Breaking The Fourth Wall

Bar 107 in Downtown LA is by far the most eclectic dive bar[1] I have ever been to. The entrance off of 4^th street is completely modest and suggests that this is an average pub where white bearded men come to play billiards while listening to their favorite throw backs on the coin operated jukebox. Luckily, Bar 107 is anything BUT ordinary. I will begin with the interior decorations since these are what set this bar apart from any other. As you walk through the threshold, your eye is immediately drawn to the huge rearing stallion standing atop the bar donning knit leg warmers. After a moment of observing the stallion as if it is an art installation, your brain experiences sensory overload as you realize you are standing inside of the most bizarre treasure chest. Bar 107 is divided into two areas. The front room is set up like a typical pub with tables, booths, and bar stools lining the long wooden bar. The walls are adorned with animal heads of all different sizes (one wearing a football helmet), framed paintings of historic figures, celebrities, and religious icons, an official (and most probably stolen) “Welcome to Disneyland” sign, Jack Daniel’s tapestries, and a plastic Christmas decoration of Santa’s face, to name a few. The lax nature of this bar, unique to the uptight LA standard, is not only reflected in the wall hangings, but in the young and friendly staff as well.  The bouncer greeted us as we approached the front door and after recognizing our LA Dodger gear, jokingly asked us to refrain from jumping anyone inside of his bar.

The most magical item on my LA Bucket List: Disneyland[1]. I have been lucky enough to visit Disneyland many times since I was a kid and I swear that every visit feels like it’s my first. Jessica and I share an undeniable childlike enthusiasm that surfaces each time we approach the front gates of the park and from the moment we are granted access we beam with excitement and joy for the entirety of our stay. We leisurely strolled down Main Street USA towards Cinderella’s Castle and entered Fantasyland to start our day with the rides that have won over our hearts since our very first visit to the park.

Our first stop: Peter Pan’s Flight. The ride wait time was only 30 minutes, so we jumped in line and applied SPF while waiting for our flight over London! We later came to find that this 30-minute wait would be our longest of the day, which is unheard of at Disneyland. Next we rode “it’s a small world”, which was being renovated the last time we were at Disneyland a few years back. They refurbished the existing ride and peppered in some classic characters including Pinocchio, Ariel, and Aladdin and Jasmine riding their magic carpet.

Lunchtime was approaching almost as speedily as my need to ride Splash Mountain for the first time, ever. We decided that if we were going to get soaked on a ride, we might as well do it while the sun was up. We each obtained a FASTPASS for the ride, or so we thought, and then scouted out a restaurant to grab a bite. New Orleans Square has an interesting array of eats and we had no choice but to read each menu carefully to find something that was relatively normal and appetizing on a warm June day. We quickly shot down Salmon Creole and Jambalaya, immediately turned away at the thought of steaming hot clam chowder, and cringed at the thought of choking down a bowl of steak gumbo as we gazed out at Mark Twain’s Riverboat. As a child you never notice the strange selection of cuisine at Disneyland, but you surely do as a semi-health conscious adult in need of some nutrients. Finally we found a winner on the Café Orleans menu and were seated at a lovely table with a great view for two. I know that I can speak on behalf of my sister and I when I highly recommend the Mardi Gras Chicken Sandwich, a blackened chicken breast served on a multigrain roll with an avocado relish, accompanied with sweet potato cross cut French fries. Delish! This relatively healthy meal gave me just enough energy and confidence to take on Splash Mountain for my first but certainly not my last time.

Long story short, our attempt to use the FASTPASS service failed. The ride wait time was 50 minutes, but only 25 for the single riders line. Since Splash Mountain doesn’t allow you to sit side by side, Jess and I hopped in the single riders line and waited for our log chariots to arrive. I will admit that I was very nervous throughout the entire ride leading up to the big drop. I faced my fear of Splash Mountain and realized that the drop wasn’t as terrifying as I had expected, though I can promise you that I will never be able to casually throw my hands up in the air as my log plunges down the slippery mountain. God bless the man who decided to install the handlebars on this ride.

Once we had ridden all of our favorite rides in Disneyland we headed towards California Adventure, making a pit stop at the Main Street Emporium in search of a sister item[2]. Just as we were paying for our Mickey Mouse t-shirts, we heard energetic music coming from outside and turned to find the start of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. It was perfect timing and placement on our part as we walked out the door of the Emporium and found ourselves with front row seats to the musical parade.

