New Age Diner In The Beverly Center: Easy’s.

Pork Belly Benedict

Self-described as “the twisted lovechild of Tupac and The Fonz,” the J. Fall Group’s newest concept, Easy’s, is a mix of contemporary Americana cuisine and iconic west coast swag – a millennial dream. 

Located at the sixth-floor entrance of the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, California, this fresh, fast-casual restaurant features a playful twist on traditional diner fare and classic cocktails. The walls are painted with graffiti-inspired art, and each table is equipped with a vintage View-Master® loaded with enticing images of menu items for your viewing pleasure. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a friendly, energetic staff, stylishly dressed in leather moto jackets and all black ensembles.

Author’s child entertained by ‘View Master.’

The diverse menu offers something for everyone, including kids. Easy’s signature burger is made with a grass-fed ground beef patty, red onion, Easy’s secret sauce and American cheese on a brioche bun. The English Reuben melt is made with tender corned beef, large slices of dill pickles, black garlic, thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese on an English muffin. 

One of the most popular dishes on the menu – and understandably so, is the pork belly benedict (pictured above.) This dish re-interprets the classic eggs Benedict with an explosion of flavors, which includes mouthwatering maple braised pork belly perched on top of a soft English muffin topped with a perfectly poached egg and enhanced with pesto and BBQ hollandaise sauce. This dish is brimming with decadence.

Other menu items include elevated versions of salads, sandwiches and all-day breakfast dishes. They also have vegetarian options and marquee menu items which include Duck Parmesan and Fried Chicken N’ Funnel Cake.

Easy’s Doodle Wall

And being that this is Los Angeles, Easy’s features a fully stocked bar and creative cocktail menu. Drinks include boozy spiked milkshakes, and a Kimchi Bloody Mary made with Easy’s house-made bloody Mary mix, Chinese five-spice, kimchi and shiso leaves – it’s almost too pretty to drink.

Easy’s is family friendly and located on the sixth floor of the Beverly Center at 8500 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Article originally posted HERE

The Five Friends You Keep Matter More Than You Think.

I recently had a conversation with a mentor of mine regarding friendships. I was expressing my concern about the difficulty of meeting new people in this phase of my life (late thirties) who share the same interests and who can inspire my creativity. She gave me some sound advice, and also said something that resonated with me.

“You’re an amalgamation of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

Really?? Then I must be a healthy combination of my toddler, teenager, mother, and husband. Which in retrospect, is pretty accurate assessment, even though that’s only four. 

However, this did inspire me to start thinking about my circle of friends, and how they impact my life in different ways.

According to the renowned motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, the five people we spend the most time with directly influence our self-perception, confidence, interests, hobbies, decision making and behavior. Your immediate surroundings affect many aspects of your life; therefore, a regular check-in and assessment on your squad is in order. 

Many of the friends we decide to keep in our lives for long, or short, periods of time vary on the purpose that they serve for us. In assessing your circle, here are five types of friends that play an essential role:

The Blunt One

Never one to mince words, she always speaks her mind and often says what everyone else is thinking…but wouldn’t dare say. The honesty you receive from this one is authentic, straightforward, and real. This friend typically stays around the longest because the trust runs deep. If you’re the type that can take criticism, then this is the friend you must have in your corner…if your skin is tough enough.

The Matriarch

Everyone calls her “mom” and may come off as having a Mother Theresa complex. She wants to serve as everyone’s conscious and maybe a bit of a downer; however, she is often sympathetic and whether you like it or not, the voice of reason.

The Go-Getter

She is regularly embarking on a new quest, whether it be taking a new class, traveling to some obscure place, or consistently adopting new hobbies. Complacency is not in her vocabulary. Nothing is too challenging; everything is a challenge accepted.

The Optimist

She is the “ray of sunshine” and can find the bright side of things, often to the point of annoyance. Despite, the fact that her infinite capacity for positivity can become downright annoying, you need to have a friend like this. They may be your only insight into what good is left in the world.

