Weekend Docket: 4/29/11

I've decided to take a vacation this week from pulling together the docket.  Sorry guys... there's not really a ton going on.  A little Festival of Books at USC, Firefighter Chili cook-off at Barney's Beanery, but that's about it.

SO instead.  I will introduce you to the newest love of my life.  Jackson!

If you know what's good for you, you'll sign yourself up for a daily dose of puppy love.  Your Daily Jackson.

Happy Weekend!

Weekend Docket: 4/22/11

Just got a little crunched for time as my company finally realized that no one was accomplishing anything towards the end of this Good Friday, so here goes.  Tonight, dinner with V & B at The Foundry... tomorrow, competing in the Grilled Cheese Fest & then partying it up at the Natural History Museum.  And then it's Easter Sunday for a day filled with bunnies, egg hiding & finding and lots of noming on delicious foods cooked by my extended family.

All Weekend

To Japan: from L.A. with Love Fundraiser at Space 15 Twenty
Sat., 7-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
A coming together of the Los Angeles community to celebrate the beauty of Japanese Culture and raise money to help rebuild through art, music and generosity of spirit.  On Saturday, they'll be screening Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa at 8PM and on Sunday Naoko Moore will be hosting a cooking class at 11AM.
There will be an art auction, raffles & a bunch of pop-up shops with all of the proceeds going towards Japan Relief. Space 15 Twenty: 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd., b/t Selma Ave. & Sunset Blvd., Hollywood http://space15twenty.com/to_japan_from_la_with_love

Friday, 4/22

Rhythms & Visions Live @ USC
 7:30PM Start
The USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex will be transformed for a spectacular live-cinema event merging music, animation and video. Exciting and innovative UK audiovisual collective D-Fuse and Los Angeles artist Scott Pagano will perform live. Their cutting-edge performance will span experimental documentary, social commentary and abstract visual music. Additionally, giant 3-D stereoscopic animations will be projected onto the building facade, interacting with the audience and the architecture. 3-D glasses will be provided. The evening will conclude with an engaging panel discussion exploring the way visual media is embedded in our daily lives through architecture, music, design and communication. Admission is Free. University Park Campus: School of Cinematic Arts Complex 900 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA Rhythms and Visions--Expanded and Live

G2 Gallery Celebrates Earth Day with Eco-Friendly Art
6:30PM - 9PM
The G2 Gallery in Venice will host the "Eco Runway for Earth Day" featuring Venice jewelry designer Veronica Brigitte Rose's latest Ladjili Jewelry line. The gallery, known for supporting local arts and the environment, has teamed up with the Goodmakers Street Team to unite art and activism throughout the Venice community. They are also creating an Eco Runway for Earth Day which will feature Ladjili Jewelry, in addition to Zavella, an organic clothing company for active minds and bodies.  There will be free Sephora & Whole Foods samples along with some free Chipotle at the event. $5 admission fee will directly support environmental charities. G2: 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice Check out the event here.

Saturday, 4/23

2nd 8th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational
11am - 6pm
This Saturday, April 23rd, Los Angeles Center Studios plays host to what has grown into a massive annual tradition. Over 300 amateur & professional competitors battle for grilled cheese glory, and the best part? YOU can be the judge.  In addition to the usual crowd of foodies, fans and cheese heads, you can expect some fierce competition out of the likes of Top Chef Masters: Eric Greenspan from The Foundry, Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2011: Ricardo Zarate from Mo-Chica and the soon to be hit Picca, the amazing Walter Manzke formerly of Bastide, Church & State and currently at Le Saint Amour, Eric Samaniego from my Sunday night favorite Comme Ca, Micah Fields who loves to please at the Standard Downtown and Nyesha Arrington from the gorgeous Cache on Main Street. Plus the fabulous Alie & Georgia of McNuggetini Cocktail Fame will be on hand mixing up magical libations during the event!  Plus, yours truly will be competing with a bacon-y apple-y cheese-y creation of her own!  You can read more about it on Blogging.LA!!

cave of forgotten dreams: herzog premiere & museum-wide party
5:30pm - 11pm
This Saturday, Cinefamily and Cinespia are hosting a FREE ADMISSION museum-wide party at the Natural History Museum, presented as the closing event to the “Art In The Streets” film retrospective. First, they’re showing Cave of Forgotten Dreams directed by Werner Herzog at 5:30pm. (the film-rsvp list is already closed, but there will be some seats held for the standby line) Also, the Herzog Q&A will be projected live in the Museum’s Whale Room at approximately 7PM, for those who are unable to get into the screening. Once the movie is over, then the party starts!  At 8PM, the doors open and guests are invited to wander the Museum’s exhibit halls for FREE! There will be live bands, DJs spinning, food trucks, cash bar & an art installation by Mastodon Mesa. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd.  Read more about this event on Blogging.LA.

