THE TRIPEL
WHERE FINE FOOD & LIBATIONS MEET

Playa Del Rey is an often-overlooked beachside gem. Not as popular as trendy Venice Beach or as swanky as Marina Del Rey, well, now prepare to let the cozy yet very cool The Tripel provide you with a stellar reason to make your way to Playa. (Dining review continued click on picture above)

 

 

DINING REVIEWS - CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR DROP DOWN MENU

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO THE
SANTA MONICA PIER

Making its long-awaited return to the Santa Monica Pier, Cirque du Soleil’s critically acclaimed and family-friendly big top touring show OVO is underway with a limited engagement under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top). Since its world-premiere in Montreal in 2009, OVO has charmed over 2 million spectators in North America. Santa Monica will be the only Southern California stop for the show. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MICHAEL’S MARKET MEET-UP
WHERE FRIENDS, FOOD AND FLAVOR MEET IN SANTA MONICA

Once a month, restaurateur Michael McCarty, owner of Michael’s in Santa Monica, a neighborhood institution since 1979, invites guests to experience the famed Santa Monica Farmers Market, the best way possible, his way. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

VEGUCATED
(FilmBuff…Unrated…77 min)

If we are what we eat, then you’d think we’d take more time to examine exactly what it is that we stuff down our throats. I recently watched the award-winning documentary Vegucated, now available on DVD, and I have to confess it made me stop and think. (Movie review continued click on picture above)

 

‘AN EVENING WITH JOAN RIVERS’
ONE NIGHT ONLY AT UCLA JANUARY 30

Reprise Theatre Company presents “An Evening With Joan Rivers” for one performance only on Monday, January 30 at 8 p.m., at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse. Ticket sales from “An Evening With Joan Rivers” will benefit Reprise Theatre Company. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

DANIELE WATTES HAS IT GOING ON

Entertainer Danièle Watts, an up-and-coming young actress has been cast to take on the role of Coco in Quentin Tarantino’s newest feature, Django Unchained about a slave-turned-bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

VAN HALEN ANNOUNCES TOUR AND ALBUM NEWS

Rock ‘n’ roll legends Van Halen, with Diamond David Lee Roth back in tow, announced its return to the live stage with an upcoming 2012 North American tour, including a June 1 concert at STAPLES Center. In an unexpected turn, prompting a ‘WTF?’ question from rock fans, Kool & The Gang will be opening on select tour dates. (Story continued click on picture above)

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
(Oscilloscope Laboratories… Rated R…112 min)

Is it possible to hate your own child? That’s the question I couldn’t help but wonder when I saw the film We Need To Talk About Kevin. A suspenseful and gripping psychological thriller, We Need To Talk About Kevin by filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, explores the contentious relationship between a mother and her son. (Movie review continued click on picture above)

 

SMOKEOUT FESTIVAL 2012 ANNOUNCES LINEUP

The all day music fest that is Smokeout Festival will take place March 3 at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino. Thievery Corporation, and Rusko will headline the massive Stoned Garden Stage. These artists join previously announced performers including headliners Sublime with Rome, and Korn, as well as Wiz Khalifa, Cypress Hill... (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MISS BALA
STRAIGHT OUTTA BAJA WITH A BANG

A favorite subject matter of Hollywood movies often begins with a beautiful girl with big dreams. The possibilities are endless depending on what she’ll do or how far she’ll go to attain fortune and fame. In the case of Miss Bala, Mexico’s official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film, fame comes with a bloody price tag and a hefty body count. (Movie review continued click on picture above)

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S MICHAEL JACKSON
‘THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR’
COMES TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

In what is sure to be one very hot ticket, the Cirque du Soleil Michael Jackson IMMORTAL World Tour will make its way to the southland in January with stops at Honda Center in Anaheim January 24 and 25, and STAPLES Center January 27 – 29. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CONFIDENTIAL BEVERLY HILLS
POSH CLUB OPENS IN 90210

The City of Beverly Hills nightlife scene has just stepped up by diving head first into the L.A. club game with the launching of CONFIDENTIAL Beverly Hills, an upscale speak-easy that is quickly becoming the “it” spot around town. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

PINA
IN YOUR FACE 3D DOCUMENTARY BY WIM WENDERS
(Sundance Selects…103min…Unrated)

These days, the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of 3D have grown tired. It seems like just another excuse for studios and movie theaters to charge more for tickets. And the extra money spent never seems worth it. But now, two films, Hugo and Wim Wenders’ latest effort Pina, seem to get it right. (Movie review continued click on picture above)

 

NEW CALIFORNIA FINES TO BE AWARE OF

With the start of the New Year, California, mired in budgetary constraints, is increasing ticket fees. Be alert on the road as the state has no problem ‘sticking it’ to you. Some examples of increased fines are: (Story continued click on picture above)

