Cupcake of the Week: French Onion Soup Cupcakes || Week 9

After having the French Onion Soup Dumplings at Stanton Social, I knew this was something that could easily be converted into a cupcake formula.  It's like the best of both worlds!  Soup Dumplings & Cupcakes!  Plus, this couldn't be any easier to make.  So enjoy!  And watch out for all the calories (of which there were plenty)

French Onion Soup Cupcakes

• 1 can of French Onion Soup (yes, I know I was being lazy)
• 1 package of Puff Pastry (defrosted & ready to use)
• 1 block of Gruyere Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 package of Mascarpone Cheese 
• 1 cup Fried Onions (I like the Trader Joe's version of French's Fried Onions)
• Butter

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.  In your cupcake tin, butter all 12 molds.  Open your can of French Onion Soup and set aside. 

Lay out the Puff Pastry and cut each sheet into fourths.  Using one square, press it into a cupcake mold.  Once it's nicely fitted inside (there will be extra hanging over the edges that you'll fold back to cover the top) place in one cube of Gruyere Cheese, and then spoon in your French Onion Soup until it's almost full.  Like a little gift, fold over all four of your corners until you have a nice little package in your cupcake tin.

Repeat with 5 more tins until you have 6 cupcakes total.  In a bowl, whisk your egg, and then using a brush, brush some of your egg wash over the top of each of the cupcakes.  Put your cupcake tin in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the top just starts getting some color.

Then take the tray out, and in the remaining six tins, mound a handful of Parmesan (these will bake nicely into your Parmesan Crisp garnishes) into each section.  Place your tray back in the oven for another 8-10 minutes. 

Using spoons, remove your baked French Onion Soup Cupcakes from the tin, and transfer to your serving dish.  Take a spoonful of Mascarpone and dollop it on top of the hot cupcake.  Stick a Parmesan Crisp in as a garnish, and then sprinkle some crunchy fried onions around the plate for an added texture! 

I served these with my own concoction of the evening.  My lovely boyfriend has decided to become the master mixologist to my attempts at avant garde cooking.  So he bought some egg whites and we whipped up this take on a fizz... not sure what to call it quite yet!

The Iizuka||Zucca Concoction

• 2 parts Dark Rum
• 1 part Cointreau
• 1 part Agave Syrup
• 1 Egg White
• 2 parts Club Soda
• Nutmeg Garnish

In a shaker, mix together Rum, Cointreau, Agave & Egg Whites.  Shake for about a minute before adding Ice.  Then Shake for another 2-3 minutes with ice before adding Club Soda.  Give it a few more shakes before straining into a chilled glass.  Shave some Nutmeg on top before serving!

I wasn't really thinking French Onion Soup Cupcakes when mixing this up, so no, in case you were wondering, they are not meant to be paired together. 

Weekend Docket: 2/25/11

Between midnight baking, work, and flamingo's, I've barely had time to cobble this week's docket together.  But really, it's Oscar Weekend.  That's what consumes the city... the parties (i'm not invited to), the glamor (i don't have money for makeovers) & the celebrity (of which i'm not one).

But in case you're not playing video games all weekend with your boyfriend, or helping out traffic conducting at the Governor's Ball *cough cough* then here are a few other ideas!

Friday, 2/25
Berlin Currywurst Now Open
Silverlake, I hate you so... now why'd you have to go and open what is probably going to be one of my new favorite restros in the city?  Seriously?  I love me some Currywurst, but I don't know how strong the delicious curry ketchup hot dog fries goodness pull is to get me into your grasps.  Maybe I'll just have to go all the way back to Berlin instead! Berlin Currywurst, 3827 Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake 323.663.1989

Saturday, 2/26 

From Seed to Skillet
6:00 pm
Jimmy Williams and Susan Heeger, authors of From Seed to Skillet, will be at the L.A. County Arboretum this weekend to talk about their book and various ways to approach growing your own produce  Admission to the arboretum is included in the ticket price. $25 Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave. (at Stanford Dr.), Arcadia www.arboretum.org

