Melting in Your Mouth

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The Gold Standard

Sun. March 8th, 3-7pm

Smashbox Studios

1011 Fuller Ave.

West Hollywood

I originally didn't post this event when I first heard about it, because it was 60 bucks; however, it is now more affordable - thanks to Goldstar.

Jonathan Gold, the first food critic to win the Pulitzer, has selected 30 LA-based restaurants to participate in a tasting event.  Tickets include food, as well as wine and beer.

I am  personally looking forward to Mozza, Drago, Clementine and Animal.

For a full list of participating restaurants, click here.

Eat Fresh (And Free!)

Click here to claim your $2 gift card to Subway, following their class action lawsuit.  Allow 10-12 weeks for delivery.  Limit one per household.

Additionally, Jack in the Box is offering 2 FREE tacos today only!  Print the coupon here.

For the Students, By the Students

Mon. - Wed.

11:30am-2pm, 6:30-9pm

Bistro 31

2900 31st St.

Santa Monica

For those who like to experiment with their taste buds (and their $$), you can now enjoy a gourmet meal at pauper's prices.  At the Art Institute of Los Angeles,  culinary students can be found whipping up $4.50 appetizers and $6-$8 entrees, witnessed through huge glass windows that separate patrons from chefs-in-training.

Call 310-314-6057 for reservations.

The Skinny on Fat Tuesday

- From 7am-10pm, IHOP will be dishing out FREE short stack pancakes.  In return, they request that you make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.

- Tanzore (50 N. La Cienega Blvd.) will be offering 50% off their menu as part of DrinkEatPlay's "Screw the Recession."  To participate, RSVP here.

And the Oscar Goes To...

5 nominated films.

only 30 dollars.

visit your participating AMC theatre now.

Get Your Costume On

Wed - Sun, 10am-4pm

Through March 29th, Academy Award nominated costumes (and other 2008 cinematic creations) will be on display at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and the best part is...admission is FREE.

Rock Sugar Rocks

Rock Sugar

10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles

For those who love Rock Sugar as much as I, you will be pleased to know that they are serving complimentary appetizers on weekdays from 4-6pm.

Thx to Food GPS for the find.

Livin' La Vida Larchmont

Sundays, 10:30am-3pm

Finally, another reason to stroll through Larchmont: Larchmont Grill is now offering a 3 course prix-fixe menu for only $35.   Also, check out their Burger Night on Wednesdays and choose from 12 different gourmet burgers.

Don't forget to stop by Crumbs for dessert.

Hearts and Steaks Are Both Red

Conclusion:

Unsure where to take your love for V-day?  Swing by Ruth Chris Steak House and enjoy a 3 course meal for only $40!  There is no way her heart will break if yours is served to her medium rare.

Okay, that's gross, but the restaurant isn't.  I swear.  Check out the sweet deal here, courtesy of Yelp.

"Who Do You Think You Are...A Kennedy?"

Fri. Feb. 13th, 7:30pm

Vidiots

302 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica

Director Oliver Stone will be on hand for a Q&A following a FREE screening of "The Making of 'W.'"  This event coincides with the DVD release of W.  Show up early to ensure seating.

A Stimulus Plan You Can Trust...And Eat

Finally, a way to stimulate your appetite and the economy - all at the same time!

According to Caroline on Crack, the Innovative Dining Group will be offering an "Appetite Stimulus Plan" to encourage patrons to explore Katana, Boa Steakhouse, and Sushi Roku - Sunday through Thursday until they decide to stop!

The 3-course prix-fixe menus range from $25-$40.  To read more specifics, click here and book your reservations now.

Spahhh, What a Nice Deal

8659 Hayden Place

Culver City

According to the Daily Candy, "guinea pigs" can get FREE manicures, pedicures, and various spa treatments at Burke Williams training center simply by calling 310.839.5895.

Ed Easy

8335 Melrose Ave.

West Hollywood

An Ed Hardy outlet has officially opened at the corner of Melrose and N. Kings Rd., offering 50-70% off all merchandise.

A Grand Slam after the Superbowl

Tues. Feb. 3rd, 6am-2pm

I wonder if the homeless are aware of the FREE Grand Slam at Denny's tomorrow?

**Expect crazy long lines.

"Take Me Out" to Amoeba

Fr. Jan. 30, 7pm

Amoeba

Hollywood

Arrive early for a FREE Franz Ferdinand concert to celebrate the release of the new album.  Posters will be available with CD purchases.  This event is first come, first served.

