The Obama Tour of L.A.

homemade Snickers ice cream bar - to die for

I'd like to start by saying that I went to Fig & Olive way before the president did. I realize this isn't a cultural accomplishment, since he lives in D.C. and what the hell kind of accomplishment is that, anyway?

Second, I went to Tavern without knowing that the president dined here. It just so happens that the places I pick to eat are favorites among the leaders of the free world.

And these places are worth mentioning! Both are airy with muted colors and indoor trees. The food is delicious. Some photos of Tavern are below.

 

Fall color in Los Angeles!

Any East Coast transplant will understand how exciting this is for us!

Photobooth Pro - Giving the finger to vanity

Vanity doesn't only handicap those made to walk the red carpet. At parties where people know there will be press or at least shutterbug friends who are a little too Facebook-happy, they fret over how they look. So much so, that even with an open bar (!) it can ruin their evening.

How many times have you heard:

"Um, can you take another one? I look fat here."

"Um, can I look at the pic on your camera? If I don't like it you HAVE to delete it."

"Um, please don't tag me on Facebook."

"Um, that was my bad side."

"Um, hold on hold on hold on...I wasn't ready."

"Um, can we take a few, just in case?"

It always starts with  an "Um."

Photobooth Pro allows people to toss inhibitions aside and give the finger to vanity. A collection of RIDONCULOUS hats, boas and shades will assure the most vain and insecure that they can just calm the hell down and have a good time in the spacious photo booth.

To top it off, every person gets a copy of the photos right there on site, so if necessary, they can stare at themselves all night without being locked in the bathroom. What's more, is that online photos are available just days later, so they can crop, recolor, and Photoshop the photos into ("more realistic") versions of themselves before posting to Facebook.

The night I wished I were Mexican

Kim Burke-Connors and I

Dios mio! If there is anyone in Los Angeles who has not yet been to Red O, get yourself together, man! And for anyone out there who has issues with pricey Mexican food, well that's just racist. Not all Mexican food is cheap to produce. The mole and spice-rubbed roasts were as intricate as any Parisian dish I've had. That place made me wish I were Mexican.

Red O was such an experience, that I forgot to photograph my food. And this girl takes photos of all kinds of business. I did however, save the tasting menu from a recent dinner party I attended there. Read it and weep. And then eat. And if you don't, that's racist. 

The Real Best Burger in Los Angeles

The Bowery vs. Father's Office

The Bowery has a devoted following on Yelp, and fans claim that the place "STILL" has the best burger in Los Angeles. In other words, they do not appreciate being trumped by all the hype Father's Office has built up.

The Bowery Burger was tasty, and I appreciated the choice of toppings, such as jalapenos and onion rings. The cooks mean business; that place has the best grilled cheese and tomato soup in Los Angeles, and they have plenty of competition there.

But then I tried Father's Office. One bite, and I pitied vegetarians the world over. I was all, Can I get a witness? on that thing. For the haters, let me address the three chief complaints people have about Father's Office:

Complaint #1) You can't alter your burger order.

Explanation: Why mess with perfection?

Of note: The top-grade beef is a little fatty and red (blood and fat give meat its flavor, you ill-informed George Foreman Grill-loving freaks) the bread is French (need I say more?) and it's piled with bleu cheese, arugula and caramelized onions.

Complaint #2) There's always such a long line.

Explanation: Please see explanation above.

Complaint #3) There are too many hipsters.

Explanation: I agree. Those bastards. 

Father's Office wins, hands down.

Seriously?

Topanga Canyon, CA

Too bad I just planted a bed of pork chops!

Hispanic Heritage Month = FUN

sporting my 2D Jump from Paper bag

Hispanic Heritage Month is always a party. Unlike the (understandable) austerity of  Black History Month, it's a blur of spinning dresses and spicy canapes. Latinos do stop to acknowledge struggles both past and present, such as migrant worker conditions and gang violence, but it's always followed up with a celebration of their warm, sun-drenched homelands.

auhor Glenn Llopis

SOMOS knows their way around a fiesta. Last year, this IPG Latino heritage group threw a soiree with high-concept cocktails and tacos galore at Playa on Beverly. This year, the Axis Marketing Agency lit up the Pacific Design Center, and invited KCRW DJ Raul Campos to attend. An elaborate spread of pan dulce, fruits, croquetas and sandwiches awaited us.
 

Author Glenn Llopis gave a motivational speech. He was refreshingly willing to urge Latinos to take responsibility for issues such as petty differences between, say, Mexicans and El Salvadorians. These rivalries take the focus off the more important struggle of getting a proper education and working hard to get ahead. Shameless plug and perfect example? My Mexican BFF/writer/teacher/double-major grad at USC extraordinaire Gina Valencia Ramsey!

chic space at the Pacific Design Center

Mexican hot chocolate dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg was passed around, The Axis Agency's social butterfly Dan Navarro worked the room and door prizes were awarded to attendees. One lucky girl walked away with the new iPhone 5. Top that!