Sunset Starlets Burlesque at The Libertine 
9:00 pm
New Noir introduces its inaugural Oscars party at West Hollywood nightspot, The Libertine. Mingle with the beautiful people, nosh on treats from The Libertine’s new menu and dance to a soundtrack provided by resident DJ New Berlin and Baron Von Luxxury. The effervescent Jenny Rae of Lil Rae Cakes will host the most insane Oscars party of 2011 – don’t miss it! Plus, Cake Balls & Photo-booths. Awesome. $10. The Libertine, 8210 W. Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood new-noir.com/sunset-starlets-burlesque

James Franco & Gus Van Sant's "Unfinished" 
Stars Feb 26th - April 9th
Gagosian Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition by Gus Van Sant and James Franco.  "Unfinished" features two films, Endless Idaho and My Own Private River, which are collaborations between Van Sant and Franco. After casting Franco in the award-winning film Milk (2008), Van Sant showed him the dailies and other footage that he had shot many years before for My Own Private Idaho (1991), which starred River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as street hustlers in Portland, Oregon. Much of this material did not make it into the final cut, and so Franco decided to fashion it into two new films, riffing off the original title.
Gagosian Gallery, 456 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills www.gagosian.com

Oscar Sunday, 2/27 

There are several places you can watch the festivities of Hollywood's greatest night unfold... I have a few compiled below!  

A 10-Beer Feast at the Foundry (Urban Daddy)
If you’ve decided to avoid the Oscars because your favorite movie of the year, The Bounty Hunter, was robbed, you can ride out Sunday with a two-meal, 10-course feast at the Foundry paired with 10 beers from the Bruery. Be sure to pour a little out for Gerard... $115, The Foundry, 7465 Melrose Ave, 323-651-0915

Academy Awards Drink Along (Caroline on Crack)
Bored to death during awards shows? Nothing makes such a thing more bearable than watching it with a drinking game. Downtown Independent will provide the beer, you provide the drinking game rules. Knock one back every time Franco and Hathaway high five.
* 3:30 red carpet. Free. Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main Street, Los Angeles. (213) 617-1033.

Academy Awards at Big Bar (Caroline on Crack)
Watch the awards show in the garden patio of this Los Feliz bar where the James Franco and Anne Hathaway variety show will be projected on a large screen draped over the front of the building. Enjoy Plymouth Gin cocktails ($11 each) like the “And the Award Goes to” Punch with lemon ginger tea, lemon juice and apricot liqueur. Cast your ballots of who you think will win and the attendee with the most correct votes will win a $100 Big Bar/Alcove gift card.
* 5pm-12am. No cover. Big Bar, 1929 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz

Where to Watch the Oscars (FinerThings LA)

• Pourtal (Santa Monica): $5 wine and beer specials all night long.  Plus, take part in their Oscar game and guess the winners in the top categories for a chance to win free tastes of wine!
• MJ’s (Silverlake): $7 recommended donation to get in, which benefits the Las Memorias project. You will get $4 drink specials all night long, plus the first 75 guests will get free appetizers from Yucca’s.  There will be raffles and contests throughout the event.
• Downtown Independent (Downtown…duh): FREE admission, BUT no drink specials,  BUT you can watch the show on the big screen and take part in their drinking games (like drinking when there is ‘cutesy’ award show banter between Franco and Hathaway), guaranteed to be a fun time.
• Oakfire Pizza (West Hollywood): Food and drink specials, Oscar picks contest with prizes, plus a photobooth!
• Danny’s (Venice): They will be showing the Oscars on their big screens in the Grand Mural Room, fill out a ballot with your picks and enter their pool to win prizes.  Oscar themed bingo with a free drink if you get bingo!  Plus food+drink specials.

Cupcake of the Week: Parmesan & Chive Cupcakes || Week 8

I'm not going to lie when I say that I was slowly running out of time this week to create something special...

After a late night of drinks, I got home at 11pm last night, exhausted, but ready to bake.  Really, the perfect mindset to think up something crazy.  Looking through my pantry and fridge, I pulled together a silly little collection of savory flavors that surprisingly worked out really well together.

Perhaps not for everyone, these little treats would go work well as a side dish to a ham or turkey feast, pulling out a lot of complex flavors that compliment smoky meats.  Or, if you're into the cupcake & alcohol pairings, this would be nice with a Rauchbier (which is a German beer that has a very distinctive smoke flavor which is developed by using a malted barley that's been dried over an open flame.).

