I watched this building going up, so when I got the invite I was so pleased. This is a monumental time for The Academy and all of its member and non-members. The museum is a gorgeous show place for movies, museumgoers, historians, and aficionados, just about everyone. And it all taking place in the Fairfax District in the old May Company building, what more could you want.
Here are some of the areas, places of interest, and architecture wonders of The Academy Museum: Disney Company Piazza, Barbra Streisand Bridge, Sidney Pottier Grand Lobby, Gerry Schwartz and Heather Reisman Terrace, David Geffen Theater, Dolby Family Terrace, Tea Room and Wilshire Terrace, and Tedd Mann Terrace. For me my happy place was walking over The Barbra Streisand Bridge to never never land AKA Dolby Family Terrace. The views are amazing and I was just so happy to finally be standing on what I saw being built, really astounding.
Some of the exhibits included: Stories of Cinema, backdrop, an invisible art, The Oscars Experience, The Path to Cinema, Highlights from the Richard Blazer Collection, Hayao Miyazaki, Regeneration – Black Cinema 1898 – 1971. I have to say that my favorite fun experiences are getting an Oscar and having it videotaped in The Oscar Experience. I also just loved seeing The Wizard of Oz exhibit – with the original ruby red slippers, and Spike Lee’s own collection was very exhilarating as well.
Located in the landmarked and newly restored Wilshire May Company building (now the Saban Building), their 300,000-square-foot museum features more than 50,000 square feet of gallery space, two film and performance theaters, dynamic indoor/outdoor event spaces, and the spectacular rooftop Dolby Family Terrace with magnificent views of the Hollywood Hills—an elegant setting to host both intimate and high-profile special events.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Global in outlook and grounded in the unparalleled collections and expertise of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy Museum offers exceptional exhibitions and programs that illuminate the world of cinema. They are immersive and dynamic and tell the many stories of the movies—their art, technology, artists, history, and social impact—through a variety of diverse and engaging voices. The Academy Museum will tell complete stories of moviemaking—celebratory, educational, and sometimes critical or uncomfortable. Designed by Pritzker Prize—winning architect Renzo Piano, the Academy Museum’s seven floors feature exhibition spaces, education and special event spaces, a conservation studio, a café, and a museum store. In addition, the museum’s 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and 288-seat Ted Mann Theater will present a year-round calendar of screenings, film series, member programs, panel discussions, family programs, and symposia. Programs will include retrospectives and thematic series that illuminate the artistic and cultural contributions of an international selection of movie artists. Every decision made at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures reflects a carefully crafted set of guiding principles that begins with the Mission Statement. These extend into the design of its exhibitions, the development of its public and educational programs, the creation of its publications, the hiring and growth of its staff, and the development of its board of trustees and committees. You must also visit their store, Academy Museum Store located in the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby. A nice membership perk: museum members receive a 10% discount year-round and a special 20% discount during seasonal member shopping days. On this amazing day, lucky invitees enjoyed the Museums hosted lunch and drinks, which were done by many of our local Hispanic restaurants, all so tasty and delightful. Los Angeles has some truly fantastic cultural experiences; this one is at the top of my list. It is just a must see! Academy Museum 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 930-3000 Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10am–6pm Friday to Saturday: 10am-8pm https://www.academymuseum.org/en/calendar academymuseumstore.org. #AcademyMuseum.
* Note Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website
The Harris Brothers always put on a great gift suite, and this past one for the Emmy’s did not disappoint. I think everyone was so happy to be out and about, getting lovely gifts and celebrating TV’s biggest night.
These were the vendors represented:
Donna Leah Designs, Archery Jewelry, Anna Nicole Smith by Pol’ Atteu & Patrik Simpson, Heysocal.com, Sabre Pepper Spray, The Cookie Dip, Olive Oil Pantry, That’s Catchy, Ungun, Asili, Mona Listen – Shana Schoone, La Casa Del Camino, Prinandsauceyboutique, Cleopatra’s garden, Southern Girl Desserts, House of Orange, Facial Lounge, Glamore4u, La Monique Cosmetics, That’s Catchy, Absenthia, Reign, Mood Oil, Indian Healing Clay, Optimal Rush, Facial Lounge, Euphoria Jewelz and Beauty.
Such a great way to spend the day, with lots of old friends and new ones; all with the same focus…Emmy’s, Emmy’s, and Emmy’s.
I went to these services in 2019 and was so happy with my experience; it was a really lovely service. The stage is just amazing; far better than being in an actual temple. For me Yom Kippur is the only one real day being Jewish that I get to go to Temple and pray. This year happened to be extremely bittersweet seeing that my beautiful Mom, Lois Jackson Cohen went off to heaven on May 5, 2021. So many of my friends knew my Mom, she was attached to me at the hip and vice versa. She went many times to the Temple of The Arts when it was at Beverly Hills High School. So on this day participating in their Yizkor Service was a must. I cried the whole hour, but the music and singing really made the service complete. I am totally obsessed with Cantor Jordan Bennett who sang the Yiddish Folk Song, “Mameleh” written by Mitchell Parish, Alex Alstone and Al Goodhart, with Yiddish by Miriam Kresyn. Jordan Bennett who sang the song “Bring Him Home” from “Les Misérables” with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and James Fenton. His voice hits so many octaves and ranges, it’s just breathtaking, a fine actor and singer from a musical theater background. Cantor Ilysia J. Pierce sang the song “Dance With My Father” written by Luther Vandross and Richard Marx, and then Rabbi Baron shared with us a very special poem. For me all was very heartfelt and healing!
