Love Them & Leave Them

Oh joyous day! Porn sites get their own domain name .xxx

2010-06-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Way back when...I remember being a nerdy 7th grader, way back when at the advent of the internet, and blazing fast dial-up speeds, and doing what all kids do. See if your name as a website pops up as anything interesting.

So a group of us gathered at the computer bay in the library, fired up internet explorer and typed in www.niki.com. LUCKY ME it was a porn site. Not that I needed anything more added to the bountiful box of clever ways to taunt and tease me as a young adolescent (after my mom so kindly wrote my nicknames in sharpie on my gym clothes.) And no I won't tell you what they are, they were supposed to die long ago.

With porn sites finally getting their own domain name, I wondered if, after 13 years, niki.com, the sexsite still existed.

And yes, I'm proud to report, that it still does.

http://www.niki.com/

*Wow and in also googleing Niki... I've found out that I have my own airline.*

FLY NIKI!!

Cake & Heels

2010-06-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

In my continued attempts to create and maintain as many blogs as humanly possible, I've started another one.

Oh no! Here we go again, right?

But really, the reasoning behind this is simple. As I've found myself in a place where I'm doing much less loving & leaving of people in my spare time, and much more baking, the stories I'm constantly posting on this blog have very little relevance to the title.

I'm going to maintain my love them & leave them to blog about things that interest me, of the slightly more scandalous nature...

And my new blog is the PG-13 (well more like PG-21, because really alcohol is a very important part of my baking) mecca for all things baked!

So here we go.

Cake & Heels

Eat My Blog Bake Sale

2010-06-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last December a whole group of bloggers got together to showcase their amazing baking talents, while concurrently raising money for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. It also happened to be the location of my first "date" (well really a Myra, non-date, is this really a date? kind of date) with the G-Man. So it makes sense that on my birthday & very close to our 6-month "anniversary" we'd hit the streets for a summer goodie treat.

It was quite the feast, and I also got my first experience with Scoops! Pear & Gorgonzola Ice Cream?! WTF? I mean I know Caroline knew what she was talking about when she mandated to try every flavor at scoops, but why have none of you dragged me there?? Seriously, incredible.

Speaking of Caroline, I got to meet my cracked out favorite blogger IRL, and she even gave me a shout out on her blog!

But speaking of bake-sales, my mentee, mento, little NYUer and I have decided we need a bake-sale of our own! Our charity? Tisch West. How... gracious alumni of us, right?

Oh Porn & Disney, elevating expectations...

2010-06-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

thanks kristin for sending!

Idea Factory: Peanut Butter Pasta

2010-06-14T10:26:00.003-07:00

All in all a very cute little lego animation. Enjoy!

Love at First Bite.

2010-06-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

"It doesn't even tell you how to make the heart in the apple ... and I was all like WTF?!"

Hilarious. Thanks Village Voice!

You're drunk.

2010-06-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

PETER
Never mind... Listen -- suppose I
should tell you that Ellen Andrews
is going to have her marriage
annulled.

GORDON
Huh?

PETER
That she's going to marry somebody
else.

GORDON
You're drunk.

It Happened One Night.

Choco-Bacon Pretzel Sticks. Success!!

2010-06-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Tasty, easy & amazing. Conceived in the yummiest parts of my mind, I was pleasantly surprised that this turned out exactly as I had envisioned it! Hopefully the people at No Cookie Left Behind think they're as delicious as I do.

I started with 2 packages of Snyder's Pretzel Rods (Had to dig to the back of the shelf to find one where 90% of the rods were still in tact), 2 packages of bacon & 2 bags of mini chocolate chips. Once home, I sliced the bacon strips into halves and wrapped half of the rod in the strip. It was actually easier that I went cheap and bought the fattier bacon, because it worked well to cling to the pretzel.

The recipe I had suggested baking them for 20 minutes on a wire rack over a pan so the bacon fat can drip off without making the pretzels soggy. Not having an oven, I settled for using my space oven which ended up working really well. I drained the sticks over paper towels & let them cool off before dipping them.

Now for the chocolate. I normally use a bowl & make a double broiler over the stove, but figured it'd be much harder to dip it in a flat surface. Inspiration! I used my bpong.com pint glass & melted the chips slowly in the microwave, making to stir every 30 seconds or so! Topped them off with a few sprinkles for color & texture, then let them chill & harden in the fridge for 30 minutes.

I'm also now convinced that every baked good I make needs to have a logo... & thus the Choco-Bacon Pretzel Sticks are born!!

Very Sweet Paper Plane Animation :-)

2010-06-10T17:59:00.001-07:00

Paper Plane from Margherita Premuroso on Vimeo.

Oh Twihards, We are ready to laugh at you...

2010-06-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

June 30th.

Twilight is just like the Hills and Sex And The City. Something we love to hate. But the Cha & I have found a sort of sadonic joy in venturing out with the Twihards, laughing hysterically in all the Bella/Edward/Jacob "moments," and reeling in the death stares from girls & their mothers who would give their right arm for an underage lover. The crazier the fan, the better.

And thus, we've bought our tickets for Twilight. 10PM. Opening Night. It saddens me a little that I had to plan for this night, almost a month in advance... but I think knowing we have seats to what will surly be the biggest laugh-fest since "Great White Buffalo" makes the anticipation worth it. Either that, or we can sell our tickets marked up to the fans that didn't get their shit together in time.

No Cookie Left Behind

2010-06-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

So this coming weekend my boss is hosting a charity bake sale aptly named "No Cookie Left Behind."

Sadly I'll be in Palm Springs this weekend.

But that doesn't mean I still can't contribute! It's the perfect excuse to try out a new recipe, one I've been waiting for quite some time to actually do...

Chocolate Covered Bacon Wrapped Pretzels.

Yep, you' heard that correctly! Doesn't that just sound delightful? And added bonus I can totally make them ahead of time :-).

Anyway, if you have any interest in checking out their bake-sale... here are the dets.

Sunday June 13th
12PM - 5PM
@ Scoops
712 N Heliotrope Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90029
http://nocookieleftbehind.wordpress.com/

So fingers crossed that:

+

= Amazing

Paintballing how I loathe thee...

2010-06-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I went paintballing, I was in 8th grade. It was the summer of 98, and my "brother" & I decided that skateboarding camp sounded like the perfect way to push our boundaries.

First. Skateboarding camp? Really? Yes. I did that. The camp consisted of 24 boys & me. It was 5 days of ramps, vert pipes, bowls and rails in the morning, Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Wave-runners & paintballing in the afternoon, and camping out in Malibu at night. Before you start thinking that I'm a skater-girl pro (because that was totally your natural inclination) I'll share with you a little story.

Day 1. Thinking that I was going to be cute and adorable for all the boys, I wore my short shorts & cute tee. This is how I learned a little something about skateboarding burns. The oh so smooth surface of sanded cardboard used to line the course, will leave a not so smooth scar of torn flesh in it's wake. So much for being cute.

Day 2. Now sporting my Jnco jeans (yes I was one of 'those' kids) I was ready to brave the park. My communist brother & I thought we could take the 10 ft bowl... so we confidently teetered on the top, counted to 10, and both dropped in. Well more like down. Lying flat on our backs, we cursed our ambition, and tried in vain to figure out a way we'd ever skate our way out. Forget skate our way out... just get out! At 4' 11" the lip of the bowl was just out of reach, and even if I did grasp the edge, my wimpy arms were useless. Yelling for help, we slowly realized that the park had emptied for lunch and they'd forgotten about us. A very sad 2nd day.

