Monthly Archives: April 2008

April 30, 2008

Father’s Office v2.0′s FOrgotten Cocktails

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Los Angeles, Nightlife
5 Comments

Manhattan

As you well know by now, Father’s Office II — aka Father’s Office v2.0 or FO2 — in Los Angeles/Culver City opened last week and everyone’s super excited about the 70+ beers on tap, that Office burger and sweet potato fries, and the huuuge 80-foot-long bar — that’s all fabulous, but what about that cocktail list? It’s so smart of FO 2 to offer the hard stuff for those of us who need something stronger than beer or wine to make a bad day go away fast.

And, I love that they serve all the major hard stuff except for vodka. Sure, I appreciate the occasional vodka bar (read: Bar Lubitsch). But I also find that vodka seems to have turned into the lazy mixologist’s base liquor of choice, especially with all the different types of flavored vodkas coming out of the woodwork nowadays.

Share|

April 29, 2008

Scream for Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day and Baskin-Robbins’ 31-Cent Scoop Night

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Los Angeles, Sweets
3 Comments

Flickr Shot by jamelah

Flickr Shot by jamelah

Just in time for the cooler weather this week, both ice cream giants Ben and Jerry’s and Baskin Robbins are having their special ice cream events: a globalwide free cone day (B&J’s) and a nationwide 31-cent scoop night (B-R). This would have been perfect during that scorcher this past weekend, no?

Ben & Jerry’s 30th Annual Free Cone Day
This beloved Ben & Jerry’s tradition started back on May 5, 1979 as a way for good guys Ben and Jerry to show appreciation to their customers and staff. Aww! We love you, too! The free cone day is always a good way to try out B&J’s new flavors risk-free. Don’t like the flavor you picked? No worries, you didn’t pay for it!

Check out Ben & Jerry’s four new creations: Coconut Seven Layer Bar (coconut ice cream, fudge flakes, walnuts, graham cracker and butterscotch), Imagine Whirled Peace (caramel and sweet cream ice creams with fudge peace signs and toffee cookies), One Cheesecake Brownie (cheesecake ice cream with cheesecake brownie chunks), and Cake Batter (yellow cake batter ice cream with chocolate frosting swirl). No purchase necessary.

Baskin-Robbins’ 2nd Annual 31-Cent Scoop Night
It may not be as nifty-sounding as B&J’s ice cream special since it’s not offering freebies and it’s only nationwide compared to B&J’s worldwide endeavor. And sure the event only goes off in the evening from 5pm to 10pm (not really peak ice cream eating hours), but come on, it’s ice cream goodness for mere pocket change!

Take this opportunity to try B-R’s new flavor York Peppermint Pattie or stick to old favorites Jamoca Almond Fudge and Pralines ‘n Cream. Plus select BR stores will host local fire departments to collect donations and B-R will donate $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Limit 10 2.5-ounce scoops per person, per purchase.

In other dairy-related news, Haagen-Dazs’ new flavor day where you can get a free scoop of the ice cream store’s newest creation, Vanilla Honey Bee, is on May 13 from 4pm to 8pm. And Pinkberry now has coffee flavor.

Share|

April 28, 2008

Creperie by Jack n’ Jill’s: Love in My Tummy

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Los Angeles
2 Comments

The Big Easy

This weekend, to my horror, I realized I ran out of great breakfast joints to go to on the Westside. Usually I just like to roll out of bed, go a short distance and enjoy some yummy dark coffee and an even yummier breakfast entree. And I was kinda sick of my old faves Literati Cafe, Jack n’ Jill and Colony Cafe. I needed something new and different. And I was even willing to go east of the 405 on this 90-degree morning for it.

Then I remembered that Jack n’ Jill’s, home of one of my most favorite yogurt and granola parfaits evuh ($6.95) and the Mexican Hangover Scramble ($9.95) just opened up the Creperie near the Beverly Center last month. Savory and sweet crepes by the Jack n’ Jill’s peeps? I’m in.

Share|

April 25, 2008

Today’s Stream of Consciousness

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping & Sales
14 Comments

Flickr Shot by dotsara

Flickr Shot by dotsara

I need to find a new drinking hole since I’ve been ousted from my old one. Any suggestions? I’m looking for a place that makes some damn good cocktails. And don’t say the Griffin. As much as I love that’s place, it’s just too darn far from home base. And don’t say Father’s Office II as they only have five cocktails. Although that IS a good stand-by.

Anyone else on Brightkite.com? I love it cuz it takes Twittering to a different level, allowing me to tell people where I am to perhaps join me in my outings. Great for mobile parties or flash mobs. Hmm, maybe I should organize a crackhead bar hop! Anyone game?

