Review Me

TRAVEL REVIEW: Various

2005-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a lot of traveling in the past couple months - for work, for pleasure - so I thought I'd do a mini-review of each city. Let the fun begin!

San Francisco - I drove up from LA, and Oli flew down from Canada and we met up with some of our best friends. I love SF, it just never gets old. I don't know if I could live there again, too cold. When it's sunny, it should be warm, right? But there's always something to do and lots beer to drink. Yum.

Washington DC - Oli & I traveled here for a wedding that never happened. It was my first time and despite being guilted into seeing Oli's cousin's high school play, it was a pretty good time. I love being able to walk or take trains everywhere. I don't like that we couldn't find any of the "hip" parts of the city. We found out later, that there are no hip parts of DC. All the women, young and old wear pearls. What's up with that?

Chicago - My kind of town, Chicago is. Chicago is great, although every time I've been, I haven't left the Michigan Avenue area, which is just fine by me, there are plenty of shops and places to eat. The bars are all packed by 5:30 (PM), and Midwesterners are truly the nicest people in the world. Two thumbs up.

Vegas - Ugh. I hate Vegas. Although I didn't leave Caesars Palace the entire week I was there, I still hate it. My favorite Vegas moment was walking through the casino at 5:30AM and seeing a weird combo of people from foreign lands checking into the hotel, sad lonely senior citizens playing away their grandchildren's inheritance on the slots, and sleazy guys hitting on drunk girls in the bars. Yuck. And walking on all those marble floors made my feet bleed.

Dallas - There's not too much one can say about Dallas. How 'bout....."big hair."

San Diego - I just went on a daytrip to SD, so maybe it doesn't really count as travel, but I got to hang out with the fam and see my beautiful baby nephew. And there is a new hot air balloon safari at the WAP (that's Wild Animal Park for all you non-San Diegans).

I think that's all the travel I plan on doing for a while, although I am going to New York in the spring, which should be great.

Toodles!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: M Cafe

2005-07-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, it's been a while, but, as you know, we bought a house. So we've been busy with mortgages and insurance and boxes and escrow and shelves, etc. for the past couple months. Things are finally settling down (we've been at the new house for about a week) and I had to share our newest culinary obsession: M Cafe.

Finally, LA is catching up to NY by having an inexpensive, healthy, casual vegan/ macrobiotic cafe!! A spin off of Chaya (locations in Beverly Hills, Venice & San Francisco), M Cafe is totally macrobiotic–that means no refined sugars, no eggs, no diary, no meat or poultry, but fish is ok. I can’t even describe to you how delicious their deli-style sandwiches and salads are. Everything is fresh, flavorful, healthful and mindful.

The food? A great selection of Soups (try the Lotus Root & Sweet Corn Chowder); Salads (how about the Gado Gado with golden tempeh triangles marinated with lemongrass, ginger & served with greens and veggies); Rice Bowls, with fish, tofu or seitan; Hot & Cold Sandwiches & Wraps (I heart the Madras Tempeh Wrap, the paninis, the Eggless Egg Salad with the crusts cut off!); plus sushi, and a deli case full of sides like Pink Quinoa and Roasted Veggies. Plus they have amazing looking desserts and pastries! They had complimentary green tea vegan dark chocolate truffles at the counter when I was there this weekend which were to die for.

And they’re open from 8-8 every day, and they have brunch specials on the weekends like tofu scramble and blueberry pancakes. The blueberry pancakes are sweet with crispy edges, bursting with fresh blueberries, and the tofu scramble is adorned with shreded carrot and onions and served with toast (they bake their own bread) sweet potato and pepper hash, and tempeh bacon. And they’ve got macrobiotic ketchup made from beets, applebutter and many other things, and it actually really tastes like ketchup (you can buy it in jars to take home).

And that brings us to the merchandising–you can buy nice M Cafe candles, or organic pantry items and books while you’re waiting for your food.

Plus, they’ve got parking! Not much, but I’ve always found a spot right in front.

M Cafe de Chaya
7119 Melrose
Hollywood
323-252-0588
http://www.mcafedechaya.com

SHOPPING REVIEW: Houses

2005-05-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!

ONLINE SHOPPING REVIEW: DrugStore.com

2005-05-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

I love shopping at drugstore.com. It's so much easier than fighting the crowds at Target, or running from store to store to pick up all the essential sundries. At drugstore.com, it's all in one place! And they have sale items! and they have freebies with purchase! and they have everything you need from bandaids and vitamins to dishsoap and toilet paper! Plus, they have a relationship with beauty.com, so you can order all your fancy make-up and lotions, from Perricone to Urban Decay, at the same time! And shipping on any order over $50 is free! And it's so easy to spend $50 on Kiss-My-Face soap and aromatherapeutic trash bags and Burt's Bees chapstick and Avalon Organics sunscreen. Plus, they remember what you bought last time, so it's easy to go back again and again and get your favorite mascara.

But, do you want to know the best part? It's the customer service!! I just recieved my latest shipment of essentials yesterday, and to my dismay, dispite being shrink wrapped and bubble packed, the lid on my Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner came loose, and about a third of the potion leaked out. I called the 800 number, told them my sad story and they responded, "We can refund your money, or ship another to you, which would you prefer?" Music to my ears. I got the refund, natch.

FILM REVIEW: Dog...Parrots...Wolf

2005-04-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Three films which I have seen in the last month that are of note are: Dogville, directed by Lars Von Trier (http://www.tvropa.com/Dogville/); The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill , directed by Judy Irving (http://www.pelicanmedia.org/Film.html); And, Time Of The Wolf, directed by Michael Haneke (http://www.palmpictures.com/videos/timeofthewolf.html).

I was originally resistant to seeing Dogville when it opened in theatres and I don't know if it was something to do with the marketing of the film (an idea which a friend put forward as the reason he had done the same as me in not going to see the film) or if it was the painful (and beautiful) experience of Dancer in the Dark, I am not sure. Regardless, after staying up late one night last week to watch it on the Sundance channel, I've see it now and WOW!!! Staying true to form Lars Von Trier subjects Nicole Kidman's character "Grace"(not to mention the viewer) to his patented brand of masochism and suspense. Consequently, thematically, he leaves no room for the viewer to reject the story, and hide behind a convenient moral response. In this space the viewer is left wide open to experience the painful truths within this dramatic examination of the roots of greed and domination in the American psyche.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, is an environmental documentary which examines the strangely human story of a flock of cherry headed conures that have become the basis for a native species of parrots unique to San Francisco. Their human champion is a zen inspired human creature named Mark Bittner, who becomes an honorary behavioral biologist in the term of his life amongst these birds. This is a fascinating real story about San Francisco and some amazing birds. I could not stop laughing when they parents regurgitate food for their young.

Time of the Wolf, is a return of a collaboration between director Michael Haneke and actor Isabelle Huppert. The clandestine and cataclysmic antecedent action in this film leaves a family in shock while arriving in their minivan at their country house. From there the film is another minimalist suspense masterpiece by director Haneke, and unlike most films in his oeuvre (The Piano Teacher, Code Unknown, Funny Games) this might be his most hopeful. It is a film about the loss of one world and the opportunity for the next, a better one? With very little dialogue and quite a lot of long wide angle photography this film sculpts a visceral-reality out of the unknown -- of the empty space between people, living and dead, of survival or subjugation, and of past and future. Incredibly poetic and affecting. There are lots of fires burning in this film.

All three are highly recommended!!!

"FOOD" REVIEW: Poutine, Quebec’s Shining Culinary Legacy

2005-04-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you Brandi, for your wonderful guest review:

Almost no one outside of Quebec has ever heard of poutine, and probably not without good reason. It’s the kind of culinary blasphemy that can happen when French immigrants are left unchecked, kind of like the yang to Cajun/creole cuisine’s yin. A google search on the history of poutine turned this up: “The most popular tale (of poutine’s origins) is the one of Fernand Lachance, from Warwick, Quebec, which claims that poutine was invented in 1957, when a client ordered fries and cheese curds in a bag. Lachance is said to have exclaimed ‘ça va faire une maudite poutine’ ("it will make a hell of a mess"), hence the name. The sauce was allegedly added later, to keep the fries warm for longer. In fact, linguists have found no occurrence of the word poutine with this meaning earlier than 1978.

Before this fateful night, the image I have of poutine is a scary one: McFries, limp and pale, smothered in gray canned gravy, with lumps of fatty whiteness sprinkled over the top. Since I narrowly avoided poutine on my previous visit to Montreal, and this is my last visit that I expect to be making, I agree to try it. Caleb tells me: ‘You’ve got to have it when you’re drunk. It’s a post-drinking delicacy here.’ Since it was a Monday night and he had to work in the morning, we decided to compromise and just go out for a few drinks beforehand.

After two beers and lots of anticipation, we head to the place for poutine in the plateau- La Banquise. In the window, they proudly advertise the fact that they have over 15 variations of poutine on the menu. Little innovation goes into this claim, whereas each variety consists of the basic ingredients plus (insert animal, vegetable, or mineral here). At midnight on a Monday, we are the only patrons in the place. Dave, our friend and Montreal local, assures me that by 3am, the place will have a line out the door, even on weeknights like tonight. Dave tells me: ‘You have to get the bacon poutine.’ So I do. Caleb and Susan, Dave’s girlfriend, opt for the ‘classique’, the no-frills version. Dave gets the bacon poutine plus a hot dog ‘all-dressed’ on the side that has what looks like coleslaw on top.

What comes before me is not really what I expected. The fries look like, as Dave puts it, they have been fried at least 5 times. I think they closely resemble the color of George Hamilton after a very hot summer. On top is a dark brown, viscous gravy, and the flavor can only be described as meaty salt, not the other way around. Sprinkled on top of this is the cheese curd. It’s a cross between salty queso fresco and chewy part-skim mozzarella. It’s apparently considered a good thing when the cheese curds sqeak against your teeth. The variation I got was with large pieces of bacon adorning the top as well. There was even an Elvis version of this dish, though I don’t remember what could classify it as such. I chomped away at it and got about halfway through before I couldn’t touch anymore. Susan said that as soon as you sop up all of the cheese curd, the remainder of the poutine usually loses its appeal. We ambled out of the restaurant, stomachs full. I can’t help thinking about the irony of the situation – I felt fine after those few drinks, but now the very dish that was supposed to amend the perils of drinking in the first place has seemed to have achieved the polar opposite of its goal – I actually feel naseous and covered internally with a not-so-fine coating of oily residue.

I guess the question is whether it was good or not. Actually it wasn’t bad at the time. I can see how it qualifies as comfort food and probably hits the spot after a night of drinking the way a Grand Slam at Denny’s or anything off Taco Bells late night menu would. The real problem was the morning after. I have never had a food hangover before, but that’s exactly what I woke up with. I felt as if my stomach had been marinated in grease all night long. After two cups of coffee and a muffin, I still felt sluggish and gross. Caleb felt the same way. Dave felt fine, but I think that comes from years of poutine abuse resulting in an abnormally high tolerance. Not until mid-day did I feel better, and that was partly in anticipation of being able to sleep off the excess during the flight. I’m glad I tried it, it’s definitely a meal that defined my visit. Caleb claims that poutine was on par with a bad night of drinking – come morning you swear you’ll never do it again, but by next weekend you’ll find yourself stumbling up to La Banquise in a drunken, foggy stupor, the aroma of mystery meat and greasy fries in the air. You won’t have a clue how you got there, but can’t think of anywhere else you’d rather be.

SEASON REVIEW: Spring

2005-04-03T17:11:00.001-07:00

Our garden is full of color, despite months of neglect! Spring rocks!

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

Lily white

2005-04-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

Roses in front garden.

2005-04-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

Cactus flowers

2005-04-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

2005-04-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

Baby "Sweet Olive" tomatoes!

2005-04-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Pierrot.

Backyard flowers.

CONCERT REVIEW: The Mountain Goats

2005-03-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

So, we went to The Mountain Goats show at the Echo a while ago, but I never bothered to write about it, so I will now. If you're not familiar with The Mountain Goats, it's basically very clever singer/ songwriter-ish guy with an acoustic guitar who writes songs about life, love, friends, etc. which have a real "magic realism" quality to them. He's got a back-up singer, bass player, and drummer on some songs too.

This was the first time I had seen the Mountain Goats live, and, while I never thought about what Mr. Mountain Goat might look like, I was struck by his similarity to a run of the mill frat guy. Oli didn't think that he looked like a frat guy, but there were no frats at his college, and because I went to Berkeley, everyone, including the frat guys, was kinda nerdy. Mr. Mountain Goat was clean-cut looking with a short haircut, glasses, average height, normal looking pants & button down shirt. He reminded me of those frat guys who learn to play the acoustic guitar to impress girls, and who would sit on the front steps of their frat houses, playing guitar, like a siren, hoping to draw girls under their spell.