The Soul Searcher

When times are at their lowest, she is the one you call when you’re in need of a heart to heart. Life holds a deeper meaning for this friend, and shallowness is not an option. She is the one, who by proxy of her journey, is more than willing to bring you along for the ride.

So, to be more concise:

•    The blunt one will never lie to you

•    The matriarch will always take care of you

•    The go-getter will encourage you to challenge yourself and push your boundaries

•    The optimist will enable you to see the good in all

•    The soul searcher will help you discover your value

If you’ve already have these five friends (most of us do, without realizing it) keep them close.

Article originally posted HERE

Three Ways Smiling Can CHANGE Your Life

We all have those days. You know, those days where nothing seems to go right. You hit the snooze button a few more times than you’d expect, and wake up late. Already under the stress of running late for work, your toddler (for us parents out there) decides that, on this particular morning, they will do the exact opposite of everything you ask. Please get dressed? No. Please eat breakfast? I don’t wanna. Then when you’ve finally wrangled your toddler and managed to get out the door and into your car, halfway down the road, you realize you left your cell phone at home.

Yeah…those mornings!

Well, like every human being on the planet, we experience good days and bad days. However, on those bad days, the last thing we are thinking of is flashing our pearly whites at others who cross our paths. But, studies have shown, that smiling, even when forced, can trick our brains into thinking its happy and can boost our mood. And nowadays, who couldn’t use a little more happiness in their lives? I know I can!

The global spiritual leader and author Tich Nhat Hanh said: “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” This idea has been supported by spiritual leaders around the globe and supported by science for years. Studies have shown that there are significant social and biological benefits associated with the act of smiling. So, when you find yourself on the “moody train,” here are three reasons to crack that smile and change emotional course. 

1. A Happy Brain Relieves Pain: Even if you are genuinely in a bad mood, the simple act of smiling releases the “feel-good” neurotransmitters in your brain: dopamine, and endorphins. The release of these “happy” chemicals contribute to relaxation, lowered heart rate, and pain relief.

2. Smiling Signifies Self Confidence: Studies show that smiling directly affects how others treat and perceive you. When a person is smiling, they immediately come across as approachable, confident, and easy going. Even if you lack these personal feelings within, smiling can help convince you, and those around you, otherwise.

3. Smiling Helps You Stay Healthy: Studies have proven that large amounts of stress and manifested negative thought patterns create harmful chemical reactions in the body and that the act of smiling and laughing can boost the immune system. The act of laughing increases the body’s oxygen levels, therefore stimulating the heart and lungs, and causes the brain to release neuropeptides into the system which aid in the alleviation of potential illness

So, the next time you’re feeling down, take time out to binge on funny Youtube videos and screwball comedies, without guilt. It’s literally good for your health! 

WANT TO GET OUT OF A RUT? TRUST YOUR GUT.

I had a bit of a revelation in the last month, and it was not one that I was happy to reveal. I have – and kind of still am – in a personal rut. It took me a while to realize that this is precisely what I have been experiencing because I am a pragmatist. I know that life isn’t always sunflowers and whipped cream. I know it can be difficult, and just the task of staying afloat in its ebb and flow can become daunting, therefore causing it to lose its flavor. However, the feelings that have recently taken over me are distinctively something more.

Though it’s not uncommon for us to inadvertently get caught up in the tedium of everyday life, it is essential to our well being that we recognize the signs of being in a rut and make some changes quickly before too much time escapes us. So, if any of these apply to you, sorry to say, you may be experiencing a rut as well.

• Accomplishing tasks, but with noticeably less excitement and vigor.

• Feeling lackluster when doing things that used to evoke happiness.

• Experiencing ennui in your day-to-day.

• Creatively stagnant and uninspired.

If they do, don’t fret. You’re not alone, and there is hope. Humankind is acutely aware of these feelings, and some things have been proven to pick you up and out of a rut. Here are a few:

1. Harness the power of the opposite. If you have been doing the same thing, in the same way, over a prolonged period of time, it is probably time to switch it up. All you have to do is do the opposite – it’s really that easy. Run instead of walk. If you eat late at night, eat earlier in the day. If you find yourself on your phone mindlessly scrolling at all hours of the night, then stop.