For some reason I skipped over this tidbit of information when I saw it so didn’t mention it in my weekend roundup. But LF Stores is having a warehouse sale in Playa del rey today and tomorrow! 70-90% off all the rilly pretty jeans, tops, dresses, etc. They only take cash and credit cards but isn’t that all anyone has nowadays anyway? The address is 5333 McConnell Avenue. Happy bargain hunting!

During chick flick night last night, me and the girls put temporary tattoos on for fun. I now have an Ed Hardy Chinese dragon on my forearm and I kinda like it; the idea of the tat on my arm, not the Ed Hardy tat. So now I’m really considering getting one there but wonder if I’m too old for that now. dotsara keeps daring me to get one. Well, she says, “You’re never going to get one,” which we all know is as good as a dare. But I can’t seem to find a dragon design that I like anyway so maybe she’s right.

Next week is the anniversary that no one should celebrate: Spam’s 30th year of existence — the Internet annoyance, not the mystery meat (which is actually celebrating its 70th). All I can say is that I thank the creator of CoC every day for putting a spam filter on my comments. Thanks, Michael! Otherwise I’d have a bazillion penis enlargement and naked Paris links in my comments. So friggin’ irritating. They don’t even make sense most of the time.

For those who haven’t already heard, the Rustic Canyon Wine Bar in Santa Monica is now open for breakfast. The counter service breakfast is only on Saturday mornings (8am-12pm) and coincides with the farmers market in Santa Monica near 3rd and Arizona, so you can grab and stroll down to the market to kick off a nice relaxing morning.

And, for those who were wondering: I’m sorry to say that like Flavor Flav, Brett Michaels and Tila Tequila before him, Crazy Andy is still looking for that one special person.

Share|

April 24, 2008

This Weekend: Happiness Is a Warm Airplane Seat

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping & Sales
2 Comments

Oh, are you going to Coachella? Well I feel sorry for youuu because look what’s going on in town while you’re all sweating it out in that concert in the desert. So what to Prince and Portishead and…and Goldfrapp? ….I’ll be crying quietly in this corner over here.

Thursday, April 24

2nd Annual Charles David Warehouse Sale
Shoe fetishists, Charles David is having a warehouse sale starting today where you can get 50-80% off last season’s pumps, boots, strappy heels, etc. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the last one but hopefully this one will be tons better. Try and carpool as parking around the warehouse is tough. Cash and credit cards only.

  • Thursday 9am-6pm to Saturday 9am-5pm. 5731 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City. (310) 348-5050.

Friday, April 25

Last Day of Virgin America Cool Summer Airfare Sale
Quick! Tomorrow’s your last chance for scoring great deals on domestic fares around the country. Fly the friendly skies in style on Virgin’s amenity-packed airplanes — mood lighting, 3,000 MP3s, pay-per-view movies on demand. Sample roundtrip airfares: LA to NYC $284, LA to SF $93 and LA to Seattle $171. You have until 11:59pm CT to make your summer plans. Fares are valid for travel April 26 to June 11.

Not for Tourists Los Angeles 2008 Release Party at Footsies
Free books and beer! What more incentive do you need to come to Not for Tourists’ 2008 release party? Correction, what more incentive do you need to come to this party early as the books and beer are only available while supplies last (one each per person). So get to Footsies early. Bring this invite to join in the fun.

  • 6-9pm. Footsies. 2640 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. (323) 221-6900.

Saturday, April 26

2008 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dude, I used to work this festival when I was a bookseller for WeHo’s Book Soup back in the day. Hated working it but envied all the book lovers walking around, enjoying the day browsing the bookstores and attending all the cool panels. Some interesting-sounding panels, at least to me, include the conversation between Gore Vidal and Jane Smiley on Saturday and the one between Walter Mosley and Michael Silverblatt on Sunday. There are also outdoor stage events, including a culinary stage featuring author chefs. Definitely a must-do this weekend if you like to read and stuff.

  • Saturday 10am-6pm to Sunday 10am-5pm. Free admission but $8 for parking. UCLA Campus, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood (map). (310) 825-4321

Rachel Palley’s Warehouse Sample Sale
Every time I see my fashionable friend Jeannine she asks me if the dress I’m sporting is Rachel Palley. I didn’t know who this was until I looked in the pages of InStyle magazine and saw that celebs wear her. Her stuff looks comfortable and flirty but at about over $200 for a short dress, so beyond my budget. Fortunately her warehouse sale has been extended through the weekend! Find items from Holiday ’07 and Spring ’08 at wholesale prices and below. Cash and credit cards only.

  • Saturday 10am-5pm to Sunday 11am-4pm. 2001 South Santa Fe Ave., #F, Los Angeles.

