.

WHO: Presented by Mark DeCarlo and Ivan Kane’s CAFE WAS

WHAT: ODD WEDNESDAYS, the newest comedy & music premiere showcase

WHEN: Beginning St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2010, (and continuing EVERY ODD WEDNESDAY of every month (3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, 5/19 etc.)  Doors @ 8 PM Show @ 9 PM

WHERE: Ivan Kane’s CAFÉ WAS 1521 N. Vine St. Hollywood, CA (323)466-5400

TICKETS:   No Cover Charge – Free – 8PM Sign-up, 9PM Jam Session/Open Mic

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SIGN UP FOR JAM SESSION / OPEN MIC – 8 PM

Singer-Songwriters and comedians are welcome to join us to play 1 or 2 songs or sets on a first come first serve basis; e-mail oddwednesdayshow@gmail.com for sign up sheet. Win cool prizes and the chance to be invited to perform with A-List comedians and musicians in our exclusive upcoming shows the third Wednesday of every month at CAFÉ WAS.

ABOUT MARK DECARLO

When “Studs” took TV by storm, host Mark DeCarlo took to the road. A Chicago native, DeCarlo used the popularity from his television series (Big Deal, Good Night America, the X Show and most recently Taste of America) to play the blues all over the US. Finally after years sitting in with the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cowboy Mouth, Meatloaf, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, and the Queen of the Blues Ms. Koko Taylor, Mark knew it was time to transform into his musical alter-ego, TORNADO JOHNSON, put together a band and hit the road.  The result, OLD BLUES EYES, features players from LA, Toronto and Chicago – the hottest session guys and composers cold beer and good BBQ can buy. The band is a high energy, at times hilarious, audience blues explosion.  No two shows are ever the same. Sometimes Mark will bring up singers up out of the audience, some nights he’ll become part of the audience himself.  That’s what happens when Tornado Johnson and his five piece musical marauders get up and play. Old Blues Eyes has headlined for CBS Studios & the Deal or No Deal Celebrity Golf Event, rocked the Jimmy Kimmel stage at the Hollywood San Gennaro Festival, and jammed in joints too small to change their pants. No matter where they play, the results are always the same: BIG BAD BLUES. (www.markdecarlo.com)

ABOUT IVAN KANE

With the phenomenal success of Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce in both the Hollywood club and at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and his newest venture, Ivan Kane’s Café Was, a bistro, bar and live music venue, the entrepreneur has added his own unique blend of excitement and edge to going out, turning “nightlife into a more theatrical experience.” His long-range goals include continuing to build the Ivan Kane Enterprises brand and realizing his dream project, a boutique hotel which he has already conceptualized and designed. He’s been called an impresario and a nightlife guru, but most of all Ivan Kane is an innovator. “I’m constantly looking to redefine nightlife,” he concludes, “by doing the unexpected.”  

ABOUT IVAN KANE’S CAFÉ WAS

Hollywood’s newest and most unique Cafe dining experience, created by nightlife trendsetter Ivan Kane offers an intimate bistro experience and piano lounge. Unlike other Hollywood fine dining establishments, Cafe Was integrates a bohemian feel with chic design and classic Bistro fare, offering unique café dining in this reflective dream world on Sunset and Vine. Unique materials, salvaged bars, balusters and doors along with distressed plaster walls, antique mirrors and velvet curtains make up the mystical space. The revolving 1924 Mason and Hamlin grand piano offers optimal views and can be removed for other performances. Wednesday specials: Bohemian Feast- Four Course Prix Fixe Menu only $30.00, Half price flask service in our signature Café Was brown paper bags & Half Price on ALL bottles of wine and champagne with entrée.  Reservations or Information: 323.466.5400 www.cafewas.com

Last Valentine’s Day, I had a tour de force culinary experience.  It started with an invitation to a popular restaurant I had heard of, but was afraid to try.  I’m speaking of Dining in the Dark at OPAQUE.

Opaque’s mission is to engage all the senses in a pitch-black dining room, while eager guests are taken from one course to the next, softly guided by their respective blind or visually impaired servers.

Let me start from the beginning.  We first walked in to the lounge area and were greeted by friendly staff, who reacted as if they knew something we didn’t when we announced it was our first time.  They knew we were in for a treat.

We picked our meal in the dimly lit romantic lounge and waited for our server to guide us to our table.  Behind closed curtains we entered.  Hands on my guide’s shoulder we went, slowly making our way between pockets of fading conversations in a sea of darkness.

The maze ended up in a comfortable corner near the entrance to the kitchen. At this point, our ears were still getting adjusted to the mumbling, as we picked up on various voices at the same time, being aware that there might be someone sitting quietly, right next to us, listening.  We sat down as our server explained where exactly we would find our utensils, plate and glasses.  Lo and behold!  They were exactly where she explained they’d be!

My brain wandered: “Will I be startled as a voice jumps from the darkness to fill my glass or ask me how dinner is going?” “When is this going to get old?”  To my surprise, I was very aware of my server approaching the table and the sweet manner in which she guided us from appetizer to entrée to desert.  Each course seemed a discovery all on its own.  Who knew carrots could taste so sweet?  I had no idea what my food looked like, yet I savored every juicy bite, every texture, every discovery.  Even my breath had lingering flavor.