About Temple of The Arts of Beverly Hills and Yom Kippur:
For Yom Kippur – The Holiest Day Of The Jewish Year, a time for fasting and forgiveness. High Holy Day services were held on the Eve of Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 (5782) starting at 8:00 p.m., and on Thursday, September 16, 2021 (5782) starting at 10:00 a.m., including a Yizkor Memorial Service
High Holy Day Services were conducted in the Winnick Family
Auditorium on the ornate Harold Kapelovitz bimah, which included
tapestry recreation of legendary artist, Marc Chagall,
entitled “The Journey of the People.” The Beverly Hills Temple of the
Arts at the Saban Theatre is now celebrating the close of its 29th
Anniversary. The temple was founded and
incorporated on November 5, 1992. The mission of the Beverly Hills
Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre is to promote religion
through music, drama, arts, film and dance.
RABBI DAVID BARON, Founder of the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts, the largest arts and entertainment synagogue in the United States which owns the Saban Theatre. Rabbi Baron said, “My guests have incredible stories of perseverance and resilience. Each of their stories exemplifies the strength of the human spirit, which can serve as examples to enlighten all of us. At this season of repentance and introspection, it is of vital importance to bring awareness globally. We can learn important life lessons from these inspirational and motivational messages.”
Masih Alinejad said, “I am honored Rabbi David Baron of the Beverly
Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre invited me to
participate in his High Holy Day services for Yom Kippur, the most
sacred day of the year for Jewish people around the world. I am
grateful for the opportunity the Rabbi is giving me to discuss the
importance of human rights, Iranian rights and women’s rights.
Mona Golabek said, “I am deeply honored to perform on the sacred
day of Yom Kippur as part of the services from the Temple of the
Arts. This great synagogue celebrates the power of the arts and
inspires us to triumph over our greatest challenges. A personal thank
you to Rabbi Baron for his gracious invitation, affording me the
opportunity to share a personal story of resilience and humanity
through music.”
More About Rabbi David Baron’s Guests:
Mona Golabek is the daughter of Lisa Jura, a child piano prodigy born in Vienna, Austria, who came to England as a refugee in 1938 as part of the Kindertransport (Children’s Transport) rescue operation. Her father, Michel Golabek, was a French resistance fighter, who received the Croix de Guerre. Mona Golabek’s grandparents died at Auschwitz.
Mona Golabek, deeply inspired by her mother, Lisa Jura’s story, remembers her mother telling her the precious last words her grandmother, Malka, said to her at the Kindertransport train station, before they were separated: “Lisa, hold on to your music. It will be your friend and I will be with you always through the music.” Mona Golabek herself studied the piano with her mother and is herself a Concert Pianist and Recording Artist who has performed with major conductors and orchestras worldwide.
In 1990 Mona Golabek was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Chamber Music or Other Small Ensemble Performance for her album of music consisting of Anton Stepanovich Arensky’s Piano Trio #2 In D Minor and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A Minor. Mona Golabek has been the subject of several documentaries, including Concerto for Mona with conductor Zubin Mehta.
Mona Golabek’s mother is the subject of her acclaimed books, The Children of Willesden Lane, Lisa of Willesden Lane, and the illustrated book Hold on To Your Music. They have been translated and published in French, Italian, German, Hebrew, Spanish and Polish with forthcoming Arabic and Hungarian publications.
In 2012, Mona Golabek made her debut at the Los Angeles Geffen Playhouse in The Pianist of Willesden Lane, adapted from the book. The production, written and directed by Hershey Felder, starring Mona Golabek, has been celebrated by critics and audiences with sold out theatrical runs in New York and London. Golabek has received Best Actress Nominations from the New York Drama Desk Awards and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.
In 2003, Golabek formed the Hold On To Your Music Foundation. To date, more than one million students and families have experienced the WILLESDEN READ – the educational mission, spearheaded by the nonprofit, that is devoted to spreading the inspirational message of her mother’s story.
DR. HILLEL NEWMAN, Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles: Discussed the failed state of Lebanon and Hezbollah missiles; The Abraham Accords, a series of treaties normalizing diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, facilitated by the U.S.; and the state of the COVID response in Israel.
Service Readers for High Holy Day Services Included:
MARY HART, Iconic Former American Television Personality for Entertainment Tonight (9/15)
JIM MORET, Chief Correspondent for the syndicated television news magazine, Inside Edition (9/15)
DAPHNA E. ZIMAN, President, Co-Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer, Cinémoi Television Network and New York Times Best-Selling Author, will read a new self-penned poem, “Humanity” (9/15)
BEVERLY TODD, Actress, “Lean on Me,” “Moving,” “Crash,” “The Bucket List” (9/16)
BERNARD HILLER, Renowned Acting Teacher (9/16)
Service Performers for High Holy Day Services Included:
CHLOE TUCKER, Actress and Singer, “Junk,” “Mamma Mia!” Tour (9/16)
SHARON FARBER, Four-Time Emmy Award-Nominated Film, Television and Concert Music Composer, ASCAP Board Member, Member of Executive Committee of the Music Branches of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences and the Television Academy, Vice President of the Alliance of Women Film Composers and Music Director for the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre (9/15 and 9/16)
ILYSIA J. PIERCE, Cantor, Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre (Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” First National Tour) (9/15 and 9/16)
JORDAN BENNETT, Co-Cantor, Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre (Lead in “Les Misérables” on Broadway) (9/15 and 9/16)
ADRIENNE BARON, Noted Vocalist (9/15 and 9/16)
EDEN KONTESZ, 10-year-old singer whose credits include: “Transparent,” “The Simpsons” and “Don’t Look Deeper” (9/15 and 9/16)
Instrumentalists for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur included:
MURRAY MIDDLEMAN, Clarinet, Flute and Saxophone, ALEXANDER KALMAN, Violin, DIMITRY OLEVSKY, Violin, GARIK TERZIAN, Cello and LIESL ERMAN, Harp (9/15 and 9/16)
JOE BUCHANAN: Country music composer, singer and guitarist will perform his song, “Better Together” from his album, “Back From Babylon” (9/15). On (9/16) performed some of his other original music.