Parmesan & Chive Cupcakes
(Yield 6)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
2 tablespoons diced chives

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl sift together your flour, baking powder, salt & sugar. Slowly add in your milk, egg & vegetable oil, until it's mixed well. Add in the parmesan & chives. In your pre-greased cupcake pan, fill up each cup & bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Roasted Garlic & Bacon Frosting
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 head of roasted garlic*
2 strips of bacon - cooked, drained & crumbled
1 tbsp diced chives
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
salt & pepper to taste

Roasted Garlic is perhaps one of the easiest, yet most delicious thing to make.  First, take your head of garlic and slice about a third off the top.  You want to see the tops of the garlic cloves, but want to leave the head in tact so it has a nice shell to cook in.  Place your garlic head on a piece of tinfoil, generously coat it with olive oil, making sure that the oil drips down into the head of garlic, and salt & pepper the top.  Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are nice and soft, and your kitchen is filled with a sweet & savory aroma.  Peel out your garlic cloves, mash them a little and set aside.

In a bowl, mix together all of your ingredients into a nice "frosting" of sorts.  Dollop a nice spoonful on your cupcakes and garnish with some fried onions, and a few sticks of chives.  Enjoy!

Farewell Manky's Cafe & your Spam Teri-Rice Burger!

I do realize that this post is a little bit of a tease considering this lovely establishment shut their doors for good 4 days ago, and what's pictured above is merely a fond memory of what was one of the greatest "burgers" this side o town...

Here's a toast to you Manky's for 3 fantastic years!

Salt's Cure (2x2x2)

I could write sonnets on the heaven on earth deliciousness that exists at this little butchery and eatery just around the corner from my house, but I have to focus.  Focus on what is now one of my favorite breakfasts in the entire city.  It even beats the Great Bacon Cinnamon Roll Experiment.  And that's sayin something...

So what is this magnificent breakfast you may ask?  Well, it's simply the 2x2x2 from Salt's Cure.  2 eggs x 2 sausages x 2 ridiculous slices of bacon.  Perfect for the protein enthusiasts of West Hollywood, whose daily regimen of hours at the gym would fast turn this breakfast into lean muscle, however deadly to the likes of me, whose after brunch schedule consists of a nap.  Thankfully to assuage my guilt, there was a small salad, a biscuit and a delicious apple spread on the side.

Chef-owners Chris Phelps and Zak Walters, having come from the likes of The Hungry Cat and Cube, certainly know how to make a bacon enthusiast happy.  Their thick juicy slices of perfectly cooked Bacon were just at that melt in your mouth consistency, and surprisingly worked really well in combination with the meat-y goodness of the rustic sausage patties.  I give it an A+.

The only thing that is a little daunting is the size of the restaurant... with only a few tables and seats, you could easily be waiting a few (or several) minutes on a warm & sunny weekend.  At least it's on a good people watching corner!

Salt's Cure
7494 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046-5648
(323) 850-7258
www.saltscure.com

The Non-Foodie NYC Tour...

I just wanted to take a quick second and apologize for my totally unjustified absence from the normal flurry of Cake & Heels posts... and for the lack of debuting a new Cupcake of the Week as of yet (I still have 3 more days of the week to get my sh*t together).

 I was in New York.  Not on my normal foodie excursions (I know, FAIL) but on a cheap & easy bar tour of the city with my friend B for her birthday (yes, I will keep saying it's your birthday, birthday girl, because I would probably have NOT gone on said trip had it not been for you.)  So my weekend was a blur, complete with fuzzy pictures of what I think was delicious food, but nothing really blog worthy.

I did however find my next Halloween Costume.

That is unless my boyfriend can convince me to be Pikachu... a task at which he is trying very hard to accomplish.  Especially since we really want to adopt Pikachu cat so Zero can have a feline friend at home.

So... with all that said.  I'm BACK.  Get ready for some yummy-ness ahead!

Cupcake of the Week: Fiery Dark & Stormy Cupcakes || Week 7

With it being Valentine's Day and all, I wanted to make a special little treat for my beau who is perhaps one of the biggest Ginger Beer consumers I know.  Instead of going all girly with hearts and bows, I decided to turn one of his favorite drinks, the Dark & Stormy into a Fiery cupcake.

