Urban Ninja
Westsiders take note. You don’t have to go all the way Downtown to experience Little Tokyo. This little strip of Sawtelle Blvd is the mini Westsider destination for all things Japanese. You can easily walk the short stretch of Sawtelle Blvd that is chock full of Izakaya & Japanese cuisine ready to broaden your horizons beyond sushi. In addition to the great food, you get a healthy dose of Japanese Culture by way of boutiques, karaoke bars & Asian Spas. Here’s just a quick taste.
Orris – If the Japanese had tapas, this would be it. Chef Shiro is a master with small plates. He blends French cooking with Japanese flavors & the result is delicious.
Chabuya Noodle Bar – This is the Ramen House. Noodles all day long.
Robata-Ya (skewers) – This would be your neighborhood pub, if they barbecued mini skewers & served sake. They have a great happy hour & you can order ordinary things like grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon or be adventurous & try the deep fried chicken cartilage (kara-age). My personal favorite: grilled shishito peppers and Yaki-Onigiri (grilled rice ball).
Curry House – for true Japanese Curry. If you have never had a delicious flaky breaded pork cutlet (Pork Katsu) with Japanese curry, you are in for a treat.
Black Market – Filled with great low brow art, clothing & knickknacks worthy of urban hipsters. All the hand selected items are filled with healthy dose of dark humor and disdain for authority (and that is a good thing). This is where I found Fomato: the most amazing greeting card creator of all time.
Giant Robot – The magazine is Asian at its core but pop culture to the max & the store is a wunderkamen of beautiful beasties. If you don’t understand what I mean, perhaps you should just check it out.
Bonus:
There is the huge Mitsuwa Market on Centinela where you can find everything from freshly baked red bean buns to the infamous Pocari Sweat. In addition to the market itself, you can pick up quick eats right there in their Japanese food court: ramen, soba, & bento boxes are all available.
Happy New Year. Welcome to a world of pain. After the holidays, all we can ever think of is ‘how the heck am I gonna fit in those skinny jeans again’. I know. It’s February. I celebrate Chinese New Year – what do you want from me?
I have your solution though. Physique 57. This looks like your run of the mill barre workout slash floor pilates slash hang out for skinny girls, but it is so much more than that. It will kick start you right into 2012. Promise. Here’s a little preview of your year to come:
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Physique 57 Los Angeles
320 North Cañon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 271-0570
Oh Christmas Tree.
I can’t stay mad at you.
In honor of the holiday season, I would like to introduce you to my Christmas Tree. I am in love with this tree. I have always been a bit contrarian in that I never saw the appeal of a live tree. I, in fact, really liked the plastic trees with fake kitschy colors that needed an electric plug more than it needed a bucket of water.
I got this baby at the Outlet at ELS. After Christmas, on sale, for $70 $35. It is the Sears Trim a Home Glitter White Tree. Yes, the one that is usually $200. The Outlet at ELS is an amazing place to find electronics, decor, kitchenware and appliances that used to be at Costco, Sears or other large department stores. I have found everything from wine fridges to baby gear to a Kitchen aid Artisan mixer (for $179).
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The first year I had the tree, I left it up through February because I loved it so much. This year I decided that it needed a little bit of fun instead of the stark modern look (which I also adore). So, I bought these great colorful birds from Aldik home which now live in my White Christmas tree.
Aldik home was recommended to me by a friend who is an art director when I complemented her on the gorgeous wreath on her door made of succulents. She made me touch the wreath because all of the cacti were FAKE. They were plastic. BUT THEY LOOKED SO AMAZINGLY REAL.
Aldik Home will do arrangements of all kinds, but they are known for their CUSTOM ARTIFICIAL TREES. These trees look amazing. You want to touch them. You can’t believe they’re not real. As with anything, there are a few lone trees that don’t look as great as others, but the ones that stand out are really quite worth the drive into the valley.
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Right now it is Christmas and that is a sight to see! You can shop right off the trees that are decked OUT. Michael’s eat your heart out. You got nothin’ on Aldik Home.
Go. Just to see it. If you still need Christmas Decor. OR Hit up their after Christmas Sale. Ahhhhhmazing.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGC_kxaLdN8