30 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi

My PS Vita Favorite Features

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After a few months with my PS Vita I have definitely developed some strong feelings for many of it's features and games. I am so grateful to Playstation for having me on their PS Family board, and giving me the opportunity to explore this hand held gaming system that is so much more.
I know I've said this a bunch of times in a bunch of places but I still love Escape Plan. It it such a great game. It's main characters Lil and Laarg die often at my hands but they always bounce back up and are ready to go again and again until I can finally figure out how to clear the level. See the trailer below

Aside from games there are other uses for the PS Vita. I love to have it handy for watching movies on Netflix. Here's a picture of me watching Breakfast at Tiffany's. The picture is small but so so clear. 

The last feature I'm excited about is the new Skype app. You can contact anyone on skype and and have a face to face chat. You can even switch the camera to rear facing and show them your surroundings. It really is insanely cool. Here's a playstation video explaining all it's features.

With all of this you hardly need anything else. 
I really have enjoyed using the Vita and can easily recommend it to one and all.

The Closer's Final Six Episodes

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I'm so sad The Closer is starting it's final six episodes July 9th on TNT. I love this show.  I suppose 7 years is a good run. I'll be glued to these last few. Hope they find a good ending for our leading lady.

Still the show isn't totally gone. Because practically the entire cast will continue on a new show called Major Crimes beginning August 13th . We'll be trading Krya Sedgewick for the amazing Mary McDonnell. 


So a little good news with the bad.



Disney's California Adventure

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This past weekend Disney California Adventure invited my family to come experience all the exciting new lands and rides. I have to say I adore the new entrance into the park. The first thing you see is the replica entrance of the Pan Pacific Auditorium. Once through those gates you find yourself on Buena Vista Street, filled with classic Hollywood landmarks and characters.

Carthay Circle Theatre is a replica of the Theatre that Snow White premiered at and has a wonderful restaurant inside. It is a bit pricey but the interior is gorgeous, the food is delicious, and if you order the the full meal (including starter, entree, and dessert) you get VIP passes to the viewing of World of Color. Reservations are recommended for the Carthay Circle Restaurant


Next we found ourselves in A Bug's Land. This land has been open for a while. But is one of our family favorites. If you have bug lovers in your family, I'm sure they'll enjoy pretending to be a bug in the giant grass and clover forest, not to mention the bumper cars pictured above.


 Probably my little Dare Devils favorite ride at either Disneyland or California Adventure is California Screamin'. This Roller coaster has everything speed, loop, and huge drops. I spend a lot of time waiting on a bench while my family rides this one. They're lucky if they can get me on the ferris wheel.



Finally of course there was the piece des resistance CARS LAND! I can't believe how incredibly awesome this is. My 3 year old god son is going to lose his mind when he sees this place. It really is like walking through Radiator Springs.


There's so much great stuff to do I can't list it all here. But possibly the most important thing I want you to know is how great the food is and not just in the fancy Carthay Circle restaurant, Cars land has fun food in cones and a great restaurant, and there is some super food in Paradise Pier too.  But just a word to the wise if you're going to ride California Screamin', eat after.

Enjoy the park!



Nora Ephron RIP

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Nora Ephon past away yesterday and I feel I've lost a friend who always gave me great advice.
When I was just a teenager Nora Ephron was teaching me about being a strong woman. First in Silkwood where Meryl Streep stands up to the man. Then in Heartburn where Meryl Streep stands up to a man. Both films taught me that doing the hard thing is often the right thing, and hey if you can hit your cheating husband in the face with a pie on your way out the door, so much the better.

Since then there have been so many great Ephron films. They taught me about love, and love in the movies, and why they're not the same, but that it's ok to want love to look like it does in the movies, because sometimes Mr. Right DOES meet you on top of the Empire State building.

In the end she left me with one last Meryl Streep film Julie and Julia. Where once again I watched as Ephron showed me to follow my bliss even if  it seems like it is for naught.

Simply put and in her words "it was magic"

RIP Nora Ephron


John Kelly Chocolate Truffle Fudges and Visiting the Chocolate Factory!

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I first had John Kelly chocolate (truffle fudges) at Corkbar and remember really liking it. I didn't know where their storefront is, so I never had it after that - until I was invited to a tasting at their new Santa Monica store on Montana.

These chocolate coated "truffle fudges" are not a traditional fudge, and the richness and creaminess are closer to a ganache.
Their most popular item is the Dark Chocolate with French Grey Sea Salt.
IMG_8920The fudge is made with 86% dark Belgian chocolate, topped with Sel Gris de Guerande sea salt. Sure, you see a lot of chocolates with sea salt these days, but John Kelly was one of the first, and this chocolate won the Sofi Gold Award for Outstanding Chocolate in 2009. My favorite, though, was the Chocolate and Caramel with Hawaiian Alaea Sea Salt. They use bigger sea salt grains for this one to stand up to the caramel.

