cooking-classes

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Desserts from Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom master baking program.

Cooking classes in Los Angeles teach not only technique in the kitchen, but the best way to plan, shop and present a meals. They are perfect for those who want to step up their kitchen skills, cook up a romantic meal for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday or take a break from the LA restaurants scene. Here are a few from companies that offer cooking classes in LA.

Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom – Rancho Park
Founded by renowned Los Angeles chef and cooking personality Chef Eric Jacques Crowley, Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom offers instruction in a more traditional approach to cooking.  A longtime fixture of the Los Angeles cooking scene, Chef Eric has appeared on countless local television and news programs where he has shown viewers the best techniques to take their cooking from serviceable to sizzling. His culinary classroom is among the best cooking classes in Los Angeles because it utilizes a variety of professional techniques that Chef Eric has perfected over the years. Depending on the class, costs can run between $200 and $2,500. Classes are offered in international cuisine, baking, culinary basics, healthy cooking and a culinary master chef program. The classes are typically held in the Rancho Park area near Westwood. One word of caution: no food is allowed to be taken home from the class—even more encouragement for students to try what they’ve learned at home.

Cook LA – Studio City
At Cook L.A. in Studio City offers a comprehensive and unique cooking class with the mantra “Cook, Eat, & Live Well.” The approach here is based on selecting fresh and high-quality ingredients for dishes that are easy to prepare and don’t involve too much investment of time and money. Cooking is taught from the standpoint of social activity and the school offers dozens of innovative cooking, including Gourmet Vegetarian, Gourmet Pizza and French Pastries classes. Terrific Thai and Indian Flavors from Bollywood cooking classes add international flare to course offerings.

Hipcooks – West LAHipcooks cooking classes
West Los Angeles is known for being a bit of everything: upscale, middle class, trendy and yet classic all at the same time. What it is most of all, however, is “hip”, which is why Hipcooks is one of the most respected and beloved cooking classes in Los Angeles. Instructors at Hipcooks goes out of their way to teach students a hands-on approach toward cooking that is both fun and relaxed. There are no measuring utensils allowed and students are encouraged to find the right balance in their preparations by tasting it and then making adjustments. Learn to trust your own instincts, Hipcooks says, and you’ll never fail in kitchen, no matter what you’re cooking. Classes begin at $65 and are held on Robertson Blvd. in West Los Angeles. An apron and an appetite are recommended: students will need both.

Cap Zone at Santee Alley.

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Cap Zone at Santee Alley.

 

Los Angeles is a world-class shopping destination with locations like Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Center and the swanky shops on in West Hollywood, but some of the best and most unique bargain shopping is right in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at Santee Alley in the Fashion District.

Though it’s home to both designer brands and mainstream retailers, Santee Alley is, in fact, an actual alley. There’s no false advertising here, especially with hundreds of thousands of eager bargain hunters showing up every year to purchase everything from clothes, jewelry and accessories to toys, books, and games. The best part is that Santee Alley is it’s just a few short steps away major Los Angeles attractions like L.A. Live and the Staples Center.

Santee Alley is technically situated along the pathway from Maple Street and Santee Sreet between Olympic Boulevard and Pico Boulevard, but there are also hundreds of stores, booths and kiosks situated all along the Fashion District.

One of the best places to stop at for quick but selective shopping is Apple Pie Fashions, a women’s apparel store that sells American attire inspired by the classic looks of the 1950s and 60s. This is the place for shoppers to channel their inner Jackie O and find vintage attire.

Cap Zone at Santee Alley.

Fortunately, very few of the stores in Santee Alley Los Angeles are anywhere near as expensive as other major shopping and retail outlets in the region. Most of the retailers here only accept cash and they expect to be haggled and bargained with. If haggling is an art, some of the best “artists” in Los Angeles call Santee Alley home.

Dozens of items here can be found at discount prices that are identical to higher-priced goods at stores like Macy’s or Target. Our advice: pack your negotiating skills along with a hefty wad of cash and don’t forget the sunblock. It gets hot and sticky and quite crowded, especially in the summertime when the entire alley seems to be run over with tourists, locals and curious passersby, half of whom have brought strollers with them.

Other popular women’s apparel boutiques include Forever Fashion, Jessy Handbag, Elegante Clothing and Milan Shoes. There is plenty of shopping for the little ones at stores like Only Kids, Star Kids and Baby World. Ery Sexy Moda and Ebony Accessories offer culturally specific accessories and retail fun.

downtown-restaurants

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The New York steak with French fries & a caramelized onion au jus at Bottega Louie. Photo courtesy of Bottega Louie.

A common misconception about Los Angeles is the city is packed with aspiring actors, singers, and models that live on little more than blanched greens and tic tacs. There are plenty of twig-thin aspiring models, but there is also some amazing dining and drinking to be done. Each neighborhood features a unique cadre of restaurants that cater to every taste, palette and cuisine, especially downtown LA.

