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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Recap of ArtopiaLA 2017 at Union Station

Photos by Karen Ostlund
EFFEN vodka menu


“DUBLAB partnered up with L.A. Weekly to curate another Artopia,
August 26th 2017, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Union Station downtown LA.
The LA based non-profit radio station returned with its unique vision and approach in presenting a wide-ranging community of artists across disciplines and styles. 
People arriving to ArtopiaLA, Hubert's Lemonade and Time Machine photobooth
 
Courvoisier Cognac, Yellow Cars cocktails

"DUBLAB DJs, video art, installations, live dance and music performances, sculptures, interactive/participatory projects; all amongst the historically gorgeous architecture of Union Station what maked this Artopia unique.” said Ale Cohen, Executive Director, DUBLAB 
THEE NINES leather art





       This year’s event featured live music, DJs, performance artists, art installations, and live activations from some of the city’s most well reputed artists including: Keren Oo, Art of Olfaction, Indiecade, Alex Pelly, Everything is Terrible!, Beat Cinema, Materials and Applications, Spinagu, Michael Flechtner, Valerie Rose, Amanda Maciel Antunes, Chad Goei, Alone, Adult Contemporary, Jana Cruder, Ania Catherine, Ty Joseph, Julie Weitz, Kate Parsons, Michael Flechtner, ALONE and Casey Butler.
Jerry Maguire, interactive art labyrinth
 
Ty Joseph art

In addition to an immersive art experience, the soirée featured handcrafted cocktail samples, shaken and stirred by some of the city’s best bartenders, and light bites from some iconic LA food spots as Smorgasburg.
On The Bored artist Chad Goei

Event partners included: Angel City, Effen and Courvoisier, The Dudes’ Brewing Co., Pabst Blue Ribbon, Califia Farms, Bai, Health Ade Kombucha, Hubert’s, Amoeba, Imperfect Produce, Zico, The Greek, Soylent, LA Art Tours and Flow Water. 
                                                                                                                                                          
 “Los Angeles is the creative capital of the world. No other city cultivates creativity like L.A. where art, music, film and fashion are an ever-present part of our cultural landscape. "We are a city of dreamers and doers driven by imagination and the wherewithal to get things done". 
Echo and Air designers, painted canvas design
"For this year’s Artopia, L.A. Weekly’s annual festival celebrating
the creative spirit,  said
Drew Tewksbury, Managing Editor, L.A. Weekly.
"What better place to host artists, dancers, pop-up performances, stellar chefs and deejays than the ancestral center of this city, the historical home to thousands of travelers who come to our town with a suitcase and a dream? "
Keren Oo artist

Valerie Rose



A portion of this year’s proceeds went to benefit the non-profit dublab.


#ArtopiaLA  artopia.laweekly.com
 
facebook.com/LAWeekly, twitter @laweeklystreet, Instagram
@laweekly

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

#HendricksGrandGarnisher Launch at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Photos by Karen Ostlund         Recipes of Hendrick's Gin Grand Garnisher in bottom
Cucumber Garnisher

HENDRICK’S GIN TO CROSS AMERICA IN A GIANT CUCUMBER GARNISHER
Making of Negroni, steam-punk way at Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood


Unusual Scottish gin maker announced quest to “properly garnish”

thousands upon thousands of cocktails.

Cucunber jugglers at #HenricksGrandGarnisher launch in Hollywood
(Hollywood, CA) Hendrick’s Gin (which is itself infused with cucumber) has unveiled what Ambassador Mark Stoddard describes as “an eye-popping, wondrously strange cucumber slicing device that will travel the U.S. with the sole purpose of offering the most beautifully garnished Hendrick’s Gin cocktails ever to grace a glass.”
Mark Stoddard
 “The Hendrick’s Grand Garnisher” can achieve road speeds of up to 25 mph, thanks to a hybrid powertrain combining a large diesel motor and a well-dressed gentleman pedaling a large-wheeled bicycle. The 38-foot-long device relies upon an elaborate system of pneumatic tubing, interlocking gears and rotating blades to slice up to 18 cucumbers per hour. “It’s not the most efficient way to garnish a cocktail,” explained Stoddard, “but we do believe it is the most spectacular.”
The Hendrick’s Grand Garnisher started its maiden voyage from New York City on June 14th, World Cucumber Day,” said Stoddard, “driving westward from city to city, pausing in select locations to offer citizens strikingly perfect garnishes, cucumber delights and other oddly refreshing activities.
The Hendrick's US tour hit Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, August 22nd.
"This is part of our effort to end misconception of the cucumber as an innocuous salad ingredient".

