With Thanksgiving a mere eight days away, it’s time to get in to the holiday spirit with a plethora of events. To start the weekend off right, there’s the Newport Beach Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament Thursday, November 19 at Newport Lexus. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club and hosted by NFL Superbowl Champion Willie McGinest, the V.I.P. dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the tournament starting at 7 p.m. An array of ticket packages are available, from $50 to $300. For more information, visit www.jedweinsteinpresents.com/newport or call 212.353.4862.

Moving into Friday, it’s Masters of the Mix presented by 944 and Platino at Sevilla in Long Beach with DJ Nameless. Put simply, this is not an event to be missed and without a doubt 944 Orange County’s biggest event to date (yes, we are well aware that Long Beach is in LA County — it’s a moot point). With an incredible V.I.P. area and hosted Platino bar from 9 to 11 p.m. and $5 Platino specials for the rest of the evening, we suggest you wear your dancing shoes and get plenty of rest before stepping out for the night. If you don’t want to drive home, opt for the AVIA Hotel (www.aviahotels.com). To reserve $100 bottle service per bottle of Jose Cuervo Platino Tequila, e-mail VIPLB@Sevillanightclub.com.

You must also RSVP to this event; there are no exceptions: www.944.com/mixoc, and to check out the flash evite, go here:

www.944.com/mixmasters/invite_oc/

To top off those two days, opt for a wine auction. Spectrum Wine Auctions, the new wine auction division of Spectrum Group International, has scheduled its premiere live auction November 21 at 5:00 p.m. at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. It will also be simulcast at Crown Wine Cellars — located 20 meters underground in a former munitions bunker — in Hong Kong at 9:00 a.m. local Hong Kong time on Sunday, November 22. For Spectrum Wine Auctions complete catalog, visit www.spectrumwine.com

And one last thing, tune in to www.artrocks247.com for Art Rocks! Talk Show tonight between 7 and 8 p.m.. I will be giving a sneak peak of what's going in the December Smart Luxury issue and talking about our Masters of the Mix event this Friday — my segment starts right 7 but you can also download the podcast if you miss it.

With holiday festivities thatrange from afternoon tea time to boating parades, The Balboa Bay Club &Resort is ready to keep spreading holiday cheer throughout Newport Beach. Afterfeeding guests with a traditional four-course feast, its holiday celebrationsand festivities will continue Decemeber 1 with the Holiday Lighting Ceremony.

Promptly at 6 p.m., 750,000twinkling lights will shimmer and sparkle, and the resort will shine like abeacon of holiday joy. Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Corps divisionband will play holiday melodies and Southern California Children’s Choir willsing the Christmas jingles that everyone know and love while hot beverages andChristmas cookies circulate to fill not only spirits, but also bellies withholiday glee.  

Just over two weeks after thelighting ceremony, the 101st annual Christmas boat parade withilluminated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes commences. They will begin floating through theharbor on the 16th and will continue every night until the 20th.  For those who miss the boats, don’tworry, there’s a wide array of festivities to attend, including Christmas Eve,Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners, Santa Clause appearances, afternoon teas,an all American boys chorus and a New Year’s Eve gala. With all its holidaymerriment, The Balboa Beach Club & Resort is the place for holidayhappiness.

In case you haven't made a stop over at 944.com lately, we recently rolled out a soft relaunch. And while there are all kinds of new sections and outstanding things to go along with the classics folks know and love (hello Nightsites), I'm also excited to announce the debut of my new blog, The Mitchell Report. I'll be covering everything from the fashion/entertainment/lifestyle stories we pride ourselves on here, but other tidbits of info I come across on my daily journeys around the internet. So head on over to http://www.944.com/personalities and scroll on down to my awesome photo to get all the goodness on a daily basis.

D.B. Mitchell

Executive Editor

dbmitchell@944.com ;

It’s not often that design students get the opportunity to play out their future career goals in a professional environment. But students enrolled in College of Southern Nevada's electronic design and portfolio review classes taught by Dan McElhattan III, professional adjunct professor and owner of M3 advertising design were recently challenged to execute their own vision for a 944 cover image.

Drawing inspiration from November’s editorial theme of food, each student commissioned models, hired a photographer and styled and art-directed a photo shoot that he or she felt best represented 944’s image. The result: four finalists commended for their outstanding effort and awarded accolades from "Editor’s Choice” to “Class Favorite.” In a four part series, we introduce you to the finalists and showcase their outstanding designs.

Viet Dinh, 22

Dinh, a native of Vietnam, is creatively making his way into the vast field of design and illustration. He is currently majoring in graphic design and computer science at The College of Southern Nevada.  This versatile artist has accumulated an array of skills and styles, giving him the ability to adapt to the many different types of work. This young artists’ accomplishments, thus far, prove no less than amazing, and the sky is the limit.

Designed by world-class golf course architect Tom Fazio, the 36 holes of golf isn't the only thing that The Resort at Pelican Hill can brag about this Christmas season. Imagine feeling at home after a day of impressive swings at the course as you choose to relax among 22 treatment rooms and dip into a Roman-style bath with the season's signature scent of pomegranate body gelato at the resort spa. Not to mention the Coliseum pool in a perfect circle and surrounded by luxurious cabanas giving the whole get away experience.

Although everything is newly designed, The Resort at Pelican Hill likes to keep some things traditional. Vacation packages offer ocean-view bungalow rooms, suites or villas that each aspires to be a personal holiday home-away-from-home. The home-away-from home experience is perfect for families who want to get away to a beautifully decorated home, fully furnished with holiday décor, evening treats and any other requests.

To top it all off, The Resort at Pelican Hill brings us special menus from the five restaurants with outdoor options overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Fazio Golf Courses. Some holiday specials are the Renaissance Afternoon Tea Time, Holiday Hot Chocolate Menu, Champagne Cart and Tapas menu and the Holiday Caffe with festive holiday gelatos, pastries, desserts, and even special custom orders. With the view, golf, spa, dining, and holiday spirit the Pelican Hill Resort is nothing short of a memorable holiday vacation right on the top of the hill in Newport Coast.