Sunday, 4/24

There are a ton of Bunny themed events happening all over the city, but the girls at FinerThingsLA did a much better job of compiling a list, so I'll just leave it to them!!
 

Boozy Bunny Brunches from FinerThingsLA
http://finerthingsla.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/boozy-bunny-brunches-vol-ii/

I’ve been snacking away on Cadbury Mini Eggs all month (the best Easter candy EVER….they even have their own FB page), and finally, Easter weekend has arrived. We are back this year with our guide to mimosa-filled Easter brunch picks around town.  We know we are a little late on this one since Easter is 2 days away, but hopefully if you call now you can still snag a reservation at the spots below.  What better way to get through any holiday than to be boozed up on mimosas? ~ FinerThingsLA

Monday, 4/25 ~ Wednesday, 5/11

2nd Annual Belgian Beer Fest @ Library Alehouse
Daily starting at 11:30am
This sounds like a worthwhile investment.... $15 snags you a collectible glass at Santa Monica's Library Alehouse which then affords you $5 refills for the rest of the Beer Fest.  They'll have a selection of 10 rotating taps throughout the fest to whet your palate. Library Alehouse, 2911 Main St. www.libraryalehouse.com
 

Fig & Olive || Niki figured out how to collage in Picasa!

It's been quite a while since this dinner actually happened, but the procrastination bug bit & it bit hard.  So I'm finally getting around to organizing the leftover photos/posts/whatnot that need to make it up on the blog to elicit drool worthy emotions from you my dear readers!

The weekend after they opened, my friend organized a little dinner group to check out the menu since their opening party simply whet my appetite by serving mini bits of succulent bites but nothing substantial enough to fill my tummy.

I could give you the rundown of each item, describing in detail the complex flavors, the enticing aromas etc, but in reality it was all amazing.  There's my generalization.  We didn't order one bad thing on the menu.  Obviously there were highlights like the campfire smoked lamb chops and the olive oil ice cream, but really just a fantastic meal.  The only thing I'd say is that gorging out on jamon imberico, fresh fish & savory cocktails did a number on my wallet... while I wanted to eat everything on the menu, I might reserve my second trip for when my parents ask me "where shall we go out to dinner?"

Fig & Olive Melrose Place
650 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 360-9100
www.figandolive.com

Breakfasts @ Coachella

Since most of you visit my blog to stare at nom-y goodness, figured I'd share the snapshots of our somewhat ridiculous breakfasts while out in the desert.  Enjoy!

Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Classic Palm Springs Breakfast

Crumbled Chorizo, Egg & Bacon Sliders

Spicy & Decadent, these might have tasted even better had we buttered the rolls with garlic butter beforehand.  Perhaps next time.

French Toast Bacon Sliders
Once you've stopped drooling, this is an addition from the very talented Sean Brogan, who came to the rescue when I refused to be roused from my bed Saturday morning.

Baked Eggs & Tomatoes w/ Basil & Parmesan

The first thing sans bacon!  Figured after a weekend of abusing our bodies we should finish off with something healthier. Granted I did drench it in garlic olive oil before baking. 

Weekend Docket: 4/15/11

For those of you who aren't headed down to Coachella for a weekend of music & sun, there are some really great events happening this weekend that I'm a little sad I'm missing.  If there's just ONE event to highlight, it would be Artisanal LA.  GO. You won't regret it.  I promise. 

