I have been following this amazing spot in Los Angeles for years. This past Mardi Gras I ran into owner Clinton Thompson and asked him if I could come do a tasting and talk about his journey, he was delighted.
So, Clinton started as a delivery guy 2 days a week in 1994. Owner back then was Charles Meyers. He was very interested in his young employee and asked him what he saw himself doing in the next 5 years. Clinton’s trajectory was quick, he went from delivery person in 1994 to cashier to expediter, then to assistant manager and manager in 1998. Each promotion presented itself in a way that was meant to be, kind of serendipitous. Then the opportunity arose when Charles told him if he was interested, he could buy the business. Clinton took out a second mortgage on his house, and the rest was history, with lots of built in customers he would be feeding in the future. Oh, and did I mention Clinton has had some hungry mouths to feed having 8 children at his young tender age. He purchased the Gumbo Pot on June 1, 2005, and just recently realized how proud he was of being the owner, it’s been a real gold mine. This June it will be 18 years of ownership, and over 29 years of working there, a real success story. He believes that the combination of Louisiana music and food ignites a kind of uplifting spirituality in people. I remember back before he owned it, he was always happy and smiling behind the Gumbo Pots counter. You just love his contagious energy. He says, “I still feel like a worker, I don’t feel like an owner unless I am signing the paychecks.” The Gumbo is a real Farmers Market staple, and Charles Meyers went on to own another restaurant in San Luis Obispo, Big Sky Café, where he also sold that existing establishment to the current manager. It’s a kind of pay-it-forward that Charles does. Clinton is from Belize, having an island background was perfect for him to be the excited owner of a New Orleans style restaurant. He has traveled to New Orleans, on his most recent visit he tried alligator gumbo, and he put together the ingredients in his head to recreate it for the gumbo pot. I tried it, and it was delicious.
During Covid most of the food stalls at the Farmers Market had issues, they could only do delivery. Clinton got some help from the covid loan system and was able to keep his doors open. Now, The Gumbo Pot is thriving and every February, or March their famous Mardi Gras comes to the West patio with live music and dancing. This is a super busy time for Clinton and a chance for him to show his true New Orleans colors. Everyone attending wants to heighten their experience by getting some authentic Louisiana food in their bellies. Clinton just loves the vibe and how much fun everyone is having! He wants every customer to have a great time, and enjoy the live music and authentic New Orleans cuisine. Mardi Gras Mambo goes great with a heaping spoonful of The Gumbo Pots Gumbo. The flavors that dance in your mouth with live music dancing at your feet. Next time you’re at The Farmers Market don’t miss out on some great home cooked Louisiana food!
Here’s What I tried:
Corn Meal Seafood Combo, with shrimp, oysters, and catfish. It’s crispy and fresh, the catfish is out of this world.
Jambalaya, a true New Orleans recipe, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Gator Gumbo, spicy sausage, gator tail, and shrimp. This is more of a smokey gumbo flavor, but still amazing.
Shrimp Etouffee, the very subtle flavors make this so delicious and authentic.
Crab Cake, a nice simple cake that won’t fill you up, so you’re able to try all of their other amazing dishes.
Creole Mustard Potato Salad, nicely portioned with large cubes and the seasoning is just heavenly.
Sweet Potato Salad, you would think that this is carrot salad, it’s their own unique take on a very healthy side dish.
Green Salad, the candied pecans make this a salad that you will finish, it’s just that good.
Corn Bread, I love their corn bread, it done in a muffin style, and it just hits all the right spots.
Collard Greens. These collard greens are cooked to perfection, just what the doctor ordered.
Sweet Potato Pie, a perfect small pie, that is good for two people, and the crust is wonderful.
Strawberry Lemonade. This drink will cool your mouth down and you will need it, the spice in all the dishes just builds up.
Whatever the occasion, The Gumbo Pot promises to be one of the highlights of your culinary journey in Los Angeles and beyond. When you’re there if you see a happy-faced tall man, you know he is overseeing all your delicious Cajun food recipes. Say hi to Clinton Thompson and he will take you on a very fun New Orleans food journey.
The Harris Brothers, aka – Wow Creations – are always happy and upbeat, making their Hollywood Oscar Gift Suite a one-of-a-kind event. There are many other organizers of Hollywood events that are snobby and not user friendly, The Harris Brothers make your experience one that is memorable and is always filled with joy and fun. They are such sweet guys, not your typical Hollywood BS, really!!
There were many great vendors, offering a whole variety of products: Path Water, Dulce Vida Tequila, Amber Bush Canyon Vodka, Shady Mile Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Potency No. 710, Hope 9:29, Cho Wines, Spa-Strong, Berlabella Jewelry, Kimberly Meredith Spiritual Healer, Pooch Le Luxe, La Casa Del Camino, Absinthia, Pillar of Love, Pacific Coast, Healing Trilogy, Bea Natural, Happy Grub, The Uncle Selwyn Project, Capaquarius Media, PeachxPearl, Color Street, The Buddhist Ceo, What Does This Company Do?, X Next Level Global Solutions, Wood, Legal Group LLP, Just Food For Dogs, Skin Sutra, Wrapped, Color Street, Dr. Monkey’s Caramels, AJT Luxury Cigars, Skimmet, Pure Strips, Teucher, blueline, Mineral Fusion. All the vendors were equally friendly and wanting to show you the best experience.