22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast | 800.820.6800 | www.pelicanhill.com

Before you start basting the turkey and finalizing the perfect Thanksgiving menu for the new in-laws, take a break and jump into the holiday spirit with the Village of Merrick Park. Unlike your traditional tree lighting ceremony this event adds a modern twist that is enjoyable for all ages. The annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 19th from 6:30 – 8:30pm, with the actual lighting of the tree taking place at approximately 7:30pm.
With 55,000 “green” LED light bulbs taking center stage and a 50-foot tree as the costar this tree lighting ceremony is the perfect way to jumpstart an eco-friendly holiday season. With live entertainment and musical performances by the Coral Gables High School Choir the only thing that could make this event better would be a tall glass of grandma’s homemade eggnog. But with the numerous activites for kids and over 100 luxury boutiques and stores to fit the fancy of every adult nobody will miss the 'nog.
And what would a holiday tree lighting ceremony be without the man of the hour. With that contagious, belly rolling, laugh and those rosy cheeks the night would not be complete without an official holiday greeting from good ‘ol Saint Nick. And to help spread the season of giving and cheer, attendees can bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Voices of Children Foundation, an organization that raises funds for abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.
So grab a girlfriend or the whole fam damily and check out a night filled with shopping, live entertainment, and a tree lighting countdown that will serve as a warm up for New Year’s, or just think of it as a necessary sanity exercise before the in-laws come into town.
Village of Merrick Park is located at 358 Lorenzo Avenue.

]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:56:01 MST http://www.944.com/articles/tis-the-season-to-light-it-up-merrick-park-celebrates-their-tree/ http://www.944.com/articles/take-a-sip-martinis-and-wine-oh-my/

Yeah it’s ladies night and the feeling’s right. That’s right - tonight at Blue Martini in Brickell 944 is hosting “Martinis & Pampering” at the Mary Brickell hotspot. Three Olives’ open bar starts at 9:44 ;) and the first 50 chicks will get a goody bag. If that’s not enough to motivate, there will complimentary spa treatments. Free people! See you there.

Scope is giving Baselers a little taste of things to come tonight with a launch party at 900 Biscayne. Sweatshoppe will be performing live with their unique blend of art, music and technology. We’re not exactly sure what to expect, except that there will be cameras inside of the face masks. Watch out!
 
Another great party this week involves a vintage Volkswagen bus, Biker Chefs and a food drive. “Peace, Love and Beaujolais Nouveau”  celebrates annual the release of Georges Duboeuf’s Beaujolais Nouveau at Au Pied de Cochon. Every year, French law dictates that the wine be made available at one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of November. The main event starts Thursday at 5pm when Biker Chefs (Sean Brasel, Kieran Masek and more) will drive up with the Beaujolais Love Bus and deliver the first case of this year’s cuvee. The party will continue till 9’m, during which oenophiles can get a taste of the red wine in exchange for your charitable canned (or boxed) food donation. Bottoms Up!]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:50 MST http://www.944.com/articles/take-a-sip-martinis-and-wine-oh-my/ http://www.944.com/articles/the-great-ugg-debate-your-weekly-fashion-fix-with-sd-stylist-vanessa-valiente/

Dear Vanessa:

I have been sporting the straw fedora a lot, but I was thinking that is not the right look for winter, even a San Diego winter. I started balding this year so I want to keep wearing a hat, or something that would be a good winter head covering.

— Patrick, North Park

Dear Patrick:

No matter what you do, avoid the do-rag and the cowboy hat. We don’t need another Brett Michaels on our hands. Instead try the news boy/page boy hat. This has a winter feel to it and can actually be quite warm if you get the thicker version versus the thin ones used primarily for style. Two other great choices are the driving cap (very similar to the page boy) and the general’s cap; which is like a really fancy and square-ish baseball hat. These hats should give you some diversity in your head wear while still looking masculine cool.

Dear Vanessa:

Are Uggs still in style at all? I love them and hate that they aren’t cool anymore!

— Annalynne, College Area

Dear Annalynne,

I apologize, but Uggs are not “cool” in San Diego anymore. Now, they are simply utilitarian. Which is so much better than before when trendy girls were pairing it with denim skirts (eww).

Now you are wearing them specifically to keep your feet warm, and as long as you are not pairing them with velour tracksuits or on-trend clothing, you are still cool. Tuck your skinny jeans into the Uggs and wear them with a simple James Perse tee and a zip-up to hit the grocery on a cold day. Or feel free to throw them on with your house dress and the first jacket you can find when you realize you overslept and you are late to your dentist appointment. They are quality comfortable boots that heat your feet; treat them as such.

Not everyone can afford to have a personal stylist in his or her life, but now every 944 reader can have access to one. Please send any and all questions concerning fashion to ask@vanessavaliente.com. Each week one men’s and one women’s questions will be answered in Vanessa’s “Fashion Fix” Column. To visit Vanessa’s Web site go to www.vanessavaliente.com.

By Mindy Mar

Astrology symbols represent certain horoscope zodiac signs so that each zodiac sign can be distinguished from other astrological signs. The zodiac symbols help define the basic characteristics of each sun sign.

Aries: The Ram

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. The Ram represents a newborn infant as an Aries is always demanding attention. Their needs always come first. He or she is aggressive, committed to their cause, firm, independent and an idealist. As the Ram is the symbol of Aries, often the Aries person to have sharp features with well marked brows. The horns on the Ram symbolize that they means business. Since Aries ruling planet is Mars, this person is absolutely direct and to-the-point about everything that they wants.

Taurus: The Bull
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. Like their symbol, the Bull, Taureans are always steadfast and solid, both fierce and gentle. He or she prefers to be left alone and if pushed can become obstinate. And if pushed slightly more, then they will charge like a raging Bull. Taureans normally don’t speak much, and if they do, they make do with small and to-the-point sentences. They can be brooding and stoic, but never nervous. With Venus as the ruling planet, Taureans love grand things and doing things in grand style.