Day 3. Having given up on my dreams of competing at the X-games, I was lulled into a comfortable routine of watching the more talented, while carefully avoiding the bowl, and any other seemingly dangerous activities. Completely unprepared for what I was about to experience, we were piled into a car, taken to the paint balling field, and each given a shooter gun. They only held 8 shots each. Then then paired us up with "walk-ons" which basically were ex-military training with machine guns. We were like lambs to the slaughter. I was already bruised & burned & now they were firing paint balls at me! It was the icing on the cake to an already crazy week & I swore, this was the first & last time I'd ever paintball.

Flash forward to 9th grade. It was my friend Will Katz's birthday & he absolutely wanted us all to go paintballing. No exceptions. I recalled back to my first experience & thought to myself, maybe it wasn't really that bad. I'd had two horrific days beforehand which didn't add to the memory, but I psyched myself up believing this time would be different.

It wasn't.

My friend's dad shot me 3 times in the back from about 5 feet away. He drew blood. I couldn't lie down for a week.

By 11th grade, I fully knew I didn't want to go paintballing when my friend Gabe's uncle was opening a new park & invited us to scrimmage with the regulars. Called all forms of a wimp, I told all these newbies they'd understand soon enough, but I bucked up, wore my ski parka, and hit the field.

This time I went home with a bruise on my hip the size of a baseball.

So it's been 8 years since my last experience. 8 years I've successfully avoided being shot at. 8 years until my best friend guilt-ed me into 1 more time.

This is what happened to her. Me? A few more bruises & scrapes, but maybe I've grown just a little tougher since my wee tiny days. Don't get me wrong, it still hurt, but at least this time there wasn't any blood.

Perfect Housewarming Gift

2010-06-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Now all I need is the new house!! This search is so sad, it's the same 5 apartments on the market, with nothing new or exciting in the past month. :-(. I'm ready to move out already & fill a new space with tons of Blik, stuffed animals and my crazy sense of design!!

Calligraphy Address Stamps

It's the start of my Birthday Month!!

2010-06-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

But really this is just a cool little animated "let's make a cake" movie!

Pigeon: Impossible

2010-05-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I know I know, I'm a little late to the game, but I just saw this and I love it!!

Cute Animation...

2010-05-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

It goes on a little too long, but all in all very cute!

this isn't a break-up blogspot...

2010-05-19T16:09:00.001-07:00

i'm just exploring my options. and not to say that i'm ever leaving you for tumblr (because i'm not) but i'm figuring out how we can successfully co-exist, in our awkward, but loving threesome.

i promise i will not write, blog, or do anything of the super creative nature on that "other" site. i will merely track photos and recipes, to make my blogspot life a little easier.

that said. here are some photos.i.like. enjoy!

Suicidal Dog

2010-05-18T16:12:00.001-07:00

And then there was tumblr.

2010-05-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tumbled Stuff. (Until I think of a better name.)

Because I really needed yet another location to share information. However this will be more of a compilation of things to try/do. Complete with purdy pictures. So if you'd like to suggest things to add to the queue, lemme know.

The Moustache Cake

2010-05-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

For G-Man's birthday, I decided to bake a cake! And not just any cake, this was my first foray into fondant creations! I have to say, all in all, this was much easier than I'd anticipated... kind of like working with clay. Which means... GET READY! Fondant creations on their way :-).

6th Annual Hollywood Assistant Beer Pong Tournament

2010-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

6^th ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT

BEER PONG TOURNAMENT 2010

96 teams from over 20 different Studios, Networks, Production Companies and Agencies.

Last year’s winners were Aaron Rapke & Stew Kaye from ImageMovers!

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

5PM ~ 2AM

BRAND NEW LOCATION!

Lucky Strike – Hollywood

6801 Hollywood Boulevard

(Hollywood & Highland Complex)

www.bowlluckystrike.com

Prizes and Bragging Rights go to the winners.

*** In case you missed the event last year, catch the highlights here!

http://www.movieline.com/2009/04/two-balls-one-cup.php

Meet Meline

2010-04-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

I love my Dad!

2010-04-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Nikfish:

So when you become rich and famous....and can afford to buy your dear old Dad a new sports car (preferred color:RED)...it is FERRARI...as in its creators name: Enzo Ferrari...
Thanks for thinking of me...

Dad

ps - should I stop practicing throwing ping pong balls?

YooHoo

2010-04-21T16:12:00.001-07:00

The Endless Night: A Valentine to Film Noir

2010-04-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you come across a really really well done montage clip film. Enjoy.

Great Marketing.

2010-04-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Crepe Cake

2010-04-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

While I normally post things that I would like to try & make, I feel like this one is just slightly out of my wheelhouse. I'm horrible at making pancakes, and have never tried my hand at crepes. Getting just 1 good one out of me seems nearly impossible, so a stack... no way.

What does that mean? Someone who's better at this kind of thing, please make me one!!!

Cake House @ The Olympic Collection

Review: Happy Hour Red|Seven @ The PDC

2010-04-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Where do I even begin with this happier hour? I guess, first with the dets...

I'd heard about the Red Seven happy hour on one of my new favorite blogs, The Happy Hour Tour.

The happy hour (which is the only hour) goes from 5-8PM. Like the restaurant closes at 8PM. I talked to the host @ the restaurant & he said as long as we're comfortably there by 7:30PM we should have no problem getting in a couple of quick bites before they shut down.

(This is for us "industry" kids who rarely ever see daylight.)

It's just a game time decision on ordering food etc :-).

Drinks - $3 Beers/Wines || $4 "Fun Drinks"

Food - $2-4 priced Appetizers || Edamame, Garlic Fries, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Crisps w/ Peanut-Butter Miso & Half-Spicy Tuna Roll

* Also 2-for-1 Patron Shots.

Side Note: They do Validate for parking... I believe the entrance is off Melrose?

REVIEW

When we showed up, the regular crowd of PDC workers who get off at a normal hour, had all cleared & the bartenders were shutting down, thinking they'd get to call it an early night. We'd sadly missed the party, but lucky for us, they were more than kind enough to stay open a little longer.

There's something to be said for getting to really explore a venue when it's not super crowded. It's like getting to see behind the velvet rope, and I loved it! The Baby Back Ribs were tender & fell right off the bone. The drinks were delicious (I recommend the Lemonade one...) and the service was impeccable.

I would gladly make this my new Thursday night hang-out... I just wish they stayed open a little later.

SweetSalt: The Red Velvet Cookie

2010-04-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

In reading about SweetSalt and their Bacon Truffle Caramel Popcorn, I knew this was a must try, but I have to say, of everything we had, the Red Velvet Cookie was out of this world!

I had made it my mission to try their Lavender Duck Confit sandwich for my "list" as it absolutely contained both the savory & the sweet. Also, not one easily tempted by desserts, I figured I'd stick to my pursuit of the unusual, however these decadent cookies were just too good to pass up. And boy was I right. Two fluffy "cookies" of red velvet, were sandwiched around a yummy cream filling & topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar that just begged to be consumed while sipping a nice cup of espresso. (Which us cheap-o's did not purchase.)

That's why they made a "next time."

On to their Bacon Truffle Caramel Popcorn. Thinking it would be the sweet savory snack that would keep me coming back for more, I was severely disappointed by the results. Described as "Earthy" was the right fit. The truffle flavor threw me, and not in a good way.

Bacon. Good. Caramel. Good. Popcorn. Good. Truffles. Not so much. Sorry Mushroom, you're not welcome here.