It’s always so much fun for me, like old home week, my Los Angeles touchstone. I get to see all of my favorite Hollywood celebrities, old and new friends and imbibe on lovely cocktails and look at new and innovative products. They also had a great violin player ,Ben, with soothing lovely music. I look forward every awards season to get my VIP invite. Thanks Mark and Matt!!!
What I really love about Celestino Ristorante & Bar is that you always know you will have an amazing dining experience. Owner Calogero Drago and The Drago brothers have everything covered, high quality, delicious Italian recipes, always memorable menu items. It is always is a party in my mouth when I go to any of the Drago establishments, and Celestine Ristorante & Bar is simply the best!!
Here’s What I tried:
Cocktails:
Vodka Martini, traditional martini with two olives, a great way to start my very decadent food excursion.
Cosmopolitan, vodka and cranberry in a traditional martini glass, just exquisite.
Salads and Appetizers:
Special Sauteed Calamari with garlic and fresh greens, they slice up the calamari, and it’s so tender, a lovely dish.
Artichoke and Arugula Salad with Cheese, a very delicate flavor with lemon juice, and their own olive oil, just perfect.
Timballo Di Funghi Con Fonduta E Tartufo Nero, Mushroom Soufflé with Fontina Cheese Sauce and Black Truffles. This dish will blow your hair back, it’s full of mushroom flavor and the cheese sauce is the highlight.
Zupetta Di Cozze E Vongole, Steamed Mussels and Clams, in a light spicy tomato broth. The clams and mussels are very fresh, and the subtle tomato broth brings it all together.
Pasta:
Gnocchi Della Casa Con Fonduta Al Tartufo, potato dumplings, stuffed with mushrooms, in a truffle cheese fondue. The beauty of these Gnocchi’s is the mushroom center, who does that? Celestino takes every extra step to make your dining experience one of a kind.
Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp, of course this is handmade pasta, gorgeous and delicious.
Ravioli Di Spinaci E Ricotta Al Pomodoro E Basilico, home-made ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta with tomato basil sauce. Another wonderful dish, with the freshly made ravioli.
Pappadelle Pasta with Pheasant. This dish is so colorful, they put cut-up flowers as a garnish, and the home-made pappardelle is just out of this world.
Mezzelune D’ Anatra Con Salsa Di Funghi E Mirtilli, Ravioli Filled with Duck, Mushrooms, And Porcini Blueberry Sauce. One of my favorite dishes of the night, wow!
Meat and Seafood:
Filet of Sole, lightly sauteed with garlic butter, potatoes, zucchini, and carrot. The fish is super fresh, and the simplicity makes this one a must-have.
Costolette D’ Agnello, Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops, served with grilled vegetables and balsamic mint sauce. These chops are tender and succulent, just amazing.
Dessert:
La Bamba Ice cream with frozen drizzled chocolate served with strawberries. The presentation alone will make you want more, and then there is the chocolate drizzled on top, so good.
Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberries, a nice refreshing dessert, the fresh strawberries complete this dish.
Wines:
Diora La Splendeur Du Soleil, Chardonnay, Monterey 2021, this is the wine to drink with any of the fish dishes, it’s buttery, creamy, a fantastic combo.
La Fusina, L’Alteno, this wine was so delectable with the lamb, just the perfect pairing.
For over 20 years, Celestino has delighted the palates of Pasadena locals and travelers from all over the world, treating them to a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. Owner Calogero Drago infuses Celestino with all the hallmarks of a famed Drago Brother’s restaurant — seasonal cuisine made with the finest, freshest ingredients, commingled with an elegantly casual environment where every customer is made to feel like family. Calogero mixes and mingles with his customers, going from table to table trying to make sure everyone is happy. He treats everyone as family, with an animated story to tell, a kiss on the cheek or a “Ciao Bella.” Calogero believes that an emphasis on customer service and building connections with diners is the key. Calogero’s other focus is creating authentic Italian food, coming from a farm, the Drago Brothers acquired a taste for fresh and organic ingredients, only the best will do. They don’t believe in cutting costs by compromising the quality of the food to turn a profit. The Drago Brothers set out to show Los Angeles what true Italian and Sicilian cuisine consists of. Calogero has a very strong Sicilian influence in his dishes, exceeding expectations by providing the freshest seafood, house-made pastas, and organic meats. House-made pastas are a good enough reason to try their unbelievable food. He takes a hands-on approach when training his kitchen staff, and most evenings you will find him cooking up a storm and hustling out of the kitchen to personally hand your dish to you! Celestino Ristorante makes you feel like you are in Southern Italy! Celestinois a proper restaurant with white tablecloths, drinkable wine, and golden light that makes everybody look radiant, but is also casual at the same time. Plus, both my wonderful server Antonio Benetti, and long time manager Mario Tello helped me with my marvelous culinary journey.
Celestino Ristorante has made many Pasadena Best Of lists, in addition to being lauded by Zagat, Food & Wine, and many others.
I went to their grand opening party and knew I had to ask for a proper tasting. Well, I’m here to say that I was not disappointed and the next time you’re craving authentic BBQ, Smoke City Char Bar is your new destination BBQ restaurant.
The project is the work of group Cathedral Hill Associates, who operate restaurants in the greater Seattle area, up in Mill Valley, and Bay Area-based owner Ki Yong Choi. Smoke City Char Bar will have its 1-year anniversary at the end of March.
