watt’s picture of the week – wednesday, march 9, 2022

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Mike Watt

tom watson and raul morales (left to right) at the first missingmen gig of 2022 last week at rock and roll pizza in simi valley…

photo by mike watt

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Get Your Masters of Taste Tickets with our Discount Code Before they Sell Out!

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Elise Thompson

Cheese and charcuterie tray from Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, at the Masters of Taste Preview 2022. Photo by Elise Thompson.

Have you been lost without your annual food events? We certainly have! What better way to return to the world than with the biggest and best luxury food event in LA? You will also be helping Union Station Homeless Services to help the unhoused community of LA.

The fifth annual Masters of Taste returns to the field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, with Host Chef Vanda Asapahu, chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine. From 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, enjoy unlimited pours, cocktails, sweets, and small plates from more than 100 of the best chefs, mixologists and vintners in town. Masters of Taste will be offering signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, plus a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar. This year will also introduce a Thai street food market, curated by Chef Vanda, featuring restaurants like Luv2Eat and Holy Basil. Continue reading →

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Kid Congo Powers and Jakob Dylan to Play at All-Star Benefit for Howie Pyro this Saturday at the Troubadour!

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Elise Thompson

Tickets: $25 All funds go to legendary DJ and musician Howie Pyro’s medical fund. The City of West Hollywood requires all patrons, staff, and artists to be fully vaccinated. Please bring your vax card and picture I.D.

GET TICKETS HERE

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Where to Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler 2022

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Elise Thompson

Onstage revelry at the LB Bayou Fest. Photo by Elise Thompson.

Happy Mardi Gras! Things aren’t quite back to normal yet, but the Crescent City is throwing their official Fat Tuesday bacchanal, and there are a few places you can get in the spirit locally. All events are happening Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Harold & Belle’s

If Los Angeles had a Galatoire’s, it would have to be Harold and Belle’s. The Creole restaurant is still run with pride by the third generation of the Legaux family. They will be letting the good times roll with live bands, including the Grammy Award Winning Andrew Gouché, face painting, two bars, beads, and as always, N’Awlins favorites including Jambalaya, red beans and rice, and some damn fine catfish. Two bars will be offering Crowns and Hops local beer or a signature Hurricane. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.  The cover charge is $20 after 2 p.m. and includes one adult beverage.

Original Farmer’s Market

The Nervis Bros 2.0. will be bringing out the jams from From 5:30PM – 7:30PM at the OG Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax. Grab a beer and hit up The Gumbo Pot, a fantastic Cajun/Creole kitchen. I recommend the Blackened catfish Sandwich, Red Beans and Rice and the Fried Chicken Salad.

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Movies Till Dawn: The Saturday Morning Strange Goes Straight to Hell

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Paul Gaita

“Surf Nazis Must Die” (1987, Troma Films) A future California falls into lawlessness following a cataclysmic earthquake, and from the rubble rises a new Nazi regime (which includes LA Beat alumnus Michael Sonye) which aims to rule the beaches (and specifically Redondo, Seal, and Long Beaches). However, their plans for beach domination are upended by the gun-toting, cigar-smoking mother (Gail Neely) of one of their murder victims. “Surf Nazis” is, like most of Troma’s films, an intentional goof that revels in its technical non-profiencies and gleefully toes the line between offensive and look-at-my-chewed-up-food silliness. “Surf Nazis” either amuses or annoys, though the company attempts to court favor in the former direction with their hi-def Blu-ray: included are interviews with and commentary by director Peter George (from the Projection Booth podcast) and deleted footage, as well as various gags, short films, and grotty PSAs from Troma chief Lloyd Kaufman (including a plug for his 1998 autobiography), who also lambastes mainstream companies and media platforms for their high-handed treatment of Troma.

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Marlon Hoffman Interview: Le Happy, La Paix And LA, Rock N Roll Stories Won’t Fade Away

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Ed Simon

Marlon Hoffman Live Ar Canyon Club, Agoura HillsMarlon Hoffman has led a very interesting life, both in the music business as an artist and also as a fan. He’s presently recording a new album, with many friends of his that others would love to have on an album. Drummer, vocalist, guitarist and writer, he’s become one of that rare breed of musicians that the public may not know so well, but other musicians know him and his talents. They’re always willing to help a hand with one of Marlon Hoffman’s projects. And Marlon’s projects are things that should be checked out end enjoyed by every one.

Over the years, Marlon has acquired a great amount of stories. And unlike many who cannot articulate them, Marlon is one of those rare people who can tell them and keep your interest no matter how many stories he tells. He’s personable and keeps you riveted on the stories he tells. Marlon has recently released a pair of albums which are a great way to hear the depth of his artistry. Le Happy Vol. 1 and La Paix Vol. 2 were both recorded at Village Recorders, the storied recording studio that has recorded artists such as Steve Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, the Rolling Stones and B.B. King; to newer artists such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga and Kesha.