2. Lighten up. Not everything is within your control, and sometimes – as tricky as it may be – just has to be accepted. Once you have experienced the ease of alleviation, you’ll definitely reconsider taking the reins every time.

3. Say yes. This may be the only way to truly get out of your comfort zone. Being open to new experiences and not shutting them down, just may be what you need to shake it up.

4. Follow your gut. We often underestimate the power of our instinct. It the most innate ability we have as humans, yet we have been taught to question it, and more often, ignore it. But going against our instinct is probably a factor as to why you are in this rut in the first place, so its time to start listening.

Article originally posted HERE

SELF-CARE: YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.

My female friends would attest that I am an advocate for self-care. I am a cheerleader, shouting affirmations like, get that massage! Take that class! Book that flight! I’m all about encouraging others to do things that instinctively make them feel good and contribute to a positive state of well-being. We all deserve that, right?

The idea of self-care is not new. Originally promoted by medical professionals as a means to inspire healthy behavior, the philosophy of self-care was explored and perpetuated by feminists and philosophers, including the renowned French philosopher Michel Foucault, who believed that care of self leads to ultimate freedom. After the 2016 election, the term experienced a robust renaissance (I wonder why?) and proliferated on social media. And as with most things, the gaining popularity opened the marketing floodgates. Google the term “self-care” and you will get over 1.19 billion hits. It’s no surprise that the self-care business is BIG, but is the constant barrage of comprehensive lists, tips, activities, products, diets, and beauty routines in the name of self-care really necessary? Search #selfcare on Instagram and images of impeccable manicures, cake, and bathtubs filled with fruit and rose petals are generated. 

How is cake justified as self-care?

With the resurgence of society’s obsession and over marketing of the self-care lifestyle, the essence of the practice has been diluted and the purpose submerged beneath the promotion of various products and services. What may be endorsed as self-care are really just ostensible activities that provide a superficial and often temporary state of well-being and neglect to really delve deep into what the true meaning of self-care really is.

Real self-care is done on a consistent basis and should not be limited to a biweekly mani/pedi or scheduled massage. But rather, time set aside every day to check in with our mind, heart and gut and bestow some love on ourselves. It is crucial to our physical and mental health that we are consistently aware of our feelings and emotions; recognizing what we are grateful for and what are we lacking; conscious of what we need and what can we give; identifying our thought and behavior patterns; and acknowledging what puts us at ease and what distresses us. We need time to get to know ourselves. Because really being aware of who we are as individuals, lends to the strength of our relationships and how we interact with others.

We all hold purpose in this world and abide by and adhere to the responsibilities of our various roles, whether they fall within the realm of partner, parent, professional, or offspring. Nonetheless, it can get damn exhausting, which is why we need to show up, touch base and allow ourselves a chance to recharge and replenish the energy that we emit on a regular basis.

Article originally posted HERE

A Foodie’s Dream : LA Times Foodbowl’s Night Market

As part of the second annual Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long food extravaganza, the Night Market showcased some of Los Angeles’ most popular restaurants, food trucks, bars and pop-ups. Attendees got the chance to experience LA’s renowned and eclectic food scene. 

With over 50 vendors offering a wide variety of food items from pizza to pupusas and uni to oysters, there was a little something for everyone.

Ranked one of the top vendors at Smorgasburg, a weekly food market in Downtown LA, Lobsterdamus was crackin’ with their picture-perfect dish, the Lobster Nest – a perfectly open flame grilled, butter and garlic marinated whole or half lobster laid on a bed of yaki soba noodles seasoned with soy, sesame, lemon, roasted garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This dish had me going back for seconds!

Cheezus, another Smorgasburg fave, featured their Insta-worthy raclette, a traditional Swiss dish that includes a sensual scrape of perfectly melted raclette cheese on top of roasted potatoes, pickled vegetables, garlic sea salt and black pepper. If you aren’t part of this raclette revival…you’re missing out!