MONA GOLABEK: Grammy Award-nominated concert pianist and author talked about and performed excerpts from her critically acclaimed one-woman show, The Pianist of Willesden Lane. (9/15 and 9/16.
Mona Golabek’s story and playing was otherworldly, she is the real deal! The day for me was filled with tears of sadness as well as tears of joy, everything you would want from your day of atonement.
Tucked away in a mini-mall called The Gateway is an oasis of pure culinary pleasure. You can tell just how good the food is by all of the people in the restaurant. A Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. Customers are couples, girlfriends, and families, all enjoying their divine food. Whether it is outside on the very lively patio or inside where you feel like you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean, it is all delicious and a wonderful treat for your eyes as well. But don’t mistake their food for truly Italian, no, more of a fusion of Middle Eastern and Italian, right smack in the middle.
I sat at a booth in the bar, which had a Dodger’s giant’s game on their large flat-screen TV, which to me is an added bonus. They have 4 flat-screen TVs in the bar all on different sports channels, so you could come here and enjoy a meal and watch your favorite game. Plus they also have happy hour with complimentary appetizers. Who does that any more? Happy hours are all now just discounted food and drinks, but here they are doing a nice spread of free food, I love that. Honestly, if I lived closer I would be here all the time. With live music on the weekends, how could you go wrong!
They play great guitar music on their playlists, Ottmar Leibert, The Gypsy Kings, and a past client of mine Jesse Cook, all to lighten your mood and get your palate ready for this sumptuous food. The interior is filled with art. There is a floor-to-ceiling magnolia tree inside the dining room. It might be fake, I didn’t get that close. Venetian glass wall sconces and overhead fixtures light up the room, while the banquets are covered in a lovely floral modern fabric.
The restaurant is a family-run restaurant, by Nima Javapour, his dad, and his wife Sunny. They have been operating since 2014, however, have been longtime residents of the Santa Clarita Valley since 1989. They all have extensive experience and background working for multi-national hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, etc.) and numerous stand-alone and corporate restaurants. They decided in 2014 to utilize their combined experience and open a restaurant in the community where all of our families have grown and are currently living.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktails:
3 Martinis:
Lemon Drop – in a proper martini glass, not too sweet, just right.
Traditional with Blue Cheese olives, the olives are so incredible, wow.
Cosmopolitan, this was not the typical Cosmopolitan, it’s far better.
Specials:
Special Muffaletta, with fries. This sandwich is filled with great cold cuts and the olive tapenade inside is all that.
Special Paparedelle with prawns, one of my favorite dishes at Olive Terrace. I ordered this dish with the pappardelle, my readers should do the same.
Entrees
GRILLED RACK OF LAMB, WITH garlic & herb marinated, turmeric, extra virgin olive oil, seven spice, baby vegetables, apricot, raisin, and almond basmati rice. The best part of this dish for me was the rice, no joke.
MEDITERRANEAN POWER SPINACH, with turkey, baby spinach, kale, almonds, pistachio, dates, garbanzo beans, quinoa, hard boiled eggs, pomegranate, orange segments, in a honey blood orange vinaigrette. I really loved this salad, it’s got everything you would want in a salad.
CRABMEAT STUFFED MUSHROOMS, with garlic, onion, panko breadcrumb, butter, smoked Gouda. The crabmeat is real crabmeat, and it’s got a Gouda cheese kick, really terrific.
MONTEREY BAY TEMPURA CALAMARI, with lemon, chili flake, garlic, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce. The tartar sauce is all that and more, for sure a must-have.
BAKED OYSTERS, nice oysters with a crumbly stuffing.
THE WEDGE, With baby iceberg lettuce, Gorgonzola crumbles, red onions bacon, tomatoes, pepitas, black sesame, blue cheese. Another must-have menu item for me, just loved their rendition of this famous salad.
COQUILLES SAINT JACQUES GNOCCHI PASTA, with jumbo scallops, shallots, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, béchamel sauce, linguine Alfredo, garlic toast. The scallops are large and the sauce and cheeses will blow your hair back, but beware very filling and very rich.
Desert:
Crème Brulee caramelized brown sugar, delicious and comforting, with some nice berries on top.
Old Fashioned Pecan Tart vanilla ice cream, the tart is full of great pecan flavor, not too sweet just right.
Wines:
Chardonnay
HESS SELECT 2018, MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA,
Crisp, clean and bright. Lemon-Lime, apple, and a tropical touch with balanced acidity.
SONOMA-CUTRER 2017, RUSSIAN RIVER, CALIFORNIA,
Fuji apple, fresh roses, lime, lemon blossom, and nectarine complemented with nougat, baking spices, and wet stone minerality. Crisp and zesty flavors of lemon drop, lime, and grapefruit.
