Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

This bar is very hipster, the décor, the people; everything about it brings you back to why The Sunset Strip is so iconic.

It has all been recently revamped and they did a fantastic job, the accents are all red and black, very sleek and stylish. The perfect place for happy hour, a date, or a late night drink. Sip the nectar of the rock Gods in a guitar-inspired cocktail lounge on the Sunset Strip. Fuel up for the demands of the LA nightlife with an exclusive Bar Menu featuring all of what you need and none of what you don’t. Bar 20 also has a brand new breakfast menu! Dine in style without leaving The Grafton on Sunset. Their newly renovated hotel offers on-site access to Bar 20 for drinks and dining.

Here’s What I tried:

Chicken Strips, with ranch dressing, nice crisp flavor with massive crunch, a nice starter.

Lobster Mac’n Cheese, with cheesy béchamel, rosemary breadcrumbs. You get a bit of cheesy goodness with every bite and there is a lot of lobster, it is a delicious dish.

Grafton Chopped Salad, blue cheese, dry cranberries, bacon, chopped egg, grilled chicken, walnuts and tarragon vinaigrette. I loved this salad, and the shrimp are huge and very flavorful.

1/2 Pound Sunset Burger, with signature beef blend, cheddar, apple wood bacon, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, pickle, 1000 island dressing. This is a huge burger, the combination of ingredients with blow your hair back, just fantastic.

They have a happy hour from 4:20-7:20 with half off prices and bar bites, Monday through Friday.

A great way to enjoy the hotel and have a big convenient dining experience.

Bar 20
The Grafton Hotel
8462 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
graftononsunset.com
(323) 491-9006
https://www.bar20onsunset.com/

[Show as slideshow]

In the hottest part of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood lies an oasis of splendor and relaxation, a real premiere boutique retreat. The Grafton offers a luxurious stay with urban sophistication, without all of the bells and whistles of new hotels in the area. With its 90’s throw back theme, The Grafton is not trying to be the new kid on the block; simply put, the location is well worth the price of one’s stay. You can walk across the street to see some of the best comedy in town, or go down to the fashionable Sunset Plaza with all of its great restaurants and elegant shopping. Guests of The Grafton also enjoy close proximity to some of the Sunset Strip’s most famous hot spots including the Viper Room, Whiskey A Go-Go, and the Rainbow Bar & Grill. You can hop in an Uber and be anywhere in Los Angeles in a half hour. Also, the hotel has a built in hipster bar, Bar 20, which I will cover in my next review.

Their rooms all have a rock and roll theme to make the guests feel as if they are the stars of a rock show: the wall paper depicts a rowdy audience giving an ovation to the guest, who is spotlighted by the color and lights of the room. There are a total of 108 rooms and suites. The subtlety of this makes you feel like you are in a world of music history and debacle that could only happen on the Sunset Strip.

The pool area is the star for me, with great views of the city, I just loved swimming there. It boasts to be the largest saltwater pool on the Sunset Strip. My room was located a few feet away from the pool and even though Los Angeles was in May gray, and it was overcast, I persevered and swam in the cold foggy day. At night there are strung lights that set a very festive tone. There is an also gym that is basic but will do the trick.

If you are interested in a comfortable, state of the art property that’s not too pricey or extravagant, then The Grafton is the place for you. Seeing that I am not a millennial, I was content with the charm of the bungalow style of hotel, even though there were no bungalows. The awnings and the fabric used around the property reminds me of the Beverly Hills Hotel, but instead of a green and pink color palate, The Grafton use a striped black and camel for awnings and curtains. Did I mention that they are totally pet friendly, so take your furry friends with you.

I enjoyed my stay especially because as the crow flies I live 2 minutes away – got to love West Hollywood.

The Grafton Hotel
8462 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
graftononsunset.com
(323) 654-4600

[Show as slideshow]

My first visit was a year ago and I loved every bite. The difference with this visit though, was the other menu items I tried, and how the customers have changed. It appeared like all walks of life have discovered the delicious health conscious choices of True Food Kitchen. A good thing, that has gotten even better, and many locals have realized these innovative ways to make new choices for an improved life.

The ingredients and sustainability factor is what True Food Kitchen is all about. True Food Kitchen, is a health-driven, seasonal restaurant merging nutrient-rich ingredients with a flavor-forward menu that rotates regularly to let guests experience great-tasting ingredients at the peak of their freshness. Their open kitchen brings guests closer to True Kitchen’s culinary craft while showcasing that there’s nothing secret about the way they prepare their dishes.