Gemini: The Twins

Ruled by Mercury, these people are always on the go, and can switch emotions incredibly fast. Their symbol, ‘The Twins’ is very appropriate as they can be one thing one moment and another thing the next with duality being the name of the game. Gemini people are eager, impulsive and quick in their movements. They can talk on both sides of an argument, and make each side sound right. With the Gemini duality, they can do two things at a time – the ultimate master multi-taskers.

Cancer: The Crab

Ruled by the Moon, Cancerians change their moods based on the phases of the moon. The Crab struts around tough and gruff with a heavy suit of armor but their hard outside shell is there protecting their soft and vulnerable side they try so hard to hide. At the first sign of danger, the Crab withdraws into its shell and scuttles back to its home where they feel safe. Cancer people have a vivid imagination and are often quite intuitive and secretive. They love their home, they never give up, and, just like the Crab, they hold on to what they want tenaciously.

Leo: The Lion

Ruled by the Sun, Leos love to be in the middle of the limelight and the glory. A cross between a loving cat and the arrogant King of the Jungle, Leos are regal, brave, dominating and self-centered. They are devoted to themselves and love to bask in their own glory and pride. Felines don’t like to take orders from anyone. They like to tell people what to do and how to do it, they are very good at taking on responsibilities. At the same time, Leos are generous and giving. Lions can be lazy and indulgent, thriving on drama and theatrics.

Virgo: The Virgin
A Virgo is a silent person and airs on the side of being a loner. No matter what, this person is always neat and clean and typically a worrier. Dependable and sincere, Virgos are workaholics. Virgos are not the lavish types; rather, they are very prudent and conservative. They can become very intense in their thinking process. In romance, a Virgo will look for quality, rather than quantity.

Libra: The Scales
A Libran is like the symbol of its sign: balanced and poised. They are good natured and pleasant. However, there is inherent inconsistency with this sign as they can never make up their minds. Like the scales, Libras fluctuate with their moods, ideas and periods of activity and rest. They are kind, gentle, fair, and also argumentative, fickle and indecisive.

Scorpio: The Scorpion
A Scorpio is a very intense and secretive person rarely revealing their mind. Scorpios can be extremely patient, but when his patience wears down they will lash out just like the scorpion that is his zodiac sign symbol. Their eyes are always deep and penetrating and intense. He or she can be a gentle and a helpful person but will never flatter you. And if you ask for their opinion, be ready to listen to short, sweet and harsh version of the truth.

Sagittarius: The Archer
Lively, witty and cheerful, Sagittarius is the life of the party. But they often does not think before he talks, and if he or she end up saying the wrong thing, they never meant it to be as tactless and insincere as it comes across. With a Sagittarius, you are always left wondering ... the sign of the Archer is always restless and cannot keep still. With Jupiter as the ruling planet, you can count on a Sagittarius to be loyal to his friends and be the one to help them when they are in trouble.

Capricorn: The Goat

Capricorns are observant, steady and they know how to take things slow. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to go to the top. Just like their symbol the Goat, Capricorn knows that slow and steady will win the race. They are determined, serious and stable. They can be stubborn and melancholy. With Saturn ruling their sign, when Capricorns decide to go for it, they just go for it. The Capricorn person is efficient and reliable and responsible. Depend upon it.

Aquarius: The Water-Bearer
An Aquarius is intelligent, witty and a dreamer. They are original and determined, but they love their freedom. They can often be perceived as superficial, cold and detached. They seek quantity rather than quality in their social circle. They have an analytical bent of mind. They are constantly seeking new knowledge and information.

Pisces: The Fish

Pisceans are just like the symbol of their sign: two fish going in opposite directions. They can never be still and their mind is always doing two things at the same time. They are very intuitive and dreamy and their powers of imagination are legendary. A born romantic, they are artistic and creative, very compassionate, generous and loving. A Piscean prefers to swim off into the deep blue sea in a dreamy state of mind versus rising to the top to face the harsh realities of life above water.

So I'm in Detroit as I type this letter. Not really because I want to be. Rather, it's because Northwest Airlines told me this was the cheapest route back to San Diego from Amsterdam. Yes, my romp through Holland and France is complete, and both countries are reportedly faring considerably well in the aftermath.

Traveling when one (like myself) has a mini deadline more or less every single day of the month can be tricky. I tried to work as much as possible while abroad, but hotels in Europe have yet to embrace the concept of “free Wi-Fi.” Cost was 20 euro per day, per computer. As I was traveling with the hubby, checking emails on the laptop added up to the price of three Smart Cars. (They love those things in Paris.)

But traveling despite such challenges was, and is, so worth it. Seeing the big wide world is an absolute necessity for anyone who prefers to avoid living a clueless, ignorant existence. Different languages, cuisines, customs, views of the world … it all opens your eyes to the fact that life, and the world, really is so much more than middle America and trashy reality TV. It makes you more appreciative of what's new and different, inside and outside your own backyard. Paris, for example, has some of the best gypsies of any tourist destination in the world. I had to bust out a few “Allez-vous en!” screams while being targeted for pickpocketing at the Sacre Coeur church.

Speaking of backyard, what's up, Detroit? I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, about 45 minutes away from the Motor City. Haven't been to these parts in years. (Your new airport terminal at the Detroit Metro Airport is the shit, btw.) I must make a trip back to my stomping grounds soon. Because no matter where I go and what I see and do, I must not forget where I'm from. Deadlines and internet surcharges be damned.

Sarah Daoust

Managing Editor

sarahd@944.com 

Editor's Pick of the Week:

Head to Stingaree this Thursday, November 19 (that's tomorrow!!!) for a fab party presented by 944!