MER SOLEIL, UNOAKED 2017, MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. Creamy, not overly buttery aromas meet with Anjou pear, honeysuckle, and Marcona almond notes on the nose The palate combines nutty qualities with lemon peel and sharply acidic apple. Every one of these chardonnays were just simply divine, all having similar characteristics, all to be paired with any of the seafood items.
Zinfandel:
JOEL GOT 2017, CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA,
aromas of roasted plum and blackberry jam with hints of sweet spices. Bright red fruit flavors and acidity are complemented by a soft, round mouthfeel and a long finish. This wine will pair perfectly with the lamb, it is just that simple.
The vibe was fun, lively, with lots of energy inside and out. I would absolutely come back here anytime when I am in the area, as well as coming back for their happy hour and live music. This place was a true hit with me!
This film is a true miracle, it’s a transformative movie about a man’s loss of his wife and son. It will really make you cry, it’s just so poignant. All shot on an IPhone. The family of director Vineesha Arora Sarin and her actor husband, Amit Sarin went on a road trip, a family vacation, but Vineesha decided to take footage of their trip and write and script and make a film. It’s more about a distraught man going on a journey to face death, but instead, meets life. It’s very beautiful, full of Vineesha’s heartfelt poetry. Between Mountains will give you something to think about. There is a lot about suicide prevention in this film as well. So there is much to take away. And coming back to the Chaplin Theater was so wonderful for me; I have not had any opportunity to see a film there since before March of 2020 when Covid shut everything down. Wherever you’re coming from in your life this film is very relatable, it just pulls at your heartstrings. The cinematography is astounding, you can’t fathom that it is all shot on an iPhone, but it is. The editing was also breathtaking. When this film gets released it would be so worth taking the time out to enjoy it, but make sure you bring some Kleenex, you will need it.
Press Release:
Female Filmmaker Dazzles At Raleigh Studios As Smartphone Narrative Feature Film Premieres To US Audiences, Securing Rave Reviews From Hollywood Foreign Press Association & Industry Professionals
“Vineesha Arora Sarin, remember that name – she’s the first female director to make a film on an iPhone, and she’s managed to capture the beauty of nature in all its splendor. Her feature film, Between Mountains is a meditative essay on loss and redemption, the end result, a brilliant and heartfelt experience. The cast, led by her husband & well-known Bollywood actor Amit Sarin was phenomenal – it was amazing to see the raw emotion that his performance triggered from the audience.”
Noel De Souza – Journalist, Actor & Member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
On August 27that Raleigh Studios – Between Mountains, winner of the Best Narrative Feature at the recent AFI World Peace Initiative (In association with the United Nations) Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian Awards during Marche du Film, premiered for US audiences. Filmmaker Vineesha Arora Sarin opened eyes and melted hearts with her powerful conceptualization of extreme pain and mental illness. Arora Sarin has trailblazed a new path for female filmmakers, representative for the first time that a female has directed, produced, and written a smartphone narrative feature film.
“I am overwhelmed at the first response towards this very humble project. The feeling that this family road trip adventure during the peak of Covid 19 turned into an actual film is still something I haven’t yet fully processed. I didn’t know when I started shooting films on my phone that I’d be making history one day as the first Asian filmmaker to do so. None of it seems real. But I’m very excited that the pandemic turned my filmmaking dreams to reality. And the format / medium didn’t matter. I simply wanted to tell my stories, and I wanted to tell them now – my phone gave me the instant means to do just that.”
Vineesha Arora Sarin – Between Mountains, Director/Producer/Writer
Comprised by members of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and other entertainment professionals, the film and filmmaker were celebrated by a packed audience at the historic Chaplin Theater. There wasn’t a dry eye to be found, guests were overcome by emotion – both by the story and the visuals to which Arora Sarin was able to capture using a cell phone. Veteran Director Dwight H. Little, known for Marked for Death, Rapid Fire, Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, Murder at 1600 and Halloween 4, said “Between Mountains is a beautifully realized Film – Poem with haunting images and often profound insights about grief, loss, and recovery.”
Between Mountains stars Bollywood sensation Amit Sarin who was recognized as “Best Actor” at the Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Humanitarian Awards for his work on the film. His performance explores mental health from the perspective of a single characterization – his characters extreme loss and how quickly one can fall. The feature film takes audiences on a progressive journey of self-discovery, enlightenment, and recovery. A recently widowed father reaches his breaking point after also losing his young son to an untimely sudden death. Overcome with sadness Amit sets out on a broken road with the intent of ending his life. His journey soon takes the path of an ethereal and metaphysical illumination – experiencing first-hand the universe’s power to heal.
So moved by the film, New Generation In Action’s AFI World Peace Initiative Founder, Princess Angelique A. Monet, decided to acquire the project. Monet has a long-standing track record of promoting world peace, diversity, and inclusion around the world. Monet’s UN supported organization has a long history as the only organization with “Consultative Status” for ECOSOC that promotes world peace, and under-served/under-represented people and honors “films of purpose.” Hollywood veterans have received the organizations highest honors – such as Danny Glover, Graham Greene, Ron Perlman, Jeff Bridges, the late Peter O’Toole and most recently two-time Oscar nominee Barry Alexander Brown.
It was so great being back at The Pantages Theater seeing the iconic show Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s brainchild, that has made him millions and delighted fans all over the world. Honestly, I can totally understand why. I saw the televised version on Disney+ recently, and was awestruck, but seeing it live really shook my world. The acting, singing, dancing is just spectacular and the music and lyrics are pure genius. I would say to everyone run don’t walk to see this major touring production of the Broadway sensation, Hamilton.
