L.A. Doesn't Play Itself: Downtown Eateries on 'Mad Men'

Funny enough, at the same moment Maria and I were attending an Emmy party at downtown's Cicada restaurant (in the famed Oviatt building, of course), AMC's "Mad Men" featured Don Draper and company at the Clio Awards -- in a scene shot at Cicada.

Here's what Cicada -- a favorite spot for weddings and other events -- normally looks like inside:



Like we've mentioned in the past, "Mad Men" does a great job of turning Los Angeles locales, particularly downtown, into 1960s New York. This week's episode also included scenes shot at legendary French dip eatery P.E. Cole's:


What's cool here: You can even see the name "Cole's" in the window.

Cole's from the outside:



Below, more shots from Cicada and Cole's from Sunday night's "Mad Men" episode, "Waldorf Stories."

Franklin Avenue Playlist: August 2010

August 2010

Stick Up Kids (Full Version Demo) -- Bad Rabbits (3:12)
Big Wave -- Jenny & Johnny (3:54)
Lamplight -- Bombay Bicycle Club (3:45)
Tightrope (Organized Noize Remix) -- Janelle Monáe (feat. Big Boi (4:50)
Why Does The Wind? (Morgan Geist Remix) -- Tracey Thorn (5:56)
Young Blood -- The Naked And Famous (3:53)
Bye Bye Bye -- School of Seven Bells (4:15)
Erase Me -- KiD CuDi (feat. Kayne West) (3:11)
Boy -- Ra Ra Riot (3:11)
Genesis 3:23 -- The Mountain Goats (3:13)
Everytime I'm With You -- Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse (feat. Jason Lytle) (3:12)
Make It Better -- The Knocks (3:54)
Georgia -- Yuck (3:40)
Cold War -- The Morning Benders (1:44)
Sun Hands -- Local Natives (4:51)
Wake Up Everybody -- John Legend & The Roots (feat. Common & Melanie Fiona) (4:16)
Jimmy Had A Polaroid -- Math and Physics Club (2:27)
Oh My God -- Cults (3:21)
Trophy Queen -- Guards (feat. Caroline Polachek) (2:11)
Boyfriend -- Best Coast (2:30)

For our complete archive of Choice Cuts playlists, go here.)

FRANKLIN AVENUE IN MAUI: The Sights

:: The Sugar Cane Train isn't quite the same since all the sugar cane production ended. But it's still a pleasant hour-long attraction for folks with kids.



While the Blogger Kid enjoyed the ride (although the 325-foot curved wooden trestle bridge kinda freaked him out), we appreciated the views of Lanai and Molokai, as well as the mountains.

I gotta say, the narration was also strong. The guide on our tour didn't candy coat the problems and issues facing Hawai'i and Native Hawaiians, and also gave out little-known facts about other parts of the state, including Ni'ihau.

Make sure to find a $2 off coupon found in at least one free tourist handout. Prices are $22.50 for adults, and $15.50 for kids 3-12. (Kids under 3 are free.)


17 Kaka'alaneo Drive
Lahaina, Maui, HI

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:: The early-early trek up dormant volcano Haleakala to catch the sunrise is a Maui tradition.

Haleakala hasn't erupted since 1790 -- so don't worry, you're pretty safe. But what you're in for instead is a chilly morning taking in an awe-inspiring sunrise. With quite a few other folks.











Allow 90 minutes to drive up the mountain -- it's the middle of the night, after all. And remember to get there early enough so that you can snag a parking spot. (You wanna be there by 5 to get the full experience.)

Also: Bring a jacket -- although the visitors center will open by 5:15 a.m., and you can watch the sunrise from there, it doesn't replace being outside. And make sure you've got $10 on you -- that's the price to get into the park. BTW, bring snacks -- there are no food sales in the park.


Park headquarters and the 10,023 foot summit can be reached from Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours.

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:: After watching the sunrise, head over to Ali'i Kula Lavender for an early morning stroll around the garden.

Ali'i Kula Lavender isn't kidding about the lavender. The farm's gift shop features lavender scones, lavender coffee and lavender tea to eat on the premises. There's also lavender brownies, lavender jams... and, well, everything lavender.




Located in Upcountry Maui, the sights are fantastic as well.

The Ali'i Kula Lavender farm is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- and it's free to roam the grounds. (Paid tours are also available.)


1100 Waipoli Road
Kula, Maui

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:: Further down the highway in Upcountry Maui is Tedeschi Winery, located on 'Ulupalakua Ranch.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Tedeschi is the only commercial winery on Maui. The winery is known for its sweet wines -- including the "Maui Splash," a "light, fruity, pineapple passion fruit wine." We bought a bottle of 'Ulupalakua Red, which was also pretty tasty.