Their staff is very seasoned, you’ve got Steve Grunkemeyer, their general manager, Brandt – their head server, and the Ray Liotta look-alike server, Barry. Chef George Huynh, who worked for the An family, known for Crustacean in Beverly Hills, and many other restaurants, and for Michael Reed, as well as Poppy and Seed. You will be in good hands when you dine at this very fun establishment.
Here’s What I tried:
Handcrafted Cocktails:
Traditional Grey Goose Martini served cold in an artisan martini glass, just perfect.
Salvador’s Sangria, with their house red or white mixed with fresh berries and smoked watermelon. The smoked watermelon is what makes this cocktail so remarkable.
The Mamba, with Woodinville Rye, Mint, Blackberries, and Lime. For the Rye drinker this is the one for you! Oh, and did I mention that this cocktail is an homage to Kobe Bryant, well the name says it all.
The Brona Lisa, Selva Ray Chocolate Run, Rumchata, Korbel Brandy and Cool Whip. Its kind of like a bumped-up coffee martini, just a bit stronger.
Valid, Frida, Tito’s Vodka, Peach Puree, Lemon, Agave, and Mint Soda. I loved this drink, totally in my wheelhouse.
Hush, Francis, Their Feisty Mule with Xicaru Mexcal, Lime, Pina, and House made Ginger Beer. This cocktail is another one that was very delightful for my tastebuds.
Appetizers:
Hickory Smoked Watermelon, with diced Bermuda Onion, arugula, fresh mint leaves, crispy ginger, feta cheese, and Balsamic gastrique. This appetizer is a complete palate cleanser, it is very invigorating.
Char Bar Smokehouse nachos with, smokehouse chili, cheddar, and jack cheese, scallion, and avocado crema. This really is a fiesta in your mouth, its spicy and creamy, with lovely corn, and tortilla bites, a wonderful appetizer!
Burnt End Mac & Cheese Bites, with crisp fried jalapeno dip. The presentation of this dish is so refreshing, it really makes you want to dive in.
Smoked Meats:
Baby Back Ribs, hands down my favorite, smoked for 10 hours total, it is just the best.
Bone-In Half Chicken, with its crispy skin, and delicious flavor profile, a great chicken dish.
Brisket, this is cooked for 16-18 hours, and it is so tender and moist, wow.
Salmon, great seasonings and flavor, for the fish lover you’ve got to try this.
Artisan Salads:
California Cobb with baby kale, chopped butter lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, Gorgonzola, hard boiled egg, cucumber, avocado, and breakfast radish. The smoked big pieces of turkey is what makes this salad so amazing.
Classic Caesar Salad with, baby romaine, baby kale, brioche crouton, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. They added a piece of salmon to this salad which made it really a complete meal.
The Sauces:
Harissa Molasses, Their Signature Sauce, Soy Ginger, Cayenne Honey, and Mustard Seed-Apple Cider. Every sauce is made from scratch and each one has very distinct flavor profiles that are unique and delicious.
Shareable Sides:
Napa Cabbage Slaw, Truffle French Fries, Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread, Smoke City Baked Beans, Charred Brussel Sprouts, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Elote Street Corn, Smoke House Chili, and Southern Style Collard Greens. Every side dish is great, my favorites were the Smoke City Baked Beans, the Yukon Mashed Potatoes, and Elote Street Corn. They are very filling, and for vegans many of them are the perfect dishes for restricted diets.
Desserts:
Classic Italian Tiramisu, brandy-soaked lady fingers, coffee liqueur mousse, and cocoa powder. This is just wonderful, for your tiramisu lovers it’s a must have.
Smores, what a wonderful idea, served with graham crackers, the burnt top is just the best.
Strawberry Shortcake, my favorite dessert, served with vanilla ice cream. I can’t even describe it, but you just must try it.
Wines:
Complicated Chardonnay – Monterey, this wine is so perfect with the salmon, and the salads. It’s got enough minerals and citrus to be a nice addition to these dishes.
L’ Age D’ – Chardonnay – Russian River. This was the better of the two Chardonnays for me, I just loved it with any of the light BBQ dishes.
Seaglass – Pinot Noir – Santa Barbara. A perfect wine, that paired nicely with the Mac & Cheese, chicken, or the ribs.
Septima – Malbec – Argentina, this wine needs to be sipped with the brisket, hands down a great pairing.
Smoke City Char Bar is at the back of the Aliso development in the Arts District, with plenty of patio seating, you just know in the summer this patio will be rocking.
Smoke City Char Bar’s, Southern style with L.A. aesthetics is certified by the restaurant’s design concept by Mary Dalinger. The interior designer looked to the Arts District in creating the space, which is brought to life by custom ribbon lighting made from recycled resin, and a locally-made sculpture that hangs over the dining room, its design is defined by steel and cement. The marble tables and gray chairs and banquets add a nice warmth to the overall interior. Tall roll-up windows are very industrial, and with the 4 flat screen TVs you can watch any game from any vantage point. The old road signs add to its rustic charm. Pendant lights and a touch of drought-tolerant landscaping finish off the look. It is truly a masterpiece in design, and the music they play is pretty much ambient which melts into the overall cool vibe.