944 MAGAZINE|STINGAREE PRESENT

JOSE CUERVO PLATINO'S MASTERS OF THE MIX WITH TONY ARZADON

HOSTED BAR 8:30-10PM

JOSE CUERVO PLATINO DRINK SPECIALS 10PM-2AM

GUEST LIST ONLY: RSVP to www.944.com/mixsandiego

Oh my job has it's perks, not the least of which is getting to meet the occasional super star. This week I got 15 minutes with Diddy, who was in town promoting Ciroc, and his new group "Dirty Money." While I'm not a huge fan of the first Dirty Money single, "Love Come Down," (what's with all that jangling? Ooof.) I am a HUGE fan of Ciroc - especially Coconut Ciroc, which they keep telling me should hit stores any day now. I had hoped to get a photo of me and the artist formerly known as Puffy to share with you here, but he was just too grumpy. For those who'd like to read about our meeting, and the great wisdom Diddy passed along, just visit 944.com/personalities, and please drop me a line if you find any Coconut Ciroc laying around anywhere.

San Francisco and Brooklyn-based Maya Hayuk is lending her vision to a partnership between the Sunglass Hut and Luxottica charity OneSight, by customizing and hand-painting 150 pairs of Ray Bans' Wayfarers exclusively for Sunglass Hut. The one of a kind peepers will be available on November 30th, retail for $140, and 50% of the proceeds will aid OneSight with their programs to provide free vision care and glasses to the needy.

See her art installation/event Monday, Nov. 30th at Sunglass Hut: 170 Geary Street

SOULHOUSE IV

Last installment of the 2009 Season…..

It's time to get both livers and dance floor moves shaped up for the busy holiday season. This week's SoulHOUSE event will be a great opportunity on both fronts, with just the right amount of arty fun thrown in for good measure. AmesEla & Kwok combine electronic and traditional music with digital media and technology. The artists are flexing at smaller venues before launching the “100th Monkey Tour” to experiment with their cultural mash- up of merging multiple disciplines.

Check it!

SoulHOUSE IV

Label (Naked Music SF)

D3YLAN (747 Records)

Ben Abstrakt (NoHarmNoFowl.net /Rad Boyz)

Live Performance featuring AmesEla & Kwok (performance at 11)

Christian Schmidt (Fiction)

the Worker (Fiction)

Wed November 18th

Project One Gallery

251 Rhode Island @ 16th

7:30p.m. - 2a.m.

21+

$5 Cover

2 for 1 beer specials: Stella Artois & Trumer Pils until 11p.m.

Art exhibit: Survival of Winter

For guest list email Keyatta.Shade@gmail.com

Limited guest list until 9, then $5

Founded in 2008, LA’s Prom Closet was created to encourage self-confidence and grace to economically disadvantaged high school senior girls by providing them with donated new and used semi-formal and formal gowns so they can attend their high school prom.  The 501c3 non-profit organization enlists volunteers and uses a donated facility to hold their annual “Dress to Remember” gown giveaway event each spring.  The day of pampering involves gown “shopping,” dress fittings with seamstresses, accessory selection and workshop participation ranging from self-esteem building, etiquette skills and motivational speakers to makeup, hair and nail tutorials. 

LA’s Prom Closet works with school counselors, social workers, mentor programs and local families to provide girls in the greater Los Angeles area with the courage and support to participate in the event.  The organization strives to promote self-worth and give these women the much-needed affirmation to stay in school and push forward.  Furthermore it provides a stepping-stone for girls to realize their potential and the immeasurable opportunities that await them.

History

LA’s Prom Closet began in a closet, literally.  Founder and President, Natalie Torres (28), decided to purge her wardrobe and give away clothing she no longer wore.  While cleaning out her closet, she came across old formal gowns and bridesmaid dresses she had only worn once or twice.  She was shocked to find no local donation center to donate the gowns and knew others faced the same problem.  Torres knew the social currency of these dresses for girls that might not be able to afford them, and thus decided to start an organization that would provide free gowns to girls who needed and deserved them.  Enlisting several of her closest friends to help make her idea a reality, LA’s Prom Closet came to fruition in April 2008, and has since turned into a successful annual event.

LA’s Prom Closet is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of volunteers who rely on donated dresses, volunteer services and monetary donations to achieve its goals.  For more information about donating, volunteering or participating, please visit http://www.myspace.com/laspromcloset or contact LA’s Prom Closet at laspromcloset@yahoo.com.

LA's Prom Closet Fundraiser at Canal Club in Venice this Thursday, November 19th from 7pm-10pm

CANAL CLUB
2025 Pacific Avenue
Venice, California 90291
Located ½ block from Venice Beach, 1 block from the Venice Canals and across the street from James' Beach; in the heart of vibrant, artistic Venice. 

The Fat Greek, a family-run restaurant located 
at Flamingo and Decatur, recently expanded 
its casual dining room and kitchen with the 
addition of chef Jerry Goumroian (veteran of 
restaurant Guy Savoy), who updates classic Greek dishes with modern flair. 

944: When did you take over as chef of The Fat Greek?

Goumroian: I started at The Fat Greek about four months ago. After we decided to expand the restaurant, I started to redo menus, logos, and restructure the kitchen to feed a bigger crowd.

944: When did the restaurant originally open?

Goumroian: My parents opened the restaurant in June 2005. I would help out in the morning before work. My mom and my brother were the only waiters, and me and my dad were in the kitchen. There should have been a camera crew that day, the restaurant got packed within the first hour, and no one knew what was going on. We definitely came a long way.

944: What is your background in the food industry?  What kitchens have you worked in?

