about 50 other entertainers.
Hey-- Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. One per household, all right? That goes for you too, Clay Aiken and Ryan Seacrest.
Ahh, it's one of those great, evil ironies of Hollywood: The more powerful and wealthier you are -- ergo, the more money you have to buy whatever you want -- the more free stuff you get.
Exhibit A: The gift basket.
From a recent press release touting the upcoming American Music Awards basket, given to the show's presenters:
"American Music Awards" duffel bags will contain almost 150 items including first class round-trip airfare anywhere American Airlines flys, vacation getaways to Jamaica, Rio Audio MP3 players, Beamer video phones, Suunto computer wrist watches, hot air balloon rides, home microbrewery systems, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, Scott Kay AMA commemorative jewelry, gift certificates for laser eye surgery, Baja Fresh VIP All Access Passes, Samsonite luggage, Hummer leather jackets, Tiffany guitar lamps, stereo speakers, throwback athletic jerseys, cameras, Guess watches, retro record players, Ben & Jerry's ice-cream for a year, karaoke machines, health club memberships, semi-precious jewelry, Calvin Klein cologne, Crabtree & Evelyn lotions and creams, Cross pens, Godiva chocolates, Philips Electronics' Super Audio CD Digital Surround Systems, shower radios, commemorative pool cues, TOVA perfume, X-Talk wireless cellular headsets, barbecue grills, cowboy hats, Perry Ellis clothing and Reebok shoes. Additionally, artist Art David will create a custom painting depicting images of the celebrities choosing.
Did I hear that right? A Baja Fresh VIP All-Access Pass? What the hell is that? And more importantly, where can I get one?
And don't even get me started on free Ben & Jerry's ice cream for a year.
Here's a list of people who will be getting said bag: Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, "American Idol"'s Clay Aiken & Ryan Seacrest, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Ashanti, Kid Rock, Pink, Fleetwood Mac, Dennis Franz, Toby Keith, the "Newlyweds" Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson, George Lopez, Hilary Duff, Kiefer Sutherland, Rod Stewart and about 50 other entertainers.
Hey-- Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. One per household, all right? That goes for you too, Clay Aiken and Ryan Seacrest.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Rallying Around Martha
Apparently, I am not alone in thinking that Martha Stewart is getting a raw deal.
Next week, starting on November 17, her show is featuring some very special guests including Alias' Jennifer Garner, Sarah McLachlan (who'll be performing her new single, "Fallen"), Bill Cosby, Joel Grey, muppets Grover and Zoe from Sesame Street, and Conan O'Brien.
Let's hope the Conan segment is not a repeat, since he's been featured on the show before and was very funny. I know what you're thinking -- but Martha can be funny too.
Now if I can only figure out who Zoe is from Sesame Street...
Apparently, I am not alone in thinking that Martha Stewart is getting a raw deal.
Next week, starting on November 17, her show is featuring some very special guests including Alias' Jennifer Garner, Sarah McLachlan (who'll be performing her new single, "Fallen"), Bill Cosby, Joel Grey, muppets Grover and Zoe from Sesame Street, and Conan O'Brien.
Let's hope the Conan segment is not a repeat, since he's been featured on the show before and was very funny. I know what you're thinking -- but Martha can be funny too.
Now if I can only figure out who Zoe is from Sesame Street...
Downtown on Ice
The annual Pershing Square ice skating rink is back, and will officially open Nov. 19.
The outdoor rink -- which is truly amazing to visit at night, as you skate underneath the skyskraper lights -- is truly one of the best things about Los Angeles. And I'm saying that because I'm completely biased -- Maria and I got engaged there on Nov. 21, 2001 (the night before Thanksgiving).
The annual Pershing Square ice skating rink is back, and will officially open Nov. 19.
The outdoor rink -- which is truly amazing to visit at night, as you skate underneath the skyskraper lights -- is truly one of the best things about Los Angeles. And I'm saying that because I'm completely biased -- Maria and I got engaged there on Nov. 21, 2001 (the night before Thanksgiving).
Ninong Mike
Maria's brother and sister-in-law have asked the two of us to be godparents to their newborn, Jordan.