The site of the winery was the site of Captain James Makee's "Torbert Plantation at Honua'ula" in the 1800s; King Kalakaua was a frequent visitor.

The Tedeschi Winery tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Ulupalakua
Kula, Maui

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:: Also in Upcountry Maui, the Surfing Goat Dairy is another great place to bring the kids -- and also test some tasty cheese (and I normally don't like goat cheese) in a beautiful setting.

The farm was launched five years ago German expatriates Thomas and Eva Kafsack. Thomas headed up a software company, while Evan was a teacher. Both dreamed of moving to Hawaii -- and one day decided to do it. The couple soon found themselves practicing the art of gourmet cheese production -- and learning how to raise goats.







According to the Surfing Goat, its cream cheeses "run the gamut of flavor from Udderly Delicious (plain) to exotic varieties like Mandalay (apple bananas and curry) or "Pirate's Desire" (anchovies and capers). The Dairy also produces several soft-cheeses, including soft-cheese ripened under wax, in olive oil with garlic, or coated with mesquite ash, along with brine ripened feta cheese."

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost of tours vary; basic guided walkthrough is $7. Surfing Goat also serves a small menu, including panini (pressed with Surfing Goat Dairy cheese, of course).


3651 Omaopio Road
Kula, Maui

The Station Fire, One Year Later

It's now been a year since the start of the Station Fire, the devastating blaze that charred a whopping 160,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest north of La Cañada Flintridge.

Not only did the fire rage on for two months -- finally being contained in mid-October -- but it also led to the deaths of two firefighters, and destroyed more than 80 homes.

It's still painful to think that the forest north of L.A. won't again be like we knew it, at least in our lifetime. Franklin Avenue visited the devastation back in April (read about it here) and it was heartbreaking.

As the Glendale News-Press reports, there's still plenty of anger over the county's and the forest service's reaction to the blaze, and the recovery process since then.

It's now well known that the county and forest service had an opportunity in the first day to call out helicopters and attack the fire with water before it got out of control. They didn't. And the fire, well, got out of control in ways that defy explanation.

The paper writes:

For some residents who lost their homes and face a long and complicated rebuilding process, there is a deep sense of betrayal. And among county, state and federal representatives, there is frustration and concern about a lack of transparency and reform.

"It has been a year and still no reform," said Tony Bell, spokesman for Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich. "We are smack dab in the middle of fire season again, and still no reform."

Antonovich was one of the first in a chorus of voices, including Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), questioning the U.S. Forest Service's handling of the Station fire, particularly the use, or the failure to use, aerial water drops during the initial days of the blaze.

The rains earlier this year at least brought back a bit of green to the charred mountains. But it's going to take years to nurse the forest back to health.

FRANKLIN AVENUE IN MAUI: The Eats

Eating in Hawai'i? Several things come to mind: Plate lunch (Meat, two scoop rice and macaroni salad, of course); shave ice (my syrups of choice: li hing mui -- the salty plum flavor popular in the islands -- and lychee. With ice cream at the bottom, and perhaps azuki beans); malasadas (with or without filling); fresh ahi poke (grab it at any supermarket); and Spam. Oh yes, spam.

We ate all of the above, and then some, during our recent trip to Maui.

The Valley Isle was like a blank eating slate for us -- I have my favorites on Oahu (Waiola shave ice, Grace's plate lunch, Soon's Korean BBQ, etc.), but am not as familiar with Maui eats. That's where Hawaii friends came in. Two of my high school friends in particular, Kimi and Steve, passed along several suggestions via Facebook. That was a great starting point -- and their suggestions didn't disappoint.

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DAY ONE LUNCH (and leftovers for dinner):
Da Kitchen
2439 South Kihei Road (Kihei)
What we ordered: Big Braddah Combo (Mike got teriyaki chicken and Kalua pork; Maria got teriyaki beef and Kalua pork) $9.75

Overall impression: Plate lunch, of course, is a must first meal stop once you hit da islands. And Da Kitchen, with its hefty carb-load servings, was plenty enough for two meals. The Kalua Pork, in particular, is a perfect semi-salty treat.

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DAY TWO BREAKFAST:
Kihei Caffe
1945 South Kihei Road (Kihei)


What we ordered: Mike -- Omelets with spinach, jalapeno, tomato and Chicken sausage ($10.50)


Maria -- Two Eggs, homemade cornbeef hash, Home Fries, Biscuit ($7.95)


Evan -- Whale pancake ($2.75)

Overall impression: The cash-only rule is a touch annoying, but the food was good and the location (across the street from the beach) was great.