The Great Bacon Chocolate Experiment

2010-04-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I'd done this in the middle of my blogging hiatus, and never actually posted the results!!!

I started with some lovely applewood smoked bacon from trader joes. Covered it in a ton of brown sugar and then baked up a whole tray of them. I then skewered them on lollipop sticks to make them easier to eat!

After I'd laid them all out, I drizzled dark chocolate all over the top & let it harden in the fridge overnight.

The final product? A lovely little bacony-chocolatey pop, perfect for on the go munching! Albeit next time, I'll 1. let the bacon cook a little longer. While it was yummy & chewy it made it hard to take a bite out of the pop & instead found myself having to eat the whole thing. 2. I totally forgot to sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardened, but I feel like it would have given it a nice texture.

YUM.

Almond Mandarin Cake

2010-03-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Super super delicious, this cake was tender & moist & the orange zest was the perfect bit of citrus-y goodness. I also learned about Almond Meal which is now going to be incorporated in EVERYTHING I cook! So yummy!

Yield: 1 - 8" cake

Ingredients
8 Mandarin Oranges - Zest & Juice
1 Cup Sour Cream
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Eggs
1 Cup Almond Meal
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1-2 cups Silvered Almonds (Sprinkled on top before baking)
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar (Sprinkle on top when finished)

Bake @ 350 degrees until golden brown (approximately 30-40 mins)

The Tangerine Margarita: On Fire

2010-03-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Chaya in quite a while, but was pleasantly surprised to find that their amazing "industry happy hour" had been replaced by an upgraded menu, and still wallet friendly drinks. (Like the Cha, with a ya at the end.) Looking over their martini menu, I was debating between the pomegranate & the french inspired cocktail when I overheard the waitress dish out the "specials" to the guy behind me.

Tangerine Margarita, On Fire?

Excuse me? I quickly called over the bartender & asked him if the drink was really on fire? No, he replied, this isn't a college bar shot. It was a spicy sweet cocktail that made my mouth tingly & happy all at the same time. I have no idea what was in it, but I do know, I'll certainly be going back for seconds... and thirds.

Plus their bacon wrapped dates & mini sliders were really yummy & I want to try the French Goat Cheese & Honey Lavender Gelee next time.

What's the difference between a Cupcake & a Muffin?

2010-03-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

A muffin is any quickbread (mixed by muffin mixing method & does NOT contain yeast) that is in the shape of a cupcake. A cupcake is any cake batter mixed with the straight method or creaming method made into the shape of a cup. Cupcakes (traditionally) have frosting on top, while muffins have no frosting, but muffins can have a glaze on top. Many people think that the difference is either frosting or no frosting, or that it's "in a paper liner" or not, but that is a common mistake. Either one can be made with or without a paper liner; it's just the baker's preference. A quickbread (or muffin) CANNOT be baked like a sheet cake or round layered cake because it won't bake properly. The same goes for a cupcake batter- a cake batter (or cupcake) cannot be baked in a loaf or bundt pan because it will not bake properly. But, since both can be baked into a smaller shape, everyone seems to want to declare that they're the same.

Thank you WikiAnswers.

IKEA for 1 please!

2010-03-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ikea and all its Swedish grandness lacks one thing... a forgiving attitude towards the singleton.

In my newly minted "hipster adjacent" lifestyle with the beau, he's now found an excess of space in some areas, and a decrease in space in others. Finally having a breakfast nook, eating on the coffee table is no longer a necessity, and the hunt for the perfect dining room set begins. Within a realistic price range of course. However his downgrade from closet that could easily be converted into another bedroom, to merely a simple walk in requires a creative outlook on storage spaces.

In comes Ikea, the perfect place for penny pinching assistants, still waiting for their big break, yet finding a bit of extra cash in their pockets thanks to the move east (yet still JUST west of the 101).

Having watched 500 Days of Summer one too many times, the notion of running through the store & finding little Asian families in the bathroom makes the trek out to Burbank even more worth while... and the meatball sundaes seal the deal. (Granted, I would not partake in the running through the store, and I was accidentally the Asian in the bathroom, rather than the adorable couple on the bed.)

In looking for parking, I noticed something interesting. In front of the store was the loading & unloading zone, while the actual lot was a little further away. Big stones caged in the carts, so in reality, the only way to transfer your goods from your cart to your car (without carrying them) requires you to have a partner in crime. One to watch the stuff, while the other grabs the vehicle. This puzzled me, could one not come to Ikea alone?

As a weakling, this thought has never really hit me, because I know that my scrawny arms would never be able to get my Hagalund sofa bed into the cart in the first place, and I've also never suffered from the situation of being "new in town." But what would they do? Those "new in town" and "without a friend" people?

I suppose the easy answer is, have it shipped... But really IKEA, with your "couple necessary" parking, you're just making the lonely feel even more ostracized than they already are. Sad.

Conversation with my mother...

2010-03-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Me: Hey Mom, going to play a little tennis after work & then coming home. Also, have Hurt Locker for you to finish watching.

Mom: OK... now I love you again.

This would all be because the disk I had previously didn't play the second half of the movie. Which she blames me for entirely.

Lovely times.

Zero Is A Cat

2010-03-15T17:57:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!
http://zeroisacat.blogspot.com/

Next Up on the Bacon Train: Bacon Smores

2010-03-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Toasted Marshmallows, Buttery Graham Crackers, Melted Chocolate.... and Grilled Bacon? This sounds like a match made in heaven. My main problem with smores has always been the same... they're just TOO sweet. Too much sugar condensed into a lumpy concoction that sends my brain into coma after every bite. But I think the addition of a crispy, salty strip is just the key to break up the monotony of the sugary sweet.

And then the key will be figuring out how to turn these into cupcake form. (Although a little on the cupcake front, I think I'm retired for a bit & switching to cake making, as they're much easier to bake in my screwy little toaster oven.)

Bacon Smores. Camping soon anyone?

Amazing Just Happened (Again!!)

2010-03-03T12:05:00.001-08:00

And you thought one slow-mo dog video was enough to satiate my craving... didn't you?

Duck or Rabbit?

2010-03-02T17:38:00.001-08:00

I think I'm obsessed with this website and am going to buy everything on it shortly. Duck or Rabbit? Which one are you?

match&munch

2010-03-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

There are times I wish I had a kid... mostly so I could justify buying these ridiculous products. Maybe I'll just have to figure out a way I can infuse alcohol into sandwiches so it can become a grown-up toy as well!

Product Description
Moms … are you often puzzled on how to get your finicky little eaters to consume their sandwiches..crust and all? Here’s a super creative way to kill two birds with one cutter…eliminate pesky crusts while making sandwiches into an intriguing interlocking puzzle pieces your kids will want to eat. The cutter is higher than a regular cookie cutter so it easily cut through two pieces of bread without flattening the sandwich. You can create single sandwiches – pieces measure about 3.3 inches X 2 inches –or build an amazing interlocking puzzle with pieces measuring about 2 inches square. Dishwasher safe. Made of ABS, USFDA approved food-grade virgin plastic. BPA, Lead and Phalate Free. Both product and packaging are 100% recyclable.

You can buy it here.