By the time the main course came around, I had given up on the task of accurately putting the fork in my mouth and was using my hands to eat.  This, by the way, was my favorite part of the meal.  The food was easy to identify, satisfactory to pick up with my own fingers, and delectable to all my tens of thousands of taste buds.

The Mango Panna Cotta was nothing short of an orgasm.  Not being able to use my sight for the past hour, my other senses danced around me in circles.   This delicious desert exploded with flavor in my mouth, while, in my head, and I held back from ‘Mmm-mmm-ing’ out loud, afraid of repeating the infamous “When Harry Met Sally” scene.

Needless to say, Valentine’s dinner was as unforgettable and as a sure shot to a romantic ending as the greatest chocolate cake in the world… or the biggest diamond.

Opaque is the ultimate voyage of the senses, all neatly engaged in a prix fixe 3-course gourmet meal, a experience not only of taste but of smell and sound.  This experimental journey of the senses gets the Diva’s Wink ™ of approval.

OPAQUE –Dining in the Dark

http://www.darkdining.com/index_main.php

LOS ANGELES (Also in San Francisco and San Diego)

Every weekend on Friday and Saturday starting at 6 PM.

V Lounge

2020 Wilshire Blvd

Santa Monica,

California 90403

www.darkdining.com

310 546 7619

Regular 3 course dinner menu Price: $99 incl. Tax (no host bar)

For more information or to order make reservations please call 800-710-1270 or visit

www.darkdining.com. Reservations required!

*

You are pregnant…congratulations!  Like all moms, I’m sure you want to do everything possible to make sure that your baby is healthy, and going green during your pregnancy is a great way to ensure this.  Here are 6 green living tips that will make a big difference in your life and your pregnancy.  As of the writing of this article, I myself am almost 5-months pregnant and I feel great.  Hopefully my tips will help you feel great too and help ensure that your baby is as healthy and happy as possible!

1. Eat green! You should be eating green both literally and figuratively.  Get as many organic, whole foods into your diet as possible (whole foods mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.)  Try and cut out any calories that are not filled with nutrients as they will not nourish the baby but WILL lead to excess weight gain.  Eating healthy is probably the single most important thing you can do for your baby while you are pregnant.[1] It’s also supposed to be helpful in mitigating some of the “symptoms” of pregnancy.  From my own personal experience (again, I’m just a sample of one), I have had no issues with nausea or cravings, no “pregnancy constipation” (which is caused by our digestion slowing down to squeeze the most nutrients out of our food) and my weight gain has been slow and steady.  Also, when it comes to eating green you should literally be eating green foods.  Folic acid, which is very important for avoiding certain birth defects, is easily found in most green vegetables.[2] I can tell you from personal experience, I’m a mostly-raw vegetarian, and when I had my blood tested my folic acid was very high.  In fact, all of my blood results were very good except for Vitamin D, which brings me to point #2.
2. Check your Vitamin D. When you first get pregnant your doctor will do a blood work-up on you.  Be sure to ask her if your work-up includes a test for Vitamin D also known as “the sunshine vitamin.”  The studies on Vitamin D deficiency are pretty new (about 3-years old) but compelling and especially important for a developing baby.  Vitamin D is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin and its deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, parathyroid problems, immune function and even weight loss.[3] Even though I live in sunny Los Angeles and walk my dog for 20-minutes every day, my Vitamin D test came back severely deficient.  There is talk about raising the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D, but one thing to keep in mind is that if you are dark-skinned, as I am, than you need even more sunshine since the melanin in our skin blocks the UVB rays that synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight.  There are also Vitamin D supplements that you can take orally as well.  Honestly, EVERYONE should be tested for Vitamin D deficiency.  You’ll probably be hearing more and more about this as doctors are just now starting to realize how important Vitamin D is for our bodies.  After giving me my test results my doctor had himself tested and was shocked at how low his own Vitamin D was. 
3. Forget registering for your baby shower…get hand-me-downs! Kids grow quickly, in fact; they grow so quickly that many of the products they used can be passed down to many other children.  My goal is to not buy anything new except for whatever fabrics or paints I may need for the baby’s room and maybe the occasional “special event” outfit (those holiday clothes are super cute!)  As soon as my husband and I decided to get pregnant we started spreading the word that we would take any hand-me-downs that were 1) not subject to recalls, 2) in good condition and 3) made out of natural materials (except for car seats and strollers.)  So far we have gotten 2 cribs (one is for my parent’s house who live very near by), an organic crib mattress, lots of cotton bedding, a solid wood rocking horse, a solid wood high chair, a solid wood rocking chair, a glider, 3 car seats, 2 strollers, lots of books and a changing table.  We haven’t received any clothes yet because we don’t know the sex of the baby, but there is lots of that on the way too.  Ask and you shall receive, it’s amazing!
4. Use green paints in the baby’s room. Most people end up painting their baby’s room.  If you do, be sure to look for paints that are “no-VOC” or even all natural paints like Old Fashioned Milk Paint, made with lime and milk protein.  These paints will not “off-gas” into the baby’s room creating a better breathing environment for your child.  This is especially important for newborns since their lungs are the last thing to develop and will continue to grow as they grow[4].  AFM Safecoat and Yolo Colorhouse and excellent no-VOC paints that cost approximately $50/a gallon which is the same as other “high-end” paints.
5. Eliminate chemicals from your life. One of the most dangerous places in most homes is that cabinet under the kitchen sink with all the cleaning products.  Make an effort to eliminate chemicals as much as possible from your life.  Switch to earth and people friendly cleaners like baking soda and white vinegar or to brands such as Bi-o-kleen, Bon Ami and Begley’s Best to name a few.  I try to buy locally so most of the brands I mention are West Coast based.  If you are on the East Coast then Seventh Generation is an excellent resource for you.  If a product smells toxic to you, it probably is toxic, and you might as well get rid of this stuff before the baby is born!  Products to definitely get rid of include anything with heavy perfumes (often these masks dangerous chemicals like as phthalates), and anything with chlorine and ammonia in them.  Also, be sure to switch to safer insecticides and pesticides such as boric acid and neem oil for around your house and in your garden.
6. Exercise. Exercise is great for building and maintaining muscle tone and stamina, for helping to moderate pregnancy weight gain and for helping to improve your mood among other things.[5] It can also help with constipation brought on by pregnancy![6] Regular exercise, along with a good diet, is said to help with many of the “symptoms” of early pregnancy, and from my own experience, except for occasional fatigue I have had NO pregnancy symptoms.  Now, if you weren’t a marathoner before your pregnancy, now is definitely not the time to start training for one, but getting regular movement is very important for your pregnancy. Maintaining your stamina is especially important if you are going to go for natural child birth (which I am and will be sure to write about when it happens) since labor can be a very tiring experience and you want to be sure you have reserves of strength so that when your midwife or doctor says “you can start pushing” you still have the energy to push.  Walking is a great, low-impact exercise.  My midwife advised me to get up to 3-miles a day (about an hour of vigorous walking) if I could.  At this point in my pregnancy I have been able to maintain my pre-pregnancy exercise regimen of yoga, weights, walking and elliptical training with no modifications.