All Weekend

Artisanal LA
Saturday & Sunday
Called “LA’s Best Food Event of 2010,” Artisanal LA is heading to the Westside for two delicious days and taking over a 50k SF vacant department store located above Bloomingdale’s off the new third floor Dining Deck at Santa Monica Place. The Spring Show Includes nearly a hundred local, artisanal and handmade food vendors to shop from; chef demos, expert led panels and speakers on local honey, craft beer, urban homesteading, free hands-on workshops and cool handmade activities; hosted beverages from Honest Tea, Dry Soda, Function, POM and Coba; local/BioDynamic Wine Tasting; hosted Apothecary Bar from VeeV; organic spirits tasting with Tru Organic Spirits / Green Bar Collective. Tickets are $10. Santa Monica Place Level 3 Dining Deck – Event Space 395 Santa Monica Place Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.artisanalla.com

Brewery ArtWalk
Saturday & Sunday 11am - 6pm
The Brewery ArtWalk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists and purchase artwork directly from the artists at studio prices. Admission is free and so is parking. Come and support LA’s finest artists, take home some great works and dine at the on-site restaurant. The Brewery Artwalk is at 1920 N Main St in Downtown LA. www.breweryartwalk.com

14th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, 4/16 & Sunday, 4/17 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Japanese-American citizens and the City of Monterey Park will celebrate Japan's vibrant culture with the 14th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The free weekend-long event will give visitors a chance to experience authentic cuisine, martial arts, crafts, and even a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Barnes Park, 350 S. McPherrin Ave. ci.monterey-park.ca.us

Go Green Expo
April 15 - 17
Going Green Expo is an ultimate opportunity to explore green business and consumer products for sustainable living and comfort. This exclusive expo has been going green since 1993 and comes stocked with over 250 exhibits that should more than satisfy every green business segment interesting to the public eye. Equally capable of business to business, it is also conducive to green networking. Even better it is open to the general public among retail & wholesale buyers, purchasing managers & agents, to name a few. The general admission is $15, but if you bring your old laptop, cell phone, or lcd screen, your admission is free. 1201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles. www.gogreenexpo.com

Friday, 4/15

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Bourbon
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Wine House will examine everything you ever wanted to know about bourbon (and a few ryes for that matter). This class will include some of the best that the USA has to offer the sophisticated whiskey drinker. You will sample our way through the influences that barrels and grains have on flavor using examples of some favorite whiskeys from Kentucky, Tennessee, and beyond. Have dinner at Upstairs2 Restaurant before the tasting (separate reservation required – call 310/231-0316) and receive a 10% discount on your dinner bill. Tickets are $55 a person. The Wine House: 2311 Cotner Ave. www.winehouse.com

Saturday, 4/16

MOCA "Art in the Streets"
Members Opening Event 7pm - 10pm
With Banksy constantly making headlines, and even the cat guy getting his own show, it's about time that Los Angeles featured some of the great graffiti art that this town has to offer.  MOCA members are invited to join us for the opening of Art in the Streets, the first major U.S. museum survey of the history of graffiti and street art presented in the United States. Enjoy performances by the stars of the classic hip-hop film Wild Style-Busy Bee and the Cold Crush Brothers with Grandmaster Caz-and the award-winning B-Boy crew from Los Angeles, Killafornia. Cash bar. Members Free//Additional guests $25 MOCA at The Geffen Contemporary - 152 N. Central Ave - Los Angeles, CA www.moca.org

Sunday, 4/17

Wally’s California All Stars Tasting
1pm - 4pm
Taste nearly 200 Napa/Sonoma All-Star Wines at the Wally’s California All Stars tasting. Wally’s will be prepared to play host to over 70 proven All-Star wineries, each of which will be fielding a pair of their finest offerings. The Wally’s Big Top will be teeming with nearly 200 Napa/Sonoma wines being poured by, in many instances, the winemaker or winery principal. In addition, All-Stars II event special pricing will be extended exclusively to those in attendance. Cheeses and bread from the Wally’s Cheese Box are included in the price of admission, highlighted by Cowgirl Creamery’s Peg Smith’s personally offering samples of her award-winning products. The popular duo of “Let’s Be Frank” and “Eduardo’s Border Grill” will be on hand, so the very best hot dogs, burritos and tacos will also be available for purchase.  $39.99 Wally's 2107 Westwood Boulevard www.wallywine.com

“Magnum” Pops Up at Royal/T
6pm - 10pm
Culver City’s eclectic art space and Japanese “cosplay” maid café—will host the next installment of David Haskell and Chef Joseph Mahon’s nomadic “Magnum” culinary pop-up series for three evenings of inspired gastronomy and innovative wine, beer, and sake pairings. Combining Mahon’s French culinary prowess and Haskell’s celebrated sommelier skills. With seatings from 6 – 10 p.m., diners will be offered the choice of a five ($62), seven ($80), or ten-course menu ($118) with optional wine pairings ($45-92), the event will pair Mahon’s French cuisine with Haskell’s sake, Asian beer, and French and Italian wine selections (with a special menu on Tuesday, April 19 in celebration of Haskell’s 35th birthday). Royal-T || 8910 Washington Boulevard Culver City, CA www.royal-t.org