The Pantages never looked better, all gussied up and finally being back open. You had to have proof of vaccination and wear a mask to watch the show. If this is the price we have to pay to see live theater then I will do it gladly. There is just nothing like live theater, you’re experiencing a moment. Even watching it on Disney + was truly wonderful, but the actual interaction of actors and audience is something you just can’t miss. I felt safe and was so grateful to be part of this live phenomenon.
About Hamilton: Winner of 11 Tony Awards and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Hamilton is one of Broadway’s biggest hits. From the mind of 2015 MacArthur Genius grant recipient Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ron Chernow’s landmark bestselling biography comes a new musical about the scrappy young immigrant who forever changed America, Alexander Hamilton. Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail directs this new musical about taking your shot, speaking your mind, and turning the world upside down.
SYNOPSIS: From bastard orphan to Washington’s right hand man, rebel to war hero, loving husband caught in the country’s first sex scandal to Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy, Hamilton is an exploration of a political mastermind. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Hamilton, and lifelong Hamilton friend and foe, Aaron Burr, all attend this revolutionary tale of America’s fiery past told through the sounds of the ever-changing nation we’ve become.
HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.
Cast: Alexander Hamilton – Jamael Westman, Eliza Hamilton – Joanna A. Jones, Aaron Burr – Nicholas Christopher, Angelica Schuyler – Sabrina Sloan, George Washington – Carvens Lissaint, Marquis De Lafayette/ Thomas Jefferson – Simon Longnight, Hercules Mulligan / James Madison – Jared Howelton, King George – Rory O’ Malley, Philip Schuyler/James Reynolds/Doctor – Trey Curtis, Samuel Seabury – Aaron Alexander Gordon, Charles Lee – Julian Ramos, George Eaker – Terrance Spencer.
Ensemble: Sam Aberman, Gerald Avery, Trey Curtis, Aaron Alexander Gordon, Sabrina Imamura, Carina – Kay Louchiey, Taeko McCarroll, Julian Ramos, Willie Smith III, Terrance Spencer, and Morgan Anita Wood.
The touring cast is so talented; they just knocked it out of the park. Great voices, great performance, great ensemble, they really leave it all out there on the stage every night! And the set was really ingenious; never changing, just being modular, it really worked for me.
Hamilton is running now at The Pantages Theater through January of 2022. There are plenty of seats and they have a lottery as well that you can get on your phone, so there is just no excuse not to go buy tickets and enjoy. Broadway in Hollywood is the best thing to happen to Los Angeles in a long time, and since everything was shut down now is the time to celebrate!
In the heart of Hollywood, on Hollywood Boulevard, right down the block from Vine Street, stands the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. It’s a fitting location: The Pantages has become one of the greatest landmarks of Hollywood, signifying both the glorious past and adventuresome future of the world’s entertainment capital.
The Hollywood Pantages has a history as grand and diverse as the stage and screen fare, which audiences have flocked to enjoy there for half a century. These days it’s one of Los Angeles’ leading homes of legitimate theatre (the five highest-grossing weeks in L.A.’s theatrical history were all shows at the Pantages) and a favorite “location” for tv shows, movies and music videos. In the past, it has been a movie house, with live vaudeville acts between features as well as the site of many gala premieres and “spectaculars.” For ten years the Hollywood Pantages Theatre was the home of the glittering Academy Awards Presentations.
While the use of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre may have changed over the years, the theatre does not appear all that different today. After several touch-ups over the years, the Hollywood Boulevard showplace was renovated at the turn of the 21st century to recapture its 1930 look and luxury. When the theatre reopened in September 2000, some 300 people had repainted nearly every inch of the theatre, restored its outer lobby and missing chandeliers, refurbished its walls and prepared it for the new century.
Their location is in a strip mall in an ethnic Venice Boulevard neighborhood, down the street from some major Hollywood studios. They have many regular customers all knowing how fantastic and authentic their Indian cuisine is. The interior is all fresh and newly renovated, with a large flat screen TV showing Bollywood highlights. They also have dining outside in a tent type of structure; perfect for those who are worried about dining inside with the pandemic still happening.
There are lots of different food regions in India, as well as regions for different types of films. This restaurant is famous for its Kerala delights. Mayura is a Kerala-style (Southern Indian) restaurant, the strip of southern India that touches the Arabian Sea, a cosmopolitan region, shaped by a thousand years of spice trading, whose food is influenced by Nayar Hindus, Muslims, Syrian Christians and even an ancient community of Jews.
Owners Aniyan Puthanpurayil and Padmini Aniyan have numerous famous clients that you can see on their photo wall. Mayura is a very family oriented establishment. This place is the most popular Indian restaurant in this Venice boulevard neighborhood. The ladies wore their customary sarees and some of the men wore their customary Indian shirts, called kurtas. Everyone was hungry and seemed very excited to be eating this food here at Mayura.
Here’s What I tried:
Appetizers:
Papadam, their version is not spicy, but instead very subtle and addicting.
Chicken Roll, with grilled chicken, onion, tomato and cucumber, wrapped in naan. Kind of like an Indian burrito or wrap, with fresh onions, it makes for one filling menu item.
Vegetable Samosa, deep-fried crispy crust stuffed with mixed vegetables. Served with 2 sauces one sweet and one hot, very savory stuff. These are just lovely.
Bread:
Onion Naan, served piping hot, a nice way to dip into all of their super yummy sauces.
Vegetarian Dishes:
Eggplant Paneer, eggplant cooked in spices, big bold hearty flavors, perfect for the vegan diner
Mutter Paneer, peas with Indian cheese in a savory sauce. One of my favorite Indian dishes and this one is truly a gem. The sauce is a beautiful color, with nice curry richness, and buttery goodness.