Their scratch bar is brimming with a selection of wine, local beers and seasonal cocktails made
using fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices paired with organic spirits.

Here is what I Tried:

Cocktails:

Basil Cucumber Collins, lemon-infused vodka, cucumber, and basil. A soothing, rich and a truly great cocktail.

Thai Grapefruit Martini, organic vodka, grapefruit, ad Thai basil. You don’t even taste the grapefruit, it is just wonderful.

Lemongrass Margarita, añejo tequila, mango, lime, and lemongrass. Silky smooth, just a seamless drink.

Vegetables:

Spring Asparagus Toast, vegan, roasted cipollini onion, green garbanzo, tahini, mint, and hemp seed. The perfect beginning to a wonderful experience.

Starters:

Daily Market Soup, Tortilla Soup. This soup had a bit of a kick, but was a nice rendition of this popular starter.

Wild Caught Albacore Tataki, gluten free, with avocado, jalapeño, toasted sesame, and yuzu ponzu. Just spectacular, so fresh and flawless, one of my favorites of the evening!

Edamame Dumplings, vegetarian, with dashi, white truffle oil, and Asian herbs. Light and fluffy, with amazing truffle oil flavors, another great way to start your experience.

Herb Hummus, vegetarian, with Greek salad, feta and grilled pita bread. Just the best hummus on the planet and the added Greek salad, wow.

Salads:

Seasonal Ingredient Salad: with gluten free, with watercress, grilled broccolini, asparagus, green garbanzo, goat cheese, raisin, sprouted almond, turmeric chia vinaigrette, and shrimp. This salad is a wonderful healthy way to get your veggies and protein all in the same dish.

Sandwiches:

Mediterranean Chicken Pita with grilled flatbread, romaine, arugula, grape, house pickle, red onion, feta, harissa tahini. This is just the ideal lunch item, the chicken is cooked to perfection, loved it!

Grass-Fed Burger with umami, mushroom, caramelized onion, arugula, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and flax seed bun. I have had many burgers, but there is something so special about this one, all of the ingredients and the way they blend together, you just have to try it to believe it.

Bowls:

Cashew Pad Thai, with gluten free kombu, rice noodle, zucchini, mushroom, eggplant, gai lan, bean sprout, Thai basil, tamarind, with shrimp. It’s just like you would order at a Thai restaurant, but the vegetables are more pronounced and you can just tell that it is healthier.

Teriyaki Quinoa, vegan, with broccoli, heirloom carrot, bok choy, mushroom, brown rice, avocado, toasted sesame, with chicken. The quinoa has a nice pop feel in your mouth, and the flavors are astounding.

Pizza:

Grilled Artichoke & Pesto, vegan, with artichoke, spinach, summer squash, black walnut pesto, lemon, Aleppo chili, and vegan almond ricotta. This pizza is so much fun and creative, no big red sauce, but a full dressed pizza with all of the bells and whistles.

Entrees:

Spaghetti Squash Casserole, vegan and gluten free, with organic DiNapoli tomato, caramelized onion, zucchini, and fresh mozzarella. If you love pasta or a pasta casserole then this if the dish for you, healthy, light, so delicious.

Special:

Responsible Sourced Fish Feature, Skin on sea bass, truly lovely and again very healthy.

Desserts:

Flourless Chocolate Cake, caramel vanilla ice cream, and cocoa nib. This is a very delicate cake that you would never know doesn’t contain flour; I highly suggest you try this one.

Chia Seed Pudding banana, toasted coconut, a lighter dessert, for those of you that prefer puddings or custards.

Wine:

Sauvignon Blanc, Habit Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara, CA. I would do this wine with the lovely Pad Thai with shrimp; it had enough fruit forward goodness to be a great pairing.

Chardonnay, Imagery, Sonoma County, CA. This wine was so terrific with the sea bass, smooth but not too overwhelming, a nice combination.

Red Blend, Skyfall, Columbia Valley, WA. I know this may sound weird but I loved this wine with the chocolate flourless cake, instead of coffee of a dessert wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Long Meadow Ranch Farmstead, Napa Valley, CA. Hands down got to try this wine with the delightful burger.

They take great pride in a menu that caters to nearly every food preference with a variety of gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures a menu that encourages exploration all throughout the year. Every meal at True Food Kitchen is an opportunity to further your journey toward healthy living.

What True Food Kitchen really does is make healthy food the new normal; it is delicious and nutritious, so given the opportunity to change ones eating habits, True Food Kitchen makes it super easy.

True Food Kitchen
(310) 593-8300
395 Santa Monica Pl, Ste 172,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
truefoodkitchen.com
* Note some content was taken off of their website.

