- Gambassa

Transcription

- Gambassa
magazine
AMANDA
RIGHETTI
Has Great Taste in Wine
TRAVEL
Beijing
Maui
CHRIS ROCK
BEN STILLER
Go Wild in
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
ECO AMBITION
Green Lighting
Please be kind, don’t put me to waste,
pass me on or put me back in my place.
NOVEMBER 08 1 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 2 NOVEMBER 08
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LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Sandy and Danny Together Again!
Qantas goodwill ambassadors at large Olivia Newton John and John Travolta
at Flight Path Museum for inauguration of A380 regular air service
Olivia Newton-John and John Tr avolta: LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS
LEttER fRoM thE EditoRs
S
ometimes, it’s hard to tell what season it is in Los Angeles. It seems like the summer sun beats down on
the well-trodden pavement of Sunset Blvd. and Highland Ave. 365 days a year. You know that it’s getting
colder in the rest of the world, but you are still wearing short sleeves, open toe shoes and eating your lunch
in the sun, not to mention that going to the beach in October is pretty cool. But here we are in November with
an election behind us and a new president ahead of us. Basketball season is back and football season is starting
to get interesting. The economy is slowing down, but the world still turns. People continue to travel which
brings us to you. May your journey be safe but adventurous; may you try new experiences with an eager heart.
Without further adieu, we bring you LAX Magazine Issue No. 2, featuring the lovely Amanda Righetti on its cover.
Amanda talked to us about her role in the forthcoming frightening re-make of Friday the 13th, her favorite wines,
loving the movie biz and popping off rounds. What’s more L.A. than that? Plus, she’s also in this fall’s Role Models
— another raucous screen comedy. That’s sometimes the only way to tell what season it is — the movie schedule!
Amanda Righetti: DANNY ROTHENBERG
Welcome to Los Angeles! We’re here for you: in the terminal and beyond.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 10 NOVEMBER 08
contributor
profiles
JEN METZLER
Who: Stylist
Halloween costume: Chrissy from
Three’s Company
Where: Malibu
JESSICA MILLER
Who: Design
Halloween costume: Pirate
Where: Malibu
KELLY MAYERICK
Who: Art Direction
Halloween costume: Wonder
Woman
Where: San Diego
DANNY ROTHENBERG
Who: Photographer
Halloween costume: Menace
Where: Los Angeles
Jessica Miller and Jen Metzler : DANNY ROTHENBERG
RICK FLORINO
Who: Entertainment Editor
Halloween costume: Jules Winfield
Where: Los Angeles
SIOBHAN HIGGINS
Who: Product placement
Halloween costume: Goddess
Where: Malibu
NOVEMBER 08 11 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
28
Party Seen
Were you there?
Watch & Listen
DJ Edge on CSI, Hard Festival and Madagascar 2
Tech Buzz
The latest digital toys
Automotive
Drool worthy rides
Accessories
What to buy this season
Art
Paul Allison III
Heroes
The USO at LAX
Citizen LAX
Los Angeles World Airports Chief of Police,
George Centeno
Stay Here Now
Cover Stories
29 Amanda Righetti
talks Friday the 13th, set mishaps, fine wine,
cruising Compton and much, much more
33 Eco Ambition
35 Travel
Lighting the way to a greener world
Maui, Beijing
35
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 12 NOVEMBER 08
53
57
58
59
62
65
Farmer’s Daughter and Marriott LAX
Food
The Dolce Group, Sashi Sushi,
and the Restaurant Guide
Calendar
Check out what’s happening
Local Map
The ocean is to the west
Crossword & Sudoku
LAX Terminal Map
Amanda Righetti: DANNY ROTHENBERG, Greentorch Group: JASMERPHOTO.COM
44
45
Airline Update
Last Glimpse
It’s time for basketball
33
NOVEMBER 08 13 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
ISSUE NO. 2
NOVEMBER 2008
Publisher
Simon Media Company
Editors
Siobhan Higgins
Jennifer Metzler
Jessica Miller
Contributors
Kris Bugbee
Scott Campbell
Kristen Carpenter
J. Hope Casselman
Jean Chang
Jenae Cohn
Frank DiMarco
David Ferrigno
Rick Florino
Lisa France
Lena Katz
Jacquelyn Lising
Xian Yan Liu
Mary Margaret Musser
Pietz Peterson
Kevin Sohal
Lindsay Wilson
Kim Winternheimer
Graphic Design
Katherine Awatea
Sandy Kitayama
Inna Kurguzov
Kelly Mayerick
Photographers
Frank DiMarco
Danny Rothenberg
Kevin Sohal
Advertising and Media Sales
Cambria Dotterer
Katie Hill
Siobhan Higgins
Stephanie Miller
Anne Pickard
Advertising Inquiries
For all advertising inquiries please call the advertising sales team at
(310) 279-5189 or email
[email protected]
© 2008 LAX Magazine is published monthly by Simon Media Company. All
rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent
those of Los Angeles World Airports. The publisher reserves the right to
accept or reject all advertising matter. The publisher assumes no liability for
return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs or manuscripts.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 14 NOVEMBER 08
Write to us!
We would love to hear
your questions and comments
about LAX Airport
and LAX Magazine.
Please send comments,
questions and suggestions to
[email protected]
or call (310) 279-5189
LAX Airport Information
(310) 646-5252
A product of skillful hands.
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NOVEMBER 08 15 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
PARTY SEEN
Hot in Hollywood Variety Show
benefitting charities dedicated to the education,
prevention, testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine
Heigl and T.R. Knight ■ Neil Patrick Harris ■
America Ferrera from Ugly Betty hosted the event
LAX Magazine editor
Jennifer Metzler with
Scottie Pippen and
Ron Harper at House of
Hoops at the Beverly Center
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 16 NOVEMBER 08
Hollywood Life
House at the 2008
Toronto International
Film Festival
Ludacris,
Zac Efron, Claire Danes,
Thandie Newton
CLOCKWISE:
LAX Magazine editor
Siobhan Higgins with
Jason Bell and Grayson
Brutle at the Blackberry
Luxe Series
NOVEMBER 08 17 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
wATCH & LISTEN
Performing for actors can be bizarre for a musician. DJ Paul Edge has played
plenty of massive shows, but he faced a new challenge appearing behind
the turntables on this season’s Halloween episode of the CBS hit television
series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. “The crowd wasn’t hyped up enough,”
he laughs. “Normally, in a club the audience goes crazy. In this setting, they
couldn’t because there were cameras, interruptions, etc. However, CSI still
pushed the envelope with their footage. They got the right vibe.”
shock
therapy:
CSI Goes Electro
on Halloween
Edge is an expert when it comes to the “right” club vibe. He was the headlining
DJ at The Outer Limits, one of the UK’s biggest club nights in the 1990s. His
breakthrough track “The Metamorphosis of Narcotics” has become a veritable
trance classic, and in addition to infiltrating America musically, he has created
the “We Will Not Be Silenced” videos, two of the Internet’s most-watched viral
political videos. Now Edge’s swirling, psychedelic dance tracks can be heard on
the world’s most-watched television show.
During the Halloween club sequence, Edge’s pounding re-work of Stone
Temple Pilots’ “Sex Type Thing” morphs into his pulsating original track
“Release Yourself.” He also lays a gyrating depth charge with his “LSDevil,”
which heightens the mood in two more of the episode’s scenes. As a DJ, Edge
stands out on today’s scene by seamlessly blending rugged hard rock grooves
and ethereal electronic transmissions with his fluid embrace of the psychedelic.
“I’m trying to add a foundation to American dance music with rock,” he says.
“There’s a natural synergy between rock and electronica because they’re both
based on energy.”
On the original CSI — based in Las Vegas — that musical energy propels the narrative. Edge’s
tracks capture the show’s sexy swagger with their crawling synth lines and raw riffs. CSI coproducer Phil Conserva was a fan of the DJ’s work, and he chose Edge to appear as himself
on the show. “Part of CSI’s attitude comes from the music that we select,” says Conserva.
“CSI is about people finding the truth through evidence, and that takes a lot of time. Music
helps us get through some of it. We try to be as bold as possible, and using Paul’s style of
music is certainly bold.”
Edge is thrilled to join a CSI repertoire of musical guests that also includes heavyweights John
Mayer, Coldplay and Sigur Ros. “What I do is not mainstream music,” he says, “but that is
why CSI is still one of television’s biggest shows after nine seasons, because they’re willing to
push the envelope.”
DJ Paul Edge is pushing the envelope too, making them the perfect pair.
– Rick Florino
HARD
FESTIVAL
“One almighty party,” that’s the way festival organizer DJ
Destructo describes his HARD Fest. However, it’s even more
than that. Already with its third and fourth installments in
sight, HARD has become Los Angeles’s premier electronic
music party. Last New Year’s Eve marked HARD’s birth with
earth-shattering performances by Justice and Peaches.
Then the sequel came in July, with N.E.R.D., MSTRKRFT and
Steve Aoki rocking the party until the summer sun rose.
However, HARD has its two biggest nights later in the year.
Halloween was the first HARD Haunted Mansion, and it
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 18 NOVEMBER 08
featured a much blogged about performance by Simian
Mobile Disco and a head-spinning DJ-set from everyone’s
favorite Frenchmen, Justice. Then New Years Eve has some
real surprises in store. HARD’s becoming the place to be for
electronic music, and there’s one simple reason. Destructo
concludes, “No one’s standing or sitting. Everyone’s
jumping and pumping. We create an environment for
people to go for it big time.” For electronic music, HARD’s
the only way to go.
– Rick Florino
born to be wild
Chris Rock and
Ben Stiller need to
do more movies
together. Put them
in a room with each
other, and it’s like
“Clash of the Comic
Titans.” Despite their
respective mega-star
status, they come
off as friendly and
cordial. Sometimes,
Hollywood’s brightest
stars also happen to
be the warmest.
by Rick Florino
Rock and Stiller have hopped back on for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the sequel to the 2005
animated juggernaut. It’s a hilarious follow-up to the first film that finds the four main characters
stranded in Africa. Massive laughs ensue, often as a result of the combined efforts of Rock and
Stiller. They spoke to us about reprising their respective four-legged roles — Marty the Zebra for
Rock and Alex the Lion for Stiller — watching Hairspray and improvising with no audience.
LAX: Since you’re both parents, do you feel like you know what’s
going to make kids laugh?
Chris Rock: A little bit. I remember I kept saying we need more
dance numbers. They said Ben had a similar note. I’d seen my kids
loving Hairspray. My kids love Hairspray — all of them. They watch
it over and over again. I’ve seen Hairspray in London. I’ve seen it on
Broadway. If Hairspray’s playing, then we’re there.
Ben Stiller: My kids keep me connected to what kids like because
you see what they respond to. They like silliness and fun. It keeps
you loose. They like crazy things. My son likes anything his sister
likes. He’s also obsessed with Thomas trains. He knows every train by
name. It’s like a crazy cult.
LAX: When kids find out that you’re Alex the Lion and Marty the
Zebra from Madagascar, does it surprise them?
Ben Stiller: They don’t really care who’s in a movie. I think adults care
more about who’s in it. Kids just love the characters. It makes you
think about what kids can relate to. When parents point at me and tell
their kids, “Hey, that’s Alex the Lion.” It’s definitely like bursting their
bubble. The kids just look at me like, “No.”
Chris Rock: When I think about it, a kid would actually prefer Carrot
Top in this movie to me. Obviously, the red hair’s a better choice.
LAX: How much input do you get on your lines?
Chris Rock: You’re encouraged to ad-lib, as long as you’re not cursing.
I think Ben and I were encouraged to ad-lib, I don’t know if everybody
was [Laughs]. You know what I mean? Ben directs, and I’ve directed.
You want some people to ad-lib, and some people you’re like, “Hey,
cut that from the script!” It’s like, “Kobe can shoot whatever he
wants. You, pass the ball!” [Laughs]
Ben Stiller: In our scenes together, we went off of what each other
was doing and improvised. I feel like Marty is such a great character.
He’s really unique. He’s an aspect of what Chris does. His voice and
the animation create this independent character.
LAX: So would you both be down for a Madagascar 3, if that
opportunity arises?
Chris Rock: I think we’re going to have to help the penguins out if
there is one. If Ben Stiller’s on, I’m on. I don’t work without the star
[Laughs].
Ben Stiller: [Laughs] I have to see what I’m doing in 2018…I definitely
would be on. It’s fun to do, and it’s great that the kids are into it.
NOVEMBER 08 19 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
GADGET REVIEW
BlackBerry Roundup
Research In Motion (RIM) has been
very busy this year. Threatened by
Apple’s iPhone, competition has
forced more innovative designs
and features.
T-Mobile BlackBerry
Pearl Flip
The BlackBerry 8220 aka Pearl Flip is
the first BlackBerry with a clamshell
design. For those of you who couldn’t
get enough of the Motorola StarTAC,
this phone is for you. Essentially a
BlackBerry Pearl folded in half; you’ve
got Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (b and g), and a
2.0 megapixel camera. Unfortunately
the Pearl Flip is EDGE only and doesn’t
include 3G so unless you’re using WiFi, don’t expect those web pages to
come up very fast.
The Pearl Flip is available now from
T-Mobile.
AT&T BlackBerry Bold
The BlackBerry 9000 aka Bold is RIM’s latest version of the
traditional BlackBerry. There’s a nice full keyboard, Bluetooth, GPS,
Wi-Fi (a, b, and g) and an improved screen. The Bold supports a
plethora of networks including UMTS (2100/1900/850 MHz) for high
speed 3G on AT&T and GSM/GPRS (1800/900 MHz) for Europe and
Asia-Pac. Unfortunately the camera didn’t get an upgrade, clocking
in at 2.0 megapixels. The home screen has a new intuitive design
and the browser, although it still doesn’t support Flash, does a
better job to rendering full web pages then previous phones
from RIM.
The Bold is available now from AT&T.
Verizon BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry 9500 aka Storm is the first BlackBerry without
a keyboard. RIM’s answer to the Apple iPhone has a full touch
screen that presses down, giving a tactile response while
typing. RIM is claiming that this is the closest thing to typing
on a keyboard. The phone includes Bluetooth, GPS and a 3.2
megapixel camera but omits Wi-Fi. The Storm is also global
friendly supporting CDMA EV-DO Rev. A networks in the U.S. and
high speed 3G UMTS/HSPDA for GSM networks abroad (basically
every network the Bold supports, plus Verizon EV-DO Rev. A).
Although a date hasn’t been confirmed, rumors are Verizon will
release the Storm before the end of the year.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 20 NOVEMBER 08
bugbee
buzz
by Kris Bugbee
Have some news that you would like to share?
Send tips to [email protected].
