LISTS

The following is an exercise inspired by Umberto Eco's guest curation at the Louvre, on view in Paris through December 13, 2009. In a fascinating interview with SPIEGEL, Eco attests to the "irresistible magic" of lists and explains the paradoxical manner in which the list is both a liberating and limiting tool, used to express the infinite in a finite way. Here's a cool video featuring Eco and his interesting take on lists.

A List of Lists: Men Describing Qualities of Women

1. Cake, "Short Skirt, Long Jacket"

I want a girl

with a mind like a diamond

who knows what's best

who gets up early

who stays up late

with fingernails that shine like justice

who's fast and thorough and sharp as a tack

with a short skirt and a long jacket

2. Kings of Leon, "Milk"

She saw my comb-over

Her hourglass body

She had problems with drinking milk and being school-tardy

She'll loan you her toothbrush

She'll bartend your party

3. Bob Dylan, "Just Like a Woman"

She takes just like a woman, yes, she does

She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does

And she aches just like a woman

But she breaks just like a little girl.

4. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"

Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie,

Chocolate candy, Jesus Christ,

Ain't nothing please me more than you

5. Tom Jones, "She's a Lady"

Well she knows what I'm about,

She can take what I dish out and that's not easy

Well she knows me through and through,

She knows just what to do, and how to please me

She's a lady. Whoa, whoa, whoa, she's a lady

6. Elton John, "Tiny Dancer"

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band

Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man

Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand

And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

7. The Rolling Stones, "You Got the Silver"

You got my heart, you my soul

You got the silver, you the gold

You got the diamonds from the mine,

That's alright, it'll buy some time

Perhaps a list is the best way to approximate je ne se quois ...?

PC Greens - Healthy Outpost on the Coast

I LOVE Pacific Coast Greens. They sell all the healthy food that I can't find at Ralph's or Pavillions. I picked up some raw/vegan goodies yesterday and the whole shopping experience made me so happy! Everything smells so good and fresh in there!

Here's what I got:

• four different flavors or Larabars (to taste test)
• 24 oz of Evolution's Pink Grapefruit juice (I am addicted)
• Sunshine Burger patties in the Garden Herb flavor
• Kombucha in the Raspberry flavor
• ready-made raw kale salad

Pacific Coast Greens

22601 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265-5856
(310) 456-0353

"World's Most Stylist Cities" according to Forbes

Here's a piece of an article written in Forbes detailing the world's most stylist cities. (Los Angeles was deemed #6.)

"Why the rush of talent flowing out of Los Angeles? The same could be said of all the other cities on the list, actually. Style-conscious cities, in general, benefit from the disruptive innovation a financial downturn often conjures. While the recession has undoubtedly hurt all of these cities' economies, it's also allowed creative types to take chances and chase their dreams simply because there's less to lose.

What's bad for the economy, it seems, is good for style. And every city on the list--whether it's geared more toward architecture, fashion, or product design--has something the Parisians understand better than anyone: je ne sais quoi."

This falls in line with the idea behind 'creative as savior' that I mention in "Detroit, the new Brooklyn?". Creative-type/Creator creates Something where there once was nothing. Artist conceives design that attracts attention, attention begets buzz, buzz generates revenue, revenue attracts other artists, and the process continues and evolves, constantly filling vacuums.

If a void (absence of money, restrictions, occupation) paradoxically creates space for Creation, this is good news for our economy. If artists are the creators who renew society and generate intellectual and economic momentum, then there is all the more reason to fund the Arts.

Here's the complete list:

10. Barcelona

9. San Francisco

8. Madrid

7. Tokyo

6. Los Angeles

5. Rome

4. London

3. New York

2. Milan

1. Paris

Do You Need An Ass-Kicking?

For those of you who don't know about Jenna Phillips or her amazing program "Mission Possible", check her out immediately. I've been attending her outdoor workout sessions on and off for about a year, but keep myself in line by reading her blog on new foods she's trying, health tips and other motivational tidbits. She is the most positive, bubbly, insightful trainer who really walks the walk. I can't wait to do a whole week with her!

www.jennaphillips.com

@JennaPhillips

Update: She now has an exclusively dedicated Twitter feed for Mission: Possible called @YouArePossible.

Detroit, the new Brooklyn?

Now, some people compare downtown Los Angeles and even Venice Beach to various cities in Brooklyn, and I dislike the patronizing insinuation that L.A. is only a lesser version of New York. However, I can appreciate the notion that somewhat dodgy towns can re-invent themselves with the arrival of avant garde (or, perhaps more accurately - struggling artist) inhabitants. Both Downtown and Venice have been re-born in this manner, and both boast an increasinly rich variety of culinary and cultural offerings. (Of the two, I prefer Downtown).