[Show as slideshow]

In December, the art of pizza making – specifically Neapolitan pizza – made international headlines when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiolo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with inscription 12.com 11.b.17 No. 00722. To celebrate this recognition, LA, Grow!, an annual community event that focuses on healthy eating and urban agriculture, and Los Angeles Times Food Bowl brought pizza makers from all over the world to the Hollywood Palladium for Pizza Fest: A Tutta Pizza! “Pizza, full steam ahead!”

This event showcased over 20 food vendors, pizzerias, restaurants, and pizza trucks, alongside photo booths and sponsorship booths in the venue’s parking lot, lobby, and ballroom. Trying all of these delectable pizza slices you kind of forget that there is any other kind of food; pizza truly ruled the day! During the course of the day, there was cooking workshops, cooking demos, panel discussions, and a DJ spinning music. As well as Many special guests also made appearances, including top pizza chefs Enzo Coccia, Nancy Silverton, Tony Gemignani, Zach Pollack, Daniele Uditi as well as L.A. Times restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, L.A. Times Deputy Food Editor Jenn Harris, and producer and host Phil Rosenthal (Somebody Feed Phil, Netflix).

The Authentic Italian Table Series cooking workshops are curated by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West. The Authentic Italian Table highlights the art of Neapolitan pizza-making, as well as the values of the Italian food culture. As part of the greater Extraordinary Italian Taste campaign – a promotional and educational project conceived by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, in collaboration with Assocamerestero – this event puts the spotlight on “the queen of the Italian table!”

A Tutta Pizza
Hollywood Palladium
6215 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

* Note some content was taken off of their website.

[Show as slideshow]

I had my Birthday party here back in January and they really did a great job. When manager Billy Bob said he wanted me to come in for a proper tasting I jumped at the opportunity.

Friday night in any city is usually happening, this Friday night was an old friend of mine’s happy hour birthday celebration there at Harlowe Bar, so that added to the fun vibe. Through another friend I met Lynn Powers and her daughter Blaze. Blaze has a band and is a great performer. She also has been the bar manager at Harlowe Bar for the last 2 years. She set me up with my cocktails which added to my overall experience and knowing a friendly face working at the bar added to my overall experience. So all in all it was like I was a regular at Harlowe Bar, at least for 1 night.

At Harlowe Bar, the cocktails and décor illuminate the elegance and decadence of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with a playful list of classic and original cocktails, fountain and bottled drinks, homemade libations, and more. The menu is rounded out by a selection of old-meets-new dishes, which elegantly compliments Harlowe’s tastefully ambitious design.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Sidewinder – El Silencio Mezcal, black tea, mango, lemon, orange, honey, fire water, and chile. This is a spicy blend of citrus and fruit; just a delicious cocktail.

Miss Cross – Kettle One Vodka, dimmi, strawberry, rose water, lemon, orange bitters, and bubbly. Right up my alley with the Kettle One vodka, I would order this next time.

Art & Zen – Suntory Toki Japanese whiskey, Gifford peche, green tea, lychee, yuzu, lemon, tonic, with grapefruit oils. Not quite for me but if you are a whisky drinker then this is the cocktail for you.

Idle, Wild – Aviation gin, Braulio Amara, mint, ginger, lime, Belgian beer, and Angostura. I really like the combination of all of these ingredients, even though I don’t drink Gin very often.

Wine:

Conundrum White Wine, a creamy wine that paired great with the mussels.

Intrinsic Red 2016, a nice full bodied wine that was a good addition to the burger.

Appetizers:

Moules Meuniere – Pei mussels, Italian sausage, romas, and white wine. Lots and lots of garlic but a super choice for an appetizer.

Summer Squash – Summer squash, balsamic gastrique, with burrata. This is served with grilled bread and was just brought to me; it is a very healthy option.

Baked Meatballs – Beef & pork blend, marinara, burrata, and spinach. These are huge meatballs with a great marinara.

Breads & Greens:

Onion Jartine Flatbread – Sweet onions, Gruyere, Gorgonzola, and pancetta. Nice sweet onions make for one amazing flat bread.

Grilled Romaine – Myer Vin, feta, with toasted chickpeas. A very creative salad that was equally delicious.

Plates:

Harlowe Burger – White cheddar, arugula, caramelized onion, white mushroom, garlic aioli, with crispy fries. This was my favorite thing of the evening. The meat is juicy and the onions and cheese are truly spectacular.

Sweets:

Choco Chip à la Mode, the cookie is served hot in a mini iron skillet, the ice cream melts right on top, and a nice way to end a glorious evening.

