Gumbo from Tania’s Palace at Disneyland. Photo by Elise Thompson.
Disneyland recently opened Tiana’s Palace in conjunction with the revamp of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from The Princess on the Frog. The character of Tiana was loosely based on the late Leah Chase of the iconic Creole restaurant Dookey Chase’s in New Orleans. So they have a name to uphold.
Critics have already bashed the fast-casual cafeteria-style restaurant, but most of the critiques were from people who hadn’t even eaten there. They all seemed to be based on one Instagram of very crappy-looking wet rice. But check out my shot of their fantastic Red Beans and Rice. Restaurants, you have to be Instagram-ready 24/7. It can make or break you these days.
I ate there two weeks ago, not expecting much, and my mind was blown. I even ordered more food, in fact, I ordered so much that the credit card company flagged my card for suspicious purchases. The Shrimp and Grits may be the best version of that dish I have ever had, not only locally, but in New Orleans and Atlanta. My friend and I shared two orders.
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“Slap the Monster on Page One” * (1972, Radiance Films) Gian Maria Volonte, who serves as editor of a rabidly right-wing newspaper in Italy, finds a solution to mounting problems – angry protests against the paper’s hateful screeds and an election pitting the Communist Party against his paper’s preferred Christian Democrats – in the brutal murder of a young girl, and throws his talent for manipulation and slander into pinning the crime on an activist. Alarmingly prescient drama-thriller from Marco Bellocchio (who replaced co-writer Sergio Donati as director) details how the news can reframe not only opinion but perception of fact through a combination of clever language and constant repetition of specific talking points, even if contrary facts are in plain sight. May be too much for some viewers to take in after recent events; Radiance’s subtitled Limited Edition Blu-ray, taken from a 4K restoration, includes a new interview with critic Mario Sesti, who details both the film’s production and the political climate in Italy – the “Years of Lead,” a two-decade period of political upheaval and violence between far-left and right factions – as well as a new appreciation by “Repo Man” director Alex Cox and an archival interview with Bellocchio.
happy thanksgiving! here’s the bow of thess lane victoryin my pedro town and also a rescue ring on a nearby fence… just in case – making me even feel even more grateful!
Turducken Sausage and Burrito. Image courtesy of Dog Haus.
Craving Thanksgiving vibes but not ready to dive into a full-on feast? We’ve got you covered. These LA eateries are dishing out autumn-inspired bites to satisfy those seasonal cravings.
Riot House Restaurant, the eatery at the historic Andaz West Hollywood, is serving up a seasonal favorite: the Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich. This elevated version features roasted turkey breast, cranberry aioli, wild arugula, and herb stuffing on toasted sourdough bread. Evoking Thanksgiving in every bite, the sandwich is paired with a side of crispy potato wedges and is available throughout the week.
The Andaz West Hollywood, formerly the Hyatt House, was nicknamed the Riot House due to the rowdy parties and behaviors of rock ‘n roll guests like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. More info
Dog Haus, the beloved weinery chain that began in Pasadena, is serving two tasty twists on the iconic Thanksgiving dish Turducken through the end of November. Not familiar with Turducken? It was created in Louisiana in the ’80s and features a chicken inside a duck within a turkey that are all cooked together.
More into making reservations than dinner? Here are some of our favorite LA spots for cozy Thanksgiving dining – the only thing you’ll have to clean is your plate.
Whether you’d like to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, raise a glass on a verdant rooftop, gaze upon a Frank Gehry architectural masterpiece while dining on a scrumptious Spanish-influenced meal, or feast at a classic, unpretentious diner, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also find options for takeout meals in the list below to make at-home dining that much easier.
Located at the luxurious new Sandbourne Santa Monica hotel, Marelle is an elevated restaurant celebrating the flavors of California. On Thanksgiving, Marelle is offering both brunch and dinner. Brunch features holiday-inspired favorites like Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes topped with Candied Pecans and drizzled with Vanilla Maple Syrup. At dinner, Marelle will offer a pre-set menu for $95 per person. Begin with Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini Amuse-Bouche followed by Roasted Pear Salad or Butternut Squash Soup. Main course options include Classic Roasted Turkey, Crispy Ora King Salmon, Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, or Lemon Mushroom Rigatoni. Shared sides include Candied Yams and Roasted Brussels Sprouts, with dessert options of Homemade Berries Cobbler or Traditional Pumpkin Pie. Dinner is $95 per person/$45 for children/no charge for children under 6. More info
For the first time ever, Eataly will be open on Thanksgiving! Terra, Eataly’s rooftop restaurant, with gorgeous views of the Hollywood Hills, offers two-course menus for $49 and three-course menus for $65 for the holiday. Menu options include Roasted Turkey with Sweet Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry or Grilled Whole Branzino, along with traditional Italian antipasti and pasta dishes.
Photo credit: The Original Farmers Market on Facebook.
One of LA’s most iconic spots, the Original Farmers Market is hosting its inaugural VinylFest on Saturday, December 7. The event will take place at the Farmers Market’s famed Clock Tower Plaza, next to The Grove.
A celebration of vinyl music of the past, present, and future, VinylFest will focus on old-school record retailers, LA music institutions, major and indie record labels, limited-edition album releases, rock photography, DJ products, and rock-themed pinball machines.
Shop from historic record shops like Amoeba Records and House of Records. Shop for professional DJ equipment from AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ and listen to DJ sets. Test your pinball skills on classic rock & roll machines sponsored by Stern Pinball. Enjoy the vinyl listening stations from classic LA radio station KCRW. Check out the rock photography exhibit from LA-based photographer Jeff Kravitz.
VinylFest takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 7. The Original Farmers Market is located at 6333 W. Third Street in Los Angeles.
