Friday January 27, 2012
If the name 'Holden Caulfield' rings a bell, and you fancy yourself a connoisseur of martinis and sidecars, you'll probably get a kick out of Caulfield's a new eating destination in the Thompson Hotel Beverly Hills.
Opened in November, the restaurant is named after the main character in J.D. Salinger's famous novel Catcher in the Rye. Its speciality is American bistro fare served up by the former Magnolia chef Cody Diegel.
Weekend brunch (from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.) may well turn out to be a 'thing' here. In line with the restaurant's old-time literary persona, it's crafted a brunch menu that includes a bourbon milkshake (something any self-respecting scribe would imbibe in the middle of the day). There's also the classic Toad in a Hole with smoked trout, cornichons and horseradish cream.
But the eatery won't let you forget its namesake inspiration--in all manner of subtle and not-so-subtle ways. J.D. Salinger may have penned the story 'A Perfect Day For Bananfish.' But at Caulfield's, Saturday (or Sunday) is the perfect day for banana bread--home made and served with warm buttermilk biscuits.
Related: Top Hotel Bars and Lounges in LA
Image Courtesy of The Brandman Agency
Wednesday January 25, 2012
What path is the creative narrative taking in the digital age?
This topic will be open for discussion at a free conference taking place tomorrow, January 26th at the Santa Monica Main Library. The event promises to encompass a dialogue about a broad array of media--"from the paintbrush to the iPhone."
It will center on a panel consisting of Joe Lambert (founder of the Center for Digital Storytelling), Judy Baca (founder of Social Public Art Resource Center) and John Malpede (founder of Los Angeles Poverty Department), and will be moderated by Christian Bordal (producer of KCRW's 'To the Point' and 'Which Way LA')
The conference runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday January 23, 2012
Is experimental puppet theatre your bag? Come on, admit it, there's something about small three-dimensional characters executing theatrical performance that's just a wee bit compelling.
Highways, the legendary performance art space in Santa Monica, concurs. For the next two weekends (on January 27th and February 4th), they'll be hosting experimental puppet theatre performances that shed light on the homeless community and their day-in-day-out struggles.
The two-part series, 'Who's Hungry' features plays written and produced by Dan Froot. They'll center around stories of homeless residents of Santa Monica, and incorporate music, dance and text.
This is a great chance to check out an important LA arts space if you haven't already and of course to explore the offbeat and artful performance genre.
Tickets cost $20, general admission, and $15 for students and senior citizens.
Photo: Jeff Woodward
Friday January 20, 2012
I am sad to report another closure of a long-time LA institution--this time a restaurant, Drago in Santa Monica. This will be the last month to partake of their authentic Italian cuisine--and at present, the last 11 days!
As a sort of nostalgic parting gift, the 21-year-old eatery will incorporate 'throwback' dishes from its original 1991 menu throughout its current menu.
Chef Celestino Drago's other restaurants Drago Centro in Downtown, Enoteca Drago, and Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills will remain open.
Related/Italian Restaurants:
Oliverio at the Avalon Hotel
Fig & Olive Restaurant on Melrose Place