Share|

April 23, 2008

Heaven Is Earth: Fred Segal Santa Monica and Heal the Bay’s Special Green Weekend

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales
1 Comment

Flickr Shot by dotsara

Flickr Shot by dotsara (detail)

Why confine environmental do-gooding to one day when you have the whole month? You can still ride that bike, recycle old cell phones and shop. Yup, Heal the Bay and Fred Segal Santa Monica are throwing a big ol’ greenie event this weekend at the Santa Monica store.

Having been involved with the local environmental group for more than 20 years, the upscale retailer to the stars wants to not only raise funds for the good cause but awareness about eco-friendly shopping (i.e. no plastic shopping bags!) during its special Heaven Is Earth shindig from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27.

Friday kicks off the green weekend with a Skyy Vodka cocktail party and silent auction (RSVP required) where guests can bid on 47 different exclusive items (that I can’t even imagine owning), like a $3,000 pair of Barton Perreira Sunglasses and a $1,345 ETRO Travel Bag.

Other parcels up on the auction block include a $20K Smart Pure car autographed by surf-photographer Grant Rohloff, Harajuku T-shirts signed by Gwen Stefani, tickets to American Idol, a Paul Frank beach cruiser and a signed Jimmy Choo shoe sketch. The auction ends at 9pm on Friday for everything except the Smart car, which ends at 6pm on Sunday.

On Saturday and Sunday, shoppers can peruse the various trunk shows, personal appearances and about 100 special drawings around the store.

For instance, on Saturday, Stella Care Organic Skincare by Stella McCartney will be giving 100% organic mini facials at the Fred Segal Studio (first come first served and no appointment necessary). Alabama Stitch will have a sewing circle at Fred Segal Flair complete with organic Bloody Marys from 12-5pm. Just watch wear you stick that knitting needle.

And Organik will be showing off its full line of men’s Organik tees (70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton), V-neck hoodies made with recycled plastic bottles and hoodies (100% certified organic fair trade cotton).

Heal the Bay and Fred Segal have also created a limited edition canvas shopping tote that will be available for sale this weekend for $10. Apparently the last time they did this, the bags sold like hot cakes and are considered a collectors’ item. I want one! Heal the Bay is trying to get a ban on single-use bags in SaMo as well as L.A.; perhaps this will inspire fashionistas to join the fight.

PS: Don’t forget to also sign Heal the Bay’s letter to Mayor Villaraigosa to stop single-use plastic bags.

EVENT: FRIDAY, APRIL 25 to SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Fred Segal Santa Monica
500 Broadway
Santa Monica, California 90401 (map)
(310) 458-9940

Share|

April 22, 2008

22nd Annual L.A. Conservancy’s Last Remaining Seats

Written by Caroline on Crack in Los Angeles, Movies
Say what?

Balcony and Mezzanine

L.A. history buffs and cinemaphiles rejoice! Tickets to L.A. Conservancy’s 22nd Annual Last Remaining Seats go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 10am. Choose from the selection of classic movies screening at some very classic theaters like the Los Angeles Theatre, Orpheum and the recently reopened Million Dollar Theatre from May 28 to July 2. Feel like what it must have been like to watch movies in these beautiful theaters, from enjoying the live organ music of the Mighty Wurlitzer to squeezing your 21st-century ass into your 1920s seat. It may not the Arclight but that’s what makes it charming.

The historic preservation organization will also present live music and special guests with each movie screening. And all performances are general seating so the early bird gets the best vantage point. Doors open at 7 with the show starting at 8 and ending around 10 or 11pm.

2008 Schedule

  • May 28 — Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at the Los Angeles Theatre
    Special Program: The evening will be hosted by film critic/historian Leonard Maltin, schedule permitting.
  • June 4 — Mildred Pierce at the Million Dollar Theatre — SOLD OUT so ferget it
    Special Program: The evening will be hosted by Alan K. Rode, film historian, writer, and director of the Film Noir Foundation.
  • June 11 — Goldfinger at the Orpheum Theatre
    Special Program: Legendary organist Bob Mitchell performs on the Orpheum’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ before the show.
  • June 25 — El rey del barrio at the Million Dollar Theatre
    Special Program: The evening will be hosted by KTTV Fox 11 Reporter Tony Valdez, and will include a live musical performance by the John Villalobos Quartet, playing Boleros and Son Cubano with influences of jazz, flamenco, and blues.
  • July 2 — Silent comedy classics: The Navigator, Pay Day, Get Out and Get Under at the Orpheum Theatre
    Special Program: Acclaimed organist Robert Israel will accompany the films on the Orpheum’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Maxwell DeMille will host the evening.

TICKETS: $15 for Conservancy members (you can still sign up to be a member and purchase tickets before tomorrow); $18 for general public; $20 at the door if an event isn’t sold out.

TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 at 10am

Share|

« Older Posts