Kitchen tour of WP24 with Wolfgang Puck

What started off as a typical pleasant media dinner at WP24 in Downtown, surprisingly turned into a private kitchen tour led by none other than Wolfgang Puck!

I've been to the wp24 restaurant and lounge by Wolfgang Puck several times now. I especially like taking people who aren't familiar with Downtown Los Angeles, because it's located on the 24th floor of The Ritz Carlton at LA Live and has panoramic views of the city. It’s also not out of the ordinary if you spot Charles Barkley, the Lakers or even Lady Gaga dining here when performing at The Staples Center or nearby Nokia theater. The modern Asian cuisine is also superb with lot of fun bites from Dim Sum to spicy sushi. Food & Wine Magazine also listed WP24 as One of the Best New Restaurants in America!

The seafood here is especially fresh. Just take a look at the following photo, you’d think this was a large chicken nugget since it’s so big, but no, it’s a juicy scallop!

We also sampled their sushi, baby pork belly bao buns, spring rolls with Maine lobster and prawns, lettuce cups and Chinese crystal dumplings. The dishes play a lot with different spices, which are often drizzled on top from hot sesame oil, ginger-Serrano chili vinaigrette, spicy mustards and honeys, and sweet and sour sauces to curry.


Just before we stuffed ourselves further on desserts. I heard a familiar voice with a deep accent behind me and I turned to see Wolfgang Puck in his chef coat greeting all of us. The PR folks and restaurant manager organizing the event seemed equally surprised and delighted by his impromptu appearance. He then shook each one of our hands and happily posed for photos. Now, I've met a lot of celeb chefs from TV and cookbooks over the years, but this one had me giddy! I mean, come on, he's Wolfgang Puck! I've been to over a dozen of his restaurants and his accent is so cute!

Instead of just saying hi and goodbye, Wolfgang asked us if we wanted to come into the kitchen, which had some of the servers scrambling ahead of us, lol. He then led our group of 20 into the small but efficient and clean kitchen. We got to see the Chef de Cuisine Sara Johannes commanding the kitchen and Pastry Chef Sally Camacho making the final touches on her award-winning desserts. We even got to sample several of the desserts hot off the oven and right from the pan. After all, Wolfgang shared that he likes to tell all young cooks "You have to taste what you make," and he did as he perused the different areas.

Also, as for cocktails, do try their Passion Fruit Cosmo, which tasted like a punch due to the passion fruit puree and easily hid the alcohol, in fact, too easily. I was half way done with my drink before I even realized it.


WP24
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 743-8824

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Wordless Wednesday: A Columbian market

In Cartagena, Colombia

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Giveaway: Yuko Repair Through Conditioner for Hair

It seems that super straight and smooth hair is all the rage as are expensive Brazilian blow-outs to accomplish this. I can't afford the latter, so for the last two weeks, I've been using The Repair Through leave-in conditioner ($24) from Yuko, the original Japanese Hair Straightening company in the US located in Beverly Hills.

Their patented revolutionary technology straightens hair without compromising the hair’s health or vibrance. The Repair Through contains Aqua-Gold, which is real "gold" for your hair. The Aqua-Gold helps deliver nutrients into the hair faster, smoother and more evenly. The Repair Through also contains amino acids, silicone, and is alcohol-free. It prevents split ends too, which I've been getting since putting highlights in my hair. It also reduces tangles, and protects your hair from the damage that can be caused by using a blow dryer or flat iron. So, even if you have straight hair already like me, it's nutrient-rich for your hair. All you need to do is spray it on towel dried hair, before blow drying or air drying your hair.

I'm a little heavy handed with the spray, but it still leaves my hair feeling soft and not oily like Bio Silk does. My hair also feels stronger and healthier after using it regularly. Apparently, celebrities such as Ariel Winter (Modern Family) and Brooke Shields are also fans of the leave-in spray too.

Good news, 5 lucky winners will be able to try the Yuko Repair Through out too, as I have five bottles to giveaway here.

How to enter: Just leave any ole comment here by Friday, May. 6, but please don't forget to leave your email address in the body of your comment or link back to a blogger profile or website that actually has your email address on it. U.S. mailing addresses only, sorry.

For More Entries:

Tweet this contest

Like Yuko on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yukohairstraightening

Like my blog on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tarametblog

Follow both @yukousa and I @TaraMetBlog on twitter

Like this post by giving it a thumbs up below

Good luck!

