PaleyFest 2010

This weekend, meet the folks behind Flash Forward, Men of a Certain Age, Glee and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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This week…
Thursday, March 11
	The Artwalk Lounge
	The Artwalk Lounge has been reborn as the central meeting point for the Downtown Art Walk. Dalai Sonido, the favorite band for “people who hate bands,” is back by overwhelming demand.
Friday, March 12
	Star Wars Burlesque
	If you’re a Star Wars fan and you think you’ve seen it all, get ready to jump to an entirely new galaxy. Of course, if you’re a fan of Princess Leia in slave girl costume, ya kinda know what’s coming.
Saturday, March 13
	Vinicio Capossela with Sara Lov
	Vinicio Capossela is a singer/songwriter who draws his musical and lyrical inspiration from the likes of Chaucer and Tom Waits but, like Bjork, he’s a talent too large to be contained by his homeland.
Sunday, March 14
	Michael Cera presents “Freebie and the Bean”
	The seemingly sweet Michael Cera, of Superbad, Juno and Youth In Revolt fame, presents the mayhem-packed, filthy-mouthed comedy “Freebie and The Bean.”

]]> http://thelek.com/blog/drinking-in-la/from-art-walks-to-star-wars-burlesque-to-curb-your-enthusiasm/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/dining-out-in-la/tasting-ktichen-abott-kinney/ http://thelek.com/blog/dining-out-in-la/tasting-ktichen-abott-kinney/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:40:45 +0000 deidre http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1431 I used to frequently complain about the quality of “genuine” restaurants in Los Angeles. In the past couple of years things have markedly changed. Particularly on the Westside and Downtown. I was re-miss at the sudden closing of A.K. but, not for long. A dream team from Portland picked up where A.K. left off and gives this spot the life and breath it deserves.

Most of the staff has followed Chef Casey Lane from Portland’s ClarkLewis. This shows up in more ways the one. You can tell they are a well-oiled machine. You’re treated as if you were eating in their own home, which in fact you are.

The same pride and care that shines through in the service also shows up in the food. Its market driven and from farm to table style. They butcher their own pork, cure their own meats, and even make their own bitters for a rock-ass Manhattan.

It was their Manhattans that led my friend and I on a pork odyssey on our last visit. House made tagliatelle with apples and braised pork. Next course: rillettes and big old roasted pork loin. Our server senses our trepidation over ordering three pork courses and quickly quells any fear or shame by encouraging us to go for it.

I am fairly certain we tasted every wine by the glass in their program being unfamiliar with Italian wines. However, this cannot be confirmed or denied due to the Manhattan’s. Each step of the way, our server and bartender explain everything there is to know about what we eat or drink. Desert and after dinner digestif follow.

The restaurant clears out, it’s late. Closing time. We linger at the communal table and share a beer with all of our new best friends, who are rocking some Gang Staar while breaking down. We exchange Facebook info and head off. This was truly an experience. I fall asleep dreaming of house made tagliatelle. . . .

Our date began at his work studio in downtown L.A.  I brought him a 40 oz. of beer in a wine bag (always bring a host gift) and myself a bottle of pinot noir.  We popped open our drinks, toasted, and he showed me around the workspace.  It was huge, and sexy, with woodchips and carvings sprinkled about and random sculptures and ginourmous machines used for cutting wood.  It smelled of freshly cut trees and wood polish, the perfect man’s cologne.  We headed to the rooftop for some sightseeing (people smoking crack in the alley ways of the high rises) and conversation. We then moved to a vacant studio on the top floor.  I am not talking studio apartment, I am talking art studio, like in the movies, 2500 sq. feet of emptiness, walls of windows, wood beams, such character.  Out of nowhere he takes my hand in his and we begin dancing.  Are you kidding me??  Straight out of a movie!  I am with the perfect guy in the perfect place in the perfect moment, dancing without any music.  I was in love.