And he reminded me of an incident with a frat guy that happened when I was in college that still makes me chuckle to this day. So, my friend and I had just left a party that was on "frat row" (though the party was not at a frat). We were standing on the sidewalk, deciding what to do next, when a couple of drunk frat guys came wobbling toward us, both wearing the manditory "frat uniform" of (starting at the bottom) flip flops, cargo shorts, beer belly, hawaiian shirt, plastic cup in hand. As they walked by, I stuck my foot out and tripped one of the frat guys. He stumbled a little bit, but did not fall down. "You just tripped me" he slurred. "No I didn't" I said, and he and his friend went on their way. "I can't believe you just tripped that guy," my friend said, and then we walked down to Telegraph to get some pizza.

The Mountain Goats played a lot of new songs that will be on The Sunset Tree, to be released at the end of April. I like hearing the new songs come together, some songs they hadn't even rehearsed. In general, they rocked.

Mountain Goats: Highly recommended.
Frat Guys: Not so much.

RECIPE REVIEW: Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos

2005-03-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

Saute onions and garlic in EVOO (1-2 min) in medium sauce pan and add one cup of raw quinoa and stir until the quinoa is covered in the oil and slightly browned (also 1-2 min). Now add 2 cups of liquid, can be water, but veggie stock is preferable for a richer flavor, bring to a boil and then cover and simmer (15 min).

Pre heat oven at 375 degrees.

Wash several poblano peppers and on a gas stove top use tongs to blacken their outside. You will need to have a large paper bag standing by, a grocery bag works great. Once thoroughly blackened place peppers in bag and close tightly for several minutes to allow them to steam, remove and then also remove as much of the blackened outer material as possible. Now make a careful incision lengthwise along the pepper to create a vessel for the stuffing mixture, and clean out some but not all the seeds (depending on how spicy you want it to be).

Saute mushrooms in EVOO and season with chile powder and salt and pepper. Dice dried cherries, apricots and hand pick the leaves of fresh cilantro. Also crumble queso fresco.

Once all the liquid has evaporated from the quinoa you are ready to add to it the mushrooms, diced dried cherries and apricots and fresh cilantro as well as the crumbled queso fresco. Mix together and then stuff your peppers.

Fill the bottom of a glass baking dish with enchiladas sauce (green or red) and move you peppers into it, then top them with more crumbled queso fresco and bake for 25 min.

Top with more fresh cilantro and sour cream and serve with sharp cheddar quesodillas.

Enjoy, I sure did!!!!! Thanks to ARW!!!!!!!!!

WEATHER REVIEW: RAIN

2005-03-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of everyone complaining about the rain! I love the rain! and the thunder & lightning, even though it scares me sometimes. I like the sound rain makes, I like the smell, I like puddles. I like staying inside when it rains, I like making soup. I like the way the rain sheets off my car, and I like my lifetime guarantee windshield wipers from EZ Lube.

OK, lots of roads are closed and roofs are leaky, and you're right, potholes suck--but how often does LA get this much rain? Every 150 years? Enjoy it!

BOOK REVIEW: Audible.com

2005-02-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

I recently was given a gift (credit) of 12 audio books at audible.com and an ipod mini, both of which I have since become obsessed with. As a kid once on a trip east to visit my mother's father, he and my mother and I had set to drive from Ohio (where he lived) thru Tennessee (for some reason I cannot remember). His less than two-year-old Buick (he always traded them in for an identical new one at the end of their sophomore year) had stopped in a rest stop where I was surprised to find a standing wire carousel filled with books on tape. My mom bought me my first a story called FUP by Jim Dodge, a magically potent novella that I still admire to this day, and from that moment on I was an avid listener of text. Some books that I have recently entertained were two (guilty trifles) by Dan Brown, Angels & Demons, and The Da Vinci Code. I heard them out of chronological order and I feel that the Da Vinci Code was the stronger. Both place the character of a Harvard symbologist (a reluctant modern day Indiana Jones) Robert Langdon (who will be played in the up-coming film by the inappropriately self-cast Tom Hanks, who is no Harrison Ford at 40). Angels & Demons' plot revolves around the sci-fi conceit that a physicist/priest who has recreated the big bang in his laboratory and had also created a highly volatile amount of anti-matter which was then stolen by members of an ancient anti-catholic brotherhood called the illuminati who threaten to use it to destroy Vatican city, Rome. A tense 24 hours unfold as Langdon uses his obscure knowledge of art and symbolism to decipher the clues left by the antagonistic Illuminati. What is most captivating about this book is the way Brown uses facts about art and religion to encourage the reader to believe in a 'conspiracy theory' style plot. However I think he does this even much more convincingly in The Da Vinci Code.

Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates by Tom Robbins is another book, which I recently listened to. I identified so strongly with the conceit of this book that I would have to say it is among my most admired. The way in which the author/narrator/protagonist are so obsessed with the etymology of language, hedonism, and left field divinity, makes me feel like someone finally understands me.

Books, check ‘em out!!!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Netty's

2005-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Silver Lake for almost 4 years now & I've never been to Netty's even though I know many people who swear by the place. Maybe it's because there is a strange chain link fence with barbed wire and pointy cacti protecting the shack that is Netty's. We decided to brave the fence & pointy protectors last night to embark on a strange adventure.

So basically, you go into the "ordering room" which looks kind of like one of those little key copying kiosks. The menu is handwritten on a small white board, apparently it changes weekly (nightly?). There was an odd mixture of Pan-American food (tamales), American food (steaks, big salads) and Italian food (pasta). The only vegetarian things on the menu were the pastas, but the choices were plentiful. I got pumpkin ricotta ravioli with rosemary brown butter and Oli got the spinach ravioli with cream sauce. Both came with a small side salad & Italian bread with a garlic, parsley pesto.

After ordering, we walked back on the sidewalk, and then entered the "dining room" which is a semi-outdoor patio. There's no ambience at all, and Oli's wine came in a low-ball glass. Our food arrived quickly, and it was all fine, but nothing out of the ordinary in taste, especially for the heafty price tag--both our pastas were $14 each!

Open for lunch & dinner, I don't think I'll go back to Netty's any time soon, unless they cut their prices in half.

1700 Silver Lake Blvd
Silverlake, CA 90026
323.662.8655
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

FILM REVIEW: In The Realms Of The Unreal Dir. Jessica Yu

2005-01-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

This film explores the life's work of "outsider" artist Henry Darger (1892-1973). Darger was born and died in Chicago IL. He was orfaned at a young age and separated forever from his younger sister when his father was forced by extreme poverty to relinquish both children and move to a poor house, the very same poor house which by an unsettling geometry of fate Henry himself would eventualy inhabit shortly before his own death. This break, and the sudden news (shortly thereafter) of his fathers' death while Henry was just beginning what would become seven years of captivity at an Illinois institution for 'mentally infirm' children that was actually called the "State Farm", was such a formative experience of grief and abandonment that the lonliness and habitual isolation of his later life and his secret creative obsession with defending the purity and innocence of children which fueld his artwork... that only after his death when neighbors unearthed his work could his own story begin to make his volumious works of art only slightly less a surprise.

Henry lived as a "reclusive janitor by day, visionary artist by night, (his) 15,000 page novel details the exploits of the Vivian Girls, seven angelic sisters who lead a rebellion against godless, child-enslaving men"..."IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL explores outsider art from the inside. Eschewing expert opinion, it reflects the uniqueness of its subject, employing vivid animation and experimental elements to immerse us in Darger’s world and all its strange beauty."..."Darger lived a virtually friendless existence, but his imaginary life was as exciting and colorful as his real life was tedious. By day, he scrubbed floors, attended Mass, rummaged through garbage cans. By night, he ruled a world in which the forces of innocence and good fought a bloody battle against the forces of treachery and evil." (see above site, 'about the film').

I highly recomend this film.

EVENT REVIEW: Dine Out LA JANUARY 26

2005-01-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

This isn't really an event review, since the event hasn't happened yet--I guess it's an event PREview.

Next Wednesday, January 26 nearly 60 of your favorite Los Angeles area restaurants are banding together for a Tsunami relief fundraiser. They're all donating a portion of their sales for that day to Operation USA, an LA based relief organization. Doesn't that warm the cockles of your heart? I'm trying to plan my day--lunch at Real Food Daily, a snack at Elixir, dinner at Grace, then a wine tasting at Silverlake Wine. Is it possible?

Sponsored by LA.com, the complete list of participating eateries is on the Operation USA website.

ART REVIEW: DANNY JAUREGUI MONTES at BANK

2005-01-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

First off, the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is great (http://www.downtownartwalk.com/).

I wended my way 'au pied' east through downtown, eventually reaching my destination at 400 S. Main (between 4th and 5th). The Bank gallery is right next to Pete's Cafe & Bar (http://www.petescafe.com/) which has some tasty items like blue cheese fries on the bar menu. The bar also has excellent selection of beers on tap (rare in L.A.). Also Pete's is veggie friendly.

Anyway, there were these three great 22" x 29" pieces by an artist named Danny Jauregui Montes. They aren't on the Bank website but you can read his bio. At the center of these pieces are subtle line drawings of suburban homes which, are enveloped in abstract root systems. These organic life-forms are hued in pale but sunny watercolor. The work is spare but causes me to feel a sudden nostalgia for a more essential, safer, happier, formative moment. But ultimately I know that moment isn't truly remembered and is part of a shared suburban mythology. Contemplating my own mythological origins I walked back out onto the street.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Vegan Glory

2005-01-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

This is my new favorite place. Located just blocks away from my office, this all vegan thai restaurant better be around for a while. I got the lunch combo with Pad Thai which came with vegetable soup (mixed veggies in a light broth), a fried spring roll, salad & some steamed rice for $7.95. It was way more than I could eat, and utterly delicious.

For most of the Thai staples, like curries, noodles, and stir fries, they offer a choice between Tofu, Soy Chicken, Seitan, Pepper Steak, Soy Fish or, for an extra dollar, fake Shrimp. I don't really care what anyone else says about fake meats, I like them--not because they taste like meat, but because I like variety.

Anyway, they serve more than just Thai food at Vegan Glory, they've got several sandwiches and wraps on the menu, plus my all time favorite food--lentil loaf!!

The service was quick and courteous; the open kitchen adds excitement to the otherwise dreary mini-mall location; and everything else about the place is charming.

Yay for Vegans!

Vegan Glory
8393 Beverly Blvd (at Orlando)
323-653-4900

...and they deliver!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Kung Pao Kitty

2004-12-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while, but with the New Year, things are gonna be different, yeah!

As most people who have moved to LA from San Francisco know, there is no good Chinese food in LA, especially for vegetarians. Nothing can compare to the sweet/ salty/ spicy tongue dance the cuisine from House of Nanking invites (although I admit, the House of Nanking as gone steadily downhill over the past 10 years or so--but imagine the general milieu of SF Chinatown).

So one Tuesday night, when we realized that our cupboards were bare, and we were tired of going back to the same old restaurants, I remembered reading about a punk rock Chinese restaurant called "Kung Pao Kitty" on my favorite website http://www.la.com. Although it's located on Hollywood Blvd, in the heart of everything I abhor in LA, we braved the traffic and actually found a parking spot right outside the restaurant!! (The restaurant also has its own lot across the street, parking there is $3.)

The decor is very cool, vaulted ceiling, hanging lantern, cork on the walls--it looks kind of like Grace inside. There is a tiny open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant, and a couple frantic waitresses. As we settled into our table & ordered some Elixir teas, the cool atmosphere was interrupted by a pair of junkies who wandered off of Hollywood Blvd and who evidently, had never been to a restaurant before. The motley crew was seated 2 tables down from us; an older guy with long white kinky hair & a long white beard & a tattoo in the middle of his forehead (could have been a cross or a swastika, I was too scared to look) and a middle aged black guy carrying a large pack. Soon after ordering, the black guy locked himself in the only bathroom in the restaurant for about 20 minutes before people started to complain. A waitress & a manager both yelled at him to get out & he finally did, but he said that he was deeply insulted, blah blah blah. The manager (owner?) actually handled the situation brilliantly and calmed the guy down before anyone got hurt.

The junkies' food came, but they then decided that they wanted it to go, causing much confusion before they left.

Our food came out shortly after--we had ordered Spicy Sautéed Tofu & Yu Sheng Eggplant from "man eating tofu & vegetables" portion of the menu (although you can sub tofu for almost anything on the menu). The portions were humongous--we ate our fill & I ate the leftovers over 2 days of lunches at work--but the taste was so so. Both dishes were to heavily salted and the eggplant had too much vinegar & everything in general was too greasy. On the plus side, the ingredients were very fresh. The desserts looked interesting, but we were too full to try anything.

Unfortunately I found a hair in my food which was particularly traumatic because I had found a hair in my ice cream from the place in the Farmers' Market just days before. I also found a bit of silver & gold foil in the leftovers, bleh.