Bistronomics 2.0 “Play with Your Food”
6pm - 10pm
Back for a second installation of their well-received “Bistronomics” series, chefs Jet Tila (Wazuzu at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas) and Alex Ageneau (The Royce at The Langham in Pasadena) will serve a two-night-only five-course menu available for $65 per person. Building on the theme “Play with Your Food,” dishes will be utensils-optional and include Raw Radishes with Foie Gras Butter, Rhubarb Marmalade, and Toasted Bread Powder; and Croquettes of Cod Brandade with Zucchini Purée and Mussels “Au Four.” Ageneau will also lead a special culinary demo for guests. Breadbar West Third - 8718 W 3rd St - Los Angeles, CA www.breadbar.net

Monday, 4/18

Rustic Mondays || Chef Ben Bailly vs Chef Ricardo Zarata
Starting at 6pm
Culver City's Fraîche launches Rustic Mondays, a series that will feature two three-course meal options ($35; call 310-839-6800 to reserve) curated by executive chef Ben Bailly and special guests. The first installment will feature Food & Wine's Best New Chef winner, Ricardo Zarate of Mo-Chica. The dinner will be part rustic French cuisine and part Peruvian, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Japan relief efforts. Fraîiche, 9411 Culver Boulevard Blvd www.fraicherestaurantla.com

Tuesday, 4/19

Tina Fey: A Conversation with Steve Martin
8pm 
Two of America’s funniest actors and humorists take the stage in downtown Los Angeles for a rare joint appearance. Both are winners of the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American humor named to honor America’s — and the world’s — greatest humorists.  Tina Fey in conversation with Steve Martin discussing her new book, BOSSYPANTS! Nokia Theater || LA Live Downtown Buy Tickets Here.

Spicy Bacon Jam || Road to the Grilled Cheese Invitational

Bacon Jam whaaaaat?  As you can imagine, what with me being a Bacon Aficionado (I was trying to go with an alliteration, but couldn't think of a clever synonym that started with B) the moment that the amazing Lorraine Elliott of Not Quite Nigella posted her recipe, my inbox was flooded.

But Niki, that was way back in 2009.  Why have you been slacking up till now?

Because. Nope, I really have no good excuse.  I've been wanting to test this out for quite a while, and I finally whittled out a little time in my calendar to give it a go... especially since we're nearing the Grilled Cheese Invitational and I need to start taste testing my sexy grills to come up with the winning combination.  Forcing myself to include a variation on Not Quite Nigella's Bacon Jam in my sammie was the perfect way to start testing & experimenting!

Wait, back up a second... Grilled Cheese Invitational??? Why yes!  Me & the BF are rolling up our sleeves and slathering down some butter, cheese & toasty bread next Saturday April 23rd.  It'll be in your Weekend Dockets for sure, but in case you're the type who needs more than a day's notice, HERE IT IS.  Buy your tickets now!

The Grilled Cheese Invitational (GCI) is the largest, craziest, and most exciting Grilled Cheese cooking contest in the country and is the best thing to happen to sliced cheese since sliced bread! The GCI promotes an almost scary pursuit of perfection in a Grilled Cheese Sammich and allows for amateur and professional chefs to compete side-by-side in the hopes of becoming a true Grilled Cheese Champion.

The event was created by Tim Walker in 2003, in an artist loft in Downtown Los Angeles as a competition between friends and since then, has grown into a national movement dedicated to perfecting the art of grilled cheese, with thousands of cheese fiends and regional competitions across the country.

Spicy Bacon Jam
Adapted from an Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella

• 1 pound of Trader Joe's Applewood Smoked Bacon (I'm obsessed)
• 1 head of garlic, diced
• 1 medium brown onion sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• dash of tabasco
• 1 cup coffee
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• pinch of black pepper
• extra water

1. In a non stick pan, fry the bacon in batches until lightly browned and beginning to crisp. Using a pair of scissors cut into 1 inch pieces.

2. Fry the onion and garlic in the rendered bacon fat on medium heat until translucent.  Add back in the bacon into what I'm now calling the "Devil's Mirepoix: 1 lb bacon, 1 head of garlic, 1 white onion" a base that I know will make it into several more recipes down the road.

