Warning: This is not an unbiased review. I love Las Brisas Restaurant for its incomparable location. The place is quaint, just comfortable enough to satisfy, with flashy rose gardens in seasonal bloom,  but make no mistake, it is the ocean which holds pride of place. It sits on a promontory overlooking the sun-dappled Pacific Ocean, with curving Laguna Beach to the south replicating vistas of  Italy’s Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, our families’ ancestral home.

For us former Chicagoans, the place, especially in January, represents a fantasy of beauty and breezes (hence the name – The Breezes) to which we’ve brought our most beloved family and friends. Our Chicago-born fathers, Mike DeCarlo and Pete Rocco, taking their first plane ride in their 80s, relished the experience of eating in sunshine on a winter day. My sister, Christine, and others have shared our delight in merely being in this sublimely spectacular spot. Native Californians cannot fathom the depth of pleasure experienced by we cold-clime folk, who find ourselves squinting into the winter sun as we munch delicious Las Brisas nachos on the terrace. We can almost feel we’re again visiting fabled Positano, Italy, seated on the terrace of the celebrated San Pietro Hotel. The scenery is that similarly spectacular. Any visitor will respond favorably to the sensual charm of the area.

We are not alone in our devotion to the Las Brisas experience. The Southern California landmark began in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn. It became Las Brisas in 1979, and has been a magnet for visitors from all over the world, not just Chicago. Having on-property valet parking is no small thing in a beach town with limited street parking.

Of course the food is lovely…the calamari is particularly delicate and flavorful with a soft garlic lemon butter sauce ($10.25) that is a fine introduction to whatever comes next. On one recent visit we had our favorites on the patio –fish and chips and cheesy nachos – yummy. The patio has its own menu, separate from the inside dining room. Last week the couple seated next to us on the patio were visiting from Naperville, Illinois, a town near our former Downers Grove hometown.Noticing my Cubs bag they struck up a conversation and we had the most pleasant time talking about our rotten-weather Chicago and how glorious is Las Brisas.

Reservations are taken but the promise of a window seat is withheld. Therefore to increase your chances of unobstructed ocean views try going on a Monday when there is more opportunity to snag a window table to catch sight of the pelicans fishing for their lunch or if one is lucky seeing dolphin play dates carousing in the distance.  There is an outcrop of rocks off the gazebo viewing area which is home to marine birds and mammals – I think they may be seals.

The place offers Mexican Riviera seafood dishes, as well as beef and chicken entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and cocktails. My lunch dish of four large sea scallops sautéed in spicy chardonnay with garlic butter sauce and wild mushrooms was marvelously fresh-tasting and flavorful ($17.50).  I’ve enjoyed the Ensalada de Primavera –substituting romaine for the spring greens but keeping the caramelized walnuts, pear, cranberries, feta cheese with a citrus-ginger dressing. ($6.50). Never having acquired a taste for alcohol I cannot speak for the drinks but I did notice margarita cocktails were priced at $9.50.

For those seeking every opportunity for beautiful vistas it is worth mentioning a small park with gorgeous views reached off Pacific Coast Highway by turning right (if you are driving south) onto Crescent Bay St. Continue to the end of the cul-de-sac and park on the street. The little park provides wonderful views up and down the coastline. The town of Laguna Beach is filled with art galleries and other interesting shops. Begin and end at Las Brisas and you are sure to enjoy it all.

Las Brisas Restaurant
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-5434 – reservations online –
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2010

Koffeehouse is proud to present its 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” benefitting MusiCares® on August 7, 2010 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. The evening will feature the most talented emerging artists and special guests with featured performances by Verve/Universal recording artist, actress KATHARINE MCPHEE, Island Def Jam recording artist JON MCLAUGHLIN, national recording artists HONEYHONEY, Los Angeles Indie-rockers THE DAYLIGHTS, GRAMMY-nominated SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, who will be reuniting at The Ford after a six- year hiatus as well as a special performance by award-winning cellist, TINA GUO accompanied by Marcelo. The event will be hosted by award-winning correspondent and host, ANGELA SUN of Yahoo! Sports’ Minute, Tennis Channel and NBC First Look.

Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” is in official partnership with Los Angeles County Arts Commission and is sponsored by ABC7, KPFK 90.7fm, Univision, LA Weekly, LA18, and Fusicology. One hundred percent of the evening’s net proceeds benefit MusiCares, whose mission is to provide a safety net of critical assistance for musicians in times of need (www.grammy.org/musicares.com).

“When we started these intimate showcases in my backyard nearly seven years ago, we had no idea we would be participating in the promotion and production of so many high-profile concerts and music festivals years later,” says Koffeehouse Founder Jeremy Koff.  “We’re extremely honored to have worked with so many talented artists and take pride in giving them a platform to share their extraordinary ability with the music industry.”

The pre-show will take place in The Ford’s Edison Plaza courtyard from 6:00-7:30PM and will feature a silent auction, picnicking and performances by some of LA’s most talented emerging artists including Terra Naomi, Freddie and Francine, Shawn Hlookoff and Jayme Dee. Picnic baskets and wine are permitted during the pre-show in the Ford’s entryway as well as in the Ford Amphitheatre itself.

Previous Koffeehouse “Evening of Independence” concerts have featured artists including Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Alex Band (The Calling), A Fine Frenzy (Virgin), Rocco Deluca & The Burden (Ironworks), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), Tyrone Wells (Universal), MoZella (Universal), Trevor Hall (Geffen/White Balloon), Ryan Star (Atlantic), among many others.

Tickets to Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” are $25 if purchased 7 days or more before the show and $30 thereafter. VIP tickets are available for $100 which includes pre-paid parking at The Ford, access to the VIP lounge—which includes an open bar and food, a mention of you or your company in the official event program, a gift bag full of goodies and the best seats in the house. Discounted student tickets and group tickets are also available. Doors open at 6:00PM. The pre-show runs 6:30-7:30PM. The main show starts at 8:00PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.FordTheatres.org or by calling the Ford Box Office at (323) 461-3673.

The all-ages charity event features FREE BBQ, Live Blues Bands, Comedy Acts, Golf, Cooking Demonstrations and More!

Johnsonville Sausage invites you to celebrate this Father’s Day, Sunday June 20th, 2010 at Poppa-Palooza, a one-of-a-kind, all ages music and comedy festival featuring Chicago’s greatest personalities, musicians and comedians at America’s Historic Roundhouse in Aurora, IL. The phenomenal line-up includes legendary WGN radio personality Steve Cochran, WGN-TV’s Mike Toomey, with popular Chicago  comedian Patty Vasquez, and Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo alongside the band Old Blues Eyes. Doors open at 5pm and festival continues until 11pm. America’s Historic Roundhouse is located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12. All tickets include two (2) FREE Johnsonville Brats and all Dads will receive a FREE raffle ticket. Tickets can be purchased by calling 630-264-2739 or visiting www.rh34.com .
Poppa-Palooza will include a fun-filled afternoon of golf contests, incredible raffle prices, live music & comedy, cooking demonstrations, competitions, a live auction and surprise guests. This event is geared to gives Dad’s a day off while helping to raise money for what they treasure most: kids. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit www.almosthomekids.org, an organization that enhances the lives of children facing serious and ongoing medical challenges.

“We’ve got an amazing venue here at America’s Roundhouse, great comedians and Old Blues Eyes will rock the Roundhouse! It’s a great way to celebrate Father’s Day in Aurora, helping the Almost Home Kids Foundation. Really, is there anything Dad’s love more than kids?” says Mark DeCarlo, Travel Channel host and leader of the band. “I mean besides golf, beer and BBQ cooked by someone else?”
“I love the Roundhouse and having nothing but fun on Father’s Day!” says Steve Cochran. “Don’t get Dad a tie. Get him tickets to Poppa-Palooza.”

POPPA-PALOOZA OFFICIAL LINE UP
Father’s Day, June 20^th, 2010
Festival 5-11PM. Doors open at 5PM. Show at 7PM.
5 PM  DOORS OPEN

6 PM – 8 PM GOLFSMITH PUTTA-PALOOZA PUTTING CONTEST
Every player gets a $10 Goldsmith gift card. All 10 finalists will get a $25 Golfsmith card & Weber cookbook. Winner gets Grand Prize: A custom Fit set of MacGregor irons + driver + bag.