I don't think we'll be going back there anytime soon, unless we're held captive in Hollywood for some reason.

Also, there's no booze, but I hear that a liquor license is in the pipeline.

6445 Hollywood Blvd @ Wilcox
(323) 465-0110

FILM REVIEW: The Yes Men

2004-10-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

This engaging documentary film, directed by Chris Smith (American Movie), Dan Ollman and Sarah Price, chronicles the contentious activism of the WTO (world trade organization) by a small group of highly creative and courageous global citizens who impersonate representatives of that organization. From the folks who brought you the BLO (barbie liberation front), that switched the voice-boxes of talking barbie dolls with those from talking gi joe action figures in a holiday "identity liberation" prank, now comes an aggressive, humorous and compassion filled campaign to liberate the WTO from its own "false" identity.

Through the course of this film the issue of the WTO's negative central position with regards to Globalization, the degradation of not only the Third World but the entire world, in its role in squashing democratic and humane dissent to the interests and actions of multinational corporations is quite clearly distilled. Such injustice is put on its head, in the film, in several heartfelt pranks. With the aid of a website that mimics that of the WTO, Mike and Andy (the yes men's frontline players) get invited to appear as representatives of the WTO on CNBC Europe, where they un-spin the usual corporate rhetoric and make no bones about saying that might simply means right when it comes to the WTO, leaving the opposing leftist analyst stunned that they have made his point for him. Subsequently they are invited to a conference in Finland where they premiere a golden suit with an inflatable phallus that would allow managers to view workers on a screen on its head from across the globe and which would therefore allow the manager to maximize their own leisure.

Several other assaults lead up to a conference in Australia where The Yes Men announce the complete and immediate dissolution of the WTO siting a repentant self criticism of the organizations negative influence in the world, adding that the new aim of the organization was to reform using as its basis the United Nations Human Rights Policies.

Highly Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Edendale Grill

2004-09-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

I never felt fancy enough to eat at the Edendale Grill. Nestled off the sidewalk on Rowena behind a brick and bush veil--the place always seemed intimidating. So a couple weeks ago when a friend, who just moved to the neighborhood from SF, suggested we go there for dinner, I was nervous, but decided that I was up for the experience. Overall the food was okay, but the bar and the atmosphere were great.

We had reservations & our party of 6 was promptly seated in the front patio. It was a balmy evening so I ordered a margarita to cool me off which turned out to be a great margarita. The wine list looked pretty comprehensive and I've heard that they make a mean martini.

Foodwise I got the soup of the day--carrot ginger--which was no better than what I could make at home & "warm pecan custed brie with cherry-sage compote & crostini" which was fine, but nothing to write home about. Oli was excited when he ordered the "macaroni & brie with fennel, garlic herb breadcrumbs and roasted tomato" but when the food arrived instead of a cheesy, crispy, kitchy gourmet twist on an old favorite, Oli was given a plate of bowtie pasta with cream sauce and mixed veggies which was fine, but it should not be called macaroni.

The service was really good, despite one of they guys we were with being an a-hole & actually smacking our waitress on the butt. Actors (sigh).

Anyway, the most exciting part of the evening happened much much later. I had just dozed off & settled into the strangest dream I've had in a while. I went to a chinese restaurant where I knew the 3 owners. The whole place was emptied out & I walked in and was greeted by 3 Asain people--2 men & a woman. They offered me a strange beverage that I thought was sparkling water. As I drank it I felt as if my body was becoming effervesent & my soul was lifting out of my body. At this point in my real body (and in the dream) I started saying "whooaa! whooaaa!" because the sensation was so strange. Oli interpreted this to be my death rattle and woke me up. I don't know if they put msg in the food or maybe some other strange potion but I don't know if I'll eat there again.

Food: Okay, but may cause out of body experiences.
Atmosphere: Terrific! Go to the adjoining bar Mixville!!!

Edendale Grill
2838 Rowena Avenue
Silver Lake

ART REVIEW: LACMA Beyond Geometry

2004-09-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

This exhibit is set in the every perplexing LACMA. What a confusing and entropic museum! There is no rationale to the tickets the signs, why are people even going there? Oh, wait. the art. This exhibit has no flow. I noticed a lot of pieces that I have seen more recently at the MOCA, and accompanied by the loud and shrill sound of alarms that go off if you get too close to the artwork and the ghetto-not-fabulous burnt out/ flashing exit signs and squawking security guard walkie talkies, man this place is going down hill. All the artist plaques are inconveniently located in one spot on each wall which makes it hard to know what it is you are looking at. Even the language in the curatorial notes is lacking in sophistication and instead relying on such un-punniness as ..."Capitalizing on the new significance of text in conceptual art in the period...", this is total bullshit. The air conditioning was nice.

FILM REVIEW: HERO Directed by Zhang Yimou

2004-09-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

This film is a visual delight and it's no surprise when coming from director Zhang Yimou, whose equal obsession with color and telling stories about Chinese cultural heritage make this no ordinary martial arts film. This Fifth Generation New Chinese Filmmaker is responsible for other masterworks such as Red Sorghum, and The Story of Qiu Ju, has created a Rashomon style epic set over 2000 years ago just prior to the unification of China's 7 kingdoms, and the building of the Great Wall. The film, boasting an new translation a' la Tarantino, who presents the film in theatres in America, is ultimately typified by a very Communistic moral message -that sometimes a hero is someone that sacrifices their own purpose (love, friendship and life) for the good of all. The epilogue to the story is that upon its conclusion the legend and the idiom "Our Land" was born. For a western audience bread on individuation as pattern for heroic plot lines this film's ending may take an extra moment to assimilate and that is still one more refreshing aspect of this excellent movie.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Masa Cafe & Bakery

2004-09-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Masa Cafe & Bakery opened recently in Echo Park where a Mexican bakery used to be. Now it's a bakery/ restaurant owned by white people, but they are good white people, trying to integrate into the neighborhood by providing an atmosphere that is welcoming to all. Half of the place is a bakery that boasts lots of fresh bread, gigante croissants and decent looking eclairs, tartes, etc. In the restaurant half of the place they offer burgers, Chicago style pizza, panini, salads & crepes. I think the menu is still under development, but I was disappointed by the lack of vegetarian options. We got the only 2 vegetarian entrees on the menu (besides pizza) but they were both great. I got the Manchego Salad, which was a melange arugula, dates, candied walnuts, diced apples and more yummy manchego cheese than you could shake a stick at. Adorned with a balsamic reduction & olive oil, the salad was a very satisfying lunch. Oli got the Caprese Panini, which came with the cutest crinkle-cut fries AND a little side salad. It's hard to get a caprese sandwich wrong, but this sandwich was incredibly good & I think it was the bread. The bread had a sweetness that was almost reminiscent of corn bread or something. I couldn't quite put my finger on what made the sandwich so special, but it was. Everyone at the restaurant was really nice & I hope they have much success!!

Masa Cafe & Bakery
1800 W. Sunset Blvd. @ Lemoyne
Echo Park
(213) 989-1558

FILM REVIEW: Garden State

2004-09-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

When this film premiered at Sundance this past year I was on the phone daily with the film's publicist trying to arrange a Scrabble game/ photo op between "Garden State" stars Zach Braff and/ or Peter Sarsgaard and the Scrabble champs I was chaperoning around the film festival. The game didn't pan out because the actors got too busy after the "buzz" on their film got out of control. I didn't end up seeing the film at Sundance & I have learned to become leery of the "buzz." I have seen films with good festival buzz flop in theatres and I have seen films that were under the radar at film festivals go on to be huge hits.

Anywhoo--I finally got around to seeing the film a couple weeks ago & I thought that it was a good effort, especially by first time filmmaker/ writer/ director/ star/ Scrubs fave/ Zach Braff. Writer/ Director/ Actors can turn a fine film into a megalomaniacal mess & Zach did a pretty good job of tempering his idiosyncratic self-loathing with other more interesting characters. The film works well as a character study--I especially liked how many character details were not plot driven. For example--one of the characters has epilepsy. In a many films, revealing the epileptic would serve as a plot device leading to a seizure & some dramatic but predictable life/ death scene. No one has a seizure in Garden State, thank God. Peter Sarsgaard & Natalie Portman are great actors & Zach was blessed to have them in his film.

There is one thing that really really bugged me about the film: the music. I was at the mall with a friend last week & I told her that I couldn't go in certain stores because of the music they played in them & she observed that I was a very auditory person. I never really thought about it before, but she is totally right. I can't stand the sound of popping knuckles, I hate it when the TV & radio are on at the same time & I loath films that use music as the driving force to the action. There were several scenes that transformed into a music video & really interrupted the flow and rhythm of the action for me. Plus, all the music is really trendy & totally dates the film. The plot is timeless--a guy going back home to face his demons & transform into who he wants to be--but in 5 years the whole movie will seem so out of style because of the music. I'm not against music in film in any way, but I hate it when the music overwhelms the mood--it seems like the filmmaker couldn't craft the mood himself, so he has to rely on the mood of music he has plucked from another source. My favorite use of music in film of all time is in Leaving Las Vegas. Near the beginning of the film Nic Cage is in his office, drunk as a skunk & there is some jazzy music playing in the background, then Nic hums a few bars along with the music! It was beautiful & Mike Figgis is a genius and maybe Zach Braff will get there someday too. I can’t really imagine what Zach’s next film would be like—this film is really autobiographical—but who the heck knows.

SALON REVIEW: Jackie's Nails

2004-08-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe I shouldn't be telling y'all this, but Jackie's Nails is the best place I've ever been to get my nails done. Not only is the place clean, the products are quality (they use Essie nail polish), the service is great and it's cheap! cheap! cheap! The place appears a little janky upon first glance--it's tiny & there are only 4 stations crammed together. The decor leaves much to be desired--the floor to ceiling mirror is obscured by dozens of headshots of b-list celebrities and wanna be actors. But don't let that turn you off. For $10 you get a manicure, parafin wax treatment, and an arm & neck massage. All that for ten bones! Hi-five in style with pretty nails!

Jackie's Nails
161 South Crescent Heights Boulevard @ 3rd Street (right by the Paul Frank store)
323-951-1166

LISTMAKING REVIEW: HARPER'S Magazine

2004-08-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite purveyors of astounding lists is HARPER'S Magazine. Both, the celebrated and piercing "HARPERS INDEX", as well as the often ‘out there’ compilation on the last page, called "Findings", fill their lines with the stories of scientific facts and numbers, compassion, intellect, poetry and metaphysics.

What I like most about "Findings" is its dialectical format. Unlike the easy access info offered in snappy bullet-point one-line zingers in the Index, Findings is shaped like prose. At first this can be misleading because there appears to be no real rhyme or reason as to the construction of paragraphs, or even having more than 2 related sentences in a row. In fact the name is the best clue as to how to proceed when approaching this list...the links between all the bits of info form in the mind of the reader instead of being spelled out on the page. For a similar experience see "Fast, Cheap, And Out Of Control" by Errol Morris.

Pick it up and put it all together for yourself. Ah yeah.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

2004-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

This product actually is magic! It has removed scuffs on walls from chairs or picture frames that I haven't been able to get out with any chemical cleaner. It removed stains on our 66-year-old bathroom tiles that have been impenetrable to bleach and scrub brushes for the past 3 years. It even cleans grout easier than any toothbrush. The magic eraser is like kryptonite to all those annoying marks and stains in your house and the best part of the whole thing is that it doesn't use messy, smelly, harmful chemicals. That's right! "Just add water" and the magic eraser turns into a microdermabrasian tool for your home. It doesn't work on all surfaces, however, like high gloss paint or metal or wood, but who cares! It works wonders on everything else!

Run out & get yourself a Magic Eraser & cleaning will finally become fun!

Recommended.

MUSIC REVIEW: A.C. NEWMAN The Slow Wonder

2004-08-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

This solo album from the front man of New Pornographers (a band I don't care for) has created a record that is still continuing to grow on me. With a lot of production going into this album it offers the listener a great depth of nuanced pop composition. Layers of sound are tied together by the confident vocal styling of A.C. and through the la la la's of the other band members. There seems to be something significant being communicated in the narrative prose of these songs, a coded wisdom, which is laid out with nonchalance and warmth. It reminds me a lot of The Shins, and a slew of other influences can be heard, from Radiohead to Elvis Costello. There are opportunities for listeners to rock out to this album and to get hooked by la la la's and complex arrangements featuring varied instrumentation, from horns to effects. I am really starting to obsess over little sounds from certain parts of songs and I can't wait to hear them again. Go pick up a copy for yourself and see if you get hooked.

CONCERT REVIEW: Built to Spill at the El Rey

2004-08-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Lounging on a comfy couch in the VIP lounge at the El Rey, waiting for Built to Spill to go on, I started thinking about when I was first really in to Built to Spill. It was 1996. Built to Spill makes these really infectious records--like Modest Mouse's "Lonesome Crowded West"--which you can't help but listent to over and over until you can't get it out of your head, but in a good way. That was 8 years ago and here I am, still listening to the same band play the same songs.