3. Then, transfer the bacon, onion and garlic into a heavy based cast iron pot and add the rest of the ingredients except for the water. Simmer for 2 hours adding 1/4 of a cup of water every 25-30 minutes or so and keep stirring.  If you're water is evaporating too quickly, reduce your heat and make sure not to burn your mixture.

4. When ready, cool for about 15-20 minutes and then place in a food processor. Pulse for 2-3 seconds so that you leave some texture to the “jam” and enjoy!

Thoughts after the first round?  The spice added a very nice and complex element to the after-taste of the jam, but I think in the next trial I'd like to start with a mixture of regular & roasted garlic to add a little more sweetness, and substitute in balsamic for the vinegar to see how that affects things.  Could be good, could be bad, but I'll never know until I try!

Weekend Docket: 4/8/11

Phew, there certainly is a LOT going on this weekend! I know I've already missed a few events here and there, but I hopefully got all the big ones.  There are a few birthdays and what-not going on tonight, but I'm hopefully making a pit stop at Harvard & Stone for some Miracle Mile Bitters cocktails.  Tomorrow, I'm praying for the weather to warm up for a nice little crawl down Hermosa, and Sunday Funday is going to be spent downtown seeing God of Carnage! 

All Weekend

Pie & Wine at Vintage Enoteca
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Who doesn't love a sweet and sticky piece of pie, paired with a silky and smooth glass of vino?  I know I do.  Thank god for Vintage Enoteca and their constantly fun and unique tasting menus.  This weekend they bring us a special collaboration with All Jarred Up. Three Pies-in-a-jar specially paired with three of our wines. $30 per person. 4 oz pies and 4 oz pours. Excludes Tax and Tip. Vintage Enoteca 7554 W Sunset Blvd www.vintageenoteca.com

God of Carnage at The Ahmanson
April 5th - May 29th
This is the most celebrated cast in recent Broadway history reuniting exclusively at the Ahmanson for the Tony Award®-winning comedy God of Carnage. This production will perform only at the Ahmanson and will not tour to any other city.  “God of Carnage" truly took New York by storm: smashing all-time box office records and nabbing Tony Award® nominations for all four actors, and eventually earning the Tony Award® for Best Play, Best Director and a Best Actress Tony for Marcia Gay Harden.  “God of Carnage" is set in a gentrified section of Brooklyn where two married couples meet to sort out a playground fight between their sons. At first, niceties are observed but as the evening progresses and the rum flows, the gloves come off and the night becomes a side-splitting free-for-all." Ahmanson Theater: 135 N. Grand Ave. Downtown LA. Buy Tickets Here.

Good LA's Launch Weekend
Various events all weekend!
We're celebrating the publication of the Los Angeles issue of our magazine, and the launch of GOOD LA, a new local community for Los Angeles residents. So we're throwing a party to honor our hometown and the people who make it work (that's you!).  Join us at the GOOD LA Launch Weekend for urban adventures, DIY workshops, hack-a-thons, civic engagements, artist interventions, resource sharing, literary readings, film screenings, book club meetings, neighborhood walks, and locally-made goods, all at an exciting new creative space in Atwater Village. Various locations in Atwater Village www.good.is/LA

Friday, 4/8

Lucky Shops LA
Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 12-5pm
LUCKY SHOPS is a shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine.  Like the pages of the magazine, the event features a wide range of our favorite designers and shops. While you're there enjoy: complimentary cocktails,* giveaways, music and more. There are deals up to 70% off off designer brands like Barney’s CO-Op, Cosabella, Rebecca Minkoff, Shareen Vintage and Decadestwo.  First Dibs Friday ($25 online, $30 door) is from 12pm-6pm. Saturday is $15 online, $20 door. And online orders include a 1-year subscription to Lucky Magazine. Siren Studios, 6063 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles www.luckyshops.com

Miracle Mile Bitters at Harvard & Stone
8PM to Close
For those of you who haven't yet experienced Harvard & Stone, the new bar from the gents who brought us La Descarga, then this is the perfect night to go!  The R + D bar in the back will feature locally made Miracle Mile Bitters in drinks designed by head bartender Matt Wallace tomorrow night. Miracle Mile owner Louis Anderman is in the process of shifting his bitters from home experiments to a full-out commercial operation, so take this opportunity to preview his goods. Harvard & Stone, 5221 Hollywood Blvd., Thai Town www.harvardandstone.com