Their newest products are two spicy fudges: Dark Chocolate with Chipotle and Ancho Chile, and Dark Chocolate with Habanero and Jalapeno Chile
The first is the milder of the two but it still got quite a bit of heat (at least for me!). You get the spiciness at the end, although it does not really linger. The second is even spicier, and more of a slow burn than a sudden kick. Neither was overwhelming though and you still can taste the sweetness and creaminess of the chocolate.

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25 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi

Kiyokawa's New Sashimi-centric Omakase

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Kiyokawa had been on my to-try list for some time since Jonathan Gold loved it so much, but I had sort of forgotten about this little place in Beverly Hills and stored it in the back of my mind. I recently dug it out and made it a point to finally go.

There are two omakase options at Kiyokawa, a full omakase (kaiseki) for $78 or a sushi-only omakase for $48. As I sat down and read the omakase menu there were things like miso black cod and other cooked items, but then they told me to ignore the menu. They had just started a new omakase menu and it was completely different than what was written. They recently changed the omakase menu to be more sashimi-focused rather than cooked dishes. Sounds even better to me.
IMG_8251
Sushi Chef Satoshi Kiyokawa
Our first course came in an orange sitting on ice. Inside the orange was some halibut sashimi with cucumber sunomono and tomato
IMG_8244IMG_8245

Albacore salad topped w crispy green onion
IMG_8246This was a rather big plate for a second course with plenty of albacore. As the ponzu sauce that normally comes with albacore tends to be too astringent for me at times, I preferred this.

Live sweet shrimp and Hama Hama oyster topped with uni
IMG_8247Did I mention the amaebi was a live? The legs attached to the head were still moving on the ice! (Sorry PETA)
IMG_8249Still, the oyster with the creamy uni stole the show for me.
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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Chile Relleno Dogs in San Felipe (BajaCalifornia, Mexico)

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Some of you already know about Sonoran style hot dogs, even the bacon-wrapped kind. But in San Felipe, they took advantage of the seafood nearby and made ... Shrimp hot dogs! Bacon-wrapped shrimp hot dogs, to be precise. Oh, and bacon wrapped chile relleno dog also.

Martin started this "dogos de camaron" cart one and a half years ago, with a small cart in front of his house. Now he has two carts, chairs for his numerous customers, and even a little TV sitting on top of his fence. He will also be opening another cart on the main street of San Felipe soon.

The shrimp dogs aren't shrimp processed into sausages, but actual whole grilled shrimp - the bacon wrapping is what keeps it in shape.
IMG_9406According to Street Gourmet LA, it's not a Sonoran hot dog without Sonoran bread, and even here Martin ships the hot dog buns from Sonora. It's that heavy, comforting, late night food you've always loved (and craved when drunk) - but with fresh shrimp! And crispy bacon, mm..

The front of the cart held all the necessary toppings for a Sonoran dog. I had no idea what I was supposed to put on it, so I let Street Gourmet LA do all the work.
IMG_9400
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24 Haziran 2012 Pazar

Kiyokawa's New Sashimi-centric Omakase

To contact us Click HERE
Kiyokawa had been on my to-try list for some time since Jonathan Gold loved it so much, but I had sort of forgotten about this little place in Beverly Hills and stored it in the back of my mind. I recently dug it out and made it a point to finally go.

There are two omakase options at Kiyokawa, a full omakase (kaiseki) for $78 or a sushi-only omakase for $48. As I sat down and read the omakase menu there were things like miso black cod and other cooked items, but then they told me to ignore the menu. They had just started a new omakase menu and it was completely different than what was written. They recently changed the omakase menu to be more sashimi-focused rather than cooked dishes. Sounds even better to me.
IMG_8251
Sushi Chef Satoshi Kiyokawa
Our first course came in an orange sitting on ice. Inside the orange was some halibut sashimi with cucumber sunomono and tomato
IMG_8244IMG_8245

Albacore salad topped w crispy green onion
IMG_8246This was a rather big plate for a second course with plenty of albacore. As the ponzu sauce that normally comes with albacore tends to be too astringent for me at times, I preferred this.