Goumroian: I was pretty much born into the industry. Growing up my parents and grandparents ran a cafe/bakery back in Los Angeles. I remember making bread when I was 6 years old with my dad. After moving to Vegas I attended the Culinary Arts Program at VoTech High School, now known as SECTA. I got my first break when I was a senior in High School and the Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005. Chef Paul Bartolotta became a mentor and gave me the the opportunity to work with him at Ristorante di Mare. Not long after, I met Chef Adam Sobel who also became and still is my mentor in the industry and accepted me into the team at Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, which made the biggest impact in my career as far as discipline in the kitchen and the proper techniques on classical cooking. After Guy Savoy, I had the opportunity to open Company at the Luxor with Adam. It was then when I decided to move to New York to attend the Culinary Institute of America to get structured training for the industry. While there, I got to work with Chef Hung Huynh and train for the Bocuse d'Or America which became one of the greatest experiences of my life. Being in the city I decided to stick around for a while and did stages at Restaurant Solo, Daniel, and a few other smaller restaurants in the city. I decided to come back to Vegas and received an offer as Sous Chef at Rick Moonen's RM Seafood at the Mandalay Bay. Soon after, we decided to expand the family restaurant and I hopped on board.

944: How are you reinterpreting classic Greek dishes?

Goumroian: I wouldn't call what we do reinterpreting. We take grandmas flavors and dishes we grew up eating and start from there. We take those dishes and cook, season, and present them in a proper manner. We definitely like to offer something different than your average Greek restaurant and we do daily specials according to what we find that day at the market, but at the same time we stay true to the traditional flavors. You would be surprised how far the simplest flavors like salt, fresh herbs, good olive oils, and lemon take a dish.

944: What are some of your favorites?

Goumroian: Street food ... As much as I love the traditional dishes of greece and the food grandma cooks, I have to admit I have always enjoyed a meal more when its being eaten on a sidewalk somewhere with good friends. I love a good gyro or souvlaki on a warm pita bread stuffed with french fries and tzatziki sauce. As much as i hate to say it this is something Las Vegas lacks of, we need to step our game up as far as street food goes. Maybe you'll see Fat Greek Gyro Carts on the Strip someday... maybe.

944 correspondent Kelsey Raab caught up with owners, chefs and managers who serve up some of the best after-hours grub in the Valley.

SCOTTSDALE

Centro Paninoteca

Serving a melody of Italian, American and Mediterranean cuisine, Centro Paninoteca offers a wide variety of grilled paninis, salads and more, all of which are available until 2 a.m. every night of the week. Owner Casey Kucera gave us more insight on his late-night hotspot.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

CASEY KUCERA: Definitely the Italian Press. This is one of our house favorites! The Press is our version of a pizza panini. A fresh rosemary ciabatta sauced with a zesty marinara, then layered with hand sliced pepperoni, Genoa salami, buffalo mozzarella, a hint of Centro seasoning, shaved Parmesan cheese and then pressed to perfection.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

CK: There was one night where everyone decided they wanted to do or have body shots on the bar. It was fun for sure, definitely not the kind of thing to post on our Facebook page though.
www.centropaninoteca.com

Carlsbad Tavern

This New Mexican-style restaurant serves great late-night bites, provides a comfortable, scenic hangout for guests, and is open until 2 a.m. each night of the week. Manager Tommy Leclere elaborated on what makes Carlsbad the perfect place to eat after hours.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

TOMMY LECLERE: Our Bat Sliders. They are certified angus beef, and come with grilled onions, jalapeño jack cheese and are served with french fries. People also like our big plate of nachos, with melted cheddar and monterey jack cheese, green chili chicken and black beans.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

TL: We’ve had people jump into our moat and swim in it, and we’ve had to pull them out. Sometimes people just look at the waterfall and decide to jump in.

www.carlsbadtavern.com

Stax Burger Bistro

Open until 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Stax offers far-from-ordinary burgers in 3-oz. portions to encourage variety, including beef, wagyu, lamb and buffalo, just to name a few. Manager Drew Martinez told us the highlights from his midnight menu.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

DREW MARTINEZ: Our short rib sandwich. It's braised beef short rib topped with melted provolone cheese, horse radish aioli and crispy onions served on sourdough bread. Need I say more?

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

DM: I would have to say when an E! Channel video crew came in. I guess they were following some ladies around for some kind of NFL wives show coming out soon.

www.staxburgerbistro.com

Kazimierz World Wine Bar

Giving new definition to the word “classy,” this upscale wine bar is always open until 2 a.m. and offers guests a plethora of benefits — an exquisite menu to pair perfectly with their massive wine list, stylish surroundings and live entertainment. General Manager Adrienne Donnelly told us more about her exclusive eatery.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

ADRIENNE DONNELLY: Our cheese plate is really popular. It’s six sets of different cheeses, served with fresh baguettes, fruit and nuts. Our antipasto plate is popular as well.

944: What makes your restaurant different from other late-night hangouts?

AD: We have better food than other late-night places, things that are out-of-the-box, as opposed to your regular Philly cheesesteak. We have a cellar-like feel that is comfy, cozy and dark. It’s a great place to get away from it all at the end of the night.

www.kazbar.net

PHOENIX

Delux Burger

Definitely not your average burger joint, Delux serves gourmet-style hamburgers, paninis and salads until 2 a.m. every night. Executive Chef Matt Priess gave us the scoop on his trendy grill.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

MATT PRIESS: The most popular late-night item would be a Delux Burger, which is a 9-oz., all- natural Harris Ranch ground beef patty topped with melted gruyere and Maytag blue cheese mix with a caramelized onion/bacon mixture and organic baby arugula, all between an artisan demi-bagette.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

MP: Watching Shaq duck to come through the front door; he’s one big dude. That diesel truck he drives has got one loud stereo in it, you can hear his truck from blocks away.

www.deluxburger.com

Hanny’s

Labeled as the Phoenix hotspot for “Mediterranean comfort food,” Hanny’s fires up pizza, Italian-style sandwiches and steak until 1 a.m. every night. Manager Alex Cuozzo filled us in on his downtown fine-diner.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

ALEX CUOZZO: Mostly our pizzas, like our carne pizza with sausage and pepperoni, which is very popular. Also our prosciutto pizza, served with arugula and parmesan cheese.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

AC: Our DJs are here Friday and Saturday nights, and they do a really good job of reading the crowd and getting people going, so we have a lot of dance parties start in the restaurant. We also have a lot of “couch lovers,” who sit in front of the windows and hang out.