But they've been making beautiful music since "Ultimate Alternative Wavers" in 1993. I have that album, and all their other albums, and side projects, etc. If you own any 2 Built to Spill albums, they have to be "There's Nothing Wrong With Love" (1994) and "Perfect From Now On" (1997), but if you have to pare it down to just one--get the 2000 Live album. Because live music is what Built To Spill does best.

So we got kicked out of the special VIP room to make room for some old fogies & some children, but still wrangled a good position to watch the show. Built To Spill ended up playing for about 3 hours, which seems humanly impossible, but these guys are professionals. At about 10:30 they went on stage to preform a live score to an artsy fartsy movie called "The Pink Floyd" as part of the Don't Knock the Rock festival that celebrated the marriage between film & music. I could barely see the film on the screen above the band because a giant chandelier was in my way, but it didn't really matter. BTS rocked out for 45 minutes, jamming along, changing moods, creating an operatic melody. It was great.

After a quick stage shuffeling, the band was back alternating between playing new songs and old favorites. Their old favorites were, of course, fantastic. Their new songs are leaning more and more toward a Neil Young sound. You can't deny that Doug Martsch's vocal stylings are similar to Neil Young's, but the whole sound is getting more "rock" influenced, and less "pop" influenced. This shift is kind of annoying, because if I wanted to listen to Neil Young, I would, but most of the time I don't. Overall, they were fantastic.

Ooooo--there were 2 opening bands. I didn't catch the name of thei 1st band, and it's not on any website that I could find, but I think that they were an LA band and they were interesting. We saw their last 3 songs. In the 3rd from last the singer sounded like Sammy Hagar and the song was very glam, which was great. The 2nd from last song was about how the singer spilled grape juice on his girlfriend & was pretty mediocre, but sounded more honest. And the final song sounded just like the Police, and I hate the Police.

The other opening band was LA's Secret Society of the Sonic Six who are 3 guys who are really hard to describe. How about: Electonic rock with lots of falsetto. Electroclash. No Wave. They were pretty good, but I think that the sound was a bit too challenging for a lot of the audience. But that's not their fault.

Built to Spill: Recommended as always

FILM REVIEW: RUSSIAN ARK by Alexander Sokurov

2004-08-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Part historical renactment, part national/cultural nostalgia, part "12 Monkeys", and half boring. I am not quite sure what the real life significance of this film will be for the world at large or for modern-day Russians. The films' anti-plot heavy story is of a faceless & time -traveling-21st-century-filmmaker (a' la 24P), and a former Italian (Renaissance) diplomat / would be (untrustworthy) narrator (and senile/mad sensualist) --"the part of an observant, intelligent and atrabilious Marquis Astolf De Kustin"-- when the two meet after they are both suddenly transported in time and space to the Winter Palace In St. Petersburg in 18th Century, Russia. After viewing the film I was left with a glazed and slightly enlightend sensation. The - 'happening'-esque tone of this movie, how a dream can feel flimsy, is a little too fake for my tastes, (plus, civil war renactors frighten me). Tonight I still feel somewhat perplexed by this film.

Russian History Rocks!!!, but this film is not history channel faire and is rather more like a structuralist take on classical art and the culture of liesure and decadance of Russian royalty. In this way it could be said that this film comments on 'Empire' itself -leaving some valuable nourishment especially for todays world. Many real life Russians, some plotical, portray themselves as this film expounds multiple layers of time, reality and documen.

Mindbending.

ART REVIEW: RODNEY GRAHAM: A Little Though / SIGN LANGUAGE - MOCA The Geffen Contemporary

2004-08-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we pointed ourselves downtown towards two new shows at MOCA, The Geffen Contemporary. "Rodney Graham: A Little Thought", and "SIGN LANGUAGE" are both running from July 25 to November 29, 2004.

Rodney Graham: A Little Thought

The first thing that one sees in the exhibition is a series of inverse portraits of trees, and an explaination of the methods of photography, in which a camera obscura is used to photograph the tree over it's lifetime. In an article in this week's LA Weekly, Rodney Graham is quoted as saying, "I'm a sucker for loops — Froot, tape, Javascript, film, whatever; as long as it’s set to “Repeat All,” I could stay there forever." This obsession with small moments in time, music, and imagemaking in scale with the cycles of the living world are all appearant themes in these works. There are several narrative video-loops and projections, overall this wasnt the best thing I've seen at MOCA.

SIGN LANGUAGE

This exhibition is culled from the museums permanent collection, and includes work that, "appropriate the format, material, and conventions of signage and advertising in order to communicate their respective messages, yet countermand the real-world intentions of such things," according to MOCA. Amanda was especially concerned with the arrangment of the work herein, where several pieces by an artist were alternated with a random set of other works. Overall, again, this was not highly moving or unique.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Teas' Tea

2004-08-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

I became a tea connoisseur after I quit coffee last year. As summer rolled around I began experimenting with iced teas--a beverage I have always avoided because I was only ever familiar with the overly sweet lipton iced tea or snapple. I discovered that Coffee Bean by far has the best iced teas. Usually there are 3 or 4 varieties to choose from--from classic black to fruity to minty--flavors change daily and are fresh tasting. But sometimes, Coffee Bean is out of reach--what then?

Teas' Tea!! Unsweetened, this line of Japanese bottled teas come in several flavors & can be found at select markets. So far I've had the White Green Tea and The Green Jasmine. The White Green Tea was good, but rather strong flavored. The Green Jasmine is an absolute delight! If you love the sweet flowery essence of jasmine tea, you will love Teas' Tea. The ingredients are simple: water, tea, and vitamin c as a preservative. Not only do you get all the antioxidants that are naturally in tea, you get a boost of 220% of you daily value of vitamin c. And each bottle has a haiku on it. Here's my haiku, dedicated to Teas' Tea:

summer time
i thirst for something wet
its here, teas' tea

Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Rambutan Thai

2004-07-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

Amanda was reading online about our favorite new restaurant Gingergrass (see review below), when she saw a list of restaurants featuring nouveau international faire in Silverlake including Malo, Cobras & Mattadors, and (fanfare) Rambutan Thai. Tonight we turned the spotlight onto that very spot, where up to now a strange blurriness had been. Empty at seven, full by eight, we were starved and so we dug into some deep fried thai summer rolls, and fresh spring rolls. My Mom ordered a Singha Gold and the Thai Porkchop wich she thouroughly enjoyed. Amanda and I split an order of Pad Se Yu, a delicious red curry with tofu (which came without the vegetables it was supposed to), and fresh morning glory greens quickly sauted with garlic. I drank two Tiger beers (from Singapore) and Amanda enjoyed a unique house concoction: lychee margarita with soju - served up martini style with a whole lychee fruit the glass. The whole experience was sophisticated and soothing, they deliver too. There is much more to try, and if you are a meat eater definitely hit up there extensive thai tapas offering.

Recomended, (as I am still so full)!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Electric Lotus

2004-07-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yuck! Do not eat here. I've eaten at the Electric Lotus several times in the past, and it was always good, but last night I had the most disgusting food ever. We ordered Mushroom Mater (mushrooms and peas) and tofu in mint sauce with garlic naan & rice. The rice was the only edible thing. The sauces on the tofu and the mushrooms were watery and flavorless. The mushrooms were soggy and the peas were overcooked. We ordered everything medium spicy, but everything was about as spicy as ketchup. We complained to the waiter, for the first time in my entire life & he brought out a complimentary eggplant dish. (The waiter, a Scottish toehead, was the nicest waiter ever, thank you Scottish guy!) Even the eggplant dish was bad--somehow it was sour, and some of the eggplant was pureed and some of it was in long chunks.

They must have gotten a new chef or something at Electric Lotus, or maybe it was an off night, but I will never go there again. I'd rather go to Trader Joe's and get some Tasty Bites.

Not Recommended.

FILM REVIEW: Maria Full of Grace

2004-07-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Maria Full of Grace was one of the half dozen films I had time to see at Sundance this year and although it is a good effort by a first time feature filmmaker it has two fatal flaws:

1. This is a film about women, yet the writer/ director is a man. There is a definite disconnect between the female characters in the film and the way real women are. The writer/ director leaves out some kind of intangible femininity in his portrayals. It's really annoying and it makes the characters seem fake.

2. The film is about a Columbian drug ring that uses young women as mules to smuggle cocaine into the US and is almost completely in Spanish. Meanwhile, the writer/ director, Joshua Marston, is a sissy boy from the Valley who went to Berkeley and became socially conscious & decided to make a socially conscious film. He wrote the script in English and had to get it translated into Spanish. I don't speak Spanish, and I've never been to Columbia, but I still had the feeling that some authenticity was missing.

Marston truly made an earnest effort to enable a discourse about a social problem that effects, well, young girls in Columbia & Columbian immigrants in NY. I don't want to be 100% negative--the acting is great, and the story is interesting, but this is not a great film.

Recommended with reservations.

FILM REVIEW: Blue Car

2004-07-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is almost a great, heartrending movie about a sensitive teen girl who expresses her crappy life through poetry. The acting, costuming, set desigh, etc. is all good but the plot is ruined when the girl's relationship with her mentor, her AP English teacher, turns naughty. We can see that the girl sort of gets a crush on the teacher, when really she just needs a father figure (her parents are divorced & she never sees her dad). Instead of acknowledging the crush & dealing with the girl like a mature adult, the teacher of course persues a relationship with the girl and basically rapes her. The girl gets upset & reads a nasty poem about the teacher to an auditorium filled with other students and his peers. Can you think of a more cliche ending?

I'm glad we watched this at 1am on Showtime instead of wasting $3 on renting it.

Not Recommended.

CONCERT REVIEW: Sonic Youth @ Henry Fonda

2004-07-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

I hate it when you pay good money to go to a show & they treat you like crap. We arrived at the Henry Fonda Music Box Theatre around 9:30 & were surprised to see a long line trailing from the venue around the block--we were even more surprised to find out that the line was the will call line. The line to buy tickets was incredibly short, and those people didn't have to wait at all. We waited in the stupid line for at least a half hour. We had come late so we wouldn't have to endure the opening band, Wolf Eyes. They were still playing when we walked up to the line, but had finished while we waited to get inside & I was getting anxious that we may miss the whole damn show. The whole time in line various people were shouting at us to go in different lines if you already had your ticket or if you wanted to buy a ticket & to get our id's out--shut up already! We're not stupid. We finally acquired our tickets & went into the security line. Luckily I didn't bring my purse & was wearing a pocketless skirt & t-shirt so they didn't really have to pat me down. Oli wasn't so lucky & came very close to getting a cavity search & was accused of concealing a "dime-bag" in his pocket. Such bullshit! A guy who looked like he could have been my dad had to throw away his key chain because it posed a threat. Grrrrr!! The average age of a concert-goer that night was about 32 and the general nerdiness quotient was high. I can't even imagine what circumstances could lead up to a knife fight--or a keychain fight, rather--maybe an argument about dark matter in the universe? or about which Sonic Youth album rocked the hardest?

After spending $14 on a margarita and a jack & coke we nestled in to a nice spot on the floor & waited for the band to start while an excited audience hooted and hollared. Sonic Youth was great. They've been around for hundreds of years and have played millions of shows but they still had a great enthusiasm. They played a lot of new stuff from their latest album intercut with Thurston's pretentious ramblings about Aaaahrnold & the suburbs.

Sonic Youth: Recommended.
Henry Fonda: Sucks.

FILM REVIEW: Fahrenheit 911

2004-07-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Where to begin when discussing this film...first off I say Fuck Bush and the oil pump he rode in on...but for the media to constantly refer to this film as simply "Bush-Bashing" is entirely narrowsighted. For besides bashing the performance of the worst performing president in the history of the united states of america this film is highly critical of a lot of other people, such as all of the us congress, the military and not to mention Saudi Arabia, and rightly, and objectively so!!! In these bleak times there is no shortage of important global issues for documentary filmmakers to shine light upon and bearing this in mind I still feel that Fahrenheit 911 is the most important film ever made! Through 'everyman logic' and with the compassion that any 'descent god-fearing american' mother has for her child, Michael Moore's questioning of the Bush administration's push for war in Iraq and his examination of the consequences of that war have already proven to be invalauable in their contribution to the hope for a brighter future for all.

Some of the most disturbing and important issues highlighted in the film are: the financial links between the Bush family and the Royal family of Saudi Arabia (remember 15 out of the 19 hijackers were from that country), as well as the immediate authorization by the Bush white house (while all flights were still grounded directly after 9/11) for hundreds of members of the Bin Laden Family to be flown out of the us. Also, I was extremely moved by the part of the film in which Moore ties together the issues of the legacy of degredation of Flint, Michigan (his home town) with that of a local woman and her family whose son died while performing his duty in Iraq. It was an especially poignant revealation that the Mother who had lost her job at GM (in the 80's) had become an executive at a job placement company which had done quite a large amount of its business counseling people to pursue military careers. It just highlighted the underlying reality that for many impoverished americans the military is the only option they have. Later in the film, in Moore's stunning and bitterly satirical forte, he ambushed congress persons on their way to work in D.C. and tried to tempt them to enlist their children in the army, none were the slightest bit interested. Only one congress person in the nation currently has a child serving in the army.