So I present...

Fiery Dark & Stormy Cupcakes
I did a double recipe so there would be plenty to share!
3.5 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 sticks of butter, softened
2 cups of sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1.5 cups milk
3 tsp lime juice
2 tsp dark rum
2 tbsp ginger crystals (or sub ginger candy)

mix everything together well.  it helps to use a hand mixer or professional mixer.  makes lots of air bubbles which help make these cupcakes awesome. the mixture should be a little wet and nice and light.

fill cupcake tins 2/3 of the way full.

pre-heat oven to 375 & bake 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cupcake has a nice sponge-y texture.

not gonna lie, these are perhaps THE BEST cupcakes i've ever made.

Yummy Frosting
1 stick of butter
1 box of powdered sugar
2 tsp lime juice
2 tsp dark rum

in a large bowl, whip softened butter until it's nice and fluffy.  slowly add in the powdered sugar until it's incorporated.  about halfway through making the buttercream, add your liquids to flavor the frosting. 

Garnish
ginger crystals (or ginger candy)
key lime's
dark rum

after frosting, i added on a few sprinkles of ginger crystals for an extra boost.  then using your knife, hollow out half of a key lime.  set it on top of your cupcake, fill with rum, and carefully light on fire!  be sure to wait until the fire has gone out completely before eating!! 

enjoy! 

and don't burn down any houses please.

Spark Program's Sugar Rush LA: Otherwise known as Death By Desserts!

Here are the "Winners" from my little give-a-way showing off their "I'm NOT on a diet pose"

Last night The Spark Program held an incredible event with an amazing turnout raising funds to benefit their youth apprenticeship programs for at-risk middle schoolers. Sugar Rush LA~
Spark is the only youth empowerment program in the country that addresses the dropout crisis by re-engaging at-risk students through hands-on, individualized apprenticeships.

Aside from the fantastic dessert spreads throughout the Gallery 825 on La Cienega, guests were also given snippets of some of the amazing success stories from several of the special and motivated people they've helped via their program.  Enjoy the mini-tour below! 

Perhaps some of the most decadently amazing chocolates I've ever had in my life...

Each truffle was filled with a lovely single malt scotch and marked thusly.  Twice The Vice!

And then there was CJ from Top Chef and The Yard!

Who finally mastered the age old question of... rabbit or duck?  His answer? Both.

Here was his play on a dessert... almond yumminess topped with blood orange pork belly!

There was a ridiculous spread from AOC.  My favorite, the pistachio and vanilla macaroons!

Tray o biznass cards.

Absolutely GORGEOUS Cakes.  Filled with Caramel & Chocolate Heaven!

The Lovely Danielle Keene from Top Chef Just Desserts with her Bitter Sweet Treats :-)

Not sure what was going on here, but it looked way too healthy for all this sugar. 

And at this point I may have spilled my glass of wine, so I'm not sure what was in these raspberry topped treats from the likes of the SoHo House Pastry Chef, but I'm pretty sure I heard Green Tea Cake somewhere in there...

And the wine was generously donated by Summerland!

Weekend Docket: 2/11/11

I've been a little more time crunched than usual lately, so forgive me if I made any glaring omissions in events traversing the city limits this weekend!

As for me it's one party after another all weekend until I finally end with some rock climbing with my Cha to work out all the stress of a too packed calendar... before passing out in a puddle of cupcake of the week attempt #7.  Let's just hope I don't catch on fire!  (hint hint)

Friday, 2/11

Silverlake Wine Tasting Benefit for Mutts and Meows
7pm to 9pm
Molly's Mutts & Meows needs foster homes for the dogs and cats we rescue. Visit our website and click on HELP and then BE A FOSTER PARENT to save the life of a homeless pet!  We are hoping to see lots of you there. The cost per person is $25.00. No RSVP needed just pay ON YOUR WAY OUT after you have sampled the divine wines. Silverlake Wine, 2395 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles http://www.mollysmuttsandmeows.org