All of the Disney characters processed down Main Street on brilliantly decorated floats, accompanied by musicians and dancers who brought the music to life right in front of our eyes. The parade included all of our favorite Disney movie characters, even the chimney sweeps from Mary Poppins. I would suggest that you make an effort to be on Main Street for this parade next time you visit Disneyland. “It’s a music celebration!”

The time had come to head to the newest attraction: The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Finally! Ariel has been neglected for far too long… We timed our underwater adventure just right and only waited about 10 minutes until it was time to hop into our pink clam shell and ride off into a whole new (underwater) world! The ride was exciting, colorful, and of course the music was top notch. The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite Disney movies, but I think it would be safe to say that anyone who loves Disney will love this new and much anticipated addition.

I look forward to my next Disneyland adventure so that I can live these magical memories all over again. Maybe my next Disney experience will be in Orlando… a girl can dream!

Ta-ta for now!

[1] Highly disputable to those who have an undying love for Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles [2]Sunday, Bloody Funday: Venice Beach Edition

My sister Jessica has a knack for photography and wanted to explore Venice Beach through her third eye…

Naturally and more so of necessity, we decided grab a bite to eat and started our Funday Sunday with a mimosa brunch at James’ Beach. James’ Beach is a mildly overpriced restaurant in the heart of Venice Beach, but the outdoor seating area makes it totally worth it. We took a cab to the restaurant so that we could enjoy some mid-afternoon cocktails and casually stroll the 3 miles back to Santa Monica along the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. Luckily our waiter agreed to bring us one last round of mimosas as well as “to go” soup containers for our water… We paid our bill and headed down to crazy town armed with bubbly roadies, cameras, and most importantly, an appetite for adventure.

Even though I live so close to Venice, it is worlds away from the upscale cultural bubble that I have now called home for almost two years. Hence, every time I venture to Venice I become a sucker for all of the amenities that is has to offer, i.e. henna tattoos, feather hair extensions, rasta everything, and an occasional article of hipster clothing. Also I would like to add that any time my sister and I are together we tend to purchase sister items.

[sis·ter i·tem (n) a particular article or material good that the DeSantis sisters find absolutely critical to immediately obtain to add to their (practically) identical wardrobes]

A few weeks ago when we were in Venice we bought matching “tree of life” bracelets and this weekend the sister purchase happened to be crew neck sweatshirts with two guns on them… we must have intuitively perceived the image of the two intersecting revolvers as some representation of an inseparable union and felt the dire need to add these sister items to our collection.

The weather was absolutely perfect and the boardwalk was packed with all walks of life. The boardwalk is always graced with the regulars, who walk, roll, wheel, or bike around. These regulars practice the act of living life in the most exceptional of ways.

Meet The World’s Greatest Wine-O!

and… The Croc Rockin’ Vintage Lunchbox Collector!

People Watching along the Venice Boardwalk is exciting and educational. Each time I go and observe those around me, I develop a new appreciation for some aspect of life. This is the main appeal of Venice and it continues to attract people from all over the world to come and observe the bizarre culture that is Venice Beach and the residents that make it such a colorful place.

Sunday Funday also allowed me to check an item off of my LA Bucket List- “Enjoy a pitcher of Hefeweizen at the Biergarten in Venice with the girls”. Having my sister there was just an added bonus! We joined a table of three Englishman who were quick to ask us about the royal wedding hype in the US. I was explaining to them why American’s are so intrigued by royal events, such as the wedding, because we don’t have anything like it. To which one of the men responded, “But you have Barack Obama, and he is like the coolest President ever!” They gave us a good laugh and then brilliantly moved on with their day. Shortly after this conversation we finished our cold brews and headed further North to meet two best friends at Big Dean’s Café under the Santa Monica Pier. This was my first experience at Big Dean’s and it was a great one! From the hotdogs and PBR tall boys, to the excitable crowd, old school décor, and finally the climactic moment when our waiter “Iced” our table with one Smirnoff Ice and 7 cups…. Thankfully we are all good sharers… and the rest shall remain between me, my best friends, and the four walls of my apartment.

Cheers!

The street side decor is modest. Once you enter the building the voices carry you to the first vacant table or perhaps for those brave at heart- the bar. Bodega Wine Bar is tucked away, but never ignored by the locals of Santa Monica. The wine list is moderate in size, but the quality of the wine is certainly appreciated. A glass of the Baroncini Pinot Grigio is a must when visiting the Bodega on any night. When traveling in groups it is best to purchase a bottle to save time, more so than cut back on cost. The wine is guaranteed to be chilled to perfection and served in a short, non-stemmed wine glass, which caters to the bars main appeal: the local go-to tavern. It’s the type of place that you will visit often, swear you won’t return, but the good times and friendly bar tenders keep you coming back for more.