Now, you can’t have a Los Angeles food market without traditional Latin fare. Delmy’s Pupusas offered guests a Central American staple, a handmade corn tortilla stuffed with chicken or steak and served with salsa, cilantro and onions. But, it’s not complete unless you have a side of black beans and dollop of crema.

For the adventurous foodie and seafood lover, Broad Street Oyster Co. served fresh (and yes, still alive) Santa Barbara Uni (sea urchin) and sweet, freshly shucked Dutch Island, Rhode Island oysters on a bed of sea salt.

The LA Food Bowl Night Market concluded on Monday, May 20, but events are still scheduled throughout the end of the month. To check out a calendar of events, visit www.lafoodbowl.com.

Article originally posted HERE

The ‘Julia Child of Mexico’ Holds Court at LA Times Foodbowl Event

Chef and author, Diana Kennedy, is one of the leading authorities on Mexican cuisine, and she won’t let you forget it.

She has been described as the “Julia Child of Mexico” and an “ethno-gastronomer”, and at 95 years young, Kennedy is still as fervent and sentimental as ever when discussing her love of Mexico and its native fare. 

On Saturday, May 5, at the historic Million Dollar Theatre in Los Angeles, Kennedy took the stage to reflect on her life and path to becoming a renowned expert on the history and art of Mexican cooking, authoring nine cookbooks on the subject and being honored with an Order of the Aztec Eagle by the Mexican government for advocating on behalf of the cuisine and tourism of Mexico. 

Passion ran high among panel participants which included, Latin chefs and restaurateurs Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza; Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria and Gabriela Càmara of Contramar and Cala, when the discussion turned to sustainability, economics and food politics. Kennedy stressed the importance of honoring Mexico’s traditional cuisine and preserving its abundance of natural resources for future generations.

As of 2010, Los Angeles is home to over 2.5 million residents of Mexican heritage. However, Mexican culture and cuisine has been woven into the fabric of Los Angeles since its founding over two centuries ago and now second and third generation Mexican American chefs are continuing to honor the cuisine and traditions of their lineage.

The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl pays tribute to the diversity that the city has to offer by hosting a month-long series of events throughout the month of May.

To check out the schedule of Los Angeles Times Food Bowl events visit www.lafoodbowl.com/.

Article originally posted HERE

Chef Jose Andres Kicks Off LA Foodbowl

Waste is Wrong: that was Chef Jose Andres main message at the iconic Wiltern Theatre Monday night, in a spectacular event which kicked off the LA Times  Food Bowl, 31 days of great food, fascinating chef dialogues and more events than we can count.  

In the United States, it is estimated that between 30-40% of the food supply ends up in landfills instead of on dinner tables. In Los Angeles alone, more than half a million households live 300 percent below poverty level and often have to choose between putting food on their table or paying the rent. And according to renowned chef and philanthropist Chef Jose Andres, that is absolutely unacceptable.

Chef Andres along with L.A. Kitchen founder Robert Egger, Los Angeles restaurant critic Jonathan Gold and other prominent names in the Los Angeles food scene, took to the stage to raise awareness about the importance of food security and the Power of Food. Other guests included New Girl actress and The Farm Project co-founder Zooey Deschanel and Border Grill co-founder Susan Feniger.

The event featured a panel discussion on the topics of food sustainability and accessibility and a sous chef cook-off, where the challenge was to create a dish of limited ingredients that can be distributed to thousands of people during a post-disaster relief effort.

This event launched the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long food extravaganza, in partnerships with LA’s best bars, cafes, hotels, markets, restaurants and top chefs, to raise awareness and funds to combat food waste, hunger, food insecurity and promote sustainability.

Food at the event was prepared and served by L.A. Food Kitchen students and Los Angeles restaurant Todo Verde and Everytable.

The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl runs the entire month of May at various locations around Los Angeles. To check out the schedule of events visit www.lafoodbowl.com/.

Article originally posted HERE

The Dirty Secret Behind the Walls of Wealth

Highly publicized cases of domestic violence dominate our headlines and involve some of the most high-profile individuals in society. Yet, the stigma that surrounds women of wealth still perpetuates the myth that they are immune to incidents of domestic violence – which is far from the truth.