7 PM – 8:30 PM MUSIC
Blues from Mark DeCarlo and the band Old Blues Eyes  www.oldblueseyes.com
8:30 PM RAFFLE/AUCTION
WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran and Mark DeCarlo host the live auction and award raffle prizes.

COMPETITION: Funniest WGN Listener comedy competition. Winner wins a showcase spot at a future Roundhouse Comedy night
9:00 – 11:00 PM   COMEDY
Mark DeCarlo

Patti Vasquez
Mike Toomey
Steve Cochran

Plus
Poppa-Popular Raffles & Live Auctions
* Fender Strat signed by Buddy Guy donated by Guitar Center
* Weber S-310 Genesis Grill & accessories
* Bed & Breakfast Weekend at the Palmer House Hilton

* Gift Certificate from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
* 4 almost Front Row Cubs Tickets from Image Base
* A round of Golf with Steve Cochran at Bollingbrook Golf Club
* Custom-fit set of MacGregor Irons, driver + golf bag from Golfsmith
*Comfort Suites/Roundhouse weekend package
*Best Buy merchandise
*Dinner & show from Buddy Guy’s Legends Bar

* Plus more gifts and surprises

+++++++++++++++++++++

RECAP

EVENT: 1st Annual Poppa-Palooza 2010, a Father’s Day music and comedy celebration  with BBQ, live music, comedy, games, live auction, raffles, prizes, cooking demonstrations, surprise guests, and great fun for the whole family benefiting AlmostHomeKids.org.

DATE/ TIME: Father’s Day June 20^th 2010 5pm-11pm

LOCATION: America’s Historic Roundhouse -205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

TICKETS: Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and ALL TICKETS INCLUDE TWO (2) FREE JOHNSONVILLE BRATS and All Dads get FREE RAFFLE TICKETS. Tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase by calling 630-264-2739 or online at www.rh34.com .

Being on the set is a passion for Klisans, who’s worked with many of the greats, including well-known music video director, Pablo Croce, Rosalyn Sanchez, Alejandro Fernández, Franco de Vita and famous latin band Maná.

In “HABANA EVA,” Klisans is the Producer for the Venezuelan release, slated for July 2010.  Being an active member of the organization “Venezolanos en Hollywood,” Klisans was recommended earlier this year to launch the release of the film, directed by fellow Venezuelan, Fina Torres, who in 1985 won the Cote d’Or prize at the Festival de Cannes for her first feature, “Oriana.” This Cuban-Venezuelan co-production was shot in Havana and features brilliant performances from Prakriti Maduro y Juan Carlos Garcia.

Klisans also worked on film projects directly related to incomparable Orchestra Conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. Through that experience, she has been fortunate enough to surround herself with the likes of Helen Hunt, Andy García and Edgar Ramírez.

All of Klisans’ experiences throughout her years in Los Angeles are focused on film and television projects intended for Venezuelan audiences. Klisans proves once again that although far from home, Venezuela is always in her heart.

The largest humor festival in the world, the Just For Laughs Festival features scores of stand-up comedy events, concerts, plays, skits, street theatre, parades and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Headliners include John Leguizamo, Latin King of comedy and Emmy-award winning actor, who’ll present his new, uncensored one-man show, “Klass Klown”. Not to be missed are Cheech & Chong, the world’s favorite stoners who are back for a night of smokin’ hot comedy, hosting their own Videotron Just For Laughs Gala, Then there’s Pamela Anderson, the most downloaded woman in the world, who’ll host an hilariously high-concept evening with her Dancing with the Stars partner Damian Whitewood.  For tickets, call 514-845-4069.

The free Urban Arts program that follows the Festival is quirkiness at its best – chockablock with every variety of passion, talent and licensed madness…all brought together into major events in public spaces.  Beyond the Parade of Twins are majestic parades of fantastical characters who leave a mysterious impression in their wake; a huge outdoor dance party; wandering stilt troupes; Rock Band and Guitar Hero contests: a procession of tumblers, acrobats and other masters of imagination; light shows and pyrotechnics; face-painting and clowns, mimes and harlequins; and, if all this isn’t enough — Live-on-the-Street, the story of a musician wandering with his double bass, an instrument that thinks it’s a dog and socializes with the audience!