What the Fondue

Fri. Feb. 6, 7pm

Breadbar

Century City

$30

Join this lovely eatery for a fondue demo.

Swiss, Italian and French-style cheese will be provided (all you can eat), to be paired with six varieties of artisanal breads: rustic millstone, whole-rye, whole wheat blend, baguette, kalamata olive and golden raisin walnut.

Space is limited to the first 60 guests who RSVP, so call the restaurant now.

Do You Wonder Where the Self Resides?

I don't post concerts often, but there are two good ones coming up in the next few weeks:

Mon. Feb. 2nd, 8:3pm - DeVotchka (you may remember them from the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack) at The Viper Room.  Should be a treat seeing them perform in such an intimate setting. $25

Wed. Feb. 18th, 8pm - Andrew Bird (pictured) at The Orpheum Theater.  $30-$35

Wanna Know How I Got These Scars?

In anticipation of the Oscars, Warner Bros. has decided to rerelease The Dark Knight to IMAX theatres.  So where can you see it (now)?

Burbank - AMC Burbank 16
Los Angeles - AMC Century City 15
Los Angeles - AMC Universal CityWalk Stadium 19
Los Angeles - IMAX Theatre at The Bridge: cinema de lux

Don't forget to see it a 2nd (or 22nd) time...

Protect Your Balls

Sundays, 1:30-2:30pm

Hollywood Rec Center
1122 Cole Ave.

Los Angeles

$3-5 per session

Tempted to play dodgeball, but not too competitive?  Join the Stay Puft League of Los Angeles.  According to the Los Angeles Dodgeball Society:

"Stay Puft" is our most co-ed friendly style of dodgeball. Games are played with "no-sting" rubber balls by folks of all levels who can be as fearless as they want to be without having to worry about the messy bruising. Leagues go pretty much year round and you can join as a loner or with friends.

Click here for more info.

Class(y) Action Lawsuit

My former employers over at Mom Logic have discovered the find of the day:

"Right now, until the end of the week (or until product runs out), Macy's, Dillard's and Nordstrom are giving every US citizen who bought cosmetics between 1994 and 2003 between $18 - $25 worth of free cosmetics. No. We are not joking. In settling a class action lawsuit, retailers agreed to give away $175 million worth of products. You don't need a receipt, all you need to do is sign an affidavit claiming you bought products during that time. Easy!"

Hmm...who else wants to hit up all three department stores??

Holly-would You Dine at Shin?

1600 N. Wilcox Ave.

Hollywood

According to Daily Candy, the restaurant Shin is offering 25% off your bill if you dine there at night anytime from now until Feb. 2nd.

Don't forget to print the website from Daily Candy to ensure that your offer is valid!

O-Thank You, O-bama

Tues. Jan. 20th brings us a new President, along with some new deals: 

Dunkin' Donuts - 89 cent "stars and stripes" doughnuts

Krispy Kreme - a FREE doughnut of choice at participating locations

Rubios - $1.25 fish tacos after 2:30pm

My Bloody Q&A

My boss will be very excited I posted this (as long as you promise not to stalk him at the screening):

Tonight (Sat. Jan. 17th, 8pm), you can see My Bloody Valentine 3-D, followed by a Q&A with the director at The Arclight in Sherman Oaks.  Click here to buy your tickets.

Dim Sum Sundays

Sun. Jan. 18th, 10am

5711 N. Figueroa St.

Los Angeles

I seem to be the only blogger who hasn't posted this yet, so I am finally caving in:

Every third Sunday of the month, the Flying Pigeon Bike Shop (in Highland Park) hosts this super sweet bike ride - that starts at their shop and ends in Chinatown for dim sum.  You can either meet there with your bike, or borrow one of theirs for FREE (just call in advance to secure a ride: 213.909.8986).

Bring $20 to cover the cost of your meal.  The entire ride lasts about 4o min.

**After this weekend, the rides will start in Alhambra at the Pasadena Gold Line Station.

Support The Foundry

The Foundry
7465 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles

If an evening at this restaurant falls short of your expectations, tell the manager, and you will receive a gift certificate for the price of your meal (excluding alcohol and gratuity). Thanks to EaterLA for digging up this info.

FWJ readers, head to The Foundry now. I am in favor of supporting any restaurant interested in supporting US during the recession! And don't take advantage. If the food is good, pay for your meal and return again for more.