 

WELCOME HOME OUR BRAVE ARMED FORCES FAMILY

 

ELVIS MONTH COMES TO THE GRAMMY MUSUEM

This January, the GRAMMY Museum will host a variety of activities intended to pay tribute to “The King Of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley. Serving as its inaugural year, Elvis Week At The GRAMMY Museum will explore Elvis’ life and career in Hollywood. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MARCO REED AIMS TO GET
YOU ‘BEYOND FIT’ WITH HIS “3+1 DIET”

Celebrity trainer Marco Reed is dedicated to getting people fit, beyond fit actually, which is not only his motto and mantra, but also the name of his web site at GetByondFit.com. (Story continued click on picture above)

CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL
Anchor Bay Films…Rated R…90 min

Calling all film geeks, you know who you are and you know you wear that title as a badge of honor, there’s a film hitting theaters that’s so up your alley. (Movie review click on picture above)

 

ROXY THEATRE LAUNCHES ‘NO. 1’,
ITS OWN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE LABEL CRAFT BEER

Some people may be opposed to the notion that rock & roll is about excess, hence, sex, drugs and rock & roll as a lifestyle. Sure, you can substitute ‘booze’ for ‘drugs’ and if you’re out and about on the Sunset Strip, we’re talking Jack Daniels and Beer Land. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

WHAT THE HECK ARE THE SOUTH KOREANS THINKING?

File under: WTF? Is it just me, or this is ‘poor taste/ judgment’ personified? (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MEZZE
SERVING MOUTHWATERING EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

Named after the Arabic word for “sharing,” West Hollywood’s Mezze offers a contemporary take on the fine style of dining centered around tantalizing small plates. With its innovative approach on Eastern Mediterranean flavors, Chef Micah Wexler’s kitchen uses local produce and ingredients on his savory dishes that consist of new and traditional favorites. (Review continued click on picture above)

NEW ERA LAUNCHES ITS L.A. FLAGSHIP STORE

Heads up L.A. shoppers, New Era, the largest and fastest growing headwear manufacturer in the U.S., opened the brand new doors to its Los Angeles flagship store recently with a special gala event where guests enjoyed mingling with some of Hollywood ’s hottest celebs. (Story continued click on picture above)

SMOKIN’ ZZS FOOD TRUCK
HITTING THE STREETS WITH TASTY BBQ GALORE

The newest gourmet food truck to hit the streets of Los Angeles is Smokin’ ZZs, which is powered by the Sizzler Test Kitchen. It’s destined to become a hungry man’s new best friend. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

MÖTLEY CRÜE SETS UP SHOP IN SIN CITY

Three decades after beginning its iconic journey of debauchery and decadence, Mötley Crüe, one of the world’s most notorious bands, has announced plans to invade Las Vegas with the city’s first-ever hard rock residency: Mötley Crüe in Sin City. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MARILYN MANSON BORN VILLAIN – NO REASON
(View video click on picture above 18 & over)

WATCH ‘WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING’ TRAILER

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, What To Expect When You’re Expecting looks a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood. (View movie trailer click on picture above)

 

BOMBAY PALACE
OFFERS KNOCKOUT BUFFET

Beverly Hills’ Bombay Palace calls itself the ‘gateway to superb Indian cuisine.’ While I can’t attest to its full dining menu, its buffet does offers quality Indian food for a reasonable price, especially on Sundays. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

MORRISSEY LIVE ON 'CONAN'
(View video click on picture)

LEXINGTON SOCIAL HOUSE
RUSTIC AMERICAN CUISINE IN A SWANK HOLLYWOOD SETTING

Most people know the swank Hollywood & Vine Lexington Social House as a cool club for A-listers, but as the name suggests, it’s also home to an intimate dining experience featuring rustic, modern American fare from executive chef Mette Williams, the first female Sous Chef at Spago in Beverly Hills. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

A VISIT TO THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY

A visit to the world-renowned Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Think of it as mini getaway to refresh and recharge your mind and body. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MICHAEL’S SANTA MONICA
A NEIGHBORHOOD INSTITUTION SINCE ‘79

Michael's Santa Monica has been a favorite for diners since it opened back in 1979. Founder Michael McCarty is credited among being one of the people responsible for creating California cuisine, and his impressive menu, which changes with the season, is the living embodiment of local flavor offering fresh and innovative creations. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

JOIE DE VIVRE’S PACIFIC EDGE HOTEL
INTRODUCES FOOTBALL, SUNSHINE & SPA PACKAGES

Joie De Vivre's Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach is launching three exciting packages offering something for everyone, which will definitely please the football fanatics, sun goddesses and spa enthusiasts. (Story continued click on picture above)