Saturday, 4/9

LA Annual Beer Fest
2 sessions at Noon and 5PM
The annual LA Beer Festival returns April 9th to Sony Studio for another day filled with beer, food, and music. The event will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, LA's most popular food trucks, and cover bands. The LA Beer Fest will have two sessions, noon to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm.  Note: Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance as the event sells out quicly. Tickets will not be sold at the door.  $40 for unlimited pours, live music & food. Sony Pictures 10202 W. Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 www.drinkeatplay.com/labeerfest/

ColLAboration Kick-Off and Tony’s Darts Away 1-Year Anniverary
Noon - 7PM
In celebration of its one-year anniversary and in effort to nurrish L.A.'s budding craft-beer scene, Burbank bar Tony's Darts Away has annouced big plans for the city's first-ever pop-up beer garden. Partnering with Verdugo Bar, Surly Goat, Blue Palms and 38 Degrees, on April 9 at the corner of Magnolia and Parish in Burbank, the beer bistros present ColLAboration -- the first in a series of mobile craft beer gardens where enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy some suds with buds under that wonderful SoCal sun. The events will feature dozens of local microbrews, including Stone Brewing Company, Russian River, Port, Lost Abbey, Alesmith, Eagle Rock, Craftsman, Hangar 24, Bruery, Eel River, Mad River, Coronado and more to be announced.  Admission is $10 for a large Tony's Darts Away/ColLAb glass that will double as your drinking glass for the day and future events. These can be purchased at any of the five affiliated bars. To fill the glass will be between $5 and $6 a beer. 1900 W. Magnolia Boulevard, Bubank. www.collaboration.la

L.A. Reads (and Drinks) with Alie N Georgia!
5pm - 7pm
The wonderful local literary journal Slake is fêting the launch of GOOD LA this weekend with a reading from its latest issue (free; click here to RSVP). Food2.com stars Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark will be on hand to mix drinks for attendees: The pair is picking kumquats from Jonathan Gold's backyard to use in their libations. Atwater Crossing, 3229 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village www.good.is/LA

“POPCHEF” Series: Soba Workshop with Sonoko Sakai
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
For $125 per person, noodle aficionados can learn how to create healthy and flavorful soba noodles made from organic stone-milled Dattan and Japanese buckwheat flours with food author and respected soba maker Sonoko Sakai. Limited to 12 guests, the three-hour session will teach participants how to knead and hand-cut the perfect Nihachi noodle, and will end with a soba tasting of four varieties paired with Wataribune sake and buckwheat tea for students. The small plates will include a Zaru Soba with two dipping sauces; Soba with Jidori Chicken, Chives, and Yuzu in a Hot Broth; Soba with a medley of Vegetables; and dessert of Agar Agar Jelly with Fruit.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Japan Sake Organization Relief Fund for sake brewers who suffered damage from the recent natural disasters. Students must wear an apron, head bandana, and closed-toe shoes, and bring a container to take home their soba creations. $125  BREADBAR West Third - 8718 W 3rd St. www.breadbar.net

Obscure Errata Salon at Betalevel
8pm - 11pm
Join Betalevel for expert talks on odd subjects: Amina Cain will speak on oil burning lamps and fulgurites; Colin Dickey will share stories of mutilated saints; and Amar Ravva will take us to Australia on the Investigator with an account of a few early botanical expeditions. Located in a basement down two back alleys in the heart of Chinatown, Betalevel will open its doors for a day of readings and an odd tour of downtown Los Angeles - part performance space, part music venue, part speakeasy. Betalevel (Behind the Full House Restaurant in Chinatown) 963 N. Hill St. obscuraday-betalevelsalon.eventbrite.com

Sunday, 4/10

CycLAVia
10am - 3pm
Inspired by Ciclovía, the original, weekly street closure event in Bogotá, Colombia, CicLAvia opens LA streets to pedestrians and bicyclists, creating a temporary web of public space on which residents of Los Angeles can walk, bike, socialize, celebrate and learn more about their own city. On 4/10/11, 7.5 miles of roadways will temporarily close to car traffic and open for recreational purposes. From Boyle Heights to Downtown, MacArthur Park to East Hollywood, CicLAvia encourages Angelenos to not only make active use of their streets, but to rediscover the roadways and neighborhoods that too often go unnoticed in a car. Help open LA’s streets… take part in the second CicLAvia! www.ciclavia.org/content/action-center

Domaine LA + Salt's Cure
2pm - 5pm
Jared Brandt of Donkey & Goat will be on hand to pour and talk about five of his winery's spring releases including the 2009 Brouseau Chardonnay, 2010 Isabel's Cuvée Rosé, 2009 413 Red Blend, 2009 Fenaughty Syrah and 2009 Prospector Mourvedre. Along with the five Donkey & Goat wines, we'll have house cured meats and cheese from Salt's Cure to nosh on. $15 Domaine LA 6801 Melrose Avenue Buy Tickets Here.