So highly recommended.

BOOK REVIEW: Nalda Said by Stuart David

2004-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Nalda Said is a good first novel by Belle & Sebastian bass player Stuart David. A quick read at 152 pages the novel(la) is about a man who believes that he has a rare diamond stuck in his intestinal tract, and waits his whole life to pass his jewel and become rich. The man, who is also the untrustworthy narrator, lives a quiet life as a gardener, scared to death that someone will somehow find out his secret and cut him open to steal the diamond. Nalda, the reader is told, is his aunt, who came to take care of him after his jewel-theif father had to go into hiding. Nalda weaves fantastic stories to entertain and enlighten the sheltered boy, including the story of the diamond, and the boy, as he turns into a man, believes every word to be true. Nalda is taken away before she can tell the man the truth, so he goes on believing the stories.

There are obvious comparisons of tests of faith throughout the book--of enduring suffering or sadness, believing that someday something will happen to make you happy, and whole--like winning the lottery, or being welcomed into heaven. I think that the point of this book is that faith in anything, no matter how false, or superficial, or profound is what moves us. Even if we never win the lottery or pass a diamond, it's important to believe in possibility.

Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Alcove/ Village Gourmet

2004-07-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

YAY!! This place has only been open for a couple of weeks and I already love it. Open for breakfast until late night Alcove is the cafe/ bakery the East Side has needed forever. The lunch/ dinner fair consists mainly of sandwiches & burgers (Oli & I both got the brie, apple, carmelized onion panini on rosemary focaccia on our first visit) and everything comes with your choice of salad, fries or onion rings. This is an order-at-the-counter-they-bring-you-your-food type of place which works great with the design of the restaurant. You can choose to sit in the big outdoor patio or inside the lush restaurant. The pastries are also amazing--they offer at least a dozen cakes to choose from, plus cookies and anything else you can imagine. The best part about this place, though, is how ridiculously friendly the staff is. They have been slammed since they opened--everytime I drive by the patio is full, yet the order takers & servers are always chatty and smiling. I love every one of them.

Village Gourmet is a gourmet deli/ cheese shop that opened in conjunction with Alcove. During the day, they open up a the partition between the two stores & allow you to wander back and forth while you await your food. Village Gourmet closes at a normal time though, so no late night french olive runs for you.

Recommended.

Alcove/ Village Gourmet
1929 Hillhurst Avenue (across the street from Vida)
Los Feliz

FILM REVIEW: Spiderman 2

2004-07-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Spiderman 2 was a thousand times better than Spiderman 1. I hated Spiderman 1 because of all the unnecessary graphic violence. I hate violence, especially in a movie theater full of kids. Parents will let their kids will see Spiderman no matter what the rating because of all the lame marketing & toys. Anyway, much of the time the director of Spidey 2 purposely did not show the violent parts--he would show people's reactions to violence instead of blood gushing everywhere. And there were consequences to the violence--Spidey was knocked unconscious more than once, his suit got torn and burned, he had abrasions and cuts. In general, the film was much more human than the first one and focused a lot on Spidey's personal and emotional turmoil, and less on lame fight scenes. My favorite scene was when Peter Parker is trying to get back into the Spidey Spirit & runs really fast off the roof of a building while making the most grotesque faces. He was making strained faces like he was pushing out a baby--and his face was 20 feet tall and so ugly--what actor would let a director get away with that?

Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Tartine SF

2004-07-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

If Tartine was in LA, I'd weigh 400 pounds by now. This place has ridiculously good pastries, cakes, breads and panini. I wish I could have tried more things--like the brioche bread pudding topped with raspberries or the double chocolate pain au chocolat, or the cheesy, savory gougere, or the eclairs, or the chocolate souffle cake made with sharffen berger chocolate...stop!! This place is too good. Don't let the ever present long line scare you away, the food is worth the wait.

I got a vegetarian croque monsieur--fresh country bread layered with tomatoes, bechamel, gruyere, thyme and pepper. The open faced sandwich was huge, satisfying and warm out of the oven. Oli got the Percorino and almond panini--melted goats cheese encrusted with crushed almonds, lemon & sage and a healthy dose of olive oil, also on their county bread. This sandwich was so rich, not even Oli could finish the whole thing (but it was huge).

If you're in San Francisco, run, don't walk to Tartine & leave your diet at the door.

Recommended.

Tartine
600 Guerrero at 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-487-2600

RESTAURANT REVIEW: gingergrass

2004-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes food is so good that is just makes you mad. You're angry because it isn't fair that you ever have to eat anything else but this food. I haven't had Vietnamese food since I've been in LA & I've been looking forward to the opening of gingergrass in silverlake for weeks. Oh my God, was it good. The food was really fresh & inspired, the service was quick and friendly, the atmosphere was trendy but tasteful--the whole experience was top notch.

6:30 Sunday evening, after a busy day shopping with the girls & hiking with the boys, our party of three grabbed the last empty table & dug in to complimentary fried rice chip thingies with peanut sauce (yum) while we devoured the menu. To start off, we ordered vegetarian imperial rolls--wonderfully crispy and greasy and savory, fresh tofu summer rolls--wonderfully herby, and "gingergrass" fresh rolls with crab & avocado. Each order came with its own special dipping sauce & prices for all the appetizers range between about $4-$6. And our drinks were amazing. They don't serve alcohol here, but you re welcome to BYO (go silverlake wine across the street, but try not to get hit by a car). They do have tasty non-alcoholic beverages--we all got the "basil lime elixir" which was amazing. Kind of like a mojito, but with basil syrup instead of the mint--seems strange but it was oh so good. Oli got the fresh ginger limeade which was sweet, & overpoweringly gingery.

Next up we ordered the only 2 vegetarian main dishes to share (although they come as entrees, not a la carte)--The tofu noodle bowl ($6.25) consisted of perfectly soft rice noodles, shredded lettuce, pickled veggies, and herbs topped with beautifully fried soft tofu. The "gingergrass" tofu ($9.75) consisted of a pile of garlicky baby bok choy & shitake mushrooms, a pile of those amazing fried tofu cubes, a pile of broken jasmin rice (which was the best rice I have had in my life), some vietnamese slaw & a sauce for the whole thing. We also got some taro root chips because who can resist taro root.

They've also got some amazing looking salads, pho, of course, and sandwiches. Lots of fish, beef, chicken & pork, but enough veggie dishes to hold you through until dessert.

We went for the fried banana spring rolls which were served on a swirl of chocolate sauce along with a coconut dipping sauce. Need I say more? Oli got the vietnamese iced coffee which you brew at your table. The little vietnamese coffee brewer sits on top of your cup & slowly extrudes the strongest, most delicious coffee into a pool of waiting condensed milk. Pour this over a glass of ice & you've got the most amazing coffee drink ever. It's so flavorful, it almost tastes like chocolate. We all decided that if this place was open in the morning we would meet here before work for this coffee.

Gingergrass is bound to be a hit. Open only for a week, it was already packed on a sunday night. Luckily it's also open for lunch, so I can go 2x a day.

Recommended.

gingergrass: fresh vietmanese cuisine
2396 Glendale Blvd
Silver Lake, CA 90039

323-664-1600

FILM REVIEW: The Five Obstructions @ Film Forum

2004-06-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

As an out of town film arts fan I was surprised to find the touted film forum of nyc was charging $10.00 for a film and had also hired a gaggle of teenaged film snobs to scream in excess about the need to have your ticket out (in your hand), while they apathetically heard' us into the tiniest screening room ever. The audience seemed unaware of themselves as some couple within ear shot were having a competitive discussion of Shakespeare in the most pretentious of tones. The film itself was magically human as well as a highly technical deconstruction of same director' Jorgen Leth's famed short film, "The Perfect Human" (1967), five times. Ultimately, the film's administrator, Lars (Von) Trier catches himself in the very pointed obstructions he serves up to his mentor, Let. The ethos of creativity clash and yet survive a brilliant and mutual creation.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: "Ino

2004-06-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

We had walked and successfully shopped our way through Nolita and Soho and by late afternoon had arrived at 21 Bedford St. (in the west village). At an empty table further along a row of empty tables pressed up against one wall in this intimate space we ordered two glasses of Prosecco and each our own panino sandwich. One with fennel & gruyere, and one with grilled vegetables and goat cheese. It was so deliriously delightful. We tasted olives and reviewed the spoils of our day, the sun outside was parallel with the ground, and a breeze was cooling off the warm summer air. The place was so friendly, and the food was great. A very romantic spot.

HAPPY HOUR REVIEW: Hi Fi NYC

2004-06-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Located on Avenue A, between 10th and 11th Streets, Hi Fi is a cool bar. The hook is that they've got a hi-tech jukebox called El DJ that has 2300+ full length albums on it. I still managed to think of a few of my favorite albums that weren't in the computer (like Europe's "The Final Countdown"--what are they thinking?). It's a cool bar to go to at night when it is full of hipsters, but the Happy Hour has some fatal flaws. The deal is that all drinks are buy one, get one free, which, in most bars is cool b/c you can get one drink & give the free one to your friend, but at Hi Fi, the free drink is only good for your next round--so we ended up having to get 2 rounds of drinks, which is ok, but sometimes only one beer is enough. The pluses were that the Discovery Channel was on, and the bartenders were nice.

FILM REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2004-06-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

I am not a "Potter Head." I've never even glanced at any of the books, nor do I have any desire to. In general, I don't like entertainment appealing to kids...I don't like "Shrek" or "Finding Nemo" or any other thing made by Disney or Pixar. I've heard it all before "but Amanda, there's a subtext that is written for adults to understand," "but Amanda, the story is so great, anyone can enjoy it." "Well," I reply, "Bah Humbug!" I don't care that I seem to be in the minority among many of the people I know, "Bah Humbug, Harry Potter."

This is the third Potter movie I've been dragged to. I think that the 1st one was the best, it told the most interesting part of Potter's saga--the other 2 movies seem like a giant pool of salad dressing drowning Harry's baby greens. The 2nd film was awful. The 3rd one was better than the 2nd, the direction by Alfonso Cuarón was good, as was the acting, but I feel that the film lacks a lot of substance unless you have read the book. What's the difference between a moggle and a dumbledorf? I don't know, I don't care either.

You'll like the movie if you already like Potter, but I'm still searching for something to warm the cockles of my heart.

FILM REVIEW: Napoleon Dynamite

2004-06-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ever had a PG dream where you were the radest nerd in Idaho in a ficticious dream-world where it is still the 80's but they have cell phones and you spend every day rocking your moon boots and your pagasus tees? Well, that is how the filmmakers must have pitched this underwealming gem to the folks at MTV films. This movie is great, even for all the problems it has, lack of character motivation in scenes and in general a lack of plot . But who cares, the nerds win in the end, and not just at student body president and tetherball.

Check a matinee, or wait for video if you can stand being that far out of touch.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: VP2 (Vegetarian Paradise 2)

2004-06-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

"Bang a gong it's on"...imagine an iron chef who is a buddhist master of mock-meat and vegetarian delights endlessly battling himself in order to serve you...anyway it is pretty much like eating in this restaurant. I ordered a beet-pear-ginger juice for my thirsty immune system and followed by a tasty bowl of hot & sour soup I was already feeling my vitals starting to soar. Orange-Tangerine Beef with Broccoli, and Moo Shu Delight were fantastic. The mock duck was a little too real (slimey), it was not very flavorful or otherwise unique and I would not recommend it. We left feeling so full but yet still refreshed and ultimately discussing what we might order upon our next visit...to NYC.

Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Candle Cafe

2004-06-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

We had just got into nyc and were early meeting our friends Jeremy and Kasia at grand cental. Fifteen minutes later after a quick Bellini (peach juice and chamagne) we had found each other and were off to the upper east side to Candle Cafe. The restaurant is a long warm space set behind a modest window. The ample menu full of internationally inspired vegan faire complemented by daily specials, house cocktails, and fresh smoothies was certainly tantilizing on paper, but ultimately lacked the panache of fresh california organic veggies and the excellence our guide book had promised. Also, our appetizers arrived after our main course and there was no respite but a weak and muddled appology -no credit or complementary drinks. The lemon-ginseng iced tea was fantastic but, for what was really vegan-comfort-food with a twist and for the price I wished that the portions had been greater. I think I will try to replicate some of the dishes on my own next time. Dish, dish dish...kisses nyc.

Next time your in NYC, taste for yourself, "don't bother me kid".