Gotta admit, I'm pretty honored, and even excited about the concept -- although I'm not even quite sure what it entails. Other than a pretty cool title. (And I'm all about the titles. In this case, I think it makes me a sort of Super Uncle/Tito, although I'm not quite sure.)
Seriously, this is sort of a big deal. Maria's a godparent to about half her family's kids (OK, she's a godparent to seven -- obviously she's good at what she does). But this is my first time out in the job. And this could make or break my future as the Godparent Of Choice in the family.
Maria and I have to attend a class before the big baptism (Dec. 14). But no problem -- we managed to pass the one we had to take before getting married. And everything in that case has worked out just fine.
It also means I'll have to get over my phobia of holding the little guy. I just haven't wanted to break him. (He's big enough now, however, that it shouldn't be a problem.)
Sherry and Jason, you're not going to be disappointed. I'm gonna try to be a kick-ass ninong. In addition to being the Fun Uncle I had planned to be.
Maria's brother and sister-in-law have asked the two of us to be godparents to their newborn, Jordan.
Gotta admit, I'm pretty honored, and even excited about the concept -- although I'm not even quite sure what it entails. Other than a pretty cool title. (And I'm all about the titles. In this case, I think it makes me a sort of Super Uncle/Tito, although I'm not quite sure.)
Seriously, this is sort of a big deal. Maria's a godparent to about half her family's kids (OK, she's a godparent to seven -- obviously she's good at what she does). But this is my first time out in the job. And this could make or break my future as the Godparent Of Choice in the family.
Maria and I have to attend a class before the big baptism (Dec. 14). But no problem -- we managed to pass the one we had to take before getting married. And everything in that case has worked out just fine.
It also means I'll have to get over my phobia of holding the little guy. I just haven't wanted to break him. (He's big enough now, however, that it shouldn't be a problem.)
Sherry and Jason, you're not going to be disappointed. I'm gonna try to be a kick-ass ninong. In addition to being the Fun Uncle I had planned to be.
Monday, November 10, 2003
"Blog It Up!"
That was Mike's way of encouraging me to write something in this here blog. You've got to love his nerdy enthusiasm for blogging.
Here goes...
So, we went to NYC this weekend and had another star-chef sighting. Late friday night at Cafeteria restaurant, I looked up and saw Bobby Flay (or Flabby Gay as we fondly call him) walking outside with a blonde.
Went to another cafeteria for dinner Saturday night, the Hudson Cafeteria is a sure thing if you are stuck in midtown on a late, cold and windy night with no dinner reservations to your name.
Magnolia Bakery cupcakes are a must but I'm still bummed that they raised their prices (up to $1.75 now).
For lunch on Saturday, we threw our sanity out the window and savored some Pommes Frittes and a variety of dips.
Alas, no Katz Deli visit on this trip.
We justified the eating by all the usual walking one does in New York.
That was Mike's way of encouraging me to write something in this here blog. You've got to love his nerdy enthusiasm for blogging.
Here goes...
So, we went to NYC this weekend and had another star-chef sighting. Late friday night at Cafeteria restaurant, I looked up and saw Bobby Flay (or Flabby Gay as we fondly call him) walking outside with a blonde.
Went to another cafeteria for dinner Saturday night, the Hudson Cafeteria is a sure thing if you are stuck in midtown on a late, cold and windy night with no dinner reservations to your name.
Magnolia Bakery cupcakes are a must but I'm still bummed that they raised their prices (up to $1.75 now).
For lunch on Saturday, we threw our sanity out the window and savored some Pommes Frittes and a variety of dips.
Alas, no Katz Deli visit on this trip.
We justified the eating by all the usual walking one does in New York.
Sunday, November 9, 2003
Sunday Round-Up
Stories that caught my eye this morning:
:: I've always been curious about how Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead came to be. Why those two resorts? And why there? L.A. Times' Cecilia Rasmussen recounts the origins of both mountain retreats in her weekly "L.A. Then and Now" column, using the recent devastating fires as a timely peg.