Chef Garcia Jacento does a great job in the kitchen and manager Lance Stacy, manager who came from the bay, are working for Alice Waters and Tom Keller, Spectrum Food Group, Prego, and Ciao restaurants. He made me feel right at home.

The interior is Hollywood Glam but we are talking about a time that no longer exists, so it’s nice to be feel nostalgic and be brought back to the golden age. The bar is the centerpiece and all of the socializing takes place there. Then, you’ve got small banquets that fill up the space. Old time bar stools, vintage light fixtures and photos make for a flash back to the past. There are not many bars in Los Angeles that take this kind of design approach. But all in all it makes you feel great about going back in time.

Harlowe is a fun social hang, offering good food and lively drinks. The scene is super hipster, but there are no snobby airs here, the staff tries to make you feel at home and they do a great job. On the weekend they have a DJ with a long line outside to get in; it’s really a huge deal on any given weekend night.

So get your party on and try Harlowe Bar with your friends, family and loved ones!

Harlowe Bar
(323) 876-5839
7321 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
harlowebar.com

[Show as slideshow]

This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Los Angeles and Hollywood. My first tasting was a dinner in 2014, then followed by a brunch in 2014 as well. In 2016 I did a re-visit and another one now in 2018. The big difference between the last one and this one is the chefs. In 2016, chef Kyle Schutte was at the helm but now in 2018, Chef Jennifer O’Neil has put a brand new spin on all of this goodness. I can’t say enough about this recent tasting.

The back patio is very industrial, but intimate. It had a lot of young spirited people, some having birthdays, some for a night out on the town, coming from seeing the show at The Pantages; all with the same thing in mind, having a fun classy slice of life in Hollywood. There is nice instrumental jazz as a cool backdrop and they have movies every night in the outside patio on the wall and of course, all housed in the historic Taft building. I worked on the 11th floor for 8 years, so I know all of the stories and history (need to write a book to be able to tell my readers all about that). But the vibe of the Taft building is old Hollywood at its core.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Accomplice – New Amsterdam Vodka, strawberry, lemon, and champagne. Bubbly and effervescent; a great quenching cocktail.

Magnolia – Cucumber-infused vodka, muddled cucumber, lime, ginger, and honey ginger syrup. This is a very user-friendly drink with a nice combination of ingredients that work great together.

My Other Lover – Mezcal, lime, simple syrup, peach bitters, sage, and blueberries. If you’re a margarita aficionado then this is the cocktail for you. Bar Manager / Mixologist, Tom Carney made all of our drinks and he is just amazing!

To Start:

Roasted Beet Salad, arugula, house apple cider vinaigrette, herb goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, and beet puree. A true art piece and I am not the biggest beet fan, but the dressing did a balancing act; not too much vinegar, instead a nice sweet type of nectar.

Popping Shrimp, golden brown house seasoned and breaded shrimp with tartar sauce. These amazing darlings just made my evening complete.

Scallop Fresa, strawberry salsa, balsamic reduction, and greens. A great combination; who would think to put strawberries with scallops, but it worked.

18 oz. Rib eye, sautéed spinach, shiitake mushrooms. The meat was cooked rare and just melted in my mouth; the mushrooms were a welcomed addition as well.

Pan Crusted Salmon, crispy skin on salmon, roasted tomato sauce, peas, crispy prosciutto, and crisp roasted tomatoes. This is probably the best salmon ever; the crust alone will make you come back for more.

Pork Back Ribs, miso carrot puree, radish, butternut squash, sweet Asian BBQ sauce, with greens. These ribs just fell off the bone and the sauce was equally brilliant.

And Then…

Brussels Sprouts, chili paste, brown sugar, and lime juice. A bit spicy for my taste but a spice lover will surely enjoy them.

Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes, roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, house vinaigrette, and feta cheese. I adored the way these were cooked and the melding of flavors really worked for me.

Lobster Mac, trio cheese sauce, pine nuts, and crispy prosciutto. This is not your typical mac n’ cheese, they use a more liquid cheese that goes great with the lobster and it has nice light fusilli pasta.

Something Sweet:

Relax Time, dulce de leche and chocolate lavender infused cookie bar. This dessert was incredible with nice chocolate nuances and the lavender really is the showstopper.

Butterscotch, house butterscotch, maple ice cream, and sweet thyme crumble. All I can say about this is interesting and if you’re a butterscotch lover, then this is the dessert for you.

Nutella Bombshell, chocolate cake, Nutella whipped mousse, with fresh berries. Another piece of art, so gorgeous you will have reservations about eating it, but hey, live a little!