SHOPPING REVIEW: Other Music

2004-06-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Aside from Aquarius Records in San Francisco, this is the best music shop I have ever experienced. A small room contains a large selection of music with categories such as "In, Out, Electronica, La Decadanse, Krautrock, Groove, Psychedelia, and Then, you are sure to be richly rewarded by a an afternoon's research. This is a store for true music lovers but there is no aire of superiority, at least not more than my own.

Recommended.

FILM REVIEW: Saved

2004-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Saved, is the best uncompromising satire of fundamentalist christianity,slash, teen (coming of age) dramady that I have seen since flashdance. Really, and truly! " I am full of christ's love," says Mandy Moore as she chucks a bible at Jena Malone. Macaulay Culkin is brilliant!!! Hello!!!- I am always glad to see Martin Donovan working, he is such a god. This film quietly blew me away. It is seriously on my top 10 list for 2004. It is erie how well the diagetic world of this film drew info from such films as Hell House (see review below). Go see this movie if you love teen movies and hate fundamentalist christians - More people should.

Oh Lord is this highly recommended.

HAPPY HOUR REVIEW: Mexican Village

2004-06-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

So we're back from Happy Hour--$3 margaritas & $7 pitchers!!!--4-8pm or so down the street from us on Beverly where it turns into Temple--now i have a terrible case of the hiccups, the hiccups that never die. When I get the hiccups, they last for days. I'll hiccup a bunch all at once, really loud, deafening really--and then day by day they'll slow to, say, one hiccup a day for the next week then bit by bit they subside. The only thing that helps is guided meditation. Imagine the hiccup as a bright light in your throat, like tinkerbell, then, when you exhale, the light comes out of your mouth & you trap it in as little box. You put the little box into a bigger box & put that box into a bigger box and you put it in yet another box full of cement & wrap it with chains and then you take that box to a bridge & you throw it over the bridge until it sinks in a deep river. Usually this works, but not this time.

There were 3 lady accountants at the happy hour with us & they got a little wild, singing aye yie yie yie's and such. And an older man gave us buffalo wings & I tried to tell him that we didn't eat meat, but I'm not sure he understood. Also, the Reagan funeral was on all the 6 tv sets in the restaurant, bonus!!

Recommended.

HOTEL REVIEW: Carlton Arms NYC

2004-06-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a bargain hotel in New York, you can't beat the Carlton Arms. Located in the mid-east side on 25th at 3rd Ave, next to a community college, the "hotel" is more like a hostel, catering to and run by young artsy types. Every surface of the hotel has been painted by local or international artists and each room has its own theme. You can choose from several different room types, with or without bathrooms & the prices range from $60 for one person with a shared bathroom to $117 for 4 people to share a large room with a private bath (that's only $29 per person!!). Weekly rates are also available.

We were buzzed in and I was excited to see a small sign at the bottom of the stairs advising people not to let the cats out. Anyplace with cats roaming around has to be good. Our check in was swift, a young-ish british guy gave us 3 keys to three rooms on the "C" floor: "choose which one you like best & bring back the other 2 keys when you're ready." Like Goldilocks we entered the first room, nice, but the decor was kind of bland compared to the photos we had seen on the website. The next room had a funky shower situation--the bathtub was there, but the "shower" was a hose connected to the bathtub faucet, plus it had scary goth art. The third room was indeed the most charming. We turned the lock to room 9C & found a plush boudoir fit for a harem. The walls were covered in leapard print fabric, the trim and doors were painted royal purple and gold and the ceiling was adorned with a shimmering red satin canopy. Magenta lace curtians adorned the windows that looked out onto a pretty quiet street.

Like everywhere in NY, there are several bars and restaurants surrounding the hotel, but we chose to walk over to 2nd Ave to the 15 bus that takes you right into the East Village. The Carlton Arms was a great place to crash after a late night out with friends. All in all it was very quiet; the only other guest we saw was an older guy from the Idaho or something who was talking to the manager and smiling.

Recommended.

FILM REVIEW: Coffee & Cigarettes

2004-06-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

The latest from director Jim Jarmusch, (Ghost Dog, Dead Man, and more), is a series of vignettes with only one common thread - actually two...The first problem, or point of genius, that the film has is that it ultimately reveals its two unifying subjects to be lousy unifying forces. Destroying their classically revered power these hollow pretexts, function, rather than by smoothing the awkward meetings of a slew of famous faces (both new and old to the directors' stock of players) are simply a syntactic jumping off point. Iterations on the theme of the "&", within this reframing of the coffee and the cigarettes parts, there are some bits that are notably more enjoyable than others.

Alfred Molina's delectably positive and emotional performance in a sketch where he explains his discovery of a distant kinship to Steve Coogan is so invigorating. Where in another scene Cate Blanchett meets her down and out cousin, also played by her, in a hotel bar the film shows some of its brightest ideas. The overwhelmingly funniest moments are in the bit with Bill Murray, RZA, and GZA, this is where the film finally starts to refer directly to previous dialogue and situations and finally gives the viewer a little more to sink their teeth into. All said I was left feeling hungry for some real food - you cannot live on coffee and cigarettes alone.

-Maybe you should wait for the dvd on this one, or just see it when you're not that hungry.

ART REVIEW: A Minimal Future? Art As Object 1958-1968

2004-06-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Currently running through August 2nd at MOCA at California Plaza this retrospective include an excellent range of work, from painting to sculpture and mixed media, of over 40 American artists from the period. According to the museum's official line this exhibition is concerned with, "One of the most significant art movements of the 20th century, minimal art is presented as a constellation of dialectical practices about the structure, form, material, production, and function of the artwork and its relationship to space and to the spectator." For me the most exhilarating thing about this artwork is that very same "dialectical" experience of having the simplest of forms trigger the expansion of a greater concept and to feel it's detail being illustrated within me rather than, as is expressly the point, upon 'the canvas'. Where these works tend to disappoint is in those pieces that appear to require no special skill to manufacture. In most cases these often have the least staying power as far as I am concerned. Like anything there is a fine line of what works best. Much of the sculptures and drawings and paintings are incredibly exciting and there is plenty enough for a second visit in my opinion.

FILM REVIEW: Soul Plane

2004-06-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

-Guest review by Cap'n Jonathan K. McCoy

Maybe it was the pot. And maybe it was the Jimmy Kimmel Live chick's velveteen royale purple Soul Plane captain's hat, but that shit rocked. Even though there were like only 6 other people in the theatre besides us 4 white folk, they were the vocal audience I knew I had paid to be with at the Magic Johnson theaters in like what is that area, south central Gardena or someshit. Man, good times. I couldn't tell ya one thing about the movie now, except that Snoop dies ( i think i cried at that part) and I think Nashawn Wayne really is gay. Oh, and the black couple who is making fun of how much black people get it on in movies screw on the landing gear as the plane is landing. Yeah, that was funny. I thought that there was a dude in the bathroom all handing out towels and shit was gonna be funny but in effect it's just sorta creepy. The funniest part, though, is when they make fun of how poor colored people are, which really is the entire movie. I don't mean colored people, I mean afroAms, but it felt sorta appropo to be usin some of that colofrul language, like the word colored, it's a pretty colorful sounding word. Anyway, like, the overhead bins being lockers and the refreshments being Colt 45 or Alizé. You know, by now there has got to be some child in Inglewood who is being named Alizé at this very moment, right? Yeah, whew, man, and that 99¢ store in the terminal, next to Roscoe's. I'm talking, that was dy-no-mite. I could've used more Rick James references and a little more OTT blacksploitation, but man, good times. Like I said, maybe it was the pot.

High-ly Recommended

PRODUCT REVIEW: Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer

2004-05-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Finding the perfect item to accentuate your kisser is a lifelong quest for many women. In general I hate lipstick--I hate the way it looks, feels, smells & tastes. Since last summer I've been searching for the perfect tinted chapstick to give myself the illusion of wearing lipstick, but keeping within my comfort level. I found Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer on drugstore.com & fell in love. It's shimmery, sheer but packed with color, comes in 7 hues and feels like Burt's Bees chapstick. Basically, that's what it is, chapstick with color and shimmery sparkles. Like Burt's chapstick, the lip shimmer envelopes your lips with a mentholated aura of tingly goodness. Priced at $3.29 on drugstore.com (although I've seen them in stores for $5.00) this is a great value. My only complaint is that there's no SPF--I guess a girl can't have it all.

Recommended

FILM REVIEW: Elephant

2004-05-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Dreamlike realism is the chief characteristic of this 2003 production I recently rented from Video Journeys.

Director Gus Van Sant's camera haunts the mundane toils of several young people whose lives intersect at Columbine high school, on April 20th 1999. With the combination of the use of a ghost-like pov -most of the film is spent in enduringly held long-takes while following just 2 steps behind each person. This film manages to move from a place of quiet to a terrifyingly real account of the mass-carnage de jour. The mood is furthered by an often abstract musical score -like Sonic Youth playing live inside a sinking ship, overheard by a whale. Also there is some Ludwig Van Beethoven.

Elephant's starkly convincing sense of the real is cemented through a stylistic detachment. With unselfconscious poise and 'searching' voyeurism the story meditates the shocking countdown, recontextualizing it at eye level. From the outset, Elephant' use of an 'objective' perspective was inventive, hypnotically suggesting such a sense of truth. This sense was reinforced in a surprising way for me when during the peak of the action of the film each characters frame seems to shrink finally, but without really doing so. Without a zoom or cut to close-up, it was as if the negative space, like in a painting, was suddenly conjured up and signaled as being tantamount to all else. This overwhelming sense of an other or negative space surrounding and surpassing the tedious and serious existence of these characters had signaled to my mind something modestly on pare with the smallest understanding of the human entanglement involved in this real moment -the real thing on the real day in real life. I was left thinking of how that which was cropped and left out from the films' perspective, like in close-up, only lends an even greater realism. In this way the film attempts to address the very issue of its making, of reconstructing memory and of human consequence.

For another experience of this all too real' and wrenching historical node see Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. That film gives a greater topical and piercing analysis of this event in detail and in context to U.S. Empyreal Violence and deeper cultural history (i.e. 'manifest destiny') in reference to the national psyche -in pop terms.

Elephant remembers the ambience of real shock and awe.... and never forgets. There is a deeply sad silver-lining in these clouds shone in the reflection of the great beauty of the sky, that of youth and youthful desire and direness, pale and clear in shallow water as on a battlefield. This film is offered as a gift to the living world.

Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Malo

2004-05-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

After a monster walk all over Silver Lake, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Malo, a "taqueria chicana" that opened a few months ago in our hood. I've read mixed reviews about the place, but I've come to the conclusion that the people who didn't like Malo didn't like it because it doesn't serve "traditional" Mexican cuisine. The food is pan-American, with a gourmet twist--which is exactly the kind of food I've been searching for. But wait, before we get into the food, we've got to talk tequila. Malo specializes in tequila and boasts a tequila menu featuring about 70 varieties and ranging in price between a $6 shot of Sauza to a $55 shot of "Seleccion Suprema." After consulting with our helpful and enthusiastic waiter, we chose El Tesoro Reposado for our $8 margaritas--the best margaritas we have ever had. Really, I'm not sure how they made them, but my margarita tasted so fresh and complex, so amazingly good. I followed my margarita up with a truly amazing mojito. They've got several other interesting drink specials on the menu including a Mexican cosmo and horchata with Ciclone.

Malo is split into 2 wings--the bar wing & the restaurant wing. They've also got a dining patio, which is too rare in LA. There's a jukebox in the bar with a great selection of music from Brian Eno to the Shins. In the dining room they played loud rocking music which mixed great with our drinks. We went at about 7pm on a Wednesday night, and the scene was pretty much dead, but supposedly it's got a happening singles scene on the weekends.

OK, the food: everything at Malo comes a la carte, meaning no complimentary chips & salsa, no rice & beans with your meal--it's all extra. This seems like a bummer at first, but it's actually great b/c they've got a wide selection of unusual sides like sauteed squash or fried bananas with garlic and cream. We went for the tortilla chips "fried to order" with a burnt habanero & creme fraiche salsa for $4. The salsa was amazing, so spicy and so sweet--not meant for people with delicate constitutions. The chips were fresh, but a little on the soggy side, but we didn't really mind. They've also got a Spanish chocolate & roasted arbol salsa which looked interesting, but I had to go with the creme fraiche of course. You can also get a "salsa flight" which is a sampler of all 4 of their unusual salsas. They've also got the prerequisite pico de gallo & guacamole for the less adventurous.