Tuesday, 4/12 

Beer Chicks at Rustic Canyon
5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Christina Perozzi of the Beer Chicks is teaming up with Rustic Canyon for a four-course dinner paired with beers from Oregon's Deschutes Brewery. The dinner will celebrate the Southern California debut of the much-coveted brew The Abyss 2010. A rich beer that tastes of molasses and licorice, it will be paired with the dessert course, a vanilla Napoleon $75. Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen, 1119 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com

Phoster on iPhone Cupcake Fun!

Phoster for iPhone by Bucket Labs

Stefan's LA Farm $13 Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Mr. Stefan Richter of Top Chef fame... it's been 13 years since you've graced our culinary landscape with your delicious food.

Yesterday and Today, Stefan's at LA Farm will feature a three-course dinner for just $13.  What?  $13?  Yep.  One dollar for each year he's been around.  Having gone last night here's a little review of the menu for any of you lucky enough to score a rezzy for this evening.

The menu starts off with a Spicy Tuna Tartar with micro cilantro and tasty papadams to scoop up the fish.  Next is a rich white truffle and asparagus soup, which is just, simply amazing.  That was by far the best thing of the night.  Easily could have paid $13 for a bowl of the soup alone.  Finally Stefan ends the meal with a homemade German Sausage on top of a mound of mash, sauerkraut and a light beer sauce. 

In addition to the dinner, there are a number of small bites and desserts to be ordered a la carte.  We tried the chilled cucumber soup which was served in a shot, a bowl of corn dogs with an excellent spicy mustard and a delicious and decadent bite of foie gras sprinkled with a rich and flavorful black salt.

So if you have a chance, go check it out tonight.  Otherwise pray that the white truffle and asparagus soup has a permanent place on his menu!

Stefan’s at LA Farm
3000 West Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 449-4000
www.stefansatlafarm.com
*free validated parking

Cupcake of the Week: Gorgonzola, Strawberry & Balsamic Cupcakes || Week 14

I'm always surfing the web looking for new ideas or sparks of inspiration. While on one of my favorite blogs, The Pioneer Woman, I stumbled upon what looks like an amazing and refreshing summertime salad. Grilled Romaine? What?

However sadly our BBQ died at the end of last summer, and we haven't quite gotten off our asses to buy a new one, so I decided to take the essence of this salad and turn it into a cupcake. Strawberries, check. Balsamic, check. Gorgonzola? Sure, why not? I mean the creamy blue worked well with the fig in my burgercake creation.  Now, I realize that my taste buds veer a little on the strange end of the pool, but my trusted crop of taste testers gave this one a giant gold star!

Gorgonzola, Strawberry & Balsamic Cupcakes
yield 2 dozen mini cupcakes || 10 minutes prep; 20 minutes cook

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 box of powdered sugar
• 1 stick of butter softened

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, salt & sugar. Cut your 1 1/2 sticks of softened butter into chunks and mix in. Then add in your wet ingredients, eggs, milk & vanilla extract. Spoon in to your cupcake tray until 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

While you're cupcakes are baking, heat up a small sauce pan and pour in your balsamic.  Once your balsamic is boiling, add in a 1/4 cup of the diced strawberries, 1 tbsp of sugar and turn down the heat to a simmer.  Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sugar is melted and the balsamic has reduced slightly to a syrup.  Remove from heat and set aside.

In a bowl whip the remaining stick of butter until it is nice and fluffy.  Slowly pour in a tablespoon of your reduced strawberry balsamic sauce, until your frosting develops a nice brown color and a softer texture. 

With each cupcake, cut a hole in the middle out.  Stuff in a piece of strawberry, a few crumbles of Gorgonzola and top with your balsamic buttercream frosting.  To garnish, sprinkle on a few more crumbles of cheese and a drizzle of the remaining balsamic sauce!