Some of the best dining spots in Los Angeles are right in the heart of downtown, located near top tourist attractions like the Staples Center and Dodgers Stadium. Here is a collection of some of our favorites.

Bottega Louie
Bottega Louie is unique among Downtown Los Angeles restaurants because it is a hybrid of fine dining and retail. It’s a gourmet experience that delights patrons with Italian specialties such as Napolitano-style pizza, calamari, portobello fries and world-famous parmesan pretzels. Typically packed with hungry guests, Bottega Louie does not accept reservations, which means getting a table in peak hours is challenging. But it’s worth the wait, especially for diners who have room for dessert from the on-site bakery. The macaroons, especially the earl grey and pistachio flavors, are outstanding.

Border Grill Downtown LA
If there’s one cuisine that Los Angeles gets right at almost every restaurant, it’s Mexican food. Border Grill Downtown LA takes Mexican cuisine to another level with an upscale experience featuring uncommon dishes. The fiery and unusual flavors of Oaxaca and the Yucatan straight are brought to hip and urban setting here. The Border Grill’s many flavor-packed margaritas and mojitos are the perfect pairing for Yucatan Pork, Gaucho Steak and Peruvian Ceviche. Executive chef Monique King and restaurants owners Mary Milliken and Susan Feniger pride themselves on establishing authentic modern Mexican cuisine, and it shows.

Checkers Downtown
Another popular favorite with both locals and tourists, Checkers Downtown adds a California twist with a French accent to classic American dishes. Favorite dishes include pan-roasted sonoma duck breast, rock shrimp and saffron risotto, and braised shortrib “Potpie.” Cocktails are also a specialty her. All of the drinks are made from scratch (you won’t find any mixers) by experienced mixologists. Our favorites are the Black Checker, Red Checker, Blackberry Mint Mojito and the Aviation made with violet liqueur.

Perch
The ‘perch’ in the name of this trendy downtown Los Angeles restaurant has nothing to do with seafood: it’s based on the rooftop location of the trendy French bistro that provides guests with amazing skyline views of Los Angeles. Though it’s only open for dinner, Perch is the perfect place to stop by on a breezy night where you can enjoy tasty French pastries and classic Parisian cocktails while lounging with friends and family around one of the many outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. Though the menu is all in French, the food is decidedly approachable and made with a casual flair. Specialties include Ratatouille Tart, Pan Seared Escolar and Buffalo Frog Legs.

Yojié Shabu Shabu
Self-described as “Japanese Fondu” Yojié Shabu Shabu is known for shabu shabu, a cuisine where diners cook thin slices of meat and fish in a boiling miso broth. The restaurant provides a fun atmosphere with a trendy purple interior and eclectic artwork. Thee are plenty of deals, as well, including a large sake at just $7 and a free large Plum Hot Sake with a check-in on Yelp. Free parking is available around the corner (practically unheard of in Los Angeles).

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It may just be a clock, but the aptly named Gravity Clock does much more than simply tell time: it is a reminder of the two most important elements in our daily existence – Time and Gravity – without which our very understanding of space and life would be altogether separate from what we know as reality.

Conceptualized in a simple and minimalistic design, the Gravity Clock conveys the omnipresence of Time and Gravity as a basic showpiece that is both artistic and practical. The fact that it stands at an uneven, crooked angle that makes it appear as though it is sinking or disappearing merely reminds us of the fleeting nature of Time, a key concept that its makers wanted to remind observers of every time they look at the Gravity Clock. A clock with social awareness: not bad, we say.

We recently spoke with The Gravity Clock’s designer and Los Angeles area entrepreneur Thanasit “Sunny” Inkavesvaanit to learn more about this unusual project and what his hope are for its future.

 

Q: What are you hoping anyone who owns a Gravity Clock will benefit from its purchase?

Sunny: If you look around, the world has become a pretty complicated place.  Daily life for most of us is simply hectic: work, responsibilities, life, etc.   Technologies have advanced so quickly to help us better deal with all our problems, while at the same time creating a whole new set of complications in our everyday life.  So aside from the daily grind, we now have to tend to our social network, catch up with the changing technologies and upgrades, etc.  It’s no wonder that most of us simply lose track of time at some point.

The Gravity Clock was created as a functional art piece with two purposes:

1) To keep tracking of time

2) To remind us of the importance of time through the design philosophy

We are not offering a solution to a problem; we are simply offering a product that is unique, simple, and beautiful.  We intended to create The Gravity Clock to be something that people can simply appreciate as-is, not because of a fad, not because of how it’s marketed, and not because of its packaging. It is a minimal, well-designed product, created to keep track of time, and nothing more.   Hopefully through aesthetic appreciation, consumers will resonate with the philosophy upon which this piece was created, and that every time the look at the clock, they will be subconsciously reminded of the gravity of time.

Q: How long have you lived in the Los Angeles area, and what are your favorite places in Los Angeles that only locals know about?