Update: Congrats to Heather, Diane, Karen, Nana Kat, Dancing Hot Dogs

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Rolling Stone Restaurant & Lounge comes to Hollywood

For months now, I've seen the large "Coming Soon" signs on Highland Avenue for a Rolling Stone restaurant. Last night, I got to see the final result during a special media preview with cocktails, dinner and dessert at the new Rolling Stone Restaurant & Lounge (RS/LA) in Hollywood & Highland.

I assumed it would be the magazine's own version of Hard Rock Cafe, however, thankfully it's not as cheesy and this is its only location (so far). Yes, I'm sure it will still become a popular place for those visiting Hollywood, but the space is more like the restaurant and clubs that you would find in Vegas and not a cookie cutter franchise with gift shop place. There is of course photography and framed covers of their magazines featuring the iconic personalities over the last few decades on the walls though, but it's very minimal as I was definitely expecting more. The food is much better too, no typical laminated menus with burgers and fries with kitch names that you'd think to find at theme restaurants.

RS/LA has an an upstairs restaurant and outside patio, where the upscale menu by Executive Chef Chris Ennis (One Sunset) reflects the publication's Americana roots with local seasonal produce purchased at the different nearby farmers markets. The strawberries on top of their heavenly panna cotta dessert was super fresh as were the beets in the goat cheese and hearts of romaine salad, where the ingredients came from the Santa Monica farmers market apparently. As for the entrees, we sampled the pan roasted salmon with wilted baby spinach, fingerlings, capers and golden raisins and a tender rack of lamb. I preferred the latter as it was more flavorful. The menu is also accompanied by a nice wine list and specialty cocktails like a Whiskey Delicious (the opposite of a Whiskey Sour) and a Strawberry Fields martini (full recipes below).

Its downstairs lounge, where small-bites are served, is a beautifully designed space with purple lighting, private booths, white overstuffed chairs, an area for bottle service (of course it's Hollywood after all), and a dedicated lounge bar serving signature drinks. Since it's Rolling Stone after all, you can also expect a variety of music coming from an elevated DJ booth. Some nights there will be performances and music appearances too. Every Sunday the 80s tribute band The Spazmatics play too.

There is also a "hidden" speakeasy downstairs too, called B-Side. It's accessible from the street and through Hollywood & Highland itself and features more of a chill, brick clad space. When I walked in at around 10 p.m. on a Wednesday, a couple of guys were drinking and watching the NBA playoffs. It's also helmed by one of L.A.'s leading mixologists, Tricia Alley, who came to the bar from Eva restaurant. On Wednesday nights they feature guest mixologists. For more on B-Side check out the LA Times Daily Dish post.

Whiskey Delicious
Recipe:
3 Thin Cucumber Slices
Large pinch of mint
2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
3/4 oz Lime Juice
3/4 oz Simple Syrup

Method:
Build all ingredients in tin. Press mint and cucumber into ingredients approximately three twists. Fill tin with ice, Shake, double strain into old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with thin cucumber slice threaded with a mint sprig.

Strawberry Fields
Recipe:
1.5 oz Absolut Vodka
.5 oz St. Germain
.5 oz Lemon Juice
.75 oz Strawberry Juice
1 Dash Angostura
1 oz Chandon Brut

Method:
Build ingredients minus the champagne in tin. Fill tin with ice, Shake, add Champagne. Strain
into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with rim of glass with half strawberry slice.

Rolling Stone RS/LA
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.464.4000

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Wordless Wednesday: Beer Cupcakes

Black Butte Porter cupcakes made with beer from Deschutes Brewery. Photo taken by Caroline on Crack

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Six Taste Little Tokyo Food Tour

After enjoying Six Taste's food tour of restaurants and cafe's in Downtown Los Angeles (blog post), Raphael and I signed up for the Little Tokyo Food Tour too.

Although, we go to Japantown often for Ramen and Pinkberry, we still haven't tried many of the restaurants there, so it was great getting the chance to visit these eight different places during the tour. It was also interesting to learn a little more about the history of the area and the local customs. I was especially surprised to hear about how many of the generational business owners were also former detainees in the Japanese American internment camps.

Chado Tea Room (100 N Central Ave.)
This is the only location I had already been to before the tour, having visited for high tea, but this time they also provided some history on teas. I was also able to try varieties I wouldn't normally have ordered.

Wakasaya (350 E 1st St.)
Rice bowls and Udon (definitely going back!)

Spitz (371 E 2nd St)
Sangria and kebab wraps

Forgetsu Do (315 E. 1st St.)
Flavorful and filled mochi. We purchased some peanut butter filled ones to go.