Remember, every person and every pregnancy is different, so be sure to consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet and/or exercise regimes.  The information in this article should not be taken as medical advice.

Alegre Ramos is a LEED AP interior designer and green living expert based in the San Fernando Valley.  Her store, Green and Greener, is located in Valley Village and online at http://green-and-greener.com.  Stay up to date on important green info by signing-up for her Twitter feed http://twitter.com/greenandgreener.  Copyright Green and Greener 2010.  All rights reserved.

[2] http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/Foods_High_in_Folic_Acid

[3] http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

[4] http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/lungs/bpd.html#

[5] http://www.babycenter.com/0_seven-great-benefits-of-pregnancy-exercise_7864.bc

[6] http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/pregnancy-exercise/?page=2

Chicago – like any great city – has to be enjoyed in small bites. I recently revisited my former hometown, where you can sample at one time only a small slice of the great confection that is this beautiful lakeside city. However, there are attractions that are unique or stunningly significant that should be on any traveler’s short list. This is a sort of “Best of”…Some favorite things include: tour of the magnificent Lake Michigan waterfront museum campus of parks; Art Institute’s Impressionist paintings and Thorne Miniature Rooms; Cultural Center’s magnificent Tiffany Dome ceiling, largest in world; Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex, Field Museum of Natural History; Museum of Science and Industry, 1893 Colombian Exposition building; Lincoln memorabilia/death bed, Chicago History Museum; Chicago’s 38 bascule (meaning see-saw) bridges, including Michigan Avenue Bridge Museum; Sears Tower (tallest building in Western Hemisphere) and Hancock Center observatories; and Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue, a remnant of the Great Chicago Fire, 1871.Yes, I know Sears Tower has been renamed, as has Marshall Field’s, but Chicagoan are loath to let go, hence the names Sears and Marshall Fields reverberate.

On my recent trip, my plan was to sample two Marriott properties, one in the suburbs, Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook and one on Michigan Avenue, Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, do the Chicago museums, have tea in a fabulous location, such as the Peninsula Hotel, gorge on Chicago’s uniquely delicious deep dish pizza and see the Softball Hall of Fame, Forest Park and Italian Cultural Center, Stone Park. I’ll deal with the suburban attractions in a separate article.

With Chicago a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to see it all. A taste of Chicago could include many other attractions such as Wrigley Field and the Cubs; Lyric Opera House; El train ride; Buckingham Fountain; Navy Pier; Architectural boat and lake cruises; Tribune Tower visit; deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno or Due or Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. The best way to peruse the vast panoply of Chicago delights is to access the tourism information at www.cityofchicago/tourism; phone 312-567-8500.Or www.explorechicago.org/tourism. For now we’ll go with llama-like leaps among some favorites everyone should know about.

First off, if you plan to pack up and leave soon, include plenty of warm clothing, boots and heavy coat. You can Ice skate downtown and enjoy waterscapes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline that are breathtaking, but you need proper clothing. So don’t let the weather keep you home; Chicago knows how to handle cold and snowy weather. Life goes on – excitingly.

It’s too bad Chicago wasn’t lucky enough to be founded by the Romans, as were London, Paris, Cologne and a long list of other European cities. Then it might have had instant world-class recognition instead of having to scramble to introduce itself. But then London (Londinium) is 2,000 years old and the city of Chicago not even 200 years – it was christened as a city in 1837, was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire, 1871, and was almost instantly rebuilt with echoes of the urban Parisian parks and boulevards of that era. Astonishingly, it opened the Art Institute of Chicago in 1889, just eight years after cleaning up the ashes.

