The "New Over" Today at Jane's House - January 1, 2011

I placed a blog post yesterday announcing the New Over. Hopefully you made it out but if not here's a RECAP:

The "New Over" was everything I expected from the Do Over. The deejays were on point spinning everything from deep house to R&B to remixed blues. The drinks flowed, the bbq pit was up and everyone was having a great time. Jane's House felt like an appropriate and fitting venue for the Do Over since it's larger in size than the former venue Crane's so hopefully it will continue there this summer. The only downfall is the one bar.




If you're a fan of the Sunday afternoon "DO OVER" at Crane's then come out today for the "NEW OVER" at Jane's House in Hollywood. Hosted by the same cats as the Do Over, this party will have all the same flavor, sangria, bbq and good music as the summer Sunday fiesta.

DJ:
DJ Life

Location:
Jane's House
6541 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

Good Food, Great View, Beautiful Ambiance-but there are callouts

I recently went to Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian Hotel for dinner with my boyfriend and another couple. The overall experience was great but there are some callouts that might not be for everyone. First and foremost the restaurant is beautiful with soft lighting and a spectacular view of the city. We ate outdoors since they had heat lamps and it was perfect because the Sky Bar is right next door and they had live artists performing so it was like dinner and a concert. We did the tasting platters since the food portions are large and sharing is recommended, however, once our server took our orders we didn't see him much after that. The service is very slow. This was convenient for us because we were enjoying the music and our conversation but stretching a meal over the course of 3 1/2 hours isnt for everyone (we sat down at 8:30pm and did not leave until midnight even though we would have gladly sliced an hour off of our stay if given a choice). The food is above average and I commend the restaurant for the eclectic fusion of cuisines, but I felt that the flavors were a little lacking. Bottom line, Asia de Cuba is like buying a decent house in a fabulous location. You still do it. I think a part of the reason why so many people claim to love the food is because everything else is so nice and you feel like you have to or that it's just the right thing to say. I would recommend this restaurant but under certain circumstances. You have to be prepared to be there for awhile so go with good company. You'll wait for your drinks so savor them. The bill can become pricey (we averaged about ($90 per person) so your budget must be
accomodating. The portions are healthy but the taste might not knock your socks off.

TASTE RESTAURANT on MELROSE

I have eaten brunch at Taste in West Hollywood twice now and must write about it. It's so damn good. First and foremost the restaurant is a quaint, dark wood structure accented with bright pillows and windows facing Melrose. It's perfectly designed for comfort in rain or shine and I've been there for both. The first time I ate there I had the Southwest Scramble and bottomless mimosa. It was tastey but I was more impressed by the trendy yet lazy atmosphere of the place and the elevated seating which allowed me a great view for people watching. The second time I dined at Taste it was simply delicious. I ordered the Braised Short Rib Hash with scrambled egg (instead of poached), red pepppers, potatoes and bearnaise sauce. My boyfriend decided on the crab Cake Benedict with rosemary garlic potatoes. Both were absolutely yum. That's the best description I can give. Yum. Yum. The hash is $14.75 and the crab cake benedict is $15.25. Enjoy a Sunday brunch at Taste. It's worth it.

I read reviews on Trip Advisor about Taste simply to see other's opinions of the place and think those who gave the restaurant a low rating are nuts and probably complain about stars, toenails, popcorn, itunes, pens, carpet, etc. I'm sure nothing makes them happy.

Taste
8454 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 852-6888

BCBG Sample Sale in the Rain - 11/20/10

I will first and foremost pay homage to all the sexy and determined bitches who made it inside the BCBG sample sale and exited the premises with wearables. I admire you. I woke up the morning of the sale at 8am. One hour later than intended. I lay in bed and listened to the rain. It was coming down hard. "Do I even want to go to the sale this rainy morning?" I asked myself. "Of course I do," I said as I pulled on the leggings and boots I set out the previous night for easy dressing. I personally think BCBG had a strong and fashionable year and I've enjoyed my window shopping experiences. (I cannot afford BCBG and after working for their corporate office and enjoying the perks of the employee boutique run by Lubov Azria's mother - leather pants for $15. Purses for $40. Shirts for $5 - I will never be able to pay full price until I'm rich with disposable cash)

I fixed a cup of tea and headed out in the rain with my boyfriend and a book, ready for the line outside BCBG that I was sure would be cut in half by the increment weather. I was absolutely wrong. In front of the Vernon factory was a huge canopy, shielding the raindrops from women holding huge plastic bags and waiting patiently in a winding line reminiscent of Riddler's Revenge at Magic Mountain. Not bad, I thought. But then my boyfriend and I continued down Fruitland and saw the staggering line of girls dressed in black tights and beanies, holding Starbucks containers and leaning against the stark white BCBG wall that goes on for like a mile. They were all unfazed by the rain and seemed to enjoy it.
My boyfriend asked where he should park. "I can't do it," I told him. "Please don't make me stand out there in the rain and wait for hours. There's at least 700 girls here" I whined. My boyfriend is the type of man who does everything he sets his mind to no matter what the circumstance and expects me to follow suit. I, on the other hand, tend to go with the flow and allow life's alterations. I did not want to trade a nice sweater for the demon flu going around. I was prepared to stand in mist for one hour tops but not actual rain for 3 hours. My boyfriend chuckled at the BCBG enthusiasts undeterred by wetness and allowed us to continue on a new morning path consisting of breakfast at Taste. I appreciate you BCBG and will do my best to meet an employee and enjoy the sample sale on "Friends and Family" night.

****I will eventually write a blog about Taste but if you've never gone to this West Hollywood eatery you MUST! Crab benedict and the short rib with eggs. Yum. (There's an actual name for the short rib plate but I forgot it. Delicious though.)