One of the highlights of this establishment is the relaxed environment of their Sunday Night all night Happy Hour. Feel free to stop in wearing nothing more than your PJ’s for a glass of vino and a quick game of Apples to Apples. Spoiler Alert! Don’t be fooled by this bars sake bombs… they are unlike any sake bomb you have ever met. Bodega uses Soju (native to Korea and comparable to vodka) instead of Sake (Japanese Rice Wine). Remember to pace yourself with these specialty drinks, just when you think they are your best friend, they go ahead and turn their back on you.

Cheers!

Gyu-Kaku , Japanese for “bull’s horn”, is a chain of Japanese yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants specializing in barbecued beef with one of the best happy hours in town. I was introduced to this restaurant within the first few months of living in Los Angeles and I’ve been mildly obsessed ever since.  There are over 700 locations world wide, but I have only had the pleasure of dining at their quaint Beverly Hills location. You can’t beat Gyu-Kaku’s All Night Monday Night Happy Hour, though you must plan ahead to get these great deals and make a reservation a few days in advance. This place is perfect for large groups with its lively atmosphere, blast from the past music selections, and hands-on nature of cooking your food right there in the center of your table!

I would recommend starting out with the Hawaiian Ahi Poké if you are a sushi lover. It contains just the right amount of spice and the green onions brilliantly compliment the fresh tuna. I also enjoy the Spicy Tuna Volcano, which is a generous portion of spicy tuna served atop a cube of crispy fried rice. The lightly breaded Calamari and Pork Gyoza Dumplings are equally delicious and served with a mildly spicy mayo dipping sauce. If you have a larger group, it’s best to just get one of each and sample everything since all appetizers are under $5 during Happy Hour.

Now onto the main course… The Bistro Harimi is an extremely flavorful and tender beef that just so happens to be one of Gyu-Kaku’s best sellers. I always pair it with the Shrimp Garlic, Assorted Vegetables, and Mushroom Medley. The Assorted Veggies include sweet corn on the cob, zucchini, mushrooms, white onion, tomatoes, and shisito peppers. Watch out for these Japanese peppers… the majority of them are sweet and delightful, but you could get a hot one that will set your mouth on fire! The Mushroom Medley is a combination of Shitake and Enoki mushrooms in a light savory sauce, which you leave wrapped in foil and steam on the grill for 6 minutes. The server will instruct you on how long to cook each item so that you don’t under or overcook anything. It’s very simple and straightforward, you just have to make sure to pay attention to a clock and not lose track of time. I would also suggest getting the Sukiyaki Bibimbap, which is a rice, beef, and onion dish served in a sizzling stone pot, perfect for sharing with 2-4 diners.

Last but NOT least…. dessert! I am typically too full after a big meal to order dessert, but I would say that it is a must to indulge and treat yourself to a s’more at Gyu-Kaku. One order contains two servings, and one chocolaty s’more is just enough to please that sweet tooth in all of us. Gyu-Kaku brings an American campfire tradition right to your table, and the Japanese grill cover ensures no burnt ‘mallows! Your server will bring you a skewer to toast your marshmallow until golden brown and soft on the inside. I like to rest my Hershey’s chocolate bar on the skewer as well to get the chocolate good and melted before I assemble my sweet gooey delight.

And not to fret… all of their alcoholic drinks are of course discounted during Happy Hour, with a pitcher of Sapporo costing you only $7.45. A pitcher of this ice cold imported beer accompanies all of these flavors quite impeccably.

This is the perfect spot for a first date- with the interactive cooking and discussion worthy tunes, you never have to worry about that infamous awkward silence. The service is typically quick and friendly and as long as you call ahead for a reservation you shouldn’t ever have an issue getting in during one of these unusually fabulous Happy Hours.

乾杯！(kanpai!)

(Photograph Courtesy of Kathleen Stork, 2011)

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 The foundation of the fashion jewelry industry is being revitalized by two words: Andean Collection (AC). The name stems from the remarkable Andes mountain range. Amanda Judge, Founder and President of the Andean Collection expresses, “We wanted a name that represented South America but also had a sophisticated feel to it.” The artisans hone their craft and reside in the Andes Mountains- a landmark that provokes an impressive image. This geographical reference combined with “collection” creates an appropriate title fit to portray the fusion of South America and the stylish nature of a collection that is constantly evolving.