After my Beauty and The Beast Disney movie moment we headed out to an art show.  Downtown L.A. is so cool.  That is the best way to describe it.  Hip, urban, sheik but not pretentious.  We walked hand-in-hand to the warehouse art party, he paid my admission, and bought me a drink.  Such a gentleman.  There we proceeded to commence dancing once again, this time along with a rock band.  Our moves had evolved; we were now representing The Jungle Book.  Anyone else would have been embarrassed by this situation, but he was so charming and loveable, I felt so free.  There came a point somewhere around midnight when I realized I had drank the entire bottle of wine, on an empty stomach.  We left the art show and headed back to his house for food.

While he was rummaging in the kitchen for tasty delights I was undressing myself ever so coyly in my drunken stupor.  As to not appear as a harlot, I draped my dress on top of my limp wino body as I drifted off to sleep.  In the morning I found my earrings and necklace laying on his dresser and my body covered with flannel pants and a delicious smelling man’s t-shirt.  I woke to the consuming fragrance of breakfast.  Could it be?  My dream guy, lets me pass out from over consumption and does not try anything fishy with me, redresses me in warm clothes to sleep comfortably in, and has breakfast prepared for me in the morning.  And I still have all my organs?!  It was the best L.A. breakfast I have had.  I call it the California breakfast sandwich- toast with avocado, two eggs over easy, and bacon.  Breakfast of course was not complete without a game of catch with the Golden Retriever in the backyard.  Are you fucking kidding me?!

You ask, “So what happened?  Did you live happily ever after?”  No.  Like most dudes in L.A. he turned out to be a total hipster douche.  Ok, that is only partially true.  The other part is I was tired of him rescheduling our dates that I finally said, “Fuck this” and told him that three strikes he’s out.  Of course a couple weeks later when I was feeling like I may have pushed away the greatest guy ever, I went crawling back, trying to fill the hole I had dug, but it was too late.  His exact words were, “Just let it go.”  Ouch.  There was a recent sighting of furniture maker man at the local grocery store I once worked.  I was relieved to see he had grown himself a rat tail, for that alone cured any pining feelings I may have harnessed.  I can finally just appreciate the date for what it was, just a great date, although if I had drank less I am sure I would have gotten laid, and then that would have been the best date ever.

Chickens In Love

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Thursday, March 4
	Galactic feat. Cyrille Neville
	Make it a Phat Thursday with the authentic New Orleans groove of Galactic.  Bringing their  greasy, grimy funk to the El Rey with New Orleans’ favorite son, Cyrille Neville, sounds like the perfect antidote to your own funk.
Friday, March 5
	First Fridays on Abbot Kinney
	It’s that time of the month and Abbot Kinney will be in full swing with art openings, cocktails, food trucks and shopping galore.  Be your own stimulus plan and spread your love around AK in Venice.
Saturday, March 6
	Artisanal Bread Baking @ Surfas
	Let Jerry Maybrook put a bun in your oven…or at least learn how to stop eating Wonderbread and start making the good stuff on your own.  We love to learn and Surfas always makes it a good, yummy time.
Sunday, March 6
	Cicada Club Oscars 1940 Costume Party
	The Oscars are upon us and if sitting around eating chips and dip is just too unglamorous for you, get decked out in your best Art Deco-ware and travel back to the 40s at the Cicada Club.  A big to-do for an event worthy of the occasion!

Gold Standard

Jonathan Gold is known by many for his unpredictable taste and appreciation of the many ethnic cuisines represented in Los Angeles. From the tastiest taco wagons to the finest cuisine and wine, Gold is the final word on the best and most exciting foods in the city. This event offers Angelenos the rare opportunity to sample Gold’s top picks in one location:

Babita • Beacon • Little Dom’s • Loteria • Nickel Diner • Palate • Bistro LQ • Good Girl Dinette • Kogi BBQ • Mo-Chica • Upstairs 2 • Meals By Genet • Kyochon • Mozza • Angeli • Jitlada • Ludo Bites • Wurstkuche • and much more!!