Worth a Blog Post, But Not a Picture

For a limited-time only, McDonald’s is offering two Big Macs for only $3.50.

A Grande Cup of Love, Served Steaming Hot

Okay, so I know this is not exclusively related to Los Angeles, but I could not resist posting the following:

Who here has ever checked out the "missed connections" link on Craigslist? I have, although more for a good laugh than to "accidentally" stumble upon the love of my life. What this service offers is a space for individuals to post descriptions of people they fell for at first sight but, for whatever reason, were unable to snag that person's digits when they had the chance.

Where do these "missed connections" tend to happen? Thanks to Racked LA and Very Small Array, we now know. Women in California - men have been drooling over you at Starbucks. Men - now get this: women want you in their houses. That's right. They can't resist those cable guys and pool men. So if you're in LA and looking for love, try getting a job that calls for a plumber's butt.

Old Factory, New Discount

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Old Spaghetti Factory is offering 40% off for the entire month of January on Monday and Tuesday nights at all 37 locations.  5pm-closing.

Is Your Friend Worth a Whopper?

Yes.  Burger King has finally turned us all into backstabbing princesses.  

By adding this application, you can now de-friend 10 of your friends on Facebook for a FREE whopper.

This is not a joke.

Happy Birthday, Pinkberry

Sat. Jan. 10th, 5-7pm

868 Huntley Dr.

West Hollywood

In honor of their four year anniversary, Pinkberry is offering FREE samples today at their original location! Hurry up and get in on the action.

Can't make it?  Print out this coupon and get 2 for 1 until Jan. 25th.

A Sale for Your Stomach

Thanks to Caroline on Crack for digging up this special offer from restaurant.com.  By typing in a designated code, you can actually purchase $25 gift certificates to various eateries for only $5!

New Year at the Knitting Factory

Thx to FWJ reader Megan, you can now get FREE tickets to the Knitting Factory on Jan. 12th (at 6m) for the performance of your choice.  To check out the full list of options, click here.

Personally, I am planning on checking out Dear and the Headlights along with Miniature Tigers on Feb. 24th.

Ever Wanted to Work for the FBI?

Now is your chance. To apply for one of 2100 new job openings in all departments, click here!

For American Express Cardmembers

Book your reservation from Jan. 1-10th. Everyone else (including moi):

I absolutely cannot wait for dineLA's "Restaurant Week." For two whole weeks (Jan. 25-Feb. 6), you can now eat 3 course meals at LA's most amazing (participating) restaurants at very affordable prices. Lunch will be anywhere from $16-28 and dinner will be $26-44, depending upon the normal price range of the restaurant. Either way, you will be leaving with a very good deal and a very full stomach.

Menus I am most looking forward to (excluding seafood restaurants because I think eating stuff below the ocean is icky):
- Angeli Cafe
- Beachcomber Cafae

- BLT Steak
- Cafe Pinot
- Catch Restaurant & Sushi Bar

- El Pollo Inka Peruvian Restaurant

- Grace
- Gus' BBQ

- Katsuya

- Nick & Stef's Steakhouse

- Noe Restaurant & Bar

- O Bar & Kitchen

- Royal/T Cafe

- The Happy Ending Bar & Restaurant

- The Restaurant at The Standard Downtown LA

- The Terrace Restaurant at The Langham Hotel

- Twist

- Upstairs 2

- Whist

- Zucca Ristorante

Ladies, book your reservations beginning Jan. 11th if you do not currently own an Amex. Gentleman, now is the time to pick up the ladies (and an Amex?), so you can take them to the above destinations!

For a fall list of participating restaurants, click here.

Deanna Bites the Dust

FWJ reader Florencia has requested a reminder (as if we needed one!): 

The Bachelor starring Jason Melnick premieres tomorrow night (Mon. Jan. 5th) from 8-10pm on ABC.  Fall in love with him (again) along with his now-fiancee (yes, ladies, he is currently engaged!) and try to be happy for the man.  After all, third time's a charm.

"I Don't Want to Survive..."

"...I want to live!"

Wed. Jan. 21st, 8pm

Los Angeles

Hurry and sign up for a screening of Wall-E at The Arclight, followed by a Q&A with writer/director Andrew Stanton, the visionary behind Toy Story and Finding Nemo.