Smoke City’s menu options boost the Chef’s favorite dishes as a kid; sweet “elote” inspired corn and family gatherings every weekend loaded with hearty plates of St. Louis style BBQ made heavier with grandma’s cornbread. Chef Williams can be found slow cooking up to 500 lbs of craft-smoked meats over a 12-16 hour period at the base of the Aliso apartments. He pulls his recipes from Texas, California, and is super creative in every aspect of his delicious fare, there are even vegan and vegetarian options available. Smoke City Char Bar’s savory delicacies are all locally sourced, most of their produce is from Nature’s produce and local farmers. A native Angeleno, seasoned traveler, and Howard University mathematician. Chef Omari has been on The Food Network’s, “Cut Throat Kitchen” and later, “Chopped” about eight years ago. Back then, Sous Chef Williams worked with Executive Chef Michael Reed (currently of Poppy & Rose) at Wolfgang Puck and later at the Standard Hotel in West Hollywood. Williams credits Reed as a master of all trades, he first showed him the ways of a fine-dining kitchen. The two became best friends and continued to work side by side for over a decade. In the years that followed, Chef Williams had become his own boss, catering healthy meals for private clientele while spending weekends donating his time and talents to feed the unhoused. Then came Smoke City Char Bar, which is an opportunity of a lifetime – to man his own kitchen in the Arts District of Downtown LA.
So, whatever the occasion, Smoke City Char Bar is innovative and will make anyone want to rethink how great BBQ is!!
*Parking is free for two hours from the adjacent Aliso Garage with validation.
I have done many tastings, but none of them have been more personal than this one. Having recently become part of this lovely community I took it upon myself to go out and try some of the local flavors. Yucaipa is such a beautiful place, it’s very welcoming, just so picturesque, and lovely. I have walked into quite a few places as a civilian and dined just like any other regular customer. When I tried Thai Food Xpress, I was astounded at how wonderful this restaurant is, with no frills, just plain good Thai food. It’s home cooking at its best. Family run, even their delicious sauces are made from scratch.
When owner Soruch “Sam” Charumattanont and I talked, I told him about my website and that I have been doing reviews since 2011. He said yes and he wanted me to do a review, I was very excited. There are a few other Thai style establishments in the area, but none of them have great flavor profiles in every dish, like Thai Food Xpress. The prices alone should make you want to try their cuisine, but really what they have here is a hidden gem in a small town. Sam’s wife Sunisa is the chef, she makes all their very flavorful sauces, and runs their very busy kitchen. They do a monthly run down to Los Angeles to one of the many Asian markets to get all their very authentic ingredients. The first night I came in as a civilian Sam’s son Matthew was my server, so it’s truly a family affair. Also, Sam’s brother-in-law, Monchia oversees all of the marketing, he was able to give me some very useful facts about the restaurant. The neighboring town Redlands has many Thai restaurants, but for me it’s just so great to have one of this caliber, so close to my vacation home.
Here’s What I tried:
Drinks:
Thai Iced Tea, it is very thirst quenching and delicious, a must have.
Appetizers:
Chicken Satay, with marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection, served with peanut sauce and special cucumber relish vinegar sauce. The chicken has an amazing flavor, with very tender chicken strips, you just can’t go wrong.
Summer Rolls Fresh Roll, with fresh rice paper stuffed with mixed vegetables, noodles, shrimps, and chicken served with peanut sauce. These are very light and delicious, just a great way to start my amazing meal.
Soup:
Tom Yum, hot and sour soup with lemongrass, baby corn, mushroom, lime juice and chili with seafood: shrimp, calamari, and crab. It’s a nice, healthy clear broth, with a terrific flavor, and the seafood is very tasty and tender. A perfect menu item.
Rice:
Fried Rice, beef stir-fried with egg, tomato, and onion. This rice compliments all of the other dishes, especially the pineapple curry.
Noodles:
Pad Thai, stir fried rice noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, green onions topped with ground peanuts and shrimp. I have had many Pad Thai dishes, but the thicker larger noodles are what make this dish so great.
Curry:
Pineapple Curry, a mixture of curry paste and pineapple, bell peppers and sweet basil with shrimp. The curry has a nice aromatic sweet favor, it really hits the spot.
Specialty Dishes:
Orange Shrimp, with deep fried shrimp mixed with orange peeled and sesame seeds in special sauce. They do not scrimp on their shrimp!! These are large shrimp, battered with a sweet sticky sauce, I would order this every time.
Dessert:
Sticky Rice w/ Mango, amazing, and the rice is light green, but it’s only a seasonal menu item.
This place is right up there with all the great Thai restaurants in Thai town, Los Angeles. It’s just that good. Make it a destination dinner or lunch.
It’s just the best musical you will ever witness. From its fun festive costumes, to the innovative set design, to the new high technology projections and lights, the show will make you remember why live theater is so important. I saw the production here at The Pantages in 2000, and it seemed like the animals were the same as when I saw it the first time, but there are so many new ones and new innovations that it was well worth coming to see this new show. The colors, the sounds, the dancing, the singing are all perfect. Every part of this show is exciting and reflects all of the mass talent that brings it to life.