Sony TT subnotebook
Following the Sony T-series tradition of
ultra portable laptops, the new Sony TT
subnotebook is the highest performing
(and most expensive) in its class. This 2.87
lbs. subnote is absolutely loaded with a
SU9300 (1.2GHz) or SU9400 (1.4GHz) Core
2 Duo CPU, Blu-ray burner, HDMI output,
and optional dual 128GB SSD drives. As
with the previous T-series models, the
TT has a 11.1” LED backlight and the case
primarily carbon fibre which makes it
super strong and light.
Canon 5D Mark II
This is a game changer. Not to be outdone by Nikon’s D90, the full-frame 21.1
megapixel Canon 5D Mark II shoots high definition 1080p video at 30 frames
per second. The new 5D includes the upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor which
allows for long burst shooting of multiple images, better image quality, and
an almost instant startup time. Also new to the camera is HDMI output which
allows you to plug the camera directly in to your HDTV so you can view your
photos and videos.
The Sony TT is available now ranging from
$2125 for the base model to $4345 for the
“I have the fastest subnotebook on the
planet” model.
T-Mobile G1
This is Google’s official entry into the mobile phone space. The G1 is powered by Android, an open source
operating system that Google developed. The phone has a sliding screen revealing a full keyboard, trackball,
Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi (b and g), and a 3.2 megapixel camera. The web browser is very solid for an initial release
but that’s not surprising since it’s built on the same core as Mobile Safari for the iPhone. And just like the iPhone,
there’s no Flash support (yet). Web pages do look good despite the limited 320x480 screen resolution. The G1
is the first phone to get an enhanced version of Google Maps that includes detailed street level views. Another
highlight is the ability to run applications in the background meaning you still receive your instant messages
while you browse the web or take calls. The phone also includes Android Market. Similar to the App Store on the
iPhone, Android Market lets you browse and download applications and games to your phone and the majority
of them are free. The most exciting aspect of the phone is its growth potential. With Google’s backing and the
open nature of the platform the G1 will likely be the phone that gets the next ‘it’ application. One example is
ShopSavvy. Using the built-in camera you can take a picture of a bar code of any product and it will find the best
prices of that product online and in stores nearby based on your GPS location.
The G1 is available now from T-Mobile.
NOVEMBER 08 21 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW
automotive
excursions
by Kevin Sohal
Audi R8
out of your rental Chevy Aveo (no offense to Aveo owners — I know
they get great gas mileage). So what exactly does it take to not be
ridiculed when pulling up to the valet stand at a posh L.A. nightclub?
On a recent October day, Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car General Manager,
Daniel Park allowed me to taste a small but sweet sample of a few
rides that their highly regarded business offers to the public; in order
to put this question to rest.
If fitting in is what you’re after, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 is a
good starting point; Los Angeles boasts the highest population of SL
roadsters in the world so rest assured that your tourist identity will
be securely concealed — not to mention how cool you’ll think you
look when your rental transforms from hard-top coupe to open-air
convertible in less than twenty seconds. Sporting a mild restyle for
2009, the SL’s exterior received a new front fascia, larger “gill-like”
vents in the front fenders, and the rear-end is also beefed-up with
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 22 NOVEMBER 08
an integrated air diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tips — all of which
combine to form brutish masculine look.
The interior of the SL also received minor updates in the form of a
three-spoke steering wheel and a revised gauge-cluster. Mercedes
opted to forgo replacement of the pavement-pounding 5.5-liter
382hp V8 that will hurl you and your Dolce sunglasses to 60mph
in just 5.3 seconds; combined with a seven-speed automatic
transmission which can be actuated manually via steering wheelmounted paddle-shifters, piloting the SL around L.A. is a blast in any
driving situation.
Although many can do just fine with simply fitting in, there are
those who thrive on attention; for this type of person, Beverly Hills
Rent-A-Car presents their Exotic Collection. At the entry-level to this
assortment of exquisite automobiles sits the Audi R8. Having existed
for only a year, the rental of an R8 ensures exclusivity. Available at
$1,800 per day, the R8’s 420hp V8 located a couple inches behind
your head will whisk you and the all-aluminum chassis to 60mph in 4.4
seconds and a top speed of 187mph.
R8, Drophead, Smar t For two: KEVIN SOHAL
W
hen planning your excursion to Los Angeles, it is essential to
not overlook your automobile. You can pack all the Armani
shirts, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, and Prada shoes that
you own; but it will all be meaningless when you’re spotted stepping
Drivers of the R8 are treated to quite possibly the most
pleasant ride-quality in the “exotic car” category with a
suspension that’s best described as “just firm enough”
and a clutch that’s easily manageable in horrendous L.A.
traffic. And if, heaven forbid, you end up parked on the
freeway, toying with the driver-controllable pop-up rear
spoiler can provide hours of amusement.
If an exotic with extra headroom is what you desire, for
$3,000 a day you can turn the head of each and every
single person you pass in a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo
Roadster (they also offer the Gallardo Roadster in red,
and black). In the unlikely event that you happen to
catch someone not looking at you, a quick stab of the
throttle will promptly bring them to attention as 512
Italian horses beckon rampantly out the dual tailpipes.
The interior of the Gallardo leaves little to be desired.
With the climate control and navigation system coming
out of Audi’s production center, both are sophisticated
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
yet intuitive devices that can be employed with ease. If
the ultimate in smooth is what you desire, Beverly Hills’
Prestige Collection is what you’re looking for.
Serving as the flagship in Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car’s
expansive lineup is the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
Coupe. This is truly the crème de la crème of luxury
automobiles. The moment you set foot in the Drophead
and depress the suicide door’s close button (watch your
leg) you’ll be in complete and utter automotive bliss.
With the cushiest leather and finest teak wood trim
known to man, it can be difficult to discern whether
the Rolls is a car or a rolling yacht; and being that the
Drophead is significantly larger in dimension than a
Mercedes S-Class, it can also be difficult to discern
whether people are running off the road because
they’re staring at your car or because you’re taking up
half their lane.
If you do decide that an attention grabbing convertible
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet
is what you need but the Drophead is just slightly too
large, you may want to consider the Smart Fortwo
Cabriolet. Just like the Rolls-Royce, the Smart has two
doors, a convertible top, and a — well, that’s actually
where all the similarities end. At roughly one-third the
size of the Rolls, the Fortwo is a convertible of a slightly
different breed.
Engineered with the eco-minded consumer at
heart, Smart gave the Fortwo an ultra-low emission
70hp 3-cylinder engine and a herky-jerky automatic
transmission that will scoot you around the city at
upwards of 33miles-per-gallon. Combined with a
high-strength Tridion Safety Cell and the ability to park
nearly anywhere, the Smart could quite possibly be the
ultimate vehicle for urban travel.
So there you have it. Next time you’re planning your
trip to the Los Angeles area be sure to consult with Dan
and his Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car team. You can check out
their rates and inventory online at
www.bhrentacar.com and with their newly added Make
an Offer program that allows you to propose a bid for
your rental rate; you might be able to snatch up a car
at a surprising price. With twelve locations, over 100
different models, and this guide at your disposal — you
have no excuse to not be rolling in style.
NOVEMBER 08 23 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
ACCESSORIES FOR HER
hot
designer
Cate Adair Collections –
Animal Print Clutches
Available at www.cateadair.com
$225-275
by Lindsey Wilson
Personal stylist and Store Manager at BOCA
Pacific Palisades
([email protected])
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 24 NOVEMBER 08
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Cate Adair is the
Emmy-nominated Costume Designer for the
smash hit series, Desperate Housewives. Her
clutches have been seen on the ladies of
Wisteria Lane — on and off the set.
great
gift
ideas
Julie Starr Dresner –
Vintage Lockets
Available at www.juliestarrdresner.com
$380-$520
Epice –
Licorice Cashmere Striped Scarf
Contact 212-302-9399
$106
Kai Fragrance –
Kai Body Buffer
Available at www.kaifragrance.com
$36
Lodis Accessories –
Credit Card Case
w/Zipper Pocket
Available at www.lodis.com
$48
Velvet by Graham & Spencer –
Esmee Shaggy Hooded Jacket
Available at www.grahamandspencer.com
$220
NOVEMBER 08 25 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
ART
paul
allison III
I
n a place where the stars of Hollywood Boulevard dominate
the artistic landscape, it can be easy to forget that Los
Angeles plays host to thousands of aspiring virtuosos who
choose neither a microphone nor the silver screen, but canvas
and paint as their form of expression. With a city as full of
characters as ours, Paul Allison finds no shortage of stimulation
for his work. As a self-proclaimed “people watcher,” Allison can
often be found touring local streets and shopping malls, scoping
out the scenery and gaining inspiration for his next piece.
Working out of his two-bedroom apartment which he shares
with his twin brother, visitors are immediately drawn to the vast
sea of paint cans, brushes, and artwork that occupy his would-be
dining area. Belonging to a rare breed of artist who builds his own
canvases and incorporates a variety of unconventional materials
into his work (which almost always consists of several unlikely
layers and textures) his ‘studio’ of sorts is overflowing with an
array of supplies one would never expect to see in a conventional
painter’s workplace.
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When talking with him about his work, many people would be
quite surprised to find that the numerous layers which make
his painting so unique are often due to Allison simply becoming
disinterested or tired of looking at what lay before him on the
canvas. Allison explained, “In high-school I had a teacher who
told me that there can be no mistakes in art — because you can
always erase or paint over it.” When examining his work, past
and present, one can undoubtedly see that he has adopted this
philosophy with his art. A great deal of Allison’s work can be
viewed at galleries and charity events around the city, but he
maintains that regardless of whether it is purchased or not, every
piece of art he creates serves a purpose to him, if for no one else.
– Kevin Sohal
EMERGING TALENT
Between
the Mumbles
by Pietz Peterson
How do you know when you’ve
written a hit song? Andre Merritt
was in the booth. He had
just improvised a song about
paranoia. If there was any doubt
in his young mind, it was quickly
erased by a soft voice in his
headphones. Singing superstar
Rihanna happened to be in
the studio.
too eccentric. That musical
foresight has already scored big
with audiences with “Disturbia”, a
brooding dance number that strikes
an almost cinematic vision of an
unnamed terror, advising, “the
darkness is the light.”
Though much success has already
come to this young man, Andre is
acutely aware and unafraid of the
challenges ahead. “I’m not gonna
lie. It’s hard work. You wanna
believe that people are gonna
get you. You wanna believe that
people are going to get your work,
but a lot goes into it.” A mentor
like Jay-Z can serve as inspiration,
but the ever-changing technical
and commercial elements of the
modern music industry create a
constant frontier for emerging
musicians attempting to navigate
the business.
“Britney’s not getting this one”,
she said. That’s how you know
it’s a hit.
“Disturbia” was a smash hit, his
first number one, and had the
extreme honor of opening the
2008 MTV Video Music Awards.
Andre was in the audience for
the performance as Rihanna
electrified the crowd. Millions
of music fans around the globe
tuned in. It was a dream
come true.
Rihanna: MTV, Andre Mer r itt: OMAR GUERRA
Riding a wave of recent success,
Andre speaks about the future
with confidence and refreshing
candor. He and the Graffiti Artizts
team are now producing their own material,
transitioning from mainly songwriting to the
production of a full-length album with long
time collaborator Chris Brown, who worked
with Andre on the hit single “Forever”. The
move into producing will yield more creative
control, but also more responsibility. Andre
seems ready for it and confident in what can
set his musical vision apart from the pack.
He sums up his musical tastes saying, “I want
to take Journey and Chicago and introduce
them to Lauryn Hill. Ballads.” He is not
afraid of using the word “weird”, trusting
his own judgment to see (or hear) around
the corner for what others might consider
Proving his bona-fide Angeleno
status, the car is his refuge,
funneling the energy of the city
into his songs. Digital recorder at
hand, he constantly records his
adventures through the city, his thoughts,
snippets of a burgeoning melody. He
scours the recordings for an elusive melody
happened upon at a red light, searching for,
“that something between the mumbles.”
That “something” is an enormous talent for
cutting-edge songwriting as Andre continues
his upward trajectory through the city.
Andre’s Quick Picks
Best Breakfast: Vivian’s Millennium Café, 10968 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Healthier Option: Good Earth, 12345 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Best Burger: Steve’s Burgers, 16025 S. Figueroa St., Gardena
Best Live Music: Key Club, 9039 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Best Dance Music: The Cabana, 1430 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles
NOVEMBER 08 27 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
HEROES
A Name Befitting
By Kim Winternheimer
Entertainer Bob Hope was associated with charity and USO work long
before the USO at LAX donned his name. An avid contributor to USO
shows and charities throughout his long career, Bob Hope was perhaps
one of the foremost supporters of US troops through his work with
USO. In traveling to meet and entertain troops over the course of
several wars, Bob Hope’s name became synonymous with promoting the
mission that the United Service Organization was created to fulfill. The
fact that his name was approved for use with only one USO in the world,
only begins to shed light on the incredible volunteer effort and support
to the US military that the Bob Hope USO at LAX provides.
Historically, the United Service Organizations were developed to
increase the morale of American troops and to serve as a link to the
American people. This simple objective has been the foundation behind
numerous charitable efforts and causes under the umbrella of the USO.
What was once an effort to bring celebrities and support to the troops
in order to raise morale has now turned USO work into a multifaceted
support system for troops and their families.
The nearly 4,000 sq. foot facility at LAX airport is so much more than a
place for America’s travel weary troops to visit. The USO at LAX offers
hot showers, a place to rest, movies, CDs, a library, overnight facilities,
city resources, a 32 item menu (always including pizza) and Internet
and phone access for troops to communicate with family and friends.
These physical accommodations only begin to scratch the surface of
what the USO at LAX offers America’s troops. Because what the Bob
Hope USO at LAX promises to offer every visiting member of the U.S.
military is something far more valuable: a piece of home. Open 24 hours
a day, offering services at no cost, this independently funded facility
is successful because of the time nearly 230 volunteers endlessly and
selflessly provide, each week. A group comprised of senior officers,
lawyers, teachers, mothers, fathers and policemen represents the
perfect microcosm of a community in Los Angeles that is motivated to
support and to give back to American troops.
Today, the USO at LAX supports America’s troops.
When asked if Teilmann had any special accounts that were a good
representation of what the Bob Hope USO means to troops passing
through, his response was, “Yes. I have entire volumes of stories!” The
Guest Book that is signed by troops who pass through the USO reveals
accounts from soldiers arriving with the dirt from Afghanistan and Iraq
still fresh on their uniforms. Troops are re-infused with feelings of safety
and home. At times, remains pass through the USO and the darker side
of what our troops put on the line each day for Americans is reflected in
this somber reminder.