Wine:

Chardonnay, La Follette, ‘13 Sonoma. This is a creamy rich Chardonnay with lots of buttery goodness. It was a sure fire hit with the scallops.

Malbec, Writer’s Block, ‘14 Red Hills. A super jammy wine that paired perfectly with the salmon.

Syrah, Levo, Into the Static, ’14, Santa Barbara. I loved this wine with the Rib Eye; it just enhanced the richness of the meat.

Cabernet, Obsidian Ridge, ’15, Napa. Another great pairing with the Rib Eye.

I really do feel like family here. Manager Wally Moran is just so fun and welcoming, I really adore him. All of their staff was helpful as well as not so bad on the eyes!!!

Staying right around the corner at Villa Delle Stelle, this is the perfect place to come for a delicious dining experience! Make this part of your Hollywood excursion and you will become a regular like me.

Wood and Vine
6280 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hollywood
(323) 334-3360
www.woodandvine.com

[Show as slideshow]

A small sophisticated hotel on Harold Way around the corner from The Pantages, The W Hotel, and The Metro Rail line is a hidden jewel in Hollywood. You feel like a queen or a princess staying at Villa Delle Stelle, it really is the best find for lodging in the greater Los Angeles area.

Every suite has the comforts of home with the luxury of Hollywood. You will feel what it’s like to live like a star from the privacy of their full apartment suites just steps away from the glamour and excitement of Hollywood. Each suite features different distinctive styles; from clean, contemporary lines, to opulent antiques and silks. You would never know that Villa Delle Stelle is a hotel, because they have very discrete signage for their guest’s privacy.

Villa Delle Stelle recaptures the glamour of the silver screen and allows guests to feel what it is like to “live and be treated like stars” from the foothills of the famous Hollywood sign. Co-owned by actors and entrepreneurs Susan Foster and Brogan Lane, each of the five suites are specially designed with a Hollywood legend in mind. Former wife of the late Dudley Moore and celebrity designer, Ms. Lane bought the hotel in 2004 and renovated the neighborhood treasure originally built in 1924 to accommodate silent film stars including Buster Keaton for Columbia Studios (now Gower Studios). Together Ms. Foster and Ms. Lane offer guests everything they would want from their star watching Hollywood experience.

It really is a premium location where guests can sip their morning coffee under the gaze of the famous Hollywood sign and feel the small neighborhood charm while having the freedom to walk to all the restaurants, shops, studios, and attractions that our world renowned city has to offer. All of Los Angeles picturesque beaches, downtown, and mountains are a short drive or ride on the LA Metro subway line.

You can choose from one of their five unique suites located in vintage bungalows, casitas, and the main villa. Whatever your reason is for visiting Southern California, Villa Delle Stelle can arrange for the perfect stay, may it be one day or one year.

Recommendations and reservations for restaurants and nightclubs, spa reservations, and obtaining hard to get tickets to sold-out shows are just some of the benefits provided by Villa Delle Stelle’s celebrity services. Below are some of the services they provide: Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service, Maid Service, Business Services – Fax, internet and postal services, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, Hair Dresser, Limousine Service, Ticket Reservations, and Grocery Shopping.

Their staff was so accommodating, Caroline, Tom & Natalie, all had big smiles and could give you tips on anything in Hollywood, they all made my stay truly memorable.

The décor is really magnificent; each room had its own charm with very well appointed design. The name of the room that I was staying in was “The English”, making me feel like I was in the English countryside. Dudley Moore inspired this charming one bedroom English suite. Located in the main villa, Dudley Moore’s original “disklavier” piano, dining table, antique carved wood bed, and memorabilia from his childhood, this suite offers true celebrity living. The warm colored walls and rich English detail create an immediate feeling of comfort and coziness. The English suite sleeps 1- 2, is a first floor suite with private entrances, 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom (with tub and shower), Queen bed in the Master Bedroom, Full Kitchen and Dining Room, Seating area in Living room, Sofa, Flat screen TV in Living room & bedroom, Wi-Fi & Cable, 1 parking space, and 897 Square Feet. If you’re a cook and want to have a family dinner or a dinner party this suite has a dining room table that seats 8, and the kitchen has an old fashioned stove and range top, everything you would need to prepare a delicious meal. I only made breakfast, but that was a very welcoming luxury, with a darling built in breakfast nook. Not many hotels give you that option, so I loved it!