"As the core infusion that makes our gin unusually exquisite, we feel the cucumber deserves not only respect but wonder". 
             
Mixing Hendrick's Gin Grand Garnisher with eatable flowers
Hendricks Gin & Tonic w eatable flowers
#HendricksGrandGarnisher  @HendricksGin.
Hendrick's Gin Tour schedule.

Tropic Capricorn by Hendricks Gin

About
Hendrick’s Gin
Every drop of Hendrick’s Gin is created by a single stillman with the help of a lone apprentice working on two utterly dissimilar types of stills (a long-necked Carter-Head and plump-bellied Pot Still). Hendrick’s is infused with Rose and Cucumber and instilled with a supporting cast of 11 botanicals. It is overseen by its creator, Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, who has always been consummately peculiar. Hendrick’s gained widespread acclaim and received numerous awards, including a Double Gold medal in the 2014 Fifty Best Gin Awards; ‘Gin of the Year’ at the Food and Wine Magazine Awards and voted ‘World’s Best Gin’ by the Wall Street Journal. Hendrick’s Gin has an ABV of 44%. Please enjoy the unusual responsibly. For further information, visit www.hendricksgin.com
(left) Karen Ostlund & Alicia Hollinger wearing The Crown Collective Flower Crowns

 #HENDRICKSGRANDGARNISHER  RECIPES

Hendricks and Tonic

HENDRICK’S
GIN & TONIC


INGREDIENTS:

1 part HENDRICK'S GIN
3 parts Premium Tonic Water

Build ingredients in a highball glass over ice, garnish with cucumber wheels and serve.

Cucumber Basil Smash
CUCUMBER BASIL SMASH


INGREDIENTS:

1 1⁄2 parts HENDRICK'S GIN
3⁄4 part Fresh Lemon Juice
3⁄4 part Simple Syrup
One Small Bunch of Basil
3 Cucumber Wheels

In a mixing glass, muddle basil, cucumber, and simple syrup. Add Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into an iced double rocks glass. Garnish with a bunch of basil and a cucumber.

Cucumber 75
CUCUMBER 75


INGREDIENTS:

1 1⁄2 parts HENDRICK'S GIN
1⁄2 part Fresh Lemon Juice
1⁄2 part Simple Syrup
3 Cucumber Wheels
Dry Sparkling Wine

In a mixing glass, muddle cucumbers and simple syrup. Add Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a cucumber ribbon or wheel.

Hendrick's Gin Truck outside Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel


Thursday, August 17, 2017

O.J. Simpson's Trial Becomes Pop-Art Exhibit, Aug.18-22 - 2017 in Chinatown

Photos by Karen Ostlund
O.J. Simpson T-shirts during trial
 O.J. Simpson expert and creator of The O.J. Tour Adam Papagan have curated a temporary exhibit, August 18-22nd at Coagula Curatorial Gallery, located at 974 Chung King Road, in historic Chinatown, Downtown Los Angeles. It is dedicated to the alleged double-murderer and Heisman Trophy winner.
The exhibit features newspaper & magazines, dozens of artifacts dating back to the time of the trial, a previously unseen collection of bootleg Simpson t-shirts, original artwork inspired by the case, and a 1994 Ford Bronco, which Papagan purchased with funds from a  recent crowdfunding campaign.

“I was total O.J. trail junkie back in the day and hosting this show is a lifelong dream come true."
An early issue of Gleason's published magazine Coagula Art Journal featured a cover story on the 1995 O.J. Simpson trial's effect on the artist and the art world" said
- Coagula Curatorial gallerist Mat Gleason.


O.J. magazine covers



O.J. Pop Art

“The O.J. Trial has been a lifelong obsession of mine. Everyone knows the media version, but The O.J. Museum is the vernacular of the people.”
- confessed Adam Papagan


INSTALLATION  INCLUDES:

Sports Memorabilia
A 1994 Ford Bronco 
Board Games
Videos
A Collection of 60 Bootleg Trail T-shirts during O.J. Trial
Interactive Exhibits
Original Artwork
Relics from the Court Case
An OJ Library
Newspapers & magazines from O.J. Trial 
Gift Shop
O.J. Trivia Game
Hours of the exhibit:
Friday, August 18 :  11am – 6pm
Saturday, August 19: 11am – 8pm
Sunday, August 20: 11am – 4pm
Monday, August 21: 11am – 6pm
Tuesday, August 22: 11am – 6pm
Admission is $5 at the door
Advance tickets are $4