Blended Elements Party w/ GoodMakers films
7pm - 1am
GoodMakers films, a non-profit that uses documentary films to spotlight charities, is having an event tomorrow night. The goal of these documentaries is to gain awareness for those charities in an effort to get people involved or donate to them. Tomorrow night they are throwing a party at Monsoon at the 3rd street promenade.  A percentage of the night's bar proceeds gets donated! Monsoon Cafe 1212 3rd Street Promenade http://gmstreeteam.tumblr.com/

Saturday, 2/12
First annual Santa Clara Wine Festival
2pm - 6:30pm
First annual SCVWineFest, presenting winderies, breweries, and spirit manufactuers from California and abroad. Cuisine from several areas will be featured along with classes from experts and a special VIP evening event. With the ticket for entry, you will be able to sample all wineries, breweries, and their products. Food will also be available for purchase. $60 General / $125 VIP Embassy Suites Valencia - 28508 Westinghouse Place - Valencia, CA http://www.scvwinefest.com/

Sunday, 2/13

33rd Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K
6am registration 
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early along with the Chinese Year of the Rabbit! Participate in the running of the 33rd Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5k/10k Run, Walk, Kiddie Run and Bike Ride the weekend of February 12. A traditional lion dance and lighting of 100,000 firecrackers kick off the race. If you’re not in it for the race, bring your Valentine and enjoy the Nite n’ Day Festival featuring free music, entertainment and cultural acts from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, February 12 and noon to 3pm on Sunday, February 13.$37. Broadway and College Street, Chinatown http://firecracker10k.org/

Monday, 2/14

Valentine's Day! 
I could try to compile a list, but these people did it so much better...

Eater LA
Where To Score Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day

The Happy Hour Tour
Best Date Happy Hours

Caroline On Crack
Valentine's Day on a Budget

Finer Things LA
Valentine’s Day PrixFixe Under $60

Gourmet Pigs
Valentine's Dining For $60 and Under

Tuesday, 2/15

Magnum Pop-up at Pal Cabron
Tuesday - Wednesday 
Chef Joseph Mahon (Bastide) and Restaurateur/Sommelier David Haskell (Bin8945, Le Cirque) are back as the “Magnum Crew” after a well received stint at Biergarten in December. Four-Course Tasting Menu
Pozole with Romaine/ Cilantro/ Mint/ Radish/ Lime || Squid with Chorizo/ Cucumber/ Jicama/ Sesame Seeds || Flank Steak with Cactus Salad/ Chilies/ Grilled Corn Sauce || Flan with Pineapple/ Vanilla-Carmel Sauce
Pal Cabron, 3337 1/2 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles Reservations: (323) 798-4648

Cupcake of the Week: Caviar & Creme Fraiche Cupcakes || Week 6

Sticking in the savory realm, I wanted to take a classic appetizer and re-imagine it into a cupcake...

Caviar & creme fraiche are normally paired with blini or small pancakes so you can enjoy the salty, sweet and succulent textures wrapped up perfectly in a bite sized treat.  The blini are normally fairly bland in flavor, merely playing an edible plate of sorts to the star ingredient, the caviar.

A fairly easy duo to work with, replacing the blini with something equally as innocuous seemed like the perfect solution...

Cake seemed a little too heavy, as did a muffin, so I thought that a light and fluffy cornbread dotted with diced chives would add a nice texture to the dish.  So here you go... enjoy!

Caviar & Creme Fraiche Cupcakes
yields 3 dozen mini cupcakes
2 Cups self-rising flour
2 Cups self-rising cornmeal
2 Cups milk
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 Cup diced Chives
1 Cup Creme Fraiche
2-3 oz Caviar

Combine all ingredients + 1/4 Cup diced Chives; mix well. Pour batter into a well-greased cupcake sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes. Let cool

Top each "cupcake" with a dollop of creme fraiche "frosting" a garnish of diced chives and a spoonful of caviar! 

Popin' Cookin' Candy... IN LA!

So I'd been wondering why I'd gotten a sudden influx of emails and messages wondering where one could purchase the Popin' Cookin' Sushi I'd posted about back in July of last year... which I mean isn't really ALL that weird considering it's some of the coolest candy in the world, but when my friend a deliberate pace forwarded me this video (below) on NY Mag it all started to make sense!



So for all you curious adventurous sweet tooth eaters... here's where you can find your very own Popin' Cookin' in Los Angeles! They have a few other kits as well which are equally as fun!