Whatever the account, phrases of extreme gratitude are overwhelmingly
expressed. It is in these stories and in the faces of the troops that pass
through the USO that the volunteers and businesses who donate time
and money find rewards for their contributions. The gratitude these
contributors feel must be the way Bob Hope felt in his tireless efforts
with USO over decades. It certainly becomes obvious that the Bob Hope
USO at LAX is an organization united in charity and befitting of the Bob
Hope name.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 28 NOVEMBER 08
Troops: KEVIN SOHAL, Bob Hope: LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS
Bob Hope kicks off a USO Tour at LAX. (1965)
Mike Teilmann, a retired US General, friend to the Hope family and
current director of the USO at LAX, has played on a large part in turning
the facility into one worthy of the Bob Hope name. In 2001, the USO, a
quarter of its current size at its current location in the middle of LAX’s
passenger terminal area, was nothing compared to the “home” it now
represents for America’s troops.
CITIZEN LAX
T
he man was in a panic as he held his choking baby
under his arm, trying to find help. He had no idea
where the hospital was and could do nothing but wander.
Suddenly he noticed a police car. It was George Centeno,
a new policeman who was out late that evening patrolling
the streets.
As soon as Centeno saw the baby turning blue, he applied
the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged a penny from the
choking baby’s throat. The color returned to the baby’s
face and Centeno directed the man towards the hospital.
Had it not been for Centeno, the baby would have died.
“When you get to look into somebody’s eyes and see the
gratification, that’s when you feel like, ‘Wow, I did make a
difference,’” said Centeno.
Chief Centeno: JEN METZLER
This act of service earned Centeno his first medal at the
Santa Monica Police Department and was only part of his
nearly thirty years of service at that agency.
Now as the fourth executive to serve as Chief of Airport
Police at Los Angeles World Airports; since 2007, Centeno
leads approximately 1,200 sworn and civilians personnel
in efforts to ensure airport safety. While Centeno was
originally hired as the Assistant Chief, he now leads one of
the largest contingent of law enforcement officers in Los
Angeles County.
“I’ve grown to love this organization and all the
members,” said Centeno. “They are very proud of the
agency and want this organization to be the best airport
law enforcement and security agency in the nation. When
you have that kind of desire, my job is to provide direction
and vision on how to get there.”
“We need to be giving of ourselves in this position,”
Centeno tells his officers when they confront challenges at
the airport.
Centeno, however, has been giving himself to others
since he was a teen, growing up in a large family of four
boys and five girls in the Santa Monica and Venice area.
Centeno was determined from the time he was a teen to
pursue a career in the military or law enforcement. After
serving in the military, including a tour in South Korea,
Centeno left and joined the SMPD where he served from
1977 to 2004. During his time with the SMPD, Centeno was
decorated with a Life Saving Medal and Medal of Courage.
To Centeno, however, these honors are merely accents to
an intrinsically rewarding position of serving others.
“It’s not the stars [on my collar]; it’s my soul and
integrity,” Centeno said.
Although Centeno intended to retire after his work in the
SMPD, he took the job at LAX because he missed working
in law enforcement. Centeno keeps his work life and home
life balanced by painting and sculpting, which keeps his
mind open and his spirit healthy.
“Art is a balance for me because in art, there is no right or
wrong,” Centeno said. “[Art] helped me to see that there
is room for discretion in our lives.”
Centeno’s devotion to law enforcement leads him to
believe that he will serve for as long as he can at LAX.
“We are all given these gifts,” Centeno said. “It just
depends on how we use them.”
NOVEMBER 08 29 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Cuts
Like a
Knife
Amanda Righetti talks
Friday the 13th,
set mishaps, fine
wine, cruising
Compton and
much, much more.
By Rick Florino & David Ferrigno
Photography by Danny Rothenberg
Hair by Johnny Rodriguez
Makeup by Rene Dashiell
This page:
Grecian cami in wine,
Holly Morgan, www.hollymorgandesigns.com
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 30 NOVEMBER 08
It’s not easy being a “Scream Queen.” If you think of the actresses synonymous
with that moniker, immediately some chillingly spine-tingling performances
come to mind. There’s Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, Neve Campbell in Scream,
and, of course, the most notable, Janet Leigh in Psycho. Starring opposite a
psychotic movie villain requires a subdued sensuality, and not just any young
actress can pull it off. However, Amanda Righetti’s not your average sexy young
Hollywood starlet. That’s why she signed on for the hotly anticipated re-make
of the horror classic Friday the 13th (In theaters on, surprise, surprise, Friday
February 13th 2009).
Amanda’s stunning beauty is hypnotic, and as she stares through long tresses of
sandy brown hair, her emerald eyes widen. She’s excited to talk about Friday the
13th, which is bound to scare the hell out of moviegoers this winter. However,
Amanda’s no stranger to the screen. She’s also starring opposite Seann William
Scott, Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks in Role Models this fall. Plus, she’s been on
Reunion, CSI, The O.C., K-Ville and Entourage. She is currently on The Mentalist,
CBS’s latest police drama. She spoke candidly to LAX about becoming a “Scream
Queen” and much more in our exclusive chat with her.
How does Jason 2009 differ from the original
scourge of the screen?
Jason has a new mask. He’s a new kind of Jason.
For one, he’s human. Unlike later installments of
the franchise, he’s no longer some supernatural
zombie creature.
That’s interesting for producer Michael Bay to
revert Jason to a human character, instead of
accelerating the supernatural elements.
Yes, exactly! It’s great. It’s different. It has many
of the best elements of the first four films all
rolled-up in one. There’s a lot of cool stuff. They
kept some of the famous deaths from the
first movies.
The director, Marcus Nipsel also directed the
Texas Chainsaw Massacre re-make. What was it
like working with him?
He’s interesting — an eccentric cat. He’s very
visual. The sets, as creepy as they are, are
beautiful. They’re really well lit. In TCM, you see
a lot of light shafts coming through the trees.
There’s a lot of that in the new Friday the 13th.
Visually, it was very cool. There should be a full
trailer available soon so people can get a taste.
The movie was shot in Austin. Did you enjoy
hanging out down there?
Austin was a blast. It was such a fun city! I was
there April ‘til July. It started to heat up pretty
bad towards the end. Thankfully, my scenes
were all shot at night, which I welcomed,
because it was so muggy during the day. To have
to work in that would have been really hard. You
get sluggish. It wasn’t cool at night, but it was
better than having the sun beating down on you.
We had some cool locations out on the outskirts
of Austin — backwoodsy locations. Shooting out
in the woods at night — it was scary just being
there! [Laughs] It was easy to get into character
and be scared!
How was your first meeting with Michael Bay?
I didn’t audition for him at all. I didn’t meet him
until half-way through the movie. He flew out
for a big party half-way through the shoot. I met
him then. We met,
and he gave me his
notes about a few
of the scenes that
he was concerned
about. I think he was
watching some of
the stuff that was
going on. He had
a microscope on
the script. He expressed his ideas about how it
should be played and how it would turn out and
gave me his notes, which was cool. He’s a nice
guy. It was a business meeting, but there were a
lot of people around. That made the encounter a
little strange, but he seemed like a nice guy.
“I really love
what I do. It
takes me on so
many different
journeys.”
Anything embarrassing happen to you on
the set?
I did a lot of my own stunts. My knees got really
wrecked on the movie. It was embarrassing that
I had to keep icing my knees between takes. I
was trying to be a trooper about it. There were
a lot of Murphy’s Law things that happened. I
don’t know if it was embarrassing as much as
it was challenging. There was one particular
night which I think was really funny. Jonathan
Zadowski probably doesn’t think it’s as funny
I do though! We were shooting at night in the
middle of the woods, in this back-woodsy,
creepy Boy Scout camp, and it was pitch black.
NOVEMBER 08 31 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
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LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 32 NOVEMBER 08
You had to walk a little while to get to a restroom. So,
Jonathan walked off to go to the restroom. We grabbed
Derrick, who played Jason and said “Derrick, dude, you HAVE
to scare Zadowski.” He went and hid in the bushes. When
Jonathan walked back, Derrick jumped out of the bushes
and totally scared the piss out of Zadowski! He put the mask
on, full makeup, the whole bit. That was hysterical! It was
so funny. We had a great time on the set. There was a lot of
joking going on — good laughs and good people.
What do you do to keep that body in such great shape?
I like to box. I do. I don’t spar, but I’ll train with mitts on.
I really like Muay Thai. A lot of the UFC guys train in Muay
Thai. It’s a fighting technique. Something about punching
things just does it for me. I also have a personal trainer that
I meet with three times a week. That’s more weight training
and resistance training. I just did the Malibu triathlon with
one of my cast mates on The Mentalist, Owain Yeoman. And
I was training for that for about a month. We switched it up.
That was a lot more endurance training than it was
resistance training.
Was that your first triathlon?
That was my first triathlon. It was a Celebrity Challenge for
charity event. And...thank goodness we did it as a relay
team, because you have to be a special kind of crazy to do
the whole thing. I did the running portion. It’s like 4 miles. I
just remember everything started burning about 3/4 of the
way in. I was like, “Oh no. How am I gonna make it through
the rest.” It was for a good cause — the Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital. With everybody watching, you don’t
want to mess up or trip over yourself. You just keep going.
summer. My husband and I usually go after Christmas for a
week and it’s always raining. So I was excited to go in the
summer and see how different it was in daylight. Just sit and
watch the sunset, watch the stars at night. It was really really
relaxing. It was gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Any favorite wineries?
I love Grgich Hills. Grgich Hills is a favorite. And Hess. I met
Mike Grgich. He’s a really interesting guy. He was at the
winery one day when we were there a few years ago. He’s
very sweet. We hit Grgich every time we go. I love
that winery.
Do you prefer reds or whites?
I appreciate both. It depends on my mood. I like Cabernets
and Chardonnays. Grgich makes delicious cabs and chards.
If you were going to a desert island and got to bring a case
of something?
I would take a mixed box of Grgich and Châteauneuf-dupape. I’m not a wine connoisseur, but those are definitely my
favorites. I was in Budapest wine country with some friends,
which was really beautiful. We spent the day at a winery with
peach trees, pear trees and all kinds of fruit trees. We just
sat there and drank the wine right out the barrels with some
fruit and cheese. I love to do that. I think there’s something
about the care that’s put into making wine — like a great
Continued on page 64
If you ask me next year, I might have a different take on
it, but right now, it’s not something I’m eager to do again.
It’s been a big year of endurance for my training. I did a lot
of endurance training right before I did the film. I feel like
I need to give my body a break. I’ve been pushing myself
hard — proving a lot to myself. I finished a lot of things that I
never thought I could do. It’s time to slow down a little bit.
What do you do or where do you go to slow down?
Well, Labor Day weekend I went to Napa. It is so beautiful.
We had great weather and I really wanted to do a hot air
balloon ride. I had one scheduled the day I was leaving. So
we showed up before sunrise, but it was too windy. I was so
bummed out. I really really really wanted to go. I’ve never
been up in a hot air balloon. It was a little disappointing, but
the rest of the trip was amazing.
We drove the coast and stopped in Cambria the first night
and went to the Hearst Castle. I’d never been to Napa in the
“Acting has given me a respect
for the human condition and to
the opportunity to connect to
the way people react to things.”
NOVEMBER 08 33 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Lighting the Way to a
Greener World
By Lisa France
Angelenos are constantly seeking new ways to be green. They’ll try everything from buying smaller
cars and powering down air conditioning to electing paper instead of plastic at the grocery store.
Downtown Los Angeles based Greentorch is lighting the way to a greener world.
G
reentorch an eco-friendly lighting
solutions company, was recently
featured on segments of Discovery
Channel’s Planet Green TV series entitled,
Alter Eco, hosted by Adrian Grenier (star of
HBO’s Entourage).
In a recent installment, Greentorch joined the
Alter Eco team of Grenier, eco-developer Rick
Byrd, and Supermodel Angela Lindvall, to
overhaul the Pharmaka gallery in downtown
Los Angeles, making it the first “green”
art gallery in the country. The results were
illuminating: use of Greentorch LED lighting
technologies reduced the lighting load of the
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 34 NOVEMBER 08
gallery by 90% from 3800 watts to 375 watts.
Not long after that first episode, Greentorch
was back on the case, this time working with
the Alter Eco team to overhaul a $3.5 million,
1920’s spanish stunner in Los Feliz. Again,
the team delivered the goods, using CFL
bulbs, solar trees, low-flow sinks and toilets
to obtain Platinum LEED certification for the
residential building.
LAX caught up with Greentorch CEO Gary
Glass and CFO David Ferrigno to hear more
about their products and plans in this
emerging space.
LAX: What inspired the creation of
www.Greentorch.com?
Gary Glass: Greentorch was an outgrowth
of my experience as a programmer in the
biotech industry. I spent years analyzing
corporate processes and leveraging
technology to make every department
of a multi-national corporation paperless
while still conforming to the rigorous
documentation required for scientific
research and by law. What I realized during
my analysis was that running a business
was incredibly taxing to the environment.
Concurrently, a friend of mine was working
at a major electrical company and wanted to break
away and start his own company. He asked if I
would lend my experience in systems, technology
and infrastructure to his cause. I said, “Sure. But,
instead of paying me cash, I want in on the game.”
Luckily we wanted to focus on different areas of the
electrical industry. I helped him start his company
and he helped me start mine.
LAX: Why did you want to start in lighting?
GG: I wanted to build a platform for improving
the environment long-term. I wanted to do the
most good and have the biggest impact in terms
sustainability and saving the environment. I felt that
the place to do this was in commercial lighting, more
specifically commercial safety lighting. I started
with five different types of exit signs. It’s something
that every company and every building has, needs.
They’re a huge expense within the building process
and one of the big hidden expenses in running a
business, building or managing a property. We’re
trying to spread the word as quickly as possible.
Did you know that just one exit sign can burn up
$40 of electricity per year? The costs of replacing
the batteries or bulbs in these signs is even more.
Imagine an average office, hotel or apartment
building with hundreds of these! It’s almost always
overlooked, but a quick simple way to identify
thousands of dollars in savings per year.
LAX: Have you noticed a corporate trend toward
going green?
GG: Yes. Thankfully it’s been catching on over the
last five years. Current incandescent bulbs — the
light bulbs in exit signs — are being pushed away
finally. You’re seeing a faze-out of the energy- and
maintenance-hog designs. Do the math. The
Greentorch photoluminescent exit signs use zero
electricity, and our LEC exit signs draw only 1/4th
a watt, down from the typical 35-40 watts — with
the money you can save by installing these new
ultra energy-efficient exit-signs, it’s a no-brainer.
These technologies have a great future within safety
lighting and are available now.
LAX: What differentiates Greentorch from a
traditional retailer or a web entity selling exit signs
or energy-efficient lighting solutions?