The menu is pretty extensive, but sadly there are only 4 vegetarian main dishes. I ordered the eggplant & potato tacos dorado for $5 & a $2 side of refried beans. Served in a paper dish, the tacos were stuffed, rolled & fried then smothered with guacamole and sour cream. Very filling and very very good. Oli got the verde and jack cheese enchiladas, $6, with sides of beans & rice. The enchiladas were fresh & the flavor(s) of tart lime and tomatillo were exquisitely combined with smooth jack cheese. The other vegetarian items on the menu were jack & cheddar enchiladas & a zucchini relleno, which I will return for--yum! Although most of the menu items are meat, they do sound interesting and unusual--several lobster dishes, rose petal & chocolate grilled chicken, and cola & orange juice slow roasted carnitas don't quite tempt me to eat meat, but I do wonder what vegetarian versions of these dishes would be like.

Recommended

Malo
4326 Sunset Blvd at Fountain
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 664-1011

P.S. Watch out, the refried beans are made with pork! But the fresh beans are excellent.

FILM REVIEW: Super Size Me

2004-05-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

This film is a mix of Michael Mooresque polarities and humor and a large dose of personal pain and joie de vivre' from subject/object -producer/director Morgan Spurlock.

A 30-day: Mc-Diet, a scientific quest for truth provides comment on topical litigation -that fast food is harmful and causes obesity, leads to three of Morgan's doctors and one nutritionist telling him he may die of liver failure. -"Like Nick Cage in Leaving Las Vegas." Aslo, he has a few ‘simple’ rules:
1) No options: he could only eat what was available over the counter (water included!)
2) No supersizing unless offered
3) No excuses: 3 meals a day and he had to eat every item on the menu at least once.

After damaging: Liver, kidney, and heart and also almost 25 pounds later Morgan is denied an interview with a Mc-E D's representatives. The film looks past this event to take into account the 6 month vegan/detox diet (a’ la Morgan’s girlfriend -a Vegan chef). Also, the year of physical activity it took to help undo the health damages of caloric excess, loss of muscle/weight gain, vitamin and mineral deficiency, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, shortness of breath - fatigue, depression, cravings and ultimately addiction.

This film has a concise and engaging visual style of animations and road-trip energy. There is a real sense that this is an intelligent person who is humbly -bearing witness to our self-destructive urges and the ‘enabling’ by powerful corporations and their profits. Are our bodies like their bodies? Just as bloated, as over whelming to Life as a lava flow?

As the films’ own website states: "Ominously, 37% of American children and adolescents are carrying too much fat and 2 out of every three adults are overweight or obese. Is it our fault for lacking self-control, or are the fast-food corporations to blame?
For me that question was answered quite plainly in a graphic gastric bypass surgery procedure.

An engrossing experience for mind and body. -Highly Recommended.

FILM REVIEW: The Saddest Music in the World

2004-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Saddest Music in the World is Guy Maddin's latest cinematic romp. If you’re not familiar with Maddin, here’s a quick tutorial: he’s Canadian & he makes all his films appear as if they were made in the 1920s-1930s, but with a modern and literary sensibility. In one sense, Maddin’s kind of a one-trick pony. His kitschy 1930s filmic style looks cool, and is a fantastic ode to the fathers of cinema, but the challenge in any Maddin film is whether or not the plot is strong enough to support the film style. I think The Saddest Music works, for the most part--there are some slow or confusing parts in the film, but the bizarre plot line and the visual excess did keep my attention.

Here’s the basic plot outline: 1930s, Winnipeg--A legless beer heiress (Isabella Rossellini) devises a marketing ploy to increase America’s desire of beer to break prohibition in the US. She decides to hold a worldwide contest to find the saddest music in the world, since it is the Great Depression, and Winnipeg is the saddest place in the world. Musicians come from far and wide to face off on stage battle royale style, but the contest is merely a backdrop to a bizarre love pentagon between the heiress and a local family. As you can imagine, hijinks, confusion and love scenes ensue and culminate in a great finale.

There are plenty of Canadian jokes for those of us who think Canadians are funny. A must see if you have never seen a Maddin film before, for this is his most accessible film to date. Recommended.

P.S. If you click on the review title, you can watch some of Maddin's latest short films.

THEATRE REVIEW: URINETOWN The Musical

2004-05-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...So my mom won 2 tickets to the Los Angeles opening night of Broadway's newest hit musical PissCity, and then was called away out of town at the last minute...

Urinetown, a title which I was surprised to find being mocked more in the first five minutes of the show by those on the stage than by those in the audience (cast 1 / audience 0 - ?)...is a self reflexive, pee-stained farse about what life would be like in a far off and unfamiliar future where the 'the people' actually decide to revolt against the cruel domination of their bladders by an evil collusion of the regining neo-conservative government and their greedy, compassionate-conservative, corporate captains --lets just call them pee-profiteers shall we.

As far as my taste in socio-political commentary goes, I usually like it to have some greater depth beyond simply an obtuse exoskellatal allegory, especially when this is all that is standing-in the place where original plot should...or at least it should be funny. Though I consistently felt the dancing and the exhibition of voice talent were both consistently impressive, upon leaving and even now, days afterward, the melodies of this musical have not found their way into my long-term memory.

I have decided that I can no longer in good conscience, in what is really a stand on ethical grounds, align myself with the concept that musical theatre has a 'sustainable future'. I hereby declare it dead to me! Just like the average age in the audience itself (deceased). Not that I didn't find it amusing and heartwarming listening to this one old man try to convince another senior gentleman, who had no recolection of the former, that they had once known eachother and been fast friends in the time of yor...all while we sipped $6 wine in plastic cups and waited for the doors to open --I just love a world where total strangers can just talk to one another. Also for the record the gent with the velcro shoes and the feathered cap won our best dressed 'older' award of the evening.

The last bit of tantalizing trivia is that "Officer Lockstock" the narrator and head of the brutal town police, was played by non other than Jeff McCarthy a.k.a. the voice of the animated icon and mascot, Michigan J. Frog from television's the WB Network.

Not Reccomended

PRODUCT REVIEW: Le Creuset Grill Pan, 8"

2004-05-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

$100 is a lot to pay for an eight inch grill pan, but Williams Sonoma has Le Creuset Grill Pans on sale for only $40!! OK, $40 is a lot to pay for a grill pan, but I have to say it is the best damn grill pan ever! Not only is it the best shade of red/ orange, it cooks like a maniac. So far we've grilled brussel sprouts, tempeh patties, and panini with marvelous results, but more is to come. Tonight: broccolini! Tossed in garlic olive oil, sprinkled with hot chili flakes, then cooked to profection on this little wonder. Recommended.

FILM REVIEW: Hell House

2004-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have a few friends who are obsessed with this film & have been going on and on about it for a while. I missed it in theaters, but when I saw it on the shelf at the video store, I had to rent it.

HELL HOUSE is a documentary about a "haunted house" near Dallas, Texas that scares kids into becoming Evangelical Christians by showing them that they will go to hell if they don’t "accept Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior." Every October, for the past 13 years or so, as crowds shuffle through the highly orchestrated Hell House, they are shown scenes of sin and debauchery, then they are shown the sinners in hell & those that were Christians in heaven. There’s a gay guy dying of AIDS that ends up in hell (his main sin was believing that he was born gay (ie God did it) when according to the Evangelicals, he turned gay after he was molested by his dad). And a girl who goes to a rave, is slipped a date rape drug, gang raped & then admits that she was also molested by her dad and commits suicide, then goes to hell. There’s also a girl who gets an abortion & dies from the complications, but because she accepts Jesus right before she dies, she goes to heaven, but she still dies. After viewing all these scenes, the guests are ushered into a broom closet & confronted by a fire and brimstone talk by a minister then given to the count of 5 to choose between going in a room to pray and fill out cards affirming their acceptance of Jesus or awkwardly staying in a broom closet with the scary preacher man, and accepting the fact that they will burn in hell. Surprisingly, most of the people stay in the broom closet & are OK with going to hell. These are my kind of people.

The documentary also takes a behind the scenes look at people and the production of the house & the brain-storming sessions that lead to the crazy skits. The most entertaining thing about this documentary is that the Evangelicals are completely ignorant of the situations they are creating. My favorite part is when two of the pastors start arguing about what color paint should be used for the pentagrams in the occult scene. "Last year we had a Warlock come in and he said that nothing could be white, no white candles, and no white pentagrams!" one of the pastors says. The other pastor is shamed b/c he is caught with white paint. The film cuts to the occult set, painted in red is the Star of David!!! Not a pentagram at all!!! Oy!

There are lots of interesting characters in HELL HOUSE & it is definitely worth checking out. Recommended.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: AOC for Vegetarians

2004-05-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

[In the interest of full disclosure, our good friend is a pastry cook at AOC, so yes; we got special treatment & a discount (& a tour of the kitchen!).]

Stepping off the rue we pass into the restaurant through a high and substantial portal -immediate sign that this will be an experience of elevating quality.

We find our way through the main dinning room, a lofty vault with exposed dark wood and balancing mellow clay colored walls, through subtly laid tables past the bar – where dining reservations are not required. There are three rooms in all, an upstairs patio, and a smaller room in the wing of the main dinning room. Here our party of six took up a booth near a deeply inset window that soared the distance up into the rafters, and we began to absorb the menu.

This was easily done with the aid of the timely application of bruscetta with harissa and olives. Toasted slivers of baguette brushed with olive oil and fresh herbs, a spread made of roasted Ancho chilies, and small dark French olives.

Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc 2001. A bright medium red – supple, creamy, but still juicy. This Napa wine from a family winery in St. Helena, California was so refreshing and flavorful we had to order a carafe to follow the bottle we shared. The wine list was extensive and priced fairly. Bottles ranged from $20 - $400.

We also enjoyed a cheese platter (normally "five cheeses" for $20 - we received a special array of 6 varieties, plus "accompaniments" which included dried figs, walnuts, quince paste, and Meyer lemon paste). Overall, the cheese was amazing, the arrangement was beautiful and thoughtful, we could have had only the cheese and been totally satisfied.

goat
*Le Petit Fiancé Pyrénées France —like a goat version of a Brie, but smoky, my favorite.

sheep
*Romao La Mancha Spain —an aged hard cheese, framed with dried herbs, drizzled with olive oil, great with the meyer lemon paste.
*Sfizio Pecorino Crotonese Lazio Italy

cow
*Robiola di Bosco Lombardy Italy
*Soumaintrain Burgandy France —like Brie, creamy, full flavored.

blue
*Roaring Forties Tasmania, Australia — yummy stuffed into a dried fig.

The Avocado, Schaner Farm citrus and green olives Salad ($8) was fresh and tart, a nice transition to the small-plate main course. The waitress recommended 2-3 plates per person--we were all very satisfied with 2 each.

From the wood-burning oven:

*cauliflower, curry and red vinegar ($7)

*artichokes, blood orange and house-smoked ricotta ($9) —a really great combo of different flavors and textures—mild, creamy ricotta with salty olives.

*brioche with prosciutto, gruyere and egg ($13) —I could eat this everyday for breakfast. The brioche was swimming in melted gruyere, a layer of frise, then a perfectly soft cooked sunny-side-up egg on top. I didn’t feel that I was missing out by not having the prosciutto because the dish was already so salty and smoky.

and more food...

*white and green asparagus with pistachio maltaise ($12) —white asparagus is always tough to eat, but the presentation was beautiful, and the sauce was buttery.

*english peas, snap peas and saffron butter ($8) —I’m a sucker for peas. Lightly cooked pea shoots were also in the mix. Bright yellow butter sauce, bright green peas were a visual delight, however there was almost too much butter.

*farro and black rice with pinenuts and currants ($7) —hearty and sweet, very satisfying.

*steamed fingerlings with crème fraiche ($7) —If you put crème fraiche on an old shoe, I would eat it, if you put crème fraiche on the cutest little rainbow potatoes, I devour it.

*young broccoli with garlic and chili ($7) —classic combo, but a little too simple for $7.

l*ong-cooked cavolo nero ($7) —"cavolo nero" translates to "black cabbage" and is similar to kale and oh so tasty. Somehow they made the greens crispy, juicy, and meaty all at the same time.

*spring vegetable ragout ($8)—very similar to the English peas dish, next time I wouldn’t get both.

*wild mushrooms persillade ($12)—"persillade" is garlic and parsley chopped finely together. The mushrooms were great. I loved the crispy little breadcrumbs on top.

Desserts (all $7)
*rhubarb crumble tart with buttermilk ice cream —not too sweet, not too tart, the buttermilk ice cream is icy, not creamy, and it goes well with the spoonful of whipped cream cut w/ crème fraiche the tart sits on.

*drop biscuit with gaviota strawberries and soured cream —this is how my mom would make strawberry shortcake, too good.

*meyer lemon fritter with vanilla ice cream and honey —when I see "fritter" I think of something small, but this was a large deep-fried triangle of dough filled with a lemon custard. I’m usually not a big lemon fan, but this was great. The vanilla ice cream was very refreshing.

And…

*rocky road bread pudding with toasted marshmallow —this dessert has been a topic of conversation many times, and I was afraid that I would feel let down after all the buildup, but as soon as the first spoon broke through the crust of toasted marshmallow topping, I knew… An absolute must for chocolate lovers. My favorite aspect was how the brioche was partially disintegrated into pure chocolate in some places, a richness matched only by the rich creaminess of the marshmallow.

