Have some fun with the Oscars this year

By: Deena Nissley

Best Steak: Oscar Viewing Party at Morton’s
Watch the big show on a nine-foot HD screen with a three-course prix fixe dinner and Champagne toast.
Make reservations: They’re required.
Sun 3p. Morton’s The Steakhouse, 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills (310-246-1501). $100 per person. Nearby: Versailles; Roger Room; Awash

Don’t Call Me Shirley: Leslie Nielsen Double Feature at the Egyptian
Join director David Zucker for screenings of the classics Airplane! and The Naked Gun.
Oscar watch: On Friday, the Egyptian shows Academy Award-nominated animated and live action short films.
Sat 7:30-11:30p. Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (323-566-3456). $7-11 here. Nearby: Roosevelt Hotel; Les Deux Estate; h.wood

Rock Show: Best Coast at The Music Box
LA native-turned-New Yorker Bethany Cosentino and her band blast out lo-fi surf rock that leaves no doubt what coast they’re referring to.
Video love: Watch their clip for “Boyfriend” here.
Tonight 9p. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (323-464-0808). $57 and up here. Nearby: Blue Palms Brewhouse; Amoeba Records; Space 15Twenty

Body Art: Love and Paint
Couples getting it on become the paintbrushes for Alexander Esguerra’s works of art. Check it out at this live demonstration.
Really? Yes. Check out some safe-for-work video here.
Fri 9-11p. Voyeur, 7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood (323-654-0280). No cover, open bar. Nearby: Bar Lubitsch; Winston’s; Crown Bar.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

By: Deena Nissley

The Secret Table Food trucks. Pop-up restaurants. The four-star kitchen in the back of your Prius.

It can all get a little… mobile. Sometimes you just want to go get some dinner at a stationary spot.

And if it happens to go down at a lush, funky design studio, all the better.

Welcome to The Secret Table, a roving supper club that’s stopped with all the roving, now operating out of a covert Venice studio called Big Red Sun and taking reservations for dinner on Friday night.

So, yes, this is an underground dinner situation from an esteemed catering company—the kind where you’ll sign up on a website to stay informed about discreet, leisurely feasts at an undisclosed location. This time out it’s Spiced Roasted Chickpeas, Béchamel Lasagne and lots of Italian wines. Buy a couple tickets and voilà: you’ve got a memorable dinner date.

Only now, the location is very much disclosed: for the foreseeable future, you’ll be dining on the grounds of a succulent-heavy design space, surrounded by concrete, candles and cacti. It’s like you opened up Dwell and jumped in for dinner.

And if you have such a good time that you want to relive it in a few weeks, you can—the next dinner’s right here, too.

Dwell always makes you hungry for chickpeas.

5h3rm@no

2010 Award Benefit and Auction

By: Deena Nissley

The museum of California design will honor Charles and Ray Eames for their extraordinary contributions to American design. The Eames’ significant advances in the design of objects for everyday use include distinctive plywood furniture, durable fiberglass chairs and colorful storage solutions.

Christopher Hawthorne, architecture critic of the Los Angeles Times, will present the museum’s Henry Award to the Eames’ grandchildren, Eames Demetrios, Director, Eames Office and Chairman of the Board, Eames Foundation, and Lucia Dewey Atwood, Eames Foundation Board Member, and Director, Eames House Preservation, on the designers’ behalf.

Please join us for light lunch and refreshments at at Case Study House #9, designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen for John Entenza, editor of Arts & Architecture Magazine, on an extraordinary ocean-view site in Pacific Palisades. The Entenza House, one of California’s most architecturally significant homes, was completed in 1949, and because it has never been open to the public, it is one of the most eagerly sought after to visit of the 17 extant Case Study Houses.

In addition, the Eames Foundation will welcome our benefit guests to visit the adjacent Eames House grounds and to view from the outside the interior of the Eames House, the 1949 Case Study House #8.

An exhibition of iconic Eames designs curated by Daniel Ostroff, Historian/Editor of “Vintage Eames” on the Eames Office website and curator of the A+D Museum’s 2011 exhibition of Eames furniture, will be on view in the Entenza House along with a digital presentation of Charles Eames’ architecture.

Those who have attended our other Benefits know to also expect delicious food, good buys at our live and silent auctions and short waits for their valet-parked cars.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

It’s time for pumpkins, chillier weather, and getting scared half to death.

By: Deena Nissley

Haunted History: Pasadena’s Old Town Haunt
Last year we ventured inside this reportedly haunted building that once held a Spanish mission and the Union Savings Bank to be groped by ghouls and terrified by creeping zombies. It’s short, but the atmosphere extends outside, as the monsters wander the block looking for their next unsuspecting victim.
20 N. Raymond Ave. at Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. General admission $14-$16; VIP $19-21 here.