David Ferrigno: Most companies who are bringing
new products to the market are burdened by their
costly legacy infrastructure. Prior to the internet,
massive networks of wholesalers, transportation,
distributors, logistics, sales reps, and brick-andmortar stores were required to deliver products to
end users. Consider the overhead to support the
organization in each of those areas. By leveraging
technology we are more efficient, and bring the
products directly from our factory to the end user.
We operate lean and mean. We can bring innovation
and new products to market quicker and pass that
savings directly to the builder or consumer.
LAX: In addition to safety lighting, what other types
of products do you offer?
GG: For general ambient lighting, we now offer
high-powered LED light bulbs. Many companies are
pitching compact fluorescent bulbs, but for now, we
are deciding to not go this direction.
LAX: Let’s get back to the individual. Can changing
out bulbs make a difference in my house?
GG: This is perfect. We actually just went through this
example in the real world with another challenge
given to us by Adrian and Alter Eco. They are
building, with developer Richard Byrd and Byrd
Development, an ultra luxury, Platinum LEED
certified home in L.A. Rick and Adrian were familiar
with what we could do in a commercial environment
after we greened the Pharmaka Art gallery in
downtown Los Angeles. “We need Greentorch
technology for a house can you help us?” They were
going to install 90 watt and 75 watt halogen bulbs
throughout the home. They are going for a Spanish,
rustic feel and with aesthetics that could not be
accomplished using compact fluorescent. CFL would
have ruined the warmth and comfort of the house.
We also lit the 100-foot tall oak tree in the back yard
using our 9watt fixture called the Lumenterra. Ask
any landscape designer, and they will tell you, this is
quite a feat!
Greentorch customers include Disney Corporate
Headquarters, Boeing, McDonalds, The Valadon Hotel,
MGM, Anaheim Convention Center, Vanity Fair, The
United Nations, The Custom Hotel, Juicy Couture,
House of Blues, UC Irvine, UC Davis, Stanford, Holiday
Inn, Delta Airlines and The Irvine Company to name
a few.
For more information:
Greentorch
Gary Glass and
the Alter Eco
team goes to
work on the
Pharmaka gallery
in downtown L.A.
www.greentorch.com
Alter Eco
www.planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/alter-eco
Pharamka
www.pharmaka-art.org
Byrd Development
www.byrddevelopment.com
Angela Lindvall
www.collagefoundation.org
Green Ambassadors
www.greenambassadors.org
NOVEMBER 08 35 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
TRAVEL
Visiting
MAUI
The Aloha Spirit is alive and well on the Valley Isle of Maui and the key to enjoying
it fully is to simply give yourself over to it. Not only will you savor this jewel of
nature and culture but you might even find yourself using that rare “R” word:
Relaxed.
By Frank DiMarco
L
et’s get sustainability out on the table early on. While many
have dreams of solar powered light rail connecting all of
Maui, the reality is you will most likely rent a car during your
stay. Maui actually has its own bio-fuel refinery (sugar cane
by-products) on-island and, you guessed it, a bio-fuel car rental
with a range of vehicles and free pick-up and drop-off service.
Yes, they are “off airport” but consider that your fuel bill will be
nearly halved and you are not burning fossil fuel. Give Bio-Beetle
a look. If it doesn’t work for you this trip, all the usual suspects
in the car rental business serve the airport at Kahului. Pick up
one of the many free Maui driving maps. Get your bearings and
a good overview of the island before you set out.
Part of the magic of a Maui visit is that you can craft your own
itineraries from the abundant activities menu. I want to share
some off-the-beaten-track ideas that won’t include golf. That
said, Maui has world class links that will make golfers think they
are in heaven.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 36 NOVEMBER 08
Exploring the Best of Maui
Your lodging location might determine your agenda in exploring
more of the Valley Isle. If you are staying in one of the beautiful
Kaanapali hotels or up in Kapalua you might want to nose around
Napili Bay, one of that area’s sweetest little treasures and best
swimming coves. And just beyond Kapalua and the swanky Ritz
Carlton is D.T. Fleming Beach Park where some good snorkeling
can be enjoyed.
For those of you who like to be anointed and massaged in a
fabulous oceanside setting, the Heavenly Spa at the Westin Maui
Resort and Spa offers Maui-grown lavender as its trademark
and main inspiration. Signature treatments, such as the
Island Lavender Body Butter with lavender-lilikoi sugar scrub,
have been designed, using an exclusive line of local products
sustainably and organically grown by Maui Lavender Farm on the
road to Haleakala. Hey, you’re here, and you might as well take
advantage of a little island pampering.
PHOTO © RON DAHLQUIST
Two Breakfasts,
TWO BEACHES
The Seawatch Restaurant in
Wailea is one of those places
where you look around and
pinch yourself and whisper
about how lucky you are.
Out on the terrace you can
see the snorkel boats at
Molokini, lots of whales when
they are in town, Lanai off
Seawatch Restaurant View
to your right and some good
breakfasts right in front of you
at reasonable prices. The setting is elegant and, though I said
off-the-beaten-track earlier, The Seawatch is a great start for
anyone’s day, and a delicious feeder event for Maluaka Beach.
You did stash your beach stuff in the trunk, right?
Adjacent to the picturesque Keawalai Church that dates from
1832, you’ll see a public parking lot on your left with a bathroom
and showers. Park here. Grab your beach stuff and snorkel gear
and walk just a little further down Makena Road and you’ll come
to Maluaka Beach, fronting the somewhat bizarre-looking Maui
Prince Hotel.
Big Beach, Makena, Maui, Hawaii
I love many beaches on Maui, but let me share a couple of
thoughts about Maluaka. The green sea turtles like it. Keep your
distance when snorkeling near them and visiting their “cleaning
station.” That’s right, about 1/4 mile from shore there is a white
buoy where the Maui Prince’s catamaran vendor ties up. Snorkel
out to a point about 40 yards to the left of the buoy and be
prepared to be blissed-out by the sight of numerous green sea
turtles being picked clean of parasites by a cast of enthusiastic
tropical fish. If you are lucky, the resident flock of frigate birds
will appear from sea and circle above you, riding the thermals.
It is an awesome sight watching these birds come in from sea.
One moment they are not there and the next moment you start
seeing dozens.
Sea Watch, Five Palms, Napili Bay: FRANK DIMARCO
Breathetaking North Country and Up Country
You must make a visit to the North Shore area and Up Country,
as they call it. This can be fun and maybe a little different than
your typical tourist experience, though, not to worry, I’m not
sending you deep in the jungle.
People come from all over the world to kite board and windsurf
on Maui’s North Shore. Kanaha Beach Park is just beyond the
airport, down the rental car return road, then right on Amala
Place and you’ll see the sign for the park. Some of the people
you see out there could be world-famous boarders and even
manufacturers and developers testing out their latest ideas in an
industry that is constantly evolving.
The Five Palms Restaurant
The other breakfast/beach
option is The Five Palms
Restaurant in the Mana Kai
Maui hotel just before Wailea,
offering a staggeringly beautiful
view down Keawakapu Beach
and a broad ocean vista. Whale
watching can be great from this
restaurant and this very long
beach will give you a chance to
walk off the breakfast.
But Wait There’s More
Napili Bay
NOVEMBER 08 37 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
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LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 38 NOVEMBER 08
Kite Beach
the other location on the North Shore for
this is Hookipa Beach Park, about 3 miles
towards Hana from the town of Paia.
Hookipa has a great observation parking
lot where you can take in the entire bay.
Depending on conditions, it is not unusual
to see lots of 360’s by windsurfers and some
spectacular “air” by the kiteboarders.
want to stop at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts
Center, which is housed in the magnificent
old Baldwin Mansion. Just before you get to
the Arts Center, you’ll pass Hali’maile Road.
If you turn right you’ll come to Hali’maile
General Store which has become world
famous. Its plantation setting is worth a look
and a taste.
There are three towns I especially like on the
North Shore: Paia, Makawao and Haiku.
Further up the hill you’ll come into the town
of Makawao, with the main intersection
being Baldwin and Makawao Avenues.
Makawao has a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy)
history and the town has become a fullfledged artist’s colony offering blown-glass
demonstrations and a large gaggle of
galleries and un-common shops. Polli’s
Mexican Restaurant at the main intersection
is a great locals joint with very decent food
and the pau hana (after work) scene has
a great soundtrack of raucous laughter. I
like just walking around Makawao, peoplewatching and enjoying the cool tradewinds
that make living in Up Country Maui
comfortable.
Paia is comprised of mostly old plantationstyle buildings gone to colorful shops, most
with a lot of character. Paia has done a very
good job of tipping the hat to that era in
Maui’s past. Some of my favorite eateries
in Paia include The Paia Fish Market and
Cafe Mambo. Also, the sushi bar at Jacques
Bistro is really worth a visit.
Lodging on the North Shore can be an
adventure in itself, but the newly opened
Paia Inn is bound to be a welcome stop
for savvy travelers looking for something
unique and elegant with a local feel.
Exquisitely finished, the Paia Inn offers
delightful second floor rooms in the main
building plus a real gem of an authentic
plantation house right on the beach. A
lovely private lawn sprawls from the house
to the beach gate and a separate private
walk guides guests on the short stroll from
the main building to the beach as well.
Looking at your Maui map, you can see that
if you drive up Baldwin Avenue, you’ll end up
in Makawao and on the way there you might
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Driving east on Makawao Avenue, you’ll
pass a lot of Up Country homes with a huge
range of scale, from the modest tin-roof
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views are dazzling.
While Haiku is primarily a residential
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you a feel for what it might be like to live
Up Country and see more of Maui that is
Kite Beach, Hookipa Beach: FRANK DIMARCO
Continued on page 65
Frank enjoys
the view
Hookipa Beach
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NOVEMBER 08 41 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
BEIJING
Envisioning a trip to China conjures thoughts of interminable layovers, inconvenience, and
painful restlessness after 15 hours in a steel tube. Luckily, Air China, and a handful of other
airlines offer direct flights from LAX to Beijing, as well as other China destinations. Grateful for
modern pharmaceutical technology, we slept a good portion of the trip. Falling asleep late at
night in Los Angeles and waking up three hours from one of the oldest cultures on the earth was
exciting and wiped the anticipated negatives out of our equation.
7,000 years of recorded history and civilization makes China a neverending paradise for explorers of every bent. History buffs, outdoor
adventurers, artists, naturalists, politicos and foodies will all be
enchanted. China is home to over 55 different ethnic minorities,
each with distinct food, clothing, traditions and language. Their
land mass is only two hundred thousand square miles more than
the United States. There are less than 80 people per square mile in
the U.S. and more than 520 people per square mile in China. At 1.2
billion, their population is more than 4 times that of the U.S. In 1989
during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations, nearly 300 million
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 42 NOVEMBER 08
people throughout China actively participated over the course of fifty
days. Try to imagine the entire population of the U.S. simultaneously
participating in a political movement.
Chinese know gigantic. Disembarking at the newly famous Terminal
3 at Beijing Capital International Airport is akin to landing in a scene
from Kubrick’s A Space Odyssey. It is an immense 14 million square
foot glass and steel edifice containing 64 restaurants and 84 shops.
London Heathrow would easily fit inside this one titanic terminal. We
pre-arranged a driver who spoke solid English to transport us to our
hotel and we highly recommend this course of action. Everything
China images: CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
By Lisa France & David James
about landing in Beijing is overwhelming. The last thing
you’ll want after a 14-hour flight is to discuss directions with
a taxi driver whose first language is Mandarin. Visit their
website to pre-arrange your ground transpiration. You
can negotiate the price a bit, but if you’re from a large city
like Los Angeles, New York, London or Chicago, you will be
pleasantly surprised at the pricing for all your car travel.
Hiring a driver for your trip to the Great Wall or any other
destination is well worth the cash. Don’t miss the Great
Wall. It’s staggering.
Many of the teens and 20-somethings speak some English.
It is now taught in most schools from an early age.
However,
most of the
country speaks
English as well
as we speak
Mandarin. You
can’t show a
taxi driver a
map in English and point — pointless! Most of our taxi rides
were preceded by two conversations. The first between
us and our hotel staff to obtain our destination written
in Chinese characters (don’t leave your hotel without
your notebook and pen). The second chat was between
our concierge and the taxi driver. Always have whatever
restaurant, bar or hotel number with you. Often, it is easier
to dial your phone and hand it to the taxi driver, so he
can get directions. Beijing is so behemoth, just having an
address is not enough.
for “death” and is considered bad luck. Each new Chinese
friend was elated by our numerical fortune. They take this
stuff seriously.
The Fushe Courtyard Hotel is created in the traditional
Chinese siheyuan family style. Famous Chinese, political
officials and families prefer this style of home. Everything
about Fushe was special, including the name, the food, bar,
ancient style and the people. Sheng Wu, one of the owners,
was gracious enough to invite us in to take a gander despite
it still being under construction. It was breathtaking while
also being a “home on the road” (translation of Fushe). Our
next visit we will make it our resting place as it is also near
7,000 years of recorded history and civilization makes China
a never-ending paradise for explorers of every bent. History
buffs, outdoor adventurers, artists, naturalists, politicos and
foodies will all be enchanted.
Bring an unlocked GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile) cell phone
and buy a SIM card from China Mobile or China Unicom.
Similarly priced, but China Mobile is said to have better
coverage outside the big cities. Initially, the activation
process stymied us, but the young concierge in our hotel
had us live in a matter of seconds. Having a Beijing phone
number makes your trip infinitely easier and less expensive.
Catching a phone number with two “8”s and no “4”s
was like hitting the jackpot! The number 8 is very lucky in
Chinese, whereas the word for “4” sounds like the word
Beijing’s center.
Thankfully, we found Hotel Kapok, a newly renovated
boutique hotel just a short walk from the walls of the
Forbidden City whose modern décor is reminiscent of the
Viceroy or Mondrian. The service was exemplary. There
were near brawls between staff members to help us! What
a refreshing experience. The only institution we visited that
reminded us of home was the Chinese post office. Being a
disgruntled postal worker must be universal.
Enveloped in hutongs (traditional Chinese villages),
teahouses, rickshaws, dumpling and noodle shops, Hotel
Kapok is ideal for those wishing to get immersed in Chinese
culture. It is walking distance to Tiananmen Square, Mao’s
Tomb, Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and more.
Many hotels have a booking agent who speaks English to
book your inter-China adventures and evening excursions to
dinner, the Chinese Opera or Acrobat shows.
