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Monday, July 29, 2019

Altamed Celebrated 50 Years w/East LA Meets Napa Festival at LA Live


Michelin Guide California named the East LA Meets Napa Festival the “Premier Latino wine and food event in the United States” by celebrity chefs and restaurants from TV's FOOD Network, Bravo and Top Chef.
Altamed East LA Meets Napa at LA Live, July 26
 Photos by Karen Ostlund
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Last Friday, July 26, at L.A. Live, 800 Olympic blvd, downtown Los Angeles,Altamed celebrated 50 years with East LA Meets Napa Wine & Food festival. The festival featured over 70 top LA chefs, restaurateurs, award winning Napa wine-producers and premium spirit distributors and live Latin jazz salsa by The Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Mongorama. Now in its fourteenth year.
                                                                                                 
La Huasteca Mexican restaurant

Cucumber Alquimia Organic Margarita
                                       
                                            
Honduras dishes
 East LA Meets Napa two day festival has become AltaMed’s premier fundraising event! Day two of the festival "OC Meets Napa"  continued at Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange Country, July 27.
Yamashiro Hollywood
                                      
East LA Meets Napa took attendees on a wine tasting journey, stretching from the famed Napa Valley to the vast wine regions of Argentina. Wineries: https://altamedfoodwine.org/sip/
Pez Cantina, scallion slaw, shrimp, squid ink
    
Scallops Ceviche, Bike Brewery
                                 
Ritz Carlton pork tacos
Porto's desserts




















                         
Myself w Gourmeletas icecream

 Altamed's mission is to support to increase access to comprehensive health education programs, dental care and human services, in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Altamed.org https://altamedfoodwine.org

Mongorama Latin jazz band

Friday, July 26, 2019

JOEY DTLA Menu Preview Before Opening, July 31 2019

#Joeyrestaurants
#JoeyDTLA           
Photos by Karen Ostlund
The Canadian firm JOEYRestaurants.com announced its newest California location, JOEY DTLA to open July 31st. It’s their 27th restaurant overall and the second California venue in the collection.

The new Joey DTLA location is located across the street of 7th and Hope metro station downtown. It’s a 8,870 square foot urban Italian style oasis, with a guest capacity of 307, at the street-level patio of 700 West 7th street. A year-round patio transforms the restaurant experience from indoors to outside.
Sushi Cone, Steak and Lobster Ravioli w/Margarita
 
Ceviche, Miso Ramen, Chickenleg and Korean fried Cauliflower
Last Friday, July 25th, Joey DTLA unveiled their menu of globally inspired dishes including the Korean Fried Cauliflower Bowl, Lobster Grilled Cheese, Steak & Lobster Ravioli, along with Le Fou Rose' wine, Madewest beer, Spicy Passionfruit Margarita and Watermelon-Absolut cocktails. California regional exclusive dishes include the Sake Glazed Chilean Seabass, and the 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye. Returning JOEY favorites include the Miso Ramen, Sushi Cone, and Katsu Chicken Salad.
Matthew Stowe and Chris Mills
 "We're thrilled to add JOEY DTLA to our collection of restaurants," said Jeff Fuller, CEO of JOEY Restaurant Group. "As one of the most globally connected cities in the world, Los Angeles is the ideal place to expand."
Le Fou Rose' Wine

Joey DTLA Kitchen gastronomic view
Chris Mills, Executive Chef of JOEY Restaurants, has assembled an award-winning culinary team that has been working around the clock to bring masterful, innovative cuisine to the DTLA location.