Strand Brewing - 24th Street Pale Ale (aka Pot Beer)

2010-03-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

While dinnering at one of my favorite beachside burger joints, and lamenting the fact that no one aside from me enjoyed their lychee beer on tap (a strange brew akin to a packet of sour patch kids being dumped in a vat of pilsner) I came across what I could only assume was a local brewery. Strand 24th Street Pale Ale. Intrigued and always wanting to help out socali businesses, I asked the waitress for her opinion. She assured me of it's nice grapefruit undertones and refreshingly crisp flavor, and moments later I was rewarded with one of the most interesting beer experiences of my life. ratebeer.com did a pretty good job of summarizing my thoughts...

Dark gold-orange in color with good lacing. Aroma is grassy, herbal, a bit of lime. Palate is very dry and light, keeps you coming back for additional sips. Flavor starts with aggressive grassy hops, grapefruit, minerals. Flavors fades into a pretty firm, clean bitterness. Great with food, and a good first offering from these folks.

"grassy, herbal" which equates to, this beer totally smelled & tasted like pot! Not being a stoner in the slightest, I can't say with utmost certainty that the flavors were the exact same, but it was seriously close enough to give me pause. And who knows, the south bay is full of surfers and hippies, I wouldn't put it past them to ingeniously discover a way to meld substances.

After all they now make Alcoholic Whip Cream.

Seriously Eastside... Why do you tempt me so?

2010-03-01T11:37:00.001-08:00

I just heard about SweetSalt Food which sounds right up my alley. Except for the fact that it exists in Toluca Lake?! Not quite the hipsterville of the Silver & Echo variety, it's still just far enough to warrant a serious need to make the journey. And I think SaltySweets will actually do it for me.

There were two things that stood out on the menu, (which is also going to be added to "the list") the first being the Lavender Duck Confit Sandwich...

And the second being the sweetsalt blt, complete with applewood smoked bacon and a pear & chevre sweet spread!

Just thinking about this is making me hungry! Nom Nom!

Cupcake Experiments: Strawberry & Basil Cupcakes w/ Balsamic Buttercream

2010-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

After the success of the Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes, I was back in my baking mode... Eager to create, but already burnt out on the super sweet and the bacon-y savory, I was ready to try something that very much so skirted the boarder of the two lands. Noming on some strawberries with the bf, I started thinking about some other good strawberry combinations, since I've already done the very decadent Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcake. Curious, I thought about my other love with strawberries... Balsamic! A risky move, but one with potential, a Balsamic buttercream perhaps?

And thus the Strawberry & Basil Cupcake with Balsamic Buttercream was born!

Starting with the same base as the Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes... (but doubled for double the fun)

3.5 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 sticks of butter, softened
2 cups of sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1.5 cups milk

mix together well.

in a blender, blend half a package of strawberries with a half cup of basil. the mixture will look kind of gross, but will smell amazing, and taste even better. pour the mixture into the batter & hand mix together. fill cupcake tins 2/3 of the way full.

pre-heat oven to 375 & bake 15-20 minutes.

balsamic buttercream frosting

1 stick softened butter
.25 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp milk
1 box powdered sugar

like any basic buttercream, beat the butter until it's light and fluffy. slowly add the powdered sugar, balsamic and milk until you've reached the consistency and flavor you like.

frost & decorate with leftover strawberries & basil bits!

zero, next maru?

2010-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Experiments: The Cinnamon Roll Cupcake

2010-02-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

Perhaps my best cupcake yet (although some would beg to differ) this base recipe for a vanilla cake is absolutely delicious, so anything added would simply make it amazing.

For a dozen cupcakes:

Batter/Cake:

1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
Scant 1/2 tsp.salt
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 whole large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 c. whole milk

Sugar Mix/Filling:

3/4 c. (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Frosting/Topping:

8 oz. cold cream cheese
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
5 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Mix the Sugar Mix/Filling ingredients together and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle. Line a cupcake pan with baking cups. Whisk together flour (1 3/4 cups), baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add whole egg, yolk, and vanilla and beat 1 minute. At low speed, mix in flour mixture and milk alternately in batches. Pour the batter into the pan so that it fills about a third of the case. Then sprinkle on a layer of the sugary filling. Pour more batter so that the cupcake case is about 2/3 full. Bake until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes before frosting it with the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy!

For the Frosting/Topping, beat the cream cheese with the softened butter, cinnamon & vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until you reach the consistency and sweetness desired. Be sure to sift the powdered sugar for a smoother frosting.

Review: The Rotating Bar @ the Westin Bonaventure Hotel

2010-02-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Called the Bona Vista Lounge, we sort of stumbled on this little gem by accident.

I'd heard of the downtown rotating bar, but never heard it mentioned in the same sentence as a "must" visit destination. It's from a different generation. My parents would go there for romantic dates on the town, but now we're so inundated with going to the "new" and "hip" the classics seem to have fallen to the wayside.

It's funny to hear people talk about these bars & restaurants that are "LA Institutions." Now I must admit, as a youngster I wasn't completely hip on the insider track, but I do know that you locked your doors while driving through Silverlake and you would never be caught after dark in Echo Park for fear of a knife fight. But I do know that, like so many things in LA, old and established is a very relative term.

Now I've veered completely off topic. The Bona Vista was a delightful bar. While the drinks were a little pricey, they were substantiated by the amazing views of the Los Angeles skyline. It is most certainly worth a visit or two, and I would recommend sunset as an ideal start time.

To my peeps. I love you guys!

2010-02-17T11:19:00.001-08:00

I feel like I should have a backlog of things to talk about...

2010-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yet, somehow they seem to magically be escaping my recent memory. A few things happened.

I broke up. I started a new blog. I went to a bunch of Laker's games. My grandfather passed away. I got a new cousin, Brandi. I met a boy. He had a funny name in juxtaposition with mine. I took care of a cat & didn't kill him. I started another blog. I went to silverlake. I bought a plaid dress. I got thrown out of a Vegas club. I didn't get banned from the MGM. I threw a few parties. I got a kid committed. I fell in love again. I made more bacon cinnamon rolls. I met James Cameron. I got sick. Twice. I went to the UCB for the first time. I drank pineapple sake. And today I realized that sometimes, when someone hits you really hard, but you don't feel any pain, then it's all OK.

So basically, this was my way of summing up the last 3 months of my life.

Moving on...

A snarky retort...

2010-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

To my dearest Punky. I've taken into consideration this article that you have sent me, and I simply reply...

iizuka~zucca out.

T-Shirt Wars!

2010-02-11T10:40:00.001-08:00

Absolutely adorable video, thanks Punky!

Damn you women & your psychic powers!!

2010-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've just started following a lovely little comic blog & I thought I'd share! Enjoy!

Watering-hole rap sheet: Beach Cities

2010-02-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

manhattan beach: the obvious winner here is simmzy's hands down. aside from the fact that they got rid of the lychee beer, probably because i'm the only person who liked it, i still love their burgers.

hermosa beach: in hermosa there's only one bar where adios motherfuckers and baby blue sweatsuits go together perfectly, the underground is a great pub/club.

huntington beach: i know which bar it's not. it's not hurricanes. i could live a happy life never going there again. but beachbar301 on the other hand... $2.99 brunch. awesome.

newport beach: blue moon being one of my favorite beers, and drinking at the beach one of my favorite activities... mutt lynch's combine these two things perfectly.

laguna beach: and finally. who can resist watching the sunset over the beautiful laguna beach while sipping martinis & munching on apps? at the cliff you can.