Our ultra-modern room was complemented by a state
of the art workout facility with sauna, free internet, air
NOVEMBER 08 43 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
conditioning, and daily treats of orange
and apple juice, tea and bottled water. Did
we mention the staff was beyond eager to
help us? Despite the staff’s broken English,
our weak “Ni hao ma?” (Hi, how are you?),
showcased the humble helpers as future
Shakespeareans. Tip: the Chinese of all ages
love the Lakers! Kobe is the only person in
Beijing whose picture is bigger than Mao’s.
We brought a bag full of Lakers caps as gifts
and handed them out to our fabulous hotel
staff and other friends we made throughout
our trip.
Prices for room service, hotel dining and bar
drinks were similar to Los Angeles. Worth
every penny was the breakfast buffet — a
prismatic presentation of hot and cold
traditional fare. Our favorite was “jian bing”
or Chinese pancakes made with batter, eggs,
plum sauce, spicy sauce and other tasty
ingredients like chives, shallots, cilantro and
crunchy cabbage. Kin to a French crêpe,
except that half of the ingredients used in
China are unavailable beyond its borders. We
would often ask, “What is that vegetable,
or spice? How do you translate it into
English?” Commonly, the response was, “No
English translation for that. This is special
Chinese vegetable.” Sadly, we are getting
bamboozled on Chinese food served in the
States. It’s not even close to the seasoning
sophistication we encountered in Beijing.
Food is celebrated and symbolic throughout
China and part of a trilogy of good fortune.
A common sight is the Chinese symbol
for “good fortune.” The character ( 福 )
is comprised of three separate characters,
or three sets of strokes. One is of a house,
a square “rice field” representing food and
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 44 NOVEMBER 08
what looks like a stick figure representing
clothing. When those three basic needs are
fulfilled, they consider themselves fortunate.
Among the panoply of cultural treats and
unique customs, the Chinese do not form
lines. No orderly queues are found waiting
for the bus, an exhibit or food — just a
Sino-swarm of jostling, confluence and
contact — even in a relatively sparse group.
It’s not being rude; it’s tradition. Chinese
are accustomed to a world where space
is sparse. Bumping into, leaning on and
caroming off others is how it is. Initially,
we found the space invasion culture a bit
uncomfortable, but soon embraced the
perfunctory response to human traffic.
Stop for “jiaozi,” (dumplings) at a traditional
mom and pop food joint for lunch. Generally,
no one speaks English there, but pointing
usually works fine. The little dives dole
delectable and inexpensive cuisine. A couple
of beers, dumplings and noodles for two
run about $5. Sit by the window and take
in the swirling pedestrian masses dancing
with rivers of bikes and cars. Shockingly,
we didn’t witness a single accident. The
symbiotic relationship between pedestrian,
cyclist and auto is astounding. The balance
and agility are wonderous! Watching a
young man, his wife and child on one bicycle
navigate the treacherous, traffic-soaked
thoroughfares of Beijing appeared stunt-like
to our American eyes.
A few blocks from out hotel and within steps
of the famous Wangfujing Snack Street,
is the modern Oriental Mall. No bargains
here, but this Orange County-like shopping
center is great for people-watching the
younger generation. Fascinating is a visit
to the Friendship Store or Silk Market. Try
out your negotiating skills — you will be
haggled to death. You may want to skip
this bargain battle shopping trip if you
are unnerved by people touching you or a
consistent loud din of, “Helloooo lady, you
want bag? Sir, buy your wife nice bag or
jacket!” An exaggerated “helloooo” is the
standard greeting to Americans. The Chinese
think that our “hello” sounds funny and
exaggerate for their own amusement. Two
weeks of this is hysterical.
Beijing is beyond bustling, especially at meal
time. On our list of Chinese culinary
Continued on page 64
China images: CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
Only one real surprise — our bed. Upon
first sitting down we wondered if they had
forgotten the mattress. “This is just a box
spring, isn’t it? It’s a new hotel, maybe they
haven’t unwrapped the mattresses yet?”
We called downstairs to find out if they
had a bed mishap, but discovered our slab
was actually a luxury Chinese bed. Hard as
a rock! At first we were concerned. By the
third night we were sleeping soundly and
rising refreshed! Upon returning home we
asked Dr. Bates — our picture of health
chiropractor — what he thought of our ultra
stiff sleeping surface: “I often sleep on the
floor or on my extra, extra firm mattress.”
We bought the firmest mattress in the store
upon our return. Our backs have never
felt better!
stay here now
Farmer’s Daughter has transformed itself from crack
den to boutique hotel, you can no longer rent by the
hour but the overnight stay is worth it. Closer to LAX
is the Marriott LAX, which is perfect for early morning
flights, group events and airport parking.
Farmer’s Daughter
Marriott LAX
The Farmer’s Daughter Hotel, a Los Angeles icon for the past thirty
years, has been newly renovated. Its convenient location in Fairfax
Village directly across from the Farmer’s Market and CBS studios is
surprisingly affordable. The hotel has a storied and colorful history.
It is frequented by Price is Right contestant hopefuls, and used to be
the motel of choice to the cast of the Carol Burnett Show. You get the
feeling that if the walls could talk, they would have wild stories.
Airport hotels have long been associated with missed flights or
early-morning connections. The Marriot Hotel, located 2 blocks from
LAX, minutes away via the complimentary shuttle, has undergone a
$22 million dollar transformation that turns a layover into a muchwelcomed, affordable vacation, banishing the need to take the costly
trip downtown. The capacious hotel boasts 985 rooms, 19 suites,
renovated floor-to-ceiling, 55,000 square feet of meeting space, and
a range of on-site amenities. Take a dip in the heated tropical resort
pool or hang in the sauna after not missing a beat in your workout
in the fitness facility. Catch a game at Champion’s Sports Bar on one
of its 50-plus flat screen TVs or grab a macchiato at the in-house
Starbucks. For a more deluxe dining experience that rivals any Beverly
Hills restaurant in all areas except price, indulge in top-of-the-line
steaks and wine at J.W.’s Steakhouse. This self-contained oasis also
offers guests a beauty salon, FedEx Kinko’s, and Hertz car rental. ADA
accessible rooms feature plush down bedding and state-of-the-art
high-speed wi-fi. The friendly concierge staff will happily help plan
a myriad of nearby activities — biking, horseback riding, jet-skiing,
sailing, surfing, and tennis, just to name a few — that make guests
feel spoiled for choice. Should you want to venture into Manhattan
Beach and El Segundo, a convenient trolley takes you to more than
250 shops and restaurants. With all this and more, The Marriott at
LAX is a leader in helping weary travelers equate “layover”
with “luxurious.”
– Jean Chang
Its chic country feel and cheery aura exudes cleanliness and comfort.
The décor includes plenty of blue gingham, brass sinks, rooster
wallpaper, faded barn-wood paneling, crisp denim bedspreads,
cow-skin rugs, and hard wood floors. The color palette consists of
cool blues and vibrant yellows. Brightly colored paintings of farm
animals hang on the walls. The rooms fall into two categories- “his”
and “hers.” “His” have rooster-print wallpaper and bright red and
copper tones, while “hers” embrace the softer palettes of warm
yellow and turquoise. Outside the hotel, the decorator’s attention
to detail and theme include rubber animals floating in the pool and
gigantic farm tools hanging on the walls, including one oversized
pitchfork reminiscent of Grant Wood’s timeless 1930’s painting of the
farmer and his wife “American Gothic.” If you’ve ever wondered why
their stark expressions, perhaps it was the loss of their daughter who
picked up and fled to L.A., leaving her Midwestern roots for the hope
of stardom. You might even just run into her here; she is certainly
“not the girl you used to know.”
– J. Hope Casselman
NOVEMBER 08 45 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
dolce
delights
Restaurateurs Lonnie Moore and Mike Malin have stepped up
Hollywood nightlife by forming The Dolce Group. Most Los Angeles
nightlife is here today and gone tomorrow, closing or renovating,
sometimes after only months of opening. The Dolce Group seems to
have broken the rules and set a new standard for longevity. In only a
few short years the dynamic duo has built an empire starting with one
small club in Hollywood to owning several top rated restaurants that
cater to an impressive clientele. Dolce, Bella, Les Deux, Geisha House
and Ketchup have sparked interest with foodies, A-list celebrities, the
young and the old. They are what’s happening, and have replicated
their Los Angeles based success in other top cities around the
country, including Atlanta, D.C., Dallas and Reno.
Mike and Lonnie, best friends since summer camp, know what Los
Angeles is hungry for. Upon moving to Los Angeles after college, they
hit the top “see and be seen” places night after night and discovered
that complete fulfillment was nowhere to be found. “We were
just two young guys looking for a place to go out, and feel special
and comfortable at the same time” says Lonnie. “We were tired of
looking at boring menus, we were smart, but felt like the pressure of
pronouncing a dish incorrectly caused an uncomfortable tension. And
when you’re uncomfortable, you don’t have fun.” Lonnie and Mike
set out to conquer the idea that fine dining should be fun. And, says
Mike, “it should be an experience that titillates all of your senses.”
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 46 NOVEMBER 08
They opened Dolce in 2003 with the help of Ashton Kutcher and
other top name celebrity investors. Dolce presented itself as a hip
Italian restaurant filled with flickering votive candles and sexy tones
of ambient music. Celebrities not only lend their names to this place,
they show up time and time again. “The celebrities will get people
there one time, but if you don’t have the product, that novelty wears
off,” says Mike. After two years of consistent success with Dolce, they
realized they had created their own novelty in Los Angeles and were
ready to open something that pushed the envelope a little further.
In 2005, the Dolce Group gave birth to Geisha House. “We felt that
Los Angeles didn’t have enough originality, someone needed to take
a chance,” says Lonnie. The bright red façade cannot be missed and
the interior experience will not be forgotten. Geisha House brings
you into the future, Tokyo 2050. The lighting surrounding the surreal
décor is muted. Geisha girls serve drinks and food to the sounds
of pumping music — the fantasy of the geisha lifestyle comes to
life. With an impressive selection of rare sakes and fresh flavors of
traditional Japanese cuisine, Geisha House has become a staple in
Angelinos tour de nightlife.
In 2005 Lonnie and Mike opened Bella, their Italian restaurant and
wine bar, which is right down the street from Geisha house. Although
not as ostentatious as Geisha house, Bella is just as much of a scene
and comes with all the same key elements
that make the Dolce Group stand out. Bella
conjures up a sense where every one could
know your name, and your server will most
likely remember it when you come back in
search for more pasta.
light the atmosphere, and the DJ plays your
favorite songs all night long.
Ketchup is the newest creation from the
Dolce Group. In this restaurant they have
taken Los Angeles back to their childhood
with a sophisticated twist on an old school
A year later in 2006, Lonnie and Mike
diner. Located on the Sunset Strip in the
revamped old hot spot Les Deux with their
hottest part of West Hollywood, Sunset
golden touch and made it the new hot
Plaza. Ketchup is a visual sensation — “diner
spot, with an atmosphere of old European
classy” with sleek modernism. Red globe
glamour. Once inside Les Deux, you truly
chandelier lighting, reminiscent of tomatoes,
feel like Hollywood royalty. The patio is the
fall from the ceiling and reflect elegantly off
main attraction and is outfitted with a central
the glossy white floors. Sit pretty in one of
fountain. Candelabras tangled in freesias
the retro-plush white leather booths or strut
215_24918 LAX_Advertorial.qxp:7.312x4.875 9/17/08 10:55 AM Page 1
over to the cocktail lounge with oversized
floor to ceiling windows which spotlight the
scene of Sunset Boulevard. Again, Mike and
Lonnie have created a place that is a
must try!
The Dolce group is on fire and it seems as
though nothing can put them out. Lonnie
Moore and Mike Malin invent new ideas
everyday with one common plan of action.
Mike confesses, “At the end of the day when
we look at the positive energy and we see
people happy in what we have created, we
know that we have accomplished our goal!”
– Kristen Carpenter
BETTER TOGETHER
PAIRING CHEESE AND BEVERAGES WITH
BARRIE LYNN — THE CHEESE IMPRESARIO
How do I get the most out of enjoying cheese with
beverages? It’s such a blast to see the look
in people’s eyes when they experience a great artisan
cheese paired with the perfect beverage. But there is
a special technique for proper tasting.
Begin by taking a piece of cheese. Using your “snozz,”
notice its scent—smell is 80 percent of taste. Then
observe its color and texture. Finally, begin to chew it.
When you do this, you create what I like to call The
Cheese Highway™—a delicate coating of cheese on
your tastebuds. Next, take your beverage. Swirl it,
smell it, then wash it down The Cheese Highway to
experience a turbo-charged blend of flavors and the
increased pleasure of pairing cheese and beverages.
Do you have any pairing suggestions? Wine and
cheese are classic companions. But the crisp fall
weather calls for something more robust. Consider
pairing six to 10-year Aged Cheddar with small batch
bourbon and honey-maple kettle corn. Or, Gouda with
an October ale and spicy pumpkin seed brittle.
Classic cocktails also make a great pairing, like Blue
cheese with a Gin Gibson, or Wisconsin’s very own
Pleasant Ridge Reserve with a Single Batch Rye and
Cherry Manhattan. The whiskey cuts the richness of
the cheese while the sweet vermouth and cherry will
make your mouth sing.
SINGLE BATCH RYE AND
CHERRY MANHATTAN
2 oz. Single Batch Rye Whiskey
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Bitters
Maraschino Cherry
In an ice-filled cocktail shaker,
combine whiskey, vermouth and
bitters. Shake until cold and
strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a cherry. Serve
with Pleasant Ridge Reserve or
Wisconsin Swiss cheese. Other
perfect accompaniments include
wheat crackers, cocoa nib
chocolate and pomegranate
molasses.
For more pairing ideas or
information on the cheeses listed
above, visit WisDairy.com.
Barrie Lynn is The Cheese Impresario. She writes “Cheese Matters,” a monthly column for the
Beverly Hills Times and has been seen in USA Today, Variety, Wine Spectator, The Hollywood
Reporter, Daily Candy and on E! Entertainment. Her tastings have attracted celebrities such as
Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia, television star Jeff Garlin and the cast and crew of the Showtime hit,
Weeds. Barrie Lynn is available to host private and corporate events; contact her at
[email protected].
NOVEMBER 08 47 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Sushi
Review:
SASHI
Tantalize the taste buds and quaff
the uber-cool ambiance at Sashi, Los
Angeles’s new premier Robata grill and
ultra-lounge nestled neatly in Manhattan
Beach adjacent to Shade Hotel. Tired
of hotel food? Take a short 10 minute
ride from LAX to revel in extraordinary
Japanese cuisine. Boasting Southern
California’s largest sake list, a menu for
every taste, and eyeful clientele, Sashi is
quickly claiming its rightful place among
Los Angeles’s elite cuisine scene.