Kerala Special Avial, with mixed vegetables cooked with coconut & spices. I just love the coconut essence.
Uthappam:
Mayura Special Cheese and veggie Uthappam. Pancake made from rice and lentil flour with cheese, and mixed vegetables. Very creative, must be shared with others.
Dosas:
Spinach Masala Dosa, with crispy crepe with spinach, garlic, mint & stuffed with mildly spiced potatoes, this too must be shared with your friends.
Sides:
Mango Chutney, just the best chutney ever.
Raita:
Onion, cucumber and carrots in yoghurt. This will quiet your taste buds when you have gotten a large amount of spice in your palate.
Chicken Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, with boneless chicken tikka cooked in savory tomato sauce. This is a nice savory dish and the chicken is super tender.
Chicken Palak, Chicken cooked in spinach and spices. The spinach is such a nice accompaniment to the very delicious chicken.
Lamb Dishes:
Lamb Palak, lamb cooked in spinach and spices, the lamb is super tender and light and the spinach just adds to the overall experience of the cooked lamb.
Lamb Kehab, minced lamb with spices, cooked in the tandoor. These are pretty spicy, but still enjoyed every bite.
Rice:
Tamarind Rice, rice flavored with tangy tamarind sauce and spices. A nice, flavorful rice dish.
Mayura Specials:
Mayura Special Shrimp Biryani with shrimp with special seasoning cooked in with rice, tomatoes onion and shrimp. Kind of like Chinese fried rice, but so much better. The seasonings are so exotic, the flavors just sing in your mouth, what a treat.
Puttu with chana masala steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut served with garbanzo beans cooked in spices. You can order this instead of any rice side dishes.
Dessert:
Gulab Juman, deep-fried mild solids in flavored sugar syrup. A nice light way to end my glorious meal.
Madras Payasam Rice wheat boiled in milk and sugar flavored with nuts and raisins. This is a very soothing desert, like something your Grandmother would make.
Wine:
Monterey, Bridlewood Estate Winery, Chardonnay. Nice creamy Chardonnay, it went great with the Shrimp Biryani.
Paso Robles, Peachy Canyon, Zinfandel. This wine should be paired with the lamb, hands down.
I am a huge Bollywood fan, literally obsessed with all things Bollywood. The flavor of Bollywood always wets my taste buds for good Indian cuisine and Mayura does not disappoint.
Everything I tried was a delightful experience. Some of the dishes were hot and some were smooth and savory. My first review was back in 2013, so this new tastings was a long time coming. Unique, flavorful, delicious, Mayura pulls out all of the stops, you’ve just got to try it!
So if you want authentic Indian cuisine with a capital A, come to Mayura now. Mayura is a must for Indian food lovers seeking hyper-regional fare outside of Artesia’s Little India. Mayura means Peacock (sanskrit), the synonym for elegance and grace. When you’re craving this kind of delicious Indian food, give Mayura a try!
Mayura Indian Restaurant 10406 Venice Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 Phone: (310) 559-9644 http://www.mayuraindianrestaurant.com
About Mayura Restaurant Inc: Traditional foods are an enduring part of our culture. Traditional taste preservation has become a critical undertaking for Mayura Restaurant Inc and we are proud of the work that we have done to preserve and restore our traditional food. We at Mayura believe that food is a celebration of life. Our dishes have an extra magic, and we are sure that it will delight your sense of taste and leave you happier too which is exactlywhat good food should do. Our food is inspired by the authentic home cooking of beautiful and taste-rich India, where our chefs are specially trained and have good experience. Food is our passion, prepared for you always with devotion, love, and the finest ingredients in Separate Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Kitchens, which are guaranteed to satisfy. We look forward to welcoming you in the Mayura Indian restaurant for one night dinner. Enjoy the quality of our fine food, service and atmosphere and we look forward to you visiting us again and again as one of our regular guests. Mayura traditional Indian restaurant is a relaxed place that will give you a decent meal. If you’re looking for “Authentic south Indian cuisine” with something pretty good to eat in nice surroundings, many people find themselves tasting the wonderful dishes in Culver City after a trip to their favorite Mayura Indian restaurant. You will find a large choice of Indian dishes on our extensive menu. Our menu, always have a choice of daily specialties. Very nice ambiance, first class cooking and perfectly served with good quality at reasonable prices. Indian food-lover’s dream restaurant (Mayura) has been consistently providing you the traditional range of Indian dishes. Each menu is tailored specifically for your party and prepared with the flair and attention to detail that is characteristic of Mayura Indian restaurant. Traditional Indian Food is served using the best seasonal Indian ingredients in our restaurant. Don’t forget to have a look at the daily specialty board where you will find some pleasant surprises. Mayura Indian restaurant is also a place for family vacations where you will enjoy the natural kind of foods.
* Note Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website.
In a small strip mall lays a very unassuming place, but its terrific food and rich history will make you come back for more. This is what I love about my website, I discover places that I would not discover if I didn’t seek out reviews. They come in all sizes, with each one always delivers some kind of gem that I didn’t know about before, and Aldolino’s is just that place. Unless you were a local, brought here, or read my website you would never know about this amazing cuisine, it is truly a winner.