944: What makes your restaurant a great place to hang out late night?

AC: We have a great atmosphere and really good drinks. It’s definitely a unique place, as far as the downtown area is concerned, architecturally and historically.

www.hannys.net

Sens Asian Tapas and Sake Bar

This unique downtown restaurant, open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, serves “Tapanese-style” cuisine, the all-encompassing term for an eclectic mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese foods. Co-owner Linda Q. Chu explained more about the one-of-a-kind, after-hours experience Sens offers.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

LINDA Q. CHU: Our volcano-flamed beef. It’s lemongrass-marinated beef tenderloins, seared on a hot stove and served with a papaya-mango side salad.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

LC: We have people lock themselves in the bathroom, or couples that go into the restrooms and stay there for 15 or 20 minutes until we actually have to kick them out.

944: What makes your restaurant different from other late-night hangouts?

LC: We have really good music, and a DJ spinning on Wednesday through Saturday. A lot of people like the ambiance. Our décor is eclectic, but you feel comfortable at the same time. And our menu isn’t like a burger joint’s, it’s really good food — not the norm.

www.sensake.com

TEMPE

Oliveo Grill

Much different from the typical late-night taco shops in Tempe, Oliveo serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine until 3:30 a.m. all nights of the week, to please the post-party college crowd. Owner Pete Anastasiou gave us more info on his relaxed, European-style restaurant.

944: What is your most popular late-night item?

PETE ANASTASIOU: Our Gyro Pita with fries at only $5. It can't get any better than that.

944: What is the craziest late-night occurrence you’ve witnessed?

PA: There are many — we experience a lot of traffic from ASU students and alumni, mostly sororities and fraternities during late hours from 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

944: What makes your restaurant a great late-night hang out in the Tempe area?
PA: Awesome food with outstanding quality. The combination of taste and health benefits that our Mediterranean Greek Cuisine offers is mind-boggling. On top, we have a very casual, European, laid-back atmosphere that is geared towards everyday people including ASU students.

www.oliveogrill.com 

Saving the World, with One Wisecrack at a Time


Leave it to a glam goddess to find a keen and comic way to wake the world to what’s what with regards to the birds and the bees and the tress and the fishes and the seas. Leave it to the Sundance Channel to give that goddess a perfect platform from which to ply her new trade. Then again, since the goddess happens to be Isabella Rossellini and the man behind the Channel is none other than Robert Redford, it’s really no surprise that everyone’s left everything to them. What’s surprising is that we haven’t done so sooner!

One look at the swingingly civic-minded series Green Porno will tell you why. As the name implies, the show’s about both sex and the environment, specifically how the environment’s animals have sex. More importantly, it’s about where all those wondrous creatures stand in our ever un-wilding world. And it’s about how each of us can do something to ensure that the creatures get to keep standing or flying or swimming or slithering – in perpetuity.

Now in its third season, Green Porno has become something of a phenomenon, anywhere there’s internet access. And the show’s shown again that Ms Rossellini is not just one of the world’s most beautiful women; she’s also among the smartest and most inspiring.

944 caught up with the fabulously fetching surrealistic activist on the eve of Miami Book Fair, where she’ll be promoting HarperStudio’s print/DVD edition companion piece. And though a few of the wisecracks got lost in translation, here’s most of what the great lady had to say:

944: Where did you get the idea for Green Porno?

Isabella Rossellinni: I was commissioned by the Sundance Channel to do a two-minute series, films that were two-minutes long. They said if the theme was about the environment they would be more inclined to do it. Because part of the mission of Sundance is to show not only independent films but also Robert Redford is a very committed environmentalist. Redford particularly liked the idea of short films because he, like me, grew up watching a lot of silent films. A lot of silent films were short films. It's not that we are that old, but [back when] television first needed to program 24 hours, they used a lot of library in stock that was already shot.

944:  It's all one reel stuff from back in the day, right?

Isabella: It wasn't only because it was one reel. Later came the theatre, later came the television. People always liked short films, especially short, comical films. Even Charlie Chaplan and Buster Keaton did them. A lot of short films were shown before regular feature films. Actually, they did that until the '60s. Then it sort of dropped off, and then instead of short films, they showed commercials.

944:  Right, trailers. (laughing)

Isabella: They were short films but they had the mission of selling you the product. Short films didn't have a place anymore in the commercial world. The shortest film you can make nowadays is the half hour for television. So the internet was an opportunity to do again short films. With the idea that I had to do short films that had to be about the environment, I thought maybe it would be fun to make a series of how animals mate. I've always been interested in animals, easier in Biology, and I just read all this as a hobby. I do know that people in general are not interested in animals, but I [also] know everybody is interested in sex. If I will tell all the ways that animals have sex, it will be both funny, and we tend to make comical films, [but] you might say, “Oh, I didn't know that about an earthworm or I didn't know that about a starfish.” Then it's better.

944:  People ask me about Green Porno and I say, ‘Well, it's like Darwin after a dose of Larry Flint but nicer.’  

Isabella: (laughing) Well, there really is not anything necessarily pornographic. It's just the name which seemed to us as funny and it was bait. The title has to be bait so we used it.  

944:  It's hard for me to figure out if you are anthropomorphizing animals or if you're animalizing humans.  

Isabella: I really don't know. (laughs)

944: I read that you were inspired as well by a short film that you'd done about your father.

Isabella: No, I wasn't inspired by that. But I had done a surrealistic film about my father where I played all the roles. Actually, Guy Maddin directed it. But I wrote it and I played all the roles like I did in Green Porno. That film was bought by Sundance and that's why Sundance thought of me to direct this series of short films. [Actually,] it wasn't a short film; it was 20 minutes long. And they felt that once you write and you act, the step into directing isn't that wide.

944:  I really loved what you did with Maddin in The Saddest Music In the World. That's a brilliant movie.

Isabella: Yes, it was the same director, in fact. The film that I'd done on my father is called My Dad is 100 Years Old.