At that time, the city was fortunate in its wealthier citizens and architects, such as architect and city planner Daniel Burnham, who determined to make the city as beautiful, elegant, and cultural as any European city. Burnham ensured the lakefront remain open park space. However, when developers sought to foil Burnham’s grand design, retail tycoon Montgomery Ward sued and won the protection of Chicago’s Lakefront. People like this, who loved Chicago, kept it beautiful for future generations.

The tycoons of the era, such as Marshall Field, Potter Palmer and others, had enormous civic pride and gave generously to establish Chicago’s great cultural institutions. Bertha Honore Palmer, wife of millionaire businessman Potter Palmer, (Palmer House Hotel) was an intelligent and avid Impressionist painting collector, under the guidance of American painter Mary Cassatt, who was part of the artist Impressionist cohort of the era. Palmer amassed a large collection of the best of the time. A fascinating Palmer exhibit at the Chicago History Museum includes gorgeous gowns, jewels and other artifacts, along with biographical details of Palmer’s life. It is said she traveled with her favorite Impressionist painting, Renoir’s “Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando,” which keeps company with “On the Terrace” at the AI. Mrs. Palmer’s Impressionist bequest in 1922 and the 1926 donation by Helen Birch Bartlett ensured the Art Institute of Chicago as the preeminent Impressionist collection.

The Impressionist collection at the Paris Musee d’Orsey, situated in a former train station – love those ginormous clocks – has the reputation, perhaps because of its location, but most agree it is Chicago’s collection that shines.

Chicago’s Impressionists includes Renoir’s “On the Terrace”, Monet’s “Hay Stacks”, El Greco’s “Assumption of the Virgin”, Seurat’s “Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte,” Gustave Caillebotte’s “ Paris Street, Rainy Day,” Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” as well as works by Mary Cassatt, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and so many more.

Imagine – 2,000 acres of the city’s core burned in 1871, and eight years later there’s an art museum amid the new buildings. The city’s energy enabled it to host the 1893 World’s Colombian Exposition with its magical “White City.” The Fine Arts Building survives today as the Museum of Science and Industry, with its superb colonnade of caryatids (female support columns). It’s working coalmine and German submarine are major attractions.

Chicago spreads out in three directions – with Lake Michigan on the east. Therefore, to easily reach favorites, I selected the Marriott on Michigan Avenue for its convenience, luxury and excellent service. Settling into the newly transformed Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave., 312-245-4728, ChicagoMarriottDowntown.com, was easy. With this hotel you are near a huge array of restaurants, shopping, museums, attractions, summer boat rides and foot-cruising the Magnificent Mile Michigan Avenue with its world-class retail shops.

The hotel has recently been beautifully redone and features a lobby Great Room, which brings to mind the “Wizard of Oz.” Perhaps the designers took their cue from Chicagoan L. Frank Baum’s famous “Wizard of Oz” books, the first published in 1900. The classic movie came out in 1939, forging indelible images in Americans’ minds of tornados, Dorothy Gale and her three charming friends. The Marriott’s Great Room lobby features a gigantic architectural column, which for the entire world looks like a tornado funnel cloud. The horseshoe bar curves around it – visually riveting. The bank of TVs and beer taps equals after-hours relaxing.

I loved the bed in the comfortable guestroom. Wondering if I could buy one like it, I learned the beds are for sale on the hotel’s website. Though large – 1,173 rooms, including suites – the hotel’s service is boutique-style. The staff took pains to banish feathers from this allergy sufferer’s room: A health-saving service. There are all amenities one desires – location, fitness center, pool and steam room.

The auto entrance is at the back on Rush St., both valet and self-park are available for slightly under $50 per day. Room rates depend on season and dates, so best to contact the hotel directly for the best rates. Phone: 312-245-4728; ChicagoMarriottDowntown.com.

After settling into the Marriott we took a $5 short cab ride to see “my” Impressionist collection and Thorne Miniature Rooms at the Art Institute. Alas, Renoir’s “On the Terrace” has been moved; I liked it in the center of the left wall – it anchored that gallery perfectly. After searching I learned the Wedgwood Portland Vase, a copy of a magnificent 2,000year old Roman glass vase (Roman original, British Museum) was not currently on display. As this is a great favorite I missed seeing it. But the museum has more than a quarter million objects, not everything can be on display.

If time is limited it’s best to take a bus tour to get a taste of the city’s charm as you glide around the beautiful lakefront – unique for an American industrial city – and take a peek at its new Millennium Park and other major cultural attractions. Be sure to make note of the entrance to Grant Park, at Congress Plaza Gardens, for the two magnificent Ivan Mestrovic 1928 bronze equestrian statues of Native Americans – the Bowman and the Spearman. Though not specified, the warriors’ obvious superb horsemanship and imposing power suggest they may represent the great horsemen of the plains, the Cheyenne. The sculptor purposely did not include the weapons – leaving that to the viewers’ imagination.

After a tour of the Thorne Rooms, splendidly recreated miniature period rooms that feature setting from the 9th century to 1930s, exquisitely furnished with authentic materials of exotic woods, stained glass, silver, gold, stone, terrazzo, Wedgwood plaques, and sculptures, we headed to the Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea. There’s something soul-satisfying in such a day. The Thorne Rooms, 68 finely tuned replica room settings commissioned by Mrs. James Ward Thorne between 1932 and 1940 are favorites of adults and children alike. My then-three year old granddaughter, Michelle, when viewing them for the first time, uttered an awed “They’re so cute.” Don’t miss them.

