TheLEK.com Blog » Dining

From Bollywood to Hollywood

Sabrina — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:43:29 +0000

Bollywood Superstar Kailash Kher @ The Santa Monica Pier

Thursday, July 29

There is no greater star in Indian popular music today than Kailash Kher, a revered singer whose prodigious vocal gifts and inspiring personality have made him a household name across the subcontinent. In India he packs arenas by the thousands and now you get to hear him for free at the Santa Monica Pier!In 2001, after a foray into the business world, Kailash left New Delhi for Mumbai, home to the highly competitive Bollywood film and music industry. Kailash’s first recording was an advertising jingle for a diamond company, made for the equivalent of $100. After recording a handful of jingles, the raw, earthy and soulful strength of his voice caught the attention of every production house and film composer in Mumbai. By 2004, Kailash had been catapulted to stardom, performing on some of the biggest hits in Bollywood. Kailash has been heard in over sixty soundtracks and near two hundred jingles.
See details…

Thursday, July 29
	Natacha Atlas @ The Skirball Center
	Natacha Atlas’ electrifying music mixes North African and Arabic music with western electronic beats, French chansons, and UK pop. Free!
Friday, July 30
	Before Sunset
	Ethan Hawke stars as Jesse, a young American who falls for a French woman on a train. L’amour abounds at this free screening in Old Pasadena.
Saturday, July 31
	Make it Funky Festival
	Half music festival, half block party, the Make It Funky Fest is a blend of live music, djs, vendors, and artists coming together to create the ultimate summer party!
Monday, August 2
	Zach Galifianakis presents Withnail & I
	This cracked classic plays like a big screen version of “The Young Ones,” alternately funny, creepy and poignant. Hosted by Zach Galifianakis.

From Saturdays off the 405 to Naked Bike Rides

Sabrina — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:04:11 +0000

Saturdays off the 405

Saturday, June 12

Pack your picnics and disguise your booze because The Getty’s free summer concert series, Saturdays off the 405, has returned!The season launches with new-school soul sensation Mayer Hawthorne, whose sweet crooning revels in retro, while break beat riffs inspired by years spinning vinyl, revive the legends of Motown. Not simply a classic soul throwback, Hawthorne’s hanging-by-a-string falsetto and self-taught, multi-instrument skills mingle with hip-hop drum loops, brilliant harmonies, and heartfelt nostalgia.

Also performing: DJ Clifton, the resident dj at L.A.’s Club Underground and Funky Sole, blends a retro-rhythm-rockin smorgasboard of underground indie and funky soul.

See details…

Thursday, June 10
	I Am Laser presents Tipper, FreQ Nasty and King Britt
	I Am Laser presents Tipper, FreQ Nasty and King Britt for an evening of tripped out electronic mind expansion and body convolutions.
Saturday, June 12
	World Naked Bike Ride LA!
	The WNBR has been celebrated by over 100 major cities in 29 different countries and now it’s LA’s turn. So grab your bike and… uh, yeah, that’s kinda all you need.
Saturday, June 12
	Beetlejuice at Hollywood Forever
	The Tim Burton classic Beetlejuice will light up the screen and raise the dead at LA’s favorite past time paradise. Daaaaaay-O!
Sunday, June 13
	Donut Summit
	What’s the best doughnut in LA? The Donuteers at the first ever Donut Summit will be the ones to decide. Doughnuts or coffee get you in, except don’t bring Krispy Kreme.

Sake, Silver Lake and other Sundries

Sabrina — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:48:12 +0000

Silver Lake Jubilee

Silver Lake is known for its deep-rooted indie rock culture, its eclectic bars and nightlife and generally hip and laid-back lifestyle. What is less known is how Silver Lake, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Los Feliz and surrounding communities are transforming Los Angeles into a music, arts, culture and food destination. These neighborhoods are home to some of LA’s best restaurants, trend-defining music acts, accomplished writers, artists, gallerists and performers.

Festival-goers can expect over 20 musical acts (both local and national), comedy, theater performances, poetry readings and live performances by LA-based groups. For foodies there will be over 40 food vendors highlighting the best of Silver Lake/Los Angeles cuisine. For those looking for something unique, there will be over 60 merchandise vendors selling hand-crafted, unique and locally-sourced goods. The festival also includes an interactive children’s village, arts village, literary village and eco village.

See the weekend line-up!

This week…
Thursday, May 20
	Silk Road Sake Tasting
	Last chance to experience Silk Road’s premium sake tasting, coupled with a sampling of Izakaya Sasaya’s superlative Japanese style tapas. Only $20 at the door! Save your spot now!
Friday, May 21 - Saturday, May 22
	LA Weekly’s LA Weekend
	LA Weekly’s latest and greatest editorial arts celebration includes two days of music, art, theater, film, food and books, including performances by Parson Red Heads, Tune In Tokyo, Ja Prawn and much more!
Saturday, May 22
	Pretty in Pink Drive-In
	Load up your friends in the hooptie and head over to The Devil’s Night Drive-In for a screening of the Molly Ringwald classic, Pretty In Pink. Isn’t she… pretty in pink…
Sunday, May 23
	Venice Art Walk
	The granddaddy of art walks features more than 50 artists’ studios and a 400-piece silent art auction. All proceeds benefit the very worthy Venice Family Clinic.

From Pillow Fights to Water Fights and The Dude.

Sabrina — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:59:15 +0000

Lebowski Fest

Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3

Lebowski Fest returns the City of Angels with a screening of the film at The Wiltern on April 2nd followed by the Bowling Party at The Cal Bowl on April 3rd!

Lebowski Fest is a celebration of all things related to the 1998 Coen brothers cult comedy, “The Big Lebowski.” Fans of the film (aka “Achievers”) come from far and wide to drink white Russians, throw some rocks and party with an array of Dudes, Walters and Maudes (not to mention a nihilist or two).