Villa Delle Stelle Suites, Bungalows and Guest Houses are an elegant way to spend your Los Angeles vacation. Whether you’re in Los Angeles on a holiday, visiting family, or working, this luxurious Hotel offers much more than any of the local hotels in the area, a true home away from home. You will feel safe and comforted, being able to fully rest after a long day in my glorious home town-Los Angeles.

Villa Delle Stelle
6087 Harold Way
Hollywood, California 90028
323-876-8100
[email protected]

http://www.villadellestelle.com/

* Note some content was taken off of their website.

[Show as slideshow]

This is the 3rd year and I have to say each year keeps getting better and better! This year there were a lot more new restaurants with many different choices of food. I absolutely had some favorites, but all in all everything was simply delicious.

Here’s are all the folks that were there:

Culinary Masters:

Alexander’s Steakhouse, Ayara Luk, Bistro Mon Cheri, Bone Kettle, Bourbon Steak, Celestino Ristorante, Chaya, Chef Michael Hung, Church & State / Spring, Claud Beltran & Co. Bacchus Kitchen, Derive, Eat @ Rollin Joe’s, Fahrenheit LA, Garlic & Chives, Grill ‘Em All, Gus’s Barbecue, Jaffa, Kato Restaurant, LiOrient & Triple 8, Loquita, Lunasia Dim Sum House, M Café, Maestro, Maple, Mercado, Momed, Nerano, Pez Cantina, Poppy + Rose, Prince of Venice, Ramen Tatsunoya, Redbird, Sweet Greek, The Bellwether, The Flats / Montresor, The Raymond 1886, True Food Kitchen, Wax Paper, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and World Empanadas.

I loved the lumpia’s from Bone Kettle, a great rendition of this Filipino staple. The dim sum from Lunasia Dim Sum House was so wonderful; they had a lot of different ones to choose from. A truly delicious pasta from Nerano, with sausage and Orecchiette. Gus’s barbeque had an amazing corn bread that they served with their signature pulled pork BBQ. Another one of my favorites was the beet sauce ravioli from Celestino. The ramen from Ramen Tatsunoya was wonderful; it was served cold without any broth, but really flavorful. Poppy and Rose did a great fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy; super yummy. Kato did buckwheat and smoked ocean trout, with caviar on top of a tortilla style chip, very creative and inventive. Moncheri did a pot sticker that blew my hair back; delicious filling with great flavor. The Flats did a salmon mousse with Meyer lemon gelee and smoked crème fraiche, in a little plastic cup with very colorful layers. Wow. From Triple 8 they delivered a candied, Hong Style BBQ Pork that was out of this world. I really didn’t drink any alcohol, just a lot of water but from what I could tell there were lots of great wines being served and mixed cocktails were in abundance as well.

Beverage Masters:

American Born Whiskey, Angel City Brewery, Ascension Cellars, Bai, Boxed Water, Brewyard Beer Company, Buzzbox, Califia Farms, Chaya + Tequila Herradura Ultra, The Estates Group, DRY Sparkling Soda, Dulce Vida Tequila, Golden Star Vineyards, Groundwork Coffee, Hitching Post Winery, Honeydrop Beverages, Humm Kombucha, IMMORDL, Indie Brewing Company, Iron Triangle Brewing Company, Kieu Hoang Winery, Lincoln Beer Company, Lorimar Winery, MacLeod Ale Brewing, Magnolia House + SelvaRey Rum, Mt. Lowe Brewing Company, Navarro Vineyards, Nektar Juice Bar, Riboli Family Wines, Rutherford Wine, San Fernando Brewing, Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer, Sate Brewing Company, Sunset & Vinyl + Ki No Bi Kyoto Gin, The Raymond 1886, Woodford Reserve, Wrath Wines, Zico Coconut Water, and Zyr Vodka.

Sweet Masters:

Butter Cake Shoppe, Chocolate Stars USA, Crème Caramel, Fatamorgana Gelato, Helados Pops, Mignon Chocolate, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Porto’s Bakery, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, The Dolly Llama, and Zooies.

Sponsors:

2018 Gold Sponsors – Home Street Bank, Judith L. Chiara Foundation, Western Asset, and Woodford Reserve.

Silver Sponsors – John & Joy Beaty, Alan & Gail Maltun, Rhodes & Liz Trussell, Bart & Pam Wald, Kaiser Permanente, US Bank, and Capitol Group.