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Thursday, February 25
	New York International Film Festival
	Those in need of a indie film fix can head to The New York International Film Festival for an exciting lineup of cutting edge films and documentaries.
Friday, February 26
	80s Prom Party
	It’s your Prom redux! Dress to impress with your best taffeta dress or baby blue tuxedo as two 80s cover bands blast the best of Bon Jovi, Madonna and more.
Saturday, February 27
	Cocktail Napkin Art Invitational
	During this “Ode to The Lounge Lizard” old fashioned cocktail style social attire is required. Cocktail dresses for the ladies and suits for the gents. Lizard costumes with tail and full make-up get in free!
Saturday, February 27
	Bridges Seven Year Anniversary
	Bridges’ Seven Year Anniversary is a boogie woogie wonderland with seven resident DJs, plus special guests NU-MARK and ICY ICE. Open well bar from 9-10.
Saturday, February 27 - Sunday, February 28
	Firecracker Run + Nite n’ Day Arts Fest
	Run or bike your ass off during the Firecracker race and then kick back and enjoy arts and entertainment as varied as Taiko drumming to the MidTone Arkestra.

Golden Dragon Parade (Chinese New Years)

Saturday, February 20

The 111th Annual Golden Dragon Parade includes almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, sundry edibles, and little kids throwing firecrackers at your feet!Celebrating over one hundred years of tradition, the 111th Annual Golden Dragon Parade returns to usher in the Chinese New Year. With over 110,000 individuals lining the parade route, this colorful celebration along North Broadway in Chinatown has become the premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American Community. Since the mid-1980’s, the Golden Dragon Parade has expanded to include almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, and a route filled with local delicacies. The day of the Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese decent in Southern California. It is also a time when ancestors are fondly remembered and families give thanks for their blessings. Red packets of money (“Lai See” or “Hung Bao”) and firecrackers add fun and excitement to the Chinese New Year celebration. See details…

Thursday, February 18
After Hours & Desperately Seeking Susan Catch a double feature of 80s gold with Scorcese’s “After Hours” and Madonna’s star-turn “Desperately Seeking Susan.” Star of both films, Rosanna Arquette, to appear for Q&A between shows. Friday, February 19 KRS-One @ The Roxy Known by several pseudonyms including “The Blastmaster,” “The Teacha,” and “The Philosopher,” KRS-One is a true rap legend and a founding father of modern Hip Hop. Saturday, February 20 Cupcake Challenge
The baking gloves are coming off as LA’s best cupcake bakeries battle for supremacy. Attendees will vote on their fav original and traditional cupcakes, culminating in the crowning of LA’s ultimate cupcakes. Saturday, February 20 Tinariwen Formed in the crucible of the long freedom fight of the nomadic Touareg people, Tinariwen wields a sound as ancient as their way of life, and as modern as pulsating grooves on an electric guitar. Sunday, February 21 Give Up
The Dublab crew promises to melt your dreams with dreary dirges from the saddest DJs on the block during their post Valentine heart deflation special, Give Up. Additionally, The Masses will project depressing films sure to pierce all hope. ]]> http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/from-chinese-new-year-to-cupcakes-to-touareg-freedom-rock/feed/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/a-valentines-frolic/ http://thelek.com/blog/dating-in-la/a-valentines-frolic/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:45:33 +0000 Sabrina http://thelek.com/blog/?p=1402 Tonight, the Hammer Museum hosts Open Projector Night, an Apollo Theater like evening in which intrepid filmmakers submit their shorts to face the applause or wrath of a rambunctious audience.

On Friday, Soul Sessions transforms the Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown into two floors of phat beats and booty shaking goodness to cleanse the mind and free the soul.

On Saturday, eat your heart out at LA’s first ever street food festival. The best of LA’s food trucks will gather in one place to provide you mouth-watering delights on small plates and, best of all, at small prices. Later that evening, join us at Heartbeat - A Valentine’s Frolic! The night features DJs Mr. Caparro and Jameson Re, free drink specials, a naughty/nice game of truth or dare with amazing gift prizes like bottle service for six, a raffle fundraiser for Haiti and much more. Free with RSVP!