IRIS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD OF CINEMA
EXCLUSIVELY AT KODAK THEATRE

Cirque du Soleil presents its latest dazzling show IRIS, a new major, resident production, exclusively for the Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center, home of the Academy Awards. (Story continued click on picture above)

WOLFGANG PUCK ICED COFFEE
HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPES

There’s nothing a like a good, fun cocktail come the holidays, either to help us enjoy the company of family or to simply liven the mood. The folks at Wolfgang Puck Iced Coffee have created some very tasty cocktails perfect to make the holidays a jolly time. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

VIRTUAL TRAINER SCOTT HERMAN
WANTS YOU TO BE A ‘10’ IN 2011

An avid workout fiend, Scott Herman first gained attention s a cast member of MTV’s “Real World: Brooklyn.” The show’s ‘fit guy,’ Herman has been a gym rat since the age 12. And now, as a virtual trainer via his very own site, the New Hampshire native is out to get the worldwide web fit. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

THE DEAR & DEPARTED RELEASE
“EVERY WAKING MOMENT”

SoCal’s The Dear & Departed has released its sophomore album, Every Waking Moment, on Equal Vision Records and it’s a good one. The band’s ‘80s inspired sound is reminiscent of Depeche Mode and The Cure at times. (Story continued click on picture above)

CUSTOM HOTEL’S ‘DECK 33’ RESTAURANT SOARS

With the reinvention and re-launching of Westchester’s Custom Hotel, now under the umbrella of Joie De Vivre, the hip airport hideout is the only lifestyle boutique hotel situated near LAX, and its recently debuted poolside restaurant Deck 33 really impresses. (Review continued click on picture above)

TRIED & TRUE EXCLUSIV VODKA RECIPES

Recently, during a slow Sunday night, I decided to try out several Exclusiv Vodka recipes crafted by Daniel Seelbinder. (Story continued click on picture above)

ROBERT LASARDO PLAYS WITH FIRE
AND LIVES TO TELL THE TALE

Our favorite Hollywood villain, actor Robert LaSardo, has once again penned yet another thought provoking book of gut wrenching poems and provocative photos. The follow-up to his stirring Choices: Inside Out, his latest effort, Playing With Fire, is a rousing collection of personal confessions and poetry, paired with gritty images that really bring LaSardo’s prose to life. (Story continued click on picture above.)

 

CIRQUE SCHOOL:
PREPARING YOUR MIND & BODY FOR NEW HEIGHTS

Health & Fitness: Tucked very unassumingly on Hollywood Blvd, in a back alley warehouse, Cirque School is like no other gym in town. Actually, founder Aloysia Gavre doesn’t like to use the G-word. (Story continued click on picture above)

BRÜ HAUS
GOURMET SAUSAGES & TASTY BREWS FINALLY ON THE WESTSIDE

Just what the Westside has been clamoring for, its very own awesome beer hall and gourmet sausage place. And it looks like it finally has it in BRÜ Haus. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

RETHINKING THANKSGIVING TURKEY
WITH EXCITING PEKING DUCK

It doesn’t get more American than Thanksgiving dinner, and what’s a pilgrim’s feast without a self-induced tryptophan coma courtesy of turkey overload. This season, consider changing tradition a bit and give duck a try as the celebrated Thanksgiving bird of choice, fear not, food coma will still occur. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

TMZ HOLLYWOOD TOUR
UNCOVERING ALL THINGS CELEBRITY

By now you’ve seen the TMZ shiny black and red bus all over town. This summer saw the launch of the TMZ Hollywood Tour, perfect for a city and culture obsessed with everything celebrity. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

CELEBRITY CHEF SUSAN FENIGER
HAS BEEN AN L.A. CULINARY FIXTURE & ICON FOR 30 YEARS DELIVERING GROUNDBREAKING FARE AT
BORDER GRILL, CIUDAD, AND NOW STREET
(Story continued click on picture above)

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN INTRODUCES NEW FALL MENU ITEMS

Santa Monica’s True Food Kitchen has introduced new fall items to its health conscious menu, including brand new appetizers, entrees, desserts and more from chef Michael Stebner. (Dine review continued click on picture above.)

 

HOUSE BAND WINES LAUNCHES

House Band Wines held its official launch party recently in Hollywood and announced its plans to expand its portfolio to include a 375ml flexible pouch for 2012. (Story continued click on picture above)

PINK’S
THE LITTLE HOT DOG STAND THAT COULD

For anyone in Los Angeles with a hankering for a tasty hot dog, no matter what time of day, there’s only was destination that races to mind and that’s Pink’s, a local dining favorite since 1939. Famished eaters will wait in line for an hour to get their fill of a variety of mouthwatering hot dogs (hamburgers too). (Review continued click on picture above.)