If your sides hurt from laughing, you can always explore the fabulous city of Montréal, Discover the Ice Age at the Montréal Science Center; run the Lachine Rapids in a jet boat; amble through the Montreal Botanical Gardens; or rocket up to 68 mph on the new Goliath roller coaster at La Ronde. In Old Montreal (the town was founded in 1642) are narrow streets lined with 19th-century buildings, many transformed into art galleries and cafés.

As for the culinary arts, Montreal is jam-packed with wonderful food and wine establishments (mwah!) and there are plenty of family-fare eateries as well. No fewer than five different Just For Laughs packages are available — from a one-night VIP Gala Evening to a five-night Laugh ‘n Pass package that includes a souvenir swag bag, three main floor tickets to one of the Videotron Just For Laughs galas, five tickets per person to a Club Series themed show, and more. Plus, there are a dozen hotels to choose among.

Check out the Just For Laughs Festival presented by Videotron web site:  www.hahaha.com. For more information: Call 514-845-4069 or for reservations call 1 877 484-4242.

Legendary guitar hero Michael Landau will debut at the infamous Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, CA on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 with his amazing psychedelic-blues-jazz-cosmic band “The Michael Landau Group,” along with soulful blues-rockers The Kirk Fletcher Band for a special afternoon Father’s Day performance.

“I live for those live moments when the sound and emotion becomes this monstrous force bigger than the individual musicians, it becomes a unique creation and feel, exciting and calming at the same time, difficult to describe but I’m addicted to it,” Landau describes about playing live with his group.

Landau has recorded on over 700 records with everyone from Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, BB King, James Taylor to Joni Mitchell; and been known to wear many hats as a songwriter, producer, and engineer in addition to his enormous guitar credits since the early 80’s. Landau’s supergroup includes jazz artists Gary Novak on drums and Travis Carlton on bass. Landau will also perform as a featured guest in The Kirk Fletcher Band, with a special jam session to conclude the show. This amazing co-bill of jazz, blues and rock all in one afternoon is not to be missed!

Moe’s Alley is located at 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA. Doors open at 3pm. Show starts at 4pm. Phone number is (831) 479-1854. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advanced by visiting www.moesalley.com.  To hear music from Landau or Fletcher, please visit http://www.myspace.com/michaellandau or http://www.myspace.com/kirkfletcherband.

CALENDAR LISTINGS:

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band
CASPAR INN
14597 Caspar Road, Caspar, CA 95420. 707-964-5565
$10 before 10pm, $12 after
http://www.casparinn.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band at Moe’s Alley for a special Father’s Day BBQ & Blues performance.
MOE’S ALLEY
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA. 831-479-1854
$15. Can be purchased by visiting www.moesalley.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010
The Michael Landau Group & The Kirk Fletcher Band
THE COMPOUND GRILL
7000 E. Mayo Blvd.  Building 21, Phoenix, AZ 85054. 480-840-5483
$20 Adv, $22 DOS.
http://www.thecompoundgrill.com

To view more dates, please visit www.myspace.com/michaellandau

Kick start your summer with FIRST FRIDAYS, the new, live, monthly comedy and music variety show starting June 4^th, 2010 @ 9:00PM at the fabulous LIFE on Wilshire featuring the band Old Blues Eyes lead by Mark DeCarlo.  Entrance is free, food is scrumptious, and drinking is encouraged. Giveaways include FREE BAR TAB for the night’s winning Band-E-Okee table. LIFE on Wilshire is located at 1521 N. Vine St. Hollywood, CA.  For more info visit the Facebook Page: OLD BLUES EYES & www.OldBluesEyes.com
WHO: Presented by Mark DeCarlo and Life on Wilshire

WHAT: FIRST FRIDAYS at Life on Wilshire: Hollywood’s premiere comedy & music show featuring Mark DeCarlo and the band Old Blues Eyes with established A-List performers providing Hollywood with a unique show every First Friday of every month.
WHEN: Friday June 4^th, 2010 at 9:30PM (and continuing EVERY FIRST FRIDAY of every month (7/2, 8/6 etc.)