Scary Movies: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Asylum escapees, evil clowns, and other unsettled souls roam the grounds while Chucky himself takes the wheel of the Terror Tram. If that’s not enough, wander four mazes where Freddy, Jason, vampires, and creatures from Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses lurk.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City (800-777-1000). $44-$54 in advance here; $59 at the door.

Bone-Chilling Rides: Griffith Park’s Haunted Hayride
A gothically romantic East Coast-style hayride, the wagon travels past spooky children and looming 15-foot-tall monsters as it makes its way through the forest. Afterward, wander through a haunted maze of hay bales or dare to hop on thrill rides operated by dead carnie.
4730 Crystal Springs Ave., Griffith Park (310-993-8289). General admission $25-$35; VIP $50-$60 here. Cash only at the park.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

Some Los Angeles Halloween ideas

By: Deena Nissley

Drink: A Dark Carnival at Villains Tavern
Our favorite new bar brings together freak and magic shows, a tarot card reader, and mix & match beer and shot combos for $9.
Fri & Sat Oct 29-30, 7p-2a. Villains Tavern, 1356 Palmetto St., Downtown (213-613-0766).

Karaoke: Rockstar
A seriously cool idea that prevents a room full of dueling Lady Gagas in meat dresses: You need to RSVP to claim your costume of choice. If no one else is already going as whichever musician you picked, you’re gold. Email them now, or you’re doomed to go as a one-hit wonder.
Sat Oct 30, 9:30p-2a. M Bar, 1253 Vine St., Hollywood (323-856-0036). RSVP to rockstarhalloween@yahoo.com for $10 entry fee.

Stay: SLS Halloween Package
The best way to do the WeHo parade? You get a free shuttle ride between Santa Monica Blvd. and the hotel, a make-up removal kit and complimentary cocktail back at the room, and a foot massage the next morning.
$329 per night, Fri Oct 29 thru Sun Oct 31. SLS Hotel, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills. Call (866-716-8136) and mention rate plan HALWPKG.

Listen: KCRW Masquerade
The music fan’s choice. The notorious Cut Chemist and 13 KCRW DJs, from Jason Bentley to Henry Rollins, spin everything from darkwave to punk. Live band Gram Rabbit (like Devo meets No Doubt) drop in to keep it funky.
Sat Oct 30, 9p-2a. Park Plaza, 607 S. Park View St., Downtown. $75 here; $85 at door.

Shop: Emily The Strange Pop-Up Shop
The skateboard deck icon — she’s basically a goth Hello Kitty — gets her own store stocked with comic books, guitars, and cupcakes. Fun fact: the girl in Kick-Ass is playing her in the upcoming movie.
Thru Nov 11. Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City (310-559-6300).

Game: Original Haunted Hollywood Scavenger Hunt
Explore America’s fifth most haunted city (seriously, this is how they bill it) with a six-person team. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Manson family hangouts, but honestly, it couldn’t hurt.
Oct 22-24, 29 & 30, 6-8:30p. Starting location revealed upon registration. (323-799-1374). $25 per person here.

Dance: Thriller Night
Michael Jackson and zombie costumes are guaranteed to terrify anyone, but the live drummer helping out the DJ will keep them on the dancefloor. $10 more gets you VIP access to the upstairs, so you can scope the action.
Sat Oct 30, 8p-2a. Wokcano Santa Monica, 1413 5th St. (310-458-3080). $10-20 here; $15 at the door.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

Try the Malibu Food and Wine Festival

By: Deena Nissley

Let the Malibu Food and Wine Festival be your first party of the holidays. Winemakers from the California Coast will congregate to offer a high end tasting for guests with purchase of the $75 ticket. Enjoy Grizzly Wine Studio, Ladera Winery, and Star Lane Vineyard bring just a handful of the vintages you’ll get to sample with your $75 ticket.

You’ll also get to sink your teeth into a spread with bites from local Malibu restaurants including Moonshadows, Tra Di Noi, and the Stonefire Grill.

When you’re not enjoying the bluffside ocean view (complete with a soundtrack of live Cuban jazz), bid on deals at hotel rooms in New York and other food-centric cities in the live auction.

Malibu Food & Wine Festival 2010
Sunday, December 5
12-5p
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu
malibufoodwinefestival.com

Tickets: $75 individual, $135 per couple
VIP: $225 per ticket ($400 per couple) grants you access to cooking demos, an exclusive wine tasting, and entrance to the after party hosted by SofitelLA and Tra di Noi.
Good cause: Proceeds go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

Hit the ice rinks this holiday season

By: Deena Nissley

Ice at Santa Monica
For the fourth year in a row, take a break from hectic holiday shopping to show off your skating skills. This rink also stays open until midnight on the weekends, so you can take a spin post-dinner.
Thru Feb 15. 1324 Fifth St., Santa Monica (310-393-8355). $10 (includes skate rental).