Chef Makoto slices truffles over the
squid appetizer
Savor the genius and artistry in every
overwhelmingly fresh dish. Chef-Owner Makoto
Okuwa is a true culinary virtuoso. Studying under
Iron Chef’s famed Murimoto for many years
is impressive experience. To fully appreciate
Makoto’s new venture, have the wait staff walk
you through the menu’s philosophy. “It’s very
much a share menu. It’s designed for you to have
something from each, cold dishes,
hot dishes, sushi, soups and
salads. We can give you pointers
on how to eat, depending on how
hungry you are and your taste
preferences.” The Baked Crab
Handroll ($8), spicy, wrapped in
soy paper is a sumptuous start.
Don’t miss the Hamatchi Ishiyaki
“Crafted Table Side” ($21). A
unique signature dish, by Chef
Okuwa, Soba Carbonarra ($25)
is not on the menu — ask for
it! Al dente calamari and soba
noodles smothered in a creamy
garlic burgundy truffle sauce will
blow you away. The Far Niente
Chardonnay is a fine pairing with
this rich dish.
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 48 NOVEMBER 08
Don’t fear the extensive sake list. The staff is
educated, helpful and can suggest a proper
pairing to match your food and your budget. If
you’re not driving, try the Funuguchi Kikusu ($12
for 6.7 oz) Chrysanthemum Water. It’s smooth
and luscious. Hard to believe it’s 19% alcohol!
Despite the sake list being world class, you will be
wooed by the wine list. It’s a Who’s Who of A-List
wineries you know and love: Opus One, Caymus,
Chateau Montelena. The single serving menu is
equally impressive — Veuve by the glass ($18)?
Thank you!
If it’s past feeding time, head straight for the
bar. It’s a cross between Vegas ultra-lounge
and Japanese traditional. An indoor/outdoor
design takes advantage of the night ocean air.
Appointed with husky dark wood walls and
electric pink lighting Sashi inspires and gratifies
business, friends or romance. In additional to a
full bar, there are pages of specialty, hand-crafted
drinks available. “We do a lot of muddling. Our
poor bartenders!” Get there early to avoid a line.
Sashi is the hottest spot in the “Model Capital of
the World” — Manhattan Beach — and it’s a sold
out show every night.
– Dave Ferrigno
NOVEMBER 08 49 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
GUIDE
A.O.C.
Local culinary star Suzanne Goin helms the biggest,
busiest, tapas place in town. This place started the tapas
tradition in L.A. — though it’s nowhere near traditional
Spanish. Charcuterie, house-made pate de foie gras,
grilled meats and 20+ cheeses. Bar seating is your best
bet without a reservation.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: California / French / Small Plates
Dinner Only
(323) 653-6359
www.aocwinebar.com
Spago
An elegant L.A. landmark, complete
with celeb sightings (often of Wolfgang
himself) and Bentleys out front. Service
is friendly, with surprisingly quick wait
times for a table. Signatures include the
roasted beet salad and grilled prime
cote de boeuf. Save room for awardwinning desserts by Sherry Yard.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills /WeHo /
Third
Cuisine: California
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 385-0880
www.wolfgangpuck.com
Water Grill
RESTAURANT
Housed in a downtown office
skyscraper, this is some of the city’s
best (and priciest) seafood. Beautifully
plated, painstakingly prepared, but small
portions. Sophisticated white-tablecloth
atmosphere and knowledgeable
“career” wait staff. Business casual
attire recommended; you can even go
dressier in the evening.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cuisine: Seafood
Lunch Mon - Fri, Dinner Nightly
(213) 891-0900
www.watergrill.com
Angelini
Italian food connoisseurs book early and wedge
themselves into tiny tables in order to get Gino Angelini’s
inspired version of rustic Old Country cuisine. Whole
branzino, pumpkin tortelli and pork chop alla Milanese
are recommended. The extensive wine list is almost
entirely Italian.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Italian
Lunch Tues - Fri, Dinner Tues - Sun
(323) 297-0070
www.angeliniosteria.com
Nobu
Legions of Angeleno fans are falling in love with Nobu all
over again at this flashy Bev Hills newcomer. Hype aside,
it’s not much different from the other Nobu outposts —
miso-glazed black cod, shrimp and caviar, sashimi tacos,
and other pricey nouveau Japanese inventions — but the
buzz is massive and the ambiance very “now.” (For now.)
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
Dinner Only
(310) 477-3211
www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com/nobu
Campanile
The Thursday night grilled cheese is the quintessential
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 50 NOVEMBER 08
L.A. insider foodie experience, but on other nights, you
probably get a better overall experience. James Beard
award-winning California cuisine in a space legendarily
built by Charlie Chaplin; a loyal crowd comprised of oldschool L.A. elite.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: California
Lunch M - F, Dinner M - Sat, Brunch Sat & Sun
(323) 938-1447
www.campanilerestaurant.com
Katsu-ya
The same sublime sushi as in the no-hyphen version, but
with hole-in-the-wall décor and Chowhound clientele
instead of Philippe Starck and scenesters. A mini-empire
built on spicy tuna and crispy rice, plus amazing, if pricey,
hand roll specials. There’s always a wait, and more
branches are already in the works.
Neighborhood: Valley (two locations)
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
Lunch M - Sat, Dinner Nightly
(818) 985-6976
www.sbeent.com/katsuya
Lucques
A pioneer in seasonal, organic cooking. Suzanne Goin’s
high-concept cuisine always hits the spot, while the
décor — exposed brick, wood-burning fireplace, cozy
garden patio — is French country farmhouse with So
Cal sensibilities. Sunday suppers are a wallet-friendly
tradition.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Cali-Mediterranean
Lunch and Dinner
(323) 655-6277
www.lucques.com
Chinois on Main
A recent remodel renders this classic Wolfgang Puck
concept (second only to Spago) slightly less cramped and
more contemporary in décor. The cuisine is, as ever, bold
and delicious: whole “sizzling” catfish, curried oysters
and Chinois chicken salad are standouts.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Cuisine: Asian / French
Lunch W - F, Dinner Nightly
(310) 392-9025
www.wolfgangpuck.com
Shula’s 347
Named after the number of wins in Coach Shula’s career,
this steak house does not disappoint. Located near LAX
it is part steak house, part sports bar. Featuring a great
wine list and the usual steak house fare.
Neighborhood: LAX
Cuisine: Steak
Dinner Only
(310) 642-1111
www.donshula.com
CHEAP & DELICIOUS
ATLANTAsDALLASsHUNTSVILLEsLOSANGELESsRENO
Atlanta ~ 404.872.3902
Huntsville ~ 256.327.8385
Los Angeles ~ 323.852.7174
Reno ~ 775.324.9444
The economy is bad but your
palate doesn’t have to suffer.
Here are a couple of options that
are divine and won’t dent your
bank account, if your bank
still exists.
Atlanta ~ 404.872.3903
Los Angeles ~ 323.460.6300
Santa Ana (Coming Soon)
Los Angeles ~ 323.468.8815
Huntsville ~ 256.327.8390
Los Angeles ~ 310.289.8590
Washington DC (Coming Soon)
Kura is located in a crowded strip
mall on the corner of Sunset
Boulevard and Crescent Heights.
They pair large portion sizes with
low prices and their fish is as
fresh as you can get.
8162 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 656-634
Los Angeles ~ 323.462.7674
Atlanta ~ 404.872.3364
Dallas ~ 214.740.0555
CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATION OR PRIVATE EVENT.
~Birthdays, Anniversaries, Corporate Events~
comme Ça
Especially known for its cheeses and raw bar,
this brasserie by David Myers is upmarket
yet still approachable, with practiced servers
and an insider-y industry crowd. Fabulous
cocktails by NYC mixologists.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: French
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
(323) 782-1178
www.commecarestaurant.com
La Cachette
A pricey power dining spot where L.A.
transplant Jean Francois Meteigner creates
nouveau French cuisine that’s light on
the cholesterol count but heavy on the
pocketbook. Service is precisely correct, as
befits the elegant ambience.
Neighborhood: Century City
Cuisine: French
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 470-4992
www.lacachetterestaurant.com
One of the best things about
food in Los Angeles is the
abundance of taco restaurants.
Expresion Oaxaquena Restaurant
delivers our favorite tacos de
tasajo. The service is friendly and
you might catch up on
your Telenovelas.
3301 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 766-0575
Bistro 45
It’s somewhat hidden from plain sight,
but this East Side staple draws crowds
nonetheless. Attentive, professional service
and creative, consistent Cal-French cuisine
within a restored Deco building.
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Cuisine: French / California
Lunch M - F, Dinner Nightly
(626) 795-2478
www.bistro45.com
NOVEMBER 08 51 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Geisha House
Hollywood Boulevard proudly displays
Geisha House as one of the top and most
unique sushi spots in the city. This twostory Japanese fusion restaurant doubles
as a trendy lounge for countless A-list
frequenters. Elegant dishes worth a taste
include the tempura lobster hand roll that
is embraced by soy paper, Mongolian lamb,
and sashimi.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Dinner Only
(323) 460-6300
www.dolcegroup.com/geisha
Cuisine: Italian
Dinner Only
(323) 852-7174
Silvera’s Steakhouse
Huntington has beach bars and taquerias
galore, but a dearth of formal dining spots.
Hence the enthusiastic welcome given to this
sophisticated steakhouse, where the steak
and martini menu and business casual attire
are just “special occasion” enough.
Neighborhood: Huntington Beach, Orange
County
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Dinner only
(714) 969-9000
www.silvera-steakhouse.com
Bar Hayama
Toshi Sigiuri, founder of the California Sushi
Academy, brings his craft from Venice to
the Sawtelle Corridor. Japanese gourmet
small plates, fresh inventive sushi, and a
special macrobiotic menu. Sigiuri is also a
certified Sake Master (one of four in the
country); his list merits serious exploration.
The contemporary, sophisticated décor is a
departure from the neighborhood norm.
Neighborhood: West L.A.
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 235-2000
www.bar-hayama.com
Tender Greens
Another of Culver City’s recent triumphs, this
designer cafeteria specializes in simple, fresh
salads and sandwiches made to order from
locally sourced ingredients. Long lines at
lunch, but a fabulous off-peak meal deal.
Neighborhood: Culver City
Cuisine: Vegetarian / American
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 842-8300
www.tendergreensfood.com
Takami
Downtown is very proud of this über-stylish,
spendy Japanese newcomer located on
the 21st floor of a Financial District skyrise.
Nouveau sushi, inspired small plates and
robata specialties are complemented by
creative cocktails and an extensive sake list.
Adjacent to Elevate Lounge.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
Lunch and Dinner
(213) 236-9600
www.takamisushi.com
Dolce
Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante offers courses
that range from calamari, and shrimp and
zucchini fried in a crisp garbanzo-flour
coating to Gorgonzola risotto, prime rib with
roasted potatoes and grilled branzino. Plush
brown leather booths add to the warmth,
and the modern twist on traditional Italian
cuisine makes for an all-encompassing
experience.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 52 NOVEMBER 08
Lou
An unpretentious haven in a strip mall
setting, tucked right in the heart of
Hollywood’s madness. Friendly service,
casual décor, and a fun menu that’s mostly
small plates, charcuterie and snacks (the “pig
candy” bacon is a signature). The owners
are wine geeks with a particular passion for
naturally grown and produced wines.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Cuisine: Eclectic
Dinner Only
(323) 962-6369
www.louonvine.com
La Grand Orange
Kris Keith (see Osteria La Buca review) has
created a glossy art deco showpiece inside
a former train depot. Lustrous leather, rich
wood, old-fashioned table lamps and just
enough exposed brick. The contemporary
comfort cuisine is intentionally low on razzledazzle, with an eye to attracting regular
return customers. Last but not least, an
excellent cocktail program.
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Cuisine: American
Lunch and Dinner
(626) 356-4444
www.lgostationcafe.com
Anisette
Having been the talk of the foodie
community for more than a year, Alain
Giraud’s new brasserie in the Clock Tower
building is finally open. Giraud has always
been one of L.A.’s best-loved chefs, and this
vibrant contemporary venture may mark a
brave new post-Bastide era.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Cuisine: French
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
(310) 395-3200
www.anisettebrasserie.com
Bastide
An L.A. landmark with a tumultuous past,
controversial owner and love-it-or-hateit high concept cuisine. It reopened in
September, 2007 after two years shuttered,
and immediately people began to debate
everything from food to service to overall
experience. Nonetheless it’s already
received national attention. Two tasting
menus with optional wine pairings; no
á la carte.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Contemporary European
Dinner Only
(323) 651-5950
www.bastidela.com
BottleRock
A fun, modern wine bar in up-and-coming
Culver City. Laid-back ambiance and sunny,
casual décor suits all ages and occasions. The
big draw here is that they’ll open any bottle
as long as you buy two glasses. Cheeses,
charcuterie and Mediterranean-inspired
snacks like lollipop lamb chops.
Neighborhood: Culver City
Cuisine: Contemporary European / Wine Bar
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 836-WINE
www.bottlerock.net
Blue Velvet
An über-sophisticated skyrise newcomer
with serious skyline views. Even with muted
tones and friendly staff, the place still feels
a bit like something out of a sci-fi movie. The
dinner menu offers crispy sweet breads, foie
gras, guinea hen and Angus rib eye sided
with marrow-stuff cipollini.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Lunch and Dinner
(213) 239-0061
www.bluevelvetrestaurant.com
Encounter Restaurant
Although the scaffolding is still up,
this space-age style restaurant is most
definitely open. Located in the heart of the
airport with fun, funky décor and groovy
music, Encounter serves “California fresh”
cuisine. Watch the planes land and take off
and channel your inner George Jetson.
Neighborhood: LAX Airport
Cuisine: California
Lunch daily, Dinner Thurs - Sun
(310) 215-5151
www.encounterlax.com
Ago
Jar
Loud, bustling, fun and casually elegant — a
New American steakhouse with a California
twist. Suzanne Tracht’s signature pot roast
is a must, as is the Monday night mozzarella
menu. An excellent wine list and friendly,
ebullient service.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: American / Steak
Dinner Nightly, Brunch Sunday
(323) 655-6566
www.thejar.com
Les Deux
Les Deux is known for its clubby scene;
however, their food is note-worthy too. Try
their Farfalle Casarecce — bowtie pasta with
chopped grilled chicken, garlic, broccoli and
sun dried tomatoes in a white wine sauce or
linguine & clams. The stay for the party after
dinner.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Cuisine: Italian
Dinner Only, Open Late Fri - Sat
(323) 462-7674
www.dolcegroup.com/lesdeux
The Ivy
More of an L.A. cultural experience than
a fine dining one. With paparazzi lurking
outside and celebs huddled within, lunch
here is a
hot ticket indeed. Food is
secondary, though the crab cakes are a
traditional pleaser.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: California
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 274-8303
Robert DeNiro’s very own trattoria is a hub
for the glitterati and corporate types alike.