Disney’s The Lion King has a very special place in the hearts of Broadway in Hollywood. When the Walt Disney Company was seeking a home for the Los Angeles production of The Lion King in 2000, James M. Nederlander agreed to a $10 million renovation of The Hollywood Pantages Theatre in order to house the landmark production. The theatre was restored to its original 1930’s luster – complete with hand-painted gold leafing on virtually every inch of the lobby and auditorium – and technical accommodations for the grand staging of Disney’s all new production. The original L.A. Premiere production ran nearly two years on their beautiful stage. The Lion King was able to truly show what makes it so special. The music and lyrical adaptations by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymore and Hans Zimmer, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. They created an incredibly lush backdrop that choreographer Garth Fagan used to merge traditional dance styles with Broadway pedagogy. Director Julie Taymor crafted a now iconic artistic world inspired by traditional theatrical styles from around the globe, and brought this story to life in a way few could have even imagined possible. The Lion King swept the Tony Awards and is now celebrating 20 years of touring North America. In a word, The Lion King is a masterpiece.
Most every theatre-goer has a story about the first time they saw this show. Whether it was the awe of seeing an elephant walk down the aisle, the joy of hearing the music as it swells over the Serengeti, or simply the thrill of hearing that “BOOM” of the drums at the end of the first number, no matter how many times you have seen it. this new production is a feast for your eyes.
My favorite cast members were: Rafiki – Gugwana Diamini Mufasa – Gerald Ramsey, Sarabi – Allison Danielle Semmes, Scar – Peter Hargrave, Simba – Darian Sanders, and Nala-Khalifa White. Each cast member delivered stellar performances, their singing alone was enough for me to watch and hear, they are all entertainers to the core. It’s so worth the price of admission, it is just one of the best musicals in the history of Broadway. With Disney at the helm what could be bad, right? Well, I am here to say nothing, it’s just a fantastic ride.
Broadway In Hollywood
The Lion King
The Pantages Theater
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-468-1700
www.broadwayinhollywood.com
*Note some content was taken off of their website.
Los Angeles has so many vegan restaurants now, it’s very difficult to figure out what to try. The Fairfax District has a lot to offer and now you really don’t have to go far to find this wonderful gem, Extra Market, Inc. I have tried many vegan burgers and other vegan food, but I am here to tell you that Extra Market, Inc., has them all beat. Their lovely sandwiches and burgers are just so simple, you can really taste all their fantastic ingredients. Many of these fad type establishments are putting way too much salt in their food. Extra Market Inc. lets you taste their high-quality ingredients.
Extra Market, Inc., is a cafe, a market, and a gallery, founded by Brooklyn-bred skateboarder, designer, and artist Jamie Story. Story used to be a skateboard pro, after he broke his foot, his life took on a new direction and he started designing various products related to skateboards and clothing on his computer, but he always worked in food service and loves to eat. He was a vegan/vegetarian for 14 years and always complained about not being able to find a good plant-based burger. But now he must live up to some mighty taste buds, because his son Benjamin must taste test everything that comes out of his Extra kitchen. He said he came up with many burgers and would not let the public taste it until Benjamin approved, and neither Benjamin, nor Jamie are vegans. He says he is a flexitarian, meaning flexible, not strict with food choices.
The vibe is very hipster, with upbeat reggae music, and simple yet functional interior design. They have exposed beams, with a white brick wall, it’s part marketplace, part art gallery, and part clothing store, with great vegan food, what more could you want!
Here’s What I tried:
Breakfast Sandwich, with egg, cheese, and bacon. The NYC Bodega Classic, on a kaiser roll. You really would not know this is a vegan breakfast sandwich. The bacon is crunchy, the egg is super fluffy, just can’t say enough about how delicious this sandwich is!
Chopped Cheese Sandwich, Chopped Impossible Beef, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and ketchup, on an Uncle Paulie’s Baguette. It’s a deli style sandwich, but one that is healthy. Honestly, after eating the food here, I did not feel bloated or bogged down. You just feel light and bouncy, totally worth every penny.
Chicken Nuggets, very delicate flavor with outstanding crunch, and the dips were all incredible as well, including buffalo hot sauce, BBQ, ranch, and all plant based.
Burger, house-formed Impossible Burger, American Cheese, Grillos Pickles, Extra Sauce, and a Sesame Bun. Just what you would want your burger to be, delicious and savory, without all the added salt.
Extra Market, Inc.’s arrival comes after it was originally slated to open in March, but the pandemic and global demonstrations pushed back that debut date. Story remembers seeing many protestors coming down his back alley on May 30, 2020, when most of this neighborhood got vandalized and looted. But through Jamie’s unwavering persistence and passion, he opened in October of 2020. Extra Market Inc. is housed in a 2,000-square foot shop, and is located just steps from his past collaborator (now VF Corporation-owned) brand Supreme, for whom he skated professionally in the ’90s before teaming with them as a designer. Story has also worked with SSUR, Black Scale, Stussy, and others. The space also stocks clothing and accessories from Story’s label, $, and there’s a gallery in the back that features art, video installations, and photography. This district is all about street wear, so it’s just the perfect location for everything Extra Market, Inc. has to offer. Next time you’re in the mood for a fantastic vegan burger, head over to Extra Market Inc. This new experience is at exactly the right time!
This show is just so much fun and very relevant. The music is just wonderful, upbeat, with some very powerful ballads. Everything about Mean Girls is highly entertaining. Based on the Paramount film Mean Girls, it follows the original story pretty closely, but honestly if you never saw any of the films, you would be ok and able to understand all of the nuances that are in this current touring production. It was announced on January 7, 2021, that Mean Girls would not re-open a result of the continued industry-wide shut down due the pandemic. The show played its last performance March 11, 2020. So, when I got this invite, I was very excited that things were getting back to semi-normal.