974 Chung King Rd. Los Angeles, CA. 90012 
www.coagulacuratorial.com
                                       

         

Monday, August 7, 2017

LA Times THE TASTE 2017 - Returns Labor Day Weekend, Sept.1st to 3rd

Photos from THE TASTE 2016 by Karen Ostlund  @TheTasteLA
Seating area front lot THE TASTE at Paramount Studios 2016

 Los Angeles Times announced chefs, bartenders and restaurants participating in The Taste 2017. This year presented by JetBlue Plus Card @TheTasteLA returns to Paramount Studios this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1st-3rd.
Night time session  THE TASTE at Paramount Studios 2016

 It's annual festival celebrating the flavors of the world in Southern California style is hosted by The Times' Food staff and  L.A. chefs and bartenders. The Taste will transform Paramount Pictures Studios into the ultimate epicurean pop-up and block party over Labor Day weekend (Sept. 1-3). Admission to each of the five events includes unlimited tastings from the city's best kitchens and a variety of wine, beer and seasonal cocktails:

The Los Angeles Times  lineup for The Taste 2017:

Opening Night; Fri., Sept. 1, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The Taste's most intimate soiree features a focused collection of tastings, distinctive cocktail and wine offerings, and a chance to party on the backlot with The Times' hosts and the weekend's participating chefs and mixologists. Restaurants include Baran's 2239, Bourbon Steak, Chinese Laundry, Crying Tiger, Fat Dragon, Friends & Family, Georgie, Hatchet Hall, Lao Tao, Little Fatty, Mainland Poke, Scratch Bar & Kitchen, Side Chick, Simone, Tabula Rasa Bar and Tar & Roses.
Writing board at the entrance THE TASTE 2016 at Paramount Studios
 Field to Fork – Hosted by Amy Scattergood, Times Food Editor, and Sang Yoon, Chef/Owner of Father’s Office and Lukshon; Sat., Sept. 2, noon to 3 p.m.
Inspired by Southern California's agricultural roots and DIY attitude, Yoon and Miles Thompson (Michael's) will each share their farmers market savvy through individual cooking demos using their favorite bright and flavorful ingredients. Scattergood will lead a discussion about the importance of farms and eating local with Romeo Coleman (Coleman Family Farms), Alex Weiser (Weiser Family Farms) and Wes Whitsell (Manuela). Restaurants include Aqui es Texcoco, Banh Oui, Cento Pasta Bar, Coni'Seafood, Cruciferous, M Café, Maury's Bagels, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, Robert's Catering Service and VCHOS Pupuseria Moderna.
Slapfish Lobster Burger

Dinner with a Twist – Hosted by Jonathan Gold, Times Restaurant Critic, Jenn Harris, Times Deputy Food Editor, Antonia Lofaso, Chef/Owner of Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar, and Marco A. Ramos, Mixologist at Scopa Italian Roots; Sat., Sept. 2, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
L.A.'s dining and cocktail culture takes the stage with a chef-bartender demo by Lofaso and Ramos, and by Allan Katz and Jonathan Whitener (Here's Looking At You). Breana Jackson (Sugar & Spice: Baked by Bre), Danielle Bennett (Lady on the Rocks), Derrick Lewis (Not Your Mama's Kitchen) and Chef E Dubble (E Dubble Catering/Grilled Fraiche) will celebrate urban gastronomy with a collaborative showcase of their signature concoctions, and Meredith Hayman (Michael's), Gabriella Mlynarczyk (Accomplice Bar) and Brynn Smith (Sotto) will shake it up with a group demo. Restaurants include Barrel & Ashes, Beauty & Essex, Black Market Liquor Bar, Faith & Flower, Mayura Indian Restaurant, Pedalers Fork, Scopa Italian Roots, Szechuan Impression, The Bellwether, The Ponte and Wolf.
Mayura Indian restaurant

Sunday Block Party – Hosted by Noelle Carter, Times Test Kitchen Director, and Sherry Yard, Chef/Owner of Tuck Room Tavern; Sun., Sept. 3, noon to 3 p.m.
Great food and good times are the order of the day at the block party on the backlot, where Yard will demystify pastry-baking for home cooks and David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post) will give a master class on making biscuits. Carter will host a talk with Chris Phelps (Salt's Cure) about what it means to brunch at some of the most innovative spots around town, with additional panelists to be announced. Restaurants include Cheezus, Cocobella Creamery, E.A.K. Ramen, Hotville Chicken & Chops, Hummus Yummy Food Truck, MessHall, Otium, Rosaliné, The Butcher's Daughter and Tuck Room Tavern.
Del Campo Meat Co. organic beef tartare