Watering-hole rap sheet: LA Proper

2010-02-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

a list that will most likely change several times a month... here are my current picks!

santa monica: it takes a lot to drag me out here, mostly because of the stupid parking restrictions, but renee's is still a clear favorite. even though the last trip was a bust, there are still so many great memories that make up for 1 failure.

brentwood: now this is a toss up. 2 of my favorite bars within spitting distance of each other! bar food la, for their blue moon on tap, their irish bartenders, all night happy hour & their bacon relish & south for their thursday recession happy hour & mystery shots. both amazing deals!

westwood: hands down palomino happy hour!

culver city: if i must, it'd have to be saints & sinners. i could sit & watch the crackling fireplace for hours & the bartender's display of fire-eating is always fascinating to watch.

mar vista: true westside ghetto, lost & found, with their puppies on the wall, super salty popcorn & $3.50 drinks (regularly priced you don't even need to rush there for a happy hour.)

century city: yes i realize that listing this does make me a tool, but x-bar still has amazing fries, and summer nights by the fire pits do take me back to my agency days.

west hollywood: where all the cable workers hang out, barbea's with their strongbow & shuffle board always takes me down the carrot highway. where carrots are actually memories. of piano key belts.

mid-city: a new one barely making the list... sheddy's! more research must be done, but it was still love at first sight.

hollywood: this is a no brainer... cap city all the way!

silverlake: if i'm forced to hang out with the dirty hipsters, at least i know i can suck down a few good drinks at the good luck bar. plus it's big enough so i can easily escape the weirdo talking about his balls & sneak into another room.

downtown: there are so many to choose from, but to me there is always a clear favorite. seven grand, you stole my heart with your eastsides & as the local of my descent into rom-coms i'm forever yours.

Sheddy's: my new mid-city watering hole

2010-02-10T12:22:00.001-08:00

i feel like my attitude towards mid-city bars has been wavering lately. i have my favorites everywhere else, but west hollywood has failed to produce a solid location that i would visit time & time again... that is until last night!

in my google map quest to find a "new" drinks location, i stumbled across an la times review of a tiny bar on the corner of fairfax & 3rd. fairfax & 3rd? really? sandwiched somewhere between the grove, cvs, whole foods & citibank? intrigued, i set out to check out this "good old-fashioned beer-swigging pub."

dark & cozy, this is the perfect location, free of pretension, for a lovely little conversation between good friends, or new acquaintances. the couple next to us were ordering "tangerines." i'm not sure what it is, but it's a definite taste test for my next visit... as is the cheese & meat platter.

With happy hour until 8PM ($3.50 / pint), the FYI footnote: bring in a Grove theater movie stub to get half-off your first item, and the ample parking this place is a clear winner!

Sheddy's
361 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

I've been abscent for far too long...

2010-02-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

one of the problems with blogs is maintenance. when i started this blog at the beginning of last year, i made it my new years resolution to keep up a steady stream of new information, and witty observations, and i think for the most part 2009 was a success.

2010 brings along with it a whole new slew of resolutions, that have for the most part been keeping me very busy and entertained. this brings us to... the list. now, i do have to apologize. the list, in no way should preclude me from continuing to update this blog, because let's face it, the list is very tailored to a specific set of experiences & as anyone who knows me knows, i always like to deviate from the path.

so love them & leave them, i have not left you. i'm back and ready for more!

Because I Really Need Another Blog

2009-12-04T11:46:00.001-08:00

Enjoy!

http://becauseireallyneedanotherblog.blogspot.com/

jfgi

2009-12-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Just Fucking Google it. You say it when somebody asks a stupid question.

Dude #1: hey dude, what does JFGI mean?
Dude #2: Just Fucking Google it yo.
Dude #1: I tried but i couldn't find anything.
Dude #2: JUST FUCKING GOOGLE IT!
Dude #1: bro. i already tried that. don't be mean.
Dude #2: bro, your an idiot.

<3 Urban Dictionary.

“God made the cat so that man might have the pleasure of caressing the tiger”

2009-12-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

Lo: How the hell can i find a woman that has slept with tiger?
me: um WHAT?

Lo: I'm the token american so ive been asked to dig.

me: Is this an actual story? i have no idea what you're talking about... Do u need to search bestiality sites?
Lo: What? tiger woods. not a tiger.
me: OMG. HA! I WAS SO CONFUSED.

Lo: lol. im dying.

Apparently I'm not so quick on the uptake.

Suprised Kitty says what?

2009-12-01T15:56:00.001-08:00

Bar Food

2009-12-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Bar Food
12217 Wilshire Blvd
http://www.barfoodla.com/

Beers, Irish Bartenders (for the Cha), Sweet Frites & Bacon Jam? I'm so there.

Gotta love student protests!

2009-11-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

And I thought our corner was finally calming down.

FIG: Santa Monica

2009-11-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

FIG Santa Monica
www.figsantamonica.com

Bacon Waffle a la Mode?! Yes please!!

The Gardens of Taxco

2009-11-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Gardens of Taxco
http://gardensoftaxco.com/index.php

How have I never been here? P.S. Who's coming with me??

The 10 Friends You Need To Make Before You Turn 30

2009-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Totally poached from The Frisky...

From the time you were in pre-school and your mom picked your playdates, you’ve been building relationships with people. And sometimes, when you have things in common and get along with one another, you become friends. You might think that you have enough friends in your life, but really, can you ever have too many? Plus, you never know when you’re going to need a hand saw, so you better have someone in your cell phone who owns one.

1. The Style Guru (Lorena - forever my style guru!)
Everyone needs someone who can help them figure out which dress is appropriate “black-tie optional” weddings, and whether you can get away with wearing a green sweater with a red belt. (The answer to the latter is “probably not,” unless you are a Christmas Elf.)

2. The Mr./Ms. Fix-it (Kevin - generally most helpful with technology, you're totes Mr. Fix it)
You bought a new bike online, but the instructions for putting it together appear to be written in a language you do not speak. It’s time to call the friend who has a knack for building things and owns all the right tools.

3. The Good Time Gal (Punky - You know its true!)
If you’re feeling antsy with nothing to do on a Friday night, call this friend, who is generally up for doing anything at any time. She’ll cook up plans that involve dancing on banquets or singing Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” in the time it takes you to change out of your work clothes and slap on a fresh coat of mascara.

4. The Health Nut (Melody - & your yoga craze would be the closest to this category, but your random southern outbursts of fried chicken & greasy food kind of do the opposite)
During the times when you suddenly decide to start working out or eating food other than take-out and delicacies from the frozen-food aisle, it’s good to have someone who reads every health and fitness magazine and loves to dispense instructions for proper squat form and pass along recipes for protein-rich meals.

5. The Ear (Myra - this is all you <3)
You had a sucky day at work and hate everything in your closet. What do you do? Call the friend who will calmly listen to all of your problems and then, at the appropriate time, give you a few pearls of wisdom.

6. The Do-it-herselfer (Used to be Joyce, but considering I've barely seen you in the past 3 years, I need a new LA do-it-herselfer girl!)
Hemming vintage dresses or whipping up a crème brûlée might not come naturally to you, but with the help of a skillful friend, you’ll develop new talents in no time.

7. The Culture Guru (Punkity - Look girl you knock out two of my requirements!)
If you like the idea of going to see that new up-and-coming band perform, befriend someone who knows who’s playing and what exhibits are on display.

8. The Healthcare Professional (Myra & Ian M - thank you for helping me through my sick days.)
Make friends with a doctor or nurse. Then, when you wake up with ginormous swollen glands, you won’t have to wait for an appointment to get medicine to cure what ails you.