Chiefly, I probably should have known -- but never had reason to really think about -- the fact that both Big Bear Lake (1884) and Lake Arrowhead (1915) are man-made, having been created to irrigate citus groves in Redlands and San Bernardino.
:: As already duly noted by L.A. Observed and other sites last week, Santa Monica's Midnight Special book store has finally found a new home, having been priced out of Third Street Promenade.
:: The Daily News writes a big, gooey, advertorial-style love letter to Cal State University/Northridge. Maria's alma mater is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Fine to recognize, but the story sounds like it was written by the school's media relations department.
:: Gray Davis admits: He knew he was toast the moment Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy on the Tonight Show.
Also in L.A. this weekend... Maria and I didn't get a chance to go, but the Echo Park Historical Society sponsored a tour of historical homes in the area on Sunday.
"People are proud to live in Echo Park. That wasn't always the case," one home owner told the Times.
Stories that caught my eye this morning:
:: I've always been curious about how Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead came to be. Why those two resorts? And why there? L.A. Times' Cecilia Rasmussen recounts the origins of both mountain retreats in her weekly "L.A. Then and Now" column, using the recent devastating fires as a timely peg.
Chiefly, I probably should have known -- but never had reason to really think about -- the fact that both Big Bear Lake (1884) and Lake Arrowhead (1915) are man-made, having been created to irrigate citus groves in Redlands and San Bernardino.
:: As already duly noted by L.A. Observed and other sites last week, Santa Monica's Midnight Special book store has finally found a new home, having been priced out of Third Street Promenade.
:: The Daily News writes a big, gooey, advertorial-style love letter to Cal State University/Northridge. Maria's alma mater is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Fine to recognize, but the story sounds like it was written by the school's media relations department.
:: Gray Davis admits: He knew he was toast the moment Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy on the Tonight Show.
Also in L.A. this weekend... Maria and I didn't get a chance to go, but the Echo Park Historical Society sponsored a tour of historical homes in the area on Sunday.
"People are proud to live in Echo Park. That wasn't always the case," one home owner told the Times.
Friday, November 7, 2003
Hunger Reads
A quick glance at the L.A. Times food section's "Hot List" (top-selling cookbooks) shows an interesting entry at No. 8: Carl Chu's Finding Chinese Food in Los Angeles: A Guide to Regional Chinese Cuisines.
The jacket description: Amazingly, the large influx of Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles provides a spectacular - and unlikely - venue for the best Chinese food in North America. Everything from Beijing Duck to the cooking of Zhejiang province can be found in America's most culturally dynamic city.
With sharp insights and over 100 original photos, this book provides vital information on Chinese restaurants and representative regional dishes for visitors and locals alike. It is also a must-have for all food lovers wanting to discover more to Chinese food beyond the routine of Moo-shoo Pork and the Two-item Combo.
A quick glance at the L.A. Times food section's "Hot List" (top-selling cookbooks) shows an interesting entry at No. 8: Carl Chu's Finding Chinese Food in Los Angeles: A Guide to Regional Chinese Cuisines.
The jacket description: Amazingly, the large influx of Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles provides a spectacular - and unlikely - venue for the best Chinese food in North America. Everything from Beijing Duck to the cooking of Zhejiang province can be found in America's most culturally dynamic city.
With sharp insights and over 100 original photos, this book provides vital information on Chinese restaurants and representative regional dishes for visitors and locals alike. It is also a must-have for all food lovers wanting to discover more to Chinese food beyond the routine of Moo-shoo Pork and the Two-item Combo.
Richard Quest Fan Club
Those of you with DirecTV can pick up CNN International, which is everything CNN should be -- and was, until the network got caught up with trying to be Fox News Channel. The news is the thing here, peppered with smart and lively news anchors and weekend series.
But Maria and I have especially gotten to like snooty Brit Richard Quest, who anchors the daily business show "Business Central" and co-anchors "BizNews," a three hour live morning news and business European breakfast show (seen late at nights in the states).