WHERE: LIFE on Wilshire  6311 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 651-5433

TICKETS:              FREE ENTRANCE

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

MARK DECARLO & OLD BLUES EYES (www.markdecarlo.com)

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. With Paul Rosenthal (lead guitar), Sal Alessandro (bass guitar), Marco Luciani (keyboards), and Paul Kristan (drums), 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.

ABOUT LIFE ON WILSHIRE:

Life offers a quality wine list, sumptuous cuisine and excellent service to create an elegant, affordable dining experience.  They offer a full bar with their signature cocktails, as well as fabulous margaritas or mojitos by the pitcher.  Their intimate environment and friendly staff is dedicated to making your visit comfortable and truly satisfying.  From fresh salads to warming pastas, delicious starters and eloquent entrees, Life is sure to offer something to satisfy everyone in the group.  Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking to escape your own kitchen, LIFE won’t disappoint.

For media inquiries, or to set up an interview with any of the artists, please contact Yeni Alvarez @ alvarezmediapr@gmail.com or call 213.840.3158.

This is no ordinary art event! The Venice Art Walk & Auctions is a fundraiser for Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the country, and each ticket you purchase helps provide a medical visit for an uninsured person in need. (Purchases of art and tickets to Art & Architecture Tours go even further!) So bring a friend. Or two. Or ten. After all, taking care of the uninsured is good for karma. Click any of the links below for more information or to purchase tickets.

Art & Architecture Tour: Rustic Canyon: The Sequel
Saturday, May 22
Picking up where last year’s historic walking tour left off, Leo Marmol, FAIA, takes visitors deeper into this architecturally bountiful neighborhood, stopping to tour a fresh collection of homes representing the old and the new.
$175 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes lunch and reception
Art & Architecture Tour: Architects’ Homes in Venice and Santa Monica
Saturday, May 22
Explore homes that architects and designers built for themselves in this self-guided walking tour along the border of Venice and Santa Monica.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes reception

Art & Architecture Tour: Life and Style on Venice’s Walk Streets and Canals
Sunday, May 23
You can’t get more Venetian than this self-guided walking tour of homes on Venice’s charming walk streets and serene canals.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes Venice Art Walk & Auctions ticket

Venice Art Walk & Auctions
Sunday, May 23
The Los Angeles Times calls it “the granddaddy of them all.” For this one special day, more than 50 Venice artists open their studios or create special exhibits in equally special spaces around town. Back at the school, the silent art auction collects works by 400 Southern California artists under one roof. Great Westside restaurants serve up the nourishment you’ll need to see it all, and there’s even free parking and shuttle buses.
$50 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic

Tickets
Buy online at www.veniceartwalk.info or call 310.392.9255.

Discounts!
LACMA/MOCA/KCRW/KCET members receive a 20% discount on advance purchases of tickets to the Sunday, May 23, Venice Art Walk & Auctions only. Purchases must be made by phone at 310.392.9255 by 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Please have your membership number ready.

One Great Cause
All proceeds benefit Venice Family Clinic, providing free, quality health care to more than 24,400 people in need through eight locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and Culver City.

What?
Shecky’s is an online and event destination for what’s cool and undiscovered in FASHION, BEAUTY and FUN with the girls.

From emerging designers to great beauty discoveries, delicious cocktails to free giveaways— Shecky’s offers a wonderland for girls to SHOP, SAMPLE & SCORE the world of things girls love.

How?
Shecky’s partners with 1200+ cool companies a year to bring women the latest and greatest in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and more in unique web and event experiences that can be shared with friends.

Why?
Because once in a while, women need a place to escape, where we can indulge, pamper ourselves and have some quality girl time—without the boys!

What’s Shecky’s Mission?
To spoil girls with fashion, beauty, fun and the best girlfriend group experiences.

Shop Fabulous LA!

Date: Wed.-Thu., May 19th-20th, 2010
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main St. (Pico Blvd. & Colorado Ave.)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK:

http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/?rf=LA_TravelingDiva

and choose “Socialista” from the “We’re very curious! How did you hear about this event?” drop down menu on the checkout page and write in my full name, YENI ALVAREZ.

See you there!!!