944:  I love Green Porno’s tagline, “I lost my appetite!” Was that just like an accident?

Isabella: We did the first series of film and then they were very successful on the internet. Sundance commissioned ten new episodes. By then, I showed it to some scientists and I was trying to find the help of scientists just to get the science right because it was difficult for me. One of them was very responsive and his name was Claudio Campagna and he's now featured in some of the episodes. So Claudio said, ‘Why don't you use the Green Porno formula to talk about fish that are highly endangered because we are over-fishing the ocean, and particularly some species that we eat in great excess, like shrimps and anchovies and all this.’ We did this and the idea that I lost my appetite came from the fact that if you know that the ocean is over-fished, and what our great industrial fisheries are doing to fishing, it does cut your appetite.

944:  Claudio is really charming and he is very informed. He's a perfect counterpoint... You know, I'm watching series 3 there are anchovy orgies and manhandling anglerfish and sex-changing shrimp and squid with three hearts and two, er, well… But compared to swinging wildlife, humans are prudes.

Isabella: I don't know. I wanted to show the diversity of reproduction. I didn't mean to do it as a comment on how you should or we should have sex. It was just a film that was meant to show diversity, and it was supposed to be comical. I did not intend to make a moral comment.

944:  Oh, I know that. It just seems to me that there’s no holds barred. That they don't have any inhibitions and humans on the other hand…

Isabella: We don't know that.

944: Good point. We haven't really talked to them, right?

Isabella: I just say the way they mate. From an earthworm's perspective, the way we mate might be very strange.

944: That's true. You can't judge that.

Isabella: The individual, emotional, one inch earthworm, if one's shy or one is more sexually inclined, and one is more forceful, I don't know that.

944: That's true… Okay, you're coming into Miami on Thursday for the Book Fair. I suppose you know Bruce Weber has a place down here in Golden Beach. Do you keep in touch?

Isabella: Vaguely, yeah. He lives there and occasionally comes up in Long Island where I also live. His films are also in Sundance. The last time we exchanged an email was when Sundance bought all his films. We exchanged an email saying, “Oh we ended up in the same channel. That's fantastic!” And all that.

944:  Speaking of those you know, I wanted to ask how it was working with Norman Mailer on his film Tough Guys Don't Dance?

Isabella: Oh, Norman was very happy to make a film. He kept on saying how much more fun it was than writing. When writing you're always alone with your typewriter. With films there are people around and company and chit-chatting, so I think he enjoyed very much the social aspect of filming. Definitely, Norman was a social person. He wasn't a bear in any way. It was fascinating to me to get to know him closer than just reading his books. He was very funny. He was more humorous than his books. His books are tough. In person he was very humorous.  

944: You also did The Funeral with Abel Ferrara, who I interviewed last year. That was a great cast, Christopher Walken, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Vincent Gallo, Annabella Sciorra.

Isabella: It was a beautiful film too.

944:  It really is. That must have been fun. Any plans on working with Abel again?

Isabella: No, I don't have any plans. Next thing I do is a relatively small role in an Italian film [La solitudine dei numeri primi]. I'm going there in January to finish that. Hopefully then I will start my own films which I'm writing right now. Both for Sundance and Planet Green, I have two projects that I’ll both write and direct.

944: That's great. Do you have a title for either one of those?

Isabella: Not yet. I don't have titles yet. They’ll come as I write.]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:57:34 MST http://www.944.com/articles/first-lady-of-green-porno-john-hood-interviews-isabella-rossellini/ http://www.944.com/articles/mark-your-calendar-for-masters-of-the-mix/

944 and  Jose Cuervo Platino Tequila present Masters of the Mix at Sevilla with DJ Nameless spinning the hottest tracks.

Friday, November 20 

Jose Cuervo Platino hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
$5 Special Platino cocktails after 

Free cover before 11 p.m. but YOU MUST RSVP at www.944.com/mixoc.

E-mail VIPLB@Sevillanightclub.com to reserve $100 bottle service per bottle of Jose Cuervo PLATINO Tequilla only.

Anyone from LA or OC need a place to stay? Check out AVIA Hotel in Long Beach: ww.AVIAHOTELS.com 

Buses will also be available from Orange County - more information to follow for pick-up locations. 

ONE CHILD ONE FUTURE ONE VIDA

Corazon de Vida foundation is a local Orange County nonprofit that raises funds for the unfortunate orphans in Baja, Mexico. Assist PR, a public relations group at California State University, Fullerton is putting on a wine dinner and cocktail evening to help Corazon de Vida Foundation grow and enable the organization to place more homeless children into orphanages.

 Join them on this special evening of fine food, wine and a silent auction. Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with tickets at $50.00 per person. with cocktail hour starting at 9 p.m. is a cocktail party. If you can't make the dinner, cocktail hour starts at 9 p.m. By purchasing a $20 wristband at the door, it includes $1 drinks all night provided by 3 Olives Vodka.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Dinner: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Cocktails: 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Written by Nicole Ellis, Lindsey Adams, Janine Rayford and Morgan Roper 

CULVER CITY

Royal/T
Royal/T tickles its customers’ curiosity with a playful approach to premium fashion, culture and art. And this season, things there have gotten even tastier with the expansion of the “cosplay,” Maid Café’s lunch and dinner menu. Specially created by scene queen Hanna Beth, menu specials include appetizers like Spicy Tuna on Crispy Wonton Skins, Hannah Beth’s Chicken Caesar Salad and sparkling wine to wash it all down.
8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City
310.559.6300 | www.royal-t.org

Gyenari
Korean barbecue has never tasted this good. Culver City’s very own Gyenari is unveiling a new selection of regionally inspired “Seoulful” dishes. The upscale restaurant is the new home of The Next Food Network Star finalist Debbie Lee, who cites her Korean heritage and Southern upbringing as the inspiration behind the new menu. “We are showcasing the savory and often unexplored side of regional Korean fare,” she says. “This menu is also my way of combining the best of both worlds.” Experience Lee’s spin on Gyenari’s new lunch, dinner and bar menus.
9540 Washington Blvd., Culver City
310.838.3131 | www.gyenari.com