Judge traveled to Ecuador to complete research for her Masters thesis in Law and Diplomacy on Poverty Reduction Strategies in Latin America. Through this research she met with and interviewed artisan women who made jewelry out of natural nuts and seeds found in nearby rainforests. It was over the course of this trip that the entrepreneurial concept of the AC came to Judge, “I always loved the craft wear of Latin America. In Ecuador it became a concrete idea to uncover the best way to help these women market their jewelry”, she said. “I just saw something very different in the material that they were using. I saw the potential for these products to have a permanent presence in the United Sates.” Judge founded the AC in the fall of 2008- a project initially intended to reduce poverty that quickly transformed into an “employment generating social enterprise” within the Fair Trade Federation (FTF).

As a part of the FTF as well as a conscious contributor to the fashion industry, the AC stands apart from any other fashion jewelry conglomerate. “We differentiate ourselves from other Fair Trade companies with our strong focus on design and the fact that we market mostly to mainstream retailers, such as Anthropologie.” They are committed to operating from a business standpoint as they compete with non-FTF companies. “On one hand we must stay on the cutting edge of design in the jewelry world. On the other, we remain very careful about monitoring the lives of the artisans and the continuous improvements to the quality of their life style”, says Judge. The AC employs almost 40 artisans in Ecuador who are still training to be able to produce the volume of the orders that continue to grow as the company gains recognition in the States.

Each piece integrates the edgy style of New York City with the natural beauty of Ecuador. The NYC team travels to Ecuador twice a year to meet with the artisans in order to exchange inspiration and motivation. Below, the “layered chain necklace” demonstrates this unique fusion.

layered chain necklace, $125.00 Natural/Sea Green

This design combines a rustic metal chain interwoven with natural seeds. The style and elegance of many pieces within the collection have been purposefully designed and crafted as statement pieces in order to transform a simple outfit. “You can just wear a white t-shirt and jeans, throw on one of our pieces, and you have a complete outfit”, says Judge as she shifts into the mindset of designer. “We try to design our jewelry to attract well educated and fashionable consumers. We don’t want to be too earthy crunchy in our style, just in our mindset.”

The jewelry design and culturally grounded nature of the company makes it stand aside from most other companies, yet they are not exempt from the arduous realities that a business must endure to stay afloat, especially when it opens its doors in the middle of a recession. Judge expands on the challenges of launching her own business, “It wasn’t a great climate in which to start a business. First, the customers were harder to attract. Everything was new, and even though I had some business training, I didn’t know how to be the CEO of a company.” Judge had to quickly learn how to play this complex roll as she hired a small staff in New York City. She was not only the CEO, but in charge of all departments including HR, legal, accounting and management. “It’s all of the little things that you forget about when you are an employee somewhere. There are a considerable number of things to learn.” Despite the recession and the challenges faced by a first time business owner, the AC continues to thrive and is currently spreading throughout the United States, appearing in boutiques, retail stores, and museums- and it isn’t stopping there. “Next season we are incorporating belts into the collection, which will be launched in January 2011. There will definitely be more expansions to come,” says Judge. “The main goal is to take resources from the region…anything that is eco- friendly in some way and hand crafted.”

The success of the AC is inspiring and can be attributed to the generous mentality of the company and its founder. “One of the results that I like and didn’t expect is being able to provide jobs for people here in the States.” Judge knew that she wanted to provide job opportunities for people in Ecuador, but had no idea that she would be creating so many career-changing opportunities for people in the United States. “I was able to provide opportunities for 8 people here [U.S.] that would have been out of work if it weren’t for this company that I created… they are able to live their lives with a decent living and have the creative job that they wanted.” Judge is more excited to discuss the success that she has created for others than for herself, “The artisans have so little… one artisan told me how she bought a mattress for the first time and in the same sentence informed me that she and her family had also purchased a car. That is really impressive.” The AC is not only changing the lives of these talented artisans, but it is also making an impact on fashion and retail in the U.S. “The design part is fun, to be able to bring Fair Trade (FT) jewelry to companies like Anthropologie and witness their appreciation for our craft. They are now more interested in FT because we have helped them to understand that it can be fashionable.” Due to the success and originality of the Andean Collection, large retail companies such as Urban Outfitters, Inc. are educating their customers with the background of FT products and the goodness that can come out of it. The AC places a refreshing spin on the fashion industry as it strives to improve the quality of life for women in poverty as well as promote sustainability in developing countries across the globe.