DO NOT TEXT WHILE DRIVING

...whether in motion or at a stop light.  You will get a ticket - $20 for the first fine and $50 for each one thereafter.

You have been warned.

P.S. How much does this new law suck??

Focus on Female Directors

Wed. Jan. 7th, 7:30pm

American Cinematheque 

6712 Hollywood Blvd.

$10

An array of short films by female directors.  Highlights to include Kirsten Dunst's "Welcome" starring Winona Ryder, Isabella Rosselini's "Green Porno" about the sex life of bugs, and "Family Portrait," a documentary from the director of Under the Same Moon (one of my favorite films of all time).

Purchase tickets now before they get sold out.

Do the Cobra

every Sunday at 10:15am

8675 Washington Blvd.

Culver City

Okay, I suppose it would be unfair of me to deprive my readers of FREE yoga lessons at Hastens with Lauri Ashworth simply because I am not a yoga fan myself.  So there it is.  Check it out, and report back to Jaydi!

Thx to Yelp for the heads up.

Get Pink...Or Purple...Or Red

So I'm not gonna lie...I read Perez Hilton.  And for those of you who read his blog, too, get excited about his appearance at The Grove for a book signing at Barnes & Noble - Wed. Jan. 14th. at 7pm.

Don't you love how the celebrity-obsessed can become celebrities themselves?  Maybe we're all barking up the wrong tree and should consider a career move.

66th Annual Golden Globes

...on NBC...

Jan. 11th, 8pm

Click here for a printable ballot.

Also, check out the foreign language nominee series at the Aero Theatre leading up to the Golden Globe awards.

American Appare(l)NTLY Cheap

Sun. Dec. 14th, 9am-6pm
Downtown

If you are not planning on going to this one (and even if you are), American Apparel's downtown warehouse sale is a stupendous way to spend your Sunday. Or rather...spend your $$ on a Sunday. According to Angelinic, the employee parking lot will transform into a "bargain hunter's dream" with some prices as low as $1.

Check it out today!

Dress Like a Star, Pay Like a Pauper

According to FWJ reader Florencia and other sources, Raleigh Studios will be having a studio lot sale in Manhattan Beach. Every couple years, studios try to clean out their wardrobe by offering top designer clothes worn on their TV shows or film sets at crazy discounted prices.

Part of the proceeds will go toward the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and this particular sale will feature over 50,000 pieces from Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, and more. 2 days only, and everything must go...which means 90% off retail prices! I can't wait -- this Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm: 1600 Rosecrans Ave. Hope to see you in line!

Call 310.322.7767 with questions.

***I attended this event, and it is a complete waste of time. All the clothes are business-y and for people over 40. Florencia did find 4 dresses in the bridesmaid section, but hey -- we can't all be that lucky.

70 Lovely Years at Laemmle

Beginning Dec. 12th, the Laemmle Theatres will be showcasing their top 7 foreign films to honor their own 70th anniversary (one film per decade) at the Royal Theatre in Santa Monica. Buy tickets now!

No Guarantees This Christmas

This holiday season, send your friends an e-card, courtesy of Santa's Lawyers.  Please note the "disclaimer," written by my friend Anonymous Lawyer:

"This happy holidays greeting should not be interpreted as a guarantee that your holidays will be happy. Santa assumes no liability for the side effects of happy holidays, which may include weight gain, gastric reflux, sudden drowsiness, family discord, or pine needles all over your living room floor.

By asking for presents from Santa, individuals consent to the use of their names and likenesses for promotional purposes. All wish lists submitted to Santa become the property of Claus Enterprises, Ltd. and will not be returned. Santa reserves the right to substitute items on your wish list for goods of an equal or greater value.

Santa's presents are manufactured in a facility that may process peanuts.

Inclusion in Santa's "Naughty" and "Nice" lists is entirely at the discretion of Claus Enterprises, Ltd. Any legal claim arising out of inclusion on Santa's lists shall be settled by binding arbitration governed by the laws of the North Pole. "Naughty" and "Nice" are registered trademarks of Claus Enterprises, Ltd., and may not be used without permission.

Lawyers who worked on credit default swaps are "Naughty" by definition, so long as Santa's 401-K is down 30 percent or more from its historic high.

Do not ask Santa for your holiday bonus. It's not coming. Neither is next year's.