9. The Legal Adviser (Keiithy - I'm going to call in all of those tokens you owe me some day :-p)
We all make mistakes. A need for speed can lead to you getting pulled over, and a lively party might end with a noise violation. If you have a friend who’s a lawyer, at least you won’t be alone when you have to appear in front of a judge.

10. The Travel Buddy (Whenever I have the money to finally travel, Myra... you know this is you.)
There are those who like to stay in the same place and find solace in their homes. And there are others who need to get out and explore the world. If you’ve caught the travel bug, find a friend who has it, too. It’s way more fun (and much safer) when you share adventures with someone else.

Anything you want from New York?

2009-11-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

So my friends M & P decided to take a little jaunt over to the east coast for some Halloween fun. Being such nice friends, M asked if she could bring anything back for me. Aside from Shake Shack (which she won't bring!!) I asked if she could find a cute boy to fit in her carry-on.

Her response? "If I did, he'd be short."

To Try: STOUT

2009-10-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

http://la.eater.com/archives/2009/10/30/hollywood_gets_another_beer_and_burger_bar.php

To Try: Library Bar at Hollywood Roosevelt

2009-10-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Last Tango in Modena: Hendricks Gin, muddled strawberries, 3-year-old balsamic vinegar topped with St. Germain foam. I’d say the margarita and this cocktail tied for the number-one favorite. I love the innovativeness of this and how he turned one of my favorite desserts into an impressive cocktail. It even looks like dessert in a glass. I kinda wish it wasn’t served over a big block of ice though because I wanted more of it to drink! Perhaps a smaller cube for me?

Library Bar at Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 466-7000

"I went to high school with Kyle Bacon who was actually really hot & I wanted to marry him so I could be Ms. Bacon"

2009-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Now I'm all for anything Bacon, and this is yet another thing on my list of "want to try." Rick Gresh, the executive chef at David Burke's Primehouse in Chicago has created something truly amazing... Bacon Fat Votive Candles!

Every year Bath & Body Works has a candle that comes out during the holidays called Christmas Cookie, which I absolutely adored because it would fill my non-domestic dorm with the scent of freshly baked oven cookies! (Although it did throw me for a loop a couple of times & then I was really sad that I didn't actually have cookies and a cold glass of milk.)

Now, I have to say... A candle that releases a subtle hint of bacon-y goodness sounds too good to be true. AND since it's just rendered fat, he pours it over some of his savory dishes for an extra bacon flair?! This sounds too good to be true. So if any of you are in the Chicago area anytime soon, please please pick one up for me? Thank you!!

A two-inch high candle in a glass holder is $5 in the butcher shop at the restaurant in the James Hotel in Chicago, or call (312) 660-6000 (shipping is extra).

Ghost Cupcakes!

2009-10-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

I know I sometimes go a little over the top with my cupcake blogging, but these were just too cute to not post! I've been a bad little baker, with no new creations of my own to share, so you'll just have to be satisfied with the idea of eating something as yummy and adorable as these.

But not get to actually eat them.

Tokidoki invades Yogurtland!!!

2009-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

How Kawaii!

California Roll Factory

2009-10-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

California Roll Factory
http://calrollfactory.com/

For the non-traditional roll, I absolutely LOVE the garlic sauce on their rolls! It's to die for!

Attari Sandwich Shop

2009-10-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

Attari Sandwich Shop
1388 Westwood Blvd
West Los Angeles, CA 90024
Yelp Review

Absolutely delicious. Something to try, Ash soup & the Chicken Kotlet Sandwich.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

2009-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'd actually totally forgotten about these! I made them a while ago, but surprisingly they never ended up on the blog. So for your eye feasting pleasure...

Sincere Strawberry Cupcakes

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
1 pkg (10-12 ounces) frozen strawberries, defrosted or fresh strawberries (please see specific instructions for below)
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

If you're using fresh strawberries: First, rinse the berries really well and remove the stems. Quarter or rough chop them them into a bowl and add a few tablespoons of water and mix to coat. Then add a tablespoon or two of sugar (enough to coat the surface) and mix to coat again. Cover and refrigerate the berries for several hours or better yet, overnight.

If you're using frozen strawberries: Put the defrosted strawberries into a bowl and cover them with the sugar, mixing well to coat them. Let the strawberries sit on the counter for at least an hour to macerate (best to do this the night before or early in the day).

Once they are soft and mushy, use a fork to mash the strawberries. Be careful not to mash them too much (you want there to be some chucks). Place the berries in a mesh strainer and drain as much of the juice that you can. Reserve the juice.

Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin tin with baking cups.

In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer for 3 minutes. It should be very pale yellow and and fluffy. Add one egg at a time and mix for 1 full minute on medium-low speed (no cheating! :) ) - be sure to scrape down the bowl a few times to ensure that everything is mixing together properly. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix again for 30 seconds.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, in 3 batches, starting with the flour. Be sure to mix well after each addition and scrape the bowl down every so often.

Mix in the strawberries on low speed plus 1/4 cup of the strawberry juice. Scoop batter into prepared pan and bake for 21-23 minutes. The surface of the cupcakes should spring back when touched and just a little brown. You can also test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cupcake comes out with just a few pieces of cake clinging to it. Cool in the pan for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.

Frosting: Basic Butter Cream. Use a stick of softened butter, and slowly beat in a box of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of strawberry blend until it forms stiff peaks.

Topping: I just added mini chocolate chips. I thought I was going to get brave & melt the chocolate and actually DIP the cupcakes in, but my frosting ended up being a little too wet for the situation & I'd run out of powdered sugar.

Black is the new Pink

2009-10-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

So here's the real question, how have I not heard of Blavod before this? I feel like I am extremely behind considering just this week I've finally been exposed to the Pug Licking video and Californication (I'm totally in love with David Duchovny).

Anyway, on to black vodka loveliness.

"Black will always be the color that defines style and sophistication and it has a place in the world of spirits as well. It is not surprising that with all of the designer vodkas on the market that someone would devise a way to add color to the famously clear liquor without drastically disturbing any of the flavor characteristics of a true vodka. Blavod is the result of that brainstorm and is the only premium black vodka on the market today."

"Blavod is an extremely smooth vodka with clean undertones of dark berries and the ever-so-slight hint of cloves and anise. This heady spirit emits an intriguing sweet citrus, woody and flowery aroma that can do no more than entice one to have a sip. "

This is totally going in my shopping bag at my next BevMo trip.

Because I'm a dork...

2009-10-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Voyeur

2009-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Voyeur
http://voyeur7969.com/

Bar To Try: The Roger Room

2009-10-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Roger Room
EaterLA Review

370 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (310) 854-1300

Poached: If Blow-Up Dolls Could Talk...

2009-10-13T16:57:00.001-07:00

I love my people. We're the best!

It's like Pinocchio meets the sex industry. I bet Ralph Garman would have a field day with this one.

Cupcake Sheep?!

2009-10-13T16:51:00.001-07:00

OMG these are too cute!! & seem super easy to make, god Martha what will you think of next?

DSW you evil tease!

2009-10-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

While sorting through my overdue mail (we'd forgotten to empty the box for a week & I was thusly yelled at by the postal people when picking up the remnants of junk mail too big to cram into our tiny space) I came across a lovely little postcard from DSW advertising a free cute Charley Hobo bag with purchase.

Even though I'd JUST shopped out their sale section a week before, I trekked back w/ my co-worker K, to do a little credit damage on a new pair of boots. Instantly K finds an adorable pair of purple patent leather pumps that are divine & I find my (new love Impo) black faux suede stretch boots & we run up to the counter to claim our prize.