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DAY TWO LUNCH:
No Ka Oi deli
222 Papalaua St Ste 104 (Lahaina)


What we ordered: Mike -- Turkey, avocado, sprouts sandwich


Maria -- Garlic mushroom chicken plate

Overall impression: Maria was disappointed with the goopy cream of mushroom soup gooped over her chicken, but I liked the sandwich -- particularly the bread.

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DAY TWO DINNER:
Various items from Whalers General Store

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DAY THREE LUNCH:
Spicy Ahi Poke from Safeway ($5.60)

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DAY THREE DINNER:
Bistro Molokini
Grand Wailea, 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive (Wailea)


What we ordered: Mike -- Jerk monchong with bok choy ($28)


Maria -- Pasta bowl with pappardella and chicken marsala ($28)


Evan -- kids pepperoni pizza with mango sorbet ($14)


Drinks -- Caribbean Colada and Sweet Leilani ($14 each)

Overall impression: Quite possibly our worst meal of the trip. Typical overpriced hotel fare.

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DAY FOUR: BREAKFAST

Grandma's Coffee Shop
9232 Kula Highway (Kula)


What we ordered: Mike -- Scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, rice ($7.99)


Maria -- Two eggs, cornbeef hash, rice ($7.99)


Evan -- Homemade cinnamon roll

Overall impression: Nice breakfast treat after an early morning watching the sun rise on top of Haleakala. Grandma's coffee, in particular, is amazing.

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DAY FOUR: SNACK

Coconut from the side of the road fruit stand, near the 'Iao Needle

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DAY FOUR: DINNER

Ba-Le Vietnamese Sandwich Shop
225 Pikea Ave. (Kihei)

What we ordered: Lemongrass chicken banh mi; BBQ pork banh mi

Overall impression: Good Hawai'i Vietnamese chain for solid sandwiches

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DAY FIVE: BREAKFAST

Komoda Bakery
3674 Baldwin Avenue (Makawao)


What we ordered: Cream puffs, guava malasadas, donut stick

Overall impression: More, please!

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DAY FIVE: DINNER

Izakaya Matsu
1280 S Kihei Rd (Kihei)

What we ordered: Matsu Gozen ($26.95)
Includes shrimp tempura; sashimi (maguro, hamachi, salmon); sushi (california roll, maguro, hamachi, shrimp); rice; miso soup; nanohana; cold tofu


spicy hamachi roll ($5.50)


Keiki menu ($7.50): Deep fried chicken, takoyaki, rice ball

Overall impression: Our favorite meal of the trip. Fresh fish made the sushi excellent. The right amount of food.

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DAY SIX: LUNCH

Sam Sato's
1750 Wili Pa Loop (Wailuku)


What we ordered: Dry noodles large ($6); beef BBQ stick; chicken BBQ stick; hamburger for Blogger Kid



Overall impression: Those dry mein noodles really hit the spot. As a bonus, we managed to get to Sam Sato's right before their 2 p.m. close, so we could taste the victory.

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DAY SIX: SNACK

Tasaka Guri Guri
Maui Mall (Kahului)


What we ordered: Three scoops of guri guri -- two strawberry, one pineapple

Overall impression: The Japanese treat -- a cross between sherbet and ice cream -- was perfect for the warm weather. I prefer the strawberry.

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DAY SIX: DINNER

Matteo's Pizzeria
100 Ike Drive (Wailea)


What we ordered: Ligurian pizza ($13.99) -- Margherita Pizza with Shrimp,
Mascarpone Cheese and Genovese Pesto


Caesar Full Size ($7.99) -- Hearts of Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Croutons, House Caesar Dressing


Bambino Menu: Bolognese Meat Ragu ($6.99)

Overall impression: The one decently-priced restaurant in Wailea, and good for kids. Food's OK -- but the location, overlooking the ocean, is fantastic.

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DAY SEVEN: BREAKFAST

McDonalds. Yes, really, McDonalds.

What we ordered: Portuguese sausage with eggs and rice ($4.19); Spam with eggs and rice ($4.19); taro pie ($1)

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DAY SEVEN: LUNCH

Safeway: Wasabi poke ahi ($2.61) and Avocado poke ahi ($3.08)
Zippy's: Veggie chili with rice ($3.90)
Napoleon's Bakery: regular malasadas (75 cents each) and cinnamon malasadas (75 cents each)

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DAY SEVEN: SNACK

Aloha Island Shave Ice
77 Hana Hwy (Pa'ia)


What we ordered: Mike -- shave ice with li hing mui and lychee syrups, along with ice cream ($3.50); Maria -- lychee, lilikoi, passion fruit, along with ice cream

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And that's about it, give or take a few minor eats at the hotel or a quick bite at the mall. We're stuffed.