And finally on Sunday, witness adults as they share their own adolescent horrors and/or triumphs inspired by Valentine’s Day at Mortified, a comic excavation of the strange and extraordinary things we created as kids. Or go and give your heart some real loving at Compassion Over Killing’s all-you-can-eat Valentine’s Day vegan feast. Features LA’s top veg-friendly restaurants and desserts from The Fakery Bakery.

On Friday, it’s a night of dance, celebration and generosity as DJs Mario Cotto (KCRW), Alfred Hawkins (Firecracker), Heather Thompson and, featured performers, L’Esprit D’Afrique, come together to raise money for darling Haiti. All proceeds go to fund relief efforts!

On Saturday, uncover secret treasures of PDA (public displays of art) in Echo Park during the PDA Echo Park Art Walk or go bid on rare and collectible memorabilia at the Amoeba charity auction hosted by Lance Robertson of YO GABBA GABBA!

On Sunday, the Downtown independent invites you to watch the Superbowl on the BIG SCREEN as the bigger than life New Orleans Saints battle it out against the Indianapolis Colts. Free admission!

And finally, EATLACMA, occurring on both Saturday and Sunday, offers you a chance to receive your own complimentary fruit tree and participate in a series of food-related events throughout the year. Hey, free fruit tree!

Heartbeat - Find your Valentine

Next Saturday, we’re having a party and you’re invited! Come find your Valentine on Saturday, February 13th at Remedy Lounge in Downtown Los Angeles.

DJs Mr.Caparro (16Bit&Beyond, Family Affair, Open House) and Jamesen Re (Deep Downunder Productions) have joined forces with The Lek to bring you Heartbeat - A Valentine’s Frolic.

The night features world class DJs, free drink specials, a naughty/nice game of truth or dare with amazing gift prizes like bottle service for six, a raffle fundraiser for Haiti with Hotel O two night stay giveaways and much more. FREE ENTRY WITH RSVP!

And to make your Valentine’s Day is extra special, use the following code: VDAY2010, when signing up or sending messages, and receive 10 free credits* to reach out to someone who catches your eye.

Click here to RSVP.

Recently I went to a local bar in Los Feliz and had a drink alone after play rehearsal.  I sat at the bar sipping my beer while mesmerized by the horrendous earthquake footage from Haiti.  I had not even noticed that I was sitting nearly on top of the guy next to me, who too was drinking alone.  When I peeled my eyes away from the flat screen I not only noticed our chairs were inches apart but also how attractive he was!

After apologizing for my close proximity I used the Haiti earthquake disaster to spark up conversation.  (Is that bad karma?)  We were both devastated by the disaster, and quite disturbed by the pathetic photos.  Conversation shifted into a more positive direction, like why were we both at a bar drinking alone, etc.  Both he and I desperately needed a cold beverage after our long day.  He took the bus from work to the bar.  I found that charming, do not ask me why cause God knows I would never marry a man who does not have transportation.  He is into horror movies, as am I, so we chatted intensely about Kubrick and Hitchcock, and then he showed me his The Birds tattoo, homage to his favorite filmmaker.  Right then and there I wanted to jump his bones.  He was sweet and charming and had a great smile and conversation was undeniably perfect.  It was how “it” was supposed to go down.  The powers of “they” were right; I was not looking and I had found it!  And he was into me, and I did not have my game face on.  I was dressed in baggy jeans, a floral hoodie sweatshirt, and Ugg boots (God I hate those fucking shoes).  I came from my play’s dress rehearsal where my character resembles a Khardashian with pounds of makeup.  I was a hot mess, but he wanted to see me again.  Although I knew I would not marry the guy, let alone date him (he shaves his head and does not have a car, double whammy), I gave him my number and went home feeling giddy.

So that is how “they” do it!  Random act of kindness.  If only “they” knew how particular I am.  So that is it, I continue hiking and enjoy the experience for what it is, and maybe one day “he’ll” pass me on the trail, lock eyes with me, and we will live happily ever after.  Either that or I will fake a snakebite and play up the damsel in distress act.