Sunny: I lived in the Los Angeles area for most of my life.  We have been here for over 27 years.   Places I go to relax are mainly the 3rd Street Promenade, Old Town Pasadena, and Hollywood.  But these are mainly tourist places.  I am a fan of food, and some of my obsessions are Philippe’s French Dip Sandwiches in Downtown Los Angeles, Shabu Shabu House is Little Japanese Village, and Pink’s Hot Dog in Hollywood.

 

Q: Who do you think will be the target market for The Gravity Clock?

Sunny: The design team has played with this idea over the past two years and has created a number of Gravity Clocks for a few clients who fell in love with the design.  We also so used their feedback to perfect the base design in order to fine-tune the design.  Now that we feel confident with the product, we want to bring it up a notch, and decided to bring this design to the Kickstarter community.

I have noticed over the years that Kickstarter has created a community based on appreciation of the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.  There is a sense of energy and the enthusiasm that you simply don’t find in traditional business outlets.  We feel that the design would be well received and much appreciated by people who are connected in some way to Kickstarter and their communities.

 

Q: What types of jobs did you work before becoming an entrepreneur?

Sunny: I have worked in a small retail and wholesale family business since I was 14, dealing with fashion jewelry, and have worked as freelance graphic designer while working with my family.  Art has always been a big part of my life.  Photography and graphic design have always come easily to me, but there is nothing that pulls me in the way product design does.

We started Más Design a year and a half ago as a part-time project for the iPhone 4/4S.  It was our first step in the direction of product design.  We are just learning the ABCs of this industry, so there is much to learn.  Fortunately, the designs of our first products were well received, with a great deal of encouragement from our friends, customers, and partners.

 

Q: What is it like launching a business in Los Angeles?

Sunny: Well, I love Los Angeles and it feels great to live here.  No matter where you go or what you do there will always be challenges.  After all these years, I still feel like Los Angles is a place where anything is possible as long as you pay your dues.

 

west-hollywood-carnaval

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Each year nearly a half a million people gather on the stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard to gawk at each other For the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival. It’s the ultimate people watching event.

The City of West Hollywood touts the annual festival as “The center of the Halloween universe.” Having experienced the event each year for more than 10 years, I am not one to dispute this dubious claim.

Festivities begin at 6pm on October 31 and last until 11pm, although the party unofficially continues in the clubs until 2am.

There are various food vendors throughout the Boulevard. Several stages also dot the landscape, featuring live entertainment and DJs to keep the crowd on its feet. Music acts alternate from year to year and can range from 80s one-hit wonders to major headliners such as Pink. Don’t forget to check out the pumpkin carving contest, as well.

As with any event of this size, it is always wise to plan ahead. Here are a few tips:

Carpool, walk or take a shuttle: Have a plan of action to get in and out of the West Hollywood area. For WeHo locals, walking is often the most efficient route, but those who must drive should check out the City of West Hollywood website for information on parking, event shuttles and road closures. Forget about cabs. There are not enough to go around and you may find yourself stranded for hours, especially at the end of the night.

Dress warm/Wear Comfortable shoes: It often gets chilly at night and the lines for the bars and restaurants are often worse than Disneyland, making it hard to get inside to warm up. Pavilions at Santa Monica Boulevard at Robertson Boulevards is a good haven to pick up a quick bite or drink if all other options are too crowded. Expect to walk further than anticipated and dress accordingly.

Bring a phone with a camera: With so many people and so much to gawk at, it’s easy to get separated from friends. Keep a phone nearby to reconnected and capture all of the action.

Leave the kids at home: Although there are some activities for the wee-ones, this is one Halloween party primarily for the grownups.

 

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So your publicist failed to get you an invite to the latest red carpet event. No worries. Grab a friend and check out these hot spots where you can hob nob with the stars.

Runyon Canyon, Hollywood Hills – Paparazzi at the bottom of the hill is a clear indication there is a serious A-lister up in the hiking trails. The camera crews are usually too lazy to follow them up the steep incline so it’s your chance to see the famous up close and paparazzi free.

Target, West Hollywood – Everybody loves a bargain! Even the famous. So why not buy your toilet paper where you have the chance to have an American Idol star waiting behind you in line at the checkout counter. Best bets for star sightings: The toiletries section.

Barney’s New York, Beverly Hills – A slice of the Big Apple in Tinsel Town means fabulous shopping and famous clientele. Now that’s a win-win!

Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood – The Newsroom Cafe, Ceconni’sThe Ivy and The Abbey are no strangers to celebs. I ran into Cher exiting a furniture boutique in broad daylight, and she wasn’t wearing makeup. Nuf’ said!

The Grove, Los Angeles – Take a careful look at who’s enjoying the café culture near the main fountain. It may very well be the last person you expect to see at a mall. Can we say Iggy Pop?

Hot tip – Dressed down, the famous often slide under the radar more easily than you think. Bring a pop culture enthusiast friend to spot the B and C list celebrities you may not recognize on your own.