So much beauty over-awes and afternoon tea is just the thing to revive the soul. So after the art we cabbed it to the splendid Peninsula Hotel, off Michigan Avenue at Superior. Afternoon tea is something I enjoy in every city visited. All are distinctive, but share a predictability that is relaxing and soothing. Everything is bite-sized, no cutting required and everything is slightly sweet. In fact, this is my favorite meal – well, maybe Chicago pizza ties the score. In any case, afternoon tea usually has three courses: scones, pastries and sandwiches, along with the tea, of course.

The Peninsula boosts a gorgeous space called The Lobby, with Murano glass chandeliers, custom carpets and octagonal-backed padded armchairs. The impression is of sun-kissed splendor even on a rainy day. Murano glass has a long history, from the 9th century to the present. The manufacturing center is located near Venice, Italy, on a tiny island in the Adriatic Sea. The Peninsula’s ceiling fixtures are delicate cascading droplets of sparkling light that draws the eye in a room full of beautiful accouterments.

The table is set with Wedgwood china set on cream-colored linen placemats. Two string musicians on an upper balcony serenade the guests below. My anticipation was well rewarded when the small chocolate chip scones arrived with cream and strawberry preserves; the combination is scrumptious. Green tea was served in a small plain white pot, along with sealed envelopes of sweeteners– so long to the darling sugar cubes long associated with tea service.

All the food is brought to the table at once on a three-tired silver server. Among the delectable treats were the scones, chocolate mini-cupcakes; pink macaroon cookies and perfect chicken salad sandwiches. However, guests need not order the entire tea service.

“My wife and I always celebrate our birthdays at tea, “ says guest, Dr. Michael Mercer, an industrial psychologist and author of several books, including “Hire the Best – Avoid the Rest.” He and his wife, Mary, admitted to sampling tea service in all the fine Chicago hotels.

“We like the Peninsula best because we can order only what we like,” he continued. “Mary likes scones and finger sandwiches, but not pastries. I don’t care for the finger sandwiches. So we order a la carte and each is happy. And we love the charming, very airy and open feel of the room. And the music is wonderful.”

They were the kind of people one thinks might be on their way to the Lyric Opera to catch Puccini’s “Tosca.” The Lyric lists 77 performances for the 2009-2010 season, with “Tosca” playing again in January 2010. If it’s the Zefferelli production I’m tempted to fly back for a matinee, if only to erase the memory of the Metropolitan Opera’s recent screwy “Tosca” production. The 1927-’29 Civic Opera House is a beautiful auditorium that enhances the stage experience. Many modern facilities resemble padded shoeboxes with no place of beauty to rest the eye.

There were some shoppers at tea, not surprising, as the Peninsula is convenient to Water Tower Place and other premier Chicago retail centers. If weather permits, a stroll the length of Michigan Avenue from the river north to the Drake Hotel, is worth the shoe-leather: the Michigan Avenue bridge, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, new Trump building, American Girl Place, Marina Towers and upscale retailers line the boulevard. Anyone with a little girl will relish AG Place – a virtual harem of girlie-ness. As the mother of three sons, I found it rather exotic and somewhat bewildering, especially the beauty salon for dolls. Nonetheless, it was the realization of my heartfelt dream to surprise my granddaughter with an American Girl look-alike doll of green eyes and auburn hair. Adorable.

It is impossible to be in Chicago and not eat deep-dish pizza. My husband and I have been diners of the originals since our dating years as teens. Lou Malnati’s, a descendent of the original Pizzeria Uno and Due (Italian; one and two) is a favorite. We usually load up on a dozen frozen Malnati pizzas in a special bag, which was forgotten. Result: no Chicago pizza in California, truly a sorry state.

In any case, there are dozens of Malnati outlets all over Chicago and one on Wells St. However, the night we wanted pizza we were walking and it was raining so we landed in Pizzeria Due on Rush. It’s the place we went to as college-age kids. The pizza was nearly as we remember it.

It’s nice to be able to go back “home.” Especially when the city is Chicago.

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright 2009

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, former Chicago journalist, covers travel, entertainment, and culture for www.travelingdiva.com, www.angelaroccodecarlo.blogspot.com, and www.heralddeparis.com. She lives in exile in Southern California.

As heard on Mad Dog’s radio show in Palm Springs:

The Maui Prince, Hawaii -  Filled with enchantment and romance, this Hawaiian paradise will find its way into your hearts without emptying your pockets.  Rated one of the top hotels of the island, the Maui Prince is now offering amazing rates for all their rooms, including ocean front rooms.  Their amenities range from spa to complimentary valet to wi-fi in your room, should you need it.

Take advantage of their Special Packages or let them take the worry away from planning a wedding!  That’s right, lucky divas!  They also have wedding packages, complete with every detail, including the fabulous backdrop of Black Rock and red sunsets.