Book: Tina Fey, nine-time Emmy Award® winner, movie star, writer, and overall genius. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, credit – Mean Girls. Music: Jeff Richmond, three-time Emmy Award® winner, credits: 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Lyrics by Nell Benjamin, two-time Tony Award® – credit – Legally Blonde. Lorne Michaels, Mr. SNL, in my opinion, anything he touches turns to gold. I met him after the show and he told me, “ Anything Tina is involved with, I am in!”
New York Magazine calls Mean Girls “HILARIOUS! A smart, splashy new musical that delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” Chicago Tribune says “Tina Fey writes FUNNIER, SMARTER, SHARPER satire than anyone else in the business.” People Magazine declares the show is “FRESH, FUN AND INFECTIOUS – Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin’s songs keep the laughs coming!” The New York Daily News raves Mean Girls “TICKLES THE EARS, EYES AND FUNNY BONE – the direction by Casey Nicholaw packs style, invention and red bull-force energy.” Lastly, Entertainment Weekly proclaims it “A MARVEL: DAZZLING & HILARIOUS!”
About the show: Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies are led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
Stand out cast members for me were: English Bernhardt – Cady Heron, Morgan Ashley Bryant – Karen Smith, Eric Huffman – Damian Hubbard. These cast members really pulled out all the stops, they had great showstopper performances as well. The ensemble and dancers were an integral part of this amazing production.
Mean Girls running time is 2 Hours and 30 minutes, plus intermission.
This show is a must see, running now until January 29, 2023.
It had been a while since I have been in this part of Los Angeles, they have redone the whole city center into this marvelous little village type shopping and dining district. The night I was there, it was chilly, but most of the restaurants have outdoor seating so you only imagine how great it would be to have al fresco dining in the summer.
Edgar Fernandez really enhanced my experience. His resume looks like a who’s who in the global hospitality industry. He is a seasoned veteran, having worked at so many notable hotels and restaurants, but is still very humble. And my server Alejandro Velasco was so fun and accommodating, he also made my evening very memorable! Hank’s is really a wonderful dining option, it is festive and lively, and all the staff treated me like royalty.
Chef Isaias Pena, a wonderful taste master, knowing his amazing culinary skills from his past restaurant I was very excited about this tasting, and it did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, Hank’s has set the stage for his gastronomic skills to grow and flourish.
Hank’s Restaurant in Pacific Palisades & Executive Chef Isaias Peña’s, Double Diamond Burger Is Named “Best Burger” winner. In Los Angeles Times “Best of the Southland 2022!”
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktails:
Table-Side Traditional Martini, a bit dirty, with great cheese stuffed olives, the best.
The Cosmopolitan with Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, lemon, and lime. A very smooth rendition of this always popular cocktail.
Appetizers:
Chicken Potstickers, with radish, daikon sprouts, wasabi aioli, and sesame dressing. These little wonders are so satisfying, just spectacular.
Deviled Eggs, with Gravlax, salmon roe, prosciutto di Parma, and Applewood bacon. This dish is a real art piece, with it’s gorgeous presentation, is a real eye catcher.
Meatballs al Forno, with Mascarpone, with polenta, marinara, Pecorino Romano, and herbs. The polenta is the real joy of this dish for me, comfort food at its best.
Salads:
Classic Caesar with white anchovies, Pan di Mie croutons, Grano Padano, and olive oil. A great salad, the dressing is what makes it so delicious.
Albacore Tuna Romaine lettuce cups, with thyme marinated heirloom tomato, and red wine vinaigrette.
Flatbread:
Prosciutto and Fig Jam Flatbread, with Marinara sauce, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and fennel pollen. This flatbread is sweet as well as savory. I just loved this menu item.
Burger:
Double Diamond, with Tillamook cheddar, tomato, butter lettuce, balsamic onion, and house sauce. If you are a burger lover like me, you will just savor every bite, it’s just that good.
Sides:
Mashed potatoes and gravy, simple flavor, everything you would want from mashed potatoes and gravy.
Roasted Vegetables, the chef picked a nice array of colorful vegetables, so it’s healthy and amazing.
Specials:
King Salmon, with Mascarpone polenta, seasonal vegetables, herb butter sauce. The salmon was very fresh and flavorful, coupled with the polenta, a real winner.
New York Steak, a perfect cut, juicy and tender, just what the doctor ordered.
Lobster Risotto, with Butternut squash, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, gremolata, and truffle oil. This menu item was my favorite, nice thick pieces of lobster with the incredible truffle flavors. I will crave this dish from now on.
Wine:
Far Niente, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2020, a buttery, creamy, excellent choice for any of the fish items. On their signature dish menu they recommend this wine with their salmon, and I agree.
Chalk Hill, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2020, another great wine with any of the fish items as well.
Ridge Lytton Springs, Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2019, this wine is very jammy, it paired so great with the New York Steak.
Double Diamond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019, a super nice treat with the burger of the same name.
Hank’s, named in honor of Owner Rick Caruso’s father Hank is located at Palisades Village in the Pacific Palisades and was created to offer guests elevated American classics, handcrafted classic cocktails, draft and bottle craft beers and premium wines served by Coravin offering something for everyone. Executive Chef Isaias Peña’sHank’s Double Diamond Burger is a perfect elevated beef blend of wagyu, brisket and short rib accompanied with Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, butter lettuce, Roma tomatoes and Hank’s special sauce on potato bun.