I just took this picture TODAY, so they're there. Go get em!

Nijiya Market
2130 Sawtelle Blvd # 105
Los Angeles, CA 90025-6268
(310) 575-3300
www.nijiya.com

Weekend Docket: 2/4/11

I think most everyone knows what's going on this weekend...  But in case you were looking for a few other events to pack your weekend aside from mass drinking and football, check these out below!

I'll see you at the Scott C show tonight!  And tomorrow after a few baking experiments, I'm gonna gorge myself with some Chinese New Years nom noms.  Sunday, loads of K's kicking wings followed by the Creative Screenwriting Oscar Nominated Writer Q&A which should be amazing!

All Weekend

White Trash Weekend at Vintage Enoteca
Friday, 2/4 through Sunday, 2/6
Vintage Enoteca continues its unorthodox wine-pairing series by matching classic "white trash" dishes like pigs in a blanket and potato skins with wines from around the globe ($30 for 4 courses with wines; call to reserve). And if you'd prefer watching the big game with Prosecco and truffled Chex mix, tailgating starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Vintage Enoteca, 7554 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood www.vintageenoteca.com

Friday, 2/4

Dead Authors Reading @ UCB
Starting at 6:30PM
Thanks to the miracle of science, very famous, extremely dead authors time travel to the present and are brought together to discuss their lives and works! But mostly, these dead authors fight like dead cats and dead dogs! And the audience gets to ask questions! That's you! YOU are the audience! I am saying you get to ask questions! INTERACTIVE!! Moderated monthly by H.G. Wells (Paul F. Tompkins) $5 UCB Theatre, 5919 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles UCB Dead Authors Show

Scott C. – “The Great Showdowns"
Opening Event 7PM - 10PM 
Those of you who are familiar with Scott Campbell’s work, know that one the greatest series he has created is his “Great Showdowns”. In these little works of art, the SF based artist pits archnemeses and natural enemies against each other in epic clashes that play out from movies, pop culture, and thru his clever imagination. Over 200 of these classic battles will be on display starting February 4th at Gallery 1988 in Melrose and if we were you, we would make plans to be there. Gallery 1988 || 7020 Melrose Avenue www.nineteeneightyeight.com

Saturday, 2/5

Free Pisco Sour Day
Various Locations
Yup, there’s even a Pisco Sour Day (…in Peru). On February 5 Red Medicine, Big Bar at Alcove, Buffalo Club, and Rivera will shake up gratis Gran Sierpe pisco sours. To nab a complimentary beverage (one per person per venue, total four free drinks max) go here and sign up for your free voucher!  http://discoverpisco.com/join-the-search

Sunday, 2/6

Oscar Screenwriting Q&A
8:30PM - 10:30PM
Creative Screenwriting Magazine does an amazing screening & speaker series throughout the year, but this event in particular is sure to be phenomenal. The following writers will all be there! Also if you're not fortunate enough to make it, you can always download the Creative Screenwriting Podcast on iTunes. The Fighter: co-writers Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson and Scott Silver The Kids Are All Right: co-writer Stuart Blumberg The King's Speech: writer David Seidler The Social Network: writer Aaron Sorkin Toy Story 3: writer Michael Arndt The Los Angeles Film School - 6363 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 http://www.unlikely.com/screenings.html

Wednesday, 2/9

Firestone's 14th-Anniversary Ale Beer & Food Dinner 
6:00PM to close
Library Alehouse is teaming with Firestone Walker Brewery for a five-course meal with beer pairings ($45; call to reserve) to celebrate the release of Firestone's 14th-Anniversary Ale. The fêted beer, a blend of barrel-aged brews, will be paired with smoked ribs and a hoisin-style barbecue sauce, with other notable courses including a Velvet Merlin oatmeal-stout ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main St., Santa Monica www.libraryalehouse.com

Thursday, 2/10

SugarRush LA
7:30PM - 9:30PM
Want to know the Top 5 Reasons to WIN FREE TICKETS to Sugar Rush LA??