The patio and bar offer upscale clientele
two prime networking spots, while the food
ranges from authentic pizza to juicy steak.
Classy, elegant décor sets the mood for
a romantic dinner, business gathering or
birthday celebration. A must-dine for anyone
in WeHo or Beverly Hills.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Italian
Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(323) 655-6333
www.agorestaurant.com
Dan Tana’s
Genuine Italian dishes are served up in hearty
portions at this West Hollywood favorite.
The red booths ooze Goodfellas-style charm,
and the staff has Italian hospitality down
to a science. This is a celebrity playground,
so don’t be surprised if you’re grubbing
near a high-priced ballplayer, A-list actor
or gorgeous cover girl. Nevertheless, Dan
Tana’s is as welcoming as Tinseltown gets.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Italian
Dinner Nightly, Open Late
(310) 275-9444
www.dantanasrestaurant.com
Sam’s By the Beach
Santa Monica bistro sits right by the Pacific
Coast Highway, and it offers fine dining for a
diverse, refined set. Coupling chic décor with
a Mediterranean menu, this unassuming,
intimate restaurant definitely makes for a
great date spot. Among a cache of yummy
desserts, be sure try the crème brûlée to cap
off your meal.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica / Malibu
Cuisine: Mediterranean, French
Dinner Tue-Sun
(310) 230-9100
Trilussa Ristorante
A diverse menu of delicious gourmet pizza,
pasta, soup and seafood is the highlight
of this Beverly Hills Italian eatery. It’s easy
to indulge in the fantastic fried calamari
early on, but definitely save room for some
Tiramisu post-main course. Don’t let the BH
location fool you, everyone’s in the family
at Trilussa.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Italian
Lunch and Dinner
(310) 859-0067
Bella
Bella’s brings the tastes of Sicily, Italy to the
table, along with a lovely selection of wines.
They offer Canneloni, ravioli, carbonara, and
Chicken Sorentina. Try any of their dishes
alongside a glass of wine.
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Cuisine: Italian
Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(323) 468-8815
www.dolcegroup.com/bella/
STK
As flawlessly sleek and sophisticated as a
Park Avenue divorcee, this ultra-modern
steakhouse is tricked out in lustrous dark
surfaces, posh white leather and gleaming
glass. The light is dim, the vibe sexy and scary
— the menu surprisingly approachable, with
appetizers suited for sharing. Prime beef cuts
range from itty-bitty to 26-ounce.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Dinner
(310) 659-3535
www.stkhouse.com
Ketchup
Ketchup serves American diner classics such
as the BBQ chicken salad that is loaded with
flavor and a punch. The Mac and Cheese is
done up with white truffle oil and Dungeness
crab. The “3some” dish is a unique dish of
parmesan, is an unexpected knockout of
white truffle oil and dungeness crab.
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Cuisine: American
Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(310) 289-8590
www.dolcegroup.com/ketchup/
NOVEMBER 08 53 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Calendar
Hans Burkhardt Paintings of the 1960s
makes you want to sing along.
Kodak Theatre, Hollywood
through December 24, 2008
Lisa D’Amato
The exhibition includes paintings —
some of monumental scale — spanning
the entire decade of the 1960s, a critical
period in the evolution of American
art; particularly in Los Angeles, where
Burkhardt resided since his arrival from
N.Y. in 1937.
Jack Rutberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11pm
Sassy and spunky are just the tip of the
iceberg of Lisa D’Amato’s personality.
Her music is worth checking out. The
Top Model castoff has a M.I.A-esque
vibe with L.A. attitude.
The Viper Room, West Hollywood
Clyde Comedy Festival
with Kevin Nealon
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los
Angeles Clippers
The Clippers’ newest upgrades,
including Marcus Camby and Eric
Gordon, show Clippers’ fans what
they’ve got as they challenge the
Dallas Mavericks.
Staples Center, Los Angeles
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 54 NOVEMBER 08
Shlomo Artzi
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 8pm
Popular Israeli folk rock singersongwriter and composer, Shiomo
Artizi, hits the stage at the Kodak
Theatre. His foot tappin’ music has a
mellow vibe and his voice is smooth and
Kevin Nealon from SNL and Weeds as
well as Carmen Electra and Maz Jobrani
take the stage for a weeklong comedy
festival. Different comics perform
each evening.
El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood
Kevin Nealon: SUSAN MALJIN
November 11 - 16
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 12:30pm
John Reynolds in
Hollywood Hotshots
Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 8:00pm
Jazz guitarist John Reynolds and his
brother, Ralf Reynolds, lead an evening
of “hot” jazz in Hollywood Hotshots.
Steve Allen Theatre, Los Angeles
Dan Aykroyd & Jim
Belushi as The Blues
Brothers
Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8:00pm
Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi star
as The Blues Brothers in an all-star
comedy line-up, hosted by Ray
Romano, that includes Kevin James,
Jeff Garlin, Patricia Heaton, Robert
Klein, Doris Roberts, and Fred Willard.
The Wilshire Ebell Theatre,
Los Angeles
The Dark Side of the
Moon
Sunday, Nov. 16 at 8:00pm
Pink Floyd’s classic album is interpreted
by the Berubians Theatre Company in
an original dance performance piece.
Next Stage, Hollywood
The Bacon Brothers
Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6:00pm
Actor Kevin Bacon and brother Michael
Bacon perform humorous, poignant
rock-folk music to celebrate the release
of their fifth album, White Knuckles.
The Canyon, Agoura Hills
Warren G
Thursday, Nov. 20 at 8:00pm
Grammy-nominated rapper and Long
Beach native Warren G performs some
of his greatest hits at the Keyclub.
Keyclub, West Hollywood
Bar ron Davis: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Guarneri String Quartet
& Johannes String
Quartet
Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8:00pm
In its 45th and final season, the
legendary Guarneri String Quartet,
joins forces with fellow Marlboro
Music Festival alumni, the Johannes
String Quartet in a unique and thrilling
program featuring new works by
established composers and rising stars.
Royce Hall, UCLA
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 27
Don’t feel like cooking the feast?
Treat yourself to Thanksgiving
dinner out. Campanile, Craft,
Dakoda and Jar are all open and
serving dinner. There’s a reason
to be thankful.
www.opentable.com
The Boychick Affair:
An Interactive
Comedy Show
Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3:00pm
A funny, interactive show
where audience members
mingle with actors playing
a dysfunctional family and
revealing contemporary issues
that plague all.
Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel,
Studio City
NOVEMBER 08 55 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 56 NOVEMBER 08
Ride FlyAway non-stop to LAX
Union Station
Van Nuys
Westwood
Fares: $4 adults /
$2 children 12 and under
(Fares subject to change)
Amenities include:
• Comfortable seats
with headrests
• Curbside drop-off
at your terminal
www.lawa.org/flyaway
A service of Los Angeles World Airports
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and,
upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal
access to its programs, services, and activities.
NOVEMBER 08 57 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Map courtesy of the
California Travel and Tourism
Commission
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 58 NOVEMBER 08
Magazine
LAX Magazine Oct. 2008 Crossword
Across
CROSSWORDPuzzleJunction.com
& SUDOKU
53 Thoughts
56 Sneaker, e.g.
57 Ultimatum
words
58 Shatner law
drama
63 Ceiling
64 Cake creator
65 Feed, as a fire
66 Ship timetable
inits.
67 Tales from the
___
68 Not hard
69 Rep.’s
counterpart
1 Ariz. neighbor
4 “Dies ___”
(hymn)
8 Prefix with
structure or red
13 ___ Khan
14 Slogan
16 Bigwig
17 Fracas
18 1985 Redford,
Streep romantic
flick
20 Citrus fruit
22 2004 Brad Pitt
film
23 Spear
Down
24 ___ to the
throne
1 Comedienne
25 Choose
Burnett
28 Singing siblings
2 Ancient Greek
Osmonds
marketplace
Copyright ©2008 PuzzleJunction.com
32 Conceit
3 SVU & CI
30 Hither’s
11 Mythical bird
49 Film units
34 Shade of black
followed the TV
12 Attorneys’ org.
partner
50 Lyric poem
35 Capri, e.g.
series original
31 Suffer
15 Frequently
54 Actor’s line
36 Duration
4 Comedienne
32 Opus
19 Bone-dry
55 Roomy auto
38 Positive pole
Coca
33 Film category
21 Sgt., for one
56 Stride
41 Booty
5 Libertine
24 1979 Harrison
37 Cut the grass
57 Acorn
42 Nullify
6 Long distance
39 Calendar
Ford WW II
droppers
43 Delivery trucks
inits.
square
flick, ___ Street
58 Cable TV
45 Ultimate degree
7 Ike’s WW II
40 Star Trek rank
25 Citizen Kane
channel inits.
46 Sitcom starring
command
actor/director
(Abbr.)
59 Paddle
famed comic
8 Impart
44 Actress
26 TV episode
60 Wild blue
that ended in
knowledge
MacLaine
starter, at times
yonder
2004
9 None
47
Companion
27
Molars
61
Summer (Fr.)
51
Always,
in
verse
10
J.
Edgar
LAX Magazine 10/08 Sudoku (Medium)
LAX Magazine 10/08 Sudoku (Hard) PuzzleJunction.com
10/08 Sudoku (Easy)
PuzzleJunction.com
29 Hoops grp.
48 Bard’s river
62 Gazelle
52 Concluded
Hoover’s org.
Level: Easy
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box
must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Level: Medium
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box
must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Level: Hard
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box
must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Solution - next page
Copyright ©2008 PuzzleJunction.com
Copyright ©2008 PuzzleJunction.com
Copyright ©2008 PuzzleJunction.com
Solutions on page 65
NOVEMBER 08 59 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Puzzle
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 60 NOVEMBER 08
NOVEMBER 08 61 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Concessions at LAX
EVERY TERMINAL AT LAX FEATURES A RANGE OF SERVICES,
DINING AND SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES, WHERE PASSENGERS
CAN ENJOY A FRESHLY PREPARED FULL MEAL, HAVE A QUICK
BITE OR DRINK, OR GRAB A PRE-PACKAGED MEAL YOU CAN
ENJOY DURING YOUR FLIGHT. SHOPPERS CAN FIND A FULL
RANGE OF GIFT, NEWS AND BOOK STORES, OR SHOP A
SPECIALTY STORE TO FIND THAT UNIQUE LAST-MINUTE GIFT.
Terminal 1
California Pizza Kitchen ASAP
Gordon Biersch Brewery
California Crush
LaBrea Bakery NEW!
Home Turf Bar
Backlot Deli
McDonaldÕ s
CamachoÕ s
Starbucks
Kidsworks
Brookstone
Celebrate Life
SeeÕ s Candies
Crew of California
Terminal 5
California Pizza Kitchen ASAP
Euro Coffee & Haagen Daz
Malibu Al’s Beach Bar
Creative Croissants
El Cholo Cantina
McDonaldÕ s
I love L.A.
Life Is Good
Duty Free Shopping
Terminal 2
L.A. Roadhouse Route 66
Wolfgang Puck Express
LaBrea Bakery NEW!
Burger King
Starbucks
Flight Time
I Love L.A.
Jetway Express
Duty Free Shopping
Pacfic Coast Traders
Terminal 6
Jody Maroni’s Sausage
Redondo Beach Brewing Co.
Monet’s California Deli
Home Turf Sports Bar
Java Java Coffee
Ruby’s Dinette
Cinnabon
Caterina’s
HudsonÕ s News
Jetway Express
Last Stop News Shop
Terminal 3
Gladstone’s 4 Fish NEW!
Java Java Coffee
Burger King
Starbucks
SeeÕ s Candies
HudsonÕ s News
Hudson Booksellers
Duty Free Shopping
Terminal 4
On The Border Mexican Grill
Brioche DoreŽ
Burger King
Chili’s Too
Starbucks
SeeÕ s Candy
$10 Boutique
HudsonÕ s News
Destination L.A.
Jetway Express
Hudson Booksellers
Duty Free Shopping
Terminal 7
Wolfgang Puck Pizza Express
Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
Baja Fresh Express NEW!
LaBrea Bakery NEW!
McDonaldÕ s
Starbucks
Kidsworks
News Flash
The Body Shop
Duty Free Shopping
Hudson News & Ed Hardy
Jetway Express Bookselle
Terminal 8
California Pizza Kitchen ASAP
L.A. Roadhouse Route 66
Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
Gordon Biersch Brewery
Starbucks
La Salsa
Hudson News
[
Daily Grill Restaurant & Bar
Northside Bar & Deli
Marina Bar
El Paseo
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 62 NOVEMBER 08
Hudson News & Ed Hardy
Crews of California
Hollywood Store
SeeÕ s Candies
]
Food & Beverage
Retail
Tom Bradley International Terminal
Euro Coffee & Haagen Daz
Hamada Orient Express
McDonaldÕ s
Sushi Boy
NEW!
Duty Free Shopping
California Market
Luggage Store
Via Voyage
InMotion
X
l a x UPDaTES
LAWA Executive
Director Gina Marie
Lindsey and Emirates
representatives
announce air service
between LAX and Dubai.
The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has expanded its
Global Entry Pilot Program to
four additional airports, Los Angeles International
being one of them. The new sites are equipped
with kiosks for expedited processing. Global Entryapproved participants bypass the regular passport
control line and proceed directly to the Global
Entry kiosk.
Air
Tran, Frontier, Spirit, and
Sun CountryAirlines have relocated
to Terminal 6 from Terminal 3. Midwest
Airlines relocated to Terminal 4 from Terminal 3.
Five airlines have changed terminal locations.
Qantas Airlines has relocated arrivals and
departures using the A380 aircraft to Tom Bradley
International Terminal (TBIT). The airline will
continue to operate flights from Terminal 4 and
codeshare flights from Terminal 3. Qantas is making
terminal changes to more efficiently accommodate
passengers flying into and out of Los Angeles
International Airport (LAX).
Emirates Airlines has expanded its network
with the start of services to LAX. On October 26,
2008, Emirates opened its third U.S. gateway with
non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Dubai.
Operating daily, the service is the first non-stop
operation connecting the Middle East to the U.S.
West Coast.
Horizon Airlines offers daily non-stop flights
from LAX to Mammoth Yosemite Airport. The airline
is offering one flight each way daily from Dec. 18 until
April 12.
LAX Flyaway
There is a new fare structure for the
bus service including the addition of discounts
for seniors and disabled persons. The new fares,
scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2009, for the FlyAway
network of non-stop buses to Los Angeles
International Airport (LAX), will help offset the
unprecedented rise in fuel and operating costs during
the past year. Previously all established at $4 oneway, the full fare for passengers on the Union Station
and Van Nuys routes will increase to $6 one-way; and
the full fare on the Westwood route will increase to
$5. Los Angeles World Airports has also introduced a
$4 one-way discount fare for persons age 65 or over,
disabled, or on Medicare, with proof of eligibility (i.e.,
government-issued identification card). Rides for
children under 2 will remain free.