“The Hank’s Team and I are honored by this award and many, many thanks to everyone that voted,” says Peña. “We take great pride in the making of our burgers at Hank’s, and we also have a new menu that has something for everyone featuring steaks, seafood, and a selection of small and shared plates, so we invite you all to come enjoy!”
The customers are varied; dates, double dates, men going out for a drink at the bar, but everyone is having a great evening. There is a very fun jukebox, and lots of black and white photos. An open kitchen highlights their food prep viewing, with an espresso machine, and for sporting events there are 2 large flat screen TV’s. The dining room is small and intimate, with an interesting, tiled ceiling, and checkered floors. The furniture is diner type but a bit more elegant, all of it is designed to be cozy and welcoming.
Hank’s is open every Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. For more information about Hank’s or to make reservations, please call 424.363.7166 directly or visit www.HanksPalisades.com.
This show is so iconic, to witness this New North American Tour of the Iconic Tony Award-winning musical to premiere at The Dolby Theatre ∙ November 29 – December 18 – is astounding.
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in this new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
This new multi-week tour is produced by TROIKA Entertainment, LLC. TROIKA Entertainment’s COO and Executive Producer, Kori Prior says, “We’re thrilled to be bringing such a fresh, new and heartfelt production to audiences across North America starting this fall.” “This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile,” says director Jenn Thompson. “For decades, ANNIE has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better ‘Tomorrow’ not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever.”
ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin), with orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Talitha Fehr is the Music Coordinator and Elaine Davidson is the Music Director. The design team includes scenic design by Wilson Chin (Pass Over), costume design by Alejo Vietti (Jersey Boys), lighting design by Philip Rosenberg, sound design by Ken Travis (Disney’s Aladdin), hair & wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan and casting by Paul Hardt of Hardt Casting, LLC.
In the title role of Annie is Ellie Pulsifer, a 12-year-old actress from South Florida, making her tour debut. Christopher Swan will star as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Stefanie Londino. Also starring in the tour are Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace, Nick Bernardi as Rooster, Krista Curry as Lily and Mark Woodard as FDR. Addison, a stray mutt rescued by William Berloni through the Humane Society in 2017, stars as Sandy. The lovable mutt “Sandy” is once again trained by Tony Award®Honoree William Berloni (ANNIE, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde). The Orphans are Riglee Rut
The Orphans are Riglee Ruth Bryson, Bronte Harrison, Vivianne Neely, Izzy Pike, Kenzie Rees and Valeria Velasco. The featured ensemble includes Kolten Bell, Bradley Ford Betros, Luther Brooks IV, Harrison Drake, Laura Elizabeth Flanagan, Jataria Heyward, Carly Ann Moore, Kevin Ivey Morrison, Leeanna Rubin, Andrew Scoggin, Sophie Stromberg and Kaley Were.
Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as, “one of the best family musicals ever penned!”, ANNIE features a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. All three authors received 1977 Tony Awards® for their work. The original production of ANNIE had its world premiere on Aug 10, 1976 at the Goodspeed Opera House (Michael J. Price, Executive Director) and opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (Neil Simon theatre). It went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). It closed on Broadway after playing 2,377 performances.
ANNIE was revived on Broadway in 1997 and again in 2014. It has been made into a film three times (1982, 1999, 2014) and was most recently featured as a live television production on NBC. The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever; it has been performed in 28 languages, and running around the world for about 45 years.
ADDISON (Sandy) was adopted by guardian and trainer Bill Berloni in 2017 after an incredible journey. Originally found at the Harnett County Animal Shelter in Lillington, NC., rescue advocates Chris and Bruce Leone saw her photo and reached out to Bill to see if she could be a Sandy. With the help of volunteers and drivers she made her way to NYC thru the Outer Banks SPCA ending up at the Humane Society of New York where she immediately passed her audition and a star was born. Addison dedicates this performance to all the people who believe every animal deserves a loving home.
THOMAS MEEHAN (Book) is a three-time Tony Award winning librettist for the Broadway musicals Annie, 1977; The Producers, 2001 (co-written with Mel Brooks); and Hairspray, 2003 (co-written with Mark O’Donnell). He collaborated on many Broadway musicalsincluding I Remember Mama; Ain’t Broadway Grand; Bombay Dreams (with Meera Syal); Cry Baby (with Mark O’Donnell); Young Frankenstein (with Mel Brooks); Elf, The Musical (with Bob Martin); Chaplin (with Christopher Curtis); Rocky; the upcoming Dave, The Musical (with Nell Benjamin); and the off-Broadway musicals, Annie Warbucks; Death Takes a Holiday (with Peter Stone) and the upcoming The Lady Eve (with Maury Yeston). He was a long-time contributor of humor pieces to The New Yorker, which were published in a collection entitled Yma, Ava, Yma, Abba, Yma, Oona, Yma, Ida, Yma Aga… and Others, by Simon and Schuster. Mr. Meehan, in collaboration with the poet J.D. McClatchy, co-authored the libretto of the opera 1984, composed by Lorin Maazel, first performed at London’s Royal Opera House at Covent Garden in 2005. He was an Emmy Award winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs, To Be or Not To Be, The Producers and One Magic Christmas. He was a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild.