Live sweet shrimp and Hama Hama oyster topped with uni
IMG_8247Did I mention the amaebi was a live? The legs attached to the head were still moving on the ice! (Sorry PETA)
IMG_8249Still, the oyster with the creamy uni stole the show for me.
Read more »

What to expect When You're Expecting

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Last week I was invited to a screening of What To Expect When You're Expecting. I'll start out by telling you that I really didn't know what to expect. This film is based on the bible, of the same name, of almost every pregnant women. Truthfully, I didn't think it really lent itself to a screen play. But wouldn't you know it I was wrong.
Of course the film doesn't actually follow the book. There is no second act about the thinning of your cervix, or darkening of your nipples, at least not directly. The movie is about 5 couple and their journeys to parenthood. Personally I love these huge ensemble casts. Everyone is very funny and for me it never crossed the line into the ridiculous (or at least not ridiculously so).
I really enjoyed the large part of the film that focused on a group of dad's who walk as a group every weekend. It made me pity the poor husbands, just a little, don't tell any of the other mothers I said that. Anyway they were hysterical led by the incomparable Chris Rock.
The moms were great too. Jennifer Lopez was of course gorgeous. I loved watching the know it all expectant mother learn that it wasn't a pleasure cruise being pregnant. I always think this is the first parenting lesson. You never know what is going to happen so be prepared. Some what less fun to watch the mom who is completely unfazed by her pregnancy. 
I feel like there were lots of conception scenarios, if not every possible one. It would have been great to have a same sex couple, in there somewhere, but maybe in the sequel. Over all I would recommend this to pregnant ladies, and people with families. It's very fun with only brief moments of seriousness.
Opens this Friday 18th!!!


The Closer's Final Six Episodes

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I'm so sad The Closer is starting it's final six episodes July 9th on TNT. I love this show.  I suppose 7 years is a good run. I'll be glued to these last few. Hope they find a good ending for our leading lady.

Still the show isn't totally gone. Because practically the entire cast will continue on a new show called Major Crimes beginning August 13th . We'll be trading Krya Sedgewick for the amazing Mary McDonnell. 


So a little good news with the bad.



23 Haziran 2012 Cumartesi

Bill Hader Hosts TCM Essentials JR

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Billl Hader is hosting Essentials JR on TCM this summer, beginning Sunday, June 3. I love that they have this special 8pm ET time slot every Sunday set aside to indoctrinate share these movies with kids. Another great list this year kicks off with 12 Angry Men June 3rd and ends with, one of my favorites, Ball of Fire August 26th.

In a phone interview I did with Mr. Hader he informed me that he really wanted to have Shane on the schedule this summer. Unfortunately it was not possible, so I'm sure he would be very grateful if you would take the time to screen that for the kid in your life too.

Here's the promo for the series. See the complete schedule below.



June 3rd 12 Angry Men
June 10th The Wizard of Oz
June 17th Rio Bravo
June 24th The Circus
July 1st Lassie
July 8th The Bank Dick
July 15th The Theif Of Bagdad
July 22nd The Great Escape
July 29th The Band Wagon
August 5th The Invisible Man
August 12th 42nd Street
August 19th North By Northwest
August 26th Ball of Fire

Happy viewing!


Mad Men Season 5 Epi 11 The Other Woman

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Tonight's Episode, The Other Woman, had the ladies doing things that I doubted they would ever do. It's hard to believe some of the men's behavior too, but frankly they are often pretty sleazy so it's less surprising.

Peggy's phone pitch was brilliant (was that Matt Weiner on the other end of the call?). It took Don being that awful to her, to push her off the cliff. Still I don't think she realized what she was worth till Chaough offered her exactly what she asked for plus $1000. Anytime someone says yes that fast you know you didn't ask for enough.

I hope we will still see our Peggy. I can't wait 2 or 3 seasons for her to resurface like Paul or Freddy. Her goodbye with Don was very firm. Don had a hard time hearing he had nothing to give her and I think she had a hard time realizing it. They were breaking up, but hopefully will actually stay friends.

I have to say I thought Joan would figure out a way to get out of sleeping with the Jaguar guy. But in the end, a single women with a baby in 1966, there really was no way to say no to that kind of security. It was sad, but practical. Was it me or after Don's visit when he said "Say goodnight to your friend" Did he think she was Joan's lover? Like the lesbian rumor he talked about last week?

Ginsberg??? What is this guys story?? He seemed to be intentionally looking the other way when Megan's friend was crawling on the table. He really seemed to find it disgusting. Which it kind of was, but he's the only one in the office who can see that. With Peggy gone he's going to have to jump in the drivers seat. They better hope he can develop some kind of social filter.

This and That

Peggy saying she needs a chocolate shake when Chaough offers her the job.

Trudy telling Pete he has to get over New York

Just waiting for Lane to get busted for the money!

UPDATE: Reading a lot of posts this morning about how moral Don is for telling Joan not to sleep with Jaguar , even if it was too late. But let's all remember how easily he fired Sal when he wouldn't sleep with Lucky Strike. I believe he said "you people" in disgust. He is evolving but still...