Quest looks and sounds like one of those 1960s spy characters spoofed by Mike Myers in the "Austin Powers" trilogy. Hell, even his name Richard Quest gives you pause. His dry delivery and "oooooooooh REALLY!" inflection makes the both of us giggle.
Those of you with DirecTV can pick up CNN International, which is everything CNN should be -- and was, until the network got caught up with trying to be Fox News Channel. The news is the thing here, peppered with smart and lively news anchors and weekend series.
But Maria and I have especially gotten to like snooty Brit Richard Quest, who anchors the daily business show "Business Central" and co-anchors "BizNews," a three hour live morning news and business European breakfast show (seen late at nights in the states).
Quest looks and sounds like one of those 1960s spy characters spoofed by Mike Myers in the "Austin Powers" trilogy. Hell, even his name Richard Quest gives you pause. His dry delivery and "oooooooooh REALLY!" inflection makes the both of us giggle.
Tuesday, November 4, 2003
No More Drama
I'm late to the party, but had to mention Don Barrett's LARadio.com news that KNX had dropped its three-decade long run of late-night radio drama. The run ended Friday night with a final airing of the classic "War of the Worlds." Another hour of news takes over the slot.
Conveniently, new Infinity vp/market manager, news Pat Duffy blamed the move on... the fires: "Listeners in San Bernardino lost local radio station coverage and depended on KNX for evacuation information and updates on where the fire was heading," he told Barrett. "Listeners in Simi Valley got needed traffic information on freeway closures and alternate routes around critical fire areas. Other areas such as San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties do not have an all news station and are dependent on KNX’s 50,000-watt signal."
It's the first big move by Duffy and VP/AM Programming David G. Hall since the duo took over operation of LA news stations KFWB and KNX.
I'm late to the party, but had to mention Don Barrett's LARadio.com news that KNX had dropped its three-decade long run of late-night radio drama. The run ended Friday night with a final airing of the classic "War of the Worlds." Another hour of news takes over the slot.
Conveniently, new Infinity vp/market manager, news Pat Duffy blamed the move on... the fires: "Listeners in San Bernardino lost local radio station coverage and depended on KNX for evacuation information and updates on where the fire was heading," he told Barrett. "Listeners in Simi Valley got needed traffic information on freeway closures and alternate routes around critical fire areas. Other areas such as San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties do not have an all news station and are dependent on KNX’s 50,000-watt signal."
It's the first big move by Duffy and VP/AM Programming David G. Hall since the duo took over operation of LA news stations KFWB and KNX.
New Year's Eve in Los Angeles, 2.0
We mentioned a few months ago that L.A. -- home of the nation's lamest Millennium Eve celebration -- was going to try the New Year's thing again.
The celebration's web site is now up.
The "Legends of Los Angeles POP," sponsored by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District and Go West Event Productions, promises live music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s on three stages downtown, leading up to a fireworks display. How much? $25 a pop.
One problem: As of yet, the site doesn't explain who's actually going to be performing. (I know, we still have two months to go -- but given the likelihood that this thing is going to be a bust, the organizers better get those names out there soon!)
A night of K-EARTH style music (yes, K-EARTH is a sponsor) will likely attract an older crowd; and are Angelenos willing to head downtown in large droves for such an untested event? As much as I love the idea of a downtown L.A. celebration, I think we'll be passing on this one. (As will, I predict, most of Los Angeles. We'll have to wait for L.A. New Year's Eve 3.0.)
We mentioned a few months ago that L.A. -- home of the nation's lamest Millennium Eve celebration -- was going to try the New Year's thing again.
The celebration's web site is now up.
The "Legends of Los Angeles POP," sponsored by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District and Go West Event Productions, promises live music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s on three stages downtown, leading up to a fireworks display. How much? $25 a pop.
One problem: As of yet, the site doesn't explain who's actually going to be performing. (I know, we still have two months to go -- but given the likelihood that this thing is going to be a bust, the organizers better get those names out there soon!)
A night of K-EARTH style music (yes, K-EARTH is a sponsor) will likely attract an older crowd; and are Angelenos willing to head downtown in large droves for such an untested event? As much as I love the idea of a downtown L.A. celebration, I think we'll be passing on this one. (As will, I predict, most of Los Angeles. We'll have to wait for L.A. New Year's Eve 3.0.)