Lo & behold, they've run out of stock, and after a very confusing conversation with the checker, I manage to tell her I'm going to try my luck online. Figuring they'd have a vast stock of free Hobo's to send out to their loyal customers, I was sadly mistaken. But now I want the boots! They'd teased me into the store, and gotten me hooked.

Impulse buying aside, I then had to make the decision, to go to the store & have instant gratification, or order online with a $10 savings, but have to wait up to 7 days?! Decisions decisions. Thankfully, the gross weather made up my mind for me & I figure, $10 buys me at least 2 mojito's at Palamino's, my feet can wait a week for their shoes.

BJ's or Breakfast Jacks?

2009-10-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just thought this needed to be shared.

9:37 AM p: that is NOT a breakfast jaack

that's totes on ciabatta bread or something

+ that has bacon

me: dude

thats what their website looks like too

p: no way

me: you can substitute ham for bacon

p: ZOMG WHAT?

me: yes

Fried egg, ham and American cheese on top of a bakery bun. Guests can substitute bacon or sausage for ham

9:38 AM p: this is the best day of my life

you have changed me in a way i cannot express

9:39 AM me: I <3>

p: but still.. the photo is not on ciabatta bread

infact, the no sesame hamburger bun is totes the way to go

9:40 AM so soft! so moist!

so <3

bakery bun. i have to remember that.

me: ha

9:41 AM thats just like a toasted bakery bun

p: it's not toasted tho

the miracle of the bj is mindblowing

i mean that in both food and sex.

9:43 AM me: wow

i was like what?

blow jobs?

9:44 AM p: BREAKFAST JACK!

guestpost the webby weekend

2009-10-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

while i've recently taken a break from blogging due to tastier pursuits, given niki's recent lapse in follow-up due to her health condition (it's official. fall has arrived in la.) i've decided to pick up the slack and dust off the ol' keyboard...

as greenday so eloquently put it, the end of september brought an onslaught of changes, stemming from a break-up, blossoming into a weekend of debauchery, and bringing into fruition the realization that being single in LA can be just as damn fun as our east coast counterparts (plus, the weather is way better here for the most part, so put that in your pipe and smoke it).

friday night brought five friends and a welcome guest together for a fun dinner at the newly minted sweet love hangover. nestled in a nook just opposite hollywood's playhouse (providing ample fodder for whitetrash commentary), the theme of the joint was more board games + bourbon than martinis + maitre d's. we started with a saucy round of mad libs and eventually graduated to a titillating game of jenga. food was par for the course, but coupled with our multiple rounds of drinks, we were warmed up in no time to head over to empire, just around the corner.

it took a while for the spot to work out some sound kinks, but later in the night we met our requisite Fun Bobby and Rando Camera Boy (everyone loves an asian harem!). we shared a few dances with strangers in the night, and before we knew it, it was time to head home. .. or so we thought.

not quite ready to call it a night (aka. too tipsy to know it was time to hit the sack), we stopped by citizen smith's which was so dead it should've been called citizen kane. so we hopped across the street to capitol city, in the former goa space (just checked the 'blag and apparently it's so high class their urinal graffiti is in cursive. i also hear ramblings of "rentable cabanas"?). something like your usual sports bar, but since it is in hwood, we managed to *of course* bump into the usual industry lackeys.

one thing led to another, and - after my demands for a breakfast jack were not met - all i have to share is this story:

12:01 PM M: So

I washed cars today

And I was cleaning my windows

12:02 PM In my backseat cupholder

I look down

And there's a really soft tomato

12:03 PM That you really wanted

me: ..

ohhh.. from .. the house..?

hm. how did i drop/forget that?

12:04 PM i'm sorry. did it destroy the cupholder?

12:06 PM M: Ha

But had I not washed my car

Who knows how long it would have been there

me: .. true :(

12:11 PM M: Cause clearly

You remembered it

me: i remember holding it!

12:12 PM M: Ha

And then

Blank?

Or breakfast jack

12:13 PM me: BREAKFAST JACK!

pontificate + pro-create.
i'm out,
~p

p.s. o man. i forgot the part about letting superman + clark kent get a photo opp.

Quality Food & Beverage

2009-10-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Quality Food & Beverage

8030 W 3rd St

FINALLY tried this place & I totally understand why my boss loves it so. Had the Mozzarella scramble & it was super yummy. The Potatoes were well seasoned & the biscuit was divine.

Next time to try: Scallop Eggs Benedict

Yatai - Japanese Topless

2009-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yatai Bar
yatai-bar.com

I always forget about this little gem right up the street! The food is well priced, very tasty & as we discovered this weekend, this restaurant is full of beautiful people. Seriously everywhere we looked! Guys & girls equally hot.

To order, Albacore w/ crispy onions & ponzu. Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms w/ Spicy Tuna, Thai Style Green Curry, & Spicy Tuna Rice Burger

Sofi Greek

2009-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sofi Restaurant
http://www.sofisrestaurant.com/

To Try: right next to Quality on 3rd. Very cute courtyard area.

The Ranch

2009-10-10T23:45:00.001-07:00

So after a long hiatus from The Ranch, I'm single & I'm back on the game.

Or so I thought. Apparently the ranch now has a new valet staff of little asian men, who are extremely protective of the bars patrons.

When we first pulled up, fully planning on dinnering & then walking back to the ranch for a nightcap, we were firmly told that we must go into the bar or move our car. Really??

So as the Ranch has the cheapest parking on the strip, we headed back to drop the car before checking our Libertine. Unfortunately for us, cutting through the bar and out the side entrance, rendered the same results, being chased down by the asians in little blue coats shepherding us back into the bar.

The asians are efficient to say the least.

Buttercake Bakery

2009-10-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Aside from the adorable boxes, these cupcakes look super yum! Going to try them out... bought a box of mini's for $9!

Buttercake Bakery
http://www.buttercakebakery.com/

Sweet Love Hangover

2009-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sweet Love Hangover
Food: B
Ambiance: A-
Mad Libs: A+

Would I go here again? If I were drunk, absolutely!

The Den of Hollywood

2009-10-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

The Den of Hollywood
http://www.thedenofhollywood.com/

Checked out this place w/ P & M on a Wednesday night, excited for 2 things. 1 check out the decor, which was OK, had a very good birthday bar feeling, and 2 Angry Mac! Pepper Jack, Chorizo, Roast Chilies & Chipotle make up this gooey dish & it's spiced to perfection.

To try next time, TV Dinner & Bacon wrapped dates.

Photo of the day

2009-10-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

Awe.

Go with your cougar honey!

2009-10-04T16:48:00.001-07:00

So P & I are chilling are Sharkeez Manhattan Beach, killing a few hours & we've stumbled across a question I wish our fellow male friends could answer.

Why, why do guys feel the need to shove their hand in their ass while talking to girls?? In the time it took us to lushify over shark bites & pina coladas, no less than 3 asses were prominently grabbed before our very eyes.

We also witnessed what we will call little trucker man (playboy in his late 30's wearing a yellow trucker hat & has probably a wide variety of STDs) pick up a cougar at the bar. Overheard @ Sharkeez: "go with your cougar honey!"

Enjoy.

Lemonade

2009-10-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

So yums, loved the spaghetti squash salad thing, and the fig salad. Really want to try the stews next time!

susan feniger's street

2009-10-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

susan feniger's street

http://www.eatatstreet.com/

We decided to go on a lovely tour, with their Globe Trotting Menu & Beer Pairings.