The latest broken-down city to herald the emergence of broke, young artists is none other than Detroit, Michigan. What a tremendous boon for the city who has seen nothing but turmoil, unraveling hopes and bankruptcy the last few years. With the Kresge Foundation's grant of $450,000 to 18 visual artists, it appears a similar renaissance could be on the horizon for Motor City, as well. See Flavorwire for more info.

On a selfish level, I like to think of the young, poor and creative as the saviors of society. With little in the way of responsibility, and few materials to tinker with, these are the ones who dare to think outside the established order. Few distractions and even fewer restrictions in the presence of a burning desire to survive spark some of the world's best ideas. Desperation can also be debilitating, so keep it coming, Patrons of the Arts.

(Note to L.A.'s resident billionaires - Grab a clue from Eli Broad (the man knows a thing or two about smart investments) and support your city's art scene! MOCA, LACMA & others are more than storehouses of pretty crap - they fuel dreams and inspire revolutions. Duh.)

Photograph by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre

Continuuing the Conversation about CORKBAR

Corkbar now has a special night called "Test Kitchen Tuesdays". The chef (Albert Aviles) prepares taster-sized portions of "new, market-driven" dishes that aren't yet featured in the regular menu. Each item is $2. Been meaning to go back to check this out! (FYI, this goes on every Tuesday, starting at 5pm, until the food runs out).

I've also been meaning to check out Gjelina in Venice. Carlo Mondavi (of Mondavi winery) recommends the food. I'll also have to check out Continuum!

Corkbar

403 W. 12th Street (South Park section of DTLA)

Los Angeles, CA 90015

213-746-0050

UPDATES:

Corkbar now features jazz on Sundays from 5-9pm with great wine & beer deals AND delivers locally!

Profane Oversight!

Tony's is my new favorite bar.

While The Varnish is still my favorite place to weave glamour and subterfuge into my life, and reigning home of the best hand-crafted cocktail, I love the masculinity of Tony's and how I feel being amidst it.

It's in the Arts District downtown, though at night the surrounding area is pretty deserted. The decor, ambience, menu, music and manager are all perfect and lovely and just right. Tony's has been reclaimed by Cedd Moses and the 213 group, and I'm sure that it will be reaping the rewards of foresight sooner than later. I don't know if a downtown neighborhood saloon could get any more neighborhood-y or saloon-y.

Ode to Cheese

Went to Andrew's Cheese Shop on Montana yesterday for the first time, and fell in love. Both Andrew and his many cheeses are so delightful, and I'll be going back soon!

I got some cheese to go with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon I had and those chocolate caramels with the salt on top. I think they are made in Seattle. Anyway, the cheese is of the Langres variety and here's what the little notecard Andrew gave me reads:

"Very rare washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Champagne, France. Pretty flavors of fried eggs and butter. Dump some Champagne into the concave top before you eat this cheese if you want to freak out."

Ah, who doesn't want to 'freak out' over cheese?! Andrew is a doll - he even makes his own mozzarella. I'll be going back for some of that...

Today I was running errands for work around Cedars and stopped into Petrossian for lunch. I've been meaning to go there for a while now, and knew the minute I took a look at the menu that I was in heaven - I ordered the 321 Salad with smoked salmon, avocados and burrata. Splendid!! Savored every bite. Kind of pricey, but so worth it. It felt so decadent for lunch, especially when a chocolate truffle preceded the bill.

Los Angeles, I love you.

Musings After An Evening Around Town

1. Sooo many young people live in that area where Santa Monica, L.A. and Brentwood come together... and so many of them are good-looking young guys! Whereas many young guys also live in Santa Monica, they aren't as easy to spot out and about.

2. Shockingly little traffic on the way to downtown AFTER the Laker game.... and surprisingly, not everyone downtown is even aware there is a game going on.... I predict this phenomenon won't last much longer... people are going to want to hang out in downtown after the games, and I'm sure smart restaurant and bar owners will take advantage of the opportunity.

3. Bottega Louie is GORGEOUS. It's got so much open space (above your head) and the interior is so pristinely white and gold that is just gives off a gleaming, regal quality... and the victuals! So many goodies to choose from... hand-bottled pasta sauces, premium hot chocolate powder, Irish butter, pastries..... I had a gin gimlet with cucumber and the spaghetti Bolognese..... both very good! Friendly wait-staff, as well.

4. To be continued...

L.A.= l'epicenter

SO MUCH is happening in L.A. today.... election day, another earthquake, American Idol Finale (Day 1), Dancing with the Stars finals... LAKERS in the playoffs!

Going to check out Cedd Moses' new bar and watching the LAKESHOW!!!!!!!!!

I hope nothing implodes!