Mitsuru Cafe (117 Japanese Village Plaza)
Red bean patries


Mikawaya Moshi (118 Japanese Village Plaza) Here we had ice cream filled mochi from the popular shop that also sells to Trader Joes.

Four Leaf (318 E. 2nd St.) Sweet and savory crepes

Tickets for this tour cost $55 per person (although I had purchased my tickets through Groupon for 50% off, thus it was like buy one get one free), which includes the food and drink sampled, a tour guide, plus a Six Taste tote bag.

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Wordless Wednesday: My Co-Blogger

I'm sure she has some good ideas, but she's kind of lazy though, always sleeping on the job, literally that is.

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How to be the Next Reality Star

This weekend, I attended the Reality Rocks expo devoted to everything about reality TV. Basically, if you have ever wondered what ever happened to [insert has been reality star name here]? They are probably at this expo signing autographs, performing or participating in panels. I found it a bit depressing, especially for the personalities without anyone waiting in line to see them. To put it bluntly, this is where reality show stars go to die.

For reality show junkies though, the two day show allows for fans to see their favorite former reality personas up-close and even audition for different series like Wipeout, Real World and Minute to Win It (like the folks below).
One of the workshops that I attended, “Identifying the Talent for a Hit Show Celebrity and Non-Celebrity Talent,” provided tips for producers and reality star wannabes. Below are some gems if you’re looking to cast or be casted in the next reality show

• Jeff Apploff, executive producer & creator of Million Dollar Money Drop and Don’t Forget the Lyrics says that for game shows they are looking for people with good energy. He also says that, “You want the person at home to say ‘I would hang out with that person for an hour’ because they are likable.” Besides positive energy and a good personality, the back story is also important. The contestant needs a good story because you want to root for someone he says. Stuff like having only $100 left in the bank or having survived a fatal crash, etc. VH1’s Leah Horwitz’ brings up the Omarosa effect though. She says that although a good personality is important, they are also looking for big loud characters to stir the pot too.


• Executive producer Rob Lobl agrees that someone who is “unfiltered” is key too and not guarded. Someone who doesn’t get silent when they are angry, but someone who will amp it up and be dramatic times 10, he says.


• Lobl says that if it’s a competition show, they look for someone who is manageable and knows what producers are looking for. In some ways, he says that like an actor, they are looking for someone who they can direct. He also discussed that it’s important for someone who can “turn it on” when meeting with the executives and are able to “pop” when in the room with them.


• Horwitz warns that a common mistake people make when submitting videos for their consideration is that people focus and say that they want to be on TV, but do not show a passion for the show that they are trying out for or the stars on it.


• Laurie D. Muslow the talent casting producer of The Surreal Life and Celebrity Fit Club mentioned that in the celebrity world it’s important to get the right mix of people together and celebs that are willing to show a side of themselves that they don’t normally show.

Good luck!

Oh, and here I am with my favorite American Idol contestant ever, LaKisha Jones who I got to see perform during the expo as well as last year’s Tim Urban jam on his guitar.
For more on Reality Rocks, check out my Surviving American Idol article and video over at ShakeFire.com.

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Michael C. Hall, Chloe Sevigny and Kiehl's celebrate Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, Kiehl’s Since 1851, the famous skin and hair care apothecary, is offering a Limited Edition Rare Earth Cleansing Masque ($23) where 100% of net proceeds will support the Waterkeeper Alliance, which preserves our waterways. Actors Michael C. Hall (Dexter and Six Feet Under) and Chloë Sevigny (Big Love, Boys Don't Cry, The Last Days of Disco) also designed the labels for these limited edition masques and were on hand to announce the collection at the Kiehl's Santa Monica store on Montana Avenue.

Also, at the launch party were Gilles Marini (Brothers & Sisters, Sex and the City movie), Jason Kennedy (E!), Mario Lopez (I've been seeing him a lot lately it seems), Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) and many more.

During the event, Kiehl’s also made a donation of $100,000 to The Waterkeeper Alliance:

Which celeb art label do you like best?

These masques not only benefit a worthy cause and have that added celeb factor, but also contain a key ingredient-Amazonian White Clay, which is known to remove dirt, toxins, excess oil and dead cells that can clog skin and result in enlarged pores. This special clay is gathered at the mouth of the Amazon River at the beginning of the dry season, after months of being nourished by the leaves, fruits, and seeds swept down the river from the rainforest. For centuries, this indigenous ingredient, also known as “magic earth,” has been used by Brazilian Indians to protect themselves against skin problems, insect bites, and snake poison.

