Author Archives: Elise Thompson

Elise Thompson

About Elise Thompson

Born and raised in the great city of Los Angeles, this food, culture and music-loving punk rock angeleno wants to turn you on to all that is funky, delicious and weird in the city. While Elise holds down the fort, her adventurous alter ego Kiki Maraschino is known to roam the country in search of catfish.

Jonathan Gold, LA’s Most Celebrated Writer and Ardent Fan Gone at 57

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Elise Thompson

Today we lost Pulitzer Prize and James Beard Award-winning food critic Jonathan Gold to Pancreatic Cancer. He was 57. I am not a professional journalist. I am not able to put my own feelings aside and write an article about … Continue reading →

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Tour the Lost and Long-Gone Graveyards of Los Angeles with Atlas Obscura this Sunday

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Elise Thompson

If you love to explore the unusual, hidden and mysterious, you might already be familiar with the Atlas Obscura website, which contains articles about fascinating foods as well as travel guides for international attractions like strange public art, abandoned amusement … Continue reading →

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The 38th Annual Lotus Festival Returns to Echo Park Lake This Weekend

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Elise Thompson

Saturday, Echo Park’s Lotus Festival, a free 2-day celebration of Asian-American heritage kicks off at noon. Every year the event features a different country, and the country for 2018 is the People’s Republic of China. Enjoy dances, live music, and demonstrations … Continue reading →

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‘Stu and the Kids’ Brings its Thai-flavored Fundraiser to Vibiana August 5th

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Elise Thompson

Once again, it’s time for one of my favorite food events! On August 5, 2018, from 4:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m., “Stu and the Kids” will return to the gorgeous Vibiana downtown. I love this Thai-flavored fundraiser because it isn’t too … Continue reading →

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Mark Z. Danielewski has Written a Pilot for a ‘House of Leaves’ Television Show and it’s Even More Meta

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Elise Thompson

On June 18, 2018, Mark Z. Danielewski quietly posted a link on Twitter and Facebook to a television pilot for his groundbreaking book, “House of Leaves.” Although he has written a number of books since, it is this first novel … Continue reading →

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Arroyo Seco Weekend: The Food – The Fun – The Frolic

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Elise Thompson

I can’t believe I have been going to the Rose Bowl for my entire life and I never knew about the acres and acres of verdant grass gently sloping behind it. The enormous Brookside golf course was repurposed into festival … Continue reading →

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Tonight! The 1st Official Tortilla Awards Hosted by Aaron Sanchez in NoHo

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Elise Thompson

Tonight El Tejano in North Hollywood will host Tequila Cazadores’ 1st Tortilla Awards from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. World-class chef and television personality Aarón Sanchez will emcee the evening. Contestants will be judged on their tortillas, tacos 
and how well the … Continue reading →

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Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in LA

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Elise Thompson

The 4th of July was not an independence day for all Americans. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last African American slaves were liberated. All over the country this is a week of celebration. Locally, it’s too late … Continue reading →

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Anthony Bourdain, Dead at 61. We Remember Him with One from the Archives

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Elise Thompson

Friday morning Anthony Bourdain was found dead in his French hotel room. CNN reports that he was found by his good friend, chef Eric Ripert; they were in town to film an episode of “Parts Unknown.” The apparent cause of … Continue reading →

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Random LA: Taco Bell Gets Whitewashed

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Elise Thompson

I came across this bizarre former Taco Bell in Van Nuys a few weeks ago. It was most recently the home of Queen’s Char Burgers, which had been painted blue and white and recently re-opened at 6348 Van Nuys Blvd., … Continue reading →

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