Weekend Docket: 4/1/11

Super packed weekend!  Tonight, heading to Eagle Rock for a little April Fool's Party with my boys Sean Brogan and Matt Portman! Tomorrow... I'll be volunteering at Angeli Caffe || 7274 Melrose Ave for the Bakesale for Japan in the morning (come visit & buy yummy treats!) and Pillow Fighting in the afternoon.

Sunday I'll be working out a few new recipes for Cupcake of the Week and then heading to what's becoming a weekly ritual of Shitty Jobs at UCB.

All Weekend

50-Cent Martinis at the Beverly Wilshire 
Through May 10th
High Rollers can indulge their whims and help disaster victims thanks to a benefit underway at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.  The hotel, which recently launched a long-planned 50th anniversary celebration, decided on Monday to use the event to raise funds for disaster relief as part of a nationwide fundraising effort plan by the Four Seasons Hotel chain.  At the opposite end of the indulgence spectrum, the celebration also includes 50-cent martinis every night beginning at midnight for 19 minutes and 61 seconds beginning Monday. The Blvd at Beverly Wilshire, 9500 Wilshire Blvd www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/
 

Friday, 4/1

THIS IS NOT A PRANK: An April Fool's Party
9pm - Midnight
No really, it isn't. It's an April Fool's Comedy Party with music, drinks and of course tons of hilarious comedians and comedy groups. Oh yeah, and it's FREE!!! (No Really!) Expect to see stand up, improv, sketch and musical comedy as well as sick beats provided by Violent Vickie and several other surprises! Show starts at 9pm. There is plenty of free street parking. Entry and drinks are provided free though we do ask for any donations you can generously provide. Showcave: 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA THIS IS NOT A PRANK

Saturday, 4/2
Bakesale for Japan
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Following the hugely successful Bakesale for Haiti, San Francisco blogger Samin Nostrat has organized a nationwide Bakesale for Japan. Los Angeles restaurants such as Black Cat Bakery, Forage and Akasha are involved in the sugared relief efforts, so track down a treat on Saturday and help the cause. Locations vary, but I'll be helping out at Angeli Caffe 7274 Melrose Ave! www.bakesaleforjapan.com

International Pillow Fight Day 2011 
Starting Bell at 2pm
I could go on and on about how amazing the International Pillow Fight is, but it's really just something you have to see to believe.  Fighting begins promptly at 2PM and ends when it fizzles out.  Normally between an hour or two after it starts.  This is something you're not going to want to miss.  After The Event: They will be heading over to local bars and eateries! The usual spots are Rocket Pizza, Pete’s Cafe, Bar 107, Seven Grand, The Standard, The Edison, and Pitfire Grill.  Pershing Square 535 S Hill Street. www.PillowFightLosAngeles.com

Pillowhead from Will Goodan on Vimeo.

Sunday, 4/3

Pie and Beer III @ Eagle Rock Brewery

Noon to 6 p.m.

I Heart Pies returns to Eagle Rock Brewery for another pop-up sale this Sunday. In addition to savory creations like chicken potpie and sausage, potato and spinach pie, the "seasonal" Peep pie will make a triumphant return: graham cracker crust filled with mashmallow mousse and chocolate chips, each slice topped with a marshmallow Peep. There will, of course, be Eagle Rock beers to drink alongside your chosen slice(s). Eagle Rock Brewery, 3056 Roswell St., Glassell Park www.iheartpies.com

SingularCity Martini Party

7pm - 10pm

Frommer's says "The swimming pool-size martinis are enough reason to trek over to Lola's. From the classic gin or vodka martini for the purist to the chocolate- or apple-flavored concoctions for the adventurous, Lola's has a little something for everyone. Two bars, a billiard table, and plush couches hidden in dark, romantic corners make for an enjoyable setting and plenty of celeb spotting."  Not only that - but you will be helping to raise funds and awareness for Covenant House California, a non-profit agency whose mission is to reach out to at-risk homeless youth living on the streets and offer them hope and opportunities to turn their lives around.  Tickets are $25 each and include booze, food & fun. Lola's 945 North Fairfax Avenue SingularCity Martini Party Tickets

Wednesday, 4/6

The Haute Lunch Bag: Add To My ♥'s Trunk Show

6pm - 9pm

A special night to sip, nibble, shop, and save for a cause. With so many natural disasters lately, let's take one night to show our respect to Mother Earth and help those suffering in Japan. 10% of trunk show sales for the evening will be donated to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund of the Amercan Red Cross. Tickets are $5 a pop. Tiato Market Garden Café 2700 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, 90404 The Haute Lunch Bag Event