Alongside Executive Director of Culinary and Top Chef Canada winner, Matthew Stowe, the entire staff is preparing to give guests an unforgettable dining experience.  "We're excited to cater to Los Angeles' cosmopolitan palette, said Matthew Stowe.  JOEY DTLA will naturally become a hub for a global tribe of patrons who are keen to experience a variety of dishes from all corners of the world,”

"While at the same time utilizing ingredients from the local farmer's markets," Stowe concluded. From masterfully constructed sushi cones to inspired salads, the JOEY DTLA menu pays homage to all walks of life.
Architectural exterior  from Olson Kundig






JOEY DTLA
700 West 7th Street, Unit S430, Los Angeles, CA 90017 : Open: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM,
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM                                                             

(Myself) Karen O.with Watermelon and Absolut vodka

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The José Iturbi Foundation's “A Decade of Dudamel" at the Hollywood Bowl

The José Iturbi Foundation's “A Decade of Dudamel" at the Hollywood Bowl

 Photos by Karen Ostlund at Hollywood Bowl, July 18 2019

 The José Iturbi Foundation was the proud sponsor of "A Decade of Dudamel" with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, July 18, to celebrate his ten years in Los Angeles.
More dates: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/
Gustavo Dudamel conducted a special anniversary concert complete with fireworks and featuring members of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and Russian piano virtuoso, Khatia Buniatishvili.  The evening's performance included music from well-known films of Hollywood's golden age, topped off with Rachmaninoff's lush Third Piano Concerto.
 The program featured music from: KORNGOLD: “March of the Merry Men” from Robin Hood; HERRMANN: Suite from Vertigo; STEINER: Suite from Casablanca; WAXMAN: Sunset Boulevard Suite; MANCINI: Theme from The Pink Panther and RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 3 - all conducted by Gustovo Dudamel.
Among special guests of The José Iturbi Foundation 10th Anniversary pre-dinner at Hollywood Bowl were co-founder and President of Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, Burt Ward (Robin/BATMAN); Susan Olsen (Brady Bunch); Geri Jewell (Facts of Life and HBOs Deadwood); Roslyn Kind; (Critically acclaimed Recording Artist), Lee Purcell (Multi-Emmy nominee); Donna Pescow (Multi-Emmy and Golden Globe nominee); Composer Charles Fox (2x Emmy, 2x Golden Globe, 2x Academy Award nominee & Grammy winner);  George Chakiris (Academy Award & Golden Globe winner) 
Donelle Dadigan with stars of Knotts Landing, Emmy nominee, Joan Van Ark; Emmy winner, Donna Mills, Emmy & Tony winner, Michelle Lee.
LA city councilman Mitch O’Farrell and Donelle Dadigan give certificate to the José Iturbi Foundation.


“It is a great honor for the Jose Iturbi Foundation to sponsor the 'Decade with Dudamel' concert at the Hollywood Bowl. And, we are thrilled to present to the Hollywood Bowl audience the international piano virtuoso, Khatia Buniatishvili performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #3 - the same piano concerto Jose Iturbi performed at the Hollywood Bowl half a century ago" said LA city councilman Mitch O’Farrell.

 In addition to the performance of several well-known movie themed pieces, the Jose Iturbi Foundation is especially pleased to sponsor a very special performance by Members of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) as it is the foundation's mission to create opportunities for larger groups of people especially young people in our communities, to learn to love classical music and attend live concert performances,” said Donelle Dadigan (President and Co-Founder of Jose Iturbi Foundation).

 The José Iturbi Foundation is dedicated to José Iturbi's mission of creating opportunities to promote classical music in Los Angeles and the world. The foundation's motto is "Popularizing classic music - one note at a time!"®  And that's just what the foundation does through Blockbuster concerts featuring international superstars of classical music. Additionally, the foundation sponsors forums for "young artists in the making," who are classically trained pianists and singers - to debut their talent, launch their careers and bring to the public's attention today's emerging talent through an international music competition, and dynamic live concert performances.  To date, The José Iturbi Foundation has awarded more than $950,000.00 to gifted pianists and singers from around the world, through the José Iturbi International Music Competition.
Myself (Karen O.) at Hollywood Bowl, June 18 2019




For more information about The José Iturbi Foundation, visit: http://www.joseiturbifoundation.org