Also in Roger's defense once Pete said that Joan was up for it but said they couldn't afford it, he basically said well let her do it then, I just don't want to hear about it. So it wasn't exactly like he liked the idea.

The Closer's Final Six Episodes

To contact us Click HERE

I'm so sad The Closer is starting it's final six episodes July 9th on TNT. I love this show.  I suppose 7 years is a good run. I'll be glued to these last few. Hope they find a good ending for our leading lady.

Still the show isn't totally gone. Because practically the entire cast will continue on a new show called Major Crimes beginning August 13th . We'll be trading Krya Sedgewick for the amazing Mary McDonnell. 


So a little good news with the bad.



Kiyokawa's New Sashimi-centric Omakase

To contact us Click HERE
Kiyokawa had been on my to-try list for some time since Jonathan Gold loved it so much, but I had sort of forgotten about this little place in Beverly Hills and stored it in the back of my mind. I recently dug it out and made it a point to finally go.

There are two omakase options at Kiyokawa, a full omakase (kaiseki) for $78 or a sushi-only omakase for $48. As I sat down and read the omakase menu there were things like miso black cod and other cooked items, but then they told me to ignore the menu. They had just started a new omakase menu and it was completely different than what was written. They recently changed the omakase menu to be more sashimi-focused rather than cooked dishes. Sounds even better to me.
IMG_8251
Sushi Chef Satoshi Kiyokawa
Our first course came in an orange sitting on ice. Inside the orange was some halibut sashimi with cucumber sunomono and tomato
IMG_8244IMG_8245

Albacore salad topped w crispy green onion
IMG_8246This was a rather big plate for a second course with plenty of albacore. As the ponzu sauce that normally comes with albacore tends to be too astringent for me at times, I preferred this.

Live sweet shrimp and Hama Hama oyster topped with uni
IMG_8247Did I mention the amaebi was a live? The legs attached to the head were still moving on the ice! (Sorry PETA)
IMG_8249Still, the oyster with the creamy uni stole the show for me.
Read more »

LAX Eats: Lobster Pad Thai at Ayara Thai (and Recipe)

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Finding a place to eat near LAX has always been a tough task and In-N-Out ends up being the choice a few too many times. My recent visit to Ayara Thai told me that I should've explored the area more, and it's now on my list the next time I have a friend or family flying in with a short layover. Definitely keep an eye out for their specials announcement on twitter or Facebook, because they just may have the lobster pad thai. Yup, lobster!
IMG_8651For $16, they give a generous amount of lobster. Chicken? Meh. After having pad thai with chunks of lobster, it's hard to imagine any other protein that would go better with this sweet noodle. Lobster is the way to go, so try it whenever they have it available!
IMG_8654
Even though I normally stay away from the chili sauces, the owner said the pad thai goes really well with the red sauce and the pickled jalapeno, so I tried a bite with the condiments. They really changed the flavors and the pickled jalapeno (which wasn't too spicy) acted like a palate cleanser in between bites. You should really try adding these two to at least some of your pad thai!

The spring rolls we ordered were apparently vegetarian (with tofu) so they were a bit more bland.
IMG_8650

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20 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba

Wes Anderson Moonrise Kingdom

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Finally got a chance to see a screening of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom last night, and loved it. It had some of Anderson's regular players, like Bill Murray and Jason Shwartzman, but also some new people like Bruce Willis, Ed Norton and (one of my personal favorites) Frances McDormand. The entire cast was phenomenal, especially the two kids in the lead roles  Jared Gilman and Kara Haytward.



The story is about two misfit children who find one another and run away together.Reminds me in the vaguest of way of A Little Romance. It is incredibly sweet and as with all Wes Anderson films somewhat quirky. His mastery of the ridiculous had this audience laughing out loud throughout the film. There are several homages to great scenes from other films and it is fun to try to figure out what is from where. (see trailer below for one)

Some of my favorite characters were Jason Shwartzman's scouts supply sergent, who just like in every WWII movie, is able to get everything for a price. Though the scene was brief, I think he was channeling Tony Curtis from Operation Petticoat. Francis McDormand didn't get a lot to do but her bull horn wield mother was extremely real, and frankly I'm considering a bull horn of my own. Bruce Willis' cop was a sad little man but had some really gem lines like "Even smart people stick their finger in socket sometimes"

I give this film to Khaki Scout/Beige Lunatic thumbs up. If you love Wes Anderson like I do this is a sure thing. If you maybe somehow aren't that familiar with his films this is a great place to jump in and see what the waters like.

Here's the trailer if you need more convincing



Find Moonrise Kingdom at a theatre near you