Aldolino’s is Run by three brothers, Mario, Gabriel and Chef Jesus Zarazua, who have had many past jobs in some pretty well known restaurants around Southern California. In 2006 they decided it was time to open their own breed of Italian food and they picked a pre-existing restaurant in the Inland Empire. A place that had a pretty colorful owner, Aldolino Formica, and was ripe for the picking.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktails:
Moscow Mule, with vodka, homemade ginger syrup, lime juice and simple syrup. The perfect Mule, lots of icy cold juice coupled with Vodka, perfection in a mug.
Martini, a traditional Vodka Martini, nice with the perfect amount of Vermouth.
Tangerine Martini, with Absolut Mandarin Vodka, muddled tangerines, fresh cirrus, and simple syrup. The muddled tangerines add a freshness that is otherworldly.
Red Sangria, delicious and very refreshing.
Antipasti:
Calamari Fritti, served with vegetables and spicy Marinara sauce, they have these corn fritters mixed in as part of this dish and they are out of this word. You get lots of Veggies, it is a great starter.
Bruschetta, with toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic. The tomato mixture is fragrant and has lots of fresh garlic, really fantastic.
Garlic Rolls, they are fresh made to order. They come in a basket with lots of goodness, piping hot, very addictive, and just perfect.
Crab Cakes, with lobster cognac cream sauce and fresh mango relish salsa. This was the first thing from the kitchen; the presentation was enough for me to get really excited, a good start to get my appetite going.
Minestri E Insalate:
Minisrone di Vendure, with fresh seasoned vegetable soup. I can always tell what a restaurant is all about from their soup; this soup has a lovely broth with a nice array of vegetable, just delicious, its Italian penicillin.
Venezia Insalada, with mixed greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, oranges, red onions, dried cranberries, caramelized apples, pecans and blue cheese, tossed in raspberry vinaigrette. This summer salad is super lively and fresh!
Pizza:
Pizza Al Pesto, with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, peppers, olives, pesto and basil sauce. Their crust is super thin and crunchy, cooked to perfection, a great pizza.
Sandwiches:
Meatball with Meat sauce, green bell peppers and mozzarella cheese, and fries. This is a huge sandwich; you could easily split it between two people. The meatballs are succulent and tasty.
Entrees:
Blackened Salmon, with garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, lemon butter sauce and Aldolino’s fresh mango salsa. The salmon was very fresh and the mashed potatoes underneath made me feel very comforted, AKA comfort food.
Pastas:
Ravioli Di Vitello, beef ravioli with mushrooms herbs creme sauce, and truffle oil. These were my showstoppers, rich and creamy, the raviolis were huge. I would order this every time.
Pollo Ai Carciofi, with fettuccine, chicken, artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushroom crème sauce. The sauce is delicate and fragrant, a super pasta dish.
Dessert:
Baked Caramel Apple Caramel Tart, they put loads and loads of caramel sauce on this amazing desert, yum!
Wine:
Broadside, Chardonnay, 2018, Central Coast. I would drink this wine with the gorgeous crab cakes or the salmon, it will compliment both dishes.
Harlow Ridge, Petit Syrah, Lodi, CA. A big wine with lots of berry goodness, it went well with any of the chicken or meat dishes.
Aldolini’s is a super really class act, upon walking through the front door you are transformed to New York City. There are many flat screen TV’s throughout for sporting events, including one that is in a tent in the parking lot for Covid restrictions. The bar area is lit with red, green, blue lights, so festive and fun. For my lunch there were scattered diners but I am told that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this place is packed and the vibe is very fun.
You just can’t help but get in the mood at Aldolino’s, they play all Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Italian retro hits, it is just so much fun.
Aldolino’s History:
Aldolino Formica came to the United States from Rome in 1952, and he was known to his friends and family, he worked at a famous pizza house in Hollywood where he quickly attracted the attention of prominent people in Show business, his talents were seen in several TV show, including, I Love Lucy”. He opened his in first restaurant in Azusa, California, in the early 60’s, where since then has been serving his unique Italian food to the community. Aldolino passed away in 1994, but his memory lives on in his recipes for decades, Enjoy and Bon Apetito.”
Located in the Oak Tree Center in Azusa, Aldolino’s is a celebrated Italian mainstay featuring classic pies, pasta dishes & sandwiches in a warm atmosphere with a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails.
Aldolino’s is a no-brainer, when you are in the area – get in there!! Enjoy their wonderful food and entertaining atmosphere.
Happy Hour – Tuesday through Thursday 3PM to 7PM, Friday 2PM to 5PM.
In my travels there is always going to be one experience that stands out Stella’s Italian is this and more. Festive, fun, delicious are just some of the descriptions I can offer up, oh and did I say GREAT service. The night I was dining Rebel Robbie was gracing us with his musical riffs. He did so many songs from so many popular artists but with his own spin on everything. A much added plus to my overall delightful dinner. Ricardo books 3 different artists for their evening music, Rochelle, Gary and Rob, they all add different talent to each night they perform.
When I was deciding where to go in this area I called and spoke to manager Ricardo Huacuz, he said sure come in. He was so kind, taking care of my every need. He just said try everything and anything, enjoy yourself. Owner Marcello Rey was also very accommodating, they all made me feel very special. My server Gage Giurato was another gem; having studied at University of Florence, he is moviestar handsome and took care of me like I was family. I just can’t say enough about every aspect of my tasting. If I lived close by I would be here a few nights a week, but I am still going to try to make it in once a month! Then there are the cocktails and the incredible food, wow!