With the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements surrounding the pervasiveness of sexual assault in the workplace, we have witnessed women – predominantly affluent women- speak up and publicly come forward and share their personal experiences. This caused massive watershed moment that resulted in the long overdue professional and reputational demise of some of the most powerful perpetrators in society and sparked a national conversation regarding an issue that has long impeded women, of all classes, to acquire a seat at the proverbial table.

Statistics show that one in three women worldwide will fall victim to domestic violence in their lifetime. These staggering statistics, however, only reflect the population of women who actually report abuse to authorities or seek resources to aid them in seeking refuge, and this population is primarily women of low-income status. It is, therefore, important to question how many unaccounted victims of abuse there are, and from which communities they come. Domestic violence among affluent women go largely unreported for an array of reasons, but this tendency to not report skews the current statistics and research, therefore making it appear that domestic violence within affluent communities is essentially nonexistent.

However, our headlines tell a different story.

With the exception of a few highly publicized cases, incidences of domestic violence within affluent communities are often shrouded in secrecy and considered by society to be few and far between. This assumption problematically reinforces the stereotype and social stigma that domestic violence is only an experience had by “poor” women. This dangerous conjecture contributes to society’s minimization of the severity of the issue in its entirety, among women from every socio-economic background, while perpetuating the trend to dismiss and denounce  victims and neglect to bring high-profile abusers to justice to face the legal and societal repercussions of their actions, which at the moment, is at best minimal.

Now, it is a critical time for women and men from all socio-economic backgrounds to unify and expand the conversation that the recent movements have started and include the issue of domestic violence and its prevalence among all women, regardless of class, race, and education level.

It’s about time that domestic violence has its #MeToo moment.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please don’t wait to seek help. It can save a life. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233)

Article originally posted HERE

You Don’t Have to be a “Hardcore” Vegan to enjoy the Vegan Street Fair

For the carnivores out there, the term may incite images of bland, weirdly textured food items made from pulverized vegetables and nuts. But for the staunch herbivores or adventurous omnivores, we know that menu options have vastly expanded (beyond just tofu) and that some of the most beloved animal protein based dishes have been “veganized” and taste so close to the original recipe you find yourself asking “Are you SURE there is no meat in this?” 

Established for vegans and non-vegans alike, the Vegan Street Fair has something for everyone and is a great opportunity to venture out and experience all things vegan in your city! The fair brings together local vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, vendors, and products in one place. Guests are able to sample a plethora of food options, either in full or bite-size portions, as well as a variety of vegan-friendly products.

Ceviche de Palmitas

The first fair to kick off the series took place in Los Angeles on March 25th and featured over 200 vendors from the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Though it was virtually impossible to eat my way through the entire event (but not without the lack of trying), I was able to experience some amazing plant-based dishes! 

Food Art by Lauren’s beautifully plated “Popcorn Chik-In” is made with tender cauliflower florets breaded and fried to a golden brown served with a tangy buffalo sauce. The savory Mac and Cheese bites from the Word of Mouth food truck was fried to crunchy perfection and served with a delicious cashew ranch. The mouthwatering shitake dumplings from Bling Bling Dumplings were so tasty and tender, that I went back for seconds.  And, Todo Verde’s fresh and vibrantly flavored Ceviche de Palmitas, a vegan twist on traditional seafood ceviche, was made with hearts of palm, tomato, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, and lime juice. The vegan dessert options were plentiful as well. My favorite, and my toddler concurs, was the gluten free Karma Cakes from Karma Baker. It looks like the Hostess Cupcake you ate as a kid, but a lot healthier and without sacrificing the taste!

Author’s son Jackson with ‘Karma Cake’

The Vegan Street Fair will be back in Los Angeles for a LA Nights event on September 1 and 2. They will also host events in New York, San Diego, Las Vegas and Seattle. Visit www.veganstreetfair.com for more information.