The menu changes often, and there are more than enough vegetarian options to warrant several return visits. Bon Appetit –Highly Recommended

AOC
8022 W Third St at Crescent Heights Boulevard
(323) 653-6359

RECIPE REVIEW: Grilled Artichokes

2004-05-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine website. I've made it twice now, and I highly recommend it.

http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/383.shtml

Grilled Artichokes

Yield: Makes 6 servings
2 artichoke halves per serving

* 6 medium Ocean Mist Farms artichokes
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 1 to 2 cloves garlic
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/3 cup lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary, mint, basil or tarragon
* 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

1. Rinse artichokes in cold water. With a sharp knife, cut off the top 1/3 of artichoke. Cut off just the base of the stem, leaving most of the stem in place. Turn artichokes stem side up and cut in half lengthwise starting at the stem. With spoon or knife, scrape out the fuzzy choke in the center and discard.
2. In saucepot heat 3 inches of water to boiling. Add artichokes, lemon slices, garlic cloves. Return to boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover, simmer until artichokes are just tender when base is pierced with a fork, 15 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on size. Drain well.
3. Combine all remaining ingredients in 9x13x2-inch glass baking dish. Add drained artichokes, cut side down. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill. (Can be done a day ahead.)
4. To grill: Lift artichokes from marinade, reserving marinade, and place on grill over hot coals, cut side up. Cook until deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Brush with marinade, then turn and cook until cut side is golden brown, about 10 minutes longer. Brush with marinade. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutrients Per Serving:
calories: 173,
total fat: 9.0g,
saturated fat: 1.2g,
% calories from fat: 40%,
protein: 7g,
carbohydrates: 23g,
cholesterol: 0mg,
dietary fiber: 10g,
sodium: 465mg

Notes: They sell "Ocean Mist Farm" artichokes at Trader Joe's, but really, any artichoke will do. I've made the balsamic marinade with rosemary and basil, and the lemon marinade with sage, mint and thyme--both were good, there is a lot of room for variation and creativity, which is what I like. It is necessary to grill the artichokes until they're nice and golden and crispy, which may take a little patience, but you'll thank me. It's not necessary to have a dipping sauce with the artichokes, but a little Wildwood organic vegan garlic aioli never hurt anyone.

CONCERT REVIEW: Lionel Richie at the Project ALS Benefit

2004-05-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Word association game: You say "Lionel Richie," I draw a blank. I've heard the name before, of course, but I have no idea what kind of songs this guy sings, or what he looks like. He's Nicole Richie's adopted dad, right? So when I heard that he was performing at the Project ALS Benefit, I was neither delighted nor dismayed.

He plays 4 or 5 songs on that blustery night on a soundstage on the Disney lot, even though he insisted that he had prepared to play 2. Dispute being accompanied only by a keyboardist the sound was rich enough to assume that there was an entire band up there if you couldn't see the stage. Surrounded by actors and celebrities, I was sitting in the second row of tables, centerstage.

He opens with "Hello" to high squeals coming from the table in front of me. "Oh, Lionel Richie does this song," I say to myself. I recognized it from the playlist of an easy listening radio station in San Diego, KYXY 96.5FM. So this is Lionel Richie. He has an amazing voice, and the songs sound just like the recording on the radio. He is putting everything into his performance and beads of sweat appear on his forehead immediately.

Next he gets everyone up on their feet and dancing and singing along with "Dancing on the Ceiling"--unfortunately I had never heard this song before, so I was a little lost. He's back on track with "Easy" and he plays one more song before the big finale "All Night Long (All Night)." Everyone is dancing and screaming & energized for the ride home.

The only disconcerting part of the evening is when I noticed that Lionel's shirt was completely transparent under the bright stage lights. This guy is in great shape and he has the body to pull off the see-through look, but I was surprised to notice that he was adjusting a nipple ring on his left nipple. Most piercings gross me out, and nipple rings are pretty bad, but I can't believe he adjusted it onstage!! For the remainder of the performance, I could only focus on the glint of the silver jewelry shining through his see through shirt.

Did I go out & buy a Lionel Richie's new CD when it was all over? No, but I now know who he is, and that's half the battle.

MUSIC REVIEW: THE DREAMERS Soundtrack

2004-04-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

-on Music & Time

::Four years, nearly, and 11 randomly selected albums::

-1-Chicago Underground Trio - SLON
-2-Tortise - ITS ALL AROUND YOU
-3-Spiritualized - LET IT COME DOWN
-4-Bardo Pond - SET AND SETTING
-5-Nico - CHELSEA GIRL
-6-The Rolling Stones - OUT OF OUR HEADS uk
-7-Graham Coxon - CROW SIT ON BLOOD TREE
-8-Radiohead - KID A (the first 3 notes and the rest)
-9-Low - LONG DIVISION
-10-Death Cab For Cutie - FORBIDDEN LOVE e.p.
-11-Louis Armstrong - WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

"In most of my movies - in most movies in fact - the film dictates the music. In The Dreamers, however; all the music is from the late 60's, long before my film was born. I'm only now realising that some of the scenes are completely inspired by the music."

-Bernardo Bertolucci

Rock and Roll is longing. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, THE DREAMERS is an enveloping vision encompassing both highly self-conscious longing and a great naivite. It is about the origin of rock; how so ever it was and would become. Now, gazing back lovingly, as this film does, I was quickly embroiled with deep characterization and the 'observant' style of the director. While shooting as POV, long takes and at fixed angles you may notice the use of mirrors in the images on screen where one may view the action on many layers, (i.e. usually in the background). Where in the foreground, are intense, complex and natural performances of characters- blind to their outside world and learning to see themselves more closely. Their attempt to recognize themselves- as distinct from the pictures on the screen or in the pages of romantic books as from childhood, or in the words of a song; as they are freed - automatically jettisoned from the poetic of their parents era...these are their trials and the story of their collective love.

some tracks:

-07-Steve Miller Band - Song For Our Ancestors 5:59 -This song tells the story of a small inverted menage et trois, 'teen' drama hidden inside what is not directly the subject of the film: the swirling center of the newly forming universe of sound and reverberation, by the swelling poetic and political tensions in French Society surrounding the closing of LA CINEMATHEQUE FRANCAISE, and later The General Strike of 1968.

-10-Antoine Duhamel - Ferdinand from the film "PIERROT LE FOU" by Jean Luc Godard 2:58 -A soaring and disjointed multitonal piece for string orchestra, a fateful fall into shame, scandal, and sadness.

-11-Grateful Dead - Dark Star (Exclusive Band Edit) 9:02 -Very sophisticated (still too long).

-01-Jimi Hendrix - Third Stone From The Sun (not long enough) 6:44

-04-Martial Solal - New York Herald Tribune from the film "A BOUT DE SOUFFLE" by Jean Luc Godard 1:27

-06-Charles Trenet - La Mer -Amazingly energetic and enveloping ode. Also this song was probably recorded on the stadium p.a.. 3:21

Aussi, amour vrai; Edith Piaf et Francoise Hardy!!!

Ultimately, this music as is true of the film - provides a context - not only an homage to the artists whose work is translated as being representative of a certain time in 'History', however fictionalized; a vision of the birth of many, things, ideas and much love at a difficile et important temps dans l'histoire de L'AMOUR.

-Highly Recommended

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Magazzino's in Burbank

2004-04-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Magazzino's cafe is the only bastion of food culture in the otherwise meat 'n' potatoes Burbank. Located on Pass, between Olive and Riverside, it in a prime location for lunching studio folks, but luckily, the cafe is hardly ever overcrowded, despite having seating for only 20 people or so. Owned and operated by the Amelie-like Rose, the cafe has a warm and family-like atmosphere (I think her mom works in the kitchen), adorned with fresh flowers and European bistro decor.

The Food: Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads round out the short menu. Out of 7 or so sandwiches, 4 of them are vegetarian: Caprese, Arabo (toasted with melted brie and wilted spinach with a balsamic sauce), Vegetarian (with avocado, brie, tomato, roasted red peppers, lettuce, dijon mustard & mayo), and Chevre (chevre with sun dried tomato, roasted red peppers, and balsamic)--and all of them are yummy and run around $6. There are a variety of fresh breads to choose from and you can get a 1/2 sandwich & soup or salad combo for another buck. The Soups are all vegan, and all taste vaguely the same. They all seem to have a pureed potato base with a different vegetable mixed in each day--green beans, carrots, peas, mushrooms, etc. And for some reason, this soup, in all its carnations, is good. A 1/2 sandwich and a soup is a hearty meal saved for cold, rainy days or when you're really hungry, otherwise, it's possible to slip into a food coma.

In addition to the gourmet sandwiches, the baked goods are to die for. Chocolate chip cookies like your mom used to make, fresh fruit tarts, luscious carrot cake, pound cake, baked donuts and on and on. I'm not exactly sure where Rose gets her pastries, but there's a good chance that angels make these things.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Luna Park

2004-04-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

It was so hot all day and when chances would have it I got off work early...
With the setting sun at my back (You could imagine it melting into the santa monica bay, a monsoon...)
I went down the ramp towards home. The 101 at 5:45 was all calm in anticipation of some certain attack or seizure. I was breezing my way home to you and hoped you'd got my message...

I wanted to beat you home for once...but you were there and we communed and you suggested, "LUNA PARK", I said "YES". Some background; I had once lived not several blocks from the flagship restaurant on 17th and Valencia, and she new this as well.

Street parking was not restrictive, and we walked up the alley and rounded the corner...it was the door and I opened it. We saw quckly that it was still relatively empty (though that would soon change), and we were given a table near the window. With the firey sunlight behind your shoulder we sat reading, each with a green hardcover. A few small squares of paper - the menu - precise and inviting, gives you time, undaunted, to dreamily gaze into your eyes.

A man quickly materialized with water in glasses with ice and a purple tint, these went nicely with the amber votives and dark wood, curtains and chandeliers full of modern glass grapes, and strange character design paintings. Music could have been elliot smith, or verve, but somehow unrecognizable, we were given cut french bread and fresh butter and the rest...

DRINKS: You chose a signature mojito
And I had Sangria with cut oranges and red grapes. Both were excellent, stong and fresh tasting, and not too sweet.

We shared a delicious appetizer: Warm Goat Cheese Fondue with Grilled Bread and Sliced Apples $ 7.50
UMM that was so good! They stack the apple slices on top of a wall of bits of garlic bread (also french), and they are so thin that when you eat them with the cheese the texture is so fine and delicate and substantial.

You ordered: Fontina Stuffed Ravioli with Mushrooms, Spinach and Truffle Oil $ 11.75
This unique blend; fresh pasta, asiago cheese, gently braised proccinni mushrooms and fresh spinach is rich reward for the seneses. The truffle oil was a perfect balance to the salt of the asiago. All of these ingredients are used in pastas all of the time but never more luxuriously it seems.

And I had: Lemon Risotto with Spring Vegetables and Parmesan 10.50
Creamy and light ~ Risotto is an enigma. Very delicious light and hardy as well. The veggies included bits of asparagus, celery, sweet peas. Warm parmesan cheese adds bite and satisfaction.

The drinks were nice and strong and by 7:45 there were twice as many people having diner. The Sun slipped down below the edge and they dowsed the lights.

We sipped water and I ordered dessert: Desserts-Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream 6.50
This plate was sweet and tart and crowned with fresh vanilla bean ice cream it was highly desireable. Two spoons and two hearts, we were ready.

Every one should go at least once. Highly reccomended. Next time we might try the s'mores!

MUSIC REVIEW: Xiu Xiu, Fabulous Muscles

2004-04-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

This album sounds like pre-Winona Bright Eyes, if Conor Oberst had been molested by his entire family under the Christmas tree and turned gay. Jamie Stewart, the heart and soul of Xiu Xiu, uses a dissonant combonation of drum machines, keyboards, acoustic guitar, horns, and God only knows what else, to back up his heartrending vocals to express how efed up he really is.

The title track "Fabulous Muscels" features Jamie's whimpering voice paired with a sparce electric guitar lamenting a lost, but abusive lover. It opens with "Break my face in/ it was the kindest touch you ever gave me" and continues with "cremate my after you cum on my lips." Walt Whitman couldn't have said it better.

My favorite track is "Nieced Pieces (Boat Knife Version)" which is another slow one featuring a breathy trombone, a harmonium and a guitar. Jamie sings to his baby niece about what a efed up family she has been born into. "I can't wait to tell you your grandpa made your mommy play stripper while your uncle watched." Ouch! That sucks!

The rest of the songs are thematically similar but are a step above the lameness of a teenage girl who cuts herself (like Frankie on the Real World)--they are more like an alcoholic greasy haired hipster who has sex indiscriminately.