Ricardo says this restaurant would be nothing without his kitchen staff: Chef Tony Jauregui – he is new, Sergio Rodriguez worked here for 14 years, Joshua Hernandez for 3 years, and Rosa Rosalez for 5 years. All, he says, are the backbone to this establishment, and some of them don’t speak English but they can read enough to follow the recipes and create stunning menu items. Ricardo says, “You can great food anywhere but at Stella’s you get great service as well,” he likes the balance between his kitchen staff and his servers both doing excellent jobs.
During the pandemic Stella’s survived by doing seventy five percent of their orders Togo, by locals who call Stella’s their favorite restaurant in this area. Their support kept Stella’s Italian afloat, and now they are back to full capacity with indoor seating.
Here is What I tried:
Cocktails:
Traditional Vodka Martini, all of their Martin’s are served in a proper glass, this Martini was icy cold with great mellow Vodka flavor…. life is good.
Cosmopolitan, a nice rendition of this very popular cocktail.
French Martini, ok so I am here to say that surprises do happen, in the form of this cocktail. I have never had a French Martini, it is just so smooth and so delightful, for sure my new favorite drink. It has fresh raspberries, with Chambord, champagne and cherries on top.
Orange Peach Drop Martini, different, but still could not stop enjoying my French Martini. All of these cocktails were thought up by mixologist Mike, he is a real master.
They serve an olive tapenade with their lovely bread; it is a great way to start my glorious dinner.
Primo:
Capesante all’ Arrabbiata Seared jumbo fresh scallops, arrabbiata sauce and arugula salad. These little darlings are covered in sauce, but the scallops are plump and pop in your mouth, oh so delicious.
Scampi Adriatico Jumbo shrimp, breaded Adriatic style, grilled with garlic, parsley chile flakes and olive oil. Served over braised cabbage sautéed with leeks and dried apricots. The shrimp are plump and flavorful; with the cabbage and apricots make this a very unique appetizer.
Salads:
Caesar Salad, Chopped romaine, creamy reggiano dressing, white anchovy, and crouton. A very good rendition of this Italian staple. The croutons have an anchovy on each which added a nice visual touch.
Pizza:
Pizza Astarita Italian sweet sausage, house made meatballs, imported salami, fresh oregano, mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Pizza Bianco Mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, ricotta di bufala, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. They split the pizza in half so I got to try both pizza’s in one. It had a perfect crispy crust. They have an authentic 1200-degree pizza oven, so you know it is going to be great Neapolitan style pizza.
Pasta:
Penne Con Porcini e Prosciutto, penne pasta with spicy tomato, prosciutto, porcini mushrooms. This would be my go to dish. It has special nuances of porcini and the prosciutto adds just the right amount of salt, truly a big winner for me.
Fettuccine Bolognese, fettuccine pasta topped with Stella’s famous meat sauce and house made meatballs. This pasta does not disappoint, it is old world with lots of hearty meat.
Specials:
Lobster Ravioli, a nice mellow sauce with shrimp pieces in the mix. One of the best lobster ravioli I have ever had.
Cioppino, with calamari, salmon, shrimp, mussels and clams. The tomato sauce was rich and fragrant with a bit of a kick, so wonderful.
Desert:
Pistachio Pie, lovely pie, chock-full of rich pistachio flavors.
Wine:
Chardonnay – Cakebread Cellars, a nice balance for any of the seafood dishes.
Chardonnay – Giovanni Rosso, creamy, buttery, a wonderful combo with the scallops and shrimp.
Barborella – Daou, this wine is just spectacular, it goes with any of the red sauces.
Stella’s Italian has been a fixture in Dana Point since 2007, it has had 3 different owners, but the locals love this dining experience and are faithful through and through. From their New York style bar to their high style Italian dining room, or their heated patio, everything you need is under one roof.
Whatever the occasion this place is a must the next time you’re close by. It is the real deal, fine authentic creative Italian cuisine in a
close-knit community. It is friendly and elegant, exactly what you would want to experience for a nice night out on the town, or a casual lunch, either way high-tail it to Stella’s Italian in Dana Point and you too will be glad you did.
Stella means star in Italian – it is just that – incandescent and radiant.
All I have to say about this hipster dining spot is The View, The View, and The View!!! Come here for the view and enjoy their wonderful food.
Here is what I tried:
Appetizers:
Mezze Mediterranean Red pepper hummus, figs, prosciutto, Casreivetrano olives, Cherry Tomatoes, artichoke hearts, romaine, grapes, burrata, and naan bread. This is a full meal; it’s got some much going on – but all amazing.
Wild Mushroom Flatbread, roasted garlic, burrata, arugula, truffle oil, and balsamic reduction. A wonderful, hearty flatbread, with very scrumptious mushroom flavors.
Fried Coconut Shrimp, chili lime sauce. This was my favorite menu item, the shrimp is crispy and has a nice coconut coating, this is a must have.
Hamachi Crudo Pacific yellowtail, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and yuzu vinaigrette. This fish is very fresh and the accompaniments are just what the doctor ordered.
Salads:
Baby Spinach Salad hard boiled eggs, goat cheese, croutons, bacon and Caesar dressing. I loved this salad; it has everything you would want in a spinach salad.
Burgers:
La Casa Smash Burger all beef patty, white cheddar, bacon jam pickle, romaine, smoky chipotle mayonnaisse a toasted brioche roll. A thick meaty patty makes for one very satisfying burger.
They play old school R & B hits, the customers vary, tourists, locals, dates, people who just want a cocktail and a panoramic view. Whatever the case it is a must go to when you’re in Laguna Beach.
You’re really in the best spot in all of Laguna Beach, without a care in the world, the Rooftop Lounge will keep your spirits in tow and make you wonder why you just don’t reserve a table every weekend?