For the home delivery of presents, Santa requires a chimney opening of at least 18 inches, freshly baked cookies and milk. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in damage to your toys. Please see Santa Claus Rider, Part C, for further details as to Santa's refreshment requirements, including the temperature at which Santa's milk will be deemed acceptable. Any material breaches of this rider may result in the postponement of the holiday season until March.

Santa is not responsible for delays in the delivery of presents caused by the Transportation Security Administration's Do-Not-Fly List.

This e-card may not be used as a flotation device.

This e-card does not imply the formation of a lawyer/client relationship between you and Santa, you and Santa's Lawyers LLP, or you and the ABA Journal. For specific legal advice regarding Santa and Santa-related issues, including but not limited to beards, hats, elves and reindeer, please consult an experienced attorney.

You better not pout. You better not cry.

Santa's Lawyers LLP is not affiliated in any way with SantasLawyers.com.

This is not an offer to sell securities."

Go Bonkers for Boule

Tonight from 6-8pm, Boule in Beverly Hills will be giving away FREE...yes, free...chocolate - to promote its holiday flavors.  See you there at 413 N. Bedford Dr.!

Man Bites World

I always love to share other up and coming bloggers with my readers, so I encourage everyone to check out Man Bites World, which documents a man's experience eating ethnic cuisine in LA - a different country's food every day he dines.

Thx to Eater LA for exposing me to this awesome blog.

And the World Cried Out:

This Friday (Dec. 5th) marks the 75th anniversary of the Prohibition repeal. Being in Los Angeles, bars will be celebrating with ridiculously amazing specials. My favorites:

Comme Ca - email info@commecarestaurant.com for their password, which can be used to redeem 75 cent cocktails

The Golden Gopher - 75 cent Dewar's until 11pm, $5 drink specials afterward

The Edison Downtown - a midnight toast

**8oz Burger Bar (on Melrose) - "adult milkshakes"....not on the menu, so you must ask your server about them

Just remember it's never okay to drive drunk.

"You're So Young."

"Only on the outside."

Wed. Dec. 10th, 7:30pm

The Aero Theater

Watch Brad Pitt age backwards followed by a Q&A with none other than director David Fincher.

Comedy Is Not Dead

But it is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery this Thurs. at 8pm.  For only $10, you can enjoy the likes of Sarah Silverman and Mary Lynn Rajskub.  Simply send an email to comedyisdead@gmail.com to receive ticketing information.  Or simply purchase tickets here.

Hey There, Deliah - And All Other Plain White T's Fans

Mon. Dec. 8th, 8pm

The Roxy Theatre

Love The Plain White T's?  Then pick up FREE concert tickets at participating Puma stores in honor of their 60th Anniversary.

Locations include:

10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

712 Americana Way

6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

1350 3rd St. Promenade

Have Bank of America?

I do!  With your BoA card, you can actually get into the following museums for FREE the first weekend of every month until April:

- The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts
- Crocker Art Museum
- Explorit Science Center
- Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
- Museum of the African Diaspora
- de Young Museum
- San Jose Museum of Art
- Tech Museum of Innovation
- LACMA
- Autry National Center of the American West
- Museum of Latin American Art
- Discovery Science Center
- Laguna Art Museum
- Riverside Art Museum
- Palm Springs Art Museum
- California Center for the Arts Escondido
- Mingei International Museum Balboa Park
- Mingei International Museum Downtown Escondido
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Take advantage of this amazing offer, and report back favorite exhibits!

Like It or Knott

It's time to visit Knott's Berry Farm, and they don't make it any easier.  Bring a $10 + valued gift for Toy's for Tots, and you will gain FREE admission to their theme park.  Offer lasts the month of December.  Thx to Yelp!

Yes. I Laughed Out Loud.

Mingle Under the Mistletoe

Tues. Dec. 9th, 8pm
ONE Sunset
8730 Sunset Blvd.
Sunset Plaza

$38

RSVP by Dec. 7th (the latest!) and join Jaydi herself at LA's most talked about speed dating event: SpeedLA's Holiday Bash on Dec. 9th, ages 23-35 welcome. Located at ONE Sunset, this is one speed dating event you won't want to miss. Normally $45, FWJ readers can purchase tickets for only $38 by typing the code "FUNWITHJAYDI" at checkout.

Ladies, remember to arrive 30 min. early to receive your complimentary makeover.

Whether you have gone speed dating before or are trying it for the first time, SpeedLA promises to give you a unique experience and one you will never forget.

Simply click here to purchase tickets.