Article originally posted HERE

Mangia Mangia! April 6 is Carbonara Day and Casa Barilla Restaurants are Where You Want to Celebrate

Did you know April 6 is Carbonara Day? Now that you know, we have the perfect place for you to indulge in this Italian favorite —  Casa Barilla Restaurants (located in South Coast Plaza and USC Village.)

Carbonara Day was established in 2017 by the International Pasta Organization (think of it as the UN of pasta) as a means of honoring the iconic dish and garnered a robust online response from pasta lovers around the world. This year, Casa Barilla expects #CarbonaraDay to exceed last year’s enthusiastic response.

Historically referred to as “coal miner’s spaghetti”, Pasta Alla Carbonara transcends this moniker as one of Italy’s most iconic dishes. Originating in Rome during the mid-20th century as a dish for Italian charcoal workers, the recipe has not been fixed and varies from chef to chef. However, Italian traditionalists consider true carbonara to consist of only five ingredients: bacon, Parmigiano and/or Pecorino Cheese, cream, egg yolk and black pepper. Regardless of your position, whether you are an innovator or a traditionalist at heart, it cannot be denied that the essence of Italian cuisine is to unify and satisfy – and this dish does just that.

In celebration of the second annual virtual Carbonara Day event on April 6, 2018, Casa Barilla Restaurants will feature Italian Chef Alfonso Sanna’s mouthwatering twist of the dish for an entire month starting April 6 through May 6. 

Born and raised in Sardegna, Italy, Chef Alfonso’s interpretation of the classic dish is tough to compete with. Made with perfectly prepared al dente Barilla thick spaghetti; crispy smoky pancetta; pasteurized egg yolk; freshly grated Parmigiano and Pecorino Cheese; a touch of cream; and finished off with freshly crushed black pepper, this dish is an impeccable balance of rich and piquant flavors. 

Buon appetito!

Casa Barilla restaurants are located in the South Coast Plaza and USC Village and offer wholesome Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Chef Alfonso’s pasta alla carbonara will be available April 6 through May 6. Visit www.barillarestaurants.com for more information.

Article originally posted HERE

Holiday Thrills At CHILL : Queen Mary Holiday Christmas Wonderland

A cultural Christmas winter wonderland has taken over the grounds of the World-Famous Queen Mary this holiday season, offering an entertaining array of wintertime activities, international cuisine and live entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.

Inspired by the largest ice adventure park in the world, CHILL is the only one in the United States and features international holiday-inspired activities from six countries and over 38,000 square feet of ice and lights galore. Guests can explore the park on ice skates by gliding through 1,200 feet of ice thoroughfares that zigzag throughout the event or by foot.

There are various exciting rides and attractions for adults and kids to enjoy including the Shanghai Speedway in China, where families can take to the ice on big wheels and race to the finish line; saddle up on the world’s largest rocking horse in Germany; and take a whirlwind ride on the illuminated Amsterdam bumper boats in Holland. For the more adventurous members of the family, there are a couple daring options such as speeding down Matterhorn Mountain, the two-story 145-foot ice slide and gliding 34 feet above the event on the 300-foot-long zip line.

Author’s Three-year-old son, Jackson.

The little ones can also partake in the merriments with a variety of exciting interactive activities such as creating their own stockings with help from Santa’s elves; gingerbread house making with Ginny Gingerbread, and meeting Santa himself at Claus Cabin!

For the foodie family, The Taste of CHILL passport offers an international mélange of seasonal-inspired food and drinks from every region for guests to experience, including savory Chinese dumplings, fresh-from-the-oven German apple strudel with Bavarian cream, and indulgent Dutch doughnuts and pancakes – a breakfast for dinner treat!

Other happenings also include a nightly tree lighting ceremony and spectacular light display, live entertainment and a fantastic firework show every Sunday night.

This event offers a fun and fulfilling experience for every member of the family and is the perfect holiday celebration for guests of all ages! 

CHILL is open daily from 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. from December 13th to January 7th at the ‘World-Famous Queen Mary’ in Long Beach, California. Buy tickets here.

Article originally posted HERE