MARTIN CHARNIN (Lyrics). Martin’s career in the entertainment industry began in 1957 when he created the role of Big Deal (one of Jerome Robbins’ authentic juvenile delinquents) in the original company of West Side Story. He played the role for exactly 1,000 performances. Since then, he was involved in over 140 theatrical, television, film, and night club productions as a director, producer, composer, or lyricist. He is one of the dozen people who have won Emmys, Tonys, and Grammys, and the Peabody Award for Broadcasting. Annie, which came to Broadway in 1977, originally ran for 2,377 performances, and has been revived there threetimes. He directed Annie 19 times (after directing the original production in New York), in London, Montreal, Amsterdam, and Melbourne as well as Annie’s 14 national U.S. companies. He collaborated with Charles Strouse, Vernon Duke, Marvin Hamlisch, Mary Rodgers, and twice with Richard Rodgers on I Remember Mama and Two by Two. He wrote for, or directed, Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, Jack Lemmon, Ann-Margaret, Jack Benny, Anne Bancroft, Betty Hutton, Sutton Foster, Sarah Jessica Parker, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bebe Neuwirth, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Larry Kert, Chita Rivera, Jane Lynch, Tony Bennett, Jason Alexander, and Jay-Z, among countless others, and for his wife, Shelly Burch (who originated a leading role in the original company of Nine). Most recently, “Tomorrow” from Annie became one of the 100 most performed musical numbers in the last century. CHARLES STROUSE (Music). A graduate of New York’s P.S. 87, Townsend Harris H.S., and the Eastman School of Music, Charles has studied composition with Aaron Copland, Arthur Berger, and David Diamond in the US and Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Charles has composed copious chamber music, two piano concertos, a string quartet and two operas. After which, being broke like most composers, he was a rehearsal pianist and dance arranger for many shows, played in bar rooms, ballet classes, at weddings and strip joints (a particular boon for one who was to write the music for the film The Night They Raided Minsky’s). One morning in 1960 he awoke to find he had written (with Lee Adams and Mike Stewart) Bye Bye Birdie (Tony Award), which is still among the most performed musicals in America, followed by Golden Boy with Sammy Davis, Jr. (Tony Nomination). Then came, Applause (Tony Award), It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman, Rags (Tony Nomination) and Annie (Tony Award). In-between, there have been scores for movies including Bonnie and Clyde and All Dogs Go to Heaven. Throughout his career, Charles has received the Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Frederick Lowe and the Leonard Bernstein Awards for musical achievement. He is married to director/choreographer Barbara Siman and is the father of Benjamin (attorney, author, composer), Nicholas (psychotherapist), Victoria (screen writer) and William (also a screen writer).
JENN THOMPSON (Director) is thrilled to be helming the National Tour of Annie after having appeared as Pepper in the original Broadway run. Recent credits include a World-Premiere musical about another indomitable red-headed orphan; Anne of Green Gables – A New Musical at Goodspeed Opera House, the very same theatre that premiered Annie more than 45 years ago. Other shows at Goodspeed include: Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma! And The Music Man. Other recent credits include Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Musical at Children’s Theatre Company in association with Kevin McCollum and Buena Vista Theatrical as well as Chains for Off-Broadway’s Mint Theatre, where Jenn’s 2016 production of Women Without Men garnered both Lortel and Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominations for Outstanding Revival as well as 5 Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Director and Revival. In addition to extensive productions in NYC, Jenn’s work has been seen at theaters across the country including; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Denver Center, Hartford Stage, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Portland Stage, City Theatre, Theaterworks Hartford, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival and many more. Jenn is married to actor Stephen Kunken, they live in Brooklyn NY with their daughter Naomi. This is for Martin, Charles, Tom and Peter. jennthompsondirector.com
PATRICIA WILCOX (Choreographer). Broadway: Motown the Musical (Astaire Award and the NAACP Award for Best Choreography), and A Night with Janis Joplin. Off-Broadway/National: Little Shop of Horrors, An Officer and a Gentleman, Children’s Letters to God, Bowfire, Blues in the Night (NAACP Nomination), Seussical. Regional: A Swell Party (The Kennedy Center), The Secret Garden (DCPA), The Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie (Goodspeed Opera House-Connecticut Critics Circle Award), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (CTC), Peter and the Starcatcher (Pioneer), Camelot (NSMT), Jesus Christ Superstar (Sacramento Music), Hair (ATC), Guys and Dolls (Paper Mill). Winter Olympics: Choreography for Ice Dancing. PattiWilcox.com WILSON CHIN (Scenic Design). Broadway and Off-Broadway: Pass Over (Broadway, Lortel Award nomination), Next Fall (Broadway), Cost of Living (Manhattan Theatre Club), A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet (DR2), Space Dogs (MCC), The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons). With director Jenn Thompson: The Secret Garden (Denver Center Theatre), Oklahoma! and Anne of Green Gables (Goodspeed Musicals). Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Eine Florentinische Tragödie/Gianni Schicchi (Canadian Opera, Dora Award). Film/television: Pass Over (dir. Spike Lee), “Game Theory with Bomani Jones” (HBO), “Blindspot” (NBC). Eastern Region Board memb
What a great show, filled with funny bits, great songs, wonderful talent, everything you would want from a Broadway Musical, run don’t walk to see ANNIE.