The masques will be available at all Kiehl's stores and are for sale online too at kiehls.com

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Cupcake and Cookie

Over the weekend, my LA Cupcakes MeetUp Group met to try web-based bakery, Cupcake and Cookie! The owner and baker, Dorothy Tong, was on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in December and won the Hard Rock episode! Since Dorothy doesn't have a store front (yet!), we met at a park in Culver City, where she brought her cupcakes to try.

The flavors that we tasted included: Chocolate Covered Banana, Cheesecake filled Red Velvet, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Sea Salt Caramel Vanilla and her Cupcake Wars' winning cupcake - Pink Grapefruit Cupcakes with Guava Truffle Cookies and Rosewater Frosting.

I loved that her cupcakes were moist and the icing not too heavy or sweet, but a perfect pairing. Some of the cupcakes also had a hidden cookie or filling surprise. My favorites were the Red Velvet Cupcake which had cheesecake cookie chunks inside and the Chocolate Cupcake with cookie dough inside. Yum! My husband, being a peanut butter fan, liked the Chocolate Covered Banana Cupcake, which also had peanut butter frosting underneath the chocolate shell.

So, If you're looking for a great cupcake delivery service to cater your next shin dig, definitely give Dorothy a call.

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The tale of Eddie the shoe shining homeless man

Have I told you how much I love living in Downtown, LA? Well, I do! It's been several months now and I feel that our move to DTLA has rejuvenated me, just being able to walk to restaurants each night and go out for drinks without turning on our car is such a luxury out here. We've also caught a few games and live theater and walked home after, it's so great.

The less glamorous part of walking in Downtown though is the scores of homeless that you pass along the way, which isn't surprising since the County of Los Angeles is now the homeless capital of the United States, surpassing by far New York City, Chicago and San Francisco’s homeless populations. However, I live a few blocks away from the more sketchy areas and knock-on-wood, I haven't had any issues. Instead, I'm often giving a buck or two to the different vagabonds that catch my eye like this one veteran I saw the other day and those who aren't abrasively asking for a handout and crowding me. Granted, I also shake my head and walk pass a great many too, which saddens me.

There is this one man though named Eddie who often sleeps on our street, just to the side of our building with a shopping cart and a makeshift tent. At first, I was ungraciously annoyed at this poor guy for being so near to us, thinking that he gave off a bad impression to those visiting us. It soon became apparent though that he was harmless. He never once approached me as I passed by alone. Even the Downtown Public Safety guys leave him alone, which spoke volumes to his sanity that they didn't make him move. The most endearing part is that instead of a sign asking for money, he would have a shoe shine sign out in an attempt to earn some money. I unfortunately haven't seen anyone take him up on his services, but Raphael said he once saw someone do it.

Since I didn't have any shoes worthy of shining, I decided to finally stop and say "hello." His face, which was at first blank and lost in thought, brightened up in greeting with a big smile that showed some missing teeth. His face meanwhile seemed sharp with awareness and warmth. He said "hello" back, and I handed him a dollar and pointed out that I lived in the building next to him.

Days later, I kept thinking about his happy face, which I didn't feel like I deserved. After that, I hadn't seen him for awhile, so when I saw him again, I stopped to speak with him with Raphael. I commented that I hadn't seen him in awhile and apparently, due to the rain, he said he was sleeping in another spot. I asked if he would be here again tomorrow because I wanted to drop off a few things for him. He said yes and thanked me.

I then compiled a tote bag with a disposable razor, a beanie cap, baseball hat, scarf, socks, comb, mints and some apple juice boxes. The next day, I didn't wait for Raphael to be there with me to go over to Eddie, I felt comfortable enough. He was there in his usual spot, washing his feet with some sort of spray. I proclaimed, "I told you that I'd be back," He smiled his big grin and said "Yes, you did." I gave him the different items that I had for him and he said thanks and asked for my name, which I shared with him. He also said to thank my "old man" too, which I thought was funny. The following day, Raphael spotted him wearing the Pepsi JOY beanie that I gave him, seen above.

I feel good knowing that he's using the stuff that I gave him and that I'm not simply ignoring him or his plight, but it still doesn't seem to be enough. In New York, I'd often save my restaurant leftovers for the guys in the park and can start doing the same for Eddie and collect any other useful swag for him, but it still seems trivial when I'm doing so well in comparison.

It seems that I'm not the only person affected by Eddie's charms though, as his hand written shoe shine sign has recently been replaced with a professional graphic designed one that someone must have donated to him. You can spot the new fold out sign in the background of the above pic.

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