Monday, November 3, 2003
Avenue Pyramid
College pal Steph D'Abruzzo, who steals the show on Broadway's "Avenue Q," emails to say she'll show up on "Pyramid" this week... Unfortunately, you have to watch her spar with Bruce Vilanch, but who said life was easy?
Steph writes:
I flew out to L.A. a couple of weeks ago (sadly had to miss a Sunday night show, the only one I've missed...) to appear on the syndicated game show "Pyramid," hosted by Donny Osmond. (It's like the "$25,000 Pyramid" hosted by Dick Clark all those years ago - they brought it back last year.) I had to bring along the puppet Kate Monster from "Avenue Q," as the appearance was part of "Broadway Week." I played two games, one with Frenchie Davis ("American Idol, "Rent") and the other with Bruce Vilanch ("Hollywood Squares," "Hairspray" tour).
Anyway, the game I played with Bruce Vilanch airs WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. I do not yet know when the other show is airing, but I'll let you know if and when I find out. Also, as part of doing this "Broadway Week," the producers of "Pyramid" donated $30,000 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Isn't that fabulous?
So, I hope you enjoy the show - and forgive the bad puppetry. That's an intense game, and it's harder when you can't even use your right hand! (You'll note that sometimes I forget to puppeteer altogether, although in the Winner's Circle I was allowed to just have Kate Monster "watch" while I played.)
College pal Steph D'Abruzzo, who steals the show on Broadway's "Avenue Q," emails to say she'll show up on "Pyramid" this week... Unfortunately, you have to watch her spar with Bruce Vilanch, but who said life was easy?
Steph writes:
I flew out to L.A. a couple of weeks ago (sadly had to miss a Sunday night show, the only one I've missed...) to appear on the syndicated game show "Pyramid," hosted by Donny Osmond. (It's like the "$25,000 Pyramid" hosted by Dick Clark all those years ago - they brought it back last year.) I had to bring along the puppet Kate Monster from "Avenue Q," as the appearance was part of "Broadway Week." I played two games, one with Frenchie Davis ("American Idol, "Rent") and the other with Bruce Vilanch ("Hollywood Squares," "Hairspray" tour).
Anyway, the game I played with Bruce Vilanch airs WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. I do not yet know when the other show is airing, but I'll let you know if and when I find out. Also, as part of doing this "Broadway Week," the producers of "Pyramid" donated $30,000 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Isn't that fabulous?
So, I hope you enjoy the show - and forgive the bad puppetry. That's an intense game, and it's harder when you can't even use your right hand! (You'll note that sometimes I forget to puppeteer altogether, although in the Winner's Circle I was allowed to just have Kate Monster "watch" while I played.)
Ripping on L.A.
Local writer Rip Rense (link thanks to L.A. Observed) has gotten down on Sweet Home L.A.
Granted, the recent fires were enough to get anyone down. And the hullabaloo about Disney Hall just serves to remind that we're so desperate for a sense of community here that we'll grasp at anything that makes us feel like a city. But call me crazy -- or brainwashed by KCET's California booster Huell Howser (who Rip tells, "Psst--Nobody cares!") -- but I'm still hopeful for L.A.
At least, I feel more momentum from the city than I did when I arrived in 1996. I came to L.A. from Chicago (by way of five months in Washington), and it took me a year to get used to the idea that there wasn't a true city center. But then I discovered the joy of L.A. discovery: It's all about finding your own hidden city gems. Discovering that there's some amazing architecture downtown. Realizing that L.A. boasts all sorts of semi-secret attractions, like the San Antonio Winery.
For all their cheeziness, both the Grove (a sucess) and Hollywood and Highland (a huge bomb) -- neither of which were around when arrived in 1996 -- have given L.A. a much-needed sense of community, much like Old Town Pasadena and Third Street Promenade did a few years before I arrived. Go ahead, scoff -- the Grove is manufactured community, it's a Disneyized sense of what downtown L.A. should feel like, or we're so desperate for community that we'll accept a made-up one -- fine, I get it. And I'm tempted to dismiss it too. But I'm sorry -- I like going there. It's at least a start.