DOWNTOWN

The Edison
The Edison is known best for its food, entertainment, design and history. The restaurant is dedicated to bringing back the long-lost era of glamour and intrigue. They rotate seasonal menus and create national cocktail trends that keep their customers coming back for more. Now, Bar Manager Barbara Jacobs has created the new Midnight Breakfast menu. One of the savory items is the Monte Cristo, which is a Black Forest ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich, dusted with powdered sugar and served with maple syrup and strawberry compote.
108 W. Second Street, Los Angeles | 213.613.0000 www.edisondowntown.com
HOLLYWOOD

EAST
From the nightlife mastermind behind Hollywood hotspots Opera and MyHouse comes EAST, the first restaurant and lounge from David Judaken’s Syndicate Hospitality. The restaurant’s Executive Chef Keven Alan Lee has crafted an expansive menu of dishes, with a sophisticated Asian flair. All of Lee’s creations, from premium sashimi to hibachi-style Kobe steak, can be served with unique accoutrements such as exotic oils, salts and 40 different sauces, allowing diners to customize each bite. The Dodd Mitchell-designed space is an amalgamation of natural hues and materials displaying dark, wood-carved confessional-style walls, low-slung ceilings and a large patio enclosed in textured walls of stone and topped by a canopy of trees.
6611 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood | 323.462.3278
www.east-hollywood.com

Marbella
Marbella, formally known as Montmarte Café, has gone back in time to recreate the Roaring Twenties in all their glory. With its 4,000-square-foot patio, wrought-iron accents, elegant interior décor and location in the heart of Hollywood, Marbella is dining at its finest. Disappointment is nonexistent in this vintage, yet modern, supper club.
6757 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323.465.0447 | www.marbellala.com

Essex Public House
Looking for something tasty in the wee hours of the morning? Essex Public House just might be the place. The low-key restaurant and bar is open from lunchtime until 2 a.m. and offers a wide array of wine, cocktails and beer. Known for its customer satisfaction, Essex offers exemplary food and service in a masculine chic and unpretentious atmosphere. This is the ideal place for a drop-in, casual date or group soirée.
6683 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
323.460.6608 | www.essexhollywood.com

LOS FELIZ

Rockwell
The new addition to Los Feliz is Rockwell, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, bar and lounge. “More than a year after construction started on this project, my business partner Chris Diamond and I are thrilled to be taking over the reigns and finally bringing Rockwell to life,” says owner and creator Wayne Elias. Tucked behind Vermont Restaurant (another previous success of Elias), Rockwell offers 360-degree views of the Los Angeles skyline, cutting-edge architecture and a menu worth drooling over.
1417 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz 323.669.1550

MID-CITY WEST

Eva Restaurant
Mark Gold says he opened Eva Restaurant with one goal: to “exceed your expectations.” Taking over Hatfield’s old space, the quaint restaurant hosts family dinners on Sundays, offering gourmet bites for $35 per person. A warm and cozy dining space, Eva offers a simple, polished menu with no corkage fee.
7458 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood
323.634.0700

WEST HOLLYWOOD

The London
The seasons are quickly changing and so is the menu at The London West Hollywood, thanks to chef Gordon Ramsay. New dishes are being prepared for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and of course, there are also new specialty cocktails. The Roasted Pumpkin Risotto with Lime and Aged Parmesan, Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Burger and Scallop Carpaccio with Dungeness Crab Beignets are just a few of the new additions. The London will also offer a convenient Thanksgiving to-go menu, fall-inspired tasting menu, fireside bites program and holiday cocktails. Ramsay is giving us more than just the holidays to look forward to this year.
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood
310.854.1111

Xooro
Offering its decadent treats at a second location on Melrose Avenue this fall, Xooro (pronounced “SURE-oh”) is the first specialty Spanish fritter bakery in the United States and serves churros that are unrivaled in quality and taste. Owner Begonia Amaya describes it as “an expression of my passion for Spanish desserts with a modern twist.” Xooro’s unique spelling isn’t the only modern spin on the classic Spanish doughnut. The delicious churros are offered in multiple flavors and fillings, including nutella, chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, dulce de leche, lemon crème, coconut and walnuts. They even come in sleekly designed tubes to keep their shape and warmth on the go. Visit the new location to experience what may be the city’s greatest indulgence.
8360 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
323.951.9592 | www.xooro.com

BEVERLY HILLS

Oliverio
The Avalon Beverly Hills welcomes Executive Chef Mirko Paderno and his new Italian restaurant concept, Oliverio. The beautiful boutique hotel unveils new menus and bold mid-century Italian décor from Kelly Wearstler. Paderno’s Italian upbringing significantly influenced Oliverio’s look, taste and feel. The new menus showcase Italian food with a regional flair, which he utilized well, picking meat from California and seasonal ingredients. Paderno explains, “Great Italian cuisine is about the ingredients and technique, but also about atmosphere.” Over the past 10 years, Paderno has prepared delicious food for some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles and it’s guaranteed he’ll be a great addition to the Avalon Beverly Hills.
9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills
310.407.7791

THROUGHOUT THE LOS ANGELES AREA

Domenico’s Foods
Domenico, of Domenico’s Foods, has created a seasonal product line that will bring some of autumn-in-New York to us here in Southern California. His savory seasonal line consists of fall-inspired ingredients such as ripe apples, juicy pears, fresh ground cinnamon and vanilla bean and handpicked pumpkin. As a kid, Domenico and his family traveled to New York and New and brought back armfuls of fresh apples and pumpkins, which they later turned in to savory fall dishes. These experiences were used as “inspiration to create some truly unique, delicious products that we know people will enjoy.” Domenico’s complete product line, from his luscious sun-dried tomato pesto and spicy tapenades to his fresh pasta and tasty sauces, gives you a reason to want to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year.
Available at various LA farmers’ markets