***

Email us at diva@travelingdiva.com for more info and special rates not advertised on their website!

and….. shhhhhh… the secret to their free upgrades!!!!!! diva@travelingdiva.com

Title: 1st Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Link out: Click here
Description: The First Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 5PM in Santa Monica, CA at the city’s best bars and restaurants to help raise money and food for those in need for the holidays, through a partnership with the Westside Food Bank. Participating locations will be offering drink and food specials as part of the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl festivities. Crawlers are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to drop at Westside Food Bank collection barrels strategically placed along the pub crawl route, which will allow them access to the drink specials at each location. For a list of bars, pub crawl maps and updates, visit the official Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl participants are asked to dress in Santa/Holiday attire so the streets of Santa Monica will be filled with merry cheer as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, Reindeer, Carolers and Santa\’s Helpers. The Pub Crawl will include bars on Wilshire, 4th St. and Broadway to Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave as well as bars in and around the Main Street and 3rd Street Districts.

COST: Minimum donation of one non-perishable food item per person. The donation will
provide participants with a wristband that offers discount food & drink specials at all of the participating locations. A list of donation drop off locations along with a map of participating bars will be announced on the official Web site at www.santamonicapubcrawl.com.

SPONSORS: Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Westside Food Bank, Santa Monica
Daily Press, YELP.com, JACK FM, Local Buy Santa Monica, SPIN Public Relations

Start Time: 5:00PM
Date: 2009-12-19

Rock ‘n Roll Wine will host their next event on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at the House of Blues VIP club, Foundation Room and feature performances by Porter Lori and Peter Goetz. The Vegas-famed wine party will feature 15 plus hand-selected, mouth-watering wines from around the world, including brands such as Kim Crawford, George DuBoeuf, Geyser Peak, and Barnard Griffin, as well as Rock ‘n Roll Wine’s own award-winning blends: “Reggae Rhapsody,” and “The Grotto”. Rock ‘n Roll Wine invites LA to “Rock Out With Your Cork Out®” on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Foundation Room!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  The festivities will conclude at 10:00 p.m. though patrons will be able to remain in Foundation Room for the remainder of the night. Tickets for this event are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.  Ticket price includes all live entertainment, wine tasting, and light hors d’oeuvres. To purchase your tickets in advance, visit www.rocknrollwine.com or call 702-240-3066.  Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

“We’re excited to continue to bring our signature, high-energy wine tasting concept to Los Angeles exposing new fans to delicious wines and cutting edge live entertainment all in one affordable package,” says Founder Chris Hammond.

Co-founder Sonny Barton agreed, “We pride ourselves on the wine experience and combining our concept with the eclectic setting of the Foundation Room makes for a truly memorable evening.”

Rock ‘n Roll Wine believes the wine experience is just as important as the quality of the wine.  Combining the right atmosphere, with the right music, and the right people is when “the juice” truly shines.  As the company grows, so does the quality of events bringing the best live music and most delicious wine to one place at one time. For more information, go to www.rocknrollwine.com.

Featuring All-Female Performances by Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a Special Guest Appearance by Caitlin Crosby

Koffeehouse Music Productions presents another stellar line up of talent at Koffeehouse Sessions, the popular musician’s showcase at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.  This month’s showcase, LOVE YOUR FLAWZ, will feature some of LA’s most talented female artists, including the amazing Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a special guest appearance by Caitlin Crosby. The evening is dedicated to supporting Caitlin’s LOVE YOUR FLAWZ movement dedicated to empowering young women everywhere. For more info go to www.loveyourflawz.com. Doors open at 6:30PM with Open Min until 8PM. Cover charge is $10.00 or just $5.00 if you bring with you a handwritten note embracing your flawz (Visit www.loveyourflawz.com for ideas).
For more info on the artists performing, see their individual bios below.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Koffeehouse on their music series and to perform with such a wonderful group of women, says Caitlin.  “It’s great that so many people are interested in spreading the word about my website LoveYourFlawz.com.  I hope that fans will embrace the message behind it, to celebrate who you are and not let stereotypes dictate otherwise-this message also inspired my album FLAWZ,” she concludes.

Who: Koffeehouse, SPIN PR & Harvelle’s

What: Koffeehouse Sessions is a monthly musicians showcase featuring the best in emerging singer/songwriters and bands and is quickly becoming a staple Los Angeles industry showcase for discovering new talent. LOVE YOUR FLAWZ Music Night will feature LA’s most talented female artists including Mandi Perkins, Sara Haze, Elizabeth Nicole, Samantha Stollenwerck, Katie Cole, Emily Jaye, Gabrielle Brisson and a special guest appearance by Caitlin Crosby. The evening is dedicated to supporting Caitlin’s LOVE YOUR FLAWZ (loveyourflawz.com) movement dedicated to empowering young women everywhere.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2009 (and continuing the first Thursday of every month)
Doors @ 6:30PM, Open mic from 6:30-8:00PM. 21+

Where:  Harvelle’s in Santa Monica -  1432 4^th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Admission: $10.00 or $5.00 if you bring a handwritten note embracing your flawz! (Visit www.loveyourflawz.com for ideas!).  To reserve a table, call (310) 395-1676.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

7:45PM: GABRIELLE BRISSON (www.gabriellesongs.com)

Adventure has always been a way of life for this Danish/American soulful singer/songwriter. Growing up with a suitcase in hand, traveling and living in different countries across Europe and the US, change was a major influence. At seventeen, desire to take her musical career to another level brought her to Los Angeles. Gabrielle immersed herself in a whirlwind of music life, teaming up with renowned musicians who helped her become a mature, well rounded musician, songwriter and performer. Gabrielle’s style has been compared to artists including Norah Jones, Amos Lee, Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell. Being a powerful vocalist and versatile singer, Gabrielle soon became sought after for demo sessions, corporate events, radio jingles and vocal harmonies. Singing about the constant evolution of emotion, Gabrielle digs deep for honesty and hopes her listeners will be taken on a great journey with her!