Bronze Sponsors – Thomas & Jodi Cassutt, Charlie & Rene Chiara, Terry & Teresa Krupczak, Hannah & Russel Kully, David & Janet Lazier, Jim & Cary Moore, Cathy Simms & Garrett Bell, Vickie & Alex Taylor, Union Bank, Bank of America, Universal Studios Hollywood, Westport Construction, Kauffman Wealth Management, Norton Rose Fulbrite, the James & Sue Femino Foundation, HKG, and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Copper Sponsors – Nancy Gibbs, Margo & Ralph Kidushim, Sally Lash, Wendy Lees & Tom, Boyle, Don & Gloria Pitzer, Marie & John Queen, Goldrich Kest, Goldstar, and the Tsutayo Ichioka & Satsuki Nakoa Foundation.

Brass Sponsors – Congresswoman Judy Chu, William & Laura Olhasso, Shirley Schumacher & Gregory Goeckner, Grace Kim, Janie Steckenrider, The Bukata Family, Vicki & David Thompson, Arroyo, Citizens Business Bank, Edgewood Realty, Hahn & Hahn, Individual Food Service, Lawyer’s Title, Locke Lord LLP, Re/Max Elite Properties, TJ Maxx, and Westmount Asset Management.

Centerpiece Sponsor – ADP Foundation, Linen Sponsor – California Linen Services, Parking Sponsor – Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Gift Bag Sponsor – US Bank, Media Sponsors – Angeleno, Outlook, Pasadena Now, We Like L.A., and Yelp, and Community Partners – Lyft and Laemmle.

This was the menu from the Wolfgang Puck experience, which was a separate area that you had to sign up for to get a reservation. I was too full to even try to do a tasting, but I did walk around inside this area to check out all that was being made. Menu: Snap Peas, Caviar, Sesame Crème Fraiche, Crab, Seaweed, Black Garlic, Rib Cap, Papaya, Kroeung, Pineapple Guava, Chili, and Coconut Curd. WolfgangPuck.com, Rogue-expo.com.

A truly glorious day.  What could be better, under the sun at the iconic Rose Bowl with luscious food and drinks. Get your tickets for next year, you will be very happy you did!

Masters of Taste
https://mastersoftastela.com/
Rose Bowl
https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena, California 91103

[Show as slideshow]

12►

Based on the cult film and with a rocking new score from Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock follows slacker Dewey Finn as he turns a class of straight–A students into an all out rock band! Lead character, Dewey Finn, is a failed, wannabe rock star, he decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Finn gets the band to be part of a Battle of The Bands competition and has to sneak them out of school away from a parent’s night; the message of the whole show relies on this outcome.

The cast is brilliant, with subtle nuances; you learn what rock n roll is all about threw their eyes.

Cast:

Rob Colletti (Dewey), Lexie Dorsett Sharp (Rosalie), Matt Bittner (Ned), Emily Borromeo (Patty), Merritt David Janes (Dewey at certain performances), Olivia Bucknor (Shonelle, u/s Tomika), Grier Burke (Tomika), John Campione (Swing, u/s Ned), Patrick Clanton (Gabe Brown, Mr. Hamilton, Jeff Sanderson, Ensemble), Liam Fennecken (Bob, Mr. Sanford, Cop, Ensemble, u/s Dewey), Carson Hodges (Mason, u/s Lawrence), Elysia Jordan (Mrs. Hathaway, Ensemble, u/s Rosalie, Ms. Sheinkopf), Deidre Lang(Ms. Sheinkopf), Alyssa Emily Marvin (Marcy), Sinclair Mitchell (Snake, Mr. Mooneyham, Ensemble), Theo Mitchell-Penner (Lawrence), Vincent Molden (Zack), Gilberto Moretti-Hamilton (Freddy), Jameson Moss (Stanley, Mr. Williams, Ensemble, u/s Dewey), Iara Nemirovsky (Summer), Tim Shea, (Doug, Mr. Spencer, Ensemble, u/s Ned), Theodora Silverman (Katie), Cameron Trueblood (James, u/s Freddy), Gabriella Uhl (Sophie, u/s Tomika), Hernando Umana (Theo, u/s Ned), and Huxley Westemeier (Billy, u/s Lawrence).

Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White, Book by Julian Fellowes, Executive Producers: Nina Lannan and Madeleine Lloyd Webber, Director: Laurence Connor, Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics: Glenn Slater, Choreography: JoAnn M. Hunter, Scenic – Costume Design: Anna Louizos, Lighting Design: Natasha Katz, Sound Design: Mick Potter, and Music supervision: John Rigby.

The sets are simple and easily moved, most of the action took place in these places on stage: The Olympic Powerhouse, Ned’s Apartment & Dewey’s bedroom, Rehearsal Space, Horace Green School – The Assembly Hall, The Music Room, The Faculty Lounge, Classrooms and Hallways, Students’ homes, The Palace Theatre – Onstage and offstage, and The Roadhouse.