There are new food options at LAX. LAX travelers have
new choices for dining within the airport’s terminals.
in Terminals 1,
2, and 7 offers salads, sandwiches, and a variety of
freshly baked breads and pastries.
at Terminal 7 offers fresh made to
order Mexican food including burritos, tacos, and
salads.
in Terminal
4 offers a sit-down dining experience, in addition to
a full bar.
La Brea Bakery Cafe
Express
Baja Fresh
On The Border Mexican
Restaurant and Cantina
NOVEMBER 08 63 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
Continued from page 32
my body what it needs, I just
was sublime. The flavorful meat can
relationship. Determined, we walked
chef cooking with love and creating
can’t function.
be dipped, sugared, or placed inside
him through a proper procedure for
flavors. I think the same sentiment
What are your favorite foods?
tiny pancakes with a choice of more
a martini. The “drop of vermouth”
applies to wine. That’s something
Terrible things that I shouldn’t be
dips, spices and vegetables which
idea was absurd to him. He couldn’t
that I noticed about Mike Grgich; his
eating! I’m a sucker for chocolate
you are expected to assemble with
do it and could not understand why
passion is inspiring.
— my biggest downfall. I like simple
chopsticks. Each Chinese province
we would want to short change
What inspires you?
things. I’m a big fan of an apple with
has thousands of appetizers, meals
ourselves with so little. After broken
I really love what I do. It takes me
peanut putter. I only get to have
and desserts — all part of the super-
“Chinglish” coercion, we were able
on so many different journeys. From
fun with my food once a week. On
sized China we experienced.
to take possession of the glass and
working on The Mentalist, I’ve gained
my fun days, I go after anything
a whole new perspective and respect
and everything. I love a big bowl of
for law enforcement. We had real-life
spaghetti with red sauce and a nice
training in raids, breaking into houses,
glass of wine. That’s sort of my ideal
going through doors, learning
meal that, or a good steak.
how to work and move as a team.
Anything else you want to say about
Positioning yourself to react correctly
The Mentalist?
in a split second when anything can
Watch it! We have great story lines,
happen is so interesting to me. It’s
and we fire lots of guns!
something that I would never been
Do you have a favorite gun?
exposed to if I wasn’t an actor. I
Yeah! My favorite is the Winchester
wouldn’t have that opportunity to go
44 magnum six-shooter, like Clint
through that police training. We went
Eastwood has. I found it to be more
to a firing range and I shot an array
stable than the 9mm Glock. I think it’s
of guns. There is something very
more balanced because of the longer
surreal about that experience, it’s
barrel. I went with (Mentalist co-star)
a little bizarre. It was scary but very
Owain Yeoman to the shooting range.
When the 164 ft. wide moat for
empowering at the same time. You
I noticed that the other guns had a
the Forbidden City was dug, the
have to respect that deadly weapon
little bit of a kick — wherever I aimed
excavated earth and rock was shaped
that you’re holding. You have to learn
it wasn’t where the shots would
into a hill nearby that, by legend,
The Beijing Opera and body
to handle it correctly. I also did a ride
end up. They were hard to hold still
protects the palaces from evil spirits.
contortions of the Chinese Acrobats
along in Compton and got firsthand
enough to be as accurate. It’s a fine
It is the most remarkable view in a
are vibrant, colorful, artistically
experiences of police life — the cases
art to be accurate with shooting.
perfectly flat Beijing. In the event you
creative and stunning. In retrospect,
they were working on and what they
I shot a 12-gauge shotgun. Wow, I
have a clear day, hike up to the place
no surprise that China wrangled so
deal with on a daily basis. There is
would not want to be shot with any
where Chongzhen, the final Ming
many gold medals in gymnastics and
something heartbreaking about it.
kind of gun, especially a shotgun!
emperor, hung himself as the city was
diving — if one can balance forty
Something about the desperation
The holes it tore in the targets were
being attacked by rebels.
people (literally) on one bicycle, it’s
that drives people to a certain place
a little disturbing. The first gun I shot
in their lives. Acting has given me a
was the 9mm. I remember flinching
respect for the human condition and
a little — with that “I don’t know
to the opportunity to connect to the
what’s going to happen” feeling. I
way people react to things. I’m able
had no idea what it would do or how
to see beyond the surface. To me,
powerful the kick would be. After the
that’s inspiring unto itself. I enjoy
first shot, I was more comfortable
learning about new things and being
with it. I think I looked ridiculous with
taken on these journeys.
the headsets and safety glasses, but
Is there anything you can’t live
it was fun. I’m enjoying learning the
without on the set?
things I’m learning. It’s a cool journey.
Food. If craft services is putting out
chocolate bars, and it’s the only thing
The 600 year old, 180 acre Forbidden
City — the largest Emperor’s palace
in the center of Beijing — contains
9,999 rooms and halls that took
over 1 million laborers to build. The
gigantic expanse of the “City,”
contrasted with the minute attention
to detail is unfathomable. Marvel
interpretation. We put 3 drops
of vermouth in the glass, rolled it
around to get full coverage and then
inverted the glass to drain the excess
vermouth. You would have thought
we were Bill Murray by the way our
faithful bartender chortled.
at the walls, doors, furniture and
If rooftop bars don’t relax you, seek
decorations built with precious
the Dragonfly Relaxation Retreat
Chinese wood, “pinyin” and Beijing
for meditative mellow moments.
marble that took lifetimes to create.
The name sums it up. The décor,
Never will so many “wows” leave
ambiance and service are flawless.
your lips…until you cross the street
Hotel Kapok is only a few doors
and visit Jingshan Park.
down, and we could maintain our
After hours of climbing and walking
history, we stumbled upon a gem
rub-induced sedation and snag a nap
at our Beijing abode before heading
out to seize the night.
likely nailing a double flip with a half
twist isn’t a far reach.
called The Emperor Hotel. Enjoy
Part of the Beijing taste adventure
grandiose views of the Forbidden
is the romance of creating your
City and surrounding Beijing sky
own dipping sauce at every meal.
scrapers from its rooftop deck and
Similar to sushi joints here, Beijing
lounge — a rarity in Beijing. Service,
restaurants have bottles of soy sauce
as usual, was perfect. The mojito
on the table. In escort are bottles
— magnifique! The martini — not
of vinegar (a prominent flavor in
so good. Be warned that it was
many Chinese cuisines) and a spice
impossible to get a perfect martini
like hot sauce or red-pepper flakes.
in Beijing. We tried. We really tried.
Something to make your meal a little
The preparation and presentation
extra “la” (Chinese for spicy). It
were spot-on. After a day of walking
was as if we had fulfilled an ancient
the hazy streets of Beijing, we were
Chinese rite of passage and formed a
parched and grabbed that cold, wet
bond with each chef and waiter when
martini glass for a sizable sip and
we asked for more “la” in our food.
nearly spewed it out.
After a few days experimenting in
you have to munch on throughout
Continued from page 42
the day, it’s not very good. It’s not
musts was Peking Duck. The Beijing
something I put in my contract,
DaDong Roast Duck Restaurant is
but it’s something I will go talk to
renowned and extravagant, but
them about. I’ll be like, “Hey, how
well priced. Calling this version of
about some vegetables?” I try to
Peking Duck a gourmet dinner would
eat healthy. I’m not always perfect,
understate the privy journey our
The martini endeavor drew us back
but it’s really important when you’re
pallets took. The “Duck Doctors” (as
to the Kapok and the bartender with
working long hours. If I’m not feeding
we called them) are artists. The duck
whom we had developed a chummy
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 64 NOVEMBER 08
shaker and demonstrate an American
pre-meal sauce mixology, we deftly
doled out personal proportions of
soy, vinegar and heat, maximizing
the delight each dish brought to our
taste buds.
We investigated local beverages
to extinguish the food-induced fire
in our mouths. Beer was always
available; Tsing Tao was the most
common, and cheap. The traditional
Chinese spirits are yellow rice wine
(huang jiu) and Baijiu, a clear liquor
made from rice or barley. Huang
jiu is served warm in a pitcher or
bowl and known for its unique taste
and amber color. Baijiu is Chinese
moonshine and anywhere from 80 to
120 proof and comes in a green glass
bottle in different sizes to fit different
budgets. We tried to be open and
appreciate these for what they were
— and we certainly recommend
that adventurous types try it once
for the experience. Still we could
only conjure “furniture polish” and
“gasoline” as descriptors of the taste.
Another cultural discernment: sour
and tart tastes are widely enjoyed
in China. Apparently the part of the
pallet that enjoys vinegar is more
pronounced in the Chinese genome
than in the West. From the French,
vinegar means “sour wine” and,
similar to the martini recipe, might be
another translation taken too literally
by the Chinese.
There are 2 prominent brands of
Chinese grape wine: Dynasty and
Great Wall. $8 for the entry-level
and around $35 for the high-end.
Expensive by Chinese standards —
you get so used to paying $4 for a
giant meal and $3 for a 30 minute
taxi ride that anytime you have to
shell out double digit dollars, it feels
picked up from the small merchant
ventured downstairs to what we
Continued from page 38
shop across the street from the hotel
thought was an upscale restaurant
not beach-centric. You’ll get an
was drinkable, but it was a little “off.”
decked out in entirely white décor.
appreciation for the dramatic
Air-conditioning and refrigeration
We approached the concierge for
topography of relatively new earth,
are luxuries and we chalked up the
directions to the bar only to discover
with ravines and long slopes up to
subtle but obvious sour taste to
we were inside the largest, most
Haleakala and down to the ocean
improper storage. We didn’t give
profound karaoke experience we had
floor. When it rains, the ravines roar
up hope and purchased second and
ever encountered! The Chinese are
with water.
third bottles from another store and
beyond serious about karaoke. To
a restaurant which, sadly, yielded
see the practical applications of such
similar results. We concluded that all
committed singing, make your way
the bottles were somewhat cooked
to Houhai.
from a dearth of cool places to store
and transport. A dinner conversation
with one of our new friends shed a
new light. Chinese produce wine in
a similar fashion to the rest of the
world with one intentional deviation.
Wine is left open to air before
bottling so it will oxidize. They enjoy
that sour, tart, vinegary taste in their
wine. We would have appreciated
that information four bottles earlier.
interesting small businesses
Green Tea House which was a tour de
and eateries.
creatif from the décor to the cuisine.
Chic is an understatement. Gold fish
in wine glasses. Shrimp on hot firey
coals. A wine list sparing no expense.
Chairs sporting 8 foot high backs. It
was real life Alice in Wonderland.
Bombastic blocks of cheese sit on
expansive cutting boards at the
yet somehow stays refined. We felt
are some wonderful wine bars in
under-dressed in our urban explorer
Beijing. La Cave tenders 150 different
clothes, but were attended to swiftly
international vintages from $15 to
and with grace.
friends, a refined oasis in a crowded,
energetic city.
The Cannery is the home of Haleakala
Bike Company that offers a stunning
life-experience of a Haleakala sunrise
bike tour. What makes this outfit
different from some of the other
bike tour companies is that they hold
a permit to give a van tour of the
Haleakala National Park after your
sunrise experience and before cutting
you loose on your glorious downhill
ride.
And the gem of the Cannery is
The “looking good” export from the
United States has not yet plagued
Beijing. However you are dressed
is fine for wherever you go. We
found the absence of self-conscious
Colleen’s Restaurant. Every time I go
in there, whether for breakfast, lunch
or dinner, it seems I’m surrounded by
diners — locals and visitors — who
are so happy to be on Maui that
it sets a great aloha tone. Colleen
Pavillion is another great escape
demeanor a pleasant discovery, and
when needing to scratch your wine
as a result, it became a disposition
itch or simply a break from the Beijing
hyper-magnified about our own
bustle. A comprehensive wine list
culture. Their focus was on sharing:
and expansive outside garden foster
food, traditions, lore and their homes.
relaxation. It caters to upscale
They were fervent in catering to
So, dear reader, I hope this whets
western travelers, is comfortable,
visitors and the preservation of their
your appetite for a wonderful trip to
spacious and delicious.
culture. There is a pervasive feeling
The Valley Isle. There is lots more to
of “we are all in this together.” In the
see and do in Maui. You’ll find your
end, we discovered Communism does
own adventures and create some
have an upside.
lasting memories.
expensive. These wines, along with
Just across the street was the largest
the famous little green bottle of
bowling alley we had ever seen —
whiskey are sold almost everywhere.
100 lanes! Not in the mood to bowl,
The first bottle of Great Wall Red we
but rather for a quiet night cap, we
SUDOKU EASY SOLUTION
house an extraordinary number of
Workers Stadium sits the renowned
old tradition of sour wine, there
an intimate evening or relaxing with
is the Cannery, surrounded by
numerous other small buildings that
bar. It is over-the-top in every way,
wine experience. It’s suitable for
center of Haiku, the largest building
A few strides from Pavilion, near
Despite the indigenous 5,000 year
$150 per bottle and offers a first-class
As you come into the small town
SUDOKU MEDIUM SOLUTION
SUDOKU HARD SOLUTION
Nicolas’ menu has evolved in a careful
(and generous) way to truly one of
the island’s best. The seared ahi is
deliciously prepared.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
NOVEMBER 08 65 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
W
ell it’s time to forget those harsh nightmares
filled with Boston Celtics slam-dunks, threepointers, and celebrations (they actually
dumped Gatorade on their coach — I
thought that only happened in football). A new N.B.A.
season is upon us and the Los Angeles Lakers are revving
up for another run at the World Championship.
Most N.B.A. fans and analysts would agree that this is
the Lakers’ year. They have the best player in the world
in Kobe Bryant and a strong supporting cast led by Lamar
Odom, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The team gelled
together last season and made an incredible run after the
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 66 NOVEMBER 08
By Rick Florino
Photo by Peter Duke
All-Star break. Now they’re comfortable playing together
and set to achieve what they couldn’t quite pull off last
year — N.B.A. supremacy.
Kobe, with “Olympic Hero” added to his resume, seems
truly content for the first time in his spectacularly
tumultuous career. He finally has the added weapons
it takes to climb the N.B.A. mountain and the mindset
it takes to be a true team player. So everyone get your
popcorn ready (T.O. stole that from me), because the
Lake Show is underway.
– Scott Campbell
Kobe Br yant: COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES LAKERS
The Lake’
show is
Starting
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NOVEMBER 08 67 LAX-MAGAZINE.COM
LAX-MAGAZINE.COM 68 NOVEMBER 08