Chill
Catch an early film at one of the Westwood theaters, then head to the W in Westwood for a post-flick skate and cocktail (try the spiked milk and honey) at their Snowy Snack Bar. It’ll help you stay warm and numb any bruises from falling on the hybrid ice.
Thru Jan 2. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood (310-208-8765).

Pershing Square
After 13 years, this rink is now a classic, attracting imitators (see LA Live, below). Drop by the weekend of  Dec 11-12 for their Winter Holiday festival, or just go on Sunday afternoons to watch people practicing their lutz to live swing bands.
Thru Jan 17. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive, Downtown (213-847-4970). $6/hr, $2 for skate rental.

LA Live
LA Live aims to outdo the hallowed Pershing Square as the spot to skate in the city. At 1500 square feet, and surrounded by more than a few worthwhile bars and restaurants, it might prove itself a worthy alternative.
Thru Dec 31. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Downtown. $12 admission (includes skate rental).

Year Round
If you’re interested in skating for more than just impressing your snow bunny on a seasonal date, check out the Culver Ice Arena (4545 Sepulveda Blvd., 310-398-5718) or the Pasadena Ice Skating Center (310 E. Green St., 626-578-0800) any time of the year.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

Potted Christmas Trees

By: Deena Nissley

Some of us enjoy a real tree at Christmas but can’t stand the thought of killing a perfectly good tree. This year, keep that good old pine smell floating through the house but don’t kill a tree. Pick out a delivery date, put down a deposit, and in return you’ll get a potted tree that smells like Christmas, and will impress any eco-friendly elves who stop by.

They’ve got pines, cedars, and sequoias ranging from Charlie Brown-sized two-footers to behemoths  that dwarf Lamar Odom. When the holiday season is over, they’ll pick it back up.

And if you fall in love with your tree and can’t bear to part with it, you can adopt to get the same exact tree delivered Christmas after Christmas. This is great.

Living Christmas
(310) 344-8733
livingchristmas.com

Price: $25-$125 before delivery ($30-60)

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

The brightest Los Angeles lights

By: Deena Nissley

Newport Beach: Christmas Boat Parade
After 102 years, Newport has this holiday boat cruise down. Watch as 75 or so boats and million dollar yachts kick off the five night cruise tomorrow. After, stop at the nearby Zimmerman house, a single home adorned with more than 25,000 lights.
Wed-Sun 6:30-9p. Parade starts at Bay Island, but watch it from anywhere along the harbor. Zimmerman House: 327 Sapphire Ave., Balboa Island

Oxnard: Christmas Tree Lane
Forget tasteful. This entire neighborhood pays homage to the holiday season by cranking up home decoration to eleven. Ride through on a trolley for $10 until Thursday. Otherwise, we recommend walking.
6-10p nightly thru December 26. F & G Streets between 5th and Palm, Oxnard (805-385-7545).

Riverside: Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights
The city-block sized landmark hotel is covered in a staggering, see-it-from-space overload of 3.5 million lights. As an extra draw, holiday room specials allow you to take your significant other to relax at their spa and get her mind off any last-minute shopping.
Thru January 2nd. The Mission Inn Hotel, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside (951-784-0300).

Altadena: Christmas Tree Lane II
Since 1920, Altadena has been stringing lights around the 150 cedars that line this 1/4 mile stretch of road, but the most impressive spectacle in the vicinity is actually the Balian House at 1960 Mendocino Lane.
Thru Jan 7, dusk until 10p. Santa Rosa Ave. between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Dr., Altadena (626-403-1123)

Venice: Local Spirits
The residents of the canals have decorated not only their homes, but also most of the bridges within the small community. The best way to see everything is walk, so park on Ocean, Venice, or Washington and stroll through. The candy cane corner house at Carroll Ct. and Eastern Ct. with its animatronic displays and dazzling array of lights is the highlight.
Until at least New Year’s. Throughout the Venice Canals, Venice

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no

Third Street Promenade Valentine’s Day action

By: Deena Nissley

Instead of sitting at home on an empty couch watching The Cape on Valentine’s Day, scooch over to a stranger on the Third Street Promenade. It’s The World’s Longest Sofa Speed Date, a combination of all the triviality of world record-setting and the economy of speed dating. You’ll join 149 other lonelyhearts on a ludicrously lengthy leather sofa for a three minute shot at love (no spooning). The 213-foot, red leather monstrosity of spinal comfort and awkward silences will be planted on the Third Street Promenade, where — finally — you’ll be the entertainment, as you move between 10-15 potential partners.

But it’s not just a comfy seat on the Promenade. Your ticket also gets you drinks, food, and post-event skating at Ice at Santa Monica.
Monday, February 14
6-10p
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
hurrydate.com/longestsofa

Tickets: $26 for HurryDate members; $35 for non-members here

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

5h3rm@no