Sunday, July 14, 2019

CONCERN FOUNDATION’S 45TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY RAISED 1.8 MILLION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Photos by Karen Ostlund
Concern's Ferris Wheel behind stage

(Hollywood, CA) – Last Saturday, July 13, the Concern Foundation for cancer research hosted its 45th Annual Block Party "California Dreaming To Conquer Cancer" on the back-lot of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood.
The event featured multiple stages of live entertainment, casino style games, live and silent auctions, food, desserts and beverages stations from over 70 of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and caterers.
For the first time a carnival ferris wheel was brought in behind stage.
The 45th Annual Concern Block Party was attended by nearly 4,000 guests and raised $1.8 million dollars for cancer research through ticket sales, donations and bids on silent auction items.
Concern Foundation "California Dreaming" July 13 2019




Broadcaster Frank Mottek made special announcements about the silent auction and activities through out the evening.
Derek Alpert (President of the Concern Foundation) introduced the Lifetime of Giving Award to honor Judy Carroll, Lexy & John Carroll & the Carroll Family for their long involvement and support of 44 years.They insisted it be a family affair with Judy, Lexy, John - all taking part in the activities.
Speech by Judy Carroll, Lexy & John Carroll & the Carroll Family
The Carroll's volunteering started in the early 70’s when they found themselves involved in what would be the first "Block Party" on Rodeo Drive.  They were the owners of Carroll & Company and head of the Rodeo Drive merchants association Dick, which secured them permission by the other store owners and the City of Beverly Hills, to close down the street. Their children and Judy’s parents Sylvia and David Weisz all joined in the efforts, which led to the beginning of a long relationship with the Concern and the Carroll Family.
Tom Nolan Band at The Concern's block party 2019
In 2002, John joined the Concern Board followed by Lexy, and they both served as co-chairs of the organization’s Executive Board. Lexy continued the family tradition by serving on the Block Party Committee for the last 15 years, and as the event-chair for the last 9 years in a row.
Their children, Melanie, Whitney and Alex began volunteering at a young age and continue their support and commitment to the cause.  Whitney’s first job out of college was taking on the role of administrative assistant for over two years.
California bear next to lounge band at Concern's blockparty at Paramount
For the 15th year in a row, the Concern Foundation got help to celebrate The Best of LA 2019® on Los Angeles magazine, which also donated $25,000 this year to the Concern to help the mission.
California Sushi Academy

Beyond meat, plant-based sausages
Pink's hotdogs
La Boheme fried Oyster and 1212's shrimp Ceviche
                                          
Via Alloro's Involtini and Panzanella salad
The backlot streets were filled with over 70 food and beverage vendors under the direction of Nancy Eisenstadt including notable classics such as Vibrato Grill Jazz, Ocean Prime, The Grill on the Alley, Fogo de Chao, Urban Oven, Oak Smoke BBQ, STK Los Angeles, Button Mash, La Boheme, Bertha Mae’s Brownie Company, Mychals, Buzz Bar, DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, Fry Girl, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, Porta Via, Stonefire Grill, Outdoor Grill, Bar Hayama El Floridita, Factor’s Famous Deli, Dulan’s on Crenshaw Soul Food, Marmalade Café and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs.
Humboldt Cannabis vodka








                          
Wine at The Garagiste Festival Micro-Winery Tasting garden
Spirits: Nuda Tequila, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Asahi Beer, Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, Humbolt Distillery, Bulletproof, Buzz Box, Reed’s Ginger Brews, Beauty and the Bar, COKE Products and Dulce Vida Tequila.
Musical entertainment was be held on multiple stages featuring the Tom Nolan Band and D' City Sound & Events.
Photo studios, lounges and SPA services was provided by the Beauty Bus Foundation.
Infiniti QX at the silent auction
Once again the event was led by the Concern office staff and a team of volunteers and designed  by John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals. 
 www.concernfoundation.org/block-party
Myself (Karen Ostlund) at Fotospark California photobooth