Fri, April 2nd - Movie Party - Creedence cover set by Paddy and The Poor Boys + special guests Jack Kehler (Dude’s Landlord), Philip Moon (Woo The Carpet Pisser), Jim Hoosier (Liam), Jeff Dowd (inspiration for The Dude), Peter Exline (inspiration for the story), Andrea Nunn (Julianne Moore/Maude’s Stand-in for the carpet flying scene) and possibly others followed by a screening of The Big Lebowski.

Sat, April 3rd - Bowling Party - Bowling, costume, trivia and other contests. Special guests Mike Gomez (”Leads” Cop!), Jim Hoosier (Liam) and Jeff “The Dude” Dowd. Bowling and shoe rental included.

See details…

Thursday, April 1
	My Barbarian at MOCA
	Join the artist collective, My Barbarian, for an evening of playful and participatory performance, music, and video situated around the museum.
Friday, April 2
	NHM 1st Fridays with Breakestra and Fitz and the Tantrums
	The Natural History Museum presents some serious funk from Breakestra and the 60’s soul stylings of Fitz and the Tantrums so that you can groove in front of giant stuffed grizzly bears. This is how school museum trips should have been.
Saturday, April 3
	World Pillow Fight Day
	Rules: 1. Don’t talk about [Pillow] Fight Club! 2. Don’t be in location until the exact minute. 3. Rush in screaming “PILLOW FIIIIIIGHT!!!!!” 4. After 15 minutes of excruciating fun, leave.
Sunday, April 4
	Thai New Year
	The Songkran Festival closes off a 1 mile stretch of Hollywood Blvd and explodes with a pageantry of food, music, art, culture and WATER FIGHTS! Check out how they do in Thailand…

Tasting Kitchen - Abott Kinney

deidre — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:40:45 +0000

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. . . .

Best Date Ever

Mells Bells — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:48 +0000

The best date I ever had was here in Los Angeles. I was working at Trader Joe’s and this hot artsy looking guy passed through my checkout line. I only had mere minutes to strike conversation, hook, line and sink him, as I scanned his produce. I asked him how his day was going and what kind of work he did. He replied furniture maker, and I creamed my panties. (That is one of my top three favorite careers for my future husband, along with professional hockey player and architect.) I cannot let this guy get away! I remembered that I had handcrafted a table once, seriously, so I shared that information and asked if he taught workshops. I know, I’m pretty good. (Insert eyebrow raise and devilish look.) Maybe I should teach workshops on how to be so damn smooth. Anyways, he replied in the negative, but wrote his phone number and website down and said, “But here’s my information, we’ll work something out.” OH YEAH, MAMA’S GONNA GET SOME! Time to straddle the ol’ sawhorse, ha ha. We began our “relationship” via emails back and forth while I was back home visiting family. He was witty and charming and fun loving; I could not wait to get back to California to see him.

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.

From NY Films to Lounge Lizards to Jonathan Gold

Sabrina — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:56:18 +0000

Gold Standard

Sunday, February 28

LA Weekly presents the 2nd Annual Gold Standard Food & Wine Event featuring a selection of LA’s best and most eclectic restaurants hand-picked by LA Weekly’s Pulitzer Prize winning food critic: Jonathan Gold.

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!!

See details…

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.

A Valentine’s Frolic

Sabrina — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:45:33 +0000

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.

Cookies Without Borders

Sabrina — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:53:32 +0000

Tonight, MOCA presents an evening with MMIX PEN fellows, who will give readings inspired by the museum’s awesome MOCA’s First Thirty Years collection (admission to MOCA is free on Thursdays after 5pm!).

On Friday, catch the opening of a special one-week exhibition, Ecstatic Moments, which features candid photographs of Mos Def with such artists as Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu and many more.

On Saturday, rock out to Avi Buffalo and The Soft Pack at the FMLY Mansion. Open to anyone that feels that positive change happens when we come together and become the change that we wish to see. Or reach out and touch faith with fellow Depeche Mode devotees at the “Posters Came From the Walls” documentary screening at Cinefamily, which depicts Mode’s raise to fame and its fanatical followers.

On Sunday, the pioneering legends of conscious Hip Hop, Digable Planets, reunite on stage at the Key Club. And finally, indulge your sweet tooth, while doing something sweet for the people of Haiti at the Cookies Without Borders: A Bake Sale for Haiti!

Skate, Drink, Watch and dineLA!

Sabrina — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:03:35 +0000

Tonight, Down and Derby takes us back, way back to the 70s for a retro-inspired roller-skating dance party at the Echoplex. Rock your bell-bottoms and bring your skates (or rent them for only $5).

On Friday, directors Kathryn Bigelow (”The Hurt Locker”) and Curtis Hanson (”L.A. Confidential”) will present and discuss a movie that inspired them, Sam Peckinpah’s bloody western classic, “The Wild Bunch.”

On Saturday, sip and sample dozens of international wines from Italy, South African, Spain, France, and New Zealand to name a few, at Drink Eat Play’s International Wine Fest. 20% off with DEP code! Or go get your green on at the Go Green Expo where you will learn about environmentally friendly goods & services for use in modern everyday living.

On Sunday, more movies for a rainy day, catch the Man of Steel in all his restored splendor as the The Egyptian screens Richard Donner’s digitally remastered SUPERMAN (with eight minutes of never before seen footage) and SUPERMAN II (the rare Donner director’s cut).

And finally, dineLA opens this Sunday and graces us for two delicious weeks! dineLA offers foodies a chance to sample three course lunches and dinners at over 200 preeminent LA restaurants at incredibly discounted prix fixe prices! Bon appétit!