Meanwhile, the loft-ization of downtown gives me hope that we'll be celebrating a real, revitalized central neighborhood ten years from now.
Apparently I've been drinking whatever's in Huell's cup. (And I haven't even been frequenting the Tiki Ti!) But call me optimistic. And by the way, the fires are almost all out.
Local writer Rip Rense (link thanks to L.A. Observed) has gotten down on Sweet Home L.A.
Granted, the recent fires were enough to get anyone down. And the hullabaloo about Disney Hall just serves to remind that we're so desperate for a sense of community here that we'll grasp at anything that makes us feel like a city. But call me crazy -- or brainwashed by KCET's California booster Huell Howser (who Rip tells, "Psst--Nobody cares!") -- but I'm still hopeful for L.A.
At least, I feel more momentum from the city than I did when I arrived in 1996. I came to L.A. from Chicago (by way of five months in Washington), and it took me a year to get used to the idea that there wasn't a true city center. But then I discovered the joy of L.A. discovery: It's all about finding your own hidden city gems. Discovering that there's some amazing architecture downtown. Realizing that L.A. boasts all sorts of semi-secret attractions, like the San Antonio Winery.
For all their cheeziness, both the Grove (a sucess) and Hollywood and Highland (a huge bomb) -- neither of which were around when arrived in 1996 -- have given L.A. a much-needed sense of community, much like Old Town Pasadena and Third Street Promenade did a few years before I arrived. Go ahead, scoff -- the Grove is manufactured community, it's a Disneyized sense of what downtown L.A. should feel like, or we're so desperate for community that we'll accept a made-up one -- fine, I get it. And I'm tempted to dismiss it too. But I'm sorry -- I like going there. It's at least a start.
Meanwhile, the loft-ization of downtown gives me hope that we'll be celebrating a real, revitalized central neighborhood ten years from now.
Apparently I've been drinking whatever's in Huell's cup. (And I haven't even been frequenting the Tiki Ti!) But call me optimistic. And by the way, the fires are almost all out.
Sunday, November 2, 2003
Safe from Harm
Some good news to report from the L.A. inferno, courtesy the L.A. Times: several California landmarks were spared from the wrath of last week's mega fires.
As the paper reports, that includes Lake Arrowhead tourist destinations such as the setting for such films as the 1937 Shirley Temple movie "Heidi." (Tourist destinations such as the setting for such films as the 1937 Shirley Temple movie "Heidi"? Yeah, I don't get it either, but it's just nice to hear that some things didn't end up as toast.)
Also in the Times:
Cold, hard facts that the so-called housing bubble isn't about to burst: Sez the paper, "There Isn't One. There's Just Too Much Demand, Not Enough Supply and No Room to Build. None of That Will Change."
Bastards.
Over in Daily News land, meanwhile, the paper pounds a dead horse: Valley secession, which a year later isn't on anyone's mind... but that doesn't mean the paper hasn't found a way to report that communities like Chatsworth still want a divorce from L.A.
Some good news to report from the L.A. inferno, courtesy the L.A. Times: several California landmarks were spared from the wrath of last week's mega fires.
As the paper reports, that includes Lake Arrowhead tourist destinations such as the setting for such films as the 1937 Shirley Temple movie "Heidi." (Tourist destinations such as the setting for such films as the 1937 Shirley Temple movie "Heidi"? Yeah, I don't get it either, but it's just nice to hear that some things didn't end up as toast.)
Also in the Times:
Cold, hard facts that the so-called housing bubble isn't about to burst: Sez the paper, "There Isn't One. There's Just Too Much Demand, Not Enough Supply and No Room to Build. None of That Will Change."
Bastards.
Over in Daily News land, meanwhile, the paper pounds a dead horse: Valley secession, which a year later isn't on anyone's mind... but that doesn't mean the paper hasn't found a way to report that communities like Chatsworth still want a divorce from L.A.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)