Bring on the Euphoria

So, thanks to my handy-dandy ads to the right of my blog, I am the newest holder of concert tickets to see Kings of Leon in San Diego and L.A. in August!!!

I have purchased in the past from Ticketmaster and then realized the good seats are all on Stub Hub, but then I realized (thanks to a helpful ad on my own page) that Ticket Tango is the same deal as Stub Hub, but since it's seemingly less well known, the "cheap" tickets don't go as fast.

So - check there first for your concert needs.

Anyway, I'm excited about seeing KOL back to back.... first in SD then LA. They are FANTASTIC live.

For any KOL fans out there, here's a video from their concert at MSG on January 28th. It was so cool to be there for what felt like a homecoming of sorts. Until this latest album came out, they didn't have much of an American fan base, though certainly they had pockets of devoted followers. MSG seemed like the first time they felt some recognition on their home turf, and it was touching to hear Caleb (who is the only one who really talks during concerts, and really, doesn't say much at all) express his appreciation. I was in the pit up close, so I could tell from his expression that he was deeply moved, seeing the sold out Garden. He always seems so open and honest, and it's refreshing to hear him speak.

Anyway, they finished up with some of their big rockers, and "Trani" is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy! Check them out if they tour near you.

Regent Theater

I keep falling even more in love with Downtown!

Went to MOCA Thursday to help with a special young alumni group initiative they're starting (ask me about special discount membership to MOCA) which began with a tour of Dan Graham's Beyond, and then the DT Art Walk.

Happy to see soo many people out and about for the walk! Only really stopped into Deborah Martin's gallery, which was packed! Even had a band playing and a bar set up. Jammed with people - it was so hot. Couple cool leather and jewelry vendors set up, too. Bumped into a guy who agrees that the Crocker Club would be amazing if only the owner would go back to West Hollywood. Then ran into the bohemian parents of one of my middle school friends... who were checking out our high school photography teacher's show at the Museum of Neon Art.

Met up with my friend at Little Radio (after managing to slip into the Regent Theater for a quick listen to some crazy dancing/drum beats). We headed over to Varnish (you're surprised?) to see our favorite bartender and have some Eastsides.... and he introduced us to the Angel Face. Though I don't remember leaving, I do know we went back to Regent to catch Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. What a fun troupe!! My friend went to school with the accordion player, but if I hadn't known that, I could have totally believed they were a gypsy circus of players from the early 70s transported in space and time.... such a fun show! I counted I think 11 players on stage. And the Regent! How lovely it's become - gone are the concrete floors and how welcome are the red carpet draperies and the newly carpeted floor. It's by no means gorgeous, but I like that they've spruced it up. It is such a great little venue!

Ended the night with my first overnight at The Standard.... and the decision that I need to start saving for a personal chauffeur. Ha! My cab from the hotel to where my car was parked at Disney Concert Hall was $5.... if that was half a mile... what would it have cost the whole way home? Lord.

Food-Related Thoughts

Picked up a short stack of peanut butter cookies at Malibu Kitchen today... almost $6! They were good, but for some reason, I always leave MK a little unsettled. Not the best customer experience... Everything in there is overpriced. It has the potential to be a nice spot, but for whatever reason, the management doesn't really work to promote an atmosphere conducive for hanging out... I always just want to get in and out and not linger on the patio area.

Before this, I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich at Coogies (having abandoned my plan to attend the Grilled Cheese Invitational). It was good, but reinforced my position on sourdough bread - Somehow or other, sourdough deviates from the typical bread experience... it's not yummy and I would never eat it in a bread basket. My waitress was nice, though, and I read "Still Life With Woodpecker" while I waited. It's windy and a little chilly today, though, so I didn't linger long there, either.

Thursday I had "Sunny Toast" at Banquette Cafe on Main St. downtown before going to the Nokia Theater. It was cozy and surprisingly bustling. And, they serve breakfast food all day!

400 South Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90013-1314 - (213) 626-2768

I did end up going to CorkBar, and while my wine was good (I got something red from Justin) and the mac n cheese was terrific, I didn't really like the neighborhood. It's in the generic part of downtown right by Staples and it's mostly surrounded with faceless newer buildings and men overzealously directing you to their $7 parking lot. I prefer the areas from Spring to Main and 5th to 7th.

Little Radio is planning to have regular programming in the theater on Main and talk of opening a cafe is in the works. I think that would be really cool! Hope it goes through.

Great Remix to an Already Fantastic KOL Song

I'm Putting A Cork In It

Corkbar is the really AWESOME looking wine bar that just opened up Downtown. It features all California wines and their menu (which is very reasonably priced) looks fantastic!

I can't wait to get down there!! They have a happy hour during the week that is from 4-7 Monday through Friday. $4 pints (oh yeah, they also have artisanal beer) and half-off appetizers!