 

L.A. LIVE’S MIXING ROOM OFFERS
BURGERS & BREWS FOR KINGS FANS

With L.A. Kings hockey season underway, The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE is offering an incredible “Burgers and Brews” special every night of an L.A. Kings home game at STAPLES Center. (Story continued click on picture above)

THE STRAND HOUSE
SAVORY SOUTH BAY SPOT NOW OPEN

The long-awaited Strand House, a contemporary new American restaurant, has opened its doors in Manhattan Beach to the delight of South Bay enthusiasts who enjoy fine dining and savory drinks in a swank setting with a beautiful ocean view. (Review continued click on picture above.

TRAINER NICKY HOLENDER
MAKING CELEBRITIES, CEO’S & AVERAGE JOE’S FIT

Trainer Nicky Holender, a former professional soccer player including a stint with the Los Angeles Galaxy, is making a name for himself around town as the ‘in demand’ personal/fitness trainer catering to an elite clientele of celebrity and professional athletes. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

MEZCALTINI RECIPE

Looking for a cool Mezcal drink that will add some spice to the standard martini, try this out… (Story continued click on picture above)

M STREET KITCHEN
DRINKS…DINING…DESSERTS…A-OK AT SANTA MONICA FAVE

A crowded and popular Main Street favorite of Santa Monica Beach locals, M Street Kitchen, formerly LGO (La Grand Orange), is known for its out-of-this world desserts (their cookies are legendary) and its stellar seasonally based dishes. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

ACTOR ROBERT LASARDO
RELEASES TATTOO POETRY BOOK
GET TO KNOW THE MAN BENEATH THE INK

Hollywood’s consummate villain and scene-stealing character actor, Robert LaSardo, best known for his groundbreaking work on “Nip/Tuck” as well as cult favorites like Death Race and Autopsy, has penned his first book entitled Choices: Inside Out, an in depth and intimate book of poetry and jarring images of his numerous tattoos. (Story continued click on picture above)

SUPPERCLUB LOS ANGELES
A FEAST FOR ALL SENSES

Combining the “club” and “fine dining” experiences, supperclub los angeles has put a whole new spin to the concept of a night out on the town. (Review continued click on picture above)

 

FILMMAKER AMIR BAR-LEV SHEDS LIGHT
ON THE PAT TILLMAN STORY

Back in 2002, amidst the fresh wounds and confusion post 9/11, professional football player Pat Tillman stunned the nation when he gave up his career and lofty guaranteed contract to join the Army and become a Ranger, instantly becoming a symbol of patriotic fervor and unflinching duty. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

EXTREME BOOT CAMP
GETTING YOU FIT FROM SILVER LAKE TO WEST HOLLYWOOD

Are you looking to get fit this summer but you need some extra motivation? Look no further than Extreme Boot Camp to get you there. Wanting to try something new and take my workouts to a new level I decided to take the challenge and give their 6-week boot camp a try. (Story continued click on picture above)  

 

SPAGO
WOLFGANG PUCK’S CLASSIC EATERY STILL SHINES

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago – the celebrity chef’s first heralded restaurant serving "California Cuisine" – opened in 1982 above the Sunset Strip. His Beverly Hills’ Spago opened in 1997 as a more upscale establishment and all these years later it still shines as a beacon of quality Los Angeles fine dining. (Review continued click on picture above)

DJ LOCZI
FROM VEGAS TO THE SOUTHLAND, HE GETS THE PARTY GOING

Born Zach Loczi in Detroit Michigan, and raised living in Sweden, Southern California, and London, DJ Loczi has become one of the country’s most acclaimed and in-demand disc jockeys and has been taking the DJ world by storm over the past twelve years. (Story continued click on picture above)

WINEMAKE PATRICK KRUTZ INTRODUCES
HOUSE BAND WINES

Winemaker Patrick Krutz’s House Band Wines announced its inaugural fall and holiday releases. House Band Wines' portfolio includes its White+3 (blend), 2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Merlot, Red+5 (blend) and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. (Story continued click on picture above)

AM AND HIS COOL, LOUNGEY VIBE

Loungey, electro-pop singer AM is a fan of retro, from the films he watches to the music he listens to, to the clothes we wears and the art he creates. “I don’t want to say that I’m living in the past but I kind of am,” he says with a laugh.” (Story continued click on picture above)

DJ VICE
FROM L.A. TO LAS VEGAS TO OVERSEAS
HE GETS THE PARTY GOING

The resident Saturday night DJ at Las Vegas’ it club Tao, DJ Vice is one of the country’s premier DJs. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he’s gone from DJing school dances to a stint on Power 106 FM before conquering Vegas and becoming in demand all over the world. (Story continued click on picture above)

 

BARNSDALL PARK & HOLLYHOCK HOUSE
OFFER L.A. HISTORY AND A QUIET, WELCOME GETAWAY…
AND WINE TASTING FRIDAYS!
(Story continued click on picture above)

 

 

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