Enter text here.KOREAN RICE SALAD fried egg atop chopped lettuce, brown rice, soybean sprouts, enoki mushrooms, nori, daikon radish, tofu, and sunflower seeds in a spicy sweet sesame dressing.

Kind of like a fancy Bim Bim Bop

INDIAN SEMOLINA CAKES crispy pan fried cakes of utma semolina with toasted cashews, peas, tomato and spices; topped with tomato chutney.

Enter text here.MOLDAVIAN MEATBALLS ground beef & kasha meatballs simmered in a sweet and sour tomato sauce with dill sour cream.

The Meatballs were super yummy... the cakes, just OK.

Enter text here.MASSAMUN CHICKEN CURRY traditional Southern Thai curry with chicken, red yam and mushrooms, simmered in a coconut milk and spices of Muslim Indian influence.

Enter text here.VIETNAMESE CORN wok cooked medley of fresh corn, spring onions and glazed pork belly.

The curry was amazing, the corn was just OK. A little spicy for my tastes.

All in all, restaurant was a solid B. Good for a try, but not somewhere I need to return. However one thing to note, the beer pairings with the food were incredible!

Tavern Brentwood Brunch

2009-10-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tavern Brentwood
Simply Amazing. Totally worth a 2nd look.

We started with a Pecan Sticky Bun done "Suzanne Style" which meant complete with Bacon toppings. Yummy! Great combination of sweet & savory.

Then moved on to the The tavern “benedict” with prosciutto and lemon. I didn't actually try this one, but it looked beautiful.

Then M and I split the pork, pork, pork with manchego and romesco burger, mostly because we wanted to try the herb fries w/ a nice garlic aoli which turned out to be the right choice. The fries were perfectly crisp and well flavored, very reminiscent of the fries at Beppe back in NYC.

All in all a very successful trip. On tap for next time...

wild mushroom frittata with spinach and cheddar
The Pilgrim –roasted turkey, cranberry, stuffing
Monkey bread

puff pastry is food of the gods.

2009-10-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

This is the stuff of legends. Caramelized Onion, Kalamata Olive, Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart.

All I can say is this sucker was deeelicious.

2 Onions
2 tbs Chives
1 Cup Kalamata Olives Sliced
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes Sliced
4 tbs Butter
1 Log of Herb Goat Cheese
1 Puff Pastry Sheet
Parchment Paper

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees. Line a cookie sheet w/ Parchment Paper & lay out thawed Puff Pastry. Poke holes in the pastry so it won't explode.

2. Slice the onions, and caramelize them in a pan using the butter, until they're golden and sweet. Salt and Pepper to taste. Add in the Chives and saute to mix.

3. On the Pastry, lay out the onions leaving a small boarder. On top lay the sliced tomatoes, olives and crumbled goat cheese.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until pastry is golden.

Enjoy with a nice glass of Riesling and a summer salad!

My soul-mate is in town!

2009-10-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

& by soul-mate, I totally mean Ian, and not in that everlasting love way, but in the OCD, we could be twins, brother from another mother.

If you know anything about me & the way I organize emails... (reference DT Pub Crawl for an appropriate example) Then you'll see why, when it comes down to this weekend's festivities, this man is one of my good friends.

Wonderful friends (and Niki's wonderful friend's),

So I’ve safely made my way to the lovely west coast and fiiinally plans have been made. So first off, Friday night:

1. Dinner at Sweet Love Hangover at 8PM!

I don’t know much about it but it comes recommended by a really hungry person and the Yelp review adds that “They also have free candy! Blow-pops, Sugar Daddies/Babies, etc. Yummy stuff.”

Address is:
6508 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
8:00PM!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=1716+north+cahuenga+blvd+90028&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1716+N+Cahuenga+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028&gl=us&ei=4u_DSr_1KIGm8AbPtIHgCQ&ll=34.102975,-118.329105&spn=0.009221,0.016544&z=16&iwloc=A

2. From there we walk 1.5 blocks to Empire!

Supposedly a bitchy (good) new club.
http://www.empirehollywood.com/
1716 north cahuenga blvd 90028
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=1716+north+cahuenga+blvd+90028&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1716+N+Cahuenga+Blvd,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90028&gl=us&ei=4u_DSr_1KIGm8AbPtIHgCQ&ll=34.102975,-118.329105&spn=0.009221,0.016544&z=16&iwloc=A

We are aiming to be there by 10:00PM and 10:30PM at the very latest if we want to get in w/o waiting / bottle service.

Appropriate follow-up post will ensue pending how much of my evening I can remember.

The One with the The Head Tilt

2009-10-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know, I just recently went through a break-up of my very own. But since my life revolves around all thing entertainment, I can sum up my emotions with the following scene from Friends. Like Tom Selleck, I'll survive. It's sad. It was the right decision, and I'll always have a special place in my heart for him, but life must go on. So seriously, enough with the head tilt... buy me a shot of vodka and give me a lap dance instead :-)

MONICA: I've been great, just great. How have you been? [tilting her head]

DR. BURKE: Oh, well obviously you know Barbara and I split up, otherwise you wouldn't have done the head tilt.

MONICA: The head tilt?

DR. BURKE: Yeah, since the divorce, when anybody asks me how I am, it's always with a sympathetic head tilt. [demonstrating] 'How ya doin'? You OK?'

MONICA: I'm sorry.

DR. BURKE: No no, it, it's fine, believe me. I do it too. I always answer with the 'I'm OK' head bob. [demonstrates] 'I'm OK.' [tilts head] 'You sure?' [bobs head] 'Yeah, I'm fine.' Hey listen, I've got to set up the music. I got a new CD changer, of course the divorce only left me with 4 CD's to change.

MONICA: [her and Phoebe tilt their heads] Oh, that's too bad.

DR. BURKE: [bobbing his head] I'll survive.

FYIYFI

2009-10-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

For Your Information You Fucking Idiot

or

For Your Information You Fine Individual

Thank you gchat/ichat for providing me with a little bit of amusement.

2009-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

3:31 PM me: you're back!

i had somethings to tell u

but i forgot.

oh i remember!

watch the fireflies video!!

3:32 PM p: are you typing in reply to your email?

me: yes

p: lol. i'm on ichat - so everything you say is prefaced by "OK this one..."

me: HA

p: it's like "OK this one.. watch the video!"

"OK this one.. yes"

"OK this one.. HA

3:33 PM me: is awesome!

p: i can't watch the vid tho - i'm @ internship

me: is boo. :-(

p: :(

me: wants to watch fireflies!!

p: lol

it's not a frickin' status update

3:35 PM me: thinks this is really funny.

3:36 PM cannot stop laughing, and now her co-workers think she has gone crazy

p: haha

I can't believe you'd dream cheat on me like that?!

2009-09-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

My friend P IMed me the other day. "I'm mad at you."

Why?

Because I dream cheated on our friendship. Yep, that's right. In her dream, we were taking a work-out class (first tip off that it's a dream) and Taylor Swift was there as well. So go figure, I became BFF's with Taylor, thus ensuring the wrath of my longtime friend, who thought I'd sold her out for a pair of tickets to the VMAs.

In her DREAM.

My roommate in NY used to wake up furious at me for hooking up with her ex. In her dreams. I always thought it was hilarious, how much your dreams can influence your actions, and I know there's all this literature about the subconscious and how that's really playing out your true feelings and emotions, but really?! I did not hook up with the ex, and I'm most certainly not BFF's with Taylor, and if this were Bedtime Stories I'd certainly hope my friends dreams about me were much MUCH cooler.