8:05PM: KATIE COLE (www.myspace.com/katiecoleofficial)
“Most artists will tell you if they only touch one person in the crowd with their music, then their job is done. For me, I want to reach everyone!”  Meet Katie Cole. She is a young singer-songwriter originally from Australia now living in Los Angeles. With uplifting and clever pop songs, Katie is currently working with Producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Ok Go) on her debut record.

8:25PM: SAMANTHA STOLLENWERCK  (www.samanthamusic.com)
‘Cali-soul’ is the term Samantha uses to describe her sound; a unique blend of soulful pop rock that has landed her on bills with the likes of Dave Matthews Band and Ziggy Marley.  She recently finished a record with Sheryl Crow’s producer Jeff Trott and collaborated with songwriter Danielle Brisebois who was a co-writer on Natasha Bedingfield’s hit singles, “Unwritten” and “Pocket Full of Sunshine”. Samantha rounded out the record by bringing aboard GRAMMY award winning mixer, Manny Marroquin (Alicia Keyes, Usher, Kanye West) to bump up the grooves.  Samantha is looking forward to playing her new songs live this summer as well as for her 2009 release of her new record and single, “Carefree”.

8:50PM: SARA HAZE  (www.sarahaze.com) Releasing her first major album, My Personal Sky, at the age of 19 has been a long time coming for songstress Sara Haze, writing fan favorites like “Lovely” and “My Own Hands To Hold” years earlier.  Wise beyond her age, this sun-bleached Southern California girl writes about growing up in the modern teenage world in a way that connects.  “When one of my songs touches someone it means the world to me,” exclaims Sara who’s had over 30 songs placed in films and television shows.  Fans of MTV’s reality phenomenon The Hills responded en masse with over 300,000 hits on Sara’s MySpace page when two of her songs were used on the popular show.  The fans kept coming when more of Sara’s songs were used on America’s Next Top Model and The Style Network’s Ruby.  Performing at major festivals worldwide including South By Southwest, CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, Canadian Music Week and Europe’s Popkomm, Sara caught the attention of industry icons including Randy Jackson, Gene Simmons and digital music guru Ted Cohen.  But it’s Sara herself running the show and, most notably, Sara is writing the music- giving the album a personal touch that makes the listener wonder if Sara hasn’t written the songs just for them.

9:25PM: CAITLIN CROSBY (www.myspace.com/caitlincrosby) Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, the 24 year old Caitlin Crosby is practically a veteran in the city’s immense music and acting community. But it’s her honest songwriting on a life spent in and around the gritty neighborhoods surrounding Hollywood that separates her from other artists who call Los Angeles home.  After graduating from the program, Caitlin set out to pursue her passion for music — supporting herself with acting gigs including appearances on television shows such as Malcolm In The Middle and That 70s Show and earning a role in Danny DeVito’s upcoming feature, Housebroken. In between auditions and bearing witness to the hard lives of LA’s down and out, Caitlin wrote songs about a life in between the two worlds — finding her voice in intelligent songs with a positive point of view on human nature, relationships and self-acceptance. Giving life to her powerful lyrics, Caitlin’s magnetic voice has the ability to be both raw and delicate. Her charming live performances has won her fans throughout the city’s varied live music venues from grimy rock halls to the popular Hotel Café.
Most recently, Caitlin joined indie music favorite, William Fitzsimmons, on two songs featured on his new album, The Sparrow & The Crow. She has also written and recorded with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Robin Thicke, Plain White T’s, and Brian Wilson. She has also been a featured songwriter in Levi’s jeans ad campaign. Caitlin is now in the studio recording her debut album that will be released on Blackledge Music in early 2009.
9:45PM: ELIZABETH NICOLE (www.elizabethnicole.com)
At 22, Elizabeth Nicole is quickly rising to the top as a young pop artist in the Los Angeles music scene. A singer and pianist since age 8, and a songwriter since age 15, Elizabeth’s lyrics show wisdom and humor beyond her years. The juxtaposition of her smoky voice with her tongue-in-cheek attitude will put a smile on your face. “My logo of the heart with devil horns says it all,” Elizabeth says. A former ballerina and current actress, Elizabeth has performed professionally since the age of 7 (The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, WB’s 7th Heaven, ABC-TV’s Port Charles), but she decided early on that her passion for music could in no way be suppressed. Elizabeth is blessed to have world-wide successful songwriters take her under their wings such as Shelly Peiken, Jon Ingoldsby, John Shanks, The Matrix, Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo, and Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts. Currently, Elizabeth is in the studio writing new songs with the crafting of uber-engineer/producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, Ok Go!). Along with her lead roles in the indie films “Getting That Girl” and “Cornered” due out in 2010, Elizabeth can currently be seen playing live in Los Angeles at clubs such as Green Door, Molly Malone’s, Hotel Café and Genghis Cohen.