The stage musical on Broadway and in the West End is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has also composed 14 new songs for the show, which additionally features all of the original songs from the movie. The composer’s numbers “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the Man” are well on their way to becoming rock solid standards, while the finale with “Teacher’s Pet” brings audiences to their feet, eight shows a week.

School of Rock, with its sensational live kids’ rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. May the spirit of rock be with the schools and community theatres that pledge allegiance to Lloyd Webber’s newest hit!

“It is nearly 50 years since my first musical JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT was premiered at a London school. A year later it received its USA debut at a college in Douglaston, Queens, New York. I can think of no better introduction to SCHOOL OF ROCK than to repeat what I wrote about JOSEPH so many years ago. SCHOOL OF ROCK is for everyone to take part in. It is a celebration of the empowering force of music. All of us in the creative team have had a fantastic time bringing the movie to the Broadway stage and we all hope that you have as much fun when you perform the show as we had when we put it together. Good luck and may the spirit of rock be with you.” Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Always one of my favorite venues to see Broadway shows, The Pantages Theater, with its own amazing history, the theater itself is an art deco paradise, with its ornate motif, you can truly get lost in the beauty of the décor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantages_Theatre_(Hollywood)

School of Rock is a two-hour, two-act musical – plus intermission, based on the hit movie. It’s the rough and tumble ride of loser Dewey Finn, who some how proves himself to be everyone’s hero by the end of the show. You feel sorry for him, but kind of know he will triumph in the end. The kids really steal the spotlight with their enormous talents; they rival all of the adult cast members, performers must currently be aged 18 or younger. They turn into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. It’s playing through May 27, 2018, so run to get your tickets now.

The Hollywood Pantages Theater

Hollywoodpantages.com

(323) 468-1770

6233 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

[Show as slideshow]

* Some content was taken off of their website

This event was for the launch of Wusah, a new brand of the Cannabis wellness line of products brought to us by Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, from Bravo’s “The Shahs of Sunset.” There were lots of other cast members from The Shahs of Sunset and other shows, along with other celebrities and athletes. All of this celebrating took place at the very cool Hills Penthouse in West Hollywood.

So imagine everyone there, except me, was imbibing in either a watermelon, pomegranate, mint juice that had CBD and THC called Refresh, as well as GG’s cannabis vape product. There were lots of very happy people but the whole vibe was very peaceful and mellow. Along with that, the extremely talented recording artist Aquile performed his original music, then out popped the feather clad Brazilian dancers.

Oh and did I mention the marijuana plants on every table that were parting gifts? Since Cannabis has become legal in California there are many fantastic events happening all over Hollywood and beyond. It’s a real business now so why not include this with the Hollywood elite and the reality TV world. Such a super fun evening, filled with merriment and glamour.

About Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, taken off of the Bravo Website: http://www.bravotv.com/people/golnesa-gg-gharachedaghi

Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi: “I Have Found My Purpose Through Cannabis” Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi has provided an update on her latest business venture. The Shahs of Sunset friend, who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, previously opened up to fans about her entrepreneurial plans.

Finally, we know what that “something” will be. On May 3, GG took to Instagram to share a major update on her business venture, which has been named WüSah. “Please welcome WüSah to the world!” she wrote. “I can’t believe it’s finally happened. I am so grateful for my journey! I believe I was given an autoimmune disease so I can make a difference. I have found that purpose through Cannabis. Many of you will mock me. Many of you will support me. I just hope you continue to follow me and watch the evolution of great healing take place using WüSah. I’m almost in remission y’all. I’m living proof this stuff works.”

“The first thing I made is a cold-pressed drink,” she said, showing off a prettily packaged bottle of a beverage called “Refresh.” Containing THC and CBD, the drink has a watermelon-pomegranate-mint flavor. The Shahs pal also showed off her vape pen, which contains a mild, antibacterial strain of cannabis. She also designed an inhaler as “a way to get your THC hit.” “I’m about to launch the coolest business ever and it’s so cool because it’s Cannabis. Cannabis is newly legalized in California and other states, and I’m going to bring you the best of it.” She went on to explain the products she intends to produce will help herself and others overcome the pain of auto immune diseases. “I’ve suffered for years with rheumatoid arthritis, and I’ve used Cannabis the last year and a half to get me closer to my remission,” she said. “Autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, depression … I’m creating something for all of you guys.”

GG is so personable, she is just a lovely girl, I had a blast at her event!

Launch of Wusah
Hills Penthouse West Hollywood
8560 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood
www.hillspenthouse.com

[Show as slideshow]