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2/22/22 is National Margarita Day – Here’s How to Find (and DIY) Some Standouts

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Karin E. Baker

PATRON St-Rita. Photo courtesy of PATRON and St. Germain.

February 22 is National Margarita Day, so why not raise a glass to commemorate this special day? Zhuzh up this winter Tuesday with this much-loved agave-based cocktail. Below, you’ll find a trio of intriguing margarita recipes, along with 5 restaurants in Los Angeles offering margarita deals. 

Echo Park’s own Danny Trejo and his restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos, launch the holiday with a one-week margarita special – and an after-hours event – at Trejo’s Tacos’ Hollywood location beginning February 22. These Watermelon-Jalapeño margaritas, neither too sweet nor too spicy, are crafted with Lobos 1707 Joven Tequila and come complete with a chamoy-tajin rim and a fresh watermelon wedge. Tonight, the Cahuenga location hosts an after-hours event from 9 PM to midnight. Tickets are $20 and include 1707 tastings from their 1707 tuk-tuk, a DJ, tacos, step and repeat, and, of course, that Watermelon-Jalapeño margarita. You can buy your ticket here.

Gracias Madre is known for its standout all-agave cocktail program, not to mention excellent vegan Mexican food. For National Margarita Day, Beverage Director Maxwell Reis has created a clarified margarita made with LALO Tequila Blanco, his own clarified lime cordial, orange bitters, and a citrus saline rim ($20). Gracias Madre’s regular Taco Tuesday menu ($25) includes a regular margarita, but you can upgrade to the clarified margarita. The trio of tacos includes plant-based versions of carnitas, al pastor, along with a cauliflower-filled taco.

Spicy Siena is a spicy margarita variant featuring muddled Fresno chilies, Cointreau, and fresh lime, along with 818 Tequila and tajin. Savor it on National Margarita Day for just $10 at two LA hotel lounges: Sant’olina atop the classic, mid-century modern Beverly Hilton and Harriet’s 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

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Movies Till Dawn: International House of Crime 2022

Posted on February 19, 2022 by Paul Gaita

“The Beast Must Die” (1952, Flicker Alley) Argentinean adaptation, and the first of three film versions of the 1938 thriller by Nicholas Blake (pen name for Daniel Day-Lewis’s father, Cecil), with Narcisco Ibanez Menta as a mystery author who adopts a new identity to ferret out and kill the man responsible for his young son’s death. Icy and ultra-rare noir is delivered with an emotional intensity that at times, borders on hysteria, but also lays bare the ugliness of the initial death and the monstrous behavior of the “beast” in question (Guillermo Battaglia) in a way that Stateside thrillers couldn’t touch. Flicker Alley’s Blu-ray offers restored images, extensive liner notes and video intro by noir historian Eddie Muller, an interview with director Roman Vinoly Barretto’s son, and an appreciation for the elegant Menta, who also co-wrote the script.

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Valentine’s Day 2022: A Last-Minute Food Guide

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Karin E. Baker

Tuna Poke. Photo courtesy of TAO LA.

Valentine’s Day is just days away. Though the holiday falls uncomfortably close to Super Bowl Sunday this year, don’t think your other half will let you get away with not making dinner plans. Whether you’re craving a meal of decadent luxury or seeking more affordable price points, we’ve got you covered. 

What’s better than tuna poke? Poke in the shape of a heart, of course. You’ll find that, along with specialty dishes like Thai Basil Surf & Turf and an enormous fortune cookie, at TAO LA. Visiting the glamorous, Asian-inspired space always feels like an occasion. Make your reservation here. 

Experience a magical night of live jazz and decadent cuisine at Riviera 31 at The Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood. Led by Ryan Cross and his band, who have played at the Sofitel for over eight years, you can expect special guests and surprise performances – these Monday jazz events have attracted such guest singers as Stevie Wonder and Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds. The four-course prix-fixe menu features options like kampachi crudo, braised short rib, duck confit dumplings, and lemon mousse with braised blueberries and chocolate-covered strawberry. Contact the Sofitel to make reservations.  

Visit Yardbird at the Beverly Center for a special Southern-inspired meal in an atmospheric setting. Yardbird’s set menu for Valentine’s Day includes an amuse-bouche, your choice of an appetizer (including oysters Rockefeller and tuna tataki), your choice of three entrées (try the 12 oz. bone-in filet), and strawberry-yuzu pavlova for dessert. This special meal is $125 per person. Make your reservation via Open Table. 

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watt’s picture of the week – friday, february 11, 2022

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Mike Watt

there be those working makes of art here in my pedro town?

photo by mike watt

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