Flavors of L.A. – Hosted by Jonathan Gold, Times Restaurant Critic, and Gilberto Cetina Jr., Chef/Owner of Chichen Itza and Holbox; Sun., Sept. 3, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Closing night of The Taste embraces the depth and diversity of flavors that make Los Angeles one of the most exciting places to dine through demos by Cetina, Wes Avila (Guerrilla Tacos) and the team behind Badmaash: Pawan, Nakul and Arjun Mahendro. Gold will explore Korean barbecue with masters of the grill: Jenee Kim (Park's Barbeque) and Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage Co.). Restaurants include Chichen Itza, Frankland's Crab & Co., Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Holbox, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Meals by Genet, Pasta Sisters, Revolutionario North African Tacos, Same Same and Worldwide Tacos.
Dando Don's hand-made ice-cream

Los Angeles Times The Taste is presented by JetBlue Plus Card and produced in association with Best Events. The Collins College of Hospitality Management, L.A. Regional Food Bank and Midnight Mission are the event's charity beneficiaries. Opening Night tickets are $150. Saturday and Sunday event tickets range from $95 to $130; a $25 discount is available exclusively to Times subscribers.
Details and tickets: latimes.com/TheTaste. @TheTasteLA (#TasteLA) – facebook.com/TheTasteLA
                                                    
Don Julio cocktails
 
800 Degrees Margherita Pizza

Thursday, August 3, 2017

American Express Experiences® LUCKYRICE Asian-Feast Tour dates

Bling Bling Dumplings Douhua Tofu desserts w ginger sauce
#LuckyriceLA
 Photos by Karen Ostlund at Vibiana, 
(Los Angeles,CA) July 28, 2017

The high-energy American Express Experiences® LUCKYRICE - Asian-Feast Tour kicked off at Vibiana Cathedral in Los Angeles, July 28 2017.
LUCKYRICE Tour dates to follow: 
Sept. 8 at Bently Reserve in San Fransisco
Sept.22 at Mandarin Oriental in New York 
Oct. 27 at The Astorian in Houston and
Nov. 3 at The Raleigh Hotel Pool & Oasis in Miami.
Los Angeles LUCKY RICE at Vibiana Cathedral, July 28 2017

Entering our 8th year, the LUCKYRICE Festival captures our obsession with Asian food culture through large-scale feasts, festive dinners and gastronomic gatherings. LUCKYRICE was created in 2010 eager to share stories of Asian culture through the lens of food and drink,
"We’ve since taken the festival on the road, bringing festivities like night markets, ramen slurpfests and cocktail feasts from coast to coast. Whether you’re in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or Toronto" said founder Danielle Chang. She has also a debut cookbook from LUCKYRICE events, with stories, techniques, and contemporary Asian recipes from a range of cultures and the traditions that inspired them. (photo below) Flavors from cuisine featured: Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesia, Japanese, Korean, Malaysia, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese.
Little Fatty: Squid Ink Xiao Long Bao Dumplings

LUCKY RICE cookbook by Danielle Chang
LUCKYRICE performances by entrance Vibiana Cathedral  in LA, July 28
LUCKYRICE returns to the Mandarin Oriental in New York, September 22, to celebrate its “lucky” eighth year in the city where the festival began!
The evening will spotlight New York’s incredible culinary scene as some of the city’s greatest chef talent, from internationally acclaimed restaurants and casual local spots, gathers to offer twists on traditional Asian fare. Taste a variety of delectable dishes paired with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. Presenting sponsor is Suntory Whisky Toki.                                                                      
Sake cocktail with ginger bites
                    
Suntory Whisky Toki with soda
                                         
Public House: Smokey Pickled Mussels


Ramen Tatsunoya Noodles with duck
Seoul Kalbi Corn Sausages
JET TILA, Thai pork chili with lucky purple rice.

               
Chinese Laundry, Mama's Cold Noodles
Creme Caramel LA: Lucky Custard
Starry Kitchen Crispy Tofu balls with sriracha aioli
LAD TAO: Five-Spice Soy Egg Zha Jiang Fettuccini

The Standing Room: Hornitos Tequila, Lychee, Yuzu, Chinese 5 Spice, Clementine & Passionfruit
SAKE tasting at American Express Lounge at LUCKYRICE

Asahi very dry beer



Myself (Karen Ostlund) inside American Express photobooth











#EatDrinkGetLucky
Luckyrice.com