10:30PM: MANDI PERKINS (www.myspace.com/mandiperkins) The girl next door, only louder … Mandi Perkins is an intensely passionate and charismatic singer and songwriter who creates uncompromising melodic rock. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Mandi began writing and performing at a young age. Her ambitions inspired a move to California to pursue both a career in music and to attend UC Berkeley where she graduated with Honors in English Literature. Immediately following graduation, Mandi made a move to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in music while simultaneously attending law school. MSN Music recently featured her as their “One To Watch” artist, Yahoo Music named her one of their “Who’s Next” artists and she was featured on the cover of November‘s Music Connection Magazine.  Mandi recently finished her six-week headlining national tour this past August where she debuted material from her new band project, Of Verona. BMI recently stated that “Mandi Perkins is undoubtedly one of the freshest, most prolific songwriters to hit the U.S. from our North American neighbor, ” while Ryan Tedder of the group OneRepublic, stated that  “Mandi Perkins is the new frontier when it comes to females that rock; she’s unfiltered, unedited, and is a “true” artist – Her lyrics are 100% her life and I’m excited for the rest of the world to hear what I know will be one of the best new rock acts in years.”

11:30PM: EMILY JAYE (www.myspace.com/emilyjayemusic)

With a bass guitar in hand, singer-songwriter Emily Jaye takes a unique lead position fronting a powerful four piece band.  Influenced by Paramore, The Killers, Garbage and Sheryl Crow, Emily’s sound is distinct vocally and lyrically – expressing her belief that “confidence is the sexiest thing you can wear.”   Within four months of picking up the guitar she started playing at open mic nights and coffeehouses around Los Angeles, singing her own material.   Emily landed an ad campaign in 2008 with Fruit of the Loom’s subsidiary company “Vassarette.”  Emily modeled the company’s new product line, sang the campaign’s theme song “Are You Ready” and secured a Gibson bass guitar endorsement.   Her ads can be seen in entertainment publications and women’s magazines nationwide, throughout 2009.  She also did a live performance of the song on The Style Network’s new reality show, Running In Heels. Emily is also currently working in the studio on a solo CD with producer/guitarist Eric Fraley set for a late summer, early fall release.

ABOUT KOFFEEHOUSE
Koffeehouse Music Productions, LLC is Los Angeles’ premier, grassroots live music production company, best known for creating unique outdoor performance spaces for the most talented emerging singer-songwriters and bands. Koffeehouse takes pride in giving these artists a platform to share their extraordinary ability with music industry executives and music lovers alike. Koffeehouse won the 2006 Community Service Award from the LA Music Awards, and in beginning of 2008 became an official partner of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, in connection of the Ford Amphitheatre 2008 and 2009 Seasons. www.koffeehouse.com

ABOUT HARVELLE’S:
Harvelle’s is the Westside’s oldest live music venue (1931) and is legendary for its blues and jazz. This dark, sexy room is the perfect spot for listening dancing and drinking to the best local, national and international artists. www.Harvelles.com.

The Yard, the popular neighborhood gastropub in downtown Santa Monica, celebrates its brand new look and menu and introduces Executive Chef, Chris “CJ” Jacobson of Bravo’s hit cable TV show “Top Chef.” The grand re-opening week will begin with a private celebration on Tues. Nov. 3, 2009 at 6p.m.  This fully-hosted extravaganza will consist of a complementary smorgasbord of hand-crafted specialty drinks, mouth-watering American-style tapas, live entertainment, and meet-n-greets with Chef CJ. The Yard will open to the public, continuing with the festivities at 9 p.m. Please go to the official website www.theyardsm.com to view an updates of the grand opening week’s offerings.

“The Yard was started around the idea of creating community around the Arts and Westsiders, in general, at an underground location that ran for two and half fun, crazy years,” says Sean Norris, owner of The Yard.  “Now that we have CJ on board at our great new location, we have all the elements of what I like best in a restaurant – outstanding food and drinks served in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.”

Chris Jacobson, better known as “CJ,” is thrilled to be fulfilling his long-time dream of running his own kitchen as Executive Chef at The Yard.  A former private chef, CJ has cooked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation.  He began his culinary career cooking in the kitchens of popular restaurants such as Axe, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Harold Catering.  He then moved to Campanile where he furthered his skills under renowned Chef Mark Peel.  As a competitor on Season 3 of “Top Chef,” CJ distinguished himself from the crowd with his approachable yet competitive spirit.  He most recently appeared on “Top Chef Masters” as sous-chef to Michelin-starred chef Michael Chiarello.

“My vision for The Yard is to be a place where foodies can enjoy great, fun food at an affordable price in a comfortable atmosphere,” CJ explains. Inspired by seasonal fare, CJ shops for ingredients at the Santa Monica’s Farmers Market weekly.  Some of his favorite dishes at The Yard include Crispy Beef Cheek, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with Citrus, Fresh Fish Tacos and Grilled Skirt Steak with Horseradish & Grilled Grapes.

Who: The Yard, Your Neighborhood Gastropub in Downtown Santa Monica, CA

What: The Yard Grand Re-Opening Party with New Chef Chris ‘CJ’ Jacobson                                                     of “Top Chef” Fame Introducing a New Look and Menu.

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 6pm; The Yard opens to the public at 9pm offering grand opening specials.

Where:        119 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401