1. Bravo Top Chef’s CJ Jacobson & Top Chef Just Desserts Danielle Keene will be on hand to meet & greet and spill all the juicy gossip. (Well probably not the gossip, but at least some tips on how to be your own Top Chef at home…)
2. It’s implied in the name. SUGAR RUSH OVERLOAD from a huge buffet of decadent desserts from some of LA’s hottest pastry chefs.
3. Complimentary Wine Bar from Summerland Wines. Need I say more?
4. South African Safari Trip! What? Yep… one of the many awesome prizes you can bid on at the silent auction.
5. And finally, to support Spark Youth Program in its mission to combat the high school dropout crisis. (Makes you feel better about breaking your New Year’s Resolutions… at least it’s for charity!)

Win free tickets here: http://cakeandheels.blogspot.com/2011/02/ticket-giveaway-sugar-rush-la-on.html

Ticket Giveaway: Sugar Rush LA on February 10th!!!

Want to know the Top 5 Reasons to attend Sugar Rush LA??

1. Bravo Top Chef’s CJ Jacobson & Top Chef Just Desserts Danielle Keene will be on hand to meet & greet and spill all the juicy gossip. (Well probably not the gossip, but at least some tips on how to be your own Top Chef at home…)
2. It’s implied in the name. SUGAR RUSH OVERLOAD from a huge buffet of decadent desserts from some of LA’s hottest pastry chefs.
3. Complimentary Wine Bar from Summerland Wines. Need I say more?
4. South African Safari Trip! What? Yep… one of the many awesome prizes you can bid on at the silent auction.
5. And finally, to support Spark Youth Program in its mission to combat the high school dropout crisis. (Makes you feel better about breaking your New Year’s Resolutions… at least it’s for charity!)

Standard Tickets are $60 a pop, you could splurge for the $100 VIP tickets, OR you could win a pair of tickets ($120 value) right here!

TO ENTER YOU MUST DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. “Like” Spark Youth Program on Facebook and follow their Twitter @SparkProgram
2. “Like” Cake & Heels on Facebook
3. Leave a comment below with your favorite dessert (and be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you!)

Deadline to enter is Tuesday February 8th at 5PM. I’ll randomly select a winner and contact them via email the next morning. If I don’t hear back from them by noon, I’ll draw another winner… give them an hour… etc, so be sure to check your email!

DATE & TIME

February 10, 2011

7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

(VIP Reception, 7 PM)

Purchase Tickets Here: http://sugarrushla.eventbrite.com/

LOCATION

Gallery 825

825 N. La Ciengega Blvd

(corner of Santa Monica & La Cienega)

** 100% of your ticket purchase will help Spark provide more at-risk students with life-changing apprenticeships in exciting local organizations and businesses, such as Disney Interactive Media, Activision, UCLA Biology Labs, Soho House, the California Science Center, SGH Architecture, and many more!

***** UPDATE *****

And the winner is... Myra Chang!  My first time using the Random Number Generator!  Yay!

To everyone else who entered, there are still tickets available to purchase!

 

DineLA: The Olive Kitchen + Bar

I've been wanting to check out this Sunset spot for quite a while now, so DineLA seemed like the perfect opportunity since the cheese plate (which I was looking forward to the most) was part of their set menu!  Plus, now I have a good idea about how I'm going to spend both my Groupon AND LivingSocial.   Totally apologize for my iPhone photos, but my E-PL1 was at home getting some rest.

Went with my friend E and we each tried something different and shared.  Much more variety this way :-).

 Cheese & Meat Plate w/ Fig, Spiced Nuts, Olives & Fennel Bread.  The Burratta was beyond amazing.  Melt in your mouth smooth and perfectly spreadable.

 Beet & Burratta salad.  Again... amazing cheese, gorgeous beets, wonderful dish. 

 Halibut with garlic mashed potatoes & tomato sauce.  Honestly after the cheese plate & knowing we had dessert on the way, I could only eat one tiny nibble before I packed it up for lunch the next day!

 My friend went with the Pot Pie.   I know she ate the entire top, so I can only imagine it was as delicious as it looked and smelled!  

 Not kidding, perhaps some of THE RICHEST Tiramisu I've ever had in my life.  AMAZING, but I needed to drink like a cup of black coffee PER bite of this confection.

And finally the chocolate cake.  Really rich, very dense with a lovely presentation.

The Olive Kitchen + Bar
8462